Content to have Robert give a nod of acknowledgement, Bastian turned on his heel and set off down the hall at a hurried pace. As little as he liked to place his trust in others, he knew that Robert, as well as the other Kingsguard, was reliable-- and the captain took a small amount of solace in that. There was only so much he could do on his own-- especially in this body.
Swift steps silently carried the knight through the long corridors as he checked to ensure that the other posted guards had been unaffected by the early-morning incident. All seemed to be well, which was all the more infuriating. First he catches word of palace guards being bribed from the posts, now this? How had no one taken note of these wolves? True, Bastian had arrived in time to see only fading shadows, but a part of him knew by the disquieted stirrings that it had been those that called themselves "The Pack."
And what of Maximus? Why had the man gone out unaccompanied and unarmed? A mild feeling of guilt prodded his mind as he questioned his King's actions, but surely he had known it was a fool's errand! Walking about the grounds alone-- with Northerners set to arrive in court!
Having reached the great hall, Bastian was not surprised to find it empty, save for a serving girl who was stoking a growing fire in the large hearth. The sky was still dark and many were probably still sleeping, or just waking to begin their morning work. It hadn't been on fault on the serving staff that these instances had occurred, but they were to be made aware of the potential threat. Calling the girl to him, Bastian gave her instruction to pass along orders of extreme care. Should anything seem amiss, anything at all, it was to be reported immediately. He would, of course, speak to the Victorians to assure that all were made aware of the severity of his orders.
Dismissing the serving girl as Robert approached with the Kingsguard, the Knight-Commander could only be pleased with their promptness and he gave Robert a small nod. They, no doubt, had questions-- and Bastian only wished he had more answers to give. For now, however, he needed to address his concerns over security.
"Yes," he said quietly, "I cannot yet disclose the details surrounding the instance, but our guests paid an early visit to the gardens this morning." He did not yet want to lay accusations on the Northerners, but he doubted that he needed to specify which guests for the Kingsguard to know his meaning. "Palace guards were found unconscious at their posts and no alarm was raised." As he spoke, he flicked his cool gaze over each of them, his expression impassive. "I lay no blame on any of you, but the past days have seen the court guard quite lax. Everyone is to be on high alert at all times, and all patrols are to be doubled no matter the hour. I understand I am asking much of you, but it is imperative. I want no fewer than two Kingsguard at His Majesty's side at all times. The Princesses are to each have a constant escort as well, and there are to be no guests of any house, walking about the palace after hours. Should any further issues occur, you will be held accountable." Though his voice was hushed, it bore a sense of severity. "Dismissed."
Pausing for a moment to consider what Nyoka had told him about the palace guards accepting bribery, Bastian halted Robert before he turned to leave. "I'm sure the matter has already been addressed," he said, tired eyes locked with Robert's, "But the severity of the issue needs to be made clear. You may inform the palace guards that, should any further upsets occur that call into question their ability or loyalty, they will be forcibly removed." Perhaps it was fatigue or his irritation with himself, but Bastian allowed himself a slight snarl as he murmured the last word. Uncharacteristic, perhaps, but not uncalled for. He would hear no excuses about any further breaches of security in the palace. "Thank you," he concluded, again turning from the man to vanish down the corridor leading to the Victorian's quarters.
///
By the time noon had rolled around, Bastian had made his rounds and spoken to both the Victorians and the palace guard. No doubt the men were tired of hearing from the Kingsguard, but the point seemed to have been driven home quite soundly and the guards about the court had taken up a look of resolute determination. When he'd gone to address the Falcons, the captain found that Maximus had already been to see them and had discussed the early-morning occurrence. It was a mild relief-- though it did little to ease his growing apprehension.
The Northerners had, thus far, proven amiable-- to a degree. Given, Bastian had yet to encounter Bjarke or the so-called "Pack," but many of the men seemed content enough to walk about the palace without taking up arms, and Bastian had returned to the great hall before Maximus was to address the court. When the King finally graced the court, wearing his finest, Bastian moved to stand near the high table, one hand resting on the pommel of his sword, heavy eyes fixed on the man's form. A slight stir and the sound of a familiar voice, however, quickly drew his attention and the captain had to suppress the desire to drag the witch away from the Northern maiden.
What in the name of Gods and Demons was the woman doing?! The fool was going to get herself run through one day, and it would be no one's fault but her own!
The disruption, thankfully, ended well enough and the captain again turned his attention to those around the court as Maximus began his address, taking in the waiting faces with a keen scrutiny. His attention, however, was immediately drawn back to the King at his sudden announcement.
Take another bride? Her?
Piercing eyes darted to Serah then back to Maximus as the knight stared at the King, expressionless.
The she-wolf, sister to Bjarke? The man would sooner kill the Fairways than look at them!
The sudden news stung the captain like a blade through his chest-- he had never expected the man to remarry after Laurelai. Of course, the King was entitled to his desires and Bastian had never been one to consider feelings of envy, but the fact that he had been kept in the dark about such a decision was what cut deepest. No expression of this would be made, however. It was not his decision to make. He could only assume that there was sound reason behind Maximus' arrangement-- and it was his place to serve, support, and trust in his King.
What, though, would motivate him to make such a seemingly reckless decision?
