Lord of Chaos

Chapter 5: Falguard

While most of the nobles in the Theocracy were regarded as cruel and corrupt, there were a certain few that the people actually loved and respected.

Having heard of Lord Winthropt's death at Falguard, the captain of the 21st regiment of the Royal Army, Lucius Valerian, decides to pay his respects to his family. As such, he requests a personal audience with the King of Creathe in order to be granted permission to travel to Falguard, which was now under strict military rule.

Now Lucius was a prodigy when it came to swords, and was extremely adept at using every type. Skilled men were most often consumed by their superior abilities, but not Lucius. The entire region of Hasenberg, east from the capital, not only recognizes Lucius as strong, but also kind and generous.

"Strength and Honor" was the Valerian family's code, and Lucius intends to keep it as his way of life.

"I wish to speak to the king." Lucius says as he shows the Grand Protectors, or the king's guard, the papers stating his appointed visit. "It's about Lord Winthropt."

The order of knights that guard the king are specifically chosen from ten distinct families, each trained from birth the art of both physical combat and magic itself. They were born and raised to protect and lay down their lives for the king, following him even into death. Rumors have it that should the king die while under their care, naturally or by the sword, the Grand Protectors who had served him would eventually commit suicide.

The Grand Protectors, after carefully reviewing the document, nods and almost immediately opens the heavily-fortified doors leading towards the throne room, where the 15-year old king was staying.

Lucius enters the throne room and ever so carefully treads past the dozens of Grand Protectors that were stationed in a long line, all the way to the king.

Julius finally reaches the end of the line and kneels in front of the king. "Your highness.."

"You may proceed, Lord Valerian." The king says.

It didn't matter what age the new ruler was. The child is a descendant of one of the great gods, and as such must be treated with the same reverence that he would give an older king.

"Your highness, I ask for your permission to leave my post at Weisworth, in order to attend Lord Winthropt's funeral at Falguard."

The young ruler nods at his request. "Have you already appointed a substitute for your regiment?"

"My ward shall take command of the 21st during my absence." Lucius answers. "If something goes wrong, I shall take full responsibility."

"Very well, Lord Valerian." The King says. "You may go."

"Thank you, your highness."

"Do you plan on going to Falguard alone?" The King asks.

"Yes sire. There is no need to take anyone with me." Lucius tells him.

"An apostle from the Church has also requested leave from her duties." The King says. "Why don't you join her caravan at Porter? I believe Falguard would be on their way."

Lucius nods in agreement. "I shall take your advice, your highness."

"I heard that Lord Winthropt was your mentor, Lord Valerian." The King told him.

"He was."

"I've also heard that you are quite exceptional on the field." The King continues. "As such, if ever you find a trace of the perpetrators, I trust that you would do the right thing."

"Yes, your majesty."

The King makes a gesture to one of his Grand Protectors, implying that they give him something. The man understands, and after a few minutes of searching, produces both a special piece of paper and the King's signet ring.