Editing The Battle at the Gate of Adagalsack (section)

==Epilogue in Castle Amber==
The usual crowd of courtiers filled the throne room but thats hardly unusual.  It just a work day.  Supplicants bring in thier cases and the King rules on them.

Before this each case would have been reviewed by the legal office to see if it could be settled easier. Nine out of ten would have been settle by due process.

Courtiers often attended just to see be seen and get the gossip of the day.  They brought their own refreshments. The court provided lemon water and honey biscuits.  Grapes and olives..  Courtiers would provide meat, fowl, cheeses and wines for each other with a greater diversity.

The day was also filled with congratulations for staff who had served 30 or 60 or 100 year terms and the king liked to acknowledge them.

There were also promotions.   These could often have been done more privately and often were but the king enjoyed including them publicly.  He said promoting someone personally was often a high point of a career.  So he promoted a sou chef to assistant chef of the third kitchen.

Recently the assistant was promoted to chief chef of Third Kitchen. Margot had attended that one.

The day wore on.
Business was  business 

It was near 3:00 and typically the king would take a break. He finished a promotion and was about to dismiss court for an hour when a blare of horns filled the chamber.
The cadence announced the Royal House of Wall. The king sighed, exasperated by the interruption, but also intrigued. Flower girls led the way, scattering Tosian white roses, while young heralds handed out Tosian blue and yellow chocolates, rare treats that delighted the crowd.  These were expensive treats rarely found in Amber

The king sighed again for a this interruption, but at least it held interest and potential. Silently he made the 'Bat Signal' so some of his kin could enjoy the display.

Next, a spear bearer entered, hoisting the banner of Wall—a fierce, ancient emblem emblazoned on worn kresh hide. Behind him marched a file of titans clad in gleaming Reardon armor, their steps shaking the stone floor. Amber’s own elite guards lined the hall, casting uneasy glances as they held their positions, visibly tense in the shadow of these towering warriors.

Finally. In full regalia comes King Alexandir kos Korag.  His 14' Reardon plate mail a thing of legend.   A baldric left holds the symbols of rulership for Tosa & York and a mighty greatsword. A baldric right holds 12 broaches of Sainthoods of Battle  and a second mighty great sword.

Behind the throne, the royals assembled with subtle but unmistakable caution. Bleys kept his hand close to Werewindle’s hilt, Gerard held Ashendale at his side, and Benedict stood poised with his ironwood quarterstaff. Among the courtiers, Fiona and Brand mingled, their eyes sharp, the usual courtly air laced with a sense of tense anticipation.

In the Hall at the back appear Arloxedra in Shatterbound, wielding Eric's blade Gladis openly & Alexandra with her war bow in hand, looking stunned.

King Random rose slowly, setting aside his drumsticks with deliberate calm and reaching for the Royal scepter. “King Alexandir, it’s an honor to greet you in Amber. Had I known you were coming, I’d have prepared a proper reception.”

The giant King bows his head briefly.  "The hospitality of your Hall is legendary and it is my fault for my arrival in this manner . (edited)
 
"With your permission, and the patience of your kin surrounding me, I would get immediately to the business that brings me."
The King of Amber in his Majesty bows his head,"please do. Afterwards perhaps Dame Margot will have the luncheon room ready for us to chat."

A titan stepped forward, presenting King Alexandir with a bundle wrapped in richly embroidered cloth. With one swift motion, Alexandir revealed a massive broadsword that seemed almost small in his colossal hand. “This sword came into my possession. I present it now to the Kingdom of Amber and its king, as a token of honor.”

He sets the blade on the ground.  He and his entourage step back several meters.

Benedict steps forward and picks up the blade.

He says,"It's '''''Shieldbreaker'''''."

Alexandir nods,"A treasure for your house."

Random looks wide eyed," How can we thank you for this mighty gift?."

King Alex smiles." Allow me to dismiss my entourage to the hospitality of the troops waiting outside the door. They could share a soldiers fare with them. Though I warn their appetites for meat, bread,and drink is great.  And if you and I might share Dame Margot luncheon buffet. Please include your assembled kin if you wish."

Random  looks to Bleys, Benedict, Fiona, and Arloxedra.  "Your Majesty, it would be a delight. To the right here.   "

And so, the diminutive King of Amber and the towering King of Tosa and York walked side by side, stepping away from the tension-laden hall. Around them, courtiers whispered, but the two kings remained silent, each harboring thoughts yet unspoken as they made their way to a private luncheon.