Erhardt the Brave
#1 of Kingdoms
Eight of the Nine rulers of the nine kingdoms had gathered in the Grand Hall in the capital kingdom of Wendlow. Even though each kingdom was independent, Wendlow is considered the founder of law and order, and even the one that led to victory against the invaders from the ocean with the legendary Wendlow over a millennium ago. Tradition dictates all gatherings of leaders would meet and discuss business in the Grand Hall due to the kingdom's strength and neutral behavior.
Most of the other eight kingdoms were in conflict with each other, or even suffered from internal conflicts. The decision to gather was called by two kings, one of the neighboring kingdom, and one from a kingdom far away by the ocean. The continent was in an almost "U" shape, with Wendlow being the largest up against the massive mountains at the bottom of the "U" and the others in almost perfect symmetry, side-by-side, along the length up to the coast, "When is he going to be here? I am very unimpressed by the behavior of your king." The king from the coast, Lyam, was a very rotund and filthy man. He always had dirt and oil on his face, even though he rarely spent time near dirt.
The king from the neighboring kingdom was in much better shape, but wasn't known for his kindness, "I agree. Remind me again why he was accepted to be king?"
The massive oak doors to the stone room opened and first stepped in the king's four guards, all female, in thin steel armor with swords on their belts. Behind them was the young king, recently raised to the position after the untimely death of his father. Despite his young age of 20, the weariness of ruling a kingdom was clearly visible on his exhausted face, "I could hear complaining from outside of the castle." He was escorted to his chair at the round table, "Now, the first to discuss is Lyam."
"Ha, says the man half my age. I will once again state that my kingdom is far superior. Your youth and inexperience are hardly worthy... uh... why are you wearing your sword?"
The young king looked up from a scratch on the table, "It is my birthright and badge of office." The sword was in fact wielded by Wendlow in his time as leader of the free, "Wendlow himself used this mighty blade to fend off the attackers from the mystery lands. In the final push against the enemies, he killed over 1,000 by himself, and it is because of him that we now have the right to be free today. His blood runs through my veins, I have taken the same oaths, I have proved my worth to the people and to the soldiers of this land. A poor excuse for a leader like you has no right to even suggest that he be the leader of our lands. Now sit and be silent!"
Lyam looked away as the other rulers giggled amongst themselves, "Well, now that his issue is settled, I have a more private matter at hand. Our nations are close, so I will renew my statement to open free trading and a unification of our governments. Our land is the top producer of wheat, and my experience in legal matters will be an asset."
At this point, three of the other rulers said their goodbyes and made their way home. They had heard this suggestion since before the current king of Wendlow's father died, "Once again, I have no reason to-"
"You are still single, and a king without a queen is but a man with a title. I will gladly offer my daughter to you." The young king stood up and left the Grand Hall, "That was an odd action."
An older man, ruler of a quiet kingdom, also a friend to the young king's father, spoke up, "You know little of this great nation, you have offended him deeply. Pray that he returns with his sword still in its sheath."
The young king shut the doors and took a breath, "And who are you?"
It was a young woman in a long dress, "I am the... daughter... my father spoke of."
"I have no intention of marrying you, nor making you my bond-mate. To even suggest that he would give away his daughter for power should be a crime."
"You are honorable. My mother tells stories about your bloodline. May I tell you a secret and ask for something?" The young king nodded, "My mother has gathered the nobles support. My father will be overthrown by week's end. I will not ask you to assist, nor will I ask for a sharing of your power. All I ask is that, when successful, you will offer knowledge to help our land become as great as yours."
The young king thought for a moment, "Very well. I heard nothing of your plans, but good knowledge is something that should be shared and not hoarded." He re-entered the Great Hall, "I refuse your offer. We are done here." His personal guard loosely surrounded him and matched his every movement as he left.
The weary king sat in isolation, save for his personal guard, in his study. They sat on their own seats, "My king, are you alright? If I may be so bold, you seem much more tired than usual." One of the feline guards made the comment, but it was agreed upon by all four before it was said.
He sat and stared through the stained glass window, "You may call my by my name, we are comrades in arms." He took a breath, "I have taken the oath, I will lead until it is time to pass on the legacy. My complaint is that the other rulers have become greedy since my father died two years ago. The constant assault on my skills is depressing, and you can only ignore so much. My people smile and live happy lives, that is more than enough for me."
One of his human guards smiled, "And that is what makes you a great man." Each king of Wendlow was to choose four personal guards, all female. They were to be female because of tradition. Wendlow himself, when declared king of the free, stated that men were offensive by nature, but women were defensive by nature. He would willingly fight with both at his side, but the personal guard was to be made of women, hand chosen by the current king, "A king is but a title held by those who have earned it, but you are worthy of greatness, beyond the title of king."
"All of you are too kind, but I appreciate it. I live for my people, and would gladly fight to the death for all of them, even you." He chuckled, "You swore to die for me, yet I would also die for you. If we ever encounter such a situation, I believe it would be a battle to die first. Neither of us would fall though, your individual skills are as good as mine in a fair fight."
"Ah, I had almost forgot Erhardt. Your sister sends a message, she will be spending time with her bond-mate over the next week."
He nodded, "Alright. Let them enjoy each other. I have no quarrels with that."
His other feline guard spoke, "Erhardt. There are many women who offer themselves to you. You are still young, but it is something to consider."
"I know, but I will find my mate when I am ready. For now, this entire world is in chaos, and all of the complaints come to me. Nobody can govern themselves anymore. I know of at least ten internal wars, and several plots against the current kings and queens. I have no desire to rule over any more land, but I have no doubt we will be dragged into their problems."
The next few days were uneventful, but then a messenger opened the door to his study, "My king, we have word that one of the-"
"Was killed? It has been less than a week. I assume that we will be making a visit."
"Uh... yes.. .my king. Shall I prepare travel arrangements?"
Erhardt nodded, "Yes. But make them available during the week." The messenger nodded and shut the study doors, "More assistance. Please be ready yourselves for travel. Our neighboring kingdoms aren't as kind, so if someone is to touch or grab, you have permission to remove the offending hand in any way you see fit."
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By the second day, Erhardt received a letter from the new queen, Mylinea, asking for a consultation. On the third day, he traveled by carriage with his personal guard. They had left early in the morning, so they had arrived in the kingdom by the next day. The houses and buildings were mostly wood and stone, but the roads were dusty and made of dirt. The castle in the distance was where the former king had spent all of his money.
"Hello, I'm afraid that the roads ahead are a bit crowded and messy, so unfortunately you will have to walk." It was one of the castle guards, "I assure you, everything will be taken care of."
His personal guards on the inside were the first to leave, followed by Erhardt, "We have no choice. Walking wouldn't be the end of the world." His guards were armored and equipped with their weapon of choice, "To the castle of decadence." But before that, a woman screamed from behind the carriage. Erhardt walked around to find a man in filthy clothing and a poorly made iron sword harassing a terrified feline, "What is going on here?"
"This don't concern you pretty boy."
Erhardt took a step, then shoved the man to the ground, "Your actions have offended my senses. It does concern me." He stood up and pointed his sword, "Challenging me to a duel are you? I accept." He drew his sword. A wide blade covered in hand-carved designs of twisted vines. The silver and black sheen of the metal reflected the sunlight to the point of magnification, "Whenever you are ready."
The man cowered, "Uh, hey guard, you gonna let this happen?"
The castle guard couldn't help but laugh, "A duel is a duel. I'm not the moron who challenged Erhardt the Brave." The dirty man charged, but a single swipe from Erhardt and it was all over, "I'll get someone to clean up that mess. If you would follow me, the great queen would love to meet you." Erhardt cleaned his blade on a cloth from his pocket, and with his personal guard, followed their escort.
He stared blankly at the castle. Made of pure marble, semi-precious metals and jewels used as borders for the windows and doors, and the highest tower's roof was pure ivory. He followed his escort into the throne room, which was decorated with ancient tapestries, golden fixtures and stands, and a grand painted ceiling that must have taken decades. On the grand throne sat the queen, Mylinea. A more mature woman, yet still youthful, "Ah, my dearest Erhardt. Please, make yourself at home, there is no need to carry weapons."
"I am here to assist in aiding your people, not for friendly chatter. Now, please tell me what you wish to know."
"Ah, all business. I see no problem. I wish to help the people, to make them happy, to keep them safe. Do you have any suggestions?"
Erhardt thought for a few moments, "Support them. If someone wishes to work, give them work. If a home is destroyed, aid them in rebuilding. Walk among your people, let them know you aren't simple a ruler who leaches from them. I would also suggest making your people feel unified. In Wendlow, though rare, if someone is in danger those in the area will come to their defense. We live for each other, not for pure personal gain. Stiffer penalties for crimes would also be of assistance."
"That is quite good for advice, though not the simplest to accomplish. Do you have any suggestions for faster improvement?"
"A people's trust is gained over time. It is not a fast process. Throwing money at them will only suffice for so long, and eventually they will beg for more. Support them and you will gain their respect. That is my only advice."
Mylinea nodded and waved her guards away, "That was quite informative, and I appreciate you visiting in person rather than an impersonal letter. I have no doubt your journey was long, so I have set aside rooms for you and your soldiers. Perhaps we could set aside time to talk in friendly terms?" Erhardt was no stranger to this behavior. From her eyes to her body language, it was an attempt at seduction.
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid my people's interests come first. I wish you the best in running your kingdom." He turned and walked out of the room, much to the surprise and shock of Mylinea. Still, there was nothing she could do to stop him.
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At the far end of the continent, a lone feline began her long march. She wore a skirt which fell to her ankles, yet exposed her right leg, white bandages wrapped around her chest, and bizarre wooden sandals. At her side, she carried a long, thin blade with just a hint of a curve in the metal. She had one goal, and only one goal.
The death of the king of Wendlow.