Chapter 179 - Feast

The Unit of 24 finally arrived in Pameres Kingdom after a long Journey of 10 full days! Usually, it would take roughly a week to arrive, but the Snow was quite unforgiving, unwilling to cooperate in any aspect. The Wagons got stuck in Snow countless times, throughout half of those moments the two Fire Controllers couldn't melt them out of trouble unfortunately, which made this entire trip a lot more tiring.

Neither Eric or Mogranius couldn't help because with aims to melt the snow, they would need to blast Fire very closely to the Wagon. It worked to their disadvantage because they could be setting the Wagon on Fire. With all the equipment in those couple of Wagons it is something they can't risk, it would slow them down tremendously.

The Wheels of these couple of Wagons weren't completely made out of wood but it would still prove troublesome because the middle of the wheel, best described as the portion who holds the wheel steady and together, is made from wood. That includes about 70% of the Wheel's total structure.

So throughout half of the issues, the entire unit had to push the Wagons out of the Snow while some dragged a Rope connected to the Wagon from the front. The solid dry ground provided by the Fire Controllers, helped the Guards pull while ensuring a tight grip on the Ground. It is a good idea that they connected ropes to the Wagon and drag those instead of forcefully pulling the Horses, that would have hurt the poor animal, it already has enough weight on it's shoulders. Literally! It would be the last thing they need, they would be stranded here.

ImMogranius and Eric also melted the Snow in front of the Horses path when they figured that the Snow is too deep for the Horses to freely pass or when they were about to face hills as well. Hills although not too large, they proved troublesome. The men always had to push from the back in order to assure that the Horses don't slide backwards. Because if they do, it would prove dangerous for both the Horses and the Units.

At first the Horses were scared of the Fire that these two Ignites unleashed. They are animals, sudden Fire scares them of course. They sure aren't used of Fire bursting people so it tends to appear terrifying for them. They even tried to run away in Panic quite a fair amount of times (Except for BlackWind.), but there was a Rope or best described a "Lead" stretching several meters from the Wagon. Once a few men grabbed a hold of it, they managed to stop the Horse from dashing in the Clear Lands. Isabel proved quite helpful too for such a case, but she only grabbed the Rope a couple of times even though she lend a hand on most of these problems. Figure out what happened!

The issues they had were indeed tiresome, the blistering night cold was no one's favourite without a doubt. Worst thing is that because of Predators roaming mostly in this season, at least four Guards had to stay awake at night. They would have to get some shut eye in the Wagons as much as they could in the daytime at the next day. Sleep is a big sacrifice to make but luckily it wasn't a responsibility trusted on four Guards only. It was the responsibility of the entire unit, they exchanged shifts throughout the days.

When they arrived at Pameres Kingdom, they were sent towards the Castle right away since it was already almost dark. King Zar has been expecting them no doubt. Once they arrived at the Castle, they found a feast already prepared for the Unit of 24. They were welcomed at the Castle as valued Guests.

King Zar liked the idea of proper economical management King Michael is trying to accomplish, but he still found this task rather hard to tackle. So he knew that the people that were entrusted with this task, are the best of the best. He had respect for these people who agreed to take this task over their shoulders. Furthermore, he was happy to finally meet the Electus.

"I hope you feel welcome here, brave warriors." King Zar expressed once they all sat down and got a couple bites of food to their stomach.

No one had the heart to say otherwise after this warm welcome even if they faced any form of discomfortability on their way to the Castle, prying eyes would of been the one and only. Commander Alia was the first to reply, in aims to not allow for this situation to become awkward even though she was very tired of all the Walking she had to go through today. "It feels so nice to enter a warm building again. February Cold does not mess around!"

Trying to show sympathy, King Zar expressed. "I'm sorry to hear about your struggle, but at least this week you will sleep here in the Castle. I would of granted you a few houses to temporarily live in, but all 365 are already taken!" He didn't point out this progress in aims to brag but he just wanted some understanding from this unit.

"Oh it doesn't matter. The Castle feels even better to sleep in." Expressed Mogranius. He sure is sick and tired of all the Snow and the cold weather that comes along with it. This little journey however, is a two task way for him.

Commander Alia was about 3 seats away from King Zar. As for the King, he was sitting on one edge of the 14 seat table. With Eric the closest to him (Standing on his left side.) And his personal assistant Seer standing on the right side. As for the rest of the Unit who couldn't fit in at first, a new table arrived for them shortly after. Their patience was inspiring, they didn't rush with the food even though this is practically the best meal of their life so far.

Commander Alia, Eric, Isabel, King Zar and even Mogranius!, Insisted for the entire Unit to sit first but they all strongly disagreed. They lost their patience a little bit too because each one was refusing to sit even after the 5 took a seat. They put the other Units first and it was pretty funny to watch, they just refused to sit first! They would still be going on if Commander Alia didn't get in between to settle everyone down by Command!

Eric didn't have the energy to talk much even though he was sitting near King Zar, he isn't too open around new people either so these two facts build up a strong combination of silence! The King's status didn't make Eric nervous either, he is a King himself after all. The crown he claimed in Lan Zhe a few months ago is stuck on his head with an enchantment, until death.

This is the first time King Zar meets these heros, he isn't quite aware of their adventures either because King Michael barely exchanged a few words about the Electus and his companions. This is why he was confused about the crown on Eric's head and even more confused when he saw Isabel who stood 8 foot tall. "May I ask young Electus, which Domain does your crown represent?" There is nothing a good clear question can't fix, right?

Towards such a question, Eric almost choked on a boiled potato. He gave this question a swift thought, asking himself. "Would me telling about Lan Zhe harm the Calidum Lutum?" It's a responsible question to ask when considering the given circ.u.mstances. This man is the son of King Xakro ill.u.s.tratio lll after all.

Of course it is well clarified that he is refused as a son now but Xakro still approved him enough to keep him alive or unhidden compared to the rest who might of shared a different fate. He answered to himself, "A lot of people know about the Calidum Lutum now in Crutal Kingdom for sure, plus these people here all saw Isabel. It should be safe if I don't point out the exact location." After this storm of thoughts, Eric added with a bit of pride. "Lan Zhe. I'm the King of Lan Zhe."

Taking a quick peek at Isabel who was standing right after Eric, King Zar continued without much reaction in order not to make the tall woman feel uncomfortable. "I heard Xakro going on and on about ten foot tall people, around 12 years ago when I used to live with him. "Noticing that the Unit doesn't like that particular fact, he was swift enough to shift the topic at least a little. "I didn't think that they actually exist!" Afterwards to clarify himself, he looked at Isabel and expressed. "No offense miss."

"Oh she doesn't speak our language." Pointed out Alia after she swallowed a piece of Wolf Meat. Yes Wolf Meat, odd taste considering she had so many other foods to choose from in front of her. But hey we aren't here to judge.

"Oh I didn't realize." Answered King Zar, feeling a bit relieved that Isabel didn't get offended.

"However. Your father caused us a bit of trouble in Lan Zhe!" Commander Alia probably shouldn't have pointed out that fact, but her skin was itching because of it even though King Zar had nothing to do with it.

A bit dissatisfied for a couple of reasons, King Zar clarified with half a smile. "I'd prefer if you don't describe him as my father. I've cut every possible connection with him." Afterwards he added in a lot of curiosity. "But anyway, what trouble did he cause?"

"He sent a worthless Guard Commander with a few Archers. They shot one of our Guards with an explosive bolt! But that was the only trouble they managed to cause, only the Guard Commander escaped alive." At this point she appeared very confident about her town, but her heart still ached for the Victim even though she just exchanged a few greetings with him before, that's what we can call unity!

"I'm deeply sorry for your loss." Showed King Zar sympathy but wae also quite puzzled. "But all that trouble to fail that badly? I'm confused."

"So am I, especially after I think about the heart that the Guard Commander stole from the victim."

At such piece of information, King Zar dropped his fork. He was in shock, because from what he could remember. This specific theft isn't a good sign. "Everything alright your highness." Asked Seer with a low tone as he reached down for the fork.

"Um yes. It's just that I found that act quite disturbing." Answered King Zar as he continued using the fork he dropped, Eric was not a fan but he didn't say anything about it.