Journeys Chapter One p2
As they moved down the corridor towards the throne room, the other nine monks fanned out in a V-formation behind Patryg. It was both practical because it left the hand of preference free to take hold of swords, and opened space between between each member, while allowing them to defend each other.
The older guard watched them as they spread out and shook his head. "You don't have to do that, Lord Marshall."
Patryg shrugged, "Old habits die hard." He wasn't prepared to say anymore and thus continued to the throne room in silence.
Upon entering the throne room, the first thing he saw was the King, sitting indolently on the throne, with one leg casually thrown over the right arm. He didn't even hide the sneer as he casually waved the monks closer. "Ah, Marshall."
There was a rustling behind Patryg as the king treated the monks like lackeys. But, he couldn't let that anger boil over, and made a small gesture to the men, who while ruffled, still obeyed. "Your majesty." He bowed his head in respect to the throne.
The sneer disappeared from the king's face. "It took you long enough to get here." His displeasure was evident on his face.
Refusing to be drawn into doing something stupid, Patryg shrugged. "You didn't give us much choice. We could either come, or you would kill innocent people."
"And you couldn't let innocent people be killed could you?" The Inquiry was tinged with a certain carelessness.
The monk reached up and pulled back the cowl of his robe, piercing the king with a solid gaze. "Threatening innocent people is the act of a tyrant, Your Majesty." He broke the gaze, only to look beyond the king, settling on the portrait of the previous King.
The current monarch followed Patryg's gaze and then smirked. "I'm not my father, Marshall." Again, there was that lack of respect.
Again, the monk refused to be baited. "You are correct, Your Majesty." He stated. "Your Father would never force people to act against their conscience. Nor would he go to war without a good reason." He shook his head. "Since I doubt that we will see eye to eye, you might as well give me your demands."
"So be it." The king threw back. "Call your men to arms and help me to take over the Balzen Confederacy."
Patryg shook his head. "No. They haven't done attacked you or any of your interests, nor have they threatened you personally." He once again gazed at the portrait of the former ruler. "Until they do, we won't lift a hand to help in your baseless war."
"You arrogant ass!" The king screamed as he leapt from his chair and paced toward Patryg. "You don't get to tell me no." He raised a hand as he ranted. "I am your king, you live here. What I say is your command. " He came to a stop in front of the monk and poked him in the chest. "Do you understand me, Monk?" I own you, your lands, and your very life. I am your king."
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