Chapter 12: Leaving Service
As the months went by Movan's fame grew on the battlefield as they fought back the Vaegirs, However with the defection of count Clais and soon several other lords castles fell one by one near the wars ending With Dhirim taken by Clais and the garrison there to strong to overcome after many sieges King Harlaus conceded defeat and made peace with the Vaegirs. However once again the Khanate in the east set their sights on the much weakened Kingdom of Swadia Again Movan was called to fight them, but Movan instead went to Ergellon Castle where King Harlaus made his stronghold after the Nords took Praven. Movan knelt before Harlaus his head bowed low.
"What Is it Movan?" King Harlaus asked as he looked at Movan with a concerned look.
"My King Many Years I have served you, but now my King I must leave your Service and forge my own destiny I ask with a heavy heart to be released from your Service." Movan said with his head still bowed low.
"This is most unusual Movan Beltasus, but you have served me well and we have had many victories because of you and your men it will be sad to see you go, but whatever you do remember my doors are always open and I have room for more good men if you should ever change your mind." King Harlaus said. "I release you from service, However you do Know your lands will be taken Maras, and Praven will be taken from you are you sure I cannot change your mind."
"Yes My King I understand, it has been an honor to serve under you."
"It has been an honor to have you I release you from service Movan Beltasus."
"I thank you My King, I will see you again one day."
"Farewell Movan may the gods guide and protect you."
Movan left the hall, and left the Keep where his men were waiting Borcha and Klethi at the front, and a servant holding Movan's horse.
Movan Mounted his horse took the reins and rode out the gates his head held high when they were out of earshot Borcha cleared his throat.
"So you are no longer a Lord you are once again our captain, where will we go, I hear the Khanate pays well." Borcha said eagerly.
"No we are not going to serve another king we will serve ourselves." Movan said proudly.
"So we're going to turn to banditry?" Jeremius asked with a troubled look.
Movan laughed. "No Jeremius we will forge our own Kingdom." Movan said.
"I see but no one will recognise you to have a right to rule." Jeremius said troubled.
"We will make them recognise my legitimacy in time as we grow stronger." Movan said with a cunning smile on his face.
"Where will we make this kingdom then?" Borcha asked.
"What is left of the Rhodok lands, they have been split and only reside in three castles now since the wars with Swadia and the Sultanate. we will start there with the two castles that are the closest to each other. Then from there we build our forces up and Bide our time then we move to take Jelkala from the Sultanate, this will cause a war with them, but we can take them easily enough, and take what land we can from them in the course of the war that ensues, then The Sultanate will be divided on two fronts fighting the Khanate, and us."
"A very good plan my king." Rolf said as he rode up next to Borcha and Klethi.
"Thank you Baron I am glad you approve since you will be my new magistrate." Movan said.
"Thank you my king." Rolf said with a smile.
"For now call me Captain I'm not a king yet." Movan said as they rode.
The party rode passed Jelkala and through the large pass in the mountains toward the last of the Rhodok Strongholds.