Strongfall

Two days later, Karl and his entire host arrived at Strongfall. Close to the gates of the walled city, Karl and his men pulled their horses to a halt, and he had his gaze squinted due to the glow of the sun. He looked up at the soldiers on the wall, and he could see they were all staring.

Metals groaned, Karl leveled his gaze to the gate to see it was now opened. Fifty knights on horses rode out and approached Karl.

The knights pulled up at a stone throw from Karl, but one approached. He was well covered in a dull silver armour, and his visor was open.

Slowing his horse, the knight asked, "Welcome, commander Karl. I am general Finley, and the Queen has asked me to escort you inside the city."

Karl curtly gave a single nod, the knight reared his horse and galloped back to his men. Karl glanced Henry's way, and Henry got the silent signal.

Still watching, Karl saw Henry raise his hand, and make a forward gesture, Karl looked ahead and moved his horse, and his company followed.

Eyes from every corner stared at the Night Witch as they rode into Strongfall. Considering their frightful reputation in battle, their very presence seemed to cast dread on the city. Further escalating this fear, and making a few wear an unsettling look on their faces, was the black flag of the Night Witch which had the white outlined drawing of a lady screaming with her eyes closed. This flag was called 'The Screaming Witch,' and it only flew when blood was about to be spilled.

The host rode up to the Palace where thousands of knights in gleaming silver armour stood as in a military parade. The Queen was waiting behind her knights, between two white, huge colonnades with a few of her ministers and another lady, although younger, next to her. 

Karl dismounted with General Finley, and together, they made their way through the knights, and walked up the steps to meet the Queen who was arrayed in a white diamond gown.

"Your Grace," General Finley said. "I present to you Commander Karl."

"Thank you, Finley," Queen Iris said. "See to Karl's men."

The General bowed and returned down the stairs.

"Welcome, commander Karl," Queen Iris said. "This is my daughter, princess Alex, and the rest of my court."

Karl looked at the Princess, and indeed, she sure looked beautiful. The Princess, he noticed, eyed him as one would a barbarian.

"Come," the Queen said. "We must have you fed, well-rested, and then we can discuss." The Queen turned.

Karl followed the Queen and her entourage into the palace.

The Queen cornered into a huge gold door with guards outside, and the door opened to her. Karl walked into a spacious room with a gold throne positioned at the end, and lots of comfortable sofas. A female servant gestured to one of the sofas, and Karl moved to sit on that one.

Everyone was to remain standing till the Queen sat, but Karl was already seated. Seeing it was already too late and the Queen's ministers were now sitting, he hoped no one took offense. He was not a citizen after all.

Servants were called in to serve food, fried, boiled, and roasted meat with wine, and Karl enjoyed the delicacy, eating just enough so he could listen to whatever this Queen and her lords had to say.

He couldn't miss the eyes of the Princess coming his way, and the way she looked away each time he caught her watching, it made him smile.

After everyone did have their fill of the food, Karl listened to the ministers' prattle on about threats and possible solutions. Literally, they were all saying the same thing. That it was pointless calling the aid of the Night Witch which could hamper their progress with the neighbouring kingdoms.

"A higher bidder could pay the Night Witch to turn on us," one minister said.

Yes, Karl could very well turn on them. He wasn't denying it. But the fact that they said these things in his presence only seemed to amuse, and not offend him.

"Marry the princess to King Elton," a fat bellied minister said, "and make him an ally."

It was then the Queen spoke, for she had been initially listening without interfering. "I will not give my daughter to a man who doesn't know how to treat his wives, worth more his people, or even foreigners."

"Your Grace! She's only a woman. She can bear whatever comes her way. See it as a useful sacrifice for the good of Strongfall."

Karl didn't believe this stupid ideology in the north was also here in Strongfall.

"So my daughter bears the humiliation, and you think that as an exaltation to Strongfall?" Queen Iris asked.

"It's necessary," the fat lord said and sat down.

Karl frankly didn't want to make any of this his business. He had come here for the gold. However, the respectable side of him he preserved for ladies wouldn't let him agree to what these lords were saying. No. His father had taught him otherwise. If he left this Queen in dire need of him, even though she hadn't said it, he would be haunted by his conscience, and he knew it. After all, there was nothing more he feared than his conscience.

It was why whenever his men did battle on a nation, he never allowed them to rape any lady. Rather, they were to take them in and cherish them as they would any other woman they would lie with. If news reached him that any of his men beat, or mishandled a woman, they would be severely punished, and if she bled, the price was death.

So, while his men were men of valor, and terrible to behold in times of war, they were very delicate when dealing with women.

Karl took to his feet. "Enough," he said, not minding that the Queen wanted to say something. "Apologies, Your Grace, but I grow tired of these trivial talks. I believe more progress would be made should you and I discuss."

He had suggested it. He noted the hint of a smile on the Queen's face.

"I require a private moment with the commander of the Night Witch," Queen Iris said. "Please, leave us."

Karl relished the look of humiliation on their faces as they left. When the doors closed, Karl was alone with the Queen, the Princess, and the two guards posted within the room. He walked closer to the Queen and he asked, "You sent for me. Who should I fight with?"

"You have angered my ministers, commander," the Queen said. "And they will demand blood." 

Karl gave a side head gesture. "Then, so be it."