Monarch of the Wilderness

[ Dear Readers, my way of writing is a little different as I try to use the perspective of an individual sometimes, but that is so cause I want others to understand what the characters are thinking, also its not always like that so it won't be a big problem. You will enjoy it, also there are bound to be multiple MC's and FMC's at least that's what I have thought of till now, but who knows the future. Happy Reading]

The growls were dense. The hostility could easily be felt for afar, a two-meter reddish-brown lion, a well-evolved creature who could shake the entire zone with his boisterous outcry, teeth and jaw which could easily tear living creatures and break-down bones without any efforts, was whimpering and running-flaccidly like a terrified feline.

The face had a deep-scratched wound from a sharp fang and the legs and neck had bite marks, the sun had set and dusk has caused shadows to obscure the woods. The howls kept getting aggressive and clamorous. It continued moving closer and closer like a tempest wave, abruptly a wolf lunged towards the lion with an incredible speed, though the lion was able to avoid the impact and throw the wolf, but the fang still lacerated and gashed the skin which caused heavy bleeding; thus, the lion excessively became unable to use both of his hindlimbs. The neck had a deep chomp wound and the blood was spurting out, as he ran it went inside one of his eyes, which also caused his vision to blur, such a pathetic condition for the one known as the ruler of wilderness.

The wolves in great numbers surrounded the injured lion and were staring at him not as a king but rather as prey, one could quite clearly glimpse malevolence in their eyes. In such an overwhelming situation where anything else would have completely acquiesced, the lion all the while was still roaring, though it was not as majestic and ground-breaking as it used to be, it might have been the pride of the monarch but the agony was still visible, just as he peered down and coughed, the pack of wolves seized at him like a Ravenous beast, I could feel the torment of flesh being torn apart and insides being ravaged, my voice… I wasn't able to speak, the entire vision turned black and that woke me up.

"uhhhhh—hh" I took a deep breath. My eyes were itchy and both legs and arms were numb. I was perspiring heavily.

" Just how many times has it been already!"

A jungle is not a friend and nor it's a foe, it's an impartial merciless land, for strong it's a paradise and for weak, it's no less than a netherworld, but that doesn't mean that both cannot coexist. Remember this my youngest, you can break one stick with ease but you can never break ten of them together all alone, it's an inevitable law that the weak will band together to go up against the strong even if they have an exceptionally remote possibility of triumph. That's why even strong shall always take each and every step as cautiously as a week and should never run with the greed because greed- it's a natural nemesis of the strong, one day or another that covetousness will make you go numb and hollow from inside, and when that happens you will be able to smell demise in air.

Those were the last words my father said to me. I don't know why it suddenly came to me, maybe it's because of the dream. This feeling's getting real with each dream, it's as if the blood is still gushing out.

Adarard rubbed his hands and placed them on his face, after a while he stood up and washed his eyes with water from the wooden tub, and caught sight of his dull face reflecting inside the water as usual and suddenly saw the very same, fatigued, scrawny and injured face of the lion from the dreams, It was as if the lion was staring at him … no… it was as if he was staring at himself. As he placed my hand to touch the reflection-

"Adarard –?" she called softly.

he promptly stooped and turned back – "good morning!" Adarard spoke in a very serene voice.

"are you alright? You look quite exhausted."

The facade doesn't work well in front of his wife, it's always been like this.

"I am alright, it's just some… work-related." his voice was distant and formal.

He could see Heloise's eyes staring at him, she didn't believe him at all and he could tell the discontent was all over her face but she didn't ask any further and just sighed. he couldn't muster the courage to tell her anything else, just went close to her and kissed her brow.

"how's the situation on the battlefield, is it still as bad as before?"

"Yeah! Nothing has changed." I admitted "he is still hell-bent on fighting that battle, it's like the lives of our knights doesn't matter to him a bit?"

"well… is he not listening to you a little?"

"if he would, we might not be in such a situation –I-I need to leave for the palace early today, let's see what he and council decide!"

for reasons unknown, I was trying to flee from her or maybe not just from her but also from myself. The feeling and the mood I had was not very pleasant from the morning and I thought maybe indulging myself in work might help me get rid of this, gradually I went back to my room.

Adarard Ashter a tall, dark and muscular man, long hair and well maintained and trimmed beard, the shape as well as very neat. He has always been a man of great responsibility, with a mentality of a genuine knight and keeper of the noblesse-oblige, as a powerful and highly respectable noble he has always followed Ancestral ethics and morals.

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As Adarard left for his room, I continued gazing at his back, which was still as wide and burly as it has always been. It still gave the sense of great protection as it used to, just like a Goliath unfathomable wall, but the burden on that wall, I could feel it. I could feel that liability he is carrying, and I could do nothing and that will always remain as my greatest lament, maybe even after my death. I don't want to lose someone again. Is this my fate? The same question I have always asked myself.

'Not able to do something even after knowing everything, it slaughters you from inside and the pain is insufferable. It seems like you have everything, yet at the same time nothing.'

'I don't have much in my life apart from my husband and children. I just want them to remain healthy and live proudly their whole life. Possibly observing them like that is my most prominent desire.'

Heloise was strolling in the hallway. Few servants tried to call her but she didn't react nor did she respond; they likewise didn't call her twice and let her be, Lost in her contemplations, she didn't pay much attention as to where she was going.

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[…M..o..t.her…] voice whispered to me as usual; I don't exactly know what it is? possibly, that's due to my heightened senses so I assume things or maybe it's something else. It's difficult to clarify. I don't rely much on that voice, but sometimes using it to show off might not be a bad idea.

I was practising Swordsmanship as usual with Sister Eleanor, it's more of training for her than for me, but she is quite good at it as well, I too need to put the effort in every one of my attacks nowadays, but just then I heard the voice, I Vigorously attacked her.

*Clank*

It's caused her to lose her hold and the sword tumbled down. Both of us were heavily sweating, I put my sword on my shoulder;

"Good morning mother!"

Luther spoke in a very calm and Respectful manner. He the oldest of his siblings, Clean shaved, tall, cold eyes and with Extremely beautiful facial features, making him one of the most desired heartthrob among the ladies of both noble and commoners birth, while also being an extremely skilful swordsman in the kingdom.

They all used to be Extremely stunned as I was always able to tell who was coming without looking. Now they don't react much maybe because it's every day for them, but it actually feels incredible.

"How do you always know, who it is?" Eleanor asked

"you need to work on your sen-",

she abruptly cut him off "hah- don't give me that shit again, as if anyone can work on their sense when they were ten."

Well, she is not wrong. I started hearing these voices when I was ten. I never told anyone else about it because I was commended as a prodigy with heightened senses, which is a very essential element for a swordsman. I have practised sword for more than 18 years now and these voices have been a great help. But I don't rely on them as much as I used to. This happened when I started scrutinizing its origin.

"y-you all are still here; I came to call you for breakfast!" Heloise spoke while stuttering as she suddenly came back to her senses.

"Yeah, we were just practising and if it was about breakfast you don't have to come all the way yourself, you could have sent a servant," Luther replied

"Ohh- it's alright, I had something to do here - I will leave now, both of you go call Feora and Reynard for the morning meal."

"I was going to my room- I will call Feora on way!" Eleanor replied

"and-- I will wake up Rey, he has been missing his training a lot these days."

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It's not like I hate learning the way of the swords and blades. It's fun- but I feel as if it's not for me. I am not as talented as my father or bother Luther, perhaps I am more like my mother. We both love literature, art and craft. I guess being born in a family of knights has its own disadvantage. Why do they have to make such a rule? it's truly exhausting.

*sigh*

"knock-knock"

As Eleanor pushed the door, she saw that it was bolted from outside. "what the- it's already painful to walk all the way here and now she is missing, - whatever, I am not going to find her, she better come back herself."

Eleanor was lean and had a shapely figure, glossy skin and little slender eyebrows. She was not a very big fan of swords and blades, but she never hated it. It was more of an amusement for her. Being born in a Knights-House it was mandatory for everyone to learn the way of the sword, and she was no exception.

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"can you please forge it like this? It's much easier to use that way."

my build is small and so a long or a medium blade doesn't work for me. Gulf did say a knight should use their brain as much as their body, as using your body might not always give you desirable results, so they ought to consistently think what's more worthwhile for them. That's when I thought that if I can't use a blade properly maybe I should try something else, something small like a dagger, they are little and more convenient.

"Miss! It won't be an issue, but do you have materials for it?" the blacksmith walked towards me while grasping his hammer, acting all cheeky.

"aren't you a blacksmith?" I questioned back "don't you have any?" but for some reason, he started acting strangely.

"he-he-I am sorry for my previous act, I was just trying to -u know-, dear customer we have everything, what type of iron would you like to use?" The blacksmith spoke very politely this time

The very reason smith was acting strange, was due to her purchasing the iron from them. Normally the vast majority of the clients provide them with their own iron, which isn't as productive. In this way, her purchasing the iron made her more valuable.

'father did say that voice plays a significant role in every kind of conversation. I guess, he is right. Just a moment prior, he was acting all haughty and now.'

"what's the best you have?"

"We have Orange-Copper and Infernal-iron with us." He replied with a big grin on his face.

At Ashter's, Blades made of Infernal-Iron are used as practice weapons, and Orange-Copper we will never use such low tier material at all, is this the best he owns? Or perhaps he is still treating me as a kid.

"don't you have any Fate-iron or Orichalcum with you?". I asked in a deadpan voice.

They both are considered as one of the finest types of metals used for forging any kind of weapon. Just as I spoke about them the smith gave a serious look.

"We don't have Orichalcum but we might be able to arrange Fate-Iron, though it will cost you a lot, it's not cheap missy."

"How much will it be?"

Blacksmith crossed both of his hands. "250 Wale, that's the best I can offer, obtaining Fate-Iron is no joke! -so, no bargaining!"

"Alright-alright, I will pay half-now, half after the work is done- here 125 wales, so when do I return?" She handed over the money.

"A-week! come back after a week."

Feora didn't utter a word and just gestured. The streets are bustling, it's simply all-out chaos, she usually runs away every morning to roam here there, observing the common and regular life. All this sound and smell don't bother her as much as they used to. she just wants to observe and learn as much as possible, not just theoretically but practically as well. She thinks that Even if she lives a luxurious life, nothing is perpetual and that's maybe all this day to day common knowledge will help her overcome a great catastrophe.

She has one more reason and that is to go on an Adventure and explore whatever's out there, see the world with her own eyes and make a name for her.

'Well, I should run back now, or I might not ever be able to leave.'

Feora is the third child of the House Ashter, she finds everything amusing, unlike her Half-sister Eleanor, she adores the way of swords and blades. She looks up to Lord father and Half-Big brother and have heard a lot of stories about wars and battles. Almost nothing makes her uncomfortable. A proud child who keeps her composure in every situation, not very befitting of an Eighteen-year-old.

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Luther silently walked into the room, with the whole bucket full of water. He swung and threw all of it on Reynard, who woke up shouting," whoo-hoo.", he then snatched the blanket forcefully.

"This is really the last time; you better start coming for training again!". he said while glowering.

"You—ptoo – don't have to do that you know," Reynard replied blinking, spitting water from his mouth.

"Yeah? If you don't want that, then be ready from tomorrow, you know the place, and mother is calling for breakfast, Lord father will be leaving for palace soon, you better come down!"

"Alright, you go first, I will be there."

'He is really annoying, it was him who did that to my hand just three days ago in the name of training and now he is acting like this, hah! he just made a mess, so much for the obedient son.'

Reynard is very quiet but attentive. He doesn't speak much but still observes things very carefully. With a photogenic memory, he learns faster, though a very calculative boy in terms of physical strength he is nowhere near his other three siblings.

Everyone was waiting at the dining table. Reynard was the last one to arrive. He looked towards lord father and Luther, who were already dressed up and ready to move out;

"Good morning, lord father" he spoke with abated breath

"You are late, try to be on time, how's your hand? is it good now?". Adarard asked, not unkindly.

"Yes, father."

"You need to come to Castle grounds today, follow Luther and be there on time." A sudden silence descended.

"Father, can I join as well?" Feora asked.

"Alright."

He stood up cleaning his hand. Wrapped in his furry leather jacket, he wore a very well-established mantle. Just then a servant came near, carrying a wooden box. Adarard picked up the Brooch inside, it had two swords crossing each other and pinned it at the centre of his chest. The Dual-sword Brooch was a Royal Ornament given by the King to The Chief of his Court-Seats, a highly respectable position second to the king.

As I went outside, the hostler was patting Storm my warhorse, our breath mingled. I mounted storm without delay. The morning though was very clear but the chill in the air indicated the end of summer, an extremly rare sight. It was after three decades that I felt such crispiness, and will be the first that my children will.

Followed by Knights, Adarard Galloped down the trail. Tramps of their horses kicked up showers of dirt as they went.

He reached the palace and immediately rushed inside. Just as he was near the King's Royal-Hall of Council, a man from back placed hands-on Adarard's shoulder, he suddenly turned;

"Oh, my – apologies! if I startled you" the man spoke very frankly. "I actually saw you from back and wanted to greet you, I hope you don't mind."

"How could I Sir Edwind Rosenfield." Though Adarard spoke while smiling, he did that with a chilling look, "how may I help you?".

The man Edwind II Rosenfield was the Vice-Head of the House Rosenfield from Capital Walos, the house is also known as the Poison-Venators, and have been one of the closest allies of Royal House of Gratwolf. Much that the First wife of King, The Queen of Walos is the daughter of House Rosenfield. That is one of the reasons as to why they are highly esteemed, and being Kings relatives does give them Huge precedence.

"If you remember Lord Ashter, I too am part of the Advisory body." He replied in a very calm and authoritative voice. "I just thought maybe we can enter together."

"How can I refuse – after you Sir Edwind!". With a fretful look. He replied with one hand at his back, while the other showing the way front. Edwind smiled and entered the Hall, followed by Adarard.

Inside the Royal-hall on the council, Square-table convened the other Court-Seats. On Right, The Head of House Augusvow, House Glianthowl and House Cliffnight, on left, the Vice-commander of Royal-Militia, The Royal-Advisor of the King and Old man form the Royal-wizard Tower.

Noticing Edwind and Adarard entering together, silence took over the hall. The men looked at the pair uneasily, and no one spoke at all. It was like sighting two bloodthirsty enemies walking side by side.

Adarard sat on his seat, peeled off his gloves and placed them on the table. The silence was nerve-wracking. The Royal Advisor of the King Eard Jeris spoke while smiling and a single clap, "I welcome you again my Lords, His Majesty the King will be arriving shortly." the voice broke the sorcery.

Eard is a little round face man with light freckles, with a very distracting mole near his nose, clean-shaved and square jaw, is in his sixties and has been the Oldest retainer and an advisor to the King. He knows how to handle situations and overcome them and had even advised on several warfare's. without a doubt, He is a man of great importance for the country.

"it's been a long time Lord Derran Glianthowl, you look healthy as ever," Edwind spoke, smiling.

"You too my lord, but you have gotten a little skinny, maybe food is not very good at the Front," Derran replied back with a smile.

"Oh- no, the food and Conditions both are as great as they always have been, it's just my appetite is small, unlike someone who doesn't know when to stop." Edwind's smile had malice

"I think, you are doing fine Lord Glianthowl." Spoke Wilfred Augesvow as he tossed an apple to him. "A man should eat and grow, or else they will just sit and whine all day in front of soldiers."

House Glianthowl's and Augusvow's have been the supporters of Ashter's at ceasing the conflicts the crown has been waging on. They all accept that it's a waste of resources and men. By doing so they are courting their own downfall, even if they win that is given that they will. It will be at the cost of irreplaceable bone and blood.

Edwind frowned. while grinning, Wilfred picked up an apple and took a chomp. In the middle of the entirety, the Old-wizard Valdor Edephiar sat back and was enjoying the show, Despite being one of the seat holders at the Eight Royal Court-seats. He rarely attends any of the gatherings. He already has the pardon from the king, as a man who can wield Great magic. The royals place him in high regard.

"Fools" Valdor muttered, low enough so that others don't hear. Vice-Commander Thard sitting closest heard valdor and chuckled.

The whole time, Adarard too quietly sat there, both his eye closed, and crossed arms. As a man of calm personality, he never partakes in any quarrels, especially where words don't weigh and outcomes don't matter.

"Well, the room sure is lively." The deep voice took over the hall, a tall man of round-healthy face, black-haired and green eyes, heavy-beard covering all of frontal-neck, Classical clothing befitting the very word king of walos. Standing at the very entry of the hall.

As he entered, even though his build was huge but his walking was still as springy as ever. Everyone inside the hall stood up while Eard came forward and Bent.

"We Greet the noble honour of the Empire, Lord William Almericus Gratwolf, Monarch of the lakes – One True Sovereign of the Walos and Father of the domain and new age." Everyone in the room bowed and saluted.

William took off his leather and sword and handed them to Royal Advisor Eard jeris. He too sat while picking up an apple from the Fruit-Basket, while Wilfred gave a look to Edwin and smirked.