Kingsley Family/Alyssa/The Price of Revenge
Kingsley
The Queen sat at a small table upon one of Riverwatch castle's balconies with a cup of warm tea and a little pot next to it. The castle, sitting right on the river, looked over the water and the land to the North. She had often taken to this spot to reflect, watching the land beyond hoping it would tell her what she could do to find peace. The other bank itself was little different than the one the castle was built into on this side of the great river. Its trees matched those that grew on this side. Its hills rolled gently over the land, just like those on this side. How then could such differences take root. Alyssa knew the answer, but it was not one that answered the real question eating at her. She fiddled idly with the collar of her shirt, her gaze still cast over the river for answer that had yet to come.
"Your Majesty." Her aide, Thea called gently to her from the study.
Alyssa turned to the study to see her.
"Thea." Alyssa acknowledged, her attention snapped back and focused on the person in front of her.
"The knight you wished to see has arrived in Bescanon."
Alyssa nodded once. "Please send him to me."
"It shall be as you say, Your Majesty."
"And please fetch that letter as well, the one I mentioned previously."
"It shall be as you say, Your Majesty."
"Thank you Thea. Did you wish to come see the hills later with with the knights?"
"I'm sorry Your Majesty." Thea replied fidgeting a little. "The boy is a bit sick, the doctor said he'll recover in a few days but I should be with him."
"Indeed you should." The Queen replied sagely. She waved her hand idly. "Once you've brought me my knight, please go see to your son. I will manage without you for today."
"It shall be as you say, Your Majesty." Thea said and departed.
Alyssa looked back out over the balcony across the river. She fiddled idly with the collar of her shirt.
Dixon
Sean rode into the city of Bescanon, alone, as he had taken up the order of Priest of the Aspect of the Flame, and had sent his men off to guard the city of Perdan. As he arrived, he made his way to the Riverwatch Castle the Queen had instructed him to be at.
It had been a long ride from the Altar of Flames to Bescanon, and he was glad that he had the opportunity to freshen himself quickly the night before at his estate in Perdan, before coming the last leg to Bescanon.
Sean arrived at the castle, and announced his presence to the Queen’s Guards there. He was ushered upstairs, past many guards, and finally through a set of full length doors leading out to a balcony, where the Queen sat, back facing him.
In front of them lay a beautiful scene of the river Bescanon, and the rolling fields and plains of the land here and across to Troyes. An aide announced his presence quietly to the Queen, and Sean bowed deeply before the Queen.
”Your Highness, Queen Kingsley, I am Sir Sean Dixon, presenting myself your humble servant, at your request.”
The aide showed Sean to a seat at the table, and left.
Kingsley
The Queen's arm twitched slightly as the door opened, but she did not look up as the knight was announced and took his seat at the table across from her. The sound of the water was serene and gentle, the lazy river flowing idyllically down out of sight. To hold that moment in her mind. For one moment of peace in the storm of war and duty to last just a little bit longer.
She gave a small sigh and took a sip of tea, looking over at the knight across from her. She had seen many young knights rise in Perdan. She had seen some of them die on the fields of battle. This one came from Eponllyn and had seemed full of resolve in his letters. But such confidence she knew could often lead to danger. Are you truly dangerous, Sir? She asked as sharp blue eyes met his, scanning his intentions. We will see who you are.
"Would you like tea, Sir Sean?" She asked. She didn't wait for an answer before pouring him a cup from the simple teapot on the tray between them. The cup sat within his reach; she set the teapot back down on the tray.
Her voice was stern, but gentle, and she regarded him with consideration and curiousity. "Do you know already why I have asked you here, Sir?"
Dixon
Sir Sean sat down, and said, "Yes, please. Thank you." He looked surprised that the aide had left, and the Queen was pouring the tea herself. Shouldn't these tasks be more befitting a commoner?
Sir Sean doesn't touch his tea, but his gaze is met by the piercing blue eyes of the Queen. He was slightly flustered, as she asked, "Do you know already why I have asked you here, Sir?"
Sir Sean answered, "No, I do not, Your Highness."
He felt concerned, and also a little anxious and awed to be so close to Royalty. He was but a boy of eighteen, and never come so close to Royalty. Never in Eponllyn - and now he sat an arm's length away from the Queen. He thought he could now boast he had had a private meeting and tea with the Queen herself.
Sean felt a knot in his stomach as he gazed upon the land of Bescanon - the bridge to Troyes - reminiscent of so many battles over the past few weeks and months.
Kingsley
Alyssa could see the young knight seemed a little on edge, his eyes casting out across the river, hers remained focused entirely upon him. And he did not move for his tea. It would probably help with the nerves. The Queen thought idly.
"No, I do not, Your Highness."
Is Lorelai referred to as Your Highness? The thought passed in a moment and she set her teacup down on the table.
I asked you to come here because I wanted to show you something, two things, actually. The first..." She trailed off as she stood up and purposefully walked a few paces back into the room, the scabbard of the sword at her hip sliding for a second against the balcony chair. She picked up a folded piece of parchment from a desk and sitting back down at the table. Gently, she handed the paper to the knight, watching patiently as he read the likely familiar writing.
To all nobles,
Well done Sir Vilhelm on capturing that infiltrator Zelgius Godfrey. I am appalled he would try to sneak into your camp and try to assassinate you.
It is a time of war, and as Priest, I suggest Zelgius should be punished as harshly as possible to beat him with many blows and ask him repent of his sins and evil. If not, then he should be kept alive, but in a state where he could never infiltrate anymore, for example, removal of the use of his fingers or legs. That may be a state worse than death, but it would be a kindness and mercy to one such as him.
Sean Dixon Knight of Perdan Priest of Aspects of the Flame
She gave him a few moments to read it before addressing him again. Her voice was soft and serene, though her eyes held him firm in her icy gaze.
"I would like to ask you, Sir, why you feel this way?"
Dixon
Sean read the letter handed to him, and blood rushed to his face. That name, Zelgius Godfrey, brought anger and rage to him.
Composing himself, Sean answered the Queen.
"My Queen, I must admit that my tone must have seemed rather harsh, but I trust after my explanation, you may understand."
Sean finally took a sip of his tea and gazed off towards Eponllyn for some time before answering.
"Sir Zelgius was my general when I served in Eponllyn's army. I was terribly dissatisfied with his leadership, as he was violent, abusive, and one to harbor grudges."
"Many nobles there protested against him, and he abruptly relinquished his role as General. What happened next, many could not expect. He disbanded his men, and he faded into the shadows, promising that he would bring true horror to any and everyone who he hated."
Sean poured out some more tea, and drank it quickly.
"My Queen, then as you know I joined our noble realm of Perdan. And just 2 weeks ago, I received a letter from Zelgius."
"His message was simple: Sean, I'm coming for you."
Sean paused. He remembered the fear he experienced then.
"And when I heard of Zelgius' presence from my scouts, and then his attempt to kill Sir Villhelm, I knew simply that he wanted to kill me, but could not find me in the heavily guarded city of Perdan. Besides he may not have known I had taken on the Priesthood."
"As such, out of fear for my life, I wrote a letter to all our realm, calling for the swiftest and sternest punishment for Zelgius. I knew he wanted to kill me. And I wanted him to suffer!"
Kingsley
The Queen sighed softly. "Sir," She said stiffly "Please know that you have nothing to fear from any many, for you are a knight of Perdan and are thus under my protection." She delivered the final phrase with a determined, stoic expression. Her eyes focused intently on the young man across from her. "And with my shield comes the shield of every knight, lord, and soldier that stands against wickedness. Words born of fear, your life is in the hands of us all, and in our unity we shall have the strength to overcome any evil."
With a nod, she leaned back in her chair.
"You want him to suffer..." She trailed off, looking back out over the river. "You have not seen suffering Sir Sean Dixon." She turned her gaze back to the young knight across from her. "But if you wish, I will show you."
Alyssa stood up, her hand resting idly in its usual place on the pommel of her sword. She took brisk steps towards the study door and knocked. An armoured knight draped in a white cloak and a broad smile, also bright white opened it.
"Your Majesty!" He said jovially.
"Sir Julian." she acknowledged without affect. "I am ready to visit the Hills, and I have asked Sir Sean," she paused turning to the young knight on the balcony. "to join us."
"Splendid! I shall go retrieve the other new knights at once!"
Alyssa nodded once and the knight dutifully marched off down the corridor. He was replaced by another knight in the doorframe, a tall blonde dame who stood stiffly at attention before the Queen of Perdan. She spared a glanced over to Sir Sean, but said nothing.
The Queen turned her head back once more. "Will you join us, then? The ride is not long."
Dixon
Sir Sean listened attentively as the Queen said emphatically,
”Please know that you have nothing to fear from any many, for you are a knight of Perdan and are thus under my protection."
He was glad and thankful for those words, and had a slight smile of relief. He felt courage and pride as a thought entered his mind - This is a Queen and a Realm I would give my life for.
Sean watched then as the Queen got up and spoke to one Sir Julian, about riding to the Hills. And then the appearance of a tall blonde dame that had a quiet, serious look about her.
“Will you join us?” The Queen asked.
Sean nodded, and said, “Yes my Queen, it would be my honor to do so.” He wondered what suffering the Queen intended to show him. He with quick strides, called his squire to ready his horse.
