The Heroic Legend Of Ianthe Chapter 4
The entire Royal Capital was overflowing with deafening cheers from the people for the return of the army and the King to Ecbatana. The streets were filled to bursting with people wanting to glimpse the triumphant heroes.
Not only were the cheers for King Andragoras, but for his loyal Commanders, Generals, Lieutenants, and Captains. Each one much fiercer than the next.
"Look, it's Lord Marzban Kharlan!"
"He's so gallant!"
"Lord Kharlan!"
"And there's lord Marzban Kubard and his wine jug."
"And inseparable pair."
"Honestly, is that man ever sober?"
The children especially gazed upon the Marzban in awe and admiration. These men are exactly who they aspire to be once they reached manhood becoming old enough to fight and defend their country from the likes of the Lusitanian savages.
Three boys younger than Ianthe found it difficult to tear their eyes away from all of them in the procession.
"You see that scar? The one over his left eye there? That's from when Lord Kubard fought a dragon," said the 1st.
"You're makin' that up," said the 2nd, calling bullshit on him.
"He's not my favorite, though. Lord Twin-Blade General Kishward is," proclaimed 3rd, spreading his arms out like a hawks wings.
Smiling, the 1st said "You just wait. I'm joinin' the cavalry when I grow up. I'll protect the King like the Lord Marzban!"
The 2nd said "That's stupid! The King killed a lion when he was 13. He doesn't need the likes of you to look after him."
"Yeah. You're probably right," conceded the 1st.
They're attention was then switched back to the parade as the prisoners of war were brought up in the line. Survivors of the war they were brought back to the Royal Capital to spend the rest of their days as slaves. That is their punishment and curse for even daring to go up against the great Parsian Empire and their allies.
"Who're the prisoners?"
"They're Lusitanian soldiers."
"They go to war in the name of that god of theirs, right?"
"The Cult of Yaldabaoth, I think it is."
"I hear they kill babes in their arms if their parents are non-believers."
"Barbarians!"
At the end of the string of prisoners was a young boy that couldn't have been older than eleven years of age. He was as haggard and rugged as the rest of them.
Onlookers felt a mixture of horror and disgust looking at him.
"Look there! He's just a lad. Lusitania's so desperate it sends children into war?"
"Oh, the poor little dear. What kind of parents would allow that?"
Finally the caravan reached the point in Ecbatana where Crown Princess Ianthe and Vahirz were supposed to meet them.
As Ianthe spotted her father at the head of the army her nerves began to act up a little though she was careful to keep it concealed. Knowing her so well Vahirz could probably sense her anxiety, but chose not to say anything about it. Instead he encouraged her to go forth to meet King Andragoras part way.
"Go on, Highness," said Vahirz, gently.
Straightening in the saddle Ianthe held her head up high and proud with great dignity as she urged her mare forward.
King Andragoras's stoic and blank expression went unchanged as she approached him.
Bowing her head in respect and welcome to him, Ianthe said "Lord Father, I'm glad to see you home safe. Truly it is a relief to see you unharmed. I worried for you, off fighting in distant lands-."
Cutting her off, hard and cold, King Andragoras said "Defeat was unthinkable." He strolled directly passed Ianthe without even glancing at her once leaving her sitting there stunned. Andragoras totally ignored her as he spoke to Vahirz. "Report, Vahirz. Tell me how the kingdom has fared."
Ianthe turned in the addle watching him go.
Turning his horse beside the King's to walk with him, Vahirz said "Majesty."
Ianthe was left behind.
The three boys from before had been following the front of the caravan closely and had witnessed the exchange between the King and Crown Princess. Despite being in awe of her beauty in the rays of the sun they weren't that impressed.
The 1st said "What do you guys think about Princess Ianthe?"
Shrugging, the 3rd said "Eh. She's pretty and all, but she doesn't seem very brave. I heard she's being trained to fight, but I think that's not true. Princesses don't fight."
"Then maybe we'll protect her instead of the King," said the 1st.
"Maybe," agreed the 2nd.
Feeling a bit downtrodden by her father's dismissive behavior towards her Ianthe slowly urged her horse on to follow the procession back to the palace. Her place was supposed to be at the front of the caravan. As she did so Ianthe's eye was drawn to the line of Lusitanian prisoners now being led away to the slave markets.
Despite them being enemy soldiers Ianthe was greatly intrigued by them. She had never met anyone from Lusitania before. She already knew plenty about Lusitania and its people from her history lessons only nothing could really compare to the real thing.
Perhaps she should brave a visit down to the slave markets herself. Not many would approve of her decision to go down there alone. That it is quite improper for a princess to be among the masses in such a disagreeable environment. Ianthe didn't really care too much about that. She would carry that dagger with her so in her own mindset Ianthe would still be carrying a weapon for protection.
Also, it's highly unlikely that once she gets down there someone high up in the pecking order of the slave markets wouldn't take it upon themselves to act as her protection.
Her mind made up Ianthe planned to set her mare back into the stables and set out on foot. This excursion may prove beneficial in more ways than one.
Anyone it'll certainly take her mind off King Andragoras. That's for sure.
Authors Note:
Happy Thanksgiving!