"Walk with me." There was no hint of a question in the statement, only a command that was expected to be followed. So Kallain did, following his father up to his quarters. 

Sallas opened the door to his chambers and once his son had entered shut the door behind them. The king of Zersal sat on his bed and, for the first time in Kallain's life, he looked quite old. [color=fff200]"Son, I've been concerned for our kingdom recently. You wouldn't think it traveling the countryside, but when you look at a map we are truly quite small."[/color] Sallus sighed at this before continuing, [color=fff200]"And our only steadfast ally is the Green Moot. An even smaller and unimportant nation. And now we are faced with troubles that i must admit are beyond my understanding. The Fade, a normally peaceful sect, invading my own home! and a blight that the druids don't see fit to inform me of!"[/color] Sallas the Bear nearly shouted the last phrase as his temper flared.

He simmered down as he continued, [color=fff200]"It's no matter. I'll send agents to investigate these matters properly!"[/color] Kallain interrupted, [color=f26522]"Say the word father, and i'll have the Wind dragons mobilized by tomorrow!"[/color] Sallas looked at his son for a moment and his famous smile had now returned. [color=fff200]"That's my boy! Ready to face the problems of the kingdom face on! Like a true man! Unfortunately, i need you here for less, taleworthy work."[/color] Sallas then stood up and walked towards the window overlooking the castle grounds. [color=fff200]"Kal i believe that Zersal is on the cusp of a golden age of prosperity! Despite this blight our lands are still fruitful, our silver mines plentiful, and our citizens are filled with national pride. All we lack are powerful allies and trade partners." [/color]  Sallas threw open the balcony doors and walked out to overlook the land.

[color=fff200]"We are so close to greatness boy! But a few malefactors can tear the entire kingdom down! You remember Lords Grellius and Krell?"[/color] It was hard not to. Kallain didn't know the whole story, but they were the two strongest high lords in the land, meaning they governed one of the four sections of the land. They are neighbors and always seemed locked in a never ending argument of some sort. [color=f7941d]"What's the issue now?"[/color] Kal asked annoyed. At his birthday  the two were shouting up a storm and he had heard something about great swords at dawn. [color=fff200]"Same old bad blood. As you should know, if you pay any attention to Serell's lessons, Grellius and Krell are not exactly from  Zersal. Grellius is the son of a northern warrior, and a noble lady. He was raised in the on the hard ice of the north, until inheriting his mothers land. Krell's lands were conquered by your grandfather, liberated is more like it! The people were starving and the king suffered from hysterical disillusions.[/color]

[color=fff200]The two hate one another because the north men once pillaged Krells lands. Krell mocks his birth and Grellius hates the man because he believes the man has been disloyal to me and seeks rebellion![/color] In kal's mind he agreed with Grellius, he met the men and 'uncle Grell' would die for his father while Krell would probably piss on his corpse. Sallas continued, [color=fff200]"I would force the two to sit in parley but both serve a vital function. Grell is the high marshal and he has used my armies to fight off orc and northern invasions for years. Krell is the my chief financial adviser and his lands contain all of the major ports."[/color] Sallas looked at Kal as he continued. 

[color=fff200]"Son i can't afford to play their petty politics! I need to focus on more pressing matters. Lord Telsin is inviting all the high lords and of course us to his nephews wedding in  two months. Krell and Grellius will be there, i need you and your sister to babysit"[/color] Kallain nodded his head and moved to leave the room, when his father shouted now serious once again. "[color=fff200]"Kallain wait!"[/color] What is it?Fade? House War? News on the blight? [color=fff200]"Bring a date to the wedding. Good gods boy! All the high lords are wondering when you'll step out of the closet." [/color] Sallas smiled like a young boy as Kallain groaned.