The Fallen Kings

by P D Atkerson

“Goodbye Aroron, maybe we’ll meet again.” The driver said, holding out his hand to Aroron.

  Aroron took and shook it. “Maybe.” He mumbled, then he nodded towards Colt and moved over to where the Elouns were waiting for him.

  “Well!” Aroron said, clapping his hands together. “Unless you two want to spend a night out here, we’d better get going. I think we still have time to make it to Hatter by the end of the day.”

  Slanslot scoffed. “You do realize we were waiting for you, right?”

  “Oh?!” Aroron growled, stepping towards him. “Really?”

  “You know what? It doesn’t matter.” Lilay said, placing her hands on both their shoulders. “How about we just go?”

  Still glaring at Slanslot, Aroron nodded. “Fine, let’s just get out of here.”

  Chapter 8

  Hatter

  The long walk the rest of the way to Hatter, seemed to be harder because of their short rest in the wagon. They pushed past how tired they were and kept going. They hadn’t left Hal and Colt far behind, when Hatter appeared on the horizon in front of them.

  From where they stood, it looked deceivingly close. But it took them nearly five more hours before they’d made it to the city’s outer edge. By then, night had fallen and one by one, the buildings began to light up from within.

  On both sides of the road, the sidewalks were raised a story above their heads, archways crisscrossed the street.

  “Why are the buildings so high off the ground?” Lilay asked, glancing around, pulling her hood up as they entered the city. “I’ve never seen anything like it before.

  “It’s a port city, I guess they think it will help, if there’s ever a flood.” Aroron mumbled, looking around. He’d never been there, but he’d heard stories. “Come on, this way.” He said, ducking below one of the sidewalks and hurried down another street.

  Slanslot shook his head, as he ran his hand along one of the beams under the building.

  Pieces of wood fell, as he let his hand drop back to his side. “If there’s ever a strong storm, this isn’t going to hold for long. No one’s replaced these beams for hundreds of years. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were here the last time I was.”

  “Let’s hope we’re not around if that does happen.” Aroron said, as he continued to scan the sights above them. There had to be an inn near here! There just had to be.

  “Sounds like a plan.” Lilay mumbled, walking beside Aroron. “Where are we going?”

  “An inn.” He whispered to her. “It’s already dark, we’re going to want to find one soon.”

  Slanslot nodded in agreement. “If we don’t find one soon, we’re not going to be able to afford it.”

  “Afford?” Aroron repeated, stopping short. “Draven! We don’t have any money, do we?”

  Slanslot swore, kicking one of the beams next to them. “How could we have not thought about needing money?!”

  Aroron moaned and rubbed his head. “Well, we’re going to have to find somewhere cheap and hope we have something we can trade for a night's stay.” He said, looking around them. That’s when he saw the man with a hood, sitting against one of the beams down the street from them, smoking a pipe. “Stay here.” He ordered the Elouns, before he hurried towards the man. “Pardon me, but can I ask you something?”

  The man just grunted, as he blew out another puff of smoke.

  “Thank you.” Aroron said. “Where is the cheapest inn in the city? If there’s more than one, that is.”

  For a moment, the man seemed to think about the question, then he pulled out his pipe and turned towards Aroron. “Down this street, turn right twice then left once, it will be straight ahead.” He said, pointing ahead of him. “But you’d better hurry, or there might not be room.”

  Aroron nodded, stepping back from him. “Thank you.” He called, hurrying back to Lilay and Slanslot. “This way!” he called, motioning for them to follow.

  It wasn’t long before Aroron saw the sign for the ‘Sea Serpent Inn’ hanging above them.

  Lilay made a face, as they drew nearer to the inn and they could clearly hear the sounds of yelling coming from within. “Do we have to stay here?” she said. “It doesn’t sound very welcoming.”

  “Believe it or not, this one looks and sounds nicer than most inns in Karlay.” Aroron grabbed onto the railing next to the inn. He started the climb up onto the sidewalk in front of the inn, the Elouns following reluctantly behind him.

  Once he was at the top, Aroron checked to make sure that Lilay and Slanslot made it to the top, then he turned towards the door, shoved it open, stepping inside.

  The sounds of the place were overwhelming, even to Aroron, who’d spent years hanging out in a loud tavern, while his mother, Helen, was off working.

  When he looked around, Aroron realized it wasn’t surprising the place was so noisy. The inn was filled with dozens of loud men and women, laughing and yelling at each other. It took him a moment to find the inn keeper.

  “Now remember, don’t draw attention to yourself.” He said, pulling his hood back down. “In fact, it would probably be best if you two stayed here.”

  Hopefully they’d be able to still get a room. Most of these people probably lived around here. As it was, with all the people, Aroron had to shove his way forwards. He nearly fell twice before he reached the counter, where the inn keeper was waiting.

  “Do you have any rooms, I can rent for three people?” Aroron asked, leaning against the counter.

  “How much money you got?” the inn keeper asked, glancing towards Aroron, as he continued to wipe the counter down.

  Aroron swallowed. Here goes. “I don’t have any money with me.”

  The inn keeper stopped wiping the counter and turned towards Aroron. “Well boy, you can’t stay here without payment. I’m not running a charity.”

  He’d hoped he wouldn’t have to do this, but it didn’t seem like he had much of a choice now. Reluctantly, he reached into his jacket and withdrew a knife. “How about this for payment?” Aroron asked, placing Kant’s knife onto the counter. He’d hoped to one day drive it into Kant’s side. Now he’d just have to use something else.

  The inn keeper looked at Aroron, picking up the knife, he looked it over. “This is a Dark Castle knife, where did you get it?” he asked, glancing up at Aroron.

  “A friend left it with me as a gift.” Aroron said. “Will you take it, or not?”

  “I can give you only four nights and dinner for the three of you.” The inn keeper said, still fingering the knife. “But no more than that.”

  Aroron knew the knife was worth much more than that, but he didn’t have much of a choice. It was either the knife, or sleeping outside. He’d had enough of the latter. “Deal.” Aroron said, holding his hand out. The inn keeper took it and they shook.

  “Have a good night.” The inn keeper said, tossing him a key. “Upstairs, third door on the right.” Aroron thanked him and moved back towards where the Elouns waited for him in the shadows.

  “You get us a room?” Slanslot asked.

  Aroron nodded. “Yeah. Upstairs, third door on the right.”

  “I think I’m going to go to sleep right now.” Lilay said, yawning. “I’m exhausted by the long walk from the mountain.”

  “We should probably all get some sleep.” Aroron said, moving towards the staircase. “Come on, we’ve only got it for four nights.”

  Once they found the right door, Aroron shoved the key in and unlocked the door.

  “There’s only one bed!” Lilay cried, the second she entered the room. “What are we going to do?”

  “Aroron and I can just sleep on the floor.” Slanslot said, tossing one of the pillows onto the ground. He pulled off his cloak and laid down. “Maybe in the morning we can ask for blankets.” He mumbled, before closing his eyes.

  Aroron looked at Lilay and shrugged, then he grabbed up one of the other pillows and laid down on the other side of the bed from Slanslot. He didn’t even bother to pull his c
oat off, before falling asleep.

  It was early in the morning, when Aroron was awakened, by sunlight streaming through the curtain-less window. Fighting back a moan, he shoved himself off the ground and stretched out his back. He could hear the sound of Slanslot snoring, as he slowly made his way towards the door. He needed to find out who was in town, but he also needed to find something for them to eat. That wasn’t going to be easy, since they didn’t have any money.

  There was no way he was parting with his sword.

  “Where are you going?” Lilay asked, sitting up, just as Aroron opened the door leading out into the hall, about to step out.

  “I have to go find us breakfast, without spending any money.” Aroron whispered to her. It was nice to have Slanslot sleeping. He liked him better when he wasn’t talking back or growling at him.

  “Do you mean you’re going to steal something?” she asked, frowning. “Is that what you’re saying? Are you going to steal breakfast for us?”

  “Don’t ask a question you don’t want the answer to.” Aroron said, straightening his coat, as he hurried out of the room and down the stairs. The inn was strangely quiet, when he reached the bottom of the steps, he looked around. Everyone had to still be sleeping, or had already left.

  Good. That meant he could talk to the inn keeper alone.

  Brushing his hand across his hair, Aroron moved back towards the counter, where the inn keeper still stood cleaning. “What can I help you with?” He asked, looking up at Aroron.

  “Any strangers in town?” Aroron asked, leaning against the counter. “I mean, other than my friends and myself.”

  “What kind of strangers?” the inn keeper asked, crossing his arms.

  “The kind that burn down villages.” Aroron whispered, bending towards the inn keeper. “The kind that come from across the border. The ones that have to go through the Winter Pass.”

  “Karliens?” the man asked. Aroron nodded. “No, you’re the first one I’ve seen in months.”

  “How do you know I’m Karlien?” Aroron asked, fighting the urge to place his hand on the hilt of his sword.

  “Ah… you’ve got the haunted look in your eyes, just like the rest of them.”

  “If you’re looking for someone who doesn’t normally come here, you’re better off checking the tavern.” The inn keeper’s wife called from somewhere beyond the wall. “That’s where you’ll find out more.”

  The inn keeper sighed. “My wife has big ears, but she is right. You should check out the tavern if you want to know where to find the Karliens.”

  The tavern? Perfect! That was the best place to get them a free breakfast, and it sounded like information too. He should have thought to check the tavern out; it was where all the gossip happens.

  “Thank you,” Aroron said, pushing himself back from the counter. “And thank you too, ma’am!” he called out, before moving towards the front door.

  The city itself wasn’t much busier than it had been the night before. From where Aroron stood, he could only see half a dozen people.

  For such a big city, it was fairly quiet.

  If he listened carefully enough, he could make out the sounds of the sea crashing against the shore not far away.

  Well, it was already starting to get late. If he wanted to find anything out before getting breakfast, he needed to get moving.

  Aroron hurried around the street corner, at the exact moment a girl did the same. By the time he saw her, it was too late. He tried to stop himself, but he slammed right into her, causing the packages in her arms to go flying in every direction.

  "Sorry." Aroron said, as he quickly stepped back and knelt to pick the packages up. He wasn’t sure if it was because he was hungry, but they seemed to smell of food. Shaking away these thoughts, he began to grab them up.

  The girl's black dress brushed the ground, as she bent down and picked up the package nearest to her. "It's fine. It was as much my fault as it was yours.” She mumbled. “I should have been watching where I was going."

  “Alright, the blame falls on both of us.” Aroron said, looking over at her. When he did, he nearly dropped the packages he held. Her smiling blue eyes looked down at him and the sight of them took his breath away.

  “Lady Gana!” Aroron said, quickly bowing as he stood up, still clutching her package. She was the last person he’d expected to see here of all places. But he was glad to see her. “I’m surprised to see you here, my lady.”

  She looked him over, then hesitated before speaking. “Who are you?” she asked, taking the package from him. “Have we met before?”

  “It’s me, Aroron.” He said. “I saved your life in the Winter Pass? Don’t you remember me?” Aroron didn’t know why, but as he waited for an answer, he felt his stomach twist up. It didn’t really matter if she remembered him or not. Did it? No, but it sure felt like it did.

  Lady Gana frowned and looked him over again. “Aroron? Oh, yes of course! I do believe we have met before.”

  Aroron smiled. “I’m glad you remember me, I thought for a second there the snow had wiped all memory of me.”

  “The snow?” Gana asked, then she laughed. “No of course not! That would be silly, Aro…ron.”

  “How are you? I hope you’re not alone again.” Aroron said. “Even here in Hatter, you’re not safe to be alone.”

  “No, I’m not here alone!” she snapped. “And I’d thank you not to interfere with my business!”

  Aroron took a step back. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know it was that big of a deal.”

  She sighed and lowered her head. “No, I’m sorry.” Gana mumbled. “I shouldn’t have treated you that way.”

  “It’s fine.” Aroron said, forcing a smile. She wasn’t anything like the girl he’d met in the Winter Pass. She was… colder. “What are you doing here in Hatter? Or can you not say?”

  “I’m just traveling through.” Gana said. “And you?” Before Aroron could say anything, a commotion began down the street, a man yelled as he ran down the street. “What’s going on down there?” she said, stepping away from Aroron and towards the edge of the sidewalk looking down at the road below them.

  “There’s a mad man out looking for a Feeler!” a man yelled, running down the street. “He says he’s coming here next, if he’s not already here.” He said, his eyes filled with fear. “Tell everyone you know, or we will all pay the price! He’ll burn us down, just like he burned down the other villages, if we don’t hand the Feeler over to him.” The man began repeating what he was saying, as he ran past Aroron and Gana.

  So, that was their plan? They were looking for a Feeler. But for what reason?

  “Why would they spread the word here?” Aroron asked, frowning as he moved to stand next to Lady Gana. “I mean, why would they search for a Feeler here? Hatter’s not that big of a city.”

  “Because, they know Hatter’s a safe haven.” Lady Gana whispered, staring out after the man.

  “Hatter’s a safe haven for whom?” Aroron asked.

  “Odditys, of course.” She said, glancing back towards him. “Everyone in Shenock knows that.”

  “Really?” Aroron hadn’t had a clue! Why didn’t Brody tell him about that? Well, they weren’t really friends the whole time they knew each other. That might have had something to do with it. He’d only told him the fact that Shenock hated Odditys. “I can’t believe they’d allow that, seeing how much they dislike Odditys here.”

  “Odditys are people too!” Gana snapped, slamming her fist down against the railing. “They deserve to live as much as anyone.”

  “I agree! But I thought, since you’re Shenockien…” Aroron’s voice trailed off, as he dropped his gaze.

  “That I’m deeply against Odditys, as the king is?” she asked, wrapping her arms around the packages she still held. “Is that what you thought?”

  “Well… yes. I guess that’s what I thought.” Aroron mumbled. He could feel his cheeks grow warm and he had no idea why.

  “Well,”
Gana huffed. “Not everyone believes exactly like the king. I don’t think his own wife thinks just like he does, nor should she.”

  “I agree.” Aroron said.

  “I’m sorry, I’ve got to go.” She said, stepping back. “It was… interesting, seeing you again.” With that she hurried away from him, without another word.

  “Okay…” Aroron said, watching her leave.

  It was ‘interesting’? What did that mean? Why was she acting so strange? She wasn’t at all like the girl he’d met in the Winter Pass, just a few months before.

  As Aroron looked around him and realized he was near the tavern the inn keeper had told about him, he sighed. He knew why the Karliens were there now, whoever this mad person was the man had spoken about, had to be a Loyal Warrior, or someone working closely with King Munay.

  So, he had that out of the way, but he still needed to go to the tavern and get them something to eat.

  He didn’t plan on ‘stealing’ food, but it wasn’t quite an honorable way of getting food either. It was something Shon had taught him, something he’d hoped never to have to do. Steeling himself, he moved towards the tavern door.

  But just as he was reaching for the door it was yanked open and two men stepped out, growling under their breath at each other.

  Aroron stood there, tapping his foot, as he waited for them to pass through. Too bad they saw him standing there.

  “You got a problem, boy?” the one man asked, reaching for his sword. That’s when Aroron spotted the dragon tattoo on the man’s wrist. Loyal Warriors! He needed to be more careful.

  “No, sir.” He mumbled, ducking his head.

  “Good.” The one Loyal Warrior growled, spitting at Aroron.

  “Watch where you’re going, flea bag!” the other Loyal Warrior hissed, shoving Aroron as he passed him.

  It took everything in Aroron not to hit the man back. Even though he was a Loyal Warrior, he didn’t need to treat him that way. He waited until they were out of sight, before he moved towards the tavern again, this time he entered without mishap.

  Once he was inside, he looked around him. Big men sat at rows of tables, slugging back ale and yelling at each other. The place smelled foul and looked barely better. Aroron was surprised when he saw a boy sitting at one of the tables. This wasn’t the kind of place for a child.