Chapter 24
Later that evening, after the new citizens of Corona arrived at the capital city, a big feast was to be held in their honor. The King had invited the men of rank up to the palace while the rest of the troops enjoyed a full course of food on the palace grounds.
"Greetings warriors! I am the King of Corona and this is my wife and Queen. Welcome to our fair city," the King smiled as he and the Queen met the men at the front door of the palace.
"Thank you your Highness. We gratefully accept your invitation to dine with you. I am General Matthias. Next to me are my trusted friends, Colonel Balin and Major Thorin," the big burly man from earlier introduced himself.
"It's very good to meet all of you. Please follow us," the Queen gave them a smile. The group got underway and soon the military men were enjoying the scenery.
"You have a marvelous palace, your Highness," Matthias smiled as they walked through the palace towards the main dining room.
"Thank you very much. I have no doubt you will turn Malik's old palace into a symbol of the people. After all, you will be the governor," the King smiled back.
"I think that we will tear it down and use the blocks to build homes for everyone. As it stands the buildings are falling apart and the harsh winters will certainly make life very difficult in them," the General said.
"Winter is a short time away. You will need help if you are to complete such a task," the King replied.
"We can manage by getting everyone inside the palace once the snow flies," Matthias brushed off the King's concern.
"Nonsense. I know some builders who would be very happy for the work and I can pay them. What say we meet with them tomorrow?" The King asked.
"That would be fabulous sir but you need to repair the damage done to the capital city," Colonel Balin spoke up, surprised at the generosity they were receiving.
"This is a big kingdom and we have friends far and wide. It will be no trouble at all to have help from our allies. Now that you are our allies, the same treatment applies," the King explained as they walked through the doors of the main dining room.
"Where is Rapunzel?" The Queen asked as they entered the room.
"She was helping Amelia pick something to wear," Eugene smiled as he rose from his seat at the table.
"Ah I see and Merlin?" The King asked.
"Right here your Highness. I was just engaged in talking with my good friend Aldwyn and lost track of the time," the wizard smiled and quickly took a seat next to Eugene.
"You know Aldwyn?" The King was surprised.
"He is the cousin of Amr, son of Arthur, King of the Britons. My father helped Arthur protect Camelot." Merlin explained.
"Arthur was a good man and a great King," Matthias nodded.
"You knew Arthur?" Merlin was astonished.
"My father fought for him and he would always tell me the great deeds done by Arthur. I served under Amr until the he asked me to search for Merlin, son of Merlin. My travels took me far and wide, you were a hard man to track down and just as I was about to meet you Malik intervened. I was captured by his men and imprisoned. My mission was top secret so when I did not return to Camelot and did not send letters, I am sure my King was forced to move on," Matthias explained.
"Then I must travel to Amr and tell him what has happened. He will no doubt want to hear the news I have to tell him," Merlin nodded.
"Indeed. I should like to make the trip with you but I now have a family and a town to look after," Matthias said as everyone began to take their seats.
"I think it's time for Rapunzel and I to go on another trip," Eugene spoke up.
"How so?" Major Thorin asked.
"After all, I have not yet met Amr and I would very much like to. Merlin will need travelling companions and I believe the King has everything in hand here. Besides someone needs to give the King a formal invitation to see his former soldier in action," the former thief smiled.
"I would be very grateful," Matthias said.
"For what exactly?" Rapunzel walked into the room, with Pascal on her shoulder. The men in the room stood as she took her place next to Eugene. Behind her walked in Amelia in a dress she borrowed, a pastel blue with long sleeves to hide the scars on her arms. Merlin stood there amazed at the sight before him. He had never seen Amelia in anything flattering and now his tongue refused to work.
"Lady Amelia, it is good of you to join us. I have heard a lot about you," the King smiled.
"Thank you your Highness but I'm afraid I am but a simple girl who has been a servant for most of my life. Please do not give me a title I do not deserve," she hung her head and quickly took a seat next to Merlin.
"I think the title most worthy of a woman of your stature," the wizard smiled.
"And I think dinner is served," Eugene quickly changed the subject.
To Be Continued…