Not His Day

Not His Day

The rising sun turned the cobblestone streets gold as news of their return quickly spread throughout Wolfenstein. Citizens flocked to the main street with tears in their eyes. Cheers and applause surged like a hurricane until the entire city was in frenzy. Through the rows of returning soldiers, one black cape stood out from the rest. A chant slowly began to rise from the people, until one man’s name echoed throughout the city.

“NO-VA! NO-VA! NO-VA!”

General Aegir Reginleif was furious. As the supreme commander of their campaign, winning the war was his achievement. He had demonstrated excellent tactical decision-making and remarkable martial prowess. Yet the name everyone cheered was not his. He had risked everything for his kingdom, and it appeared as if none of it mattered.

“It’s because my name isn’t as easy to chant, isn’t it?” Aegir muttered to his lieutenant, Markus.

“What was that, sir? I’m sorry, it’s hard to hear over the cheers.”

Aegir threw his hands up. “That, that right there. Why is everyone cheering for Nova and not me? I did all the work and captured all the enemy castles. He kills one guy, and suddenly my accomplishments mean nothing?”

“He was a pretty important guy, sir, in all fairness.”

Aegir looked at Markus Stone, his right-hand man and closest advisor. Half of his face was covered in bandages. During their assault on the Azalean capital, Markus had nearly died in an effort to protect Aegir. It was hard for Aegir to be mad at him while he focused on the bandages.

“If it weren’t for my strategy, he wouldn’t have even been able to kill the king. Do we credit the hands that swing the sword or the mind on where we should strike?” Markus’s stone-cold expression made him feel even less invalidated. “All I’m saying is that we’re all focusing on a single door in a cathedral, and I think the cathedral deserves some recognition. That’s all.”

Aegir tried his best not to pout as the people passed him by so they could try and touch Decon Nova. Before they had returned home, Aegir had a positive opinion of Decon. He didn’t care about his peasant status or his refusal to speak; he only cared about Decon’s ability to kill. Despite his current intense loathing for Decon, he still intended to offer him a formal position in his service. There would be more wars to fight, and he wanted the best by his side.

Just get through the day. Aegir told himself. After the initial wave dives down tale of my excellence shall spread.

However, when he arrived before the king and queen at the steps leading up to the castle, his day got worse.

“Your majesty,” Aegir said, kneeling before the king. He presented the crown of the king of Azal had worn. “I have brought another kingdom into your fold.”

“Yes, good work, Aegir,” The king patted him on the shoulder before brushing past him. “Sir Nova, if you could make your way to the front, please.”

The citizens surrounding Decon separated, clearing a path for him. As he strode to the front, people cautiously reached out and placed a gentle hand on him. They would look at their hand with wonder as if they had touched something otherworldly.

Aegir gritted his teeth as he moved aside, the tips of his fingers turning as red as fire in his palms.

“Sir Nova, you’ve done my kingdom a great service.” The king said, projecting his voice throughout the city streets. “By earning the greatest achievement of this campaign, you are most deserving of a reward. Yet I feel that no reward will suffice for all you have accomplished, but I will try my best. I grant you the title of Duke and give you the lands from Chapel Green to Blumont. May you continue to serve this kingdom as you have.”

The streets exploded in celebration. Every man, woman, and child was applauding Decon Nova. Except Aegir. He was shaking with rage. The veins were so visible on his head that it was almost like he’d no longer had any skin.

Intense pain began to grow near the base of his skull, just before he could unleash the anger within a firm hand landed on his shoulder. Markus simply gave him a hard squeeze and shook his head. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to calm Aegir.

“Now, let us prepare a feast for our hero!” the king cried out.

*

In the great hall, the grandest feast had been prepared for the conquering heroes. Small tables had been set out for the numerous amounts of noble lords and ladies. At the end of the room were long tables set up in a U-shape. The royal family sat at the base, the highest-ranking generals and the soldiers who had earned recognition during the campaign sat on the wings.

Aegir sat in the closest seat to the king on the right wing. Signaling how he was the king’s right-hand man. A rough start, but finally, my status is being respected. Aegir thought as he took his seat.

The meal was everything Aegir had been hoping for. Noble lords would come and shake his hand, thanking him for achieving victory. The noble ladies courted him for his hand in marriage; the king would even give a slight nod of approval when certain ladies approached him.

However, Aegir had his eye on one lady in particular. Sloane Rocks, the eldest daughter of the house Rocks. It’s said her beauty could even put angels to shame. Aegir couldn’t agree more. Ever since they were children, he had been in love with Sloane. Every attempt he made to court her was simply brushed off as love between childhood friends, but today was different.

Today, he was a distinguished general. He had won himself so much glory that there was more to spare for others like Decon. Yet, there was no amount of his love to spare. Time slowed as Sloane made her way over. The music that filled the room with merriment and cheer faded away. A single spotlight shone on her as the world darkened.

Her rich coal black hair rested gently on her shoulder. Her purple dress was littered with diamonds, and with each step, she sparkled. He could tear his eyes away from her full, soft lips, the edges curling into a smile as their eyes met. He was lost in her warm jade green eyes. He was so enchanted by her that he missed whatever she had first said to him.

“I’m sorry,” Aegir said, stumbling over his words. “It’s been so long, and your dress is so beautiful, I was distracted.”

“There you go again.” She laughed; it was the most beautiful laugh. “You always get so lost in the details. I remember when we were children, you would always compliment every piece of jewelry I wore.”

“Well, they just looked so beautiful,” Markus discreetly dug an elbow into his ribs. “I mean, you always looked so beautiful. It was impossible not to compliment you.”

Though he was nearing his thirties, Aegir still felt himself blush whenever he spoke to Sloane. It had only gotten worse as they had grown older. He prayed that the torchlight was hitting him at the right angle so she wouldn’t notice. Not that she ever had before.

“Who is that man down there?”

His heart froze. Following her finger towards the end of the table, he discovered Christian Blumont. Former prince of Blumont. It was a small kingdom before Aegir and Markus had conquered it in the name of Wolfenstein. Now under Decon Nova’s duchy.

“That’s Christian Blumont. He’s a good man.”

“Is he single?”

“I don’t... know.

“Well, I’m going to find out.”

Aegir hadn’t experienced a greater pain. Sloane was so giddy as she walked over to Christian. Within seconds of sitting down, she was laughing. Smiling wider than he had ever seen her smile before. It was clear what was happening, where this relationship would go. He couldn’t bear to watch it unfold.

He rose from his seat and made his way in front of the Royal family.

“Your majesty,” he said, falling to a knee. “My lieutenant, Markus, was injured during our campaign. It has also been some time since he has seen his family. With your permission, I humbly request an early departure so I may take him home.”

“An early departure? We haven’t even had time to honor you and your achievements.”

“Just knowing that you have acknowledged my achievements is all the honor I require. I have had my fill of celebration. Now I must return to my duties as a general, and a general looks after his men.”

A wave of applause resounded throughout the room. He finally noticed that the music had stopped playing and everyone was listening intently to his conversation. For a moment, his pride returned.

“You’re a good man, Aegir. The finest general this country has ever seen. No, the finest general this continent has ever seen. You have my blessing. Please continue to look after your men, and after us.”

The king bowed his head to him. Pride swelled up in his chest; it truly was the greatest honor he could have received. Rising to his feet, Markus was already beside him. With their heads held high, they moved towards the exit. At least this day can end on a positive note. Aegir thought.

“Your majesty!”

Dear god, no. He recognized the voice. It was Sloane’s. Aegir had turned to stone just before the doors, leaving the hall.

“With your permission.”

This can’t be happening.

“Lord Blumont and I would like to be married!”

A gasp went throughout the room. Aegir’s legs turned to dust as he nearly fainted. Markus caught him, and luckily, nobody saw as everyone was fixated on the king. He stroked his beard in contemplation before a sly smile began to grow.

“You have my blessing. Henceforth, this celebration party. Is now an engagement party!” The king, along with the rest of the room, roared in cheers as they began to drown themselves in wine.

Aegir and Markus left quietly. They didn’t utter a word as they walked through the city streets. When they reached the city walls, they simply nodded to the guards. When they arrived at the horse master, Markus quickly gave him their thanks, and they were on their way. They rode in silence for a full hour, the moonlight guiding them home.

“That had to be on purpose,” Aegir said.

“True love strikes like a well-placed arrow,” Markus responded.

“Oh, come on. You’re telling me they had to get engaged in that moment. We hadn’t left the room! Not to mention they had just met! Who gets engaged that quickly? Does anyone think this is a rational decision? I can’t even imagine what her mother is going to say! What happened today? Nothing could honestly explain what has transpired today.”

“You’ve had a lot of good days. Not every day can be your day.”

Aegir rubbed his temples, trying to alleviate the massive headache he had. Looking up into the night sky, only one star was visible. For some reason, he felt kinship with the lone star. Well, at least I know you’ll never leave me.

They then rode under a dense cover of trees. Completely blocking the night sky from view.

“This day sucks.”

“You can say that again.”