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Keeyi was directed to Erhardt's study the next morning, and made sure to make time to talk to him. There is much she wished to discuss, though she feared forgetting most of it in his intimidating presence. Outside of the study stood his four guards, "Excuse me, but I with to talk with your king."

"Very well, but you have to hand over all weapons. You understand, right?" Keeyi handed over her sword, and then was very thoroughly patted down, "You may enter, but be respectful. If we hear even the slight sound of violence, we will charge in and cut you down." Two of the guards opened the double doors and let Keeyi inside.

She marveled at the bookshelves which lined the walls, with the only gaps revealing a stained glass window and marble fireplace. Erhard sat in a wooden chair in the middle of the room and stared at the window. He was facing away, and she could only see so much, but he looked exhausted, "Do you know why the window was designed as such?" He asked absentmindedly.

Keeyi examined it more closely, but couldn't determine anything. The colors were random, the size and shapes were random as well, "I can't say."

"It was commissioned by Wendlow during the construction of the castle. It is said that every time you look, you see something different. Ideas. Conflicts. Those sorts of things. It is meditative, though provides only temporary relief to the mind." Keeyi examined and ran her fingers through the books along the wall. Every topic known to the world was represented in the books, even a few books about the landmasses of the world, "You didn't come to gawk." He pointed to a seat close to the fireplace, and Keeyi sat down.

"I wish to surrender. You are the victor of the duel." She looked at the stained glass again, "I came to challenge you, hoping to bring honor to my father."

Erhardt took a breath, "Go on."

"He was the greatest smith in my district. Unlike this kingdom, most will resort to hiring mercenaries to eliminate competition, and my father was a victim. Three men entered his shop, and with one of his own axes, removed a hand. After that, his rival spread the story and destroyed my father's reputation. There was a time when nobles would come from across the land to buy a sword or tool made by my father, but soon nobody came. My father continued his work, and even with one hand he could craft a better weapon than any, but it wasn't enough to regain business. Several months ago, he passed away from illness. I thought I would take the last sword he made and defeat someone from the most powerful enemy my people had ever had, which turned out to be you. I had trained every day, even on the ship, but it wasn't enough. I'm... sorry."

"I can respect that."

Keeyi was shocked, "What do you mean."

"Dignity and honor are important. I'm sure you know that my father died. It was about two years ago. I was in his room, as were his personal guards. He had become depressed after my mother's death, and I could tell it weighed heavily upon his head. During that evening, he spoke the words of a dying man, yet he was healthy."

"I had heard he fell victim to a mysterious disease."

Erhardt continued his blank stare, "That is what we had agreed upon. Any warrior, no matter how great, cannot defend against the unknown. In reality, that is far from what happened. His last words named me as his successor in addition to asking his personal guard to become my advisors. Before we could act, he raised a hidden dagger and pierced his own heart. We covered the wound, and reported that it was disease, not suicide. I would not let him die without dignity. To honor his word, I undertook the trials. Traditionally, when the chosen child undertakes the trials, he is at least 30 years of age. I made my kingdom proud. I would do it again as well."

Keeyi felt a bond to this troubled king, "We are victims of similar events which were out of our control." She paused for a moment, "I would ask a favor of you."

"Go ahead, my ears were designed for listening."

"May I become a citizen of your kingdom? I have no home to return to, and people here have been kind."

"I have no objections. You are a skilled warrior, and have knowledge of a practical craft. Arrangements for a home can be made." He stood up from his seat and walked towards the door. Keeyi then noticed a cabinet just by the entrance which was filled with bottles and glasses, "Care for a drink?"

"If you're offering."

Erhardt pulled out two glasses and poured enough from a bottle to fill a quarter of the glass. The liquid was a dark brown, yet Keeyi could smell it from her chair. It wasn't unpleasant, "It's strong, be careful." he handed her a glass, then took his seat again, "You have questions on your mind."

"Well." She took a sip. Erhardt didn't lie when he said it was strong, "Several. How did your people know to get to the castle, and how did they all make it? Your kingdom isn't small."

Erhardt looked Keeyi in the eyes, "This castle marks the capitol city. That does not mean we allow the other districts to be unguarded and ignored. There are safehouses and... I believe they were called bunkers, all throughout the kingdom, and never more than a thirty minute walk from any village. Our armies are divided into quarters, so that there will always be men and women ready to meet the challenge of enemies. I was able to lead the charge because our horses are the fastest on the continent."

Keeyi watched Erhardt take a sip without any wincing, "I haven't been here long, but I assume there is a reason Wendlow was attacked. I mean, I know I had my selfish reasons, but why would a nation attack?"

Erhardt sighed, "Because they wish to conquer this land. You may have noticed, but there are quite a few women and girls around the castle and grounds surrounding the castle. The nation that attacked is led by a man called Lyam. They haven't been kind to females, and apparently some policies enacted caused most, some say all, women to flee to Wendlow. As a neutral kingdom, we can take refugees. Lyam marched on the assumption we stole their citizens. I assure you, he will make an appearance soon. Then he will pay for his crimes."

Keeyi struggled to take another sip, "I'm used to different alcohol, a lot lighter than this. I should make a batch. Perhaps we can drink as equals." She giggled, already affected by the liquor.

"This brandy is fifty years old, aged in the cellars below the castle. It is strong, but rich in flavor. You adjust to it over time. I wouldn't mind tasting your drink, if you make it that is." he took another sip, "I grow weary of being king, and yet I do not feel any others are worthy of the title."

Keeyi was surprised at how open he was. Perhaps the alcohol was affecting him as much as it affected her, but he didn't show physical signs as well, "You're a good king from what I heard. Sure, times are hard, but all you need is a wife."

"Not so simple for me." He rested his head on the back of the chair, "As king, I may only have one partner, and that partner is to be a bond-mate."

"What is that? I heard it before, I thought it was just marriage."

"A bond-mate is similar to marriage. More often than not people are married before becoming a bond-mate. The difference is the permanency. Marriage can be revoked through a process, but a bond-mate is a bond that will always exist, even if one partner is to die. It is only practiced in Wendlow, so even other kingdoms aren't entirely sure of the definition." He finished his drink, "I am allowed a bond-mate, and I assure you that there is no shortage of women who ask. None of them appeal to me however, and yet I must endure their proposals."

Keeyi stood up and stretched, "I don't like this robe. Sure, it's comfy, but it's hard to move in." She spun around and wiggled inside, "I like what I came in."

"Feel free to freeze if you want." he chuckled a little to himself, which stopped Keeyi short. He didn't seem like the laughing type. That being said, it was pleasant to hear.

.....................................

The next few days were relatively uneventful. Keeyi still did not have an independent home, but she was welcome to stay at the castle until one was available. She had acquired the ingredients to make her drink and had begun the fermenting process in a meadery, after gaining permission of course. Before weeks end, there was a strange sort of commotion, and her curiosity got the best of her. She left the castle, and upon seeing Erhardt, she followed.

The center of the kingdom had its own city and center of commerce, but was a few miles from the castle. In fact, this is where most of the trading took place. Erhardt and his four guards stopped at the end of a circle created by eight others in royal garments, each with their own guards, "Now the ruthless slayer of men shows up."

"Lyam, you violated the peace treaty, and attacked the people of my kingdom. Explain yourself!"

The rotund man smiled, "I simply reacted to you siphoning away my people with your lies. Is it not a ruler's duty to protect his own people?"

Erhardt glared at him, "I did not ask for your people, your people asked me for homes, to escape the oppression, to live free lives, rather than be slaves. Not once did I, nor any of my people, step foot in your land, yet you sent an army to burn my kingdom to the ground. If only you weren't so pathetic."

Lyam snarled, "A royal duel then. When I am victorious, you will bow before me and swear fealty."

"When you lose, I will have your head."

The rotund man snapped his fingers, and a man easily seven feet tall in full body armor wielding a mighty axe stepped forward, "Now, your champion."

"Erhardt, make me your champion." Keeyi stepped forward, "I wish to prove myself. As I have said, your people have shown me nothing but kindness, even when I came for your life. Let me repay the favor."

The king stared deeply into her eyes, "Very well. Just remember, there are worse things than death if you lose." She nodded and stepped into the circle. She removed her robes and drew her blade as the armored man laughed.

Keeyi wouldn't make mistakes this time. Her opponent was wearing heavy armor, so his initial speed and turning was a weakness. His weapon was also heavy, meaning it would take time to swing but on the other hand, it was almost impossible to block. Her speed was her advantage, and she was going to use it. Unfortunately, there were few weak spots on his armor. The neck, behind the knees, and in the armpits. She also had to be precise.

The man slowly marched toward her, and Keeyi made sure to learn as much as she could. The ground was the most telling, as his bootprints made circular marks in the soft dirt. The soles had circular protrusions, which meant he could spin quickly. In a moment, she devised a new strategy. Keeyi took off full speed and ran in circles around the man.

He laughed as he kept spinning to meet her, and those watching thought it was a bit strange. Keeyi was going in a circle, but had forward momentum. The armored man was simply spinning. He would get dizzy much quicker, and luckily it didn't take long. The armored man tried to stop himself, but the metal boots didn't grip the dirt, so he continued to spin a bit even without effort. He lowered his weapon and stumbled, giving Keeyi the only opportunity she needed. She easily stopped herself, turned, and with a single dash she cut through both of the man's knees, spun around, then cut through his neck. She wiped off her sword and returned it to the sheath. Erhardt walked up to her, reached around his own neck, then placed something into her hand, "A symbol of my respect."

He marched over to Lyam, who fell backwards and was cowering on the ground, "You can't do this!"

"None here speak in your defense. Die you waste of life." Erhardt stabbed into Lyam's fat neck, completely severing the head. He turned his attention to Lyam's guards, "Take this pile of flab from my kingdom, now!"

Meanwhile, Keeyi looked at the necklace. It consisted of a platinum oval ending in points rather than curves, and a large, smooth sapphire of the most brilliant blue she had ever seen. It was simple, yet elegant. She made sure to quickly put it on, then followed Erhardt back to the castle.