章 30: An helmet fit for a king (2)

--Euripides

Conradin had asked for his new helmet to be smithed two weeks ago , and it was finally ready. A servant informed him that the smithy's work had been completed and was now ready to be presented to him.

The smithy's owner came himself to present the new piece of armor to his king. Conradin could see the man's anxiousness and apprehension. When he arrived ten steps before the king he knelt and held his creation out in front of him. Conradin was ecstatic about the new product.

The helmet was a stunning piece of craftsmanship, and it was evident how much time and effort had gone into its creation.

It was a very amazing piece that would make any warrior in the globe jealous. Its design and craftsmanship were of the greatest caliber, and the attention to detail and care that had gone into its construction was obvious. He was overjoyed that his new helmet was done, and he couldn't wait to check it and try it on.

It was a work of art as well as a piece of practical and effective armor, and the amount of attention and care that had gone into its creation was obvious.

Apart from being a piece of art, it was as well a robust and intimidating helmet that would serve its wearer well in battle. Conradin was amazed by the helmet's excellence and was delighted to own it, sensing its strength and potential as he studied it closely.

Conradin had demanded that the helmet, which resembled an iron mask on the front, be practical and induce terror or at least unease in the enemy's psyche.

He took the excellent piece of armor and put it on himself without hesitation. After putting it on, he excited asked his butler for his assessment.

Gerwain was at a loss because he didn't understand anything about armor and aestetichs, so he pretended to be interested and appreciative in order to please his master.

Sensing Gerwain unease, Conradin calmed down as if someone poured cold water on him.

Conradin then turned to his attendants, satisfied with the work, and asked them to reward the man with 200 gold, a large sum for low born man. The owner, overjoyed by the gift, wasted no time thanking Conradin for his kindness before rising and returning to his smithy to resume his work.

Conradin left the location after instructing the servant to store the helmet and decided it was time to enter the castle for lunch.The young king began to ponder what else he needed to do to prepare for the impending invasion now that he had his new helmet in hand. The communes had been contacted, and their help had been promised. The troops were being organized, and logistics were being finalized. The only thing left was for him to finish his personal preparations. He understood how vital it was for a leader to lead by example, and that he would need to ensure that his own personal preparations set a positive example for those who would follow him.

Conradin sat outside his castle five days later, waiting to be informed of the arrival of his dear friend Frederick of Baden, who was expected to be arriving that day or tomorrow, according to a messenger sent by Frederick himself, who told him that he would be arriving in a few days.

While he was thinking about this, he noticed one of the city's guards approaching him with another man. Given permission to speak, the second person informed Conradin that his master Frederick had arrived and requested that the gate be opened for him and several of his knights while asking for his warriors to be given accommodations outside the city.

He awaited his friend's arrival with bated breath after being granted permission. He hadn't seen Frederick in two years, and the notion of reconciling with him made his skin crawl.He missed how joyous and funny Frederick was and how he always managed to crack a smile out of him. He quickly began planning for the approaching reunion, knowing that it would be an extremely emotional and special occasion for both of them.

A few minutes later, he noticed an entourage of individuals entering the city. He left the castle without waiting for Frederick and began going to the convoy with his retainers and some soldiers.

He spotted him there, a young man with short brown hair and a gorgeous and pearly smile staring at him.

He continued advancing toward him, and the young man did the same, and when they were close enough, they hugged each other without saying anything.

''Frederick, precious friend of mine , you have no idea how happy I am. How did your trip go?''

''Nice to meet you again Conradin; the journey was like any other; my butt is experiencing hell-made sufferings after hours of riding my horse."

Following this interaction, the two began to laugh, gradually closing the gap created by two years apart.

''You have come just in time; allow me to launch a banquet for your arrival, and tomorrow let us go on a hunt with my new falcon.''

''Oh, you've got a falcon. How come you didn't tell me anything?''

''It was a gift from the Genoese, and I must say, Orion really grew on me."

"What are we waiting for?" Do you want me to I sleep outside? Come on, show me your castle."

The two young men began to make their way towards the castle. The afternoon flew by, and the two aristocrats began discussing what had happened to them over the previous two years.

After hours of talking animately, It was now time for the feast and the two parted ways to prepare for the evening.

The feast was a true display of opulent eating and gastronomy. It was a lavish display of wealth and grandeur, complete with superb meals and delectable culinary delights. The feast was a celebration of friendship and collaboration, and the amount of care and devotion that had gone into its preparation was obvious. The feast was a genuinely wonderful and memorable affair, and it was evident that it was a true monument to the two men's tremendous friendship and partnership. It was a striking sign of the strength and importance of their union and united efforts, as well as a display of their camaraderie and devotion for their cause.