"You... Your Highness" the messenger stammered to greet Prince Gregory with his head bowed. "I've brought a message from King Potter to you," said the messenger, and he pointed the scroll in his hand for Prince Gregory to take. Bloodeye took the scroll from him; he inspected it before handing it over to Prince Gregory, who unrolled it and read the content.
It took Prince Gregory a few seconds to read it, but when he was done, he burst out into a laugh. It was a cruel laugh; his laughs tore through the air jaggedly. It carried a cold, mocking edge, more of a sneer as if happy about other people's pain, and the laugh gave the messenger goosebumps as his back broke into a sweat.
"What is the message about," Lord Robert the Strong asked eagerly, and Prince Gregory finally put an end to his cruel laugh and turned to look at the older man, who was like a father to him.
"They want armistice" Prince Gregory replied. And as if Lord Robert had just heard the funniest joke, he also burst out into a laugh, though less cruel than the prince's.
"Finally, they have realized that they can't win the war," said Lord Robert the Strong after laughing so hard.
"Tell your king he will get a reply from me in seven days at the latest," Prince Gregory said to the messenger and gestured for him to leave. The messenger, thanking his stars, quickly scurried out of the war camp.
"What do we do?" Bloodeye asked when the messenger was gone.
"I'm not in the position to make decisions; I will have to inform my father, the Supreme King," Stated Prince Gregory.
"I will prepare a messenger to take the message to the Supreme King " Lord Robert the Strong said.
"No, I will go back to Tarah myself and inform Father," declared Prince Gregory.
"They, I will assemble your escort," said Lord Robert.
"I don't want no escort; too many people draw attention, " Prince Gregory replied, but Lord Robert didn't like the idea of the Prince traveling that far without an escort. "I don't advise that, Your Highness, we are at war. It's only right for you to have an escort; one is never too careful, " Lord Robert said.
"Bloodeye will follow me," Prince Gregory said tapping Bloodeye's shoulder " He is enough escort, moreover no one can kill me"
Lord Robert the Strong sighed defeatedly "If that's what you wish your majesty "
Prince Gregory smiled "Don't worry Robert I will be fine " He then turned to Bloodeye "Prepare the horse"
"Yes, Your Highness," Bloodeye said,d, bowing, before leaving to do as he was asked to.
*********
Soon the Prince and his bodyguard were ready to leave.
"Be safe, my Prince," said Lord Robert as a soldier helped Prince Gregory climb the horse. "I will " Replied Prince Gregory before riding off with Bloodeye.
**********
It was late the following day when they got to Tarah after riding all night and day. Prince Gregory went straight to the Palace, and one of the Palace guards took the news of his arrival to the king while Prince Gregory and Bloodeye waited in the throne room.
It was only a few minutes later when the king joined them. "Welcome, my son," Supreme King Orlando said as he hugged Prince Gregory. "But why are you here when a war is going on? You should have sent a messenger," added the king after releasing him from the hug.
"I had to bring this message myself Father" replied Prince Gregory
"Hmm, what is this important message about then?" Asked King Orlando with a frown.
"King Potter has requests for an armistice," said Prince Gregory, and just like Prince Gregory and Robert the Strong, the king also broke into a laugh. "I guess they are tired of your wraith, " The king said amidst laughing.
"What should I tell him?" Asked Prince Gregory.
"Hmm," the king sighed. "You've just arrived from a long journey, son; why don't you rest tonight? We will have a meeting tomorrow with the High Lords, and we will discuss the matter," said the Supreme King.
"Yes Father," said Prince Gregory with a bow, and the king left the throne room. "His Majesty is right, Bloodeye; you should rest too," said Prince Gregory as they both walked out of the throne room.