the beasts over the crown

After a long and exhausting journey of riding horses that lasted for four and a half days, under a burning sun in the heart of a clear blue sky along the flat 'blue' road .where the hooves struck the ground like the thunderous drums of war announcing danger. and the breaks, for both the men and the horses to rest and eat, were too short.

The witch and her companions finally reached the east of the kingdom, breathless and exhausted with flushed faces. They descended upon a relatively small stronghold of a humble-born lord located in a village about five leagues away from the besieged castle ( 5 leagues equals 28 km) .

The travelers sprawled against one of the cold stone walls of the inner ramparts of the stronghold, seeking shelter in its shade. The signs of astonishment were still etched on the witch's face, as she was taken aback by the vast number of soldiers camped outside the stronghold's gate, their varied armors in different shapes and colors, with their tents and horses stretching as far as the eye could see. while the lords sheltered behind the stronghold walls, each adorned in the colors and sigils of their houses.

"About fifteen houses are gathered here. More than two-thirds of them are from the south, while the north, despite its men being more formidable and fierce in battle, remains a cold and harsh place for infants" said the knight ser Declan to the witch after he noticed the signs of astonishment on her face.

It was the first time since the journey began that he spoke to her in such an unforced manner.

He then added with anguish:

"The northern and southern forces must have retreated here to organize their ranks, plan, and wait for reinforcements after the farce... after that reckless, arrogant boy risked the lives of his men and disobeyed orders. The hand made a mockery of us and dragged our pure green cloak through the mud when he appointed his two sons without any rightful claim or entitlement as royal guards beside him...he himself..."

Then he suddenly became silent as if his tongue had been cut off, thinking that the greatest mistake was when the king made his friend Lord Marwin as his 'hand'.

He then continued with pride and sorrow:

"Alas for the days when no knight among us could earn the honor of joining the royal guard unless he demonstrated superiority in archery and swordsmanship, along with skill and ferocity in battle. And now, anyone at all can wear our noble cloak and carries our sword in hand. while the brave men of the kingdom, like Ser Richard, the knight of a hundred wounds, serve the lesser folk."