Age of Heroes (Age of Heroes Chronicles)

Chapter 113: Let a new world be born (1)

Rockstill

King Adrian, The Crowned King of Alan

In His Chamber

Winter had come, and the snow had turned the green forest white.

It was Adrian's least favorite season. He sighed a bit

The wind was cutting through his skin and making him feel highly uncomfortable. He was holding a letter tightly in his hand, deciding whether to accept the letter's proposition.

The wind blew again, and he shivered slightly.

He tucked the letter in his pocket and retreated to his chamber. Inside, the cold was bearable, but even with the fire raging, the cold could still be felt.

Snow has collected themselves around the vicinity of the castle when he went for my walk yesterday.

This year winter might be the coldest he ever experienced

Imagine the troops and soldier who went to the North. How cold it would be for them? How horrendous their experience will be?

Oh, how he loathed the winters that comes

Frosted air force into his lungs. He thinks he is going to catch a cold.

Since little, his body is not that good with the cold. He is not weak, but he is not that strong either, which is why when he went out the castle his Knights would accompany him.

Adrian warmed his hands over the open fire while he waited for Silas's arrival, his trusted advisor who always seemed to give him wise counsel at the right moment.

Tonight's problem was a personal one.

After discussing about the war with his minister in the morning, here at night he summons Silas to the castle to advise him on a matter he deemed as important.

The war was bearing fruit, and Adrian had already conquered a good percentage of land.

For the past month, the young lord of the Vermont's has sent him the military report with precise details of what happens, when it happened and what they can gain, what they gain, what they lost and expenses.

But the young lord of House Vermont had said in one of his letters to the king that the war had weakened his family's economic hold in the East, and he wondered if Adrian could reinforce their coffers with some gold to tide them over while they regained their strength.

The Court used joint support of gold from both the Crown and the Vermont's. With peace settled in the South, the tax collector can resume their job. It is true what Silas said.

The Vermont's are loyal.

In another one of the young lord's letters, he had praised the king, stating that he was pleased that he had not succumbed to the slander of the Court, and reminded him that the Vermont's had sworn to be his sword and shield.

To be honest, Adrian was still worried about Arial's military endeavors and the strengthening military policy by Lord Arial.

There is also the fact that Arial Vermont possesses the largest retune of personal soldiers in his kingdom

He now commanded an army trained and maintained under one house, loyal only to himself, as the sole authority of that House.

Aries, by now, had given all powers of decision in military matters to his son, who have proved to be very capable of leading men to battle, while he himself and his wife supervised the economic side of the family affairs.

The Vermont have a standing army, ready to be called upon at any time.

If this policy of his work, then Arial of House Vermont wouldn't even have to wait for his banners men to come to him.

Not to mention many unlanded sons, who are Knights, with their young blood, who have nowhere else to release their passion in fighting instead of returning to their family home, join the army of the Dragon, serving the Vermont's for silver and gold.

Though they do have to start from the lowest, it is worth it. With having a pay and their meal taken care of, they readily accept the offer and swear their loyalty to the House.

All this was suspicious, but Adrian decided to have faith. Sometimes a man needs to take that leap of faith.

The attendant opened the chamber door and announced the arrival of Silas.

"Enter Silas," Adrian ordered, gesturing him to come meet him at the fireplace.josei

"Thank you, my liege," Silas said humbly.

Silas joined him at the fireplace. The attendant then closed the door and now silence descended.

The crackling of the fires could be heard clearly.

Silas look at the King. The letter held tightly in Adrian's hands gripped his attention.

"A problem?" Silas asked, clearly seeing that he is troubled with something

"How do you know?" the king answered.

Silas smiled a knowing smile.

he hates it when Silas does that. The fact that he can see through him with one glance, his blue eyes scanning him like all secrets of him is seen through

Silas then spoke with confidence.

"Considering you summoned me with great urgency to come to the castle, undetected, guarded by elite Knights, I doubt it is good news. After all, good news is shared, but bad news is whispered."

Adrian smiled bitterly. Like always Silas is right.

And his words are true. Good news is always shared, but bad news? They are whispered, sometimes not even spoken, fearing the God above misinterprets it a prayer.

Silas knew him too well. "Wise as always, Silas."

Silas chuckled and he look pleased.

"I do try to be, my liege or I doubt I will be in your grace any longer."

"Well, that is true. Here, please read this."

Adrian handed him the letter. The envelope was already opened and he can clearly see the wax seal. A dragon sitting on a mountain.

He looked at me, a glance that seems to say 'the dragon?'

"Lord Arial?" he asked, his voice trailing off.

The king nodded. Silas turned serious, believing that the letter was some secret report. He brought the letter closer to his eyes and read it aloud:

From: Lord Arial, Count of Acro, and Regent of Arrandy

To: King Adrian Alan, the First King of Alan, First of His Name, Protector of the Kingdom of Alan.

My troops have gained victory in Berth and we have executed Lord Wiltshred. We are planning to move to Dented Shield to take the castle under your name. However, I need your permission, my King, for one important charge. If I meet your brother, should I let him live? Or will you exile him? Or again will you let me exact revenge on behalf of those who perished in the Bloody Feast? I await your answer in Berth while my men recuperate and prepare for our attack on the last bastion of the North.

Sincerely,

Your loyal subject,

Lord Arial Vermont.

"So, what do you think?" Adrian asked.

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This is part one fo the chapter. tomorrow the next part of the chapter will be posted