Chapter 3: Unwelcome guests
The next evening after the tournament, there was a feast nearly all the nobles were gathered and sitting around the table. All except for Count Clais the Lord of Dhirim, Count Rafarch Lord of Rindyar Castle, and to Movans disappointment Count Delinard.
"Must be to embarrassed to show his face." Movan thought to himself as he took a sip from his goblet.
At the head of the table sat King Harlaus dressed in his finest robes, Movan wore a tunic made from red velvet that was imported from the Sultanate. Movan socialized with each of the guest to spread his influence, each one of the lord's congratulated Movan on aiding in their Lord's victory. The ladies of the realm each made glances and turned away as Movan looked their way. Movan overheard a conversation across the table from him about the Sarranid Sultanate in their war with the Rhodoks had taken the city of Veluca and the surrounding villages. With King Harlaus pushing from the west and Sultan Hakim pressing from the east King Graveth would soon seek peace with one of the factions so he could focus his efforts on one front instead of two.
As the night grew later the door to the hall opened and several Swadian Guards who were escorting a group of five lightly tanned men wearing furs and fur hats and helmets walked into the hall. Each one of the men carried on their backs a horse archers bow that configuration came from the lands far to the far East past the Lands of the Sultanate, the Khergit Khanate in the furthest reaches of Calradia. Little to nothing was known about them except rumors from the Lands of the Sultan and caravans that had traded there. The tallest of them and the one who led the group stepped out for all to see, his face had scars on both sides of it. The room was quiet as a graveyard at night as all eyes in the room were fixed on these strange men. Finally the Tall man spoke.
"The Great Khan Sanjar Khan the rightful ruler of all under the Blue Sky has given us the honor of speaking his will to you." Began the Tall man puffing out his chest as he spoke the words proudly. "He wills that there be war between our two Kingdoms, and to assure you that our great Khan does not Jest we have besieged one of your castles I believe you call it Rindyar Castle which is the Castle that is closest to our western border, and your eastern border.
After he spoke the men turned around and followed the guards out of the hall. King Harlaus stood up and thumped his tankard on the table to call everyone in the room to look to their King.
"Ladies if you would please exit the hall we have urgent matters to discuss." King Harlaus said before sitting back down.
The women in the room all left the room quickly whispering back and forth between one another, when they had all left King Harlaus turned to the assembled lords. Count Klargus who was the Marshal of the King took his place by the King.
"All are welcome to speak." King Harlaus said as he began stroking his beard.
"We have not the numbers to face both the Rhodoks and the Khanate my king we will be divided on two fronts one front to the North the other on the far side of the Kingdom." Count Montewar said.
"Yes many died in the taking of Yalen and throughout the course of the war with the Rhodoks. Said Count Meltor.
"Yes you speak truth Meltor, but the Sultanate also fight the Rhodoks and more than likely the Rhodoks are occupied in pushing the Sultanate back to pay attention to us."King Harlaus said as he thought.
"Yes my King, I believe that we must be cautious we will send someone, and then reinforce them once we are certain the Rhodoks will not make a move while we fight the Khanate in the East." Count Klargus said.
"Might I suggest sending our newest addition to the Council to occupy the Khanate, and allow him to prove his worth to the rest of us who have only heard Rumor of Movan Beltasus and his Valor and Bravery and prowess on the battlefield." Count Despin said looking at Movan.
"I agree my King there are very few who have ever witnessed Movan in battle this would be a good test for him to prove his worth and moreover his loyalty to you." Count Klargus said agreeing with Count Despin.
King Harlaus sighed before he spoke. "Very well Movan Beltasus you shall take your army east to confront the Khanate we will come to support you when we are certain the Rhodoks will not advance." King Harlaus said as he stood from his chair. "If we are all agreed let us end this council.
"I will do as you can, My King." Movan said bowing before leaving the hall.
Movan left the Keep and went to the tavern where he and his men were staying gathered them up and rode for Maras Castle. As Dawn arose they rode into the courtyard of Maras Castle and made preparations for the war to come.