“I must change quickly. We have an audience with the king in a few moments,” said Landon, standing up and grabbing his bags.
“We?” asked Jonas.
“Yes. I need you to tell your story to the king. Don’t worry,” Landon continued as he saw Fil and Jonas’s apprehensive looks, “I will be there with you. Besides, King Gavensteal is a good and honorable man. I think you will like him. His two sons will be present as well as several priests to analyze your mark. Allindrian will be present as well. No need to fear,” Landon continued reassuringly.
It was not long before they heard a knock at the door. Landon opened the sturdy door revealing a man-at-arms who informed him that the king was ready to see them. The soldier escorted them through several hallways and down some stairs until they entered a large anteroom. The room was lined with suits of armor holding magnificent lances, and the walls were covered with intricate tapestries. The tapestries were made from a thick cloth the color of a ripe plum. Gold thread was woven into the fabrics forming symbols and designs of various sorts. Jonas recognized one as the symbol of Finarth, a blazing sun with a fist in the middle. He did not know the others but enjoyed the beauty of the graceful lines and intricate scroll work.
At the far end of the room was a large door covered in a detailed carving. Jonas looked at the carving carefully and it seemed to be of some great battle; men and monsters alike were fighting on a great battlefield. The detail was exquisite and Jonas could even see some of the warrior’s expressions as they fought for their lives.
Two guards stood on each side of the door, unmoving as they approached. Jonas wished he could have examined the carving further but the soldier leading them grabbed the solid metal ring on the door, opening it smoothly. For a door so large and heavy, it swung open easily.
“Follow me please,” the warrior commanded as he entered the audience chamber. They walked into a large room flanked by huge stone pillars. Stained glass windows lined the walls sending an array of color throughout the room. Intricate stone work covered every base that held up the massive columns. Huge tapestries hung from the walls and placed between each was a polished suit of plate mail, complete with spear and shield. It was beautiful, and Jonas’s eager eyes took it all in.
On the far end of the room were steps leading to a great throne made of carved wood and hammered steel. Jonas stared openly at the incredible craftsmanship. The throne was carved into the shape of a huge tree trunk reaching up more than three paces, and all from one piece of wood. Shiny steel covered the arm rests and various other pieces of glittering metal were expertly placed into the carving. In some areas steel was inlaid to form beautiful designs that to Jonas looked like leafy vines. It was strong, powerful, and graceful all at the same time, a fitting spot for a king to rule such a wondrous kingdom.
At the base of the steps was a thick oak table, lined with heavy wood chairs that faced the impressive throne. Each chair was put together with hand carved wood, polished with oil and shining with splendor. Jonas had never seen furniture so beautiful. Everything was sublime and of the highest quality, but it was all very functional and not overly flamboyant.
The one thing that really caught Jonas’s eye was the massive painting behind the throne. It was easily fifteen paces wide and ten paces high, covering the entire back wall. It was an impressive painting depicting an armored warrior on a battlefield facing another warrior who wore all black plate armor. They rode huge, muscle bound horses, and carried glowing swords clashing together in combat. It looked so real that Jonas couldn’t take his eyes off it as he walked down the short hallway to the conference table.
At the front end of the table sat King Gavinsteal. He was an enormous man, built like an oak tree, his barrel chest and thick shoulders giving him a formidable look. His long hair fell to his shoulders and at the top it was pulled back and tied behind his head. His dark beard was trimmed perfectly. The king’s hair was streaked with the silver of age but to Jonas