This is the Prologue for a story I am planning to write. This was written on short notice today during a short notice and will most likely be updated. Right now it is sort of hard to tell whats going on but I will be adding to it shortly>
Prologue
Exile
"Only the misfortune of exile can provide the in-depth understanding and the overview into the realities of the world."
(Stefan Zweig)
A bitter silence entered the room as a group of twelve armored men stood before the throne of his majesty, King Artaxiad. The king's weary, wrinkled face scanned the men, and many eyes were averted in shame. His eyes stopped at the commander of the small regiment, but the leader seemed more interested in the embroidered rug he was standing on.
The commander's shoulder length blonde hair and scruff on his face made him seem like an unlikely candidate as a leader in the professionalized, Crusaders of Soholia, yet his feats through battle could not be denied, nor matched by many. When the commander evidently realized the king was waiting for eye contact, he slowly raised his head and brushed the hair from his eyes. He gazed fixedly on the King in an extremely confident, yet humble way.
The king let out a tired sigh, unsure of what to do. Although he had planned the speech in his mind, he was heart broken and could not recall his preliminary thoughts. After another moment of silence, he finally spoke.
"My sons, by this time your reasons for being present are quite apparent. Your regiment disobeyed direct orders from General Llewellyn. Every crusader lives to serve! As a result of disobedience, the portcullis was left with very little man-power. The enemies were able to resume their destruction into our city, destroying a large part of our residential areas."
The commander kept his head down. The story of their failure to obey had been recited to them by numerous officials, but the scribes of the king were required to record the process of an exile, therefore it must be told once more. One final testament of their reckless behavior. The king still continued,
"Due to your actions, and the circumstances created thereafter, through the direct request of General Llewellyn and a unanimous vote by the Council, the regiment of the Red Phoenix is hereby disbanded."
He then took hold of his jewel encrusted scepter and stood before the exiled.
"Arkadiy Kyros, son of Morathi Kyros, member of the Red Phoenix, you are herby stripped of your ranking and will serve in the militia until you prove to our leaders and God that you are worthy to serve him once again."
The king proceeded down the line in the same fashion until he got to the commander.
"Lucian Artaxiad, son of Varana Artaxiad, Commander of the Red Phoenix. Your actions have caused the downfall of your comrades and the lives of many innocent. You are hereby exiled form the Crusaders of Soholia and will be dishonorably executed on tomorrow's dawn.
Utter silence filled the room once again, and Lucian choked for words. His confident eyes were now filled with tears.
"Father!" he gasped, and fell to his knees.