[center][h1][color=B22222]Vulpinia  - The travel too Arkronia[/color][/h1][/center]
[center][img] https://i.imgur.com/jORqeGJ.png[/img][/center]



[color=B22222]“Why do I have to carry the king's banner, it’s really heavy?”[/color] complained a Vulpin warrior. He had been carrying the king’s banner ever since leaving the Vulpin capital five hours ago. His small statue, large ears and boyish face betrayed that this warrior from clan Longear had barely seen enough winters to be called a man and yet, he was one of the warriors escorting the old Vulpin king to Arkronia.

[color=B22222]“Quit yer yappin and keep the banner straight, Callumn! It’s the king’s banner, treat it with the respect it deserves!”[/color] Scolded one of the older warriors. The man seemed particularly displeased with the fact that there was such a young and unaccomplished warrior among the king’s own warband.

Quickly Callumn straightened his back, tightened his grip on the heavy wooden pole and raised the banner once more. The young warrior knew that his companion was right. Even though he could feel his soar arms struggling with the weight he was carrying but knew he could not let his king down. To carry the banner of the nine tails, the symbol of the unity of the Vulpin clans was a position of great honor the older warriors had told him. So he had to accomplish this task no matter how much his arms would hurt. 

And yet, there was this trace of doubt in his mind. At times he struggled with the weight it was like he could feel the smirks of his companions as knives that stabbed his back. As if some were enjoying his struggles. Maybe they were just jealous that this task of great honor was bestowed upon him. Or was it just a chore that was forced upon him because the other warriors believed he had no right to be in the king’s warband?

Warriors in the king’s own warband were always selected because of their battlefield prowess. Even though the times were mostly peaceful, many had distinguished themselves fighting Ephan’s in the mountains while or had found their way to the battlefields of the civil war in Canthor. Others had shown their prowess during the yearly Vulpin games. Callumn Dubhgail Longear had none of that. He was only part of the king’s own warband because his father was the sovereign of Clan Longear and had a close relationship with king Aidar.

The young Vulpin knew that he had to work hard in order to receive the respect of his fellow warriors. No matter what he had to endure the young Vulpin warrior had sworn an oath to serve and protect the King of the 9 clans. If that meant to carry his banner all the way to Arkronia through the muddy roads Callumn would do it.

With renewed vigor the young Vulpin warrior marched on through the hills and fields of Vulpinia and into the forests of Akron. Everyday Callumn carried the banner with pride, eager to prove that he could do it and earn the respect he longed for. 

If the Vulpin were known for one other thing except their legendary betrayal it was their ability to walk. The anthropomorphic foxes just looked like they could march forever at a quick pace. Needless to say that walking has been their prefered method of transportation. However for their old king Aidar, walking all the way from the Vulpin capital to Arkronia was just too much for someone who had nearly seen 80 winters. 

The king of the Vulpin sat comfortably in his moose drawn carriage. The high quality of construction and intricate carvings revealed that the carriage was not of Vulpin origine. The fact was that the carriage of the king was a gift from the Arkronian overlords for their service during the 3th rebellion. For some it was a symbol of victory, for others a reminder of the Vulpin’s shifty nature. For king Aidar the carriage meant another agonizing trip to a far off destination that he should not visit in his old age.

However a coronation ceremony for the next Akronian king was not something that could be handled by some noble or servant. The Arkronians had expectations to be met and as long as they were the dominant power in Mycoria, you’d better be on their good side.

King Aidar Fir Shadowfax stared out of the window of his carriage. He hated traveling by carriage as every bump in the road would send an agonizing pain through his back. For a moment he longed for the days that he was younger, fitter and could have walked the entire route to Akronia with the rest of his entourage. But deep down inside the old king knew that such thoughts were the signs that his reign was overdue. 

The king turned his head towards his two guests in the carriage and dropped the question he had been dropping way too many times already. [color=B52222] “Cael, how much days before we arrive at the capital of Arkron?”[/color]

The prime servant was slightly annoyed and yet gave his king a friendly smile. When you spend weeks in a carriage’s confined space together the topics you can talk about run dry. [color=B22222] “The same amount of days I told you the last time…. Minus three hours. We should arrive at Akronia’s grand gate late noon tomorrow. ” [/color]

[color=B22222]“But I’ll have to excuse myself now. I need to stretch my legs a bit before I get as stiff as the old man”[/color] Spoke the prime servant as he opened the door of the carriage and gracefully jumped down in a way that was totally unnecessary and yet only someone who still possessed a strong and youthful body could do as a jest towards his old king.

Cael looked around and quickly founded the person he wanted to talk to. The 5 ft 8 hulking giant of a Vulpin could hardly be missed, as long as he was in a crowd of Vulpin. The various patches of white fur on his arms and across his cheek highlighted the many battle scars this man had suffered throughout his years and were a testimony of his prowess as a warrior. 

The king’s prime servant quickly approached the man and sarcastically spoke [color=B22222]“Isn’t it a little bit cruel? To let that young man carry the banner for nearly two weeks? Chief Finlay ” [/color]

[color=B12222]“What a pleasant moment for the king behind the throne to grace me with his presence. How is the old king?” Nodded the chief of the king’s warband.[/color]

[color=B22222]“Still breathing.”[/color]

[color=B12222]“So we’re stuck with your rule a little longer....” Remarked Finlay sarcastically. [/color]

[color=B12222]“But you’re not here to do small talk Cael. Get to business because I have better then to listen to your attempts at scheming.” [/color]

Prime servant Cael Drumain gave the highest ranking warrior in the kingdom a friendly smile and scratched the back of head and spoke.[color=B22222] “Don’t be so negative. Just see me as supporting our king in the best way I can.“[/color]

Cael paused a bit and pointed his finger at the young warrior who was carrying the king’s banner since the start of the journey. [color=B22222]“I need to borrow him for the first night we arrive in Arkronia,”[/color]

Finlay quickly turned his head and gave the prima servant of the king an inquisitive stare. If he wanted to borrow Callumn then Cael must have had some hand in him joining the king’s warband. [color=B12222]“What’s yer business with Callumn?”[/color]

[color=B22222]“Nothing too special really. I just want to visit an old acquaintance in his bathhouse in Arkronia and need an escort. The streets of Arkronia can be dangerous.”[/color]

The request shocked Finlay. He knew that the streets of Arkronia were the safest in the realm. An escort would not be needed. As the war chief had been on multiple occasions in the Arkronian capital with his king. Based on the request, Finlay was fully aware about whom Cael was talking.[color=B12222] “No, I will not cooperate in this request of yours. Even though he has no business in being in the warband, he still is my responsibility!”[/color]

[color=B22222]“It would be such a shame if the old king learns that his war chief refused to provide adequate protection for his entourage, don’t you think?” [/color] Whispered Cael in the ear of the warrior.

Finlay growled and clutched his spear even stronger. Angered he stared in the eyes of one of the most influential men in the Vulpin kingdom. Part of him wanted to rip Cael’s head clean off because he knew what the servant was planning and yet he was in no position to refuse his request. As he finally calmed down Finlay spoke. [color=B12222]“And then you’re calling me the cruel one.”[/color]
 
By the end of noon the Vulpin delegation finally reached the grand gate of Akronia. Her large white walls, enormous towers and iron gates dwarfed anything the Vulpin had ever constructed. Those who were visiting the Arkronian capital for the first time stared in awe at the magnificent creations the overlords had constructed over time. In the face of these creations of sheer beauty and size the Vulpin looked like insignificant forest critters.

[color=B12222]“Alan Arkronis” Spoke Finlay as he approached one of the Arkronian guards. The chief of the warband was considered large by Vulpin standards but the Arkronians towered above him. “I present King Aidar Fir Shadowfax of the kingdom of Vulpina and his entourage.”[/color]

The Arkronian guard looked down at the small fox like creatures and spoke the proper greeting. [color=008000]“Alan Arkronis”.[/color] It wasn’t hard to miss that the grey man didn’t hold these visitors in very high regard. However they were still representatives of one of the vassals and should be treated accordingly. 

He called all members of the delegation to form up in front of him so that he could do a headcount, record every member of the delegation and explain the laws of the city to the Vulpin delegation.

[color=008000]“Welcome to Akronia, capital of the realm. Residence of the King of the Arkronian nation and supreme overlord of the realm. Before entering the city I must first inform you of the most common laws. The carrying of weapons within the city walls that are longer than 16 inches is prohibited. Violating this law will result in disarmament and arrest by Arkronian police. All weapons that are prohibited must be left at the gate. These will be administered and stored upon leaving the city walls, these belongings can be repatriated by request in compliance with Akronian weapon laws as stated in the book of weapon laws, chapter 8, section 17, appendix A.”[/color]

The guard paused a bit before he continued. [color=008000]“The drawing and usage of weapons is considered a violation of the law until proven otherwise in front of an Arkronian court. Weapons should remain sheeted in public at all times. Being caught with unsheeted weapons by Arkronian police will result in disarmament and imprisonment. In accordance with the laws as written down in the book of weapon laws, chapter 12, section 4. The carrying of weapons within the walls of the royal palace is only allowed in the guest quarters assigned to the diplomatic mission.”[/color]

The guard continued to state a long list of laws. With an ever increasing amazement Callumn the young warrior listened to the guard as he told about laws that controlled on what side of the street you are allowed to walk, the prohibition of urinating in public, what parts of the body must remain covered by clothing, how to properly behave and many more topics. If it existed, the Arkronians would have a law for it. 

Other members of the delegation who had traveled to Akronia before had been through this chore already and the old king struggled to remain awake during this tedious endeavour. King Aidar had been in the Arkron capital on various occasions and knew the laws all too well. Yet every time he had been at the grand gate he had to go through this boring law speech.

However after almost 20 minutes of law reciting and weapons collecting the old king and his entourage were picked up by an Arkronian host and made their way onto the marble lane. This famous lane is two miles long and runs from the grand gate of Arkronia straight to the royal palace. When foreign delegations arrive the sidewalks generally fill up with curious Arkronians to watch the parade of strange people making their way to the royal palace. But not today, the lane seemed to be mostly deserted with only some scattered people who came to look at the delegations entering the city

The old Vulpin king looked out of the window and the scene was nothing like he remembered from last time he visited an Arkronian coronation. The lane was still as methodically cleaned and taken care of but unlike 30 years ago the sidewalks remained mostly empty. Even those few Arkronians who came to look at all those strange creatures from foreign lands seemed to keep a distance from each other. As if they had become afraid of their own kind. 

[color=B32222]“Hmm, they did put out all the flags, garlands, flowers and other decorations but forgot to invite their people”[/color] Remarked Railin Loinsigh, the female sovereign of clan Palebrush sarcastically. 

[color=B22222]“There might be some truth about the rumors we have heard about a plague that is spreading through the Arkronian people. Maybe that is why they haven’t come out en mass to uhm... greet us.” [/color] Responded Cael.

It was clear that something was going on in the capital of the realm. What and to what extent remained a mystery for the prime servant. However he had the contacts within the city to shed some more light on the situation and prior to departure Cael Drumain made sure that the right currency for the exchange was added to the king’s entourage.

The Arkronian host escorted his guests through Marble lane towards the center of the City of Arkronia. Many regarded Akronia as a place of beauty and wonder but the truth was that it was more a city of walls and secrets. The city was organized into strict districts all protected by their own inner walls. There were special human districts, the dockyards at the great river, residential areas based upon social status and wealth and at the heart of the city lies the Royal palace.
 
The Royal Arkronian Palace was more than just a single building. Many would regard it as a district in its own right. The palace was in essence a large walled complex with many buildings inside. At the heart was what most would call the palace. The gigantic white granite structure was modeled in an octagon shaped outer structure with eight towers. The octagon is the part of the palace where the ministers of the kingdom of Arkron have their offices. Inside the octagon is the second part of the structure known as the Royal residence.

However the Vulpin delegation would not yet be taken that deep into the Royal Palace. For official diplomatic missions the Akronian Palace had many guesthouses near the outer walls. These were large villa-like buildings which holded all the facilities a king and his entourage would need during their stay in the capital. From luxurious large suites for high ranking guests to dormitories for servants and guards. The dining hall of these guesthouses are lavishly decorated and the kitchen well stocked. The Arkronians have a habit of spending huge amounts of coin to impress their guests. 

With the evening approaching the Vulpin delegation settled into their guesthouse in the Royal Palace. King Aidar sat near the fireplace and felt the warmth as if the flames were surrounding him. Even though the old king had resided on multiple occasions in such a guesthouse it never ceased to amaze the Vulpin. Where his wooden keep in Vulpinia was a drafty place and a nightmare to heat, the Arkronian guest quarters were a marvel of engineering that always seemed to have the right temperature.

King Aidar looked up as one of the servants approached him. 

[color=B62222]“My liege, you have an unopened message from Canthor” spoke the servant.[/color]

Curiously the old king studied his servant. Usually it was Cael who would barge in with such messages. He quickly took the parchment that had been sent to him from by the Hegemon and noticed that it had arrived before their departure. He quickly read through the message. 

[color=B52222]“It seems that they are done fighting each other in Canthor. As expected the Hegemon has won the civil war. He’s throwing a party to celebrate his victory after the coronation ceremony. What is that man thinking? I’m getting too old to travel all across the continent. Cael, arrange that the Hegemon is invited to a drink in our temporary residence to celebrate his victory. ”[/color] said the king a bit annoyed.

[color=B62222]“My liege, Cael isn’t here.” [/color]

[color=B52222]“What do you mean by isn’t here? He’s always at my side” [/color]

King Aidar looked around the room and now only noticed that it was just him and the servant. He could not help but to feel that he was getting too old for his job as he did not notice that his prime servant had left his side.

[color=B62222]“I think he has left the royal palace sire. I saw him leaving the guesthouse with one of the new warriors in your warband.”[/color]

The king sighed as he heard the news. Once more he turned towards the fire and looked at the flames. [color=B52222]“He took Callumn Dubhghaill with him, right?”[/color]

[color=B62222]“Yes sire, the young one with the large ears.”[/color]

The king closed his eyes. If Cael had taken the youngest son of clan longear with him then he knew exactly where his prime servant was going. [color=B52222]“Nothing good can come from dealing with that man.”[/color] murmured the old Vulpin as he watched how the flames engulfed a piece of wood in the fireplace. 

[Hider= An invitation to the Hegemon of Canthor]

Dear Nidor Xuleyn,

We are delighted to hear about your final victory in the civil war. May the end of the war be the start of an era of peace and prosperity for your people.

I would like to invite you to have a drink in celebration at our temporary residence in Arkronia. We have brought some bottles of Vulpin moonshine with us. A perfect strong spirit for bringing a toast to your victory.


Yours sincerily,

King Aidar Fir Shadowfax
King of the 9 Vulpin clans

[/hider]