During a moonlit night in the Royal Paladin Kingdom, a crucial meeting unfolded. Ahmes found himself among various leaders of the subclans, summoned by King Alfred for an urgent discussion.
"Gratitude to all who are present," the King announced, standing at the center of the table, facing the gathered leaders. "I apologize for the short notice, but this matter requires our immediate attention."
"What do you wish to discuss, Your Majesty?" inquired Higher Deity Knight; Altmile.
"Is it an issue of internal or external concern?" Pure Heart Jewel Knight; Ashlei followed up.
"Both," the King replied, sitting down and folding his hands thoughtfully on the table. "We have received reports of our knights on patrol being attacked during the night."
"Attacked?" Ahmes interjected, curiosity piqued. "Do we know what assailed them?"
"Unfortunately, no," Alfred continued. "They only reported being ambushed from behind and could not describe their attackers. However, I have a map that shows the situation." He unfurled a scroll, revealing a detailed layout of the kingdom, marked with numerous crosses indicating the locations of recent assaults. "The North, East, and South gates have all been targeted. If this persists, the West gate will likely be next."
"This suggests our enemy prioritizes stealth," Altmile mused, stroking his chin. "They strike at night and vanish without a trace."
"Could this be the work of the Nubatama or Murakumo clans?" another leader wondered aloud. "Their skills in infiltration are well-known. But why focus on the guards instead of breaching the kingdom itself? Is there another clan behind these attacks?" A murmur of speculation rippled through the room.
"I believe I speak for everyone when I say we cannot afford to be complacent," Ahmes declared, rising from his seat to address the assembly. "We must double our knightly forces and station watchers at key points." His gaze sharpened. "If these attacks continue, we risk facing a more significant threat from this unknown assailant."
"Agreed," Alfred nodded, turning to the other leaders. "I ask for your cooperation in reinforcing our defenses to ensure the safety of our realm." He glanced at Ahmes. "I will reach out to the other clans for assistance in identifying this attacker."
"Understood," came the knights' reply, met with nods of agreement from the others.
The meeting progressed for nearly 48 minutes before it concluded, leaving only Ahmes and the King in the room.
"I will inform Marron and the others of the situation," the White Knight stated, resting a hand on his sword's hilt. "We will strategically position ourselves at each gate and subdue the attacker when they strike."
"Very well," Alfred said. "You have my permission to deploy additional troops if necessary."
"Gratitude," came the respectful nod as Ahmes prepared to leave.
"Before you go," the King called, prompting the knight to pause near the door. "In these cautious times, I suggest you request assistance from one of our comrades to help safeguard your home." He leaned forward, folding his hands on the table. "We do not yet know the motives behind these attacks, so it is crucial we protect our people as well." He gestured lightly. "I suspect Lady Ashlei would offer her knights to assist Lady Salome in ensuring your children's safety, but securing another ally would be wise."
"I understand," the knight acknowledged, nodding in acceptance of the King's advice. "I will seek the aid of our comrades."
With a final nod, Ahmes exited the room, leaving Alfred deep in thought.
"To attack our knights without revealing a clear motive…" the King murmured, turning his gaze to the window, where the moon illuminated the night sky. "Who dares to threaten my kingdom?"
Some time later, the White Knight returned home, heading straight for the living room. There, he was greeted by the soft sound of gentle snoring. Salome lay peacefully asleep, her arms tenderly cradling the children, Alice and Noah, while Flogal rested nearby, stretched out on the colorful foam carpet, each of them a picture of comfort and contentment in the glow of the setting sun filtering through the curtains.
A warm smile softened Ahmes's face as he took in the scene. "Did they wait for me?" he murmured, his voice barely a whisper, as though afraid to disturb the tranquility before him. Setting his sword and cape aside, he approached carefully, leaning down to lift Alice from Salome's embrace. Her little fingers instinctively curled around his finger, even in sleep, and he paused, letting her tiny hand hold him a moment longer before carrying her to her crib in the bedroom. Returning for Noah, Ahmes tucked him in beside his sister, gently pulling up the soft blankets around them and brushing a tender kiss over each of their foreheads.
Once the children were settled, he looked over at Flogal, his loyal companion, who had been part of countless battles and moments of peace alike. He bent down and lifted the pink canine into his arms, carrying him over to the couch and draping a cozy blanket over her.
Flogal let out a sleepy sigh, her paws curling up beneath her as she nestled further into the warmth. The knight chuckled softly. "Rest well, old friend," he murmured, giving him a light pat.
Now, only Salome remained. Ahmes knelt beside her, admiring her peaceful expression, softened by sleep. Gently, he slipped his arms beneath her and lifted her, cradling her close as he moved towards the bedroom. She stirred slightly, a soft moan escaping her lips, but her head only rested more deeply against his chest. Arriving at the bed, he lowered her with care, tucking her in and brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face. She murmured something unintelligible, turning slightly to her side as a gentle smile played at her lips. Leaning down, he whispered, "Good night, Salome."
Ahmes then leaves the bedroom as he closes the door gently.
Afterwards, Ahmes placed his armor in the adjacent armory, he returned to the dining area, where a large map of the kingdom lay stretched across the table. He studied it in silence, every town, forest, and river etched clearly in his mind as he reviewed possible routes and defenses. The threat of an unknown assailant had hung heavily over his thoughts, and tonight he could feel the urgency swelling inside him. Leaning over the map, he whispered, "I must ensure the kingdom's safety… no matter what."
Suddenly, a soft cry cut through the silence. He froze, his attention shifting immediately from the map. Moving swiftly, he left his plans behind and headed back to the children's room, where a soft whimper told him one of the twins was caught in a bad dream. In the dim light, he saw Noah's small face scrunched up in distress, his little fists clenched.
With gentle hands, Ahmes lifted him from the crib, cradling him close as he murmured soothing words. Noah stirred, his cries quieting as he felt the familiar warmth of his father's embrace. "Shh… it's alright. I'm here," Ahmes whispered, gently swaying as he rocked his son, his voice a soft lullaby. Slowly, Noah's tiny fingers relaxed, his breaths steadying as he sank back into a peaceful slumber.
Ahmes held him a moment longer, savoring the simple, quiet happiness of his son's contentment. Pressing a kiss to his forehead, he gently laid Noah back beside Alice, watching the two nestled together, safe and secure.
The white knight lingered beside the crib, watching the twins' peaceful slumber. Their tiny chests rose and fell in unison, small hands curled close to their faces. He marveled at how innocent they looked, the warmth of their presence filling the room. In their gentle breathing, he could feel a deep, almost overwhelming sense of purpose—one that reminded him why he took up his sword each day.
After a long, tender moment, he traced his fingers lightly over the crib's edge, his voice barely a whisper as he spoke to his children, "I will protect you, no matter what."
Steeling himself, he turned back toward the map waiting in the other room. The remnants of the night's quiet and his vow echoed within him as he studied every potential path for the unknown assailant's advance. He imagined what a single breach could mean, the possibility of his peaceful home disturbed, his family at risk. His gaze narrowed with determination. For his family, his resolve would be unyielding.
That's a wrap!
Bye bye