I do NOT claim to own this story or any characters or places in it.
This is my first story, so bear with me.
A note from the author: Whenever I say "everyone laughed" or "everybody chuckled" I usually mean everyone but Halt, since he's usually very serious.
Constructive criticism and reviews are welcome, but inappropriate material and profanity are NOT!
Now, welcome to my world of fantasy...
Introduction
"Why do you think King Duncan asked us here, Honey?" called Will to his wife Alyss.
"I think," replied Alyss, "that if you ask me one more question I will kick you out to the stables!" She spoke the last two words with so much vehemence that Will quickly resolved to himself that he would stop asking so many questions. Alyss, seeing the rather hurt look on her husband's face said, "I'm sorry, Will; I'm just tired from the journey here."
It had been a rough ride for her, Will realized. As a Ranger, Will was used to all sorts of weather. On the other hand, Alyss was a Diplomat and was not accustomed to slogging through rain and deep mud.
There was a loud, official-sounding knock at the door. Will opened the door to find a young boy. "A page," thought Will to himself.
"The King requests that you come to his private study in an hour's time," announced the page.
"Very well. Thank you," replied Will as he shut the door.
"Well, Will, at least you'll find the answer to your question soon," smiled Alyss.
o
Crowley was the first to arrive. "Aaahh, good old Crowley," thought King Duncan, who was already seated in his study. "Never late, and yet he probably has the busiest schedule of us all."
Crowley was followed quickly by Arald and Rodney, who in turn were followed by Halt and Pauline. Eventually they all came in, Sir Horace and Princess Cassandra, Battlemaster Rodney, Baron Arald, Ranger Gilan, Ranger Halt and Diplomat Pauline, Ranger Will and Diplomat Alyss. And then, last of all, came Jenny.
Amid friendly greetings, hugs, and backslapping, King Duncan cleared his throat and made an announcement. "Now I'm sure you all are wondering why I summoned you here. Well, the answer is, I wanted to read you a book." Silence. "What, no outbursts, no fits of rage?" he questioned. "I'm pleasantly surprised. Now, to start at the beginning." He paused for a moment to gather his thoughts. "I received a package a while ago. Unfortunately, I was very busy then and didn't have a chance to examine it until a couple weeks ago. I found in it a book titled The Ruins of Gorlan by Jon Flanagyn. The book is the first in a cycle about Will's life."
At this point Horace interrupted. "Wait a minute, d'you mean our Will?"
"Of course, who other?" smiled Cassandra as she gently slapped her husband's head. He looked sheepishly to the ground and grinned while everyone chuckled.
"Yes, to answer your question, Horace, our Will," smiled the king. "So when I noticed it was about Will, I thought it would be enjoyable to have the closest people in Will's life, and of course Will himself, come and read it together."
As everyone chimed in with their agreement, Duncan announced, "And, using my power as King, I decree that Will shall read the first chapter."
Will, slightly embarrassed with all the attention he was getting, took the book and began to read.
