Age of Heroes (Age of Heroes Chronicles)

Chapter 232: A thousand and a thousand more

AT THE CASTLE

ARIAL VERMONT

The castle was lively today, sounds of music echoing all around its hallways, the candles were lighted and braziers was stoked with fire keeping everyone warm and comfy

Even the servants felt the jubilant mood and even while they were serving foods and drinks they too marvel at the wealth of their lords.

The larder and the wine cellar were opened to commemorate the momentous event that night.

The sound of laughing and cheers come from the Grand Hall.

Inside the Grand Hall, the servants while they are marvel with all the kinds of foods and drinks that were served, they know to control their excitement

Because in the Grand Hall right now is filled with nobility of the highest stocks, Kings and Queens, Dukes and Duchess.

The Kings from the Human Continent and the Eight Kings of Anvali is chatting with each other, some asked each other trying to learn about each other while some have already skipped past that part and skipping straight to scheme and plots for the future.

But most of all, they're enjoying the feast, drinking and eating and laughing. Peace has arrived and it ought to be celebrated

Arial was standing looking around him and he smiles.

He never thought he could see this kind of sight and neither could he believe that he was the one that bring about this event

'Not bad for a son of a farmer' he thought to himself. This right now, this atmosphere, this warm feeling might someday disappear.

There is never a never-ending happy ending but at least at this moment, he wants to forget about all of that and enjoy this victory.

Peace between the Dark Lands and the Human Continent' He muttered and the smile on his face become wider.

He would no longer have to worry about seeing that sight that haunted his dreams.

He could let go that feeling in his heart right now. He felt lighter and felt more free than before.

And Arial is not the only one that is feeling such feeling inside the Grand Hall.

Everyone understands what the treaty means. It is more than just a peace treaty.

It is also an opportunity for an economic development that will certainly take place the moment this treaty is enforced.

This treaty would bring an era of wealth and prosperity to both continent. Arial knows this and so does Azrael.

And with Arrandy spearheading the agreements, many lords, traders and merchants alike, nobles and King have tried to ingratiate themselves to him.

Arial believes that after this he would see a sea of gold inside his Treasury. His ministers and the courts could also smell the sweet scent of gold coming in from the moment he signed that treaty

But such wealth would surely invite some envious eyes.

With the passage charge and charging for the sea passage, and of course with the goods that will come flowing to Arrandy, Arrandy is once again poised for an economic battle with the Principality of Freya.

The Vermont family is one of the wealthiest noble family in the kingdom, there is no denying that fact but the wealthiest kingdom in the Human Kingdom is the Principality of Freya with their slave trade.

Principality of Freya got its name because of its founder, a wander from Vorthy who worship the Battle Slain Goddess Freyjya.

The Caelum of the land called Freyjya, Freya and the name stuck.

And everyone in the Arrandy court knows that with this treaty Arrandy might have a chance to take that title from Principality of Freya.

Arial took a sip of his wine put the wine glass back down and then he moved to the open courtyard.

He greets a few nobles he saw and then he arrived at the open courtyard. He was alone and the nobles and the Kings knows not to disturb the young lord.

They could see that the young wanted to be left alone. Arial look at the skies, watching the moon.

Tonight the skies are clear and the star's shine brightly

He takes his breath and the he hears footsteps behind him. He turned around and he smiles

'Dear' the voice said. It was Helia. Arial just nodded.

She smiles and come closer, her hand wrapped around his arm, looking at the same direction he is seeing.

'What you're looking at?' She asks. Arial look upwards and smile.

'The stars. It shines bright tonight. The skies are clear and the night stars shines brightly. Tonight is a beautiful night' he said

She looked at Arial side profile and she smiles and then she looks upward again as they both look at the stars.

Helia then seems to reminded of something and with a smile she said.

'The tales of great heroes that fight dragons and demons, stories of evil monster and cruel men and cunning woman, of great heroes fighting great wars, the stories of their noble life and tragic death stretched across the stars, a thousand, and a thousand more, and a thousand more, glimmers of their battles, of hope and love and their struggles etched in the stars that glitters the night.'

She said, and Arial smile. She still remembers. And he too still remembers. It was in their first quest when they all were lying under the stars.

He still remembers that he cooked them mashed potatoes with eggs. For a while there is silence between them and after a while she looked at him again

And then she asked, the same way he asked a long time ago, on that night, where the stars lined the sky with their beautiful glimmer.

"How much stories, how many battles were fought, won or lost there in the sky above?"

And Arial smile as he replies with her own words at that time. The words she said a long time ago.

"A thousand and a thousand more and a thousand more"

They then looked at each other and both smile a wistful smile.

She comes closer and lean on his shoulder and he gently took her hand and hold it as they look at the stars. Tonight is a beautiful night.

'Look at that!' Helia exclaimed suddenly

He looks at the direction she is pointing and he notices it as he blushes a bit. In the second floor, near the balcony, Arial could see Azrael and Arianna is exchanging passionate kisses with each other.

Arial then smile

'Finally they are reunited' and Arial couldn't help but feel warmed seeing the couple, both perfect in their own way, perfect for each other.

'Peace' he suddenly muttered. Helia just nodded

Arial slowly stroke her head and he think this is the right time to say it to her. If not now when? So he said it to her.

'Next week I will follow the royal couple expedition to the Dark Lands' and this news shocked her.

'Why?' she asked. And he lied.

'I have some matter to attend in the Dark Land.'

'And what matter is this?' she asked, her eyes narrowing

'Matter of no importance.' He replied. And Helia look at him with suspicion

'Husband does not have secret with their wife.' She said

'Yes, a husband does not. A lord however, is obligated to keep some secrets.'

'You, then admit it is a secret.' She said. Arial caught himself.

'No, if. Not to say I would keep such secret from you.'

'Tell me.'

'There is nothing to tell, dear.' He said

'You always call me dear when you are flustered.' She pointed out. She couldn't understand that he is doing this for both of them

But Arial try to ease her worries and said it is not anything of importance, that merely he is coming there to look at the Dark Land and to research something with Mikael.

Sulking as she is, she tried to accuse him of leaving her here. He had assured her that is not his intention and that he will return before the end of the year.

It took him some time before she is persuaded. And that take great persuasion on his part exercising every charm he can put on for her sake.

Actually, Arial have asked permission during the feast from Azrael to go to the Land of the Dragons and he had asked for his help to make sure that in his journey he will not be detected.

Azrael did inquire the reason but Arial reply was that, he is curious of Anvali and would like to know more about the Dark Lands.

Azrael accepts the explanation but Arial doubt he believed it that much.

After all, nobody is stupid enough to come to the Land of the Dragons just to research them.

Even Mikael with all his curiosity of the flying creature did not dare venture toward that realm.

Tomorrow Arial also have to inform this matter to the council and he have to appoint a Regent in his stead.

Helia is talented in diplomacy so he will appoint her, though he thinks some of his council lords would not be too pleased that he put his wife in charge of the region

They took some time to look at the stars and when midnight came everyone exited the Grand Hall and was escorted to their temporary residence.

He and Helia went back to their chamber and they once again make love with each other.

That night he returned to bed with the feeling that everything is going to be fine. All of it is going to be fine

Helia is sound asleep beside him. He looks at her and smile contently. Today a lot has happened.

He got up, half naked and look outside the window. The dawn would come in a few hours but ow it is still night and the stars could still be seen

He chuckles and then he asked himself

"How much stories, how many battles were fought, won or lost there in the sky above?"

And then he replies to the question

"A thousand, and a thousand more and a thousand more"

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