56: Inside Great City

Kaleb

"You're mother is the fairest maiden in all the lands." King Royal narrated to me. "I was Phillip, and that's truly my name."

My heart lurnched for I could not behold my sight. The Great King Phillip was my father? I gaped with my eyes dilated as I couldn't fathom. My eyes remained dilated in their sockets.

"I was a uh...an adventurous prince. Back then, I didn't like responsibilities. I was married to Zeilla but refused to stay, just to go on an adventure. I wanted to explore the world and see things as the common men did. I did, and enjoyed every bit of loving your mother, Mary. It all started with finding out if the Rocainians were good and if the Forelenes were also good. I was appointed on the mission to find out this by sending men

'My lord,' a former Knight called me, 'we should send men to the Forelene city to spy on their status. We should know if their our enemies or not.'

'No Lesley. I will go myself.' I informed my former Knight.

I marched into the Forelene city with the undercover occupation of a blacksmith. I needed knowledge of these things, so I learnt how to be one. I noticed your mother was always alluring, kind hearted and humble. I needed to know her more. She was the reason I confirmed that Forelenes were good. The Rocainians - quite the opposite.

'Fair lady, you dropped your bracelet!' I exclaimed from behind. She turned to me and her ravishing full hair was so fine. Her face was like an angel here on earth.

She got more close to me, even after finding out I made up the fallen bracelet story [He slightly chuckled there.] I made love to her after getting married and then she gave birth to such a handsome boy."

His adored me, then had his eyes trace down to my necklace. "Where did the other part of my necklace go? The medallion seems broken." He asked, but didn't wait for a response, when he figured it out, "Twins? She must've given birth to twins. Where is the other?"

"Alec is dead. And so is my mother." I pronounced, vexed. "There's nothing you can do to bring them back. It's needless dwelling on such paths, although I'd confess they probably wouldn't have died if you were here." I gritted my teeth to avoid bellowing. Of course, anger was something not worth holding onto.

He still kept a straight face, though I could tell he was weakened by the statement, he chose not too show it as a strong person. I also was strong, but didn't fail to show my dismay.

I would've stormed out, but needed his help to save my people. They came first.

"Kaleb," He called out, having been informed my name, "My father had to have me as his heir. I needed to go sit on the throne as the III Great Royal. I had a responsibility. Princess Maya is your older sister. I show no disdain, but I had to take up my responsibilities as ruler. No one's lesser or hated, I just need to show you love now."

He came forward to me, having sincerity project through his voice, "That's why, I have decided to crown you as my heir."

My eyes eyes widened with a tense stare in disbelief. I would've felt flutters but a pain in my chest was what I felt.

Princess Maya's thundered in unacceptance, "That's unacceptable, father!"

A hand was raised to shun her.

He quickly looked at me back. I needed nothing like this, I only wanted to save my Forelene people, my family and every innocent life that surely mattered. I would not want involvement in such unexpected fate.

"I came here for a mission, and that is to ask for your help, to fight against the Rocainians. They seem stronger and more brutal than ever. If we don't take action, they'd destroy us all."

"We're aware of that and also are trying to build up our forces." King Phillip sighed. "Maya."

I was gestured by her to follow. "Come with me." she said taking bold strides. "We have heared of the attacks of the Rocainians. They seem larger in their numbers and they're also stronger than ever. We believe something new as come. It makes me wonder how they do it in just few years ."

"How do we tackle them?" we continued striding away from the palace.

She gave me a look. "We fight." We a came to a stop at where leagues of other Knights trained. They were clad in their vest wielding swords as they fought in pairs.

On seeing Princess Maya, they all stopped what they were doing, lined up serially, giving a salute then halted at the end.

They were properly trained.

"Listen up!" Maya's voice sent out authority and boldness. She had her wrist crossed behind her as she spoke. "There's been some changes! You will take orders from not just me from now! Kaleb?" She demonstrated I spoke.

With that, I stepped forward.

"Greetings, great Knights! I am Kaleb from the Forelene tribe, head of all the Forelenes in Raven Hills! I am a chief a- a Forelene myself," My voice seemed less confident as I revealed my following sentence, "although I just found out I am a Royal Forelene."

I could see surprise in their eyes, and they gasped almost loudly as it was seemingly impossible. Although they dare not speak. I went on, "I have come as a representative of my people, to form allies with you! To join heads with the great city Knights!" I spoke audibly with extreme boldness and esteem.

"Fear not! I have fought with these people and know their weakness! We fight for peace and let us end this war!"

"End the war! We shall end the war!" They all chorused in readiness, portraying so. My eyes gleamed with happiness as I saw hope for our victory.

"Quite the charisma out there." Princess Maya granted an impressed side smile at me as we walked away.

"They shan't win." I refferd to the Rocainians.

I was later introduced to Idriss, the Knight second in ranking. He seemed expectedly capable.

"It is an honour to meet you, Lord Kaleb." Idriss bowed at my presence and I couldn't help roll my eyes as it was very uncomfortable. I just needed what I wanted then leave afterwards.

Princess Maya had left him to show me around. He had quite the physique of a fighter. He wore a casual shirt and trousers, having his belt hold his sword.

"Maya's quite the charm, but she may have slight worry in her. She just might be jealous. You see, she's trained all her life, trying to meet up with expectations." Idriss explained to me. "I just really fear for her. She's been my childhood friend eversince and I also grew up training with her."

His eyes focused on her as she left, seemingly having thoughts . After a very short while, we began ambling around the castle.

"That is where our aspiring Knights are." He pointed an area filled with teenagers that were hitting woods carved as though humans. Few had instructors demonstrating for them and others used wooden swords to fight each other.

"We have different rankings as Knights." Idriss went on as we both proceeded with our steps. "You'll get the hang of it as time pass."

Should I inform him that I wasn't planning on staying for long?

We made a halt at a training room. "Do you care for a battle," His brows lifted inquisitively. "your grace?"

I took the thrown sword as I gave out a an ironic chuckle.

We touched swords, immediately stepping back with weapons pointed at each other. Our eyes didn't shift.

We took quick paces forward hitting each other's sword, then backwards when one seemed dominant. I twirled back then delivered a striking hit with my sword. But the said unwavering Knight didn't flinched.

It went on and on until it finally ended with me having my blade under his neck, I thought I had won, but when I looked down, him too had his sword pointing my stomach. He did know how to fight.

"Impressive, my Lord." Idriss lauded, smirking.

His smirk went off as soon as he astonishingly figured out his neck was already having blood trickle down. It was just a scratch though.

He took his plan there to dab. Maybe he would've said something harshly to me if I wasn't what be had called me. I mentally laughed at that.

I bet another tour would have taken place if not for the arrival of the Princess Maya.

"The King wants to hold a meeting for you." Maya curtsied with an amiable voice tone. Coming closer, she smiled. "Idriss, don't you know better than to play with your new Prince? The King shall hold a feast in your name, Kaleb."