KNEEL BEFORE THE CROWN (BL)

Big blue eyes stared in horror at what was lying in front of him. Blood began to pool around, an unpleasant smell began to sting because of the corpses that were strewn everywhere. Adam Everardus, a young boy and the 18th prince of the Kingdom of Wilhelmia stretched out his tiny hand towards his mother's body that was already stiff.

His skin was cold, her eyes looked empty, a lot of blood came out of her mouth and at that moment, Adam realized how cruel the outside world was. Tears began to flow down Adam's cheeks, his hands trembled violently touching his mother's face which was starting to turn pale. His breath was fast feeling scared. Several times he shook the stiff body in front of him, even though he knew that his mother would never open her eyes and smile at him again.

Adam no longer cared about the blood that was pooling in various places because now his attention was focused on his mother, no longer caring if his screams to ask the woman to wake up could attract the attention of enemies outside or inside the Kingdom. And he could no longer hear anything when the most loyal General in the Kingdom took him away, from his Father and Mother, to flee the Kingdom with several other remaining soldiers. Escaping all the destruction that had occurred. Unable to bear to look at all the cruelty, Adam finally surrendered himself to the darkness and finally lost consciousness.

*****

"Quick! Don't get left behind!" The shout of Trevor Herstwood, the General, was heard from the end of the field. The prospective soldiers who heard their commander's shout immediately quickened their steps to avoid Trevor's anger. The person concerned gave an intimidating look to the candidates, analyzing their developments one by one.

Trevor Herstwood is the strongest and most trusted General in the Kingdom of Willhelmia. Since the terrible incident that happened, he swore to protect his King, Adam, so that he would not experience the same incident a second time. Therefore, he founded Haven, with the King's permission. A place of education for prospective soldiers of the Kingdom, where its members receive direct teachings from the General, by undergoing several years of special training.

Haven itself is a combination of military companies consisting of Hazard, Armor, Variel, Evtalon and Nifilus. The best of the best companies is Nifilus, an elite force with the strictest selection process. Everyone who wants to enter Haven must swear to uphold the values ​​of faith, courage, honor and loyalty to the Kingdom.

"Alright everyone! Return to your respective ranks. Today's training is enough for now." Trevor exclaimed, looking at the candidates who were running erratically and stopped running and walked in front of the General, forming a line like at the beginning of the training."You must be able to train harder than this. This Kingdom does not need lowly soldiers who cannot protect and provide security." Trevor said, looking at each candidate who seemed to be starting to be afraid of the General's expression who was running out of patience.

"Starting tomorrow, we will train with a new menu." Several small groans could be heard after Trevor's words, but the person in question ignored them at all. "I expect a lot from you, don't disappoint." His voice was heavy."Yes, General!" Satisfied with the candidates' loud answers, Trevor asked them all to disperse. But he remembered something and luckily, his eyes caught the figure in question. The man hurried.

"Weithia."

When his name was called, he turned around – seeing Trevor's figure.

"Yes, General!"

"Take a break." Trevor smiled faintly.

"Weithia. I want to talk to you for a moment. Do you have time?"

"Yes, of course. Commander. But did I do something wrong?" His gray eyes stared sharply.

"Not at all, before that I just wanted to appreciate your hard work during the past few years studying at Haven." Trevor said casually.

Weithia replied with a smile, "Is that so, Commander?"Trevor laughed and agreed, the two men then stepped out of the field. While chatting lightly, the General seemed to have wanted to take the young man to the Wilhelmia military headquarters from the start.

"General?" Weithia said hesitantly, his sweat dripping slowly.

"I just wanted to ask my colleagues about you."

The young man was certainly afraid when he was suddenly called to the headquarters without any prior notice. The General entered the room first, followed by Weithia. No need to ask what the conditions were like inside the building, the air was really harsh. The military leaders were there now. Several of Weithia's seniors from Haven were seen walking back and forth carrying documents or weapons, he bowed respectfully.

Trevor led the young man through a hall which is not too big. Then through a long hallway with paintings of high-ranking officials, swords or shields with phoenix symbols spreading their wings on the walls.Trevor's arm stretched out to open one of the doors and stepped in. Several people there immediately stood up and saluted.

"Commander." Said several men in a firm and heavy voice.

"Not an official visit. Please continue your rest."

"Is there an urgent matter? You don't usually come here." Said an old man. Weithia immediately recognized him as Lieutenant Bardolf. Trevor sat down while a young man poured him a cup of tea. "No. I brought the person I talked about yesterday."

"Ah. That Vistalian? Is this the person?"

"Yes. His name is Weithia Vistalia."

The young man immediately saluted each of his superiors.Bardolf took off his reading glasses that he had been wearing and looked at Weithia from head to toe.

"I never doubted your judgment, Commander. But is he the right person to carry out such an important task?"

"Of course. I have a feeling that this young man will do something good. Putting aside his physical appearance, it doesn't mean that his abilities are small and not up to standard."Bardolf nodded in understanding, his eyes returning to the open book on the table.

"In fact, I think Robin would be better for this task." He said casually.

Several commanders in the room agreed with Bardolf's words. While Trevor just smiled faintly. "Then where is that man?"

"I'm here, commander."A deep voice with a deep intonation was heard from the corner of the room. The tall figure with pale blue eyes approached and saluted Trevor. The hair on the nape and temples was neatly shaved, his bangs were short and left to fall - almost covering his forehead.Weithia saluted his senior.

"Senior Robin."

"Good afternoon Weithia. How was your training today?"

"Okay, senior."

"Isn't someone like Weithia no longer necessary to follow such training, Commander?"

Trevor spoke up while sipping his cup of warm tea, "My education is formed to see how willing the soldiers are to be ordered. And to what extent their limits are."

He added, "I want to make Robin the Commander of Nifilus Company, replacing Captain Hopps. You are the best, Robin, and I feel that the position will match your personality.

"Robin looked a little surprised. He had heard the rumor many times before, but now he heard it with his own ears.

"Yes, Commander. I will certainly accept being part of any company."Trevor paused for a moment, "And Weithia. I was just thinking, what if someone like you became His Majesty's Knight? Would you be able to?"

Weithia's eyes widened, those words had never even crossed his mind. "Knight? Someone like me? Commander, Senior Robin is clearly more suited to carry out that task." Weithia said as if he could not accept it.

"You refuse my order?"

"No, Commander. I don't mean to be rude, but me? As His Majesty King Wilhelmia's Knight?"

Trevor just nodded in response. "Are you sure? Shouldn't you choose someone more capable than me?"

"I see that you are tough and agile. Your strength, speed and agility are also more than your fellow students. I am sure if I train you more intensively you can match me." The General's firm words convinced Weithia that his words were not just a joke.

"Moreover, I do not only look at people from their abilities, but also their personality. I like the natural traits you have. You are honest, never cheat in training. You are eager to learn new things, unlike your friends. You dare to take risks."

Trevor smiled, "Reminds me of His Majesty."

"But General, I am just a poor person's son. What I know is that to become a Knight you must have a noble title." Weithia said doubtfully.

"So you want a noble who likes to gamble, get drunk and like to go looking for women at night to always be by His Majesty's side?"The young man fell silent and shook his head slowly. The General looked at his friends' faces one by one. "so?".

No one could oppose Trevor's wishes when he said that. They agreed. His gaze returned to the young man who was standing nervously.

The young man fell silent for a moment, "Okay, I accept. From now on please guide me."

Trevor smiled faintly. "Good, I will tell His Majesty to inaugurate you soon." The man eagerly walked out of the room leaving Weithia still standing overwhelmed. Trevor seemed to have high hopes for Weithia for all the abilities he had, he also had to try his best to shape Weithia into his shadow.Robin escorted his junior back to the main door.

His figure was as cold as usual, rarely smiling and always had a flat face. Even so, Robin was a senior figure who deserved to be praised for his concern for his comrades in Haven. He told Weithia to train harder, because the General's order to make him a Knight was no joke. The King's safety would be his responsibility later after the title was placed on his shoulders. Robin also seemed to have no objections to the General's decision.

His obedient attitude in accepting any task or order from his Commander was very clear. The ambition to get such a high position was never his desire.The young man smiled all the way home. He saw the top of the white castle with a red roof. Banners with the phoenix symbol were beautifully installed on each peak.

He looked up, the sun did not set quickly in Wilhelmia so he decided not to go back to his dormitory right away. Once again he glanced at the magnificent castle. There were rows of tall windows open, making the white curtains fly in the wind. Beautiful. That was all that was on his mind.His daydream was attracted to his own condition, as a young man who used to eat three times a day was already lucky. And now he had to carry out the heavy duty of a Knight. He swiftly rode his horse away from the palace area.

Exiting the main door through the wide road that led directly to the Capital of Wilhelmia. A simple sword with a leather sheath was perched on his waist and a sackcloth bag was carried on his back.He thought he would stop by the market first to bring something to his parents. The city that afternoon was bustling with people spending their time walking around, reading books on the terrace, or children playing on the sidewalk.

The orange sky with golden light shone so beautifully above it Weithia rode along a row of luxurious houses, with sturdy walls and charming architecture. In front of him was a monument that was a sign that he was in the town square of Thropes. The situation was getting more crowded in that area, so Weithia had to ride slowly.

Not far from the square, he finally arrived at a large market, the only one in the Capital of the Kingdom of Wilhelmia. There were almost all the basic needs of the community on sale so that even until night time usually the traders were still willing to sell their wares. The first time he entered, he passed through the market gate, Weithia was greeted by fruit and vegetable traders. Their stalls were very long, until the young man reached the fish and meat section.

Then if you turn into another block there are clothing and jewelry stalls. Weithia got off his horse and looked at the jewelry that was so beautiful and sparkling, rows of rings, necklaces and earrings that were hung must have attracted the attention of women.But it seemed that it was not only women, the young man was also fascinated by a gold ring, very simple there was only a small red gemstone on it.

He thought if it was a new ruby ​​or garnet, he took the time to look at it for a while. But after that thought why he bought jewelry, his mother didn't like it, or there was no girl he could give the ring to.He got up and left the jewelry shop and went into a bakery across from it, buying his father and mother food that could be stored for a few days. In his hands were now full of fruit baskets and food.

He tied the shopping bag to the back of his horse. And continued his journey to the outskirts of the city.He and his parents were not from Wilhelmia. He was not born or raised in this country. You could say he was an immigrant, fortunately the rules made by the leader of Wilhelmia stated that foreigners could settle here with various requirements. Because this is a large and military-based country, it is natural that it is difficult to set foot in Wilhelmia.

His parents felt that this country was very helpful for them to earn their living. Not many city people and advanced people like Wilhelmian wanted to work in agriculture or animal husbandry. Therefore, that is the job that Weithia's parents are doing now. They are happy to do it. While on the other hand, his only son decided to serve the Kingdom.

The path he took took him away from the capital. Passing corn and wheat fields. It was quiet, not many people passed by, only one or two workers pulling carts full of the harvest that they would take to the city. From a distance Weithia could see a simple house built of new brown bricks. He accelerated his horse.

"Mother? Father? Are you home?" he said when he arrived.

A middle-aged woman came out shortly after with her hands wet, apparently after washing. Even with simple clothes, the woman's elegance did not fade. Immediately he gave his beloved boy a hug and kissed his cheek."I brought mom and dad this."

Weithia entered her living room while carrying the basket of food. He smiled seeing the walls of the house now full of her mother's embroidery work. The last time He went to study at Haven, only a few were displayed."Thank you, didn't you tell us that you were coming home today?" she asked softly."I just wanted to stop by, mom." Weithia walked around the small house, looking for her father.

Her mother understood and called her husband who was still in the field. The man came while taking off his hat and wiping his face with a cloth."Father." Weithia smiled and hugged the man. "What's wrong, son?" she answered with a small laugh.

"I miss you guys."Weithia was happy when he saw her father and mother in good condition. In the small house in the middle of the meadow, they continued to hold affection and love for her. The life that Weithia dreamed of always came true, not to collect as much gold as possible, not to have as large a field as possible.

But to live the day with happiness and togetherness with the people he loved. Weithia had been smiling all this time, looking at her parents in turn.

"I want to give you good news."

Her father and mother were no less curious. "What is it?"

Weithia sat down and explained, "Earlier General Trevor asked me to be His Majesty's personal bodyguard. In other words, a Knight.

"The shocked faces of her parents were clearly visible. Not believing the words of their only child. Weithia chuckled, "Surprised, right? Me too. The general said I have excellent talent and ability. This afternoon I was invited to the headquarters to be discussed by the higher-ups. Whether or not I am capable of carrying out the task."

"B-but son. Guarding His Majesty is very difficult. You could be in danger if you make a mistake." Said the mother with a worried expression."Yes, wouldn't it be better if someone more experienced than you? Or maybe from the nobility?" said the father.

The young man understood his parents' feelings. He only had to convince them that everything would be fine. "Senior Robin was originally planned to carry out this task. But in the end, I was still chosen by General Trevor. Don't worry, Mom and Dad. Pray for me to be okay. Besides, I won't be alone, the General will always guide me."

"Is that so?" asked the mother who sat next to Weithia."Yes. Later, when I'm inaugurated, I want you to come to the palace."

"Us? To the palace?"

"Yes! Don't you want to see me there?"

The father smiled hesitantly, "Of course. We'll try to come. More than all this. You are very proud of you, Weithia."

"Thank you."

"When is the inauguration, son?"

"I don't know yet, maybe the General is still asking for permission from His Majesty. Especially because of his busy schedule. But I will let you know immediately if the General gives me a day."

"Okay, if that's your decision. We will definitely always support it, Weithia. But remember the message that father always gave you. Work with all your heart and pride."The young man got up from his soft sofa, smiling. "I will always remember that. Then I'll be back."

"That soon?""I didn't ask permission to go here." He chuckled.His father and mother gave him another warm hug, "Take care of yourself. Don't forget to eat healthy. Remember, forcing yourself to exercise is also not good, Weithia."

Now the message from the mother who escorted her son back onto the horse."Of course. See you later. I love you."Weithia spurred his horse back on the sandy path. He glanced at the sky. The sun was almost completely setting.

Weithia looked back, he saw the two figures had entered his simple house. He smiled. A new story and journey would soon be opened.The sky was already dark. But the light from the lanterns hanging on the side of the road had brought him back without getting lost.