The Northern territories of the Kingdom Oriaet were still underdeveloped and monster swarms frequently would attack from the mountains and forests. This meant the possible locations where the fallen object could have fallen were limited. King Gaberil didn't know what had fallen, but in the past, it normally meant either a good omen for the kingdom or a bad one. More than a few celestial events preceded the rise or fall of nations or races.
If he was honest with himself he wasn't too tired. They had ridden all day and finally were only two days away from the Northern territories for the next few weeks he would operate from Braunsted city the only major city in the northern territories. From there Prince Eston would take a contingent of his men to find out where it had fallen.
Riding beside him was Didrich Braun who had been at the capital celebrating the new year; roughly four hundred men were in tow and a solid contingent of mages.
Didrich was a nobleman with a graying brown beard and more rough exterior compared to the people from the more pampered southern cities and towns. Oriaet was already less developed and rougher than your average nation in the central lands of Ibbariea, but that was even more so than the northern reaches of his lands.
"What are you thinking of Didrich?" Gaberil asked.
"Mhmm" he growled, "I think that none of us want to admit the truth. This is the descent of a deity of some sort. Whether servant or child who knows? This type of thing is more common in the richer, more prosperous kingdoms, but we all have heard and know the tell-tale signs."
Gaberil sighed audibly as the words were blunt without any dressing. "I believe you are the correct old friend, but the question is how do we handle it?"
"If they are of the core deities honored in Oriaet we throw a celebration and treat them with as much respect as is owed them. If they are not then offer to bring them to the nearest nation they might be welcomed in." Didrich nodded as he spoke as if agreeing with himself.
"I agree, but what ought we do if they are none of those?" Gaberil asked as his son Eston's ears perked up.
Didrich shrugged his shoulders. "If they are hostile at all we kill them and send them back to the heavens."
Eston's eyes widened as the words left Didrich's lips. "Isn't it blasphemy to utter such words? To kill a being from the heavens?"
"You are still ignorant of the world, young pup. The heavens are filled with both malevolent and benevolent beings. The gods of the goblin tribes exist do they not? What if it is a child of one of those evil beings? What if it is the child of an opposing nation wishing to subvert us and destroy us?" Didrich didn't hold back his words.
"No, you have been a bit too sheltered in the capital and haven't seen the cruel realities your father and I have. When the time comes I would take the head off such a being with no hesitation even if the ire of a god is earned and pray to Orria herself to help us rather than risk it. This realm is the playground of gods. We mortals have been their playthings for as long as we have records."
Eston wanted to say something, but words did not come from his mouth. Gaberil watched his son try in vain to refute Didrich's albeit blunt, but honest words.
"Eston, your mother has coddled you a bit much. The truth is I was planning on teaching you more about the harsh realities of ruling soon anyway. I am still young considering my power level. I have a lot of time left on this earth, but if I don't continue to grow in strength my time will be a mere two hundred years. You need to be ready."
Gaberil realized he had become complacent. The realm would leave them behind if they didn't begin to be more proactive.
After a few hours of riding the city of Braunsted entered into sight. While not as grand as the capital it was still a sizable city since it was the central hub of the northern territories. Most of the homes were made of mighty pine on the top floors with a solid stone first floor. Most of the buildings were no more than two floors with only the temple of Orria and the Braun family manor being taller.
Gaberil was impressed with the Braun manor; overall it wasn't too flashy but showed the distinct style he knew the Braun family for.
Not wasting any time Didrich, Eston, and Gaberil moved into the main study and rolled out a map of the northern territories.
Didrich pointed to the map his calloused finger tapping on a small town called Hemsberg. "We have a small house located here. House Garet. My men said they believed the impact was in this area. I'm sure Lord Garet already started sending out scouting parties."
Gaberil nodded. "Then we will send Prince Eston to Hemsberg to meet with Lord Garet and take command."
Turning to Eston he put his hand on his shoulder giving him a reassuring squeeze. "Take fifty knights and three temple priests of Orria. Once you determine if that is where it impacted send us word immediately."
Eston bowed and turned around leaving Gaberil and Didrich alone to continue mulling over their options. Gaberil felt anxious for the first time in a long time; he was sure a few new gray hairs would be sprouting from his head after this.