Choosing a settlement a full day out from Droga’s stronghold, Nohric had found the materials and craftsman necessary to create the items Narvakhan had requested. Three days later they were all refitted in new clothing and a travel caravan. Much to everyone’s surprise, Narvakhan too had taken the time to meet with the tailors to create an emblem. Against the jet black Narvakhan wore, the golden dragon upon it took ones breath away and caused him to be stared at. Even his boots had the emblem branded into it. The additional golden trim of his collar, cuffs and lapel made him a sight to behold. Narvakhan opted to keep the hair on his head and face long and wild. It gave him an appearance of controlled fury. Based on the gasps and stares, it was obvious he held the look he had wanted.
For Ovijah and Khelidra he demanded the deepest blues with white accents. In both of them, the long flowing dresses covered the leather under armor. Neither hid the fact they were women. Khelidra’s hair was tied in seven separate bindings, creating a long braid down the middle of her back. In keeping with her traditions and customs small metals rings were attached to her hair. As she moved, they offered the slightest ringing tone, remarkably quiet considering how easily her braid swished.
Preparing to leave, half a dozen approached them for employment. Narvakhan immediately introduced himself and accepted their offers. Hearing him, several knelt before him, while others gave him concerned looks and simply nodded. One woman, their new cook, fell to his feet and wrapped her arms around his knees, thanking Xhuri for his arrival. Looking into her tear streaked face, Narvakhan lifted her, promising the woman he would do all he could for her and the rest of his people. To everyone’s surprise he then begged for her forgiveness for being gone so long while they suffered. It was at that moment several more fell to the ground praising him and thanking him. Each person was greeted by the young King who at each occasion, apologized and asked their forgiveness.
Ovijah, seated opposite of Narvakhan, leaned forward through an opening giving her access to the team driver and Nohric, began speaking to Nohric with her hands. Both were in a flurry of communication unaware of Narvakhan watching them, until he suddenly responded with gestures of his own. While they were slow and chopped, he was surprisingly versed.
“Let word arrive ahead of us to Droga. It will be fine.” Narvakhan answered his two shocked companions. Beside Ovjiah, Khelidra only smiled as she looked between the three.
“I..how…where did you learn?” Nohric stammered.
“I was taught some while I was a child. Always thought it was a game. After watching you both for a bit, I found I could understand you quite a bit. The rest I simply work at.” He responded.
“My Lord you should know Droga will not be pleased. Sharing a boarder with the Ministry, well he is more Rhiyan than a man of the South.” Nohric complained. “I would prefer we found a way for audience that did not include all of this.”
“I understand your concerns. But the decision has been made.” Narvakhan's movements were stern and direct, giving Nohric even more surprise. “Next time tell me of such concerns and do not complain to another before I have heard it. The royal court cannot pass around such things. As my Chief Man-At-Arms none of this must be hidden from me. While I will not always agree with you, I will not dismiss or ignore you.”
“As you command my Liege, I beg my apologies.” Nohric responded quickly and respectfully.
“Place your trust in me. I have given you mine, now I require you to give me yours.” With a large smile, Narvakhan leaned forward and awkwardly offered Nohric his hand, who quickly grabbed it and held it tightly.
“With all my life my King! I promise you, Droga will not be prepared for this.” A small laugh escaped his lips as he signaled to Narvakhan.
Narvakhan’s voice broke the silence suddenly. “So, will the Lord of Droga be happy to see me?” The lightness in his voice caused all to laugh just for a moment.
****
For three days Narvakhan was asked to wait outside the fortress gates of New Droga. For two of those days he remained patient, walking among those that joined his camp listening to all he had to say as if his words were divine. Narvakhan never hid from them any of his past if they asked. Many hearing of his years of torture wept openly. Several even begged him to leave Droga and openly spoke out against both Droga and the Rhiyan territories.
By the third day, he found an end to his patients. Without warning to any, Narvakhan placed a new red cape trimmed in gold around his shoulders. The golden dragon splashing the front with its fire gave testimony of his name. Saying nothing he strode to the gates of the fortress, only to have more than half of his camp suddenly behind him to witness what he would do next.
Nohric had warned him the reception would be less than kind if they weren’t simply turned away. Droga had been flamboyant with his disdain of the crown in general, to the point of saying it held no authority. It was painfully obvious he was slapping them in the face.
Immediately several guards snapped to attention and sidestepped to create a single line barrier between the young king and the door. However they were careful to not give a sign of aggression toward Narvakhan. Witnessing this, Nohric quickly ran to stand beside his king. For a moment, all stood in silence. As Nohric moved to speak, Narvakhan raised his hand to stop him.
“The sun has long risen and resides directly above us. I have offered the Lord Droga ample time to prepare himself for meeting with me. This has turned to a quick offense to my position and my court. Out of courtesy I have not simply walked in and forced him to take audience. This courtesy has found its end. I will not be barred from a fortress of my lands. There will be no siege, there will be no battle; I will simply enter should I not be given a proper reception within the time it takes you to deliver this message and return with his answer. By this time I am certain he is aware of my exit from Hnarn and thusly knows this is not a simple boast. I will speak to him and his court NOW. Deliver this message in its entirety.”
Still they remained, a level of fear now clear in their eyes betrayed their actions. “You will do this now soldier or I will have each of you arrested under the authority of the Southern King, treat you as a criminal of war and simply enter of my own accord. You had a choice. Now you have an order soldier. Execute it at once.”
With sudden curtness two turned and entered the structure as quickly as possible. When they returned, they offered no verbal response and simply opened the doors to the fortress and escorted them into a large royal hall where many had already gathered. Everyone kept at distance from him as Narvakhan walked and seated himself at the center plush chair in the middle of the hall. Several audible gasps filled the air as Nohric, Ovijah and Khelidra took station beside him, careful however not to sit upon the other chairs.
Keeping their private company for several more hours, finally a herald announced the arrival of the Lord of Droga and his court. While everyone stood and offered a bow, Narvakhan remained seated in the chair.
As the Lord of Droga entered, he immediately stopped, turned to the herald and spoke in a low tone. In response the herald ran toward Narvakhan only to be intercepted by Nohric raising his weapon as a gate to the herald.
“Good sir, I must inform you, you have taken a seat reserved for the Lord of Droga. As such I recommend...” The herald spoke loudly and with a solid bit of force, yet was still interrupted by Nohric.
“First herald, when you address the King of the South, you will drop to one knee at least two lengths of a man and make a request, but not a demand.” Nohric stepped forward, replaced his sword and demonstrated. “You will do it as such.” Immediately he turned toward Narvakhan, placed his right fist to his heart and offered his left hand open and forward to the seat.
Ignoring the act as Nohric continued to scold the herald, Narvakhan stood allowing his deep voice to fill the hall. “Come Lord of Droga, sit with me and let us discuss the issues of your lands as men. There is no reason for you to wait, come.” Narvakhan waived a hand at a seat next to the center seat.
With a look of shock and horror the Lord of Droga walked forward, motioning for his court to gather off to the side of the elevated seats. As the older man walked closer, his eyes never leaving the young King, the shock began to change to anger as his steps found more confidence and intentionally struck the ground a bit harder with each step. The woman whose arm was hooked through his, pulled away and stood behind a seat to the right of the center chair as Droga moved to sit in that same chair. Narvakhan had won the second wordless volley.
The Lord of Droga was considerably smaller and more portly than the tall and muscular Narvakhan. As Narvakhan offered his hand in introduction to the much younger lady that accompanied the Lord of Droga, he noticed her small hand seemed to disappear in his. Gently he lifted it and placed it upon his cheek as he remained completely erect.
“Dear Lady, I am Narvakhan, second son of Delvakhan, recently freed captive of the Rhiyans and King of the South.” His voice turned soft and calm as he spoke to her. “It is a great pleasure to meet you. You must forgive me; I am not familiar with the names of the various courts of the Kingdom. An error I am working diligently to remedy.” With a kind smile, he gently lowered her hand and released it.
With a curtsy, she dropped her head and responded. “It is a pleasure to meet you King Narvakhan. I am Uhnara Droga.”
“He is no recognized king of these lands.” The Lord of Droga suddenly stated with a fire in his eyes that was met with a sudden cold and calculated stare of Narvakhan as he raised his hand to stop Nohric from responding yet again.
“Mind your actions and your words. I will hold you accountable for each of them without parlay. The patients I carry you have worn through with your actions over the past two days. I will not readily forget them.” Narvakhan stood and faced Droga, yet insured there was enough space for all to witness.
“You are here on my good nature with little regard for other activities and duties important to my lands.” Droga moved to stand only to have Narvakhan shake his head as his eyes refused to let him go.
“Nohric, inform the garrison of soldiers here, their presence is immediately requested in this hall. They may bring as many as they like providing they do not give cause for others to leave the hall. It is most important those of highest authority arrive immediately.”
Mouth open aghast at the commands of Narvakhan the Lord of Droga spoke loudly and in condescension. “You command my guards now. Perhaps I should simply have them place you under arrest for the debts owed to this kingdom. Your crown and title are nothing more than ceremonial garb and hold no sway in these lands or any other of the Southern Territories. Return to whatever hovel you have come from. In fact perhaps I should simply deliver you to the Rhiyans as a tithe against the peace we have been afforded.” Confidently he leaned back on his heals and simply watched Narvakhan with an aura of discontent.
With a clear voice and a smile unsuspected by the Lord of Droga, Narvakhan responded, insuring all could hear him. “Lord of Droga, you are hereby stripped of your title. It is up to your people now to choose where they shall hold their loyalty. Loyalty to the King of the South as the highest Lord of the Southern Realms, against the aggression and demonic worship, control and torture of the Rhiyan Ministry and her people cannot exist with loyalty to the House of Droga, no longer the Lordship of Droga. Should you interfere with their choice, it will be met with your death.”
Narvakhan paused as a rush of guards ran into the room and quickly surrounded the elevated court seats. Returning his gaze to Droga, Narvakhan continued. “As for the debts of the crown owed to your family, they are hereby paid in four times over, as per the following collections. First the payment you received of land and coin by the Priestess Ahryn on account from the Rhiyan Ministry for the information given in trade as to the whereabouts of Kelvakhan and Narvakhan, first and second born sons to the previous King of the South, Delvakhan. Second payment considered against fourteen years of capture and torture of the second son of Delvakhan; Narvakhan. Third the sum of seventy thousand coins was delivered to this royal house to earn the release of Princess Khelidra of the Rakshar Imperial lands. The Princess is in attendance to speak and witness for her lands. Fourth and lastly the sum of thirty thousand coins is to be handed over to your Lady Uhnara for considerations to the House of Droga immediately. Additionally, considering the term of fourteen years is excessive and is countered by your own treason to your people for personal advancement; you hereby owe the time debt to the crown. Considering you personally are deemed none worthy, two members of your blood shall be turned over for stewardship to the crown for a period of five years. During these five years, they will be schooled and treated as a member of the Royal Khan family and court. One of these stewards is to be female, reserved for marriage to a family of the crowns choice, predisposed with your permission and consent. This marriage and bloodline shall never be considered for lineage to the high crown of the King of the South.
Finally two of your highest ranking soldiers accompanied by a single company shall be sequestered by the crown. The highest ranking soldier shall serve as the personal guardian to the stewards. The next ranking soldier shall take leadership of a company of crown loyalists for patrol and guardianship of the Southern Territories as originally agreed in the pack made by the House Droga and the first King of the South, Delvakhan. The company of men shall be disbursed throughout the various crown loyalists of the south. All shall serve without interference or break for five years. After the five years, should they wish to return, they will be allowed to do so with whatever wealth, honor and titles they may have acquired in service to the crown.
For this payment, I shall turn away from your treachery and not take your lands from you, nor shall I turn you over to the Southern Realms for public execution for treason. Shall you opt to refuse, which I will permit you to do if you must, I will reside here, take personal command of your troops and house upon which you will be tried for treason and if found guilty, you shall be committed to death and your family name removed forever from the Southern Realms.
Due to the insult of time inflicted by you during our wait here, you must give your choice immediately and thereby the orders will be enacted immediately and without interference. Your authority to debate my options is negated in the presence of a higher authority, namely the King of the South.”
“I refuse your demands and do not recognize your authority. Thus, in response I order you to death, King of the South. General, arrest this man, summon a detail and behead him upon this hall immediately!” The Lord of Droga screamed. As his wife reached for him, pleading for him to stop, in which he answered by shoving her away.
Immediately Narvakhan snatched the man out of his chair by his throat and lifted him to his feet. Cutting off his air so as he could no longer speak, the King turned to the General Droga gave the order to and issued his warrant.
“General, by your Lords own mouth he addressed me and acknowledge that I am the King of the South. The fact he does not believe in that crown does not change the fact you are a citizen of the Southern Lands and prior to his rise of Lord, an oath was sworn to my father and his royal lineage.”
Instantly the general dropped to his knee, followed by the other soldiers, saluting the King as Nohric had shown the herald previously. “I recognize the throne before me and plead the Kings mercy. His act is treason; however I have protected his family these many years. I would act you spare me the duty of his execution and beg your mercy to his family.”
“Mercy was always to be afforded his family. As for his execution, I would not ask this of you. It is my duty to uphold.” Letting the Lord of Droga go from his grasp, Narvakhan held his hand out, waiting for a sword. As the Lord of Droga crumbled to the ground choking and gasping for air, Nohric handed his sword over to Narvakhan who then pointed it at the now cowering lord.
“Lady of Droga, I would spare you and your court witness of this death should you wish it so. None shall bar your path should you wish to leave this hall. I ask only understanding for the unforgivable act I am duty bound to execute this day.”
Shaking her head as she fell to her knees, the Lady of Droga heaved with heavy sobs. Everyone else refused to move. Nohric, Ovijah, Khelidra and every guard stayed at knelt salute, unmoving.
“Lord of Droga, for the acts previously stated you are hereby found to have committed treason to the Southern Realms and directly to the King of the South, through two generations. As you were given choice as to punishment, you have opted to stand defiant against the throne, yet have acknowledged the throne. To stand witness your General, officially appointed by you, has acknowledged and agreed to the charge of treason against you. Your house name is to be stripped. Yet your lands will not be turned over to the Crown, but rather to your surviving wife as general steward to her kin. All rights and titles are now hers to discern as she sees fit. However, to ensure another member of your direct blood shall not attempt to influence, overthrow or belittle her appointment, a company from the royal soldiers shall re-garrison this fortress. Your banner is hereby to be recognized as the banner of a traitor and outcast to fly no longer among the southern realm. I hence command your spirit to the shadows.”
As a silence fell, by his own hands, Narvakhan, King of the South executed his royal duty and ran the Lord of Droga threw, allowing his life to spill upon the hall floor. As the Lords body fell, his court and visitors to the hall knelt in salute to the King of the South.
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