It's Good to be King

[Cauwyn]

Lord Reginald Wilhelm shifted in his throne, chuckling at the antics of the small troupe that preformed before his table. A large, half eaten leg of lamb hung loosely from his ringed fingers as he leaned his elbow up on the table. With his other hand he plucked a simple grape and tossed it into his mouth. Though he'd yet to be proclaimed king, it didn't stop him from living like one. Truly it was only a matter of time before he was crowned, he held the will of the people and a sizeable army to boot.

[Avena]

Alister stood behind Wilhelm sighing quietly, he actually found the entertainment to be far too boring. He brushed his crimson hair from his eyes and let his eyes wander around the room.

[Cauwyn]

The performance ended and the troupe bowed, stepping aside to prepare for their next play. A few musicians stepped forward, filling the dinning hall with playful music while the other’s prepped. As the other gathered nobles began speaking amongst themselves Reginald ordered another cup of wine. The young girl who poured it received a pinch on the ass for her troubles.

Before he could drink the large doors at the end of the room swung open and a well dressed officer stormed in. He bowed to the guests before slipping around the side and marching toward the kings table.

[Avena]

Alister stepped up til he was at Wilhelm's side staring at his officer, "What is wrong?"

[Cauwyn]

“Master Alister,” The officer bowed, holding up a scroll in front of him for Alister to take, “This is from that scout out there, and he said it was urgent for the king. I know him to be a loyal boy.”

Back in the door way a very muddy young man in soft leather peeked into the room to get a look at the nobles and their massive banquet of food before he was pulled back by the guards.

[Avena]

Alister frowned not exactly happy that Wilhelm was being reffered to as the king but he would iron that out later. He took the scroll and excused himself walking to the young boy.

[Cauwyn]

Reginald frowned, watching Alister walk away. With a shrug he turned his attention to one of the guild masters and his wife that sat close, listening intently to a story the man was telling. Or at least seeming to, that was the beauty of Reginald Wilhelm, he never made the non-nobility feel like lesser people, but instead made them feel like nobles ensuring their support and the support of those beneath them. One of the reasons the people loved him.

“S-sir!” The young boy, not a day past fifteen, stood to attention when Alister approached. He didn’t know who the red-headed man was, but he looked dangerous and the kid naturally assumed he was an officer, or a knight. The boy raised his hand in salute to the man.

[Avena]

"Stand down," Alister stopped in front of the boy, "What is this about? You would ruin the Lord's afternoon?"

[Cauwyn]

“N-no s-sir..” The boy was covered in mud and dirt and soot. He lowered his salute, but remained at attention, his eyes focused strait ahead instead of looking at Alister, “B-but w-w-we’ve b-been at-t-tacked, milord.”

[Avena]

"Attacked? By who? Who would be dumb enough?" Alister glared down at the boy.

[Cauwyn]

“I-I-I’ve n-never s-s-seen their b-banner before, sir.” The boy sniffled, wiping a hand across his mouth to clean away a bit of the grime, “Th-they came s-s-so fa-fast, a-and st-strong t-t-to. C-commander M-M-Merrick sent m-me once we e-en-engaged. Th-they have w-w-wizards an-and ghosts!”

[Avena]

Alister gritted his teeth and walked back into the room going straight to Wilhelm telling him the news.

[Cauwyn]

“What!?” Wilhelm jumped back in his seat, slamming his fist on the desk causing those around him to jump. His eyes narrowed and he threw aside his food, grabbing Alister by the arm, “Find out who’s responsible for this!? Probably those damn elves! And what the hell did that boy mean by ghosts?”

The gathered nobility and well-to-do citizens were in an uproar now, whispering amongst themselves about what could have happened to put their future king in such an uproar.

[Avena]

"Yes sir," Alister stood straight and strode out to meet the officer and the boy, "Take me to where the attack happened."

[Cauwyn]

“Y-y-yes sir.” The boy nodded and turned, stumbling back through the maze of hallways and stairs back toward the courtyard. He looked tired, like he could barely walk, but pressed on. When they reached the courtyard his mud slicked horse was still standing. The boy gave it a pat on the neck before mounting up, “Commander M-merrick w-w-was still f-fighting wh-when I lef-left s-s-sir..”