Read The Saviors: Locmire's Quest Book Two A Tales from Calencia Novel Page 5
Chapter 5
The "King" of Galdarath
"The cities are fortified, the dead laid to rest, and every able bodied citizen armed and outfitted. What shall we do next, King Buxton?" asked Loral, Sebastian's second in command.
Loral was a young man with cocoa colored skin and almond shaped, brown eyes. Loral, as young as he was, rose through the ranks of Galdarath's army at an accelerated pace, with his home seat being Ravendale. He was a perfect fit for Sebastian: young and naive.
"We prepare for battle. Order the battle masters to train the citizens at once. I feel that war is upon us." Sebastian stood. He walked over and gazed out a window overlooking the city. Sebastian placed his hands behind his back, interlocking his fingers. He took a deep breath and eased it out. "Everyone must be prepared to fight. Ration all food and goods. Have the forge masters work day and night making swords, axes, and armor. Cost is no matter. Raid the prisons and offer the criminals freedom for service." I will put them in the vanguard. Chances are they will not survive. "Increase the amount of patrols along the walls and the roads. We must not be taken by surprise."
"Yes, my King," Loral replied.
"Please, do not call me King. Thaddeus is our king," Sebastian replied. However, I do like the sound of King Buxton very much.
"Yes, General Buxton. Have we any word from King Graystone?" Loral asked.
"Just this morning I received word from a carrier snoot that Thaddeus has departed from Lasticall with Sestian Ferrini and his Sword. It seems that Lasticall suffered an attack as well," said Sebastian.
Loral's face grew white. "By the gods! I cannot believe this is happening. I thought Hasbarie to be only a myth," Loral replied.
"As did I," Sebastian said.
His return has made me reconsider my plans for Thaddeus, but I must move forward.
"Once all preparations are made to defend Galdarath, I will send someone to Lasticall to speak with their interim Sestian, Tontal Drave. If this situation will be as grievous a threat as I suspect, we will need to rally all the kingdoms together to have any chance of stopping the darkness upon us," Sebastian said, as he paced back and forth in front of the throne.
"It is an unfortunate fate that has fallen upon the Brazurkins. They would come in handy if Hasbarie's forces march on the kingdoms," Loral said.
"Yes, truly unfortunate. We shall also seek an alliance with the Raptilians, and the Dainties. They will add great strength to our numbers," said Sebastian.
With a chuckle, Loral said, "Do you really believe the Dainties to be alive?"
Sebastian replied, "Yes. Yes I do. Go ahead and send a messenger to Dead Marsh, Pizenchaffe, and Lasticall. We need everything in order."
"Yes, General Buxton," Loral hesitated for a moment. "Umm. . . how are we supposed to contact the Dainties?"
"I am sure we can find a way to contact them. If the Wizard believes he can go speak freely with them, then so can we." Sebastian sat back on his throne. "Have we any word from the King's Elite?"
"They are headed inland as we speak," Loral replied.
"Did the ship masters find land?" Sebastian inquired.
"The message I received had no mention of it. I am sure if they had found other lands, they would have informed us," Loral replied.
"Sending the King's Elite on a wild goose chase with the ship masters to find land was a waste of resources," Sebastian said. "Take leave, Loral. Send out our messengers."
"Yes, King Buxton," Loral said as he bowed and turned to leave the throne room.
"Loral," Sebastian called out.
"Yes?"
"I thought I told you not to call me King," Sebastian said.
"Yes, General Buxton," Loral said as he made his way out of the throne room.
When Loral closed the door to the throne room, Sebastian walked over to a large mirror on the wall.
"King Sebastian Buxton," he said whilst looking into the mirror. He adjusted the crown on his head, and a large smile grew upon his face. "I am not the King . . . not just yet."