Chapter 3: Celdorne
Each new sight really lightened Cole's opinion of Celdorne. A throne room, historically, should represent power; architectural dick-measuring rendered in marble and gold leaf. But the chokepoint past the doors and the firing slits overhead suggested someone who understood the difference between showing power and keeping it. Not much of a surprise considering the practicality of the interior design in the summoning chamber and the infirmary.
Similarly, the king defied easy categorization. Those ears gave away elven blood – shorter than the healer’s but distinctly pointed – which made his apparent age a puzzle. Middle-aged by human standards, hair graying at the temples, but half-elven biology threw all those markers into question. Even his authority broke the monarchical playbook. Instead of some ostentatious crown, he wore just a simple circlet, though the sheen of the metal and the way those inset gems caught the light suggested ‘simple’ might be relative when it came to magical enhancements.
Either way, he had the look of someone who’d long since dispensed with ceremonial bullshit in favor of getting things done. Well, it basically tracked with everything else so far.
“At last. I had wondered what manner of soldiers might answer our call.” Not exactly the warmest welcome, but then again, Cole doubted anyone felt particularly cheerful about this arrangement. “I am Armonde Celdor, King of Celdorne. And you are?”
Cole bowed. “Lieutenant Cole Mercer of the United States Army, Your Majesty. With me are Sergeants Miles Garrett and Ethan Walker.”
“You may raise your heads. I trust Director Fallamore has explained something of our situation?”
“He has, Your Majesty.”
When Armonde spoke again, it was with the direct attention of a commander evaluating troops instead of a king entertaining guests. “You would not be the first to stand against the tide. But I would hear your thoughts on the matter.”
Cole had to admire the king’s technique – skip past with the whole ‘will you help us’ dialogue. Create the illusion of choice while boxing them into the desired outcome. Though really, what choice was there?