The Dragon Swordmaster - 7

The Small Scroll

Gilian escorted Cynara to a private parlor not far from the banquet hall. The preparations for the evening feast - the clinking of glassware, the clatter of plates hitting the table, and the mumblings of the servants – echoed through the main hall. Inside the parlor, the conversation was of a more serious nature. 

"I heard you say something about a message. Was it for my father or his kingdom?"

Cynara pulled a small scroll from a pocket hidden inside her frock and handed it to Gilian. "Can you read the script of elves?" she asked while still holding on to one end of the scroll. "If not, I can translate it for you."

"I'm well versed in the scripts of many races," he stated, "even the runes of dragons."

Gilian unrolled the scroll. After a brief perusal, he asked, "Where did you get this?"

"Off some elves who sought to prevent my arrival. I fought them to their end on the way here."

"That explains your exhaustion," he tucked the scroll into his vest. "We had been experiencing problems for months now, but we did not know the source."

"The elves are not expecting us to come to your defense. We have been watching them as they made their preparations. If you have no need of our troops, they will be withdrawn."

Inside the banquet hall, King Edgar was busy greeting the late arrivals. At the table, his sons sat by his side while his wife, Queen Annwyl, sat at the opposite end. Cynara sat between Gilian and Lord Black. Nerina sat between Cedric and Sir Linden Arbor.

King Edgar rose. "We are gathered here for a solemn moment. As the law dictates, and before our esteemed representatives, I..."

"I'm afraid we are short of the necessary quorum of kingdoms," Greydawn interrupted. "The Eastern Empire is not to be seen."

"I'm afraid you are mistaken. The Dark Kingdom has sent Lord Black to fulfill the quorum," King Edgar corrected. "Now, as I was saying, I hereby name my elder son, Cedric Gwillam, as my heir and successor. Should we both face an untimely demise, I entrust Gilian to fulfill those duties and obligations." King Edgar raised his goblet of dark ale. After his guests had raised theirs, he toasted, "to the future!"

“To the future,” his guests chorused in reply.