The Sword and Heir of Shadows

Chapter 15: Ample of stupidity.

The sun had barely begun to peek over the horizon as Kael and William stirred in their beds. Their father, Hector, had left early that morning for his job, and now the two brothers were the only ones in the house.

Kael yawned and rubbed his eyes, sitting up in his bed. "Will, wake up," he whispered to his younger brother, gently shaking his shoulder.

William groaned and slowly opened his eyes. "What's up, Kael?" he mumbled, still half-asleep.

"Dad's gone to work, so it's just us today," Kael explained, stretching his arms. "We should get up and have breakfast."

William nodded, sitting up and stretching as well. "Okay, but can we have pancakes for breakfast?"

Kael grinned. "Pancakes it is!"

The two brothers climbed out of bed, their day stretching ahead of them. While their father was away, they had the house to themselves, and they were determined to make the most of it.

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On the other side of the kingdom lay a realm where nature reigned supreme. Lush, dense forests stretched as far as the eye could see, and towering mountains touched the sky. In this tranquil and dramatic land, the kingdom's beauty wasn't measured by golden palaces and grandness but by the untouched majesty of its landscapes.

The people of this kingdom lived in harmony with nature, their lives intertwined with the rhythms of the forest. They were skilled hunters, gatherers, and craftsmen, and their villages blended seamlessly with the verdant surroundings. It was a place where ancient traditions and respect for the environment were held in high esteem.

As the royal carriage traversed through this realm, King Louis couldn't help but be awestruck by the sheer beauty of the unspoiled land. It was a stark contrast to the bustling urban life in his capital city.

Inside the Carriage,

King Louis, a man of extravagant taste, presented a commanding figure. His appearance bespoke his regal status - his attire, a grand tapestry of resplendent robes adorned with glistening jewels, attested to his love for flamboyance. Crowned with a majestic headdress, he bore the weight of his position upon his shoulders, but his demeanour remained aloof. His uninterested gaze, concealed behind heavy-lidded eyes, flitted dispassionately across the welcoming throngs. The excesses of court life manifested in his portly frame, physical proof of his indulgent, stagnant existence. In this serene land, he appeared like a misplaced jewel amid nature's delicate tapestry. King Loui sneered, "Ample of stupidity", as he could see the people waving at him through the silk curtains hung inside his Royal carriage.

The people in this region had gathered on the fringes of the forest to welcome their king. They stood amidst the towering trees, dressed in earthy hues that mirrored the natural colours of their surroundings. Their smiles were genuine and warm, their voices filled with the wisdom of generations.

The royal carriage was a vision of grandeur amidst the serene forest. It was adorned with intricate carvings and gilded accents that sparkled in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. The deep burgundy curtains that shielded the king from the outside world were embroidered with the royal emblem, a symbol of his power and authority.

The carriage was flanked by a contingent of soldiers, their ornate uniforms proved to their allegiance to the king. They marched with accuracy, their armour gleaming in the sunlight. These soldiers were tasked with guarding the king on this journey, a duty they took seriously.

As the procession moved through the villages, the villagers gathered on the fringes of the forest. They stood in hushed reverence, dressed in earthy tones that blended seamlessly with their surroundings. Their genuine smiles and waves of welcome couldn't be ignored.

Vice Minister Marlow leaned in and whispered to King Louis, "Your Majesty, please acknowledge their warmth. A gracious nod or a wave would mean the world to them."

Reluctantly, King Louis raised his hand and gave a reserved nod to the villagers. Marlow's subtle guidance was a reminder that the people's respect and admiration were assets to be cherished, even for a king who had been somewhat distant from his subjects. The king's acknowledgement drew cheers from the crowd, and the connection between the ruler and his people grew stronger, at least momentarily.

Amid the awe-inspiring surroundings of the forested realm, a woman of seasoned years and a face weathered by life's experiences approached the king's grand carriage. Her steps, guided by both determination and respect, led her closer to King Louis. She held a humble gift – a handful of freshly plucked wildflowers – a token of her deep admiration for the untamed land.

As she approached the carriage the Woman spoke softly " For our noble king, a gift from the heart."

However, a stalwart soldier, fiercely committed to safeguarding the monarch, stepped forward to intercept her advance, shouting in his commanding voice "Halt! No one passes without permission! "

The soldier's gaze was domineering although he was only doing his duty, which was to protect his King. That poor woman stood with a sad face, her once hopeful smile dimmed as her modest offering was blocked by the soldier. Frightened, She yielded, taking a step back, and returned to the gathering of her fellow subjects, her devotion to the king unshaken, even in the face of this gentle refusal.

Amidst the commotion outside the royal carriage, King Louis reclined on his decorated seat with an air of indifference, seemingly uninterested in the mess.

King Louis yawned as he asked Marlow " What's all the fuss about, Marlow? These people seem to adore me for no reason." Looking at the lady outside who tried hard to banter with the soldier, The King smirked and said proudly "I told you we never had to do anything like this, This whole tour is a pain in the ass". Marlow did not dare to interrupt his king and kept his face numb, without any expressions. The king continued, His carelessness was audible to the minister, "Look, she looks so pitied, my people do believe in their king, Marlow. We coming here is a waste.

Vice Minister Marlow, the soft-spoken but astute advisor, stood beside the king's carriage, his countenance as calm as ever despite the surrounding excitement.

Vice Minister Marlow cleared his voice and said respectfully "Your Majesty, they are the very heart and soul of this land. Their genuine affection for you is proof of their reverence for the kingdom. It's an opportunity for you to connect with them and ensure their loyalty." King louis looked at his minister and rolled his eyes.

King Louis feigned a meditative expression, leaning back in his seat, and reluctantly consented.

King Louis sighed "Very well, Marlow. Let them have their moment."

The king, his curiosity piqued by the wise counsel of his vice minister, prepared to address the enthusiastic crowd outside. Although he chose to overlook it