The stench of blood and gore followed us through the woods until we reached the gates of Temeria, the soldiers that awaited us at the bridge quickly surrendered at the sight of our forces. I led the march, the force of the hill tribes behind me as we opened the main gates and into our city.
For the life of me I couldn't recognize the place, the streets looked different, the homes the stalls, everything. I know it's probably because I haven't been here in a while, a very long while. But I knew the place looked different because Robert's print was here, but not for long, I wouldn't allow it to, this was my home, our home.
Acrisius rode beside me, we exchanged teary glances as we rode through the streets, the people recognized us instantly and though they weren't any cheers or any roses thrown at our feet, but I recognized the gratitude in each and everyone of their faces, I wouldn't let whatever they went through repeat itself ever again, not while I rule. The palace loomed before us, it's grand structure making anticipation course through me, I picked up the pace, nudging tyrant to gallop faster. Ace felt the same as his horse galloped to keep up speed with mine.
The iron gates of the palace were opened by two guards, and the sight of the interior did not appear strange to me, but at the same time it did. It's like knowing something and at the same time not, that would explain why I stood at the entrance unmoving, keeping everyone behind me waiting, well not everyone...
"What the hell are we waiting for, we have a campaign to launch" Drazhan yelled, then started barking orders to the men to remove anything that has so much as a stench of Robert, and that they did.
I went through every room in the palace, breathing in the air and taking in the scenery as well as all the memories of my growing up here, all my studying, training and every emotion I ever felt in this place, it was euphoric as well as saddening. In a matter of hours, the women of Dun Eirann settled into the palace and helped in the cleaning while I found a balcony and let the wind whip my hair into a frenzy while I take in the fact that I'm back in my true home.
"You've been avoiding everyone for the past three hours" a voice called from behind me, I closed my eyes as I heard the footsteps draw closer "The people need their queen," Acrisius took my hand and took a deep breath "I know all that you're feeling because I feel it as well, but now is not the time. We are at war" Honesty shone in his eyes as he spoke.
"Then let us begin"
After sundown, Amenadiel came for me in my chambers, well Erinys' chambers. It was the only one I felt comfortable sleeping in, Acrisius didn't take his father's room because apparently he didn't like the man, and yes, his parents did sleep in different rooms. Settling down was easier than I expected, Amenadiel took the room opposite mine while Drazhan and Damon took rooms down the hall. Kaida and Alice made themselves comfortable downstairs, while the rest of the hill tribes found suitable accommodations either in the city or within palace walls.
"You are needed in the council room your majesty" he said, resplendent in his brand new armor and a new sword hung at his side, he must've raided the armory, maybe the hill tribesmen did as well, I didn't mind, I promised Damon better steel for his men, so the armory is at his disposal. "You look good in your armor," I complimented, earning me a small smile "though the commander of my queensguard will need better armor don't you think?" I winked then walked past him to a room I'd visited a hundred times.
The echoes of our footsteps echoed through the halls, passing servants lowered their heads in greeting "what do you mean commander…" I stopped abruptly and so did he "you know I don't need to make this a big ordeal, select thirty men and do what you must" I commanded. We'd have time to perform all the knighting rites once the war is over, but now I need men to be in charge of security in the palace and I know no one better for the task.
Memories of this room flooded in the moment I stepped foot in it, there was a large rectangular table, natural light poured in through the large windows as well as the torches that helped illuminate the chambers. Everyone was present, it seemed like rest and a change of clothes did everyone some good, wine helped of course, and there were goblets filled with it on the table. At the center of the large table lay a detailed map of Korghon which wasn't here before suggesting it was recently added.
Wasting no time on pleasantries I took a seat at the head of the table and stared at my friends, my companions, I remembered everything we'd gone through in the past months, they'd been my rock, my shield and we protected each other no matter the cost, and to my new friends who have put their trust in me as I them.
"Shall we?"