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2024-10-29 19:42:56After what felt like forever, Nelson finally saw the return of the knight. Following closely behind him was the Knight Captain. Vaughan Cadfael. He did not look impressed in the slightest, but he greeted the group with the seriousness he always held.
Vaughan’s eyes quickly drifted to Ket. He was equal parts impressed by her and fearful. He wasn’t sure if she would be an issue but figured if she had made it here without issue or trouble, then she was not a mindless monster. Or perhaps Nelson had tamed her? Whatever the reason, he had no problem with her, so long as she gave him no reason to have one.
“Noble Whitefield,” he greeted Nelson stoically. “You want an audience with the King?” He questioned. When Nelson nodded his reply, Vaughan tapped his fingers on the hilt of his sword. “You’re out of visiting hours,” he then continued, pausing long enough to annoy Nelson. “However, given the reason he summoned you
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Adventures of the Crown: The Noble Bandit CH31
The more Fenryn read the diary, the angrier his expression turned. There was grief in his eyes, beyond that anger, and Nelson was unsure if he should question the King or sit quietly until he was told what the information said. He was curious, but he knew he couldn’t seem too keen to understand the information the King may not wish to share. Doing so might make the King doubt the validity of the diary. He had no reason to forge such a thing, but he knew better than anyone that trusting him was not something that should come easy. Luckily, the ex-bandit didn’t have to wait long. Fenryn slammed his hands down on the table angrily and uttered, “damned bastard! After everything that our family has done for him! After we gave him the title of nobility and even arranged the marriage, his daughter and myself are now stuck in!” Nelson wasn’t sure if he should be in the room with the King during this moment, but he was curious what Sethis had done to deserve this kind of response. Part of hi
Adventures of the Crown: The Noble Bandit CH32
When morning came, Nelson felt so rested that he was sure he had died and gone to Utopia. He had never slept in a bed so comfortable before. Even his bed back at the farm was nowhere near as nice as this, and he had thought that one had been nice. The King’s life was far more luxurious than anything he could have imagined.However, he was under no illusion. It seemed the King had suffered in his own ways. Nelson and many like him had always assumed the royals had nothing to fear and were laughing it up on their high horses. To learn the royals had troubles of their own, including assassinations? This was surprising to him.Perhaps it shouldn’t have been, but no one had known the truth behind the demise of the last two Kings. He wondered what other issues Fenryn had been through in his short time as King. Were there other plots and schemes the nobles held behind his back?Just as he was mulling over the life Fenryn had, a knock on the door disturbed h
Adventures of the Crown: The Noble Bandit CH33
As soon as the day’s jobs were done, the three made their way to the stables. They each wore more common attire, hoping to blend in with the common folk going to Ameathon City. They had decided that they would go by boat, a fact that Fenryn was not at all pleased with.Ever since learning of his brother’s fate of being lost at sea and assumed drowned, the King had gained a fear of the deep dark waters. He would endure, but he feared Sethis would bring the same fate to him if he ever felt it would strengthen his hold on the throne. If he was willing to kill the previous two to further his power, then there was no reason for Fenryn to assume he was any safer.Of course, Sethis had no legitimate right to the throne, but now that Fenryn was the King and betrothed to Sethis' daughter, that was all that was needed to ensure Sethis might have some influence. Not to mention his daughter being a mage and not yet old enough, he would need to act as her stand-in until
Adventures of the Crown: The Noble Bandit CH34
The moment the ship sailed into deeper waters, Fenryn kept himself inside to avoid seeing the vast ocean off to the side. While they could still see land on one side, it did little to soothe his nerves. Vaughan had rarely left his side but had done so to get the group something to eat.This left Nelson to King-sit the man. At first, he kept his distance, not wanting to deal with him beyond the need to rescue him should the ship begin sinking. However, that was easier said than done, especially when the King wouldn’t stop trying to make conversation to take his mind off of the fact that they were in deeper waters now.“And that’s how we knew it wasn’t normal, you know?” The King was wrapping up one of his stories. Nelson hadn’t been listening, or at least, had tried to ignore him, but he found himself nodding along and even agreeing with what the King had just said.Nelson then motioned towards the door of the small room they were in and said, “he looks out for you quite a bit. Doesn’t
Adventures of the Crown: The Noble Bandit CH35
As soon as Nelson had gone, Fenryn felt all of his anxious nerves flare up as he found himself all alone with Vaughan. It had been so long since they had been truly alone, without the prying ears of his servants and other nobles. The only other person he had felt comfortable with was Lynnette.He had never told her who he loved, but he was sure she knew. She had always been perspective and supportive of him. Fenryn still felt guilty that she had lost the use of her legs, but admired her for how strong she remained and how she adapted her bow and arrow skills to the new mobility chair the rattus had made for her.It was with thoughts of her in mind that Fenryn felt he could muster up at least some courage to strike up the start of the conversation. Taking in a deep breath, Fenryn said, “so with this, I can get out of the arranged marriage.”Vaughan rubbed the back of his neck. “So it would seem, yes,” he replied, unsure what prompted this conversation from his King. “You are free to ch
Adventures of the Crown: The Noble Bandit CH36
Nelson continued to gaze out to sea before deciding he had given the two companions enough time alone. If they were going to talk it out or do whatever it was people did in those sorts of situations, then they would have done so by now. And if not? Well, he would awkwardly pretend he saw and heard nothing.As he made his way slowly back to the cabin, Nelson cautiously listened out for the two still in conversation. Thankfully, he couldn’t hear them whispering or being anything more than their usual selves. Though there was no mistaking the change in their tones of voices. They were certainly closer to one another.Perfect. He wouldn’t need to give either of them a pep talk now, nor would he need to feel awkward from walking in on them being all lovey-dovey. Their journey on the open seas wouldn’t last all that much longer now, but there was a lot more to do before he could finally rest and be done with those two. Of course, he might be dead and not alive, but either way, this was thei
Adventures of the Crown: The Noble Bandit CH37
When the group had rested, Nelson first left the building in his disguise, then snuck into an alley where he hid his costume and then waited for the other two just outside. From there, he acted as their guide. He wasn’t sure how much either had visited the town itself and learned the layout, but it hardly mattered beyond them having an escape plan should something happen. The market was lively and full of stalls that sold deliciously smelling foods, and various drinks, some were even alcoholic, and jewellery worthy of any noble. There were many guards at the four entrances to the market and many more wandering around the stalls. No thief would take a risk of stealing anything here. It had tempted Nelson to swipe something. He always enjoyed a challenge like this, especially if he could make a fool out of the guards. However, knowing how important his mission was ensured that he behaved. Perhaps after this mission was over, he might play his games and find something he could profit f
Adventures of the Crown: The Noble Bandit CH38
With Nelson dressed in the best clothes he had packed, he felt so underdressed to be a ‘guest’ of Sethis. Though he knew none of this visit was a particularly friendly one, nor did he believe Sethis was offering his hand out in such terms, either. There was something else at play here, and Nelson had a few guesses about what those things were.Shade showed up a little later. He seemed a little frazzled, but otherwise, he seemed as well as he had a couple of hours before. “Sorry to keep ya,” Shade said, dipping his head. “Something happened but ya need to worry none. Let’s go inside.”Nelson didn’t believe it had anything to do with his break-in earlier, as he had put everything back the way he had found it. Yet there was always that chance he hadn’t.“I hope it is nothing too serious,” Nelson offered, to see if Shade would open up a bit more. He didn’t want to come across as pushy or else the rattus might suspect something.Shade shook his head and said, “just the maid probably. Is al
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CH68
It was a month after the meeting when the two kings finally sealed the deal with a wedding. Nelson, of course, attended, but he had spent most of the time trying to find any clues about who might have close ties with Sethis and was out for revenge.A few of the women turned their sights on him, but he politely turned them down, claiming he would not be ready to seek a wife until after he had finished building his mansion and settled into this new rank. It gave him time to mingle with as many groups as he could since the King was now officially off-limits for marriage.Being the King’s surrogate was not as glamorous as the young noblewomen hoped, and with it clear he had chosen Vaughan not just out of duty but love. They soon gave up the thought of being his mistress. Only those with no actual rank and nothing to lose still chased that dream.With the women who had turned their ventures to other potential rank improvements, Nelson no longer considered them
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CH67
Nelson still felt irritable from earlier in the day, but he knew that if he missed this meeting, all three of them would get on his case about it and he might miss his chance at getting the power and sway he needed to grow and survive the threats from those of his past who would betray him, eventually. When his past caught up to him, Nelson knew he had to be ready for anything.He lingered near the back of the hall while Lynnette saw Elena and the two of them left him alone to talk between themselves. Until the King finally started the meeting, at least.Nelson felt a small sense of relief wash over him. He leaned against the wall and watched all the nobles in the room. Not every noble was here, but every noble house had sent at least one person to hear what the King had to say. Many of the attendants were women which had not surprised Nelson in the least.It didn’t matter to them if the King was taken, they would constantly vie for his attention until the
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CH66
By the time all the nobles had arrived, it exhausted Fenryn from greeting each one of them. Even Elena had come. Two guards had escorted her, though she and the King had both decided they would need to handle things as best as they could. Regardless of what they claimed the narrative was for their breakup, people were going to taunt and mock her for losing her chance of sitting on the throne.Fenryn did not want to see her mocked and belittled because of her father, so he had to make it abundantly clear she was not at fault. That the two of them had split on equal terms and were both still going to be friendly with one another. The only issue was the King knew the other nobles wouldn’t care about any excuse. They would belittle her, regardless.Elena waited until every other noble had finished speaking with the King before she walked over to him and offered a shy smile. He returned it with an awkward one of his own.“You’re looking well. Sorry
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CH65
Later that day, once the group had completed every task, Nelson stood out in the gardens to get some air. He was getting tired from running around on the King’s behalf, but it would all be worth it later that night. The King had decided he was going to make the announcement at a social gathering of all his nobles.The plans had already been in place since he had confessed to wanting to marry Vaughan, and now all they had to do was wait and make sure the man in question did not suspect a thing. As far as anyone knew, this gathering was going to be about Sethis’ betrayal and Nelson’s promotion.They would not go into details about who defeated Sethis or what had happened in full, but some of the truth might come out, depending on the guards. Nelson wasn’t sure if he wanted to assassinate them just to keep the truth safe. However, he couldn’t just do so without knowing if they were a danger or not. So far, the two of them had stayed quiet and
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CH64
By the time Nelson returned to his own bedroom, he could hear the servants waking up other guests in the castle for breakfast and knew he wouldn’t be able to grab more sleep, as he had hoped. However, his tasks for the morning had been completed and now he just had to deal with Fenryn and the others. A far less complicated matter, but one far more timely.As Nelson’s door was knocked, he answered it with a cheerful smile and allowed himself to be guided down to the King’s dining hall. Lynnette had joined them, though she seemed to be deep in thought. Nelson wasn’t sure if she had heard something. Perhaps him returning to his room? Or perhaps she was noticing the effects of the tonic and was trying to figure out what was happening.Nelson decided not to mention it. If she brought up her thoughts on her own, then he could play innocent, or happy, depending on what the situation was.Fenryn and Vaughan were already sitting at the table and,
- Adventures of the Crown: The Noble Bandit
CH63
It was still quite dark when the ship docked at the riverside port. Nelson and Lynnette had more land to travel across before reaching the city itself, but thankfully, Fenryn had arranged a horse-drawn carriage for them. It had to have been him, as there was more than enough room for Lynnette’s chair on wheels.Lynnette hated being constrained by the thing, but it always made her feel less upset when Fenryn would do small things to make her life a little less awkward.When they arrived just outside of the castle, several guards and servants were there waiting for them. They were sure Fenryn was inside, still awake, waiting for them to return. Lynnette had thankfully slept for a little while on the boat, but Nelson had been awake. He couldn’t sleep. He had wanted to prepare himself for anything that would happen between now and the wedding. So much could go wrong and many people would be unhappy at the union. They all wanted a piece of that crown for themsel
- Adventures of the Crown: The Noble Bandit
CH62
Lynnette woke to a start when she heard Nelson calling for her. He had been acting strangely and had refused to tell her what this was all about. She never could get over the fact that he was now on the King’s side. She always expected him to betray them and have her assassinated in her sleep, yet he hadn’t even attempted it. Perhaps he truly had changed his ways and was willing to use his skills for Fenryn from now on.She sighed and grumbled a tired reply to him. Lynnette had finally grown accustomed to sleeping in a bed, but now that she had, she never wanted to wake up in the morning. They were so comfortable, even in the winter. Though it wasn’t winter now, and she knew she really had to get up.As she pulled herself up, Lynnette leaned over to grab her chair on wheels. She took the clean clothes from the seat and got dressed. She could hear Nelson pacing outside as he waited for her, but Lynnette was in no rush.Lynnette then pulled herse
- Adventures of the Crown: The Noble Bandit
CH61
After being led to roughly the right place, the young serpentine lingered back out of the way. Nelson could tell he was afraid to go any closer to where he believed Ket had made her nest. Though it seemed so strange to see a serpentine afraid of anything. Perhaps the only thing they did fear was their own kind.“Wouldn’t it be more impressive to the woman to show up yourself and show your bravery?” Nelson asked as he halted the anxious horse’s steps. The serpentine had been mindful of the beast’s fears. The hopes of having Ket as a mate this year seemed to be far more important than food.The young lad gazed up at Nelson silently for a while before he said, “females are bigger. Stronger. It is not the breeding season yet. She will kill me as this has become her space. I will not go beyond this point.”Nelson dipped his head to the side in a vague, understanding motion. He wasn’t sure if he liked the thought of bein
- Adventures of the Crown: The Noble Bandit
CH60
The following day, Nelson left Lynnette in the capable hands of the inn staff should she need anything at all. He had said his goodbyes to his mother and Inleet before heading towards Rattail Peak. He had gotten in contact with a person he thought might have the information he sought.Nelson took only a single guard with him, and that was only under protest. He knew that from now on, he would have no choice but to rely on loyal men to keep him safe. Thankfully, this man was one of Fenryn’s, though that bit of information was never offered to anyone except himself.Thankfully, the people within Ameathon City and Rattail Peak had not yet learned of who exactly had taken over from Sethis. Everyone had known there had been a change of leadership, and that Sethis had become a demonic force of nature that had destroyed his own home, killed many of his people and eventually been slain.As Nelson journeyed through the rattus city, he couldn’t help but think
