138: Introductions

The group slowed considerably while I was trying to get a good look at the King.

I knew very little about him. From the books I had read, his name was King Marcus Ashivar. I knew from my texts—although usually just known as the capital—the city itself is named after the royal family name, Ashivar.

“What is with all the guards?” I whispered.

Jen pulled out a piece of paper and wrote.

‘Say nothing for now, Trev.
They are almost certainly listening, even from this distance.
Let Hari speak, and we’ll go from there.’

I just nodded. Lily didn’t miss a beat, still right next to Sable. Next to her, out of the brazier, was a very large Crisplet, matching the height of Lily.

Despite what must have been hundreds of people in front of us, with rows of guards, and clearly robed individuals both on the walls and in the groups of guards, as we got close the tension got thicker as all eyes were firmly locked onto us. The only person who didn’t have a fierce, grim look was the King himself, who looked to be having a joke with an older man next to him.

Finally, when we had made it close enough, Hari said only, “Stay close, stay together.”

The man in the red armour stepped forward. The King.

“Come, come, don’t mind this lot!” a booming voice called out.

There was an undeniable authority in his voice, and despite the distance between us, it carried without issue. The tone was almost jovial, which didn’t match the scene in front of us, with hundreds of people staring at us with stony expressions.

I could feel Lily was likewise flaring up her own presence in response to the reception.

With every step we took, the moment grew more tense. Moving forward, a group of four, including the King himself, was walking towards us. In the end, we stopped halfway, where Hari and Milo dismounted, causing us all to follow suit.

I could now see the King clearly. He looked to be no older than Hari, despite knowing he should be much older. He had a large, bushy red beard. His armour was crimson red that shone in the sun, like it was absorbing the light and blasting it back out.

Flanking him were two men. One was a warrior of sorts in full armour, shined to a polished finish, that I only recognised as Liam when he was much closer due to the helmet he was wearing. Next to him stood a lady with the same red hair as the King, wearing a brilliant white and purple robe, holding the most intricate wooden staff I had ever seen.

It looked to be carved of wood, with veins of moving fire throughout. Once she got close enough, I also noticed her eyes were red like fire as well.

Finally, there was a well-dressed man, who looked to be aged and whispering to the King, but other than that he looked unremarkable compared to the rest.

As we came within feet of the King, Hari and Milo knelt, causing the others to follow suit, leaving only myself, Darren and George standing before we caught on.

Lily and Crisplet did not budge, standing proud. In fact, Crisplet only amplified his appearance now, adopting the rolling flames that appeared in the staff into his own form.

The booming voice of the King spoke again.

“Enough of that. We invited you as guests; please rise,” he said.

Hari froze up in indecision. The rest of us, however, rose as Hari finally got back to his feet.

“Thank you, Your Majesty…” Hari said, a shake in his voice.

“Come, let’s speak without formality. I’m here to meet the boy I have heard so much about, and by what I’m seeing there is no mistaking which one it is,” the King said, approaching us.

“Please, Your Grace, be careful. We don’t know the beast’s temperament,” I heard the old man hiss.

The comment, clearly heard by Lily, made her flare up the pressure with anger.

“Gerald, you’re not here to be rude. You’re here to advise,” the King said back.

Hari found his voice. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty. Please let me introduce ourselves. My name is Hari Lind. We are the Polite Company, with Milo Bestington, Jennifer Lyrea, and Liane. Finally, our newest companion, Trevor.” He gestured to each of us.

“And we’re just escorting our friends Micca Carlye, and her two guards, Darren and George.” Again, gesturing to them.

“Finally, Trevor’s companions, Lily and Crisplet. Both are more than capable of understanding and communicating,” Hari said, making eye contact with Gerald.

“Yes, yes, we’ve heard the rumours! The boy who has met not just one but several of this world’s most powerful creatures, including our very own sacred Phoenix, which we now know to be called Alira. But yes, this stick in the mud next to me is my adviser, Gerald. Captain Liam you have met, and finally my daughter, Princess Kathrine Ashivar,” the King said with a beaming smile.

Speaking directly to me now, the King approached, completely unfazed by the pressure of Lily or Crisplet.

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I whispered to them both, “It’s okay, we’re just talking.”

“Now, with introductions out of the way, it’s an absolute pleasure to meet you and your fine companions. I wish to welcome you all to my wonderful city. I have personally organised accommodation for you that Liam and Kathrine will escort you to, and I wanted to personally invite you and your party to dine with me this evening,” he said.

I saw the subtle nod from Jen to my side, as I really wasn’t sure what to say or do in this situation. “Of course, we’d love to.”

“Fantastic! I am very excited to discuss your journey so far and figure out which of these rumours are true and which have been exaggerated, but just by your presence here today, I can feel the power of the Shadow Cat. If anything has been sold short, it’s incredible,” he said, looking to Lily now.

Turning around, “Gerald, bring the carriages here. And Liam, have your men look after the horses. Please escort our guests.”

My mind raced, and although it may have been speaking out of place, “Excuse me, you’re not sending Micca and my friends somewhere else, are you? They are with us until they find homes here.”

Micca’s eyes opened wide, looking at me, but said nothing.

The King just laughed. “No, dear boy, we’re not separating you. We’ve done enough research to know these are your friends and not just a job for the adventurers’ guild, but I would like to talk to you, and by extension your party, alone tonight.”

I nodded. I was just worried that they would be left without direction in the capital.