The Sword of Light: Book One of the Veredor Chronicles by E. J. Gilmour - HTML preview

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

They rode eastward over the days that followed and arrived at the gates of Ancora. The day was bright and sunny and spring flowers covered the fields surrounding the city. The city gates were open and King Ignis led the army through the western gate. Word had already reached Ancora of the victory in the west over the muckrons, Skatheans, and Zyranians.

The Imposter had fled Ancora before the arrival of the army. The story of the King’s imprisonment in the Dungeons of Zyran was known by all, and the people were overjoyed at the homecoming of their true king. The people shouted and cheered as King Ignis led the army through the town toward the palace. A great crowd had gathered in the large town square outside the palace; celebrations and cries of joy could be heard in all directions. The shroud of gloom had completely left the city and a sense of joy permeated Ancora.

Eben rode Swiftwing along beside King Ignis. Red, Stella, and Cassiel followed closely behind. The King led them through the crowd to the steps of his palace. A group of Ortarian guardsmen were waiting at the palace gate. They had been sent ahead to secure the city. King Ignis dismounted as the crowds continued cheering. He walked up the steps and turned to face the crowds of people and his army. The multitude became silent and looked to the King.

‘Today we have brought justice and peace back to Ancora. No longer will you live under an evil shadow. Today every Ortarian is free. We will remember every man who died fighting for our freedom. We will remember every sacrifice that was given. They fought for the good of all Ortarians and all people everywhere. Together we will rebuild Ortaria. Today peace has returned to our land!’

With this the people cheered. King Ignis bowed to his people before turning and walking through his palace gate. Eben, Red, Stella, and Cassiel followed the King into the palace.

**

‘Sir Redding,’ said Red, a wide smile crossing his face. ‘Can you believe it?’

Eben was happy for his friend. They were sitting in a beautiful chamber in the palace with large arched windows, marble floors, and a great oak table. The large chamber was adorned with all manner of royal luxury. There were paintings on the walls, crystal chandeliers, and marble pillars that rose up to a white ceiling above. The room was the royal guest chamber.

‘And you, Eben; Champion of Ortaria,’ said Red. Eben nodded and smiled across at Red. King Ignis had declared that Eben was the Champion of Ortaria. King Ignis had also declared that he would grant Eben any wish, if it was in his power to grant. Eben had told him that he only really wanted to go west to find his parents, and the King had said he would do whatever he could to help Eben complete his quest.

Red looked across at Stella with a smile. ‘I like the sound of Lady Stella.’ Stella smiled happily. ‘We have something to announce,’ added Red cheerfully. Eben could easily guess what it was. ‘We’re going to be married.’

**

Two weeks later Eben stood beside Red in the great hall of the royal palace of Ancora. Red shuffled nervously. He was clothed in fine linen and had his hair combed back and his beard had been neatly styled. An Ortarian guard of honour created two lines, and a crowd of notable citizens of Ancora had gathered for the wedding. King Ignis sat on his golden throne and watched the proceedings. Cassiel, Max, and some of the other soldiers who they had come to know stood a little way away. Eben could also see the old librarian in the audience. He had a great big smile on his face.

Trumpets sounded and a moment later Stella entered the great hall through the massive entrance doorway. Sweet music filled the great hall. She walked toward them across the marble floor in a long flowing white dress. She looked ever so beautiful, and everyone in the hall stared at her, amazed by her loveliness.

‘She’s so incredible,’ whispered Red in awe of his bride. She was being followed by two bridesmaids; both had been performers in the circus. She slowly approached Red, looking into his eyes with immense happiness.

King Ignis stood up and stepped down toward them. He took from a small table two candles and handed one to Red and the other to Stella. It was the custom of marriage in Veredor that two candles should be lit from a single flame and that both the bride and groom would then declare their love and commitment to each other in their own words, both swearing an oath to always be true.

 A candle stood on a stand and burned brightly. Stella took her candle and lit it from the larger candle, and Red followed her example, and they stood together holding their candles. It was also the custom in Veredor that the man should declare his love first. Red looked to Stella with great love and tenderness.

‘Stella, from this day onward I will be your husband. I promise to always be true to you, and I will always love you. I will always stand by your side, defend your honour, and protect you. You are and will forever be my one true love.’

Stella smiled at Red lovingly. ‘Red, my love; I will be your wife. I will love you truly and forever. I will honour you and be true to you always. I will hold you in my heart and together we shall build our life together.’

They embraced and kissed and then turned to the people who all applauded and cheered. King Ignis then walked over and stood beside them. ‘I present to you, Sir Redding and Lady Stella, husband and wife,’ he announced. The people clapped and cheered again. Red and Stella kissed again and held each other close in a joyful embrace.

**

For two weeks the four friends had been staying in the palace. Eben was sitting in the royal guest chamber reading a book about the history of Ortaria and the other Eastern Lands of Veredor. Cassiel entered the room and was holding a letter in his hand. He handed the letter to Eben.

‘This message came from Meara this morning.’

Dear Cassiel and Eben,

I write to you from Dravania. I have attended a meeting with the Irilian High Council and told them of the troubles in Ortaria. I hope this message reaches you in time. I write to inform you that a council will be held in the Irvarian city of Faircastle on the first day of summer. This council is being arranged by King Edric of Irvaria at the request of the last remaining Fiorian Knights. They have requested representatives from all of the magic orders, the major orders of knights, and the southern monarchs of Veredor.

I will be travelling to Irvaria to be the Irilian representative. I hope to meet you there.

Your friend,

Meara of the Irilian Order.

‘We must go,’ said Eben, feeling excited that the Fiorians would be at the council.

‘We will go together,’ said Cassiel. ‘We should leave soon because summer is not far off.’

‘We can head for the Iron Gate Pass and cross into Vastoria,’ suggested Eben.

‘I will start to prepare for the journey today,’ said Cassiel. Eben could feel they were on the verge of a new adventure.

**

Later in the day Eben was packing his backpack and making preparations to leave Ancora. Red and Stella entered his chamber without knocking.

‘There is no way you and Cassiel are going to Irvaria without us,’ declared Red.

‘Wouldn’t you rather stay in Ancora?’

‘No way,’ said Stella firmly. ‘We’re going west with you.’

Eben felt happy that his friends were so keen to join him on the journey west. ‘It will be a long and dangerous adventure.’

Red and Stella both smiled.

TO BE CONTINUED...

The Journey West

Book Two of the Veredor Chronicles

Available now! Visit www.ejgilmour.com for more information.