Devil's Reprisal

16th Century Alvar Someone had said right: time never stays the same. What you held yesterday may not be in your hands today. What you plan to do tomorrow might not happen. The world runs dynamically, and it changes every moment, changes that go unnoticed sometimes. Our ignorance could pull us in a compromising position if the matter was worth paying attention to.

Something like this had transpired with the Alvar, a small mountainous country with a long coastline serving 2.1 million people of Islam and Christianity.

There was a time when this country was counted among the most prosperous nations. If we overlook the high economic fortunes, then the kingdom was called the Home of a Goddess. The country had more rich people than poor. No one slept with an empty stomach, and everyone had an occupation to earn a good living. There were more immigrants than emigrants. The heritage was so rich that the merchants from other countries would come to sell their products in exchange for the unique handicrafts of Alvar. Alvar was famous for its jewels and pearls. The fact was proven whenever a King of different royalty stopped by and bought enough to feed four nations altogether.

But that wasn’t all. The small mountainous nation was also famous for its grain and healthy crops. The soil was fertile and rich with all sorts of natural resources and never disappointed the farmers. With every passing year, the turnover only doubled, earning high-profit values for the hardworking laborers and peasants.

The climate was neither too warm nor too cold but soothing for both the people and the spreading greenery. The clear blue sky always casted down a heavenly essence on the green grounds when the weather turned rainy. The pool and lakes would spring with crystal clear water in the same season, and the level of the river would increase. Nature, through its various ways, provided constant water supply, so flora and fauna didn't have to suffer.

The rearing cattle were given enough grazing grounds in selected parts of the luxuriant forest. Smart ways such as rotation were introduced to avoid overgrazing and loss of resources.

Children were provided with the best education at affordable rates so that the future of Alvar could stand proudly on a strong foundation.

But the picture described above was a thing of the past.

The recent pictures of cruelty were heartbreaking.

The home that once sheltered the rich were now enclosed majority wearing rugs. The beautiful women coming from respected households now lived like beggars on streets. Their lovely complexion got matted with dirt and tiredness. They didn’t feel safe anymore and decided to stay in the confines of their houses to save their dignity and virtue. They wouldn’t be able to live with themselves if something heinous like rape happens. In this time of crisis, they refused to burden their families with one more brutality as the hungry monsters seeking some flesh now roamed freely.

The streets that used to stay busy in the past now ran empty as the children stopped playing, and the Wanderers lost their ways. The condition of children was no different as their soft hair got coated with mud, and skin was left uncovered, subjected to the dirt. Snot ran down their noses, and tears fell from their eyes. They stopped playing a long time back and usually passed their days by clutching an aching belly due to immense hunger.

The lavish market, which once was the greatest source of business, remained close now because no one came to buy anymore, only steal.

The men, providers of the house, have turned into thieves and murderers because of never-ending poverty. Now they kill and steal to make ends meet and keep the members of their families alive. Murdering was no less than a sport because nearly 7-8 people died every day. No one had the guts to raise their voice against the rising rebellion. The streets were not safe anymore.

The fields which were once flooding with unlimited grain now sat barren. The fertile grounds have turned desolate, and forests caught fire under the intense heat of the scorching sun.

Water was a luxury now as all the lakes and pools had dried. Although the river flowed, no one drank from it as it carried unknown diseases.

It was like the Gods in heaven had turned their backs on the suffering Alvar. Mother Nature was showing her anger in full force as it had not rained in five years. In place of soothing gusts of air, the agonized people received hot and dry summer wind that left high temperatures in its wake. The strong gales rarely helped as they usually brought destruction. It was like salt on their wounds. Sometimes, the hay roofs or fences would fly away with the storm, and people that came in contact with them hardly survived.

The kingdom that had never backed away from helping others wasn’t treated the same. All the neighboring empires cut their ties after examining the damage. They stopped doing business when the area got raided by a deadly plague that consumed thousands. Initially, the healers failed to find the cure, but when they accidentally stumbled on one, it was too late. By then, many were infected.

Slowly, the great Alvar was coming to ruins.

The franchise that was counted among strongest and superior nations was crumbling to dust. The people on borders started introducing the disappearing country as the red zone. They had already assumed that the plague will swallow everyone and leave no survivors. The horde that decided to leave the country and start fresh somewhere else were either returned or slaughtered, so they wouldn’t infect others.

Once upon a time, the fort of Alvar used to stand proud with an army of bulky soldiers to protect the King. Now it stood like a widow with a torn flag, blowing along with the hot wind. There was no of loyal guards surrounding the tall and strong walls. The only thing that kept the rebels out of the fort was the giant gate that had not opened in weeks. Due to increasing attacks and murders, the King of Alvar, Thales, had asked his ministers to bolt and lock the doors to keep the desperate crowd out.

The stone walls stood high and strong, bearing all the hits and cries of frustration, blocking the entry inside the fort.

Inside the castle, maids were busy in sprinkling medicine to avoid the plague. Various healers were working on the wealthy ministers and their families to minimize the effects of the deadly disease. After watching the improvements in their health, the King ordered his loyal guards to let five people enter every day and provide them with the same treatment.

King Thales refused to give up. He would work until his last breath to save the last life on his land. The appointed healers were working day and night to cure as many as possible. Special sanitation facilities were undertaken so they didn’t get sick themselves.

The Minister of the Courtroom, Lord Charles, youngest brother of King Thales, stood in front of the royal vault pale as a ghost. He was a man in his early 40’s. His eyes jumped from one corner of the empty sanctum to another. Clear distress shone in his eyes and lines of worry marred his forehead. His thin body shifted from one foot to another, and his fingers moved through his dark silky hair aimlessly. A tired sigh left his lips as he bent down to retrieve the last golden coin and tossed it in a pot full of gold and other jewels. Moisture blurred his vision as he looked at the two filled pots with the last pieces of wealth they owned. His hopes were breaking slowly. The entire coffer was empty other than these two pots. King Thales had used more than half blindly to help the pulpit and spent some to import food from neighboring kingdoms. Lord Charles removed the golden rings from his fingers and threw them with the rest of the gold. He pulled out his silver chains and sacrificed them for his pulpit. Feeling a little lighter, the handsome man backed away and gestured at the four soldiers to pick them up and load in the cart.

When the tall soldiers entered the treasure room, they froze for a second in shock but continued their job without showing any expression. Their hearts were aching as the truth slapped them hard. The royal treasure had crumbled to the ground, and there was no penny left to serve the hungry kingdom. How were they going to survive? They had nothing left to even negotiate with other countries to house some of the healthy people. It was a crisis, and they were drowning in it.

Clenching their jaws, they bent to pick it up. Their muscles throbbed and biceps bulged as they lifted the heavy pots and carried them towards the wooden cart. Covering the pots with heavy lids, two soldiers started pulling it in the main hall.

As the plague and drought attacked the kingdom altogether, the poor cattle also died. Horses started dropping lifeless. The Gods in the skies were cruel to punish the innocent beings for someone else’s ignorance.

As the soldiers pulled the carts, numerous eyes fell on them. Their stiffened backs rocked in alarm, unable to trust anyone other than their King. The robberies and murders had left them traumatized. It was the last straw of their country, and they would sacrifice their lives protecting it. They needed to spend it on important causes to run the empire for a few more days until death embraced them all together.

The soldiers stopped in front of the stairs of the main hall with their heads lowered. They waited for King Thales to arrive and instruct them accordingly. The maids halted their work for a few moments and sent immediate prayers to the cruel gods to keep their last hope safe.

***

Away from the dejected environment in the main hall of the fort, on the fourth floor of the royal castle, high security was appointed for the safety of the king.

Inside the grand chambers, King Thales of Alvar stood in front of the silver carved mirror as the maids adjusted his clothing and sprayed an enticing scent on his garments. He stood like a statue as they worked on him like they did every day. Two maids were making his king-sized bed at the corner while three were busy in emptying the bowl of cold water, which was brought from the barely filled well inside the castle. The King had cleaned his body with a wet towel as they lacked enough resources for a bath. It had been years since he had stepped in the tub.

His vibrant blue eyes stared in the mirror blankly and accessed his 6-foot frame in a new light.

Did he look like a King?

The answer of his conscience rattled him from head to toe. His feet dug hard into the ground to keep his spine straight. His hands tightened into fists, and he dispersed the fumbling maids to relieve himself of the slight ache in his chest. The walls were closing at him, so he took deep breaths before pressing a sweaty palm on his chest. His vision blurred as he looked in the mirror. His conscience had stated the truth by unraveling reality. The only thing that made him look like a king was the crown on his head. He touched the blue gems in the center that were worth millions. But what would he do with a crown when there wouldn’t be a crowd to rule. It would be a mere jewel that would always remind him of the golden ages where he had waved at the pulpit wearing it proudly and had received their love and loyalty in return.

As he gazed in the mirror, he noted his appearance. He was a defeated man, barely holding on to his sanity. In his late 40s, he didn’t look less than 60. The worries and solidifying tensions had turned him old at an early age. A layer of fine wrinkles decorated his forehead, and dark circles surrounded his vibrant blue eyes like hollow pits. The shade of his eyes was still breathtaking like the frozen lakes of the Arctic, but they lacked spirit after watching so many deaths. His chiseled nose and a hard jaw, which used to enhance his features, now looked bony as the cheeks were hollow, sunken in due to a failing diet. His once bulky stature now stood thin, showing the ribs and bones of a malnourished being. His bony fingers combed the little dark hair on his head, and he sighed, thinking about how many he had lost in the wake of this plague. He turned away from his reflection. The more he looked, the smaller and more vanquished he felt.

The picture didn’t belong to a king but to a man who had been through various storms and barely held on to the rays of hope. If he were fooling someone, it was himself for thinking that they could get past this crisis. No fiber in his body longed to battle anymore. He was about to come on his knees in front of the monstrous situation.

Feeling the gaze of maids on his shoulders, he cleared his throat and left the quarters to attend the other business that required his thorough attention. Wallowing in pity wouldn't lead him anywhere. All he had to do was drown in work to forget the biting feeling in his chest.

As he exited the bedchamber, the soldiers guarding the hallways bowed their heads in respect. King Thales forced himself to not yell how he didn't deserve it as he failed to stop the riot shadowing his kingdom, but the men in uniform thought differently. As the king passed by them, they watched him as a man on a mission who was dead set on bringing them justice and relieving the pain.

As the king descended the stairs with his mind filled with various possibilities, a soft patter of running feet brought him to a halt.

“Papa…”

A distinct melodious voice rang in the lonely corridors, melting the agonizing silence that was poking him like needles. The corner of his lips lifted to produce a gentle smile, and he turned to greet his angel. His eyes immediately caught a girl running towards him with her beautiful sea blue gown flowing behind her. Her cherry blonde hair that reached her hips blew in the air as she ran towards him while holding her long skirt. Her warm brown eyes shone under the light with so much innocence that it saddened the king. A chord tugged in his heart, thinking how would she survive in his absence. She was too kind and trusting for her own good.

As the girl came closer, her blood-red lips stretched in a grin, rejoicing under the fact that she caught him in time. Her arms flung in the air before they wrapped around his torso and tackled him in a tight hug.

King Thales couldn’t help the short laugh that escaped his lips.

“My Princess…” he whispered in her thick hair, and she buried her face in his chest. Her head tucked under his chin as she panted due to running so fast. Her small palms clutched tightly to the fabric he wore. She submerged her 5’8” frame in her father’s protective embrace.

“I… I thought you had left,” she mumbled lightly, and he chuckled. Suddenly, all the worries of the world didn’t look as big he thought of them. He relaxed as he ran a soothing hand on her back, realizing how he still held his most precious jewel, his daughter. He was worried about the withering treasure in the coffer, completely forgetting the fact that he still had someone who would never stop loving him. Of all, love was the greatest treasure and a gem hard to earn. He kissed her forehead and looked at her angelic face.

His daughter was a gentle reflection of her mother. Princess Valentina of Alvar was referred to as the most beautiful in seven nations. She was the only child of King Thales and the deceased Queen Amara. Queen Amara passed away at childbirth, and that had left Princess Valentina to grow on her own as her father was mostly absent in her childhood. He hardly had time to see her because managing the kingdom. Still, she loved him, admired him, and tried to become as fearless and brave as him. Her father was her world.

“Are you leaving already?” Princess Valentina asked in a small voice, and the King tightened his hold around her, fearing she might disappear, or he wouldn’t see her again as the plague was high in the air.

“Yes, my dear. But I promise to return soon,” he assured, and she released a relieved sigh.

“Okay, I will hold you to that. May you find fruitful results in this visit,” she wished him and backed away before curtsying. The king bowed his head too and turned without wasting anymore time. He didn’t want to leave her alone, but this business was important too.

As King Thales descended the stairs, the awaiting little loyal people he had bowed their heads in front of the ruler of the throne.

“Good morning. I and the troop are leaving for Baden now. The journey is to seek help in the crisis. Be safe and take care of yourselves, as well as the princess. It may take some time, but we will try our best to return with positive news. May God bless you,” he wished his people and moved towards the secret passage that opened into a tunnel. This tunnel stretched over 20 miles and opened at the outskirts of the deserted forest.

Lord Charles came forward and hugged his older brother.

“Be safe, brother. The King of Baden is known to be ruthless and cunning. Send us messenger if things go wrong,” he whispered, and King Thales stiffened but nodded eventually.

With a last glance towards the gawking audience, he ducked into the tunnel, followed by 15 soldiers and two golden pots.  

Alvar The fort of Alvar stood in mournful silence as another life fell into the arms of the death.

A grieving widow wailed and threw her head on the chest of the fallen man. The onlookers felt guilt and pain gnawing at their throats. Tears shone in their eyes and lips quivered, but no sob was released. They forced themselves to stand and subject themselves to the agony of the woman as she clutched her husband’s limp hand to her chest. She cried for him to wake up still, but the soulless body didn’t oblige. He stayed unmoving with dark marks slathered all over his skin, a trait of all who had come in contact with the plague. The woman cried and shook with painful gasps in between. The other maids standing in the corner cupped their mouths to muffle the tsunami of emotions lurching forward.

As one more dead body was added to the pile, another woman stood up in the line of the windows.

Lord Charles couldn’t help but leave the scenario in anger. They had failed another loyal man. Ache hit his chest like a ton of bricks, and he stumbled over a chair before bringing his head in his hands. The healers standing at another corner watched with emotionless eyes as this wasn’t the first failed case they had seen. Deaths such as these were happening every day.

By God's grace, they weren’t aware of the reason. Either the cure was working in saving the people or there wasn’t many left to die. The population of a million was sinking to thousands at a fast rate. Even if the plague came under control, the hunger would kill the most. The devil must be enjoying the show of suffering souls.

Two soldiers clad in dark garments stepped forward and lowered themselves beside the mate they lost today, the sharpest archer of the kingdom. The dead man was a soldier too. As they came closer, the widow lost her wits and started screaming while throwing her powerless blows over the intruders that dared to touch her husband.

“No. No. Stay away, please. I won’t let you take him. Go away,” she screamed until her throat closed with violent coughs. Two maids stepped forward to take the matters in their hands as the body has started to rot, and if it wasn’t removed soon, they would catch infection too. The maids embraced the crying widow and rubbed their hands on her back soothingly.

“My husband.”

The woman’s pitch resonated in the entire castle. The maids hushed her while crying themselves, well aware of the ache because they had lost loved ones too.

The soldiers picked up the fallen and carried him to the gates to bury him with respect.

The widow fainted at sight and was ushered to the servant chambers.

As Lord Charles wallowed in silence, beating himself over the failure, a hand landed on his shoulder and squeezed gently. He took a deep breath and clutched the soothing hold.

“I have no idea when it’s going to stop,” he mumbled, and the Princess of Alvar kneeled beside him, watching the tired maids carrying an unconscious woman. A fat tear slipped from her eye, and she looked away from the sight.

“I am certain that it’s not ending any time soon. Uncle Charles, can’t we shift our people somewhere safe? That way, we could save a few lives. I am tired of watching innocents fighting to survive,” Princess Valentina suggested with her eyes brimming with anguish. The lord scoffed before looking at her.

“What makes you think we didn’t consider that, my Princess? When the King saw how the plague was swallowing the people, he immediately sent messages to different kingdoms in hopes that they would permit us to stay for some time. But when the other kings refused to pay attention to the erupting crisis, we were left dejected. There’s nowhere to go since the entire kingdom is reeking with an infestation. Due to some miracle, the bricks of the palace fought hard and kept the disease out, saving our lives,” he replied, and the princess looked away, not able to meet his scared eyes.

“I wish Father comes back with good news. May the King of Baden show us some mercy at this time of crisis,” she whispered, and Lord Charles nodded as it was their only hope.

“I hope so too, Princess Valentina.”

Acknowledging his words, Princess Valentina left the hall and ascended towards the highest minaret of the fort. The fort had five minarets, built in the respect of the mighty Kings who had died protecting their land valiantly. Walking the uneven stairs, she picked up a fire torch after wrapping a long cape around herself. Once reaching the top stair, she opened the door that hadn’t been opened in a long time. Stepping under the heat of a scorching sun, she scanned the dried area where once greenery was spread like a sea. Her feet almost gave away as she took in the withering condition of her empire. Vultures and crows were circling the area like the predators. Their red eyes focused on a particular spot and large wings fluttered in the open sky, ready to lunge at the prey. She gasped in fear when suddenly an eagle flew past her and after circling her settled on the peak of the minaret, not much far from her. The scary yet wise-looking bird examined a beautiful specimen for some time and then let out its piercing screech.

Princess Valentina smiled at the eagle as it sat silently, just gazing at her as if she were a muse for his amusement. Taking a deep breath, she raised the burning torch, startling the eager bird, and lit the fire of the minaret that has not been lit since the first body fell due to the incurable disease. She lit the fire in respect of those who had lost their lives fighting the plague.

The giant bird tilted its neck and watched curiously, bringing his whole focus on her.

Slowly, the fire got bigger.

“This is for those who have passed away fighting the inevitable. God didn’t give them a chance in the living world. May he let them cross over towards a place where they can be in peace,” she mumbled before backing away and rested her tired spine against the brick wall.

Even in the daylight, the red flame of minaret glowered angrily and was seen from miles. As it glowed, the people sitting outside the small camps and worn-out sheds in the heart of the city looked above towards the fire of the minaret with dead eyes.

Suddenly, a gust of cool air slapped Princess’s sweaty face, and she rejoiced by closing her eyes. Her long wavy cherry blonde hair flew along with the wind. It’d been a long time since the air had blown the heat that way. Her heart bloomed with new hope, and she immediately opened her eyes. From a distance, she saw heavy, dark, and big clouds approaching her direction. Her breaths hitched in surprise, and the air got knocked out of her lungs.

Thunder broke across the horizon and engulfed the burning sun in a cold veil. Lightning cracked the sky in half, and the ground vibrated as the two clouds collided with each other. A laugh broke from her chapped lips, and she pointed at the coming hope.

“Look, bird, God is bestowing his blessing upon us, finally. Look, the cries of my pulpit have melted the skies and forced them to cry with them. Heaven has decided to grant us the mercy for the sins we’ve committed and shower us with the essence of purity,” she said, feeling delighted and opening her arms in the air. Sobs racked her chest, and her body shook as she cried in happiness. Kneeling on the ground as her legs felt strained after climbing so many stairs, she didn’t budge her warm brown eyes from the ethereal sky to make sure that the clouds didn’t escape.

The eagle screeched once again and fled away to find a safe shelter, sensing the changes in the atmosphere.

The people standing on the solid ground frowned at the darkening sky. For a moment, they almost confused it with night, only to realize that the sun did rise a few hours ago. For them, it was a dream they’d been watching for a long time. The ground beneath their feet vibrated as the dark clouds collided, creating a sonnet that descended to the burning core of the earth.

Kids jumped out of their houses and glued their broken eyes upward, amazed by the turning events. Women screamed in joy and collected in a circle, crying and sharing their deep-buried sorrows.

After five years of excruciating pain, the gods had answered their prayers.

As the first fat drop fell from the dark sky, the dried ground leaped for it and absorbed it until the drought-ridden area found its true color. Slowly, people started coming out of their houses in disbelief. They opened their arms, welcoming the heavenly essence, and the ground swallowed every drop that fell eagerly.

The ponds and lakes that were left vacant for a decade now drank the water falling from the sky.

Small animals that had been hiding in the abandoned woods raced towards them, tumbling and falling on the way.

Princess Valentina, who was standing on the tallest minaret, smiled tearfully, watching the mob rejoicing under the mercy of gods, and closed her eyes facing the endless sky.

More clouds were approaching them, and it was a sign that the dying Alvar would live and bloom once again to tell the story of a traumatic past to the future generations.

Princess Valentina removed her cape and threw it off the boundaries of the fort.

“Open the gates, Lord Charles, and let the new air come inside. Our time has returned, and from this moment, we won’t disappoint our people anymore. Make sure that every being in the premises is fit and send all the healers to tend the ill and teach others the ways of curing and preventing the dreadful symptoms,” she ordered, stepping into the role in the absence of her father.

Lord Charles, who was standing there all this time gawking at the beautiful sky, nodded obediently and left to work according to his princess’s wishes.

There was a new energy in his steps, and he couldn’t help but thank the Lord, who he blamed numerous times before.

***

Baden The country lied outside the southwest borders of Alvar and had the largest black forest known for its evergreen scenery and traditional villages. Baden was situated in the mountains and was the home of wild beasts such as mountain lions, cheetahs, and wolves that could swallow any uninvited guests in a blink. Small streams and waterfalls were its greatest assets as people never had to worry about the constant supply.

King Thales of Alvar was still unaware of the change that strode towards his lands unannounced. He and the guards had finally reached the borders of Baden after a journey of two days. They were all tired and thirsty when they reached Baden. Thankfully, the passing women that had been pulling clay pots of water from the well offered them some to quench their thirst and wash their sweaty appearance.

Once they found themselves inclined and ready, they moved towards the Castle of Baden to see the mighty King.

Baden was the biggest chunk of land compared to the neighboring kingdoms and held a greater population than others. The land was rich in sources that are scarcely scattered on other empires.

Alvar had a soft heart for everyone whereas Baden was standing on the blood and bones of innocents. The country was known for its mean and cruel. To even pass the borders, you had to seek the permission of the King.

King Thales shuddered in pain but looked away from the merciless soldiers of Baden, who were openly disrespecting a woman in the middle of the market and hauling her away on their shoulders. The pleadings of the woman rang in the dreadful atmosphere, but there was a single person who stepped forward to help her. The soldiers carried her struggling body towards a cottage and closed its door. The warriors of Alvar, out of habit, turned to help the poor lady, but one glare of their king silenced the brewing storm inside them and forced them to be rooted in a single place. They clenched their jaw, feeling helpless, and continued their journey in the forsaken kingdom biting their tongues.

“Cowards.”

One of the warriors of Alvar glared at the feet of his King. If only this were Alvar—they would have beheaded those monsters by now. King Thales stayed calm because he was here to seek help, not create a feud. Although his patience was thin, and he feared that he might lose his calm in the next second. Clenching his fists, he moved forward and nodded at a lord that bowed in front of him, wearing a cunning smile.

“Welcome to Baden, King of Alvar. King Henry received your message four days ago and is eager to see you.”

The lord sang gleefully, hiding the distaste in his tone well. King Thales was about to address the issue for their visit when a cry caught his attention.

Various soldiers were whipping the tied citizens using a leather leash.

This land truly belonged to sinners, he thought quietly. His blue eyes took in the bleeding and torn flesh of their backs as they cried for mercy.

“Oh, don’t mind them, Your Highness. This is a regular practice for those who failed to pay their taxes on time. Please, come inside the castle, so you can see the King.”

“Lord Evan, I am here to visit the King of Baden to discuss a private issue and give my blessings to his newborn. These cruel acts that you’ve been showcasing to terrify my warriors aren’t inflicting the slightest effect other than immense disgust. Make sure you later show mercy because when I leave Baden, I don’t want to carry its bitter memories with me.”

Hearing the hidden warning in King’s polite words, the lord nodded gulping nervously before guiding the warriors and the King Thales towards the meeting hall.

“Stay here along with your soldiers, Your Highness, and in the meantime, I will inform my king of your presence.” The lord didn’t wait for King’s reply and disappeared in the corridors.

As soon as the cunning wolf left, the chief commander, General Bahadur of Alvar, whispered to the King.

“My king, I have a bad feeling about this place. We shouldn’t have come here,” he pleaded, and the king’s jaw clenched. He didn’t want to breathe another second in Baden, but when the crying and broken face of a defeated pulpit came in front of his eyes, he was left with no other choice but to comply. He nodded, acknowledging the words of his commander, and whispered under his breath.

“I understand your concern, General Bahadur. Stand with me for some time. If we feel the situation slipping from our fingers, we will leave immediately. Hold on to your courage, everyone.” His warriors immediately straightened up in respect of their generous King.

Soon, loud footsteps echoed along with the clatter of fine boots.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

As the boots fell on the marble floor, they created a unique sound that reverberated, alerting the rest of the soldiers of a powerful presence.

King Thales looked at the curtains that would soon reveal the King Henry of Baden, but unfortunately, when they slid open, a line of servants marched into the meeting hall holding numerous trays carrying the refreshments for the visitors. The warriors of Alvar, controlled their urge to gorge on food, remembering the clear instructions of their King to not touch anything. He had specifically told them to not even drink the water of the castle as it could turn out to be hazardous or poisoned. You never ate anything in a foreign country until you made sure that it was safe.

Saliva rolled on their tongues, and stomachs grumbled in protest, but still, they stood intact, showing no emotions.