Chapter 13 — The Audience

The sun began to rise as the caravan moved through the streets of the capital. Fog covered the ground, swirling around the hooves of Morgan's horse.

Morgan scanned the area. No people. No lights. Only the sounds of marching men and clanking armor.

The Duke really had brought a formidable fighting force.

"Are we going to battle after this audience?"

"More than likely."

William looked over at him.

"Listen, Sir Morgan. This is not your fight. You have the right to not join us."

Morgan rubbed the back of his head.

William was right. Morgan had seen enough combat to last a lifetime. But no matter how hard he thought about it, the only outcome he could see was himself on the front lines.

If he was going to fight anyway, it might as well be alongside men he didn't hate.

"If the attack on Pretty Boy's camp was because I killed that man in the castle, it wouldn't be right to leave y'all with my problems."

Morgan looked at William.

"Man to man, I know you don't trust me. But I trust your son. He helped us. We help him."

William chuckled.

"I like your directness. Most people are too afraid to talk like that to me because of my status, but not you."

He nodded.

"I will gladly accept your aid in the battle to come, if you are willing to give it."

Morgan could see the castle gates ahead.

The number of guards had almost doubled. Every single one of them was watching the approaching caravan. They were on edge.

Morgan rested his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Klein's voice came from behind him.

"Easy there, Sir Morgan. They're only on edge because two nobles are warring. They're here to keep the peace."

Morgan turned his head.

He had thought Klein was beside the carriage Barnes was riding in.

"They've also probably heard about your exploits the other night. I'd be nervous about getting blown up too."

Morgan smiled.

He never thought he would have such a reputation.

As the caravan cleared the gates, they slammed shut behind them.

Men began dismounting from their horses and climbing out of the wagons. Dre, Charles, and Barnes slumped out of their carriage.

William had five men surround him, forming a circle of protection. The rest of the men remained with the wagons and horses.

Klein, Dre, Charles, and Barnes walked over to Morgan.

"We're going to follow Father," Barnes said. "Let him do the talking, and don't do anything rash."

Morgan rolled his eyes.

Like father, like son, huh?

Why did they think he was going to act like a wild animal?

Morgan bent down to adjust his boot.

While doing so, he grabbed a handful of rocks and slid them into his pocket.

Just in case.

The two groups walked through the castle, led by a knight. A group of royal guards followed closely behind them.

As they entered the throne room, the mood changed.

The tension could be felt in the air.

Every wall was lined with guards standing in formation.

On the throne sat the king.

Beside him stood a woman in a green dress.

Dre nudged Morgan.

"Think she has enough cleavage out?"

Morgan nudged him back.

"Could use a bit more, honestly."

They both tried not to laugh.

"Sire! I present to you Duke William Sterling!"

Morgan's eyes widened.

His mind began to race.

The Duke has my last name?

Not once had William mentioned that.

Who is he, really? Is that why he got so curious about me? Did he think Morgan was his long-lost son or something?

"Ah, yes. Duke William. It has been a while since you've graced me with a visit. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

William stepped forward.

"Sire, as you may be aware, Duke Stanton launched an attack on my domain. I am here to inform you that I will be returning his act of aggression in kind."

"Oh, really now? From the report he gave me, you already killed over one hundred and fifty of his men. Isn't that justice enough?"

William was visibly upset by the king's words.

"No. I didn't kill them. An outsider who was there defended himself. He has since joined my ranks as a knight of status."

The king leaned forward.

"And who might this knight be?"

William looked over at Morgan and Dre, motioning for them to come forward.

"Hey, old man. Long time no see."

The words slipped out of Morgan's mouth before he could catch them.

The king's face began turning red.

"You two! You were summoned here less than a month ago, and you're already causing problems in my kingdom!"

Morgan stepped forward.

"And? It's not like I asked to be summoned, nor did I start this fight."

Three guards stepped in front of the king.

Morgan's eyes moved across the room.

He had to choose his next move carefully.

They were surrounded.

One knight stood out from the others.

He wore all black armor, his face completely covered. He was obviously strong.

Morgan could feel the murderous intent radiating from him.

"You two are to return to the other worlders at once."

Dre and Morgan smiled.

"No."

The king grew furious.

He threw his wine glass across the room.

"You dare disobey your king?!"

Morgan stared at him.

"My what? Since when do I have a king?"

"You were summoned here to fight for this kingdom!"

Morgan stepped forward.

"You ripped me from my life. From my world. And you expect me to follow you?"

Dre could feel rage welling up inside his chest.

"We are fighting for this kingdom, just not in the way you want."

He stared directly at the king.

"You have so-called nobles who would kill indiscriminately for their own gain rather than help their people. Think of it as us cleaning out the trash in your kingdom."

Dre's words floated through the air like feathers falling through stillness.

But there was nothing gentle about the man who spoke them.

Dre was furious.

William knew that if he didn't do something, the king was likely to push Morgan and Dre to the point of violence.

As much as he wanted to see them fight, this was not the time.

"Your Majesty!"

William stepped forward.

"These men are victims, not the problem. If they are so important to you, then you would be condemning Duke Stanton's actions."

The king turned toward William, confusion spreading across his face.

"What do you mean by that?"

"It was his men who attacked my domain, yes. But not all of them were killed. The survivors we questioned stated that they were commanded to kill these two."

The king slowly sat back down on his throne.

He covered his mouth with his fist.

This was it.

William had backed him into a corner.

As much as he wanted to punish Morgan and Dre, the chancellors had heard everything. He could not reveal his true intentions now.

"I assume you have proof of this?"

William nodded.

"We brought the survivors here as prisoners. Your chancellor verified their statements when we arrived."

"Tis true, Your Majesty," the chancellor said. "I questioned them myself. It is as he says."

The king huffed.

"Very well. Execute them at once."

He looked toward William.

"Duke William Sterling, you may proceed. I will not aid you, but the Crown will not hinder you in your response."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. We will take our leave now."

The guards stepped away from the doors as they opened.

As they walked out of the court, Morgan looked back.

The king was already being handed a new wine glass.

"Duke William, wh—"

The duke raised a hand, cutting Morgan off.

"Not now. Later."

Morgan nodded.