Hail to the King (Act IV)

The transportation for the great heroes who saved Faquorian from Lord Diamant was even better than you had imagined. You knew Yokono was the land of the Horse Lords; with some of the most celebrated cavalry forces in all of T'sara, and a well connected system of roads to allow comparatively quick travel between the many cities provinces. You did not expect the 'coursers' the governor had spoken of were in fact the royal breed of horses known colloquially as the Sunchasers; possessing a gift of speed derived from an ancestry known only by the crown. You had heard of these fabled steeds, but their presence was something else. They were able to sustain a pace for hours that race horses could only keep for a few minutes, allowing you and your friends, as well as your armed escorts to arrive in the capital of Yokono in before dinner, when it otherwise would have taken days.

There was something immediately comforting about returning to the capital of a proper kingdom, even if one not your own. There was structure, stability, comfort, culture here that wasn't present in remote villages or on the road. Lunapista was an old city, even older than Averphlos, and the late King had ruled Yokono into prosperity. Your father had much to say about them, holding lingering resentment from his father and grandfather before him of the Orc land from Stoneheart that they invaded and claimed as their own. You know how you are supposed to feel, but you do not see a reason to resent the living in this city for what was done in the past. That hatred is buried with the dead, as far as you can tell. As you turned a corner, there stood a motley crew of handsome gentleman outside a shop of some kind; a Human, Orc, Dwarf, and even Drow, having innocent conversation. The two groups noticed each other, as the stout dwarf blew a kiss in the direction of your convoy.

"Fuck" Joan let out as they were out of earshot "A girl could get into a lot of trouble in a place like this"

"Joan" Trevolia turned back to face her "You get into trouble everywhere"

There was a small giggle among the group, and even Joan cracked a smile.

"Last I checked, Your Highness, all of the trouble I've gotten into lately has been to get you OUT of it."

"Either way" Lita chimed in "Now that everyone thinks we're big damn heroes, that'll have to stop."

"Killjoy" Joan playfully jabbed back "besides, you're just as bad as any of us. Don't deny it."

"Let's not get the scorecards out" You bring up as you try to wrap the conversation up, having seen wayward eyes from the guards in front of you

"Of course you'd say that" Clodagh chimed in "You're the worst one here. How many more girlfriends do you think you'll find this time?"

You blushed slightly as the giggles of the women surround you. "With luck, none. I'm going to be on my best behavior from here on out"

"That's what you said in Drez" Clodagh jabbed in "Not that I ever complained."

"I mean it" Your tone went slightly stern "I'm not going to do anything to fuck this up. If this goes well, Trevolia and I can stop running and hiding."

The conversation died down as the five of you were lead into the grounds of the royal palace. Built on a slight hill, it allowed for a great view of the city and kingdom below. With immaculate gardens and wide open space, it allowed plenty of room for the nobility, and their cherished horses alike, to roam freely and safely. As the convoy was brought to a stop, there was a small entourage waiting for you. No sooner had you put your feet on the ground, did one of them step forward. A venerable man in dark purple robes and gold jewelry.

"Greetings from Lunapista. This is a most welcome but unexpected surprise. To what does the Supreme Lord owe your presence?"

One of the guards handed a small scroll to the old man and whispered into his ear. His eyes went wide in surprise as he read the mysterious words. Without word to any of you, he turned in and spoke with the group in hushed tones.

"This doesn't look good" Joan whispered.

"It won't be good if you start getting jumpy" Trevolia warned "Relax."

The group broke up, and a new face appeared. The youngest of the lot by far, he could only be the King that the Governor of Faquorian had mentioned.

"My apologies, my dear friends" He said with a warm smile and a gentle face. "I am Lien Jian, the humble King of Yokono. Forgive me my coterie. My advisors and adjutants follow like a shadow as I try to pick up the good work my father started."

"It's quite alright, your Highness" Trevolia said with a courtsie "We're familiar with the goings on of a royal Court. Well, some of us, at least."

"Is that so?" His smile grew dramatically "Not just intrepid heroes in my midst, but noble heroes as well?" He chuckled "if such a thing were true, I might have run off on an adventure myself as a child."

There was a nervous chuckle among you and her. You step forward, speaking loudly and clearly for all "My lord, may I present Trevolia Kliat, Princess of Shoza. Circumstances in our home have turned tire, and we respectfully request asylum in your lands."

You see nervous glances among his advisors. Lien seemed immune to such danger, for better or worse. His eyes were fixated on Trevolia.

"Princess, of course" He gave a deep, prolonged bow "My apologies that I had no recognized you in such paltry clothing, and such curious company. I recall many a pleasant visit to your Kingdom accompanying my father as a child."

"Than you no doubt recall my friend" She gestures to you "Sir Silve Grundak. Personal musician to the royal family, and my best friend, for as long as I can remember."

"Ahh, yes" Lien's eyes narrowed slightly, as he surmised you top to bottom "I could scarcely forget such a novelty as you. I'm afraid I have poor news of your home. The Baron of Skald has declared war, and his allies have joined him."

Trevolia gasped at the thought, and all eyes turned to her in sympathy.

"Your family is safe, last I heard, but the borders have descended into the hells. Stoneheart has become unfortunate collateral damage, standing between them and Shoza. Be that as it may, I cannot in good conscience send you back home. Your family line must be protected."

The young king stepped forward, looking deeply at Trevolia, and raised her hand to kiss it "I will do all that I can to ensure that you are safe. Come, let's go inside. There is much to discuss."

As you are all lead into the palace, Joan stepped close to you to whisper.

"Something doesn't smell right about this."

"Joan, give it a rest" You replied angrily

"Surely you can't be so blind that you didn't see what I did? Mark my words Silve, the King is trying to make a move on the Princess."