“He refused?” King Reiner yelled as he threw his cup on the ground in anger.
“My lord, he didn’t exactly refuse. He just said we have to kill them on his terms.” The messenger said, flinchingly.
“That slimy little devil.” The king grumbled.
“If we can just find some people who are willing to fight them in the arena, I’m sure we can-”
“Who do we have that can stand up to the Orc? I don’t think even another Orc can-” The King paused as an idea formed in his head.
“My lord?” The messenger asked.
“Vuldur?” King Reiner called.
“Yes, you’re majesty?” A snobbish voice called back from the shadows. The owner of the voice walked into the light. Revealing a tall man with blood red hair, wearing Magi robes.
“Could you get your contacts to summon our little friend for me?”
“I wouldn’t be your right hand if I couldn’t.” Vuldur answered.
“That’s what I like to hear.” King Reiner said with an evil smile. ”Now all I need is a vessel for her.”
As he thought, one of the Kings guard walked into the room and bowed.
“All the necessary preparations for Sir Reed’s execution are in place, m’lord.” The guard said. “Shall we proceed.”
At that moment, another idea struck King Reiner. “How about we hold off on the execution for now.” He said with a smile. “Bring Sir Reed to me at once.”
The guard bowed, and then rushed to carry out his orders, within a few minutes, Sir Reed was in front of the king in chains. Bowing in the most prostrate position that he could manage.
“Oh Sir Reed.” The king said with a fake sad face. “You really disappointed me.”
Sir Reed’s eyes began welling up in tears from both fear and regret. “I’m sorry, my King.” Sniff “Please forgive me!”
“I cannot just accept you back into the fold after what you did.” The king answered. “What would the people think if I let a liar have his position back?”
Sir Reed began crying aloud. Much to King Reiners amusement.
“There there.” The king said as he patted him on his back. I’m going to give you a chance to redeem yourself.”
Reed looked up at Reiner. His face covered in tears and mucus. “Tell me! I’ll do anything!” He blubbered.
“It’s not what you can do.” King Reiner answered as he saw the “little friend” walk through the door of his palace and approach the throne. ”It’s what you can let be done to you.”
Reiner looked up at his guest, which made Reed turn around and look too. He saw an old Orc woman, her face was covered in various rings and tattoos. Her body looked frail as she struggled to move around. She held a staff with a small bottle hanging from the end with a rope. Green smoke emanated from the bottle as it swung back and forth.
“Hello Grilda!” King Reiner said in a devilish tone.
___________________________________________
“Aaaaah” William moaned as he outstretched his arms as he soaked in the waters from the hot springs he was sitting in. “If this is what being rich is like, I can’t imagine how amazing being a king is.”
“Just enjoy it while you can.” Gjörn said as with shut eyes, as he enjoyed the springs as well. “This is only for today.”
“I know Orc!” William answered. “It’s just nice to be able to relax for once.”
“Uhh I think we might want to postpone the relaxing.” Rodrick said nervously as he looked out the window. “A soldier is approaching our inn.”
“How do you know if he’s looking for us, specifically?” William asked, lazily.
Pum pum pum!
William and Gjörn both scrambled out of the water when they heard the knocking. William quickly grabbed a robe, and his dagger, and rushed to the door. He slowly opened it, hiding his dagger behind his back, and he peeked an eye out. Sure enough, a soldier was waiting, politely. William opened the door wider and greeted him.
“Hello fighters.” He said with a short bow. “King Bravos regrets to bother you at this hour. He was wondering if you could grant him the pleasure of your company for dinner.”
“The King wants to have us over for dinner?” Gjörn asked plainly.
“That is correct.” The soldier replied.
“Do we have a choice?” Rodrick asked nervously.
“Of course you do.” The soldier smiled. “But, King Bravos did mention he had some information you three might be interested in.”
William looked at his companions, who both gave him a curious nod. “Alright, we’ll be there.”
“Wonderful.” The guard said. “You three get ready, and then meet me outside, I am to escort you to the palace.”
___________________________________________
As the three neared the palace, they couldn’t help but notice how beautiful it was. Unlike King Reiner’s castle, which was tall and dark, you couldn’t even see the palace over the walls that surrounded it. When they entered the main gate, they couldn’t help but notice how bright everything was. The light orange palace was accented with red roofing. It was closer to a mansion than a palace, a very large mansion. Many different rooms with many different openings. The entire mansion was surrounded by a lush garden that pretty girls tended to. One of them gave Rodrick a wink, which made him blush and look down in embarrassment. This prompted the girls to giggle in excitement.
The trio finally walked into the dining area, a large room with a very long table planted in the middle. Chandeliers illuminated the food that was on the table, and there was a lot. The smell creeped up gjörns nose and made his mouth water.
“Gentleman!” King Bravos greeted. William noticed a thick accent that complimented his eccentric personality well. “Please have a seat!”
The trio wasted no time finding seats and stared at the dishes in front of them.
“No need to bother with formalities. Please enjoy.”
With that, they began stuffing their faces with sweet bread, rotisserie duck, stuffed turkey, pies, cakes. Everything they could ever want seemed to be on a plate.
King Bravos watched them wolf down the food so savagely. It’s been a while since Rodrick had eaten such rich foods. This was William and Gjörn’s first time eating so well.
“So, I think now is a good time to inform you.” King Bravos said with a smirk. “The King of Hera has asked me to turn you three over to him.”
When they heard that they immediately stopped. William still had food in his mouth. He was contemplating spitting it out.
“Oh don’t worry.” King Bravos continued. “I don’t want to see you guys harmed. Please continue eating.”
William swallowed his food and let out a sigh of relief. “Ok your excellency. Why have you called us here?”
“Because I am a huge fan.” He said with excitement. “You guys are the mightiest warriors the arena has ever seen. So I told Reiner, if he wanted you guys dead, it had to be in the arena.”
The three looked at each other, and then back at the king.
“I have been informed they have a fighter to challenge you.” The fight is in a week. I just wanted to personally inform you.”
“One fighter?” Gjörn scoffed. “Are they serious?”
I wouldn’t be relieved yet. I have sources who tell me this new guy is a monster. And they weren’t speaking figuratively.”
“We have our own monster right here.” William joked, patting Gjörn on his chest.
Bravos smiled. “Well, I guess that settles it then.” He got up from his chair and wiped his hands with a napkin. “Enjoy the rest of the meal. Call one of my guards when you’re ready to go home.” He gave them a small nod and then excused himself.
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