The boring old fart - Gilbert Tarn

The gilded doors to your chamber parted slightly and the wizened head of Gilbert Tarn popped through the gap. Upon meeting your gaze, his head lowered slightly in reverence. “A moment, if you would, my liege,” he said.

You sigh and gestured for him to enter.

Gilbert slipped into your chambers and quietly shut the doors behind him. He then shuffled up to you as you pulled on your robe.

“I suppose you’re here to lecture me about the iniquities of rising past noon?” You said, turning to face the regent.

Gilbert cleared his throat and bowed. “We are long past the point where I am able to chastise you on anything, your majesty,” he said, “As of yesterday, you are no longer my ward. You have become my Lord.”

You squint at the old man, trying to decipher if his words were sincere, but ultimately you decided you couldn’t care less.

“Excellent!” You say. “Join me for breakfast then, old man, for I have many ideas I would like see…”

“Ahhh, if I may, my liege,” Gilbert interjected, “I’m afraid we have more pressing matters at the present.”

“What, pray tell, is more pressing than your king’s empty stomach?”

“Y-you’ve been summoned, my liege,” Gilbert said.

“Summoned? SUMMONED!!?” You roared, “Who would dare… oh…”

You paused in mid sentence and gave Gilbert a knowing look.

Gilbert nodded.

“Now of all times?” You said, “How long has it been since…”

“I believe it has been 2 full years since you last saw…” Gilbert took a deep breath “…them,” he finished.

“Them…” You muttered. “Of course… this is just like… them.”

You sighed and raked your fingers through your luxurious gold mane.

“Breakfast be damn then. Prepare the chariot. Let us go meet…” your voice trailed off as you turned and stomped out to your chamber’s balcony, “THEMMMM!” You bellowed at the scenic panorama of your kingdom below. “THE TRUE RULERS OF ITHERIA!!!”