The return of a King.

[Rhalius]

This will be the concluding chapter of my first knight story and directly continues with the events of the last chapter. To those new to the story, here is the full listing of all chapters.

"Frederick and the dark knights."

http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=10139.0

"Henry at the Tournament."

http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=11266.0

"The Dread Baron."

http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=11576.0

"Roderick's quest."

http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=12128.0

"Practice makes perfect."

http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=12852.0

"Chivalry and Dread."

http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=13282.0

"Shadows and Kings."

http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=14086.0

"Swords and Lions."

http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=14304.0

"The return of a King."

Which will start here, tomorrow.

My apologies for some poor quality pictures especially in the early chapters, I never owned or used a camera before and it has been very much a learning experience. I didn't plan ahead at first either and had no ambitions yet to make an ongoing series of chapters in the same story.

This won't be the end of knightly adventures, just the conclusion to this story arc. Henry, Frederick and Roderick will be back for more. And for following stories I can plan it all ahead better and try to push for higher quality straight from the start. 

[Rhalius]

With the surrendered Lion army as their prisoners, the three friends return to the castle. 


The prisoners are well guarded, they can't escape judgement for their actions.


The cousins Wolfgang and Heinrich are also amongst the prisoners.

Heinrich: "This is just insulting.. us noblemen having to walk on foot, taken prisoners like common rabble."
Wolfgang: "This is not over yet.. Siegfried is still free, and Prince Edward still holds their king prisoner."

The three friends are happy to be back, even though they could not have won without the help of the Craftkeep knights.

Roderick: "Well Henry, this sure is a great way to return to the castle considering this is your first time leading the army!"
Henry: "If my brother had the command, we wouldn't have needed help to win."
Frederick: "We won the battle and stopped the Lion army from attacking the castle, and its not like they where our only help. Roland, Christopher and Gareth helped too."
Henry: "That they did, they stood with us through the entire battle and fought bravely."
Roderick: "They respected your command too, even while Sir Christopher and Sir Gareth Boulaise are much more experienced than us."

Henry: "What's this? Crusaders at the castle?"

Frederick: "Looks like Cedric had some help defending the castle while we fought the Lion army."

They ride into the courtyard and dismount from their horses. The guard captain is already waiting for them.

Captain: "I already put the first batch of captured soldiers in prison, there is still room for the two dark knights."
Henry: "Good work, but what of the Lion soldiers and knights?"
Captain: "My orders are to gather them all in the courtyard. We have guests sir Henry. I advice you and your two friends to go to the Queen and meet them."
Henry: "Very well. Sir Christopher? Can you ensure the Lion army remains well guarded? I don't want them getting their hands on weapons."
Sir Christopher: "Of course Henry, I won't leave them out of my sight."

[Rhalius]

As they arrive upstairs, they are greeted with a smile. They also see that their friend Sir Charles, the templar, is amongst their guests.

But why is there a common peasant sitting in Cedric's chair? He smells and seems quite dirty, yet he is offered the finest food and wine which he eagerly accepts and seems to eat and drink from like he has not had a descent meal or drink in years.

Noticing their surprised looks at the hungry man, Charles is quick to offer an explanation.

Charles: "My apologies that we did not join you to fight Prince Edward's Lion army. My grandmaster, Sir Jacques de Ridefort, thought it was best if we would find the true leader of that army. I hereby present to you King Richard the Lion, rightfull ruler of the kingdom Alion and father of Prince Edward the Lion. He has been inprisoned for many years but we found his location and fought our way through. We did not speak of our plan to anyone to ensure Prince Edward would not hear of it and try to stop us."

Quite surprised at hearing this news, they have no time to greet King Richard since Queen Dominique beckons them to step forward.

Queen Dominique: "I heard from the guard captain that you three fought very bravely, and kept the Lion army and their allies away from the castle. You have my gratitude for this, but I am affraid this is not over yet."
Cedric smiles. "There should be no further fighting needed, Prince Edward will have to surrender when facing his own father, who is on our side."
King Richard: "Indeed! While I've had my disagreements with King Phillip in the past, I certainly would not wish for war. It seems that my son did not only arrange my capture once my kingdom collapsed, but he also gathered an army under the false pretense of trying to save me."
Roderick: "What will happen now, your majesty?"
King Richard: "I will take controll over whatever lands my son captured in my name, and work to restore the kingdom of Alion to its former glory. As for Prince Edward, he will no longer be my heir. He shall be your prisoner as he deserves for what he has done."

Queen Dominique: "I think it is time you adress your people, King Richard. I cannot allow you to take your army with you before Prince Edward is captured in case of mixed loyalties, but they should know their King has returned."

King Richard: "Yes, it is time."
Frederick: "I wonder if they will recognize their king after all these years.."

As soon as King Richard can be seen from the courtyard, his former bodyguard is quick to bown down at the sight of his king, and all the other Lion knights and soldiers are quick to follow when they realise who that man on the balcony is.

King Richard: "Knights and soldiers of Alion, I, your King, have returned! Prince Edward did not speak in my name and his decisions where not mine! The Dread Baron was holding me captive in his dungeons, but now I am back to lead you once more, and the Kingdom of Alion will rise again and prosper!"
Lion soldiers: "Hail king Richard! Long live the king!"

Queen Dominique: "An impressive speech, King Richard. I will ensure all preperations are made for your journey to Lord Gregorius his castle, which Prince Edward captured."

King Richard: "Very good. I will need a bath, a change of clothes and perhaps some more food before we depart."
Frederick: "Well, looks like our work is done then."
Queen Dominique: "I would like to request you three to guard King Richard."
Roderick: "As you wish, my Queen."
Henry: "We will keep an eye on things and ensure King Phillip and everyone else can return home safely."

[Rhalius]

King Richard's former bodyguard is allowed to walk up the stairs and be reunited with his king once more.

Guard: "My apologies sire, I did my best to protect you but lost sight of you when our castle was overrun. I kept the prince safe and obeyed him, as I thought you would want me to do."
King Richard: "It is alright old friend, you fought bravely to cover my escape. I'd trust you with my life, like I always have and you never disappointed me. I will need you at my side once more to protect me, and to tell me of what has happened during my absence."
Queen Dominique: "Perhaps your bodyguard can come along as well. But we better prepare and try and get you to Lord Gregorius his castle as soon as possible."

And while they prepare, Siegfried Rodich has returned to this castle, to report to Prince Edward about the defeat of his army.


He rides into the castle and stops in the courtyard, looking up at Prince Edward who is standing quite comfortably at the balcony.

Prince Edward: "Ah Sir Rodich, you have come to tell me that it is done? that King Phillip's castle and his forces are destroyed, and that Sir Cedric is no more?"
Siegfried: "It was a complete disaster! We where close to destroying their army which marched out to meet us, but then some foreign knights showed up and defeated the Dread Baron! I retreated to bring you this news, everyone seems to be captured!"

Prince Edward flies into a rage when hearing this news, his plans are falling apart and it seems that he lost both his army and his strongest ally, the Dread Baron.
"What?! The Dread Baron defeated? How is that even possible!" Gaah! King Phillip will pay for this! heads will roll! Since I need him for ransom I will settle for his knight instead! Bring me Sir Stephen!"

The guard blinks, quite surprised and a bit frightened by the sudden outburst of the usually calm Prince. "A.. are you sure about this sire?"
Prince Edward: "Of course I am sure you fool! We need to send them a message! I am not to be trifled with!"

Sir Stephen is taken from the prison, the other captive knights try to keep the soldiers from taking him, but are kept back by the armed soldiers.

Prince edward looks at him, quite angry. "Your friends just couldnt leave it alone, they had to resist my forces! well now you will serve as an example!"
Sir Stephen: "Just give it up, you can't win this. There can't be a good end to this for you."

Even while he is forced to lay his head down on a stool, Sir Stephen remains calm, not affraid of such a cruel end.

Prince Edward: "There is no turning back now, if I am going down, I will take everyone down with me if need be, starting with you!"
Sir Stephen: "If this is to be my end, my only regret is that I failed to protect others from your cruelty. How many regrets do you have, Prince Edward?"
Prince Edward: "Just shut up! Guard! Off with his head!"
The guard raises his axe, and it is ready to come down on Stephen's neck.

Stephen had already closed his eyes and accepted his fate, when suddenly warhorns can be heard in front of the gate, causing everyone to look back where the sound is comeing from.

Prince Edward: "What is going on there?!"

The Gatekeeper looks down from the walls, quite frightened at the sight before him.

Gatekeeper: "P..p..prince Edward.. y..you.. are never going to believe this.."

Who or what is it that stands before the gates of the castle? Will there be any hope left that Stephen will make it out of this alive? Has King Richard arrived to put a stop to this madness? These answers will come soon.

[tahra]

Great to see it continue!

Hope the cliffhanger doesn't take long......

[Rhalius]

It is not King Richard, or anyone of the nations of who Prince Edward is holding people hostage. What stands before the gates is an army of what appear to be Romans!
An ancient empire which has been gone for a thousand years! Yet here a mighty Roman legion stands, ready to attack!

General Primus: "Soldiers! In the name of the emperor, we will capture this fortress! Climb the walls and capture everyone who opposes us!"

More panic ensues, clearly outnumbered with just three bodyguards, a crossbowman and a knight to protect him, Edward is cornered and tries to act fast.
"Put this knight back in his prison, go to the walls and keep them out of the castle! We must force them to negotiate with us!"


As Siegfried and the soldiers run for the walls, Stephen sees his chance when one of the soldiers turns his back on him! Acting quickly, he pulls a sword from the belt of one of the soldiers!

Prince Edward: "Gah! you fools! Don't turn your back on the prisoner! Stop him! Take that sword from him!"

With a sword in hand, Stephen fights off the confused soldiers that don't know wether to run to the walls or stop Stephen!

Prince Edward draws his sword. "Gah, do I need to do everything myself here?! You will die by my sword!"

While Stephen is fighting two soldiers and Prince Edward, that leaves only a single soldier and Siegfried remaining to defend the walls.

While they put up a good fight, they are completely outnumbered and quickly defeated.

The gates are captured without issue as they defeat the gatekeeper and the crossbowman, and they open the gates for the rest of the army.

[Rhalius]

With the gates open, the general leads his legionaires into the castle.

General Primus: "Forward men! For the emperor!"

Still wounded from his earlier fight, Stephen just can't keep up and is defeated by Prince Edward.

Prince Edward: "Curse you! You ruined everything! Maybe I won't get out of this, but you won't live to see it!"

Before he can strike, a loud booming voice interferes. "In the name of the Emperor, step away from that man and drop your weapons! If you strike at that man so help me, I will throw you all for the Lions!"


Seeing that the others have been captured but are unharmed, it is an easy choice for the remaining soldiers to make. They don't like the idea of becomeing Lion food either.


The soldiers are quick to throw down their weapons and surrender, Prince Edward reluctantly follows. "Cursed Romans.. if it where anyone I had hostages of I could have used the hostages to get out of this. I underestimated who ever send them here."

General Primus has stepped down from his horse and nods to Stephen, taking note of the bandages around his side.
"You fought bravely despite your injuries, causing chaos in this fort from within. For this you have my gratitude. It would have been a waste to see such a courageous man die by the hands of a coward."
Stephen: "Thank you for saving my life, have you come to free all of us? Where do you come from and what are your intentions?"
General Primus: "I am general Primus Maximus of the first Legion, I have come to expand the borders of the Roman Empire once more. More than a thousand years ago we retreated to a distant land and lived in isolation. In recent years we have established trade with Craftkeep and two days ago they send word that we can capture this Fort and gain a foothold on this continent.
While it is tempting to keep the local kings and queens hostage, we know little of these lands and it would be foolish to make an enemy out of all of them. So yes, we have come to free you all."

Stephen helps open up the prison to let the prisoners go free, which are then greeted by General Primus.

Lord Gregorius: "Thank you for releasing me, but what will happen now? This is my castle and I have always wished to stay out of these wars but still I was captured in my own home!"
General Primus: "Fear not, you may keep this fort, but now you will serve as the emperor's governor of this region. You know this land well, and you will be well protected by the Emperor's legions."
Gregorius smiles. " Thank you good sir, I will gladly accept! I have no doubt you will be able to keep me safe!" He looks around, quite impressed at the large numbers of the first legion.
General Primus: "It is settled then. Now.. there was also the matter of a Council of Kings if I am correct? This meeting will continue, since there is much to discuss. I will be your host for the remainder of the meeting to inform you all of the Emperor's intentions, and to learn of yours."
King Raymond: "I am sure we can settle all of this peacefully, thank you for saving us."

With everyone freed and Prince Edward being put in prison along with the last of his troops, it seems his reign of terror has ended. With an ancient Empire revealing themselves to the world, will they stop their conquests here? Or have the Craftkeep Knights unleashed a greater foe than Prince Edward upon these lands?

Soon, the meeting of Kings will presume and we will find out. Hopefully King Richard will be in time to join the meeting.

[DrDalek6]

  Wow what a shocking story twist I don't think anyone was expecting that  a Roman army saving the day you certainly seem to have an impressive legion and they appear quite fair but, ambitious I like  Good to see Sir Stephen was saved from having his head chopped off he was certainly brave to face certain death so calmly and then fight his enemies while still weak wounded.

We've really started to see the darker side of Prince Edward how clever and sly he is I'm just glad my Lion Princes aren't like him  good to see his Father back and his Lion army respecting their true King, great choice of figure to show how long he's been kept prisoner, look forward to seeing how this concludes   

[Rhalius]

((thanks, I hope everything didnt get too confusing over the course of so many chapters. I'm also really pushing to release my stories at a steady pace now and instead of comeing up with excuses that I dont have time for it, I make time for it so that its released properly. My newyears resolution is to do just that.  ))

A few hours later, King Richard arrives at the castle. Accompanied by his trusted bodyguard but also by Roderick, Henry and Frederick.

They can't believe their eyes. Roman soldiers are seen at the gates and on the walls, and both soldiers and knights of the various kingdoms are camped outside.
What's going on here? They only heard of the Roman legions in stories and books.

King Richard is quick to walk to the gates, where he is met by two stern guards.

Guard: "Stop right there. This is a fortress of the Roman Empire."
King Richard: "I see that yes.. I thought my son, Prince Edward had conquered it during my absence. I came here to convince him to release his captives."
Guard: "It is Prince Edward who is now our captive, along with the few soldiers he had here. His former captives are our guests now. We should put you in prison with your son since you are with him."
King Richard: "I'd like to speak with your leader, and the Kings and Queens who are his guests. I won't waste my breath explaining matters of royalty to the doorman. If your leader decides I should be put in prison then so be it."
The guard smirks. "Very well, I will let you in.. they are having a meeting of kings either way.. But one word of advice: Don't give General Primus any attitude or he will toss you in jail himself. And you may take only one guard, like all the other kings.. your three other soldiers need to wait outside."

While the gate is opened and King Richard walks inside with his bodyguard, the three friends are approached by sir Jory.

Jory: "Don't worry too much about it. I need to wait outside too. King Phillip and the others are alright, I don't think these Romans mean us harm. At least not right now. They won't make the same mistake as Prince Edward by making many enemies at once. They also seem to be friends with Sir Warren the Gold knight of Craftkeep."
Roderick: "Craftkeep? Ah.. that explains this then.. The other three Craftkeep knights came to our aid when we fought the Lion army and the Dread Baron. They mentioned they had allies who would take care of Prince Edward.. but I didn't expect it would be Romans!"
Henry: "There is so little we know of them.. these three Craftkeep Knights.. they defeated the Dread Baron! It took all three of them but they did it! They took him prisoner."
Jory: "That is very impressive indeed.. all the knights here fought the Dread Baron when he interrupted the meeting and failed. But then again.. Sir Warren was able to hold him back a little while.. He has a very unusual fighting style. But come, let's go to the campfire.. this meeting will take a while."


Frederick: "Well.. they just caught him by surprise is all.. they where also using an unusual style.. and where wielding some exotic weapons too."
Jory: "Yes.. Craftkeep is well known for its exotic weaponry... Smiths from distant lands have made their home there, and many kinds of metals arrive in their ports. I gues through their travels they met the Romans and started trading with them... Since Craftkeep barely has an army it makes sense they send the Romans to capture this castle, but I dont think they intend to give it up."
Roderick: "Do you think they plan to continue their conquest?"
Jory: "I am affraid so Roderick. As we learned from the stories about them, they are conquerors. But they will not be careless about it. We might need to use the times to come to strenghten ourselves to ensure them it would be foolish to attack us."
Henry: "Once Cedric is back at full strenght, they could never win that."
Jory: "Yes, but we can't rely on Cedric alone.. as we have now discovered, he won't always be there to protect us. And he can't be everywhere at once."

While the three friends keep talking with Jory and the other knights, inside King Richard is greeted by the other kings and General Primus, all of them very surprised to see him.

King Phillip smiles: "Richard! It's good to see you alive and well, good friend."
King Ragnar: "How is this even possible?! I thought you died along with your kingdom all those years ago!"
King Miguel: "Maybe he's a ghost who has come to haunt us!"

General Primus: "Calm down everyone.. this man is clearly no ghost and from what I understand he is the father and true leader of the kingdom Alion. Yes?"

King Richard: "Yes, that is true. It is my son you have in your prison. He deserves as much for his actions. He was the one who betrayed me to the Dread Baron, who has kept me a prisoner for all these years. Whatever my sons crimes may be, I was not involved in any of it and I will do my best to set things right."

General Primus: "As I have already told the others, I am General Primus, send here by Emperor Tiberius. I have come to conquer the remnants of Alion, but I will hear you out. Have a seat and join in this meeting of kings."

From the Balcony, Lord Gregorius is watching with a smile on his face. He does not mind the change of clothes, he has new soldiers and servants at his command, and feels very safe under the protection of the Roman Empire.


From the sides, the knights of each king and queen are standing watch. Yes even Fernando the Falcon has put his drink down and is standing watch here, seemingly quite alert and focused.

Lancelot: "Good to see you take your task more seriously now, I gues you really learned your lesson?"
Fernando: "Well King Miguel needs my protection, he has my undivided attention for this. That and the Lion soldiers drank all the Ale."

[Rhalius]

Prince Edward has to watch from his prison at the meeting where the fate of the continent is decided. The very continent he wished to rule. He wanted too much and now he is paying the price.

Prince Edward: "Ah my father is here.. He might get me out of this."
Siegfried: "You really think he will do that after you put him in prison for ten years?"
Edward: "Quiet you, or I won't try and get you out as well if he gets me out of here."
Siegfried: "I am quite fine here actually, it's better than returning home to my wife. I just hope this fort and its soldiers can keep me safe from her."
Edward: "It can't possibly be that bad."
Siegfried: "No? She has five big dogs who hate me, she controlls everything I do and made me sleep in the barn for buying the wrong pudding at the market."

While Siegfried keeps complaining, the meeting continues.

King Phillip: "It's good that you are back Richard, I am sorry I was not there to help when you needed me."
King Richard: "You did offer to help me fight my enemies, but I refused it, thinking I could do it alone. There is nothing to be sorry about."
Sir Warren: "You don't have to worry about that Dread Baron anymore.. it seems he is our prisoner now. And we won't let him go."
King Oberon: "I sure hope so yes, such an evil man should not be allowed to walk freely. With that settled and with King Richard having returned to lead his Lion soldiers in a respecteable direction, that leaves us with the intentions of Emperor Tiberius."

General Primus: "For now the emperor wishes to learn of your countries, and wants to establish a province here. This fort will be our foothold."

Queen Valeria: "For now yes, but what do you intend for the future? Do you intend to conquer our lands?"
General Primus: "Rest assured, if we planned to conquer you, it would be through the might of our legions and not by kidnapping leaders. For now there shall be peace."
Queen Morina: "I would recommend that you stay out of Blackwood. Anything that enters Blackwood might never leave."
King Ragnar: "If you want a fight we can give you one! Us Vikings won't back down from any battle."
King Miguel: "Let's calm down here, yes? No need for any fighting unless its a delightfull tournament or such."

Seeing how Craftkeep is not concerned about the Romans since they already knew them for a while and see them as friends, and that all other affairs seem resolved, Sir Warren is the first to stand up from the table.

Sir Warren: "Well with everything settled here, I better return home to ensure the Dread Baron is put in an appropriate prison. He won't escape us King Richard, I swear it."
King Richard: "Thank you, perhaps in time our paths will cross again. Save travels, Sir Warren of Craftkeep."

King Oberon: "Well I am not sure what other business there still is to discuss. After spending quite some time in that prison I'd prefer to return home, a sentiment I am sure we can all agree on."

King Miguel: "I'd still like to see Sir Hugo, my trusted knight, freed from his prison."
King Phillip: "We promised it will be done, if Queen Dominique has not already freed him I will ensure his release when I return home. There should be no strife between us King Miguel."

King Miguel: "Good! You seem to be a nice fellow, and Hugo really does not mean any harm. The lad just gets carried away at times.. Hes very passionate about winning. Now that everything is settled, I should return home as well. My poor cousin Fernando had to go for so long without any ale, I shouldnt keep him waiting."

Queen Morina: "Yes, it would be such a waste if he should ever spend his time with something else than stuffing himself with food and drinks. I shall head back to Blackwood, this has been quite a waste of my time. Next time a meeting is called, I shall not attend it."
King Raymond: "It is very unfortunate that we had been deceived by Prince Edward, but what is done is done. The matter is resolved now and time will tell what the Roman Empire wants with us."

General Primus: "Since everyone starts to leave, I shall call this meeting to an end. Please leave my fort, I have messages to send to my Emperor and many other work to be done."

King Ragnar: "Just watch out who you try to push around, boy. We will be on our way. Just pray to your gods that none of our Longboats will find your homeland."
King Oberon: "That is quite enough King Ragnar. No need to get hostile. General Primus, thank you for taking the time to host this meeting, and for rescueing us. A lesser man might have taken advantage of the situation. Be well."

With the meeting drawing to a close, some tensions have risen already between various leaders. It seems there will be peace for now, but for how long? And what will become of Prince Edward? These answers will come soon.