Lechin

Delayed somewhat by the ambush, Kael doesn’t arrive in Lechin until the following evening. Thankfully, the rest of the trip is quiet, but they move more slowly out of caution. The words of the so-called “Hestia the Golden” repeat in Kael’s mind, in particular the offhanded remark about Petra’s ‘true name’, whatever that means. For the moment, Kael sets that mystery aside. Plenty of other things far more pressing to worry about. As for Petra herself, she’s quiet, which isn’t unusual, though she stays close to him at all times. She seems to be deep in thought, and Karl doesn’t want to interrupt her reverie.

Their arrival in Lechin is met with fanfare, unsurprisingly. Crowds gather to see the king, most for the first time. Kael is a bit surprised to see a good number of nonhumans in the crowd, cheering even more than the rest. It’s good to see them welcomed, and much like in Foresthearth, many seem to be paired up with others, either holding hands or with arms around waists. Kael waves to the crowd as the carriage passes, though the guards keep the people at a safe distance.

Finally, they reach the capital building. It’s a stark contrast to the palace in Foresthearth, a much more businesslike building, squat and sturdy. If not for the gilding on the door and window frames, it likely wouldn’t stand out much beyond its size. Kael doesn’t spend much attention on the building, however, as when the carriage comes to a halt, a group of well dressed individuals approaches. Kael recognizes Yvette among them, and understands that this must be the council. Yvette is dressed much like she was on their first meeting, in a conservative grey dress with her hair tightly tied back, and the others are dressed similarly.

It’s not Yvette who first approaches Kael, however, but an older man in a fine suit, with stark white hair and a severe face. He wears a heavy silver chain about his neck, likely a badge of office. This must be the head of the council, who Kael knows is named Xavier. He bows deeply to Kael, as does the rest of the council, before speaking.

“Lord Kael, your majesty! Welcome to Lechin. I am Xavier, chief councilman.”

Kael nods, smiling at the man. “Just Kael is fine. A little ceremony goes a long way with me. And I thank you for the welcome, it’s been an interesting journey.”

Xavier smiles, though the expression doesn’t reach his dark brown eyes. “As you say, Lord Kael. We are glad to see you made it safely. Our augury told of a battle?”

Kael waves a hand dismissively. “Bandits. Nothing my guards couldn’t handle. So, what is the trouble that required my presence?”

Xavier shakes his head. “Lord Kael, this can wait. It is late, and I’m sure you could use the rest. Councilwoman Yvette has been gracious enough to offer her home to you and your champion. Will that suffice.”

Kael nods. “Undoubtedly. She is very kind. In the morning then?”

Xavier bows again. “At your word, Lord Kael.”

He steps aside, and Yvette approaches, a warm smile on her face. “Good to see you again, my lord.”

Something about how she says that sends a pleasant shiver through Kael. He smiles in return. “Likewise, lady Yvette. Shall we?”

There’s an amused twinkle in her eye as she nods. “Of course. Your guards can share quarters with my house guard, and…Petra, I believe her name was? She can stay in the room beside yours. If you would follow me, my lord?”

Kael nods, and with Petra at his side, they head down the path towards Yvette’s estate.