Meeting of the Kings part 1
The land of Hogsmoor was preparing to host a royal gathering. It was an annual tradition that had been passed through generations where the kingdoms of Navaria, Elgany, Ravensedge and Alnwick would gather in the neutral spot to discuss the comings and goings of their respective homelands.
King Alfred of Ravensedge arrived first, having the least amount of travel. His kingdom lay directly north of Hogsmoor. Castle Sparrington was perched high in the Elinway mountains. Not many of his people ever left the naturally fortified kingdom. Ravensedge held many secrets behind its gates and weren’t privy to hosting visitors. He was familiar with the tradition of meeting the other rulers. It had become somewhat of an inconvenience to him. However, he bowed to the pressure of his peers and felt it easy to meet his fellow rulers lest they take a look behind his walls.
King Benjamin of Elgany and King Roman of Navaria arrived together. Situated to the west the two kingdoms bordered each other with Navaria lying in the temperate north and Elgany lying in the more seasonable south. Benjamin and Roman were close friends. Benjamin’s queen, Manon, being the cousin of Roman’s sister in law. Together with Benjamin’s great wealth and the strength at Roman’s disposal the alliance of Elgany and Navaria could never be challenged.
Finally, travelling furtherest from the east came King Robert of Alnwick. Alnwick was a small island which harboured great power. Despite being the smallest of the kingdoms, no war with Alnwick was to be entered into lightly. Being an island the people of Alnwick had become expert in naval warfare. There was no record of their borders ever having been breached by an invading force.
One by one as they arrived the kings were shown to a large suite in the Wolfgarten, a large mansion house which presided over the muddied swampland of Hogsmoor. It was filled with long windows which were covered with such thick and colourful stained glass they barely allowed any sunlight through. An array of fresh meats (which was the finest in all of the kingdoms) and fruit only that region had to offer had been placed on a table for the guests.
“Finally, you are here,” King Alfred grumbled as Roman and Benjamin entered. He was pacing impatiently rubbing the insect bite he had received on his neck at the point of his arrival. “I don’t want to stay in this infested place any longer than I have to,” he added.
Benjamin lifted a leg of meat from the table and threw himself onto the sofa. King Ben was a larger than life character. As imposing as his abundant frame was his personality often charged ahead of him. “Have a seat. Relax,” Ben said. “We are all friends here.”
Roman, a handsome king with dark brown hair and pale skin, sat himself at the table. “I think your charm is lost on him Ben,” he commented in jest. Alfred, being the eldest, had little patience to share with his fellow rulers. However, of them, Roman was the one he could abide the most. Ben on the other hand tended to play quite heavily on his last nerve.
“Shall we get started then?” Ben beamed a wide smile and began gnawing on the meat.
Roman craned his neck to try and get a glimpse from the window. “Maybe we should wait on Robert,” he suggested.
A trumpet blared outside. A rabble of voices ensued. The door was thrown open and King Robert of Alnwick charged inside, still breathless from his urgency.
“Robert? What is the matter?” asked Roman.
Robert leaned against the frame of the door. His worry was so great it had drained all strength from his body. Although tears hadn’t formed, his eyes were glazed over with grief.
“I need your help,” he gasped between breaths. “My son, my eldest boy, has disappeared!”
END OF PART 1
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