Dream of Empty Crowns

by M. J. Sewall

  Aline was standing now, holding the strap in her hands. She was laughing as the wind whipped her hair around her face. Gordon couldn't look backwards long, feeling a need to keep his eyes forward. Loren was casually holding onto his strap, apparently content with the speed they were going.

  In the older part of the kingdom, the streets were very narrow. Buildings were stacked high, and had three, five, eight story houses. It was much easier to hire a team of dogs to navigate the narrow streets, even when they got into the new kingdom. If we even make it there, thought Gordon, as the cart veered wildly to the left side of the street, missing some very surprised chickens.

  Gordon clutched his strap and decided to focus on the dogs. Each one of the six dogs was a different color. They were large and fluffy and seemed to know the streets very well. Gordon focused on watching their tails wag happily.

  Loren shouted over the wind in their faces. “Even with this dog team, we won't make it until nightfall.”

  Aline shouted from the back, still standing. “Who cares, this is fun. I love dog carts.” There were a few more close calls, but just after the sun was setting, they finally reached their destination. Gordon was relieved when they stopped. His knuckles had gone white from holding the strap so tight. He opened and closed his hands a few times to get rid of the soreness.

  “I'm glad that wasn't during the night. Do they go that fast after the sun sets?' asked Gordon.

  “They go even faster when there are fewer people on the streets. Loren asked the driver to go slower for your first time.” She smiled at the face Gordon made.

  Their contact seemed to live in a very large home with lots of land around it, almost like a small palace itself. Beautiful hand-trimmed bushes and gardens surrounded it, looking almost too perfect. “Who is our contact anyway?” asked Gordon.

  They paid the dog driver and made their way to the house. “Someone I've not met,” answered Loren. “Aline and Sandrell know him. He's a wealthy merchant that does trading with many other kingdoms.”

  They had to ring a bell on the large gate. A small man came out. Loren gave the man an envelope with a note that Sandrell had written. The man took the note and returned a few moments later to unlock the gate. He led them into the house that was even larger than Gordon had expected. They walked onto highly polished floors. In fact, everything looked shiny and new. He saw his own face reflected everywhere in polished stone walls. As they were led around a column into a large room, Gordon heard, “Oh, Aline, my favorite little warrior! Come here and give me a great big hug!”

  The man was shorter than most, with a large robe and a great sash around his enormous belly. He appeared to be wearing soft slippers and his face was large, round and happy. He wore a wig. Gordon knew this because it looked slightly bluish and sticking out of it was a tiny kitten sitting in a small basket. The kitten was meowing.

  “Denny!” Aline ran to the man and hugged him as best she could. Her arms would not make it around the man, and he hugged her with one arm as he steadied the basket on his head with the other. The kitten continued meowing.

  “Oh, it has been too long. How is that wild woman out there in Murderer's Bay? I wrote her and told her that she should come here, but she will not have it. And these must be your friends. Welcome! I am Denogg of the family Xoss, but my friends all call me Denny. And I can tell, right now, that we are going to be very good friends.”

  Gordon couldn't stop staring at the small kitten on top of the man's head. Before anyone could say anything, Denogg said, “Oh, I know, this! It's the newest fashion. Someone on the king's council started doing it at a party, and now we all have to do it; put some small animal in a little basket on our heads. I know someone that put a snake on their head! It's absurd, I know, but you have to keep up with the latest fashion. Still, though, it's so exhausting! I mean, honestly, how silly is it to put a poor little animal on your head?”

  Denogg took off the wig and basket carefully. He handed the kitten to Gordon. Gordon didn't know what to say or do, so he accepted the kitten and started to pet it. It began to purr.

  Underneath the wig, he had a full head of brown hair, slicked back, “One must keep up appearances, of course, or you are considered a bore. So anyway, you must be King Gordon and the famous Loren that I've just read so much about.” He pointed to Sandrell's note.

  Denogg came over and gave them each a big hug before they could protest. “You must tell me everything. You must be starving. I have already planned a large feast. Only the most important people will be here tonight.”

  Loren said, “We are trying to keep our arrival quiet. We don't know how Gordon's presence will be accepted by the king's council. These people that are coming, are they safe?”

  “Oh yes, yes. The people that are coming tonight are all from old families. They couldn't care less about politics outside of this kingdom. These people are obsessed with three things: themselves, coin and themselves,” Denogg assured them.

  “But you are with our cause. Surely some of them might have leanings against us,” asked Loren nervously.

  “Oh, my dear man,” said Denogg, looking at Aline. “They really don't know how it works in Thure, do they? No, in my case, I don't even like politics. I just want to stir things up a little. I see your kingdom, looking more and more like this kingdom. We all used to look at your kingdom as the thing we wanted to be, you gave us hope. Now you're just looking like a newer version of this kingdom. How boring.”

  “Denny can put up with anything, except boredom,” remarked Aline.

  “We really appreciate any help you can give us,” said Gordon, still holding the kitten, who appeared to be falling asleep.

  “Listen to that. I think you are the most well behaved king I've ever met. And I have met dozens of kings. Most of them dumber than a satchel full of rocks. I can see we're going to be best friends. Now let's sit and gossip about our old friend Mantuan,” said Denogg, sitting down on a couch.

  Loren asked, “He has sent word then?”

  “Yes, he did. He sent some close allies. He would have come himself, but there was some other mysterious thing he had to do. Very secretive, that man. Have you already told him not to look at the patch? Anyway, he's convinced the law keeper is in Artoth, or near it. He had to check some things out in Aspora first.”

  “He's gone home?” asked Aline.

  “Not for long I think,” replied Denogg.

  “What did they come here for, then?” asked Loren.

  Denogg said, “Coin and supplies, of course. They got some of both from me, and I've set up a delivery leaving tomorrow from the east side of the kingdom. I'm doing real business while helping Mantuan. I doubt anyone's watching, or even cares. But I keep it quiet, just in case.”

  “That's why I'm worried about tonight,” Loren began. “I don't like the idea of strangers so close to Gordon. Anything could happen.”

  “My dear man, you're going to put yourself in an early grave worrying like that. I know Thure, better than anyone. Everyone attending tonight is safe!” Denogg leaned in close to them. “I have so much dirt on each one of them that no one would dare try anything. That's the first thing. The second thing is that young Gordon here is going to need to make some connections, friends, and allies. That is what tonight could mean,” said Denogg.

  “I'm still concerned,” said Loren.

  “Of course you are. That appears to be your favorite job. Besides, Gordon was robbed of his first day on the job. This will be his debut performance. I think you all should dress the part.”

  Chapter 20: Dressed to Kill

  Aline was led back to a guest room with three people to dress her. Denogg excitedly led Gordon and Loren back to a separate room, where five people were waiting to help them. Denny made it clear that he wanted to be personally in charge of what Gordon wore, so the five helpers were there to bring whatever clothes Denogg asked for.

  Denogg said, “Oh, this is going to be so much fun,” as they brought clothes upon clothes
for Gordon to try on. Gordon could tell Loren was worried at first, but it was hard to be anything but happy around Denny. He and his helpers all seemed to be very excited about the feast. They all laughed and jested. Gordon could tell that the people worked for Denogg, but they all seemed more like a big family. There were more than a few jests about Denny's weight, with Denny making most of them himself.

  Gordon had not seen so many different kinds of clothes, not even at the palace. He didn't know there were this many colors. Gordon wondered if this was what his daily life would have been, back in his kingdom. If things hadn't gone so terribly wrong, of course.

  “Oh yes, this is the one. This has got to be it,” said Denogg. He had the attendant go and get accessories. When he was done, Gordon was dressed in a purple and black outfit with long boots, a leather breastplate, all richly detailed. Denogg thought of giving him weapons as well, but decided it would be too much.

  “I think a crown would be too much, too. Everyone will get the point that you should be taken seriously. You look like a proper king, my boy. No one knows there will even be a mystery guest tonight. I want you to make a grand entrance. Let me tell you all about it…” Denogg explained what he had in mind for tonight's feast. “I don't think the guests will forget tonight for a very long time. When the firstcouncilor of your kingdom hears about it, a vein on his head will probably explode.”

  Gordon couldn't help laughing, Denny's energy was so contagious. It felt good to laugh. It took just a little longer for them to get everything ready. Loren looks uncomfortable in his new clothes. Gordon had rarely seen Loren dressed up; he always preferred his simple healer's garments. Denogg had left to go attend to his arriving guests. Loren followed him. An attendant would come and get Gordon when it was time.

  Gordon didn't know what he was supposed to do until then, so he just looked around the room. It was very large with pictures on the wall of times past. All of the furniture was elaborately decorated. There was a long table under the window, which looked out on the kingdom of Thure. It was dark, so he only saw the outline of rooftops. He imagined families shopping for food, married people strolling along the markets in the softly lit streets.

  Gordon thought about how few people he really knew. He only had a few friends back in his kingdom, and that was before he was king. He wondered what they all thought of him, if they worried about him, or if they thought he was a coward that ran away.

  As he looked out on the great, old kingdom, he felt relieved to be out of immediate danger. He had never wanted to be king. Neither had Asa, not really. It was just a silly dream that could never happen to them. And now people were actually trying to kill him. He still had so many questions. There just seemed to be no time to have them answered.

  An attendant arrived, telling him that it was time to go. He straightened his belt, looked at himself and said, “Thank you. Lead the way.”

  In the enormous dining room, everyone was seated at a very large, round table. The room was one of the largest dining rooms in any kingdom. The table sat under paintings of great battles and historic figures. Gordon hadn't arrived yet, since Denogg was waiting for just the right moment to have him enter, but he could just make out how massive the room was from the hallway where he waited.

  Aline and Loren were already seated. Aline was dressed in a beautiful green gown. Gordon realized his mouth was open and looked away. The table was massive and sat over one hundred guests. That's as high as Gordon could count from where he stood. People were moving around the table, talking to each other. Gordon couldn't make out any conversations, but the atmosphere that floated from the room had a special excitement about it.

  Gordon saw Loren, still looking worried as he sat quietly with Aline. Denogg was making his rounds at the table, laughing and talking as he went. An attendant came up to Denogg and hurriedly whispered in his ear. Denogg looked excited as he waved to Aline and Loren.

  There was a large group of musicians playing. Denogg hurried over to them and whispered something. The music instantly changed to the familiar march of the kingdom of Thure. As the musicians began, everyone joined in.

  From The Mists of Time, the Great kingdom Rose

  With The Best Men to Fight, To Vanquish Our Foes

  The Most Beautiful Queens, We Never Will Fall

  With The Bravest Of Kings, Who Always Stand Tall

  With Legends Abound, We Will Always Endure

  And Never Will Fall, Our Great kingdom Thure

  Towards the end of the song a new group of people were coming into the room, marching three across to the tune. First came soldiers, and then the procession behind it. When the song finished, Denogg rushed over to them. “My king,” he said, bowing at the waist.

  Everyone stood and gave a dignified bow as the king and queen of Thure entered the chamber along with a large group of people walking in behind them. No one stood up faster than Loren, who could not hide his shock.

  The king of Thure said, “Denogg. You know I wouldn't miss one of your feasts for all the wine in my kingdom. And there is a lot of wine in my kingdom.” He embraced Denogg.

  “My king, my queen, you honor me, and all of us here. Three cheers for the king!” At this, everyone cheered.

  “And in honor of your visit, my king, I have a surprise for you,” Denogg raised his hand to the band again. The tune of Gordon's kingdom started to play. No one sang the words, just looked confused as to why they were playing the song for the kingdom of the thirteen.

  Denogg made a grand gesture and said, “My king, my queen, may I present Gordon, the lawfully chosen ruler of the kingdom of the thirteen.”

  Gordon walked out of the hallway and down the steps. He was nervous, but he didn't want anyone to know it. The room was nearly silent. Denogg had assured him this would be the best way to stay safe; get everyone's attention in the crowd, and no one dared hurt you. Gordon hoped no one could hear how fast his heart was beating.

  Gordon walked straight to the king, who could barely hide his own shock. The queen, who covered her mouth, was not hiding her shock at all. He got within a few feet of the king and got down on one knee, “King Russel the Third, king of all Thure, I offer my fellowship and my friendship if you will have it.”

  The king said seriously, “Gordon, from the kingdom of the thirteen, you may rise…”

  Everyone was quiet. This was an ancient ritual between kings of Thure and other kingdoms. It was a custom whose words had to be spoken exactly, or there would be offense taken. King Russel said, “… As I offer my own hand in friendship and fellowship.”

  Everyone erupted into cheers. As Gordon got off his knee and pressed his hand into the kings, King Russel smiled. “You know, my fellow king, if you would have spoken one word incorrectly, I would have the legal right to kill you right here. You must be a brave and clever young man.”

  “Thank you, my… fellow king. I've had to learn very quickly,” said Gordon honestly.

  The king laughed and slapped Gordon on the back. Gordon tried not to show that the blow almost sent him off his feet. Denogg was still nearby and showed them to their seats. The kings would sit next to each other.

  The table was a perfect circle except for a small break, where serving men and women entered and served the guests from the inside of the circle. The guests were all seated around the outside of the circle, chatting happily, but most eyes were on the two kings. The line of people serving food seemed endless, with treats from all over their world.

  Denogg had seated himself next to Gordon, and Loren and Aline in the next chairs. Quietly, Loren whispered to Denny, “Why didn't you tell me?”

  “Because you would've tried to talk me out of it,” replied Denny.

  “Yes. It is too dangerous to have him this exposed. Things are moving too fast.”

  “I told you that I know my kingdom better than you do. There are several ways this could have gone. We could have hidden him away and no one would know he was here. But, if the king found out that he was being hi
dden, we would all be in danger. What I've done instead is introduced him to a new ally. He'll be much harder to hurt out in the open, even for your wicked firstcouncilor. Look, there, my king's guards are all around him right now, protecting him as a guest of our kingdom. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you. I know he's your nephew, but there's much more at stake, and you know it. Boldness was warranted.”

  “I trust you because Sandrell and Aline do. But don't keep anything from me again,” warned Loren. Denogg nodded and smiled back at Loren.

  The two kings were eating together, and Gordon was truly entertained by the king's stories. In Thure, the same family ruled for hundreds of years. The king told him how it was, to grow up in such a famous family, having all those kings before him with the same name. Russel, himself, had already ruled for nearly twenty years, longer than Gordon had been alive.

  Gordon instantly liked him.

  “You know Gordon, you remind me of myself. I didn't become king until I was twenty three, one year before I met this lovely lady. She is from yet another great family, but I didn't care about that. They left her in my family's care when she was young. They thought we would be like brother and sister. But from the moment I saw her, I was lost,” he looked at the queen, who smiled lovingly, “…and found. But I was in the king's house, getting trained by all of my teachers in case one day I would be king. I wasn't supposed to be, you know. Oh no, my older brother was. But he was one for adventure, and he adventured once too many. We all think we're invincible at that age. He was three years older than me. His death was a hard lesson about responsibility. And you are already a king at thirteen.”

  “Maybe I am. I'm still not exactly sure where things stand with my kingship,” said Gordon.

  “Yes. It is quite the sticky situation. You know some of your kingdom's first thirteen were originally from Thure. Those men had a very interesting idea: Choose the king from amongst the people to lead them. If they hadn't left Thure and those other lands, that idea would never have started. I believe in the traditional ways, of course. I can trace my family history back fifty generations. That is, If they could find the proof in the vaults.”