4-Trade

As Luke marched through the city with Marcus' army, the people did not greet them at all, they were just chattering, doing their jobs, selling things. One of the king's strongest armies that defended The British Kingdom many times from Kurks for years, is being ignored by the people. Luke can't help but to feel a bit of disappointed as a loyal British soldier...

It seems like everyone has become accustomed to the king and the ministers turning a blind eye to the chaos near the coasts. They no longer trust Marcus' army given their inaction against Kurk invaders in recent times.

After half an hour, Luke has reached the royal palace. The guards welcomed the army and led them to the throne room. But it was odd...

over a hundred guards for the king in the throne room and the king was standing a few feet away from Luke.

"What a pleasant surprise, Luke. I was expecting to see Marcus. I have something important to discuss with him" says king Swanson with a neutral expression.

Luke kneels in front of the king, his army does the same. "Marcus is... occupied with his... Personal matters...you can say anything to me, my King. I shall l deliver your message to Him."

The king sighs, "No, Luke. This is something that is better to say in his presence..." He gestures Luke to get up.

As Luke and his Army get to their feet the king says, "Don't go yet, Luke. This is important. For Marcus, For me and for....you."

Luke says with determination, "I understand, my King. I shall comply with whatever decision you make."

______________________________________________________________________

Ovince, Ladan and Marcus managed to reach the palace.

"please let us get past the gate, We have an important meeting with King Swanson." Says Marcus.

the guard nods and let them in. They all rushed towards the palace. In a matter of seconds they go to the throne room, 60 soldiers of Marcus' army were waiting outside of the throne room.

Marcus approaches them and says in haste, "what is happening in the room?"

A soldier shrugs, "Serious stuff, y'know. Heard they were talking about... getting you for a chat?"

Marcus sighs and pushes the door open. Ovince and Ladan wait outside. The king was standing right in front of Luke and the army. Marcus kneels down but the king says, "Get up, I have something very important to discuss with you"

Marcus gets up but he is clearly desperate, "I also wanted to ask something...my wife-"

"QUIET!" king Swanson says. "Only talk when I give you the permission to talk."

Marcus looks at the floor, "I apologise, My King"

King Swanson smiles, "Good..."

He adds up, "There is your beautiful wife, Helga's involvement in this matter, Marcus."

Marcus kept looking at the floor, silently urging the king to continue.

King Swanson smirks, "You see, Marcus, As the King of the British Kingdom, I have responsibilities..." He starts pacing in front of Marcus, Luke and his soldiers. They all just listened quietly.

"These battles with Kurks... they cost resources... We are losing them... We are losing our soldiers...I cannot allow this to go on forever..." He sighs and continues, "that is why I signed a treaty with a general of the Ushoman empire."

Everyone gets surprised and puzzled as those words left the king's mouth. King Swanson follows up, "Zoar Domos, one of their generals, He visited last week and left 3 days ago." He sighs, "So the conditions of the treaty follows,

1, We won't be going to war against Ushoman empire.

2, We must pay them the annoual tax of only 4000 British gold coins."

Luke looks outraged, but as soon as he tried to open his mouth, King Swanson raises his hand and stops him.

"Another thing,Marcus." says the king

Marcus looks into The King's eyes, waiting for him to speak.

"General Domos demanded 100 most beautiful, Virgin women in the British Kingdom for themselves as a part of the treaty..." He takes a deep breath, "we were in a hurry so... We needed to get them in such a short amount of time...Helga fit into the description so..."

Marcus looks horrified and says, "You traded my wife and so many innocent women for...

Peace?"...

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