"A Knight's Journey: Chapter 1"

#continuation #NoOneTrulyKnows #slowpaced #imgonnatryandmakeitweekly #butwhoknows #nobeta #hecksgonnabeamess #originalcharacters

The horse made its way slowly into the kingdom, as if announcing the presence of its rider to the townsfolk that were going about their usual routine. The rider kept trudging on until they were met with the road leading up towards the castle, a warm beacon of power and kindness towards the people there. Years ago it was seen as one of fear and respect instead.

“Times have changed hasn’t it, Nico.”

The rider was met with slight opposition as they neared the entrance of the castle. Two guards blocked their path, spear in hand crossing them together as a sign to halt their movements. The horse blew a puff of air from their flaring nostril, clearly displeased with the show of slight hostility. The rider patted the side of their neck softly, easing their worries.

One of the guards spoke with a low booming voice. “Halt, the king has requested to not let anyone in for the day. State your business, traveler.”

The traveler sighed and unmounted their horse. They brushed themselves off, trying to look more presentable than just a disheveled and weary traveler. With a hoarse voice, dry from the long ride they had ventured through and the effects of the scorching sun above them, they replied.

“Familial.”

~~***~~

“So you see, Your Majesty, The people of Delphine have asked for assistance in establishing a trade route. Their harvest for our military services as they are heavily unguarded. And if anything were to happened, Gods forbid, another war, the kingdom would fall apart once more.”

Loraine, spoke clearly, as is her daily task to clarify on the proceedings of all that goes about in and outside of the kingdom. Being the Royal Advisor was hard work but rewarding nonetheless.

“Yes, and their current situation is quite fragile, ask for an envoy from their part and we’ll discuss this matter with the council in another meeting. As for safety, deploy a few of our men to help with security of their land.”

“You’re decision is most sought aft-“

Before she could finish, the doors to the main hall swung wide open, revealing a panting guard, one of the men guarding the outside entrance of the castle. He tried catching his breath as Loraine approached him.

“Maurice! Is everything alright? Did something happened outside the castle walls?”

“N-No, t-there’s a traveler.”

The King stood up from his throne, curiosity evident in his hazel brown eyes, approached the panting man, he placed a gentle hand on the armor clad soldier’s shoulder.

“Take a deep breath Maurice, and tell us what’s happening.”

He did just so, a few deep breaths later and the older gentleman placed a clenched fist to his chest, standing to attention.

“Your Majesty, my deepest apologies for interrupting your daily tasks, but there is a traveler who wishes to speak to you.”

Loraine sighed as she spoke, “You were given orders not to let anyone in for today, Maurice.”

“Yes forgive me, Your Eminence. But the one outside, she told me that she was-“

The King’s eyes shined, understanding why the man was so hell bent on dashing through the castle to come and see him for the news of just one lonely traveler. Before Maurice could even finish his sentence, the King suddenly held the man’s arm and shook it with desperation.

“Where is she now? Please tell me!”

Shaken by the king’s sudden outburst, Maurice sputtered, “the stables sire. She came with her h-“

Loraine and Maurice could only look on, eyes wide as their King bolted out the door, making his way towards the castle’s stables.

~~***~~

He was running faster than his legs could carry him towards the stables. Through halls, pass castle workers, out the back entrance of the castle and finally to the place he had wanted to be. There were some soldiers and workers around the stable, all going about their day, some greeted the king fondly as he passed them, smiling and waving, shaking their hands from time to time, but eyes darted here and there as he tried finding this wandering traveler who he hoped so much to be the person he’s longed to see all these years.

When he caught sight of the back of a cloaked figure, shoulders broad and cape dusty from travel, his mind wandered to happier times where he would sit on those shoulders as he was hoisted high up in the sky, but not so much as the lifter was not as tall as they were now. Of the last time he had saw her, back turned towards Nicolai as she left the castle, never being seen again, until today.

His steps were slow and careful, afraid that any sudden movement from him would cause the person to leave him again. When he was close enough, he couldn’t help his voice from softly calling out to her.

“Nana?”

The cloaked figure, stiffened at the voice but quickly sighed and chuckled. She took off the hood of her cloak and turned towards the king. “You scared me, Nico. Not an easy thing to do, mind y-“

Before she could finish, Nicolai had come barreling towards her, embracing her in a bone crushing hug. “Katrina! Nana it’s you! It really is you!” Nicolai cried out, tears streaming down his face.

Nicolai eased up from the hug enough so that he could look up at the taller individual. He place a gentle hand on Katrina’s face, thumb softly stroking the high cheekbones that showed prominently on her features and evidence to her malnourishment.

His eyes showed a lot of sadness but relief too as Katrina gazed into them. “It’s been so long little brother.” She wiped the stray tears away from his round cheeks.

“Too long, sister. Too fucking long.”

Katrina guffawed, clearly amused by her little brother’s vulgarness. Before she could continue she heard the shouts of another person, calling out to the king.

“Y-your Majesty, what happened? Did you find the traveler?”

It took her a while to recognize Katrina, but the wide smile, strong nose and glimmering brown eyes told Loraine all she needed. “Gods, it’s really you, Katrina.” Her voice wavered as tears streamed from her navy blue eyes. Katrina softly detached herself from Nicolai and made her way to Loraine, hugging her too as she patted her back softly.

“Loraine! Look at you! You were just a tiny spit fire when I last saw you. Just as tearful though.”

“Quiet you!” She said in jest, slapping Katrina’s arm as she let go of the hug.

Nicolai approached the two, chuckling at the display, heart warm from the reunion. It’s been years since he’s seen his sister. The warmth was cut short when he was reminded of what she had been doing. The war with Matheus. He got word that she was poisoned and wounded even sent one of their best healers praying that it would be enough. He tentatively place a hand on her shoulder before he spoke.

“Katrina, weren’t you wounded, did you make the journey to the kingdom alone? What if anything happened to you?”

She chuckled, “ah, it hasn’t been a few moments since I’ve arrived and you’re already worried about me. I’m truly blessed to have you, Nicolai.”

The king frowned, clearly not pleased with the answer. “Katrina, please, let’s bring you in and let you get some rest, yeah?”

“Oh! I’ll tell the workers to prepare your room for you. And some medicine, and we have to run a bath and,” Loraine kept mumbling to herself as she made her way back into the palace, listing down all the things necessary to make Katrina’s stay there comfortable.

“And there she goes, mind always a thousand gears working at top speed.” Another hearty chuckle leaving her.

“It’s been a while but some things never change I guess.” Nicolai patted her shoulder as he huffed out a laugh. “Come with me, we’ll go to my study. We have a lot of catching up to do.”

“Before that, brother. May I ask a favor from you.” She stopped Nicolai from his tracks as she spoke.

“Anything, Katrina.”

“May I see them?”