As the battle at Willshire concluded. A whole new one was about to brew. Thomas while visiting Schillingburg had heard of the takeover in Willshire.
“I was informed Willshire has a new monarchy.” Thomas said.
“Yes, my Liege. An army for Amelia swooped in and commandeered it.” Charles responded.
Thomas laughed.
“That must have been David and his army. Amelia could not have done it by herself.” Thomas replied.
“Plus she is on her honeymoon in the forest near Wynnfrith.” Thomas joked.
“Are you not concerned, my grace?” Charles asked.
“Concerned about what? Amelia and her men taking over Landford? Never. She is not that brave.” Thomas affirmed.
“She may not be but whoever is leading them seems to be.” Charles mumbled.
“When I return to Landford I will take another ride into the Wynnfrith forest. This time I will find Amelia, her men are far so her protection is minimized to just her Knight and he is no challenge.” Thomas said.
“That is not wise, my King, let it be.” Charles advised.
“She owes me, Charles and I will get what is mine.” Thomas ended.
Greyson had sent John Lloyd to inform Amelia about the battle and to prepare her for the short trip. As John Lloyd rode towards the safe area, he could see King Thomas’s caravan in the distance. It only had two guards and the one coachman.
“King Thomas’ caravan is coming very close to where Queen Amelia is.” John Lloyd thought.
He looked back and he had nine soldiers with him.
He stopped them and whispered “That caravan belongs to Landford’s King Thomas, he’s a total jerk so I am making an executive decision for my Queen, let us capture that caravan.”
The men raised their swords in agreement.
As they approached the caravan, one of the guards saw them and said “Retreat, this caravan belongs to Landford and we are in our boundaries.”
John Lloyd approached and said “There are no boundaries here, stop your convoy!”
“Withdraw I say!” Shouted the guard.
By this point, they were surrounded.
“Give them whatever they want” Shouted Charles from inside the carriage.
“We want what is inside the carriage.” John Lloyd yelled back.
“We refuse to give you our king” Shouted the guard.
“Well, unfortunately, we are going to have to take him. GO!” yelled John Lloyd at his men.
As the men slay the guards, John Lloyd move towards the carriage and opened the door. There sat King Thomas and Charles unarmed. The soldiers bound them.
“My Queen will be very happy to know you have been captured. She has special plans for you.” John Lloyd boasted.
“Your Queen? Amelia is NOT my Queen!” Thomas yelled.
“Gag him!” John Lloyd yelled.
“And YOU ARE NOT a King, anymore. You are now a prisoner of Willshire. Oh you should remember the dungeon there, you lived there for a bit just this time you will be not be leaving there alive.” John Lloyd replied.
They set the carriage on fire. John Lloyd sent some of the men to inform Amelia and the others accompanied John Lloyd back to Willshire. They tied Thomas and Charles to the back of their horses and started on their journey back to Willshire. Thomas was livid with his capture. He could not believe he was taken that easy. As they rode, John Lloyd made small talk with them.
“So King Thomas, do you know why you were captured?” John Lloyd asked.
Thomas ignored him and looked over at Charles.
“Well, let me enlighten you.” John Lloyd added.
“YOU, my dear sir have been found guilty of murder, yes murder, among other charges that are pending.” John Lloyd said.
Charles looked over at Thomas.
“and you know what, this time you will pay!” John Lloyd ended.
Thomas did not know what to think, he felt he was being taken back because of King Michael’s death not David’s. As they got closer to Willshire Castle, Greyson rode out to them.
“I thought I asked you to get Queen Amelia.” Greyson yelled.
“I sent the others, look what I have for you.” John Lloyd said as he pointed at King Thomas and Charles. Greyson laughed.
“Oh my, how the hell did you do that?” Greyson asked.
“Just pure luck.” John Lloyd asked.
“Your Queen will be very proud and impressed by your capture.” Greyson added.
Greyson got off his horse and walked over to Thomas.
“Nice seeing you again, my Lord.” Greyson said. Thomas glared at him.
Greyson removed his gag.
“Greyson, I am your King! Tell this idiot to let me go.” Thomas yelled.
“This idiot as you call him is the Queens first Knight and he has not made a mistake, my Lord. You are wanted.” Greyson claimed.
“FOR WHAT!” Thomas yelled.
“For causing the death of Lord David of Landford” Greyson said as he put the gag back in Thomas’ mouth.
Thomas was in shock, he fell to his knees. He thought he had only injured David.
Charles remained quiet.
Greyson turned to the guards.
“Take these two to the dungeon, watch this one” Greyson said as he pointed at Thomas.
“He is very sneaky and will try to escape. And if he tries anything, kill him!”
Greyson then turned to Thomas and said “Your Queen will be here in the morning, she will declare your punishment.”
As they walked back upstairs Greyson complimented John Lloyd. “You have definitely earned your spot as first Knight for our Queen, I am very proud of you.” Greyson added.
“Just doing my job, Greyson.” John Lloyd replied.
Amelia did not know what was awaiting her in Willshire. The men were told not to reveal anything.
Early morning the trumpets sounded as the flag were raised on Willshire Castle. The townspeople began arriving to get a view of their new monarch as she arrived. As they got closer Guillaume got off his horse and grabbed the halter of Amelia’s horse to guide him. She looked down and smiled.
“Are you ready, my Queen?” Guillaume asked.
She smiled and nodded her head.
“Let us meet your new kingdom,” Guillaume replied as they walked through the main street. The crowd cheered loudly as she passed.
Amelia waved. Willshire seemed to accept Amelia as their Queen wholeheartedly. As she came up on the Castle, she could see Greyson, John Lloyd, and Rodger on the stairs. She smiled and bowed her head at them. Guillaume helped her off her horse and up the stairs. She turned and waved at the crowd. As she entered, everyone followed her into the throne room. The feeling was bittersweet but she was finally home.