Kallain nodded and bid the messenger to depart before sharing a glance with Reindolous. The older man was smiling as well, he'd known the king since before Kallain had been born, and knew exactly what he was like. Together they walked down the hall and toward the Royal Chambers.

Walking at a relaxed pace, Kallain stretched, popping his back. It felt good to be out of armor, after wearing the metal suit for so long, one forgot what a full range of motion felt like. Reindolous looked at him, amused, although he was doing the same thing. 

Glancing back at the older knight, Kal suddenly thought about his decision to create an elite group. It was rash, but... he did the right thing. He thought. Looking to Reindolous for confirmation, he asked, [color=Orange]"This may seem... silly of me, but, Reindolous, do you think that what I did, creating the Wind Dragons, was smart? I mean, I know it's my right, but should I just go around creating military orders?"[/color]

Reindolous let out a laugh as they turned a corner. [color=f26522]"Kal, boy, if I had a gold for every time you made a decision confidently and then doubted yourself afterwards, I'd buy myself an estate in Da-kel, and sip wine on the beaches, attended by exotic ladies. Kal. Don't worry. The men will love you for this, their commanders can spare the men, and best of all, it'll create a legend, for the people to talk about in the taverns, for bards to sing about. Most of all, it'll create a battalion of intensely loyal bodyguards for you, so I don't have as much work to do!"[/color]

Reassured by his casual, comforting demeanor, he gave him a quick grin, and said, [color=Orange]"Thanks, old man."[/color] 

The knight slapped him on the back, smiling, and replied, [color=f26522]"No problem, little boy."[/color] 

Then, they reached the king and queen's chambers, the thick oak door framed by thick iron, making the door almost unbreakable, unless one brought a battering ram. Rapping on the door, and pulling it open, he poked his head in, saying, [color=Orange]"Father? You asked for me?"[/color]

Sitting in a large, gilded chair with many cushions, was the king, shoulder-length black hair pulled back in a ponytail, dressed in a comfortable robe, reading a book, tall, broad frame, (which led to the popular description of calling him 'Sallas the Bear,) not seeming out of place. Probably because of his eyes. Those ice-blue eyes, which radiated authority, yet at the same time, warmth, noticed everything, and made you want to listen to him, not out of terror, rather, out of loyalty. His mother was nowhere to be found, which led Kal to believe that she was off with Alexandria, preparing for bed. Anyway, time to see what his father wanted. 

[color=Gold]"My son! Welcome! Do sit down, for while it won't be long, you must be exhausted from your long journey!"[/color] He leaned in close, and winked, whispering conspiratorially, [color=Gold]"And if you saw that new lass that tends to your mother before you came here, you might be exhausted from something else, eh?"[/color] Kal blushed, but smiled and accepted the seat. While his father and Reindolous exchanged warm greetings, he thought about the new arrival to the Keep. Alexandria... What a lovely name. He would have to get to know her even more, learn what Preugua was like. 

[color=Gold]"So, Kal, mind telling me what exactly happened? Judging by the cheer in the courtyard, you either announced that your men could go wenching, or you were successful in your mission. So? What happened over in Helcomb?"[/color]