After a few more days of travelling, Herberl and the Knight were nearing the border with Liore. Herberl, despite his efforts, was not able to get any answers from the Knight. He knew something was being hidden from him. The road seemingly stopped in front of them, blocked by trees and a large tree stump.
Mysterious Knight: Odd...the North Road is normally kept clear…
Suddenly, out of the trees came soldiers brandishing bows and swords.
Soldier 1: Oi! You two! Surrender yourselves now, your trespassing!
Herberl threw up his arms, he did not want to pick a fight.
Mysterious Knight: Herberl you idiot, those are Tor---
Soldier 2: Shut up old man! Well then, what are two foreign knights doing up this way, eh?
Herberl: Well we’re on a---
Soldier 1: Be quiet! Right, you two are coming with us!
More soldiers appeared and led Herberl, the Knight, and their horses, deeper into the forest, and away from the road. Herberl thought how this could be the end of their adventure, and they didn’t even make it that far.
The soldiers brought the two into a clearing beside a mountain where there was a military camp. Before them stood a ring of soldiers and knights.
Soldier 1: Your highness, we’ve captured two foreign knights loitering near our camp. What do you want us to do to them?
The man near the mountainside turned around, revealing himself to be none other than the King of Torras, Atteir I. He looked at the two for a few long seconds, particularly the Knight. This was the first time Herberl had ever been in the presence of royalty, and he didn’t quite know what to think or do.
The Knight whispered to Herberl
Mysterious Knight: Bow!
The two bowed in front of the King, as is customary. King Atteir raised then his arm as he realised who the Knight was.
King Atteir: Ah! Good to see you, old friend! It’s been a while!
Mysterious Knight: My lord, the pleasure is mine.
King Atteir: I’ve been told that my Steward approved your quest to find and return the Jewels! Very good, I’ve been wanting that to happen for a while now, but now seems to be the best time. And I can see that you’ve got a companion travelling with you too! Never thought I’d see the day, Volric going on a quest with somebody other than me!
Mysterious Knight/Sir Volric: Herberl has been of great service recently, though adventuring has never been greater than by your side.
Herberl was shocked. Volric.
Sir Volric! He had heard that name before…the Massacre of Eulania, the Pacification of Chivais. Sir Volric was one of the most notorious knights in King Atteir’s retinue, and Herberl was following his lead. Surely, Herberl thought, that it was a different ‘Sir Volric’…surely…
King Atteir: Of course! Now, let us speak privately of these matters. I’m sure we’ll have lots to talk about!
The King turned to his retinue.
King Atteir: Excuse us for a moment.
The King’s soldiers and most of his party left, leaving the King to lead Herberl and the Knight to the mountainside to speak.
The King made sure that no-one could hear them, besides his trusted guards protecting them.
King Atteir: Now that we’re alone, how goes the search for the Jewels?
Sir Volric: I believe that one can be found in Liore, hence why we’re travelling up the North Road to there.
King Atteir: Splendid. Makes sense that the Jewels have corrupted that realm, turning it into the decrepit and pitiful state it’s in. Apparently the Lioran lords are losing faith in King Lothair, and my advisors say this could turn to war…I’d watch out for that on your quest!
Sir Volric: That doesn’t surprise me, Lothair was never a strong king. Though I must ask, why are you and your army camped out in northern Torras?
King Atteir: Oh, we’re here to deal with those damn brigands! Not the first time we’ve had to come to Chivais is it aha! It seems we destroy their lands and homes, kill their lords, but they keep coming back time and time again! Though I must admit, it’s great to be campaigning again. I remember when we were young and strong, fighting alongside each other in every campaign, those were the days! Oh, how I wish to relive those glorious battles!
Sir Volric: I don’t really think about those campaigns anymore; it was a long time ago, and a lot has changed.
King Atteir: Nonsense!
The King turned towards Herberl.
King Atteir: Did Volric ever tell you about the Battle of Millwater where he cleaved a man in two! Or the Battle of Gustan Hill where he was the sole survivor of a tremendous cavalry charge! Such amazing tales, you’ve got a lot of great stories to listen to!
The King didn’t even give Herberl a chance to speak. He could hardly believe what he was hearing.
King Atteir: We’ve also been up here looking for my Grandfather’s tomb, I must find what is rightfully mine. Truth be told, we don’t even know if its in Chivais, let alone in Torras! Hype was already too secretive in life, who would have thought that his own grave would be a secret too!
Sir Volric: I’m sure you will find it eventually, my friend. Nothing can evade you for long.
King Atteir: Quite right!
The King turned towards Herberl again, this time his expression was more serious.
King Atteir: Now, I’ll have to ask you Her…Herbal---
Sir Volric: ---
HerberlKing Atteir: Yes, yes,
Herberl, I’ll have to ask you to leave me and Volric for a while, we need to speak privately.
Herberl left the King and his master alone. He could barely take in what he heard. His master was the King’s former champion, one who has committed some of the most awful deeds in Atteir’s name. No wonder he didn’t want him to know…Herberl wondered about what else Volric was hiding from him, it was clear the man he thought he knew was a fabrication.
Herberl stood by himself away from the King and Volric, but was soon joined by Sir Pargeir, the King’s nephew.
Sir Pargeir: So you must be Sir Volric’s squire? I’ll tell you, you’re in the service of one of the most skilled knights in all of Torras. I swear that man must get better with age… I first fought alongside him in the war against Argast, he was the most feared knight on the battlefield! He must have told you of those days! I would have loved to have been his squire, like you.
Herberl: I’m not quite his squire…and he never talked about his past, I can’t say I know this ‘Sir Volric’ very well…
Sir Forlas: Volric being humble! Aha! Then he has changed!
Sir Forlas, a rather rotund knight of the King’s retinue, waddled alongside Herberl.
Sir Forlas: Oh, I remember when we used to drink and drink after every battle, exchanging the details of each kill and every hair-raising moment! Aha! A true champion of the King!
Sir Pargeir: That man has hundreds of stories, I bet.
Sir Forlas: Of course! Though it is a pity I’ve missed out on them for so many years. Ever since he left the King’s army and went travelling or something hardly anyone heard a peep from him. Must have been where he picked you up then aha!
The King and Sir Volric finished their private talk and began to walk towards Herberl and the knights. When Herberl looked at Volric, he felt as though he was looking into the eyes of a different man.
Sir Forlas: Volric my good man! It’s been a long time! I look forward to all your tales by the fire again!
Sir Volric: Forlas! It’s been many years! Many things have changed in that time, many things to tell. I haven’t joined the campaign, I’m afraid, as I already have a quest I must continue at haste.
King Atteir: Yes, yes, I’ve entrusted Volric with one of the most important missions for the wellbeing of the realm, and I’m sure there’s no better man for the job!
Herberl: And when do we continue, Sir Volric…
Volric sighed when Herberl called him by his name. He looked almost disappointed that he knew the truth.
Sir Volric: We’ll stay here for the night, then we must leave for the border.
Herberl hated staying the night in the King’s camp. While the food and drink were better than anything he’s had before, he couldn’t help but think of all the terrible things that had been done by the knights and soldiers at the orders of the King. Was Galabran right? Was King of these lands, mankind, and even his own master, behind the evils of this world?
To be continued...
