Chapter 9

Gorsep and his entourage went from canter to gallop, the rain was hitting their faces making it difficult to ride. Gorsep's clothes and wet armor became heavy. Fortunately, the gate of the Errid fortress wasn't far away. At the thought of home, he felt a mixture of feelings, joy, pride, and a bit of anxiety in his heart. The last feeling grew stronger the closer he was getting to the gate.

Jaset blew a horn, the gate creaked open slightly, torchlight shone from inside the tunnel. The guards bowed and Gorsep drove inside first. The tunnel through which they rode was once hollowed by a river. The horse's hooves made a hollow rumble as they walked on the stone floor, echoing throughout the tunnel. The news of the prince's arrival spread like wildfire, as the next two bars were open and the guards bowed to greet the prince and his men.

Errid Fortress, his home, was an impregnable fortress. The only entrance to the valley was this tunnel. The fortress located in the valley was surrounded by high mountain peaks on which climbing was a real challenge for mountain chamois, not to mention people. There was a fortified castle in the middle of the valley. It dominated the surrounding houses of the townspeople and merchants. Everything here was made of stone, there was no place for wooden cottages or huts. The houses of the poor miners were located by the mines. The roads leading through Gardinia were wide and paved. There was order everywhere. They even built a waste disposal system to keep the streets clean.

The inhabitants of the city dealt in trade and mining of metals, coal and precious stones. Everywhere there were signboards with information about the goods sold in individual stores on the main street. Gorsep rode the wide road leading to the castle gate. The building made a very harsh impression from the outside. It lacked the lightness of the Palace in Fenigrid, there were no unnecessary decorations here, the fortress was one solid block with thick granite walls dominated by two towers. Despite the favorable location and the natural barrier provided by the surrounding mountains, the owners of the fortress didn't give up the defensive wall. There was only one gate leading to the interior, made of oak wood and thick metal fittings. This gate was being opened right now to welcome the prince. Gorsep took a deep breath and, urging his horse, rode dignifiedly into the courtyard.

There was a lot of hustle and bustle there, and upon the news of the Prince's unexpected return, all courtiers were motivated to greet the war hero as quickly as they could. Standing in a row, they silently bowed to the prince and his entourage. Gorsep drove slowly across the courtyard, enjoying the spectacle. After his father's death he will be the most powerful ruler in Hadgard, and who knows, maybe by then he will rule all of Hadgard?

However, one thing was surprising, Gorsep noticed an unexpected guest. He was disturbed by the sight of his own uncle, Belmor, standing next to his mother on the steps leading to the main entrance.

Gorsep stopped his horse and, descending from his mount, tried to contain his fury at the sight of the unwanted visitor. Belmor's presence was highly disturbing. He still remembered the talks conducted before the declaration of war on Odegon. But there was no time to think, and without a word he handed the reins of his horse to the man standing the closest and walked over to his mother. Kneeling down on his knee, he kissed her hand and Ledwira kissed her son on the forehead. There were tears in her eyes.

"Son, you're back," she said, taking Gorsep's face in her hands, and for a moment she was enjoying the sight of her only child.

"Mother" - Gorsep stood up and gently wiped the tears from Ledwira's cheek with the back of his hand - "Uncle." - the prince gently freed himself from his mother's embrace "I don't hide my surprise at your sight, what brings you to us?

Belmor smiled, he reminded Gorsep of his father. Powerful with a large belly sticking out, black hair slightly thinning at the top of the head. His chubby face was framed by a thick chin and little pig eyes were staring piercingly at him.

"In your absence, I was helping your mother to take care of Gardynia. the words flowed smoothly from his mouth, and yet Gorsep felt a chill running down his spine.

"Thank you for that. I appreciate it even more considering you have left your own family unattended for the sake of your brother and his wife." While saying this, the prince stared at his uncle's face, looking for any signs of embarrassment. But Belmor's face showed nothing but that sticky smile.

"Come on, let's not stand there anymore." Ledwir interrupted this exchange of politeness,

"You're all wet son, you have to change and eat something."

Gorsep obediently nodded.

The prince's chamber was lit by many candles and the fire in the fireplace. Gorsep walked over to the fireplace and enjoyed the delightful warmth for a moment. After a night's sleep and the morning inspection of the fortress, the grip around the stomach didn't give way. Suddenly the door to his chamber opened with a thud, and a young servant with fiery red hair threw a bundle of clothes on the prince's bed without a word, then left as vigorously as she had appeared. Gorsep was so surprised by this unexpected action that he did not even have time to react. Wondering what changes had taken place in his house, he decided to dress himself. Ledwira called a few more noble vassals living closest to Gardynia to celebrate his return and victory over Odegon. He had the dubious pleasure of feasting amid the herd of snakes, which now crawl at his feet, and before they won a crushing victory over Odegon, they hissed and threatened behind his back.

The feast was an important one so he began putting on a white shirt, a gray caftan with silver stitches, and black leather pants. The colors of Gardynia, the silver like the steel they fought, and the blackness a sign of the death they carried to their enemies. The Equerds are the best and most disciplined warriors in all of Hadgard. He smiled, what colors will he wear as Lord of Hadgard? The memory of his uncle's presence disturbed him from pleasant thoughts. He must be vigilant, he is the only heir of his father, next in the succession is Uncle Belmor. But is there anything else to fear now, after such a victory? He looked at his reflection with content and, wearing a tiara over his head, he left.

The corridor was dimmed by single candles set on massive iron candlesticks. Before entering the main dining room, he saw the old majordomo Wierba. He decided to take care of entertainment after the feast, he didn't have a woman for a long time.

"Wierba, make sure that after the feast, a red-haired maid is to appear in my chamber." Gorsep smiled at the old servant who bowed obligingly, and Gorsep, having adjusted his clothes, entered the room.

The main hall of the Errid fortress was built to impress the visitors, and the severity of the shape was to remind them that they were dealing with warriors. The granite walls were five meters high, the vault was topped with massive arches. Four heavy metal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, lit by many wax candles. The only decoration of the walls were narrow windows with red-tinted glass, and shields obtained during numerous clashes with various princes and magnates. The oak tables were set in the shape of a horseshoe, with a large hearth in the center of which a piglet was now sizzling, making the whole hall smell of smoke and food. Gorsep entered through the main entrance, then climbed a few steps amid many shouts in honor of him. He nodded at Jaset, who immediately walked over to him and handed him the shield with a crown on it, the symbol of Kanror, the old capital of Hadgard. Gorsep lifted it up so that everyone could see it, and then hung it on a previously prepared hook, right next to the chair he was about to sit on. There was a general uproar at the sight of this.

As soon as Gorsep sat down, Uncle Belmor rose from his seat.

"I propose the first toast to a great victory over Odegon!" While speaking, he bowed slightly towards Gorsep and raised the goblet upwards.

"For the victory," someone picked up and everyone immediately took the cups in their hands.

Gorsep also raised his goblet but felt disgust, as the owner of this castle he had the right to make the first toast. This breach of etiquette by his uncle suggested that he felt very confident here, too confident.