ACT OF CHARITY

Conelm walked into the office of his father a little bit less expectant like he usually was.

"I thought that you would not come." King Valga said.

"Why wouldn't I?" Conelm asked.

"Apparently your dearest consort is far more important business than what I have to say." The King replied.

"You always act lime he is your biggest enemy." Conelm said.

"May be I am just a little bit too overprotective over my son's well being." King Valga replied.

"I am old enough to look after myself." Conelm said.

"You always say that." The King said.

"What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" Conelm asked as he sat down in the chair that was opposite his father's.

"I decided to take into consideration what Soren suggested about giving the people the oportunity to get to know their future king better." The King replied.

"Are you alright?" Conelm asked a little bit confused by his father's behaviour.

"Yes, I am." The King replied.

"I have a hard time believing that." Conelm said.

"Why do you say that?" The King asked.

"You aren't the person to actually be supportive of Soren." Conelm replied.

"He is the future Queen and come to think of it, he really has a positive reason for it." The King said.

"Eventually you see that Soren does not mean any harm like you thought he did.

It is unbelievable that you had those assumptions that he was an enemy to the Crown." Conelm said.

"If you are happy with him, I can not say no to it, after all I know you will make a brilliant king in your own way." The King said.

"Thank you." Conelm said suddenly.

"What for?" The King asked.

"For believing in me." Conelm replied.

"Don't thank me." The Kimg said.

"Be grateful that at least you have him for a consort." The King said.

"Alright then." Conelm replied and he bowed down his head.

"So where exactly shall we be going?" Conelm asked.

"I am sending you back to the sea just a little bit in the East." The King replied.

"Colsgrow?" Conelm asked.

"Yes, how did you know?" The King asked.

"I just thought it, given that it is a very vast port in the East." Conelm replied.

"Very strategic." The King said.

"I learnt it from you." Conelm said with a smile.

The old man smiled back at his son.

Eventually, for the first time in a long while, Conelm left his father's study happy.

After a while, the following day, the procession to the Eastern part of the Kingdom began.

Colsgrow was not very far from the capital and it was about a twelve hour ride from the capital itself.

Soren, Conelm and a few servants that included both Helren and Gerald escorted the two.

The ride was long and occassionally, when the procession  passed the near by towns, the masses of the people gathered around it to admire the beautiful couple.

Very many people seemed to have a vast interest in the royal family as it was pretty much evident in their conduct that they accorded them with respect.

At some point, people threw flowers and clothes in the streets and then the carriages and horses that bore the Royals and there guards treaded over.

The very next stop to the far East involved crossing the River of Eyre.

The banks of the river were filled with very many people and it had become practically a highway since there was no bridge.

"Halt the carriages." Soren said to Conelm.

At once the order was passed and the carriages stopped.

"What is the matter?" Conelm asked.

"I am tired of the carriage." Soren said.

"So what do you insist that we do?" Conelm asked.

Soren signalled outside the carriage windoe with his head to the people outside.

There were buildings around the river, merchants and traders along with the common people as well.

"What is with the people?" Conelm asked not grasping the concept that Soren was trying to insinuate.

"The people would love it if their future king walked along with them." Soren replied.

He knocked the door of the carriage and the door was opened.

"If you say so." Conelm said and he led the way out of the coach.

He offered his right hand to Soren who gently took it as he supported his velvet green gown.

At the sight of the royal couple, all the attention seemed to be directed towards the two of them.

Soren led the way eventually to the long train of people who were crossing the river as the eyes of the people followed him.

Conelm who followed closely behind was surprised at how every one seemed to be happy to receive Soren.

He had stopped by a mother who was with her twin daughters and the woman had curtsied at his sight.

"Rise." Soren gently said.

"Walk with me." He added.

"I am a lowly woman, if his highness does in deed desire my company then I won't take that for granted." The wan said.

Soren caught one of the daughters and supporting his gown with his left hand, he started to wade through the waters.

A very vast group of people followed as Conelm carried the other girl on his shoulders and the two walked accompanied by some elderly people.

The Royal carriages and guards all got off their horses and even the servants stepped out and immediately followed their masters.

They dragged their belongings and animals as they moved on foot and eventually, even the traders and merchants started to follow.

The river was about a hundred metres wide and the water was not so fast and turbulent that it made it safe for the people to cross.

Once on the other side, Soren insisted that they stayed a little bit longer.

And as the Scoln tradition had it, the people got excited that eventually they asked to kiss his feet.

"Please bless us your royal highness." The people said.

"I bless but let the gods protect you, do not kiss my feet for today, I shall be like one of you." Soren said.

There was a very loud cheer and applause that rose from the people and made Soren very happy in deed.

He went ahead to have his lunch with the common people under a tree shed eating the same common meal they had.

Eventually the royal convoy had to continue and it proceeded the East in Colsgrow.

"The people seem to really have a soft spot for you." Conelm said as they rode their horses.

"There is nothing that people love more than the transparency of their crown." Soren replied.

"You are a person that loves to do good." Conelm said.

"I can't believe that you are just telling me that now." Soren said.

"May be I was reminded." Conelm said.

"I am just grateful that at least your father eventually appreciates it." Soren said.

"Never to him had the crown ever seemed to be a source of charity." Conelm said.

"But at least now we can make it because a true King's joy comes in the joy of his people." Soren replied.

"You make me learn to believe that now." Conelm said.

"I am glad you now do." Soren replied.

After a couple of more hours, it was eventually nearing dusk when the royal convoy arrived in Colsgrow.

The city had a very beautiful view of the sea and it was surrounded and it was full of very tall buildings.

That part of the country was far too developed and it was nearly as vast as the capital.

The royal convoy eventually came to stop at the entrace to the royal residence that stood at one end of the city.

CANDINGHUM PALACE which was a big mansion.

The palace was vast and colourful that Soren couldn't stop gazing at it.

"What do you think?" Conelm ask.

"It is too wonderful." Soren replied.