The return of a King.

[Tiermann]

An interesting and unexpected continuation of the story. I wonder if my knights should be worried as well? I have heard tales of a place called 'bin' in the land of 'shelf' that is filled with Romans to this day, perhaps just waiting for their opportunity to act...

[DrDalek6]

Thought I'd posted a reply yesterday  ah well never mind, that was certainly an unexpected story twist  don't think anyone was expecting Romans to save the day  still it seem you've got an impressive looking legion and as though they are a fair but, ambitious group 

Good to see Sir Stephen escaped the chopping block he was indeed very brave and calm particularly considering he was still weak from his wounds. We've really seen the darker and very cold calculating side of Prince Edward I'm just glad my Lion Princes don't take after him  .  It's certainly good to see King Richard as well reunited with his loyal guard and new army, I like the body and hair you've given him it really makes him look as though he's been in prison for a long time here's hoping he can rebuild his Kingdom for the better and stop his son. Look forward to seeing how you end it    

[Rhalius]

On his way to his horse, the gold knight encounters the three friends.

Henry: "Are you the gold knight of Craftkeep?"
Sir Warren: "Yes that's me, why do you ask?"
Henry: "You seem friendlier than the other three.. They defeated the Dread Baron but.. why did they not come to save you? Why send these Romans here instead?"
Sir Warren: "We heard stories of the Dread Baron, and we considered that he might try something at this meeting. He has a history of striking when its least suspected after all, yes? I must admit he proved stronger than expected, hence why I came alone.. since we have little else than just the four of us to defend Craftkeep, we are very carefull about leaving our island. The plan was that the other three would act if I would not be back in time.. I imagine they send word to the Romans to free me and decided to go after the Dread Baron themselves to ensure he would be stopped. An attack on one of us, is an attack on all of us after all."
Frederick: "I take it you are the leader? You are the gold knight after all and I gues after that comes Silver, Copper and Iron?"
Sir Warren smiles. "It has nothing to do with rank. We are all equal, it just helps to ensure people remember us."

Warren gets on his horse and looks down at the three friends.

Warren: "Tell you what, why don't you three come visit us in Craftkeep sometimes? Then you can see for yourself what it is like and you can learn all you wish to know about us. We also produce many exotic weapons and armors and have an arena for visitors to test them out in."
Roderick: "Thank you for the offer, we will consider it."

Inside the castle, everyone says their goodbyes and start leaving.


For now there seems to be peace between Alion and the Roman Empire.. but for how long?

King Richard: "So we are in agreement then. My son and his soldiers will remain your captives, and in return you will cease further hostilities."
General Primus: "Yes. Be warned though that if you or your men make any attempts to free them, there will be war."
King Richard: "I understand, and  my son should not escape his punishment. All I ask is that you will treat him like your other prisoners of nobility."
General Primus: "That is for the emperor to decide. Now say your goodbyes to your son and be on your way."
King Phillip: "It is tough, but fair. It is good to see you two have found a compromise to keep the peace."

And so King Richard walks to his son, to speak with him for the first time in ten years.

King Richard: "Let this be a lesson to you, Edward. Ten years ago you made me the prisoner of the Dread Baron. If allowed I might visit you from time to time, but you must be punished for what you did. While you will no longer be my heir, you are still my son so act like it. Take your punishment with dignity. Maybe, just maybe if you prove your worth and change your ways, you might once more earn the right to be called Prince of Alion once more."
Edward just remains silent. He is angry and does not like the idea of remaining in prison one bit.

Everyone starts walking out of the gate, Queen Morina and her guard as well.

Soldier: "So what happens now my Queen? Surely you intended to get more out of this meeting than just a trade agreement with Craftkeep?"
Queen Morina: "Oh I have learned a great deal today, many things I can use to my advantage. But let's not speak more of this here.. we can talk more when we get back to Blackwood."

[Rhalius]

And the three friends wait for King Phillip. So many kings and queens are walking past.. They never saw so many gathered at once.


But they don't have to wait too long! There is King Philip already, and Stephen is with him as well.

It is quite a happy reunion, and also the time for Philip and Richard to say goodbye.
King Phillip: "I Will release your soldiers once I get back to my castle, it seems you might need them to protect your borders. Just don't make me regret this, old friend."
King Richard: "Thank you, you won't regret it. First, I will see about what my oaf of a son has been telling them, and set them straight."

While King Richard moves on to get his horse, it seems that Sir Godfrey is standing before them, and has been standing there silently for a little while now.

Frederick: "What's the matter Sir Godfrey? Can we help you with something?"
Godfrey: "Well yes.. When I helped Queen Dominique escape, I gave her my horse. I presume you brought it with you?"
Henry: "Er.."
Roderick: "I am sorry.. I am affraid we forgot to take your horse with you. It looks like you might need a ride to our castle to get your horse back."

A familiar farmer on his wagon just happens to ride past and overhears the conversation.

Farmer: "Did someone say they needed a ride? I can take care of that, if all expenses are paid for of course!"
Frederick: "Looks like there is your ride! We will all pitch in some gold so you can make the trip, its the least we can do."

[Rhalius]

And so this adventure draws to a close. Order has been restored, everyone returns back home and things are turning back to normal at the castle.

The Lion army has returned to their king, and the many friendly knights who helped out return back to their homes as well now that the danger has passed.

Herbert Blacktower leaves as well with his men, though not before making a formal apology to Lady Elena for his earlier behaviour.

Gracious as she is, Elena is kind enough to forgive him for his foolishness.

And so everything returns back to normal at the castle.

Frederick continues to see Jory as his rival, even while Jory remains completely unaware of this.

Roderick is quite happy with how things went.

The royal family is safe, and he takes pride in keeping it that way. Also, he enjoys having more time to spend with Elena once more.

And Henry? Henry is quite happy to see his brother Cedric recover.

It did not take long for him to be at full strenght again, which made Henry very happy.

Though quite soon, he and the other knights where less thrilled about it once more when they had to face Cedric in his prime again during training.

But in the end they where all very happy to have him on their side, and most of all to see him in full health again!

But after a month passed, King Phillip called Roderick, Henry and Frederick to stand before him. He had something special in mind for them.

King Phillip: "There is still so much for you three to learn of the world, and there will always be new dangers that will threaten the kingdom. Now that Cedric has fully recovered, I want you three to travel to other lands, and see if you can perhaps be of assistance there.. learn from the locals and grow more experienced. It will prepare you for threats yet to come."
Roderick: "Where do you want us to go, your Majesty?"
King Phillip: "I will leave it up to you three to decide. From what I gather, Blackwood might have its share of troubles and Queen Morina might play a part in it.. Chivalia is nearby and seems quite peacefull, but I am sure you can help there and King Raymond and Queen Valeria will welcome you there with open arms. King Oberon of Elydion is a wise ruler who you can learn a lot of, and you might need to see for yourself how much is true about the rumors of magical creatures in his realm. I believe you where also invited to go to Craftkeep and it may be good to learn more of them since we have entrusted them with keeping the Dread Baron in prison. And lastly, we know little of the returned Roman Empire. If they will allow it, I would like for you to find out more about them. It may be needed in the future."
Cedric: "Don't worry about the castle's safety. I will take care of it along with Jory and Stephen while you are away."

Given a lot to think about, the three friends move down the stairs and will need some time to think about this.

Roderick: "So.. where should we go? Maybe we should look into these Romans.. we read about them.. We could go and see if its really like in our history books."
Henry: "I'd like to see Craftkeep, they invited us and I am curious about their smiths and their Arena. I wonder what kind of people fight in it."
Frederick: "Why not go to Elydion? I heard stories about trolls, wizards, fairies, dwarves and other such things living there. Could it really be true?"
Roderick: "Maybe Chivalia could be a good start though.. We have some friends there and they helped us so maybe we can return the favor?"
Henry: "The problems of Blackwood sound important too.. maybe we would really be needed there.."
Frederick: "Whatever we decide, we better think this through. I gues we can be of help in all of these countries."

And so this story comes to an end. But, there will be much more stories in the future for Roderick, Henry and Frederick. It is only the beginning of more adventures.

[Tiermann]

        

[DrDalek6]

Great conclusion leaves us with plenty of questions and leaves the way open for loads of new adventures. Seriously you've done a great job  you've really got a talent for creating a good story  with lots of good plot twists

[Rhalius]

Thanks! I'm thinking about creating a poll sometimes soon regarding where they should go next.  I do plan to do a pirate story before going medieval again though.

[Lynx]

Fantastic story, my friend... the end promises more and more... keep them coming. Excellent job!

[Pynedor]

I just had a chance to catch up on the latest tales of the storyteller Rhalius. And I enjoyed them very much! Great conclusion, friend! I was surprised by that twist with the Romans too. And I'm glad that you left it open for more stories.