Building a Kingdom and Conquering the World

Before the gate guards could finish their salute, a deep voice rang out across the palace courtyard, loud and heavy with familiarity.

"Welcome back, Viscount Conradin!"

A tall, broad man in his late forties strode toward them, arms wide as if expecting to scoop Conradin in a hug. His dark hair had streaks of silver, and he wore a hard leather breastplate, decorated with polished metal and small gems. It seemed more a statement of wealth than a tool for war.

Conradin smiled - "Duke Gallow" - he said, shifting his body just enough so the fresh bandage on his shoulder caught his sight. The white cloth and silver stitches were easy to see.

Gallow's eyes went straight to the wound. His voice carried a mix of curiosity and feigned concern - "By the Nine Gods, what happened to you?"

"Bandits, near the forest past Kovichen," Conradin said, gently rotating his shoulder as if it still hurt. "They were after these three young healers." He pointed to the sisters. "My men and I stepped in just in time or else God knows what would have happened."

"Healers, are they?"- he asked - "Do they know any proper healing magic, perhaps??"

Before the sisters could answer, Conradin spoke - "No magic, I am afraid. Just old forest remedies and stitching hands. Backwater physicians, Duke."

Gallow's lost the interest - "Pity" - he muttered - "Since the Gates of the Adiv Temple shut, we have had no magic healers left among our ranks. Every soul counts these days, especially the ones of physicians, the ones who can maintain our warriors alive and ready for war."

His attention turned to the wagons standing behind them, soldiers still surrounding them.

"These are the weapons from Iadolai?" - he asked.

Conradin gave a proud nod.

Gallow's expression brightened yet again - "Good work" - he said, stepping forward to give Conradin's shoulder a hearty slap, right on the wound. Conradin flinched, drawing a hiss through clenched teeth. The duke didn't seem to notice, or just didn't care.

"You have come at the perfect time" - Gallow continued, already walking - "The Prince is just about to begin the council. They will be discussing the next stage of this whole cursed war started by that traitor Prince. You can leave the wagons here and the others will take care of it."

"Yes, General" - Conradin said, giving a side glance at the soldiers, ordering them to stay put as he followed the Gallow together with the three sisters.

The General led them across the broad stone courtyard, where fountains trickled between yards of blooming flowers. Banners bearing Prince Emerik's crest, an eagle with wings stretched wide, hung from every column. Red silk shimmered in the breeze, so many that it seemed the court no longer waited for the King to die.

As they passed under an arched walkway, Conradin cast a glance toward the sisters walking behind him. They kept their eyes low and their steps measured. But their minds were busy.

Every flag, every patrol, every guard, every wall. They were memorizing everything, not letting a single information escape their notice.

Duke Gallow kept a rapid pace, the guards opening way for him to enter the palace. The palace smelled of wax, flower water, and fresh bread, a strong difference to the foul air of the outer district. Servants in brown coats hurried past with silver trays, bowing quickly when they caught sight of the ring in Gallow and Conradin's finger. Many cast quiet, curious glances at the three sisters trailing behind them.

They walked into a long hallway illuminated by the pale sunlight spilling from arched windows. At each window stood a guard in gleaming armor, spears upright, eyes fixed forward. They didn't blink or move, like statues. Ayla counted twelve of them before the hall ended in a pair of gilded doors. Even Eisenburg Castle, during times of siege, had never been this guarded.

Two footmen stood beside the doors, each holding a staff topped with Prince Emerik's eagle. The moment they recognized Duke Gallow they swung the doors open without a word, allowing them inside the Royal Hall.

The Askiv Royal Hall was vast, walls made of dark wood with pillars framed with gold, old paintings and the flag of Emerik spread across the wall. A red carpet stretched from the entrance to a raised platform at the far end, where a man sat on a throne. Along both sides of the carpet were rows of nobles and officers, dressed in ceremonial robes and fighting armor. Their conversations stopped as soon as the group entered.

"No more than twenty-five" - The three sisters thought as they glanced at the man seated on the throne. He couldn't be older than twenty-five. His golden hair was slicked back, his face sharp, but tired. A thin circlet of gold sat lightly on his brow.

Chancellor Halden stood at his right, dressed in flowing blue robes. He was known to be one of the most trusted voices at court, responsible for managing the day-to-day of the kingdom. He was also the one responsible for giving personal advices to the king.

Gallow continued forward, stopping at the first step to the throne. He gave a short bow before taking his place on the Prince's left side.

"Your Highness," Gallow announced, voice firm and clear, "Viscount Conradin Stann has returned from his mission. He brings five wagons of weapons from the Iadolai Kingdom. And with him, three healers rescued on the road."

Silence spread through the Royal Hall. Several military officers exchanged looks of quiet relief. Ever since the Second Prince had taken the Oreff Region, they had lost access to the kingdom's largest weapon forges. Their only chance had been to reach Iadolai Kingdom, one of the few allies left, and secure supplies from there.

Emerik raised a hand. "Step forward, Viscount."

Conradin did as ordered, walking slowly and turning just enough so that his bandaged shoulder was easy to see, hiding a victorious smile that threatened to appear on his lips.

"I beg your pardon for my appearance, Your Highness" - he said, bowing low - "I haven't had the time to change properly before coming here."

The Prince's gaze rested briefly on the wound, no empathy on his face - "Your journey must have been difficult" - he said - "The Crown thanks you. When this war is finally behind us, you will be properly rewarded."

Conradin's face lit up, but he kept his tone humble. "I ask for nothing, my lord. Only to serve you is reward enough."

The words rang hollow in the hall. Everyone knew Conradin sought more than thanks. They all knew his greed.

Emerik's attention shifted to the three kneeling women. "And these are the healers?"

"Yes, my lord," Conradin said. "They lived in the forests of Baron Koss's domain. Their home was attacked by bandits, luckily they met our troops. It was during that ambush that I sustained my injury. Despite having no magic, they helped me heal withing a week. They have come to swear their loyalty to you."

"New hands are welcome" - Emerik said. He extended his hand, where a gold ring bearing the eagle seal rested.

Conradin took a slight glance a them and without needing a cue, the sisters rose and stepped forward. One by one, they knelt at the foot of the throne and kissed the ring, swearing their allegiance.

"Names?"- Emerik asked, his voice emotionless.

Ayla didn't look up, and answered with her head bowed - "Ayla, Mara, and Lysa, Your Highness."

"The Crown accepts your loyalty" - Emerik said - "You will serve under the care of Viscount Conradin. He will oversee your duties."

He paused for a moment, then added - "You may go. Viscount, take them to their quarters."

Conradin hesitated. He blinked, confused. He had expected to stay, to be praised further, perhaps even to be invited into the council now forming behind the throne. He had risked his life bringing those wagons through hostile forest. Now he was being dismissed?

"My lord—"- he began, but Emerik lifted a hand - "You have done enough for one day. Rest now. We will speak in private tomorrow morning."

Conradin turned slightly toward Gallow, seeking support. But the general didn't meet his eyes. Whether by choice or order, he offered no help. There was only a smile on his lips.

"…As you command, Your Highness." Conradin bowed once more, face unreadable.

He turned and motioned for the sisters to follow. The heavy doors of the Royal Hall swung open behind them, and as they stepped into the hallway once again, the murmur of courtly voices returned behind them.

Beside the throne, Chancellor Halden leaned in and spoke softly into the Prince's ear. - "You did well, my Prince. Rumors of the King's death must not spread, not until we are ready to strike the traitor."

Emerik gave a slow nod, rubbing his tired eyes as he murmured back - "Indeed. Viscount Conradin is far too ambitious. I would not put it past him to sell my head to my brother…if the price were right."