“Well you did just keep them all from getting killed. Also, you did something almost no other god has done,” the priestess said with a faint smile.
“What's that?” the mercenary asked.
“You answered a prayer. You know most or all of them prayed to you for protection or strength when they were facing down what was surely their deaths. Since most gods are given the title posthumously, often decades after their deaths, most gods do not answer prayers. They cannot. They're dead. But you are one of the rare few who were granted the title of god before your death. You will likely have a massive following before long, simply because you can appear to people whereas the dead gods cannot,” Xerith explained.
After thinking about that for a moment, Kaidia blinked and met Xerith's eyes. “Wouldn't that mean I would have some people that would hate me with a passion? I mean, I can't hear prayers, so I'm going to miss chances to help people and if everyone knows I actually can answer them and then I don't, that's going to leave some pissed off people, right?” she inquired.
“Well, yes. But such is the way of things. When people pray to dead gods or false, invisible gods, they don't actually expect an answer unless they're insane. So there's little hate there. Perhaps you can set up a little system with your priest in Quinolt... and your priests in future temples... to send you messages about prayers. Have people write them down and drop them in a box on the altar or something,” the blonde woman suggested.
“Good idea, Xerith,” Kai responded.
“I have my moments,” Xerith replied.
“Where is Vex?” the warrior asked.
“Making dinner. She insisted I stay for dinner and sleep here tonight. I hope that is alright,” the priestess answered, smiling softly.
“Of course. Stay as long as you like,” Kai returned with a smile, then headed for the kitchen to see how Vex was getting along with dinner.
* * *
After a warm meal and a glass or two of wine, the three women sat in the main chamber of Kai's home, gathered in front of the fire that crackled cheerily in the fireplace. Xerith and Kaidia were seated in chairs while Vex lay stretched out on the soft rug in front of the fire. Xerith had resumed her reading, Vex was dozing, and Kaidia found herself staring into the fire, pondering deeply.
The situation facing Haelstross was worrisome at best. A rampaging army that could wipe out the capital city or a city like Sarkos was something that couldn't be ignored. Especially when they were content to destroy anyone or anything that got in their way. Vortha had just been lucky to have someone like Nadia there to defend them. Much like Quinolt had been lucky that Kaidia had shown up to fend off the attacking force.
The mercenary stood up and sighed, glancing toward her company and her servant.
“Xerith, Vex will show you to your room when you're ready. I'm going to bed. I have a long day coming tomorrow,” Kai informed the two.
“Sleep well, Kaidia,” Xerith replied.
“Nighty night, dragon lady,” Vex teased playfully without opening her eyes.
Kai shook her head with a faint smirk, turned, and walked out of the room, very much looking forward to a good night's sleep.
Chapter IV: Crowning a King
After a morning that saw Xerith returning to Sarkos to help clean up and council those in mourning, Vex being left in charge of Kai's home for the time being, Kaidia found herself on a large hill, looking down on Quinolt in the distance. She could see a wall partially built , made up of large timbers. It wouldn't stop a determined attacking force, but when completed, it would delay them a little. Kaidia was happy to see they had followed her instructions. Satisfied with the progress she saw, Kai turned, pulled out the scroll Xerith had given her, opened a blindingly bright portal and stepped into it.
Back in Quinolt, Orthos smiled as he looked up to the hill, seeing a lone figure in the distance, he knew who it was and felt a rush of reassurance that his god was keeping a watch over his town and its people.
* * *
Kaidia stepped out of her portal just outside of the gates leading into the Third District of Mehroth, much to the guards' surprise,though they visibly relaxed upon seeing exactly who it was that stepped from the brilliant light. News of Sarkos and Corrana had reached Mehroth and the city guard, along with the mercenary companies of Mehroth, were all on edge. Kaidia couldn't say she blamed them. She smiled pleasantly and inclined her head in greeting to the guards. One of them, a scorpion emblazoned on her pauldrons stepped toward Kaidia.
“Greetings, Lady Valengaard. We were informed you would be arriving today and were instructed to accompany you to the King's Council immediately. They're waiting on you. Please, come with me,” the woman said with a warm smile. Kai nodded politely and walked with the Scorpion mercenary through the streets of Mehroth, up the side of the mountain that dominated the center of the city. It was strange for Kaidia to think that on the other side of the mountain was still the same city as was on this side.
Eventually, the two women made their way to the top tier of the city and into the mountain itself. Kai knew that the interior of the mountain had been carved out to a certain extent, housing more of the city within itself but she had never been within the mountain confines, only in the city visible outside of the mountain. The guard led Kai to a set of double doors and gestured to them.
“The King's Council is waiting for you within, Dragon God,” she said with a smile.
“Thank you,” Kaidia replied with a faint smile of her own. The guard nodded, and then walked off.
Kaidia pushed open the doors and stepped into a large circular room that was dominated by a large table of the same shape and surrounded by chairs. Sitting in three chairs were two men and a woman, all three in their later years. They all stood as soon as Kaidia made her way inside. The mercenary arched a brow at that. She was nobility, not to mention recently a god, but she wasn't used to that sort of greeting, seeing as how she spent most of her time with mercenaries, friends, or people who didn't give an elf's ass who she happened to be.
Two guards shut the doors behind her as she glanced around. The room had four sets of double doors, each with two guards stationed in front of them. It didn't take a genius to figure out each set of doors led to a different district of the city. The two guards at the doors Kai had come through were Scorpion mercenaries loyal to Rykar. The guards at the other doors were obviously soldiers of the other Lord and two Ladies of Mehroth. Every set of guards wore armor that bore the symbol of the noble they served. For the moment, Kai didn't bother to inspect the guards too closely. The council members were looking to her expectantly. The warrior stepped over to the table, smiling pleasantly. She was a study in contrast to the members of the council. While they looked tired, they were all three dressed in the best gold could buy. Fine fabrics from the elves, ornamental armor meant only for ceremony, and the finest of jewelry that appeared to be made by dwarven hands, such was the craftsmanship.
Kaidia, on the other hand, was dressed in leather pants that bore armored plates, heavy leather boots, and a sleeveless tunic that showed off her toned arms, her kyrian tattoo, and an enticing bit of cleavage. The only jewelry she wore was a ring on her left index finger with the Valengaard family crest emblazoned on it, indicating her noble status.
“Please sit, Lady Valengaard,” one of the men requested with a gesture of his hand. Kaidia pulled out a chair directly across from the three and settled into it. Once she was sitting, the three council members seated themselves as well.
“Why am I here?” Kai asked bluntly, but with a polite tone.
“Because your opinion is one to be respected. Especially in this matter,” the woman answered.
“I assume that matter is the appointment of a new human king or queen?” Kaidia inquired.
“Yes,” the councilwoman replied.
“We have narrowed it down to two choices. Lady Aileena Coriso of the First District of Mehroth or Lord Rykar Vaikos of the Third District of Mehroth,” the second c
ouncilman informed Kaidia.
“That explains why the meeting is in Mehroth,” Kaidia commented.
“Exactly,” the councilwoman responded.
“Unfortunately, I know nothing of this Lady Coriso,” Kai admitted.
“She is a beautiful young woman, roughly your age, I would wager, Kaidia. Well-educated and formally trained in swordplay. Regarded as one of the best at the game of politics,” the first councilman informed the mercenary.
“Formally trained, but not combat tested?” Kaidia asked.
“Yes, that's right. She wasn't involved with the war against Adathir and hasn't had a chance for real combat since,” he answered.
“I see. Well, despite her training and her apparent skill with politics, I would have to say Lord Rykar for one very simple reason,” the warrior concluded.
“And what might that be, Lady Valengaard?” the councilwoman questioned.
“He's a warrior. He is combat tested. He fought one-on-one with Adathir not two months past. When I served as the Mercenary General of the King's Army in the war with Adathir's army, Rykar was my second in command. He was the best officer I had and I could always trust his judgment. And right now, you need a warrior on the throne. Not a politician. A bunch of talking and royal decrees will not win the war with which we were just blindsided. There is no negotiating with this army. They waylaid Sarkos in the dead of night. I'm guessing they attacked Corrana the same way,” Kaidia explained.
“They did,” the second councilman confirmed.
“Right. Corrana is home to several mercenary companies, one of the best magic universities in Haelstross, and the best the royal army has to offer in terms of elite soldiers. They all got wiped out in one night. We're going to need the best we can get and Rykar is it,” the mercenary stated firmly.
“That's good enough for me,” the first councilman announced.
“I agree,” the councilwoman stated.
“Lady Kaidia, if we need the best warrior, why don't we just make you the human queen?” the second councilman asked.
“Because you need a great tactical mind. I'm good at it, no doubt. But Rykar is better. My secret to commanding the mercenaries that were hired into the King's Army was simple. I knew what needed to be done and I told my officers. They formulated the vast majority of the strategies; I only offered my input when it was relevant. Rykar was the best strategist I had. In short, I'd be far better off being a loose cannon for this army to tangle with than being royal. Besides, I'm already a god. I don't think me being the human god queen of Haelstross would be a good idea,” Kai responded, giving a chuckle.
“A very wise General you were, Lady Valengaard,” the second councilman complimented, seemingly satisfied. “Lord Rykar it is.”
“We will send someone to summon him and get everything taken care of immediately. I'm sure you have places to be Lady Valengaard. Thank you for taking time to speak with us on this matter,” the councilwoman said pleasantly.
“I do and you are quite welcome, but I'm going to stick around for this. I have some things to say to Rykar once he is crowned. And you will likely find some relevance in what I have to say as well. Beyond that, if I know Rykar, he won't want to be a king. Whether you want to acknowledge it or not, that is a good thing. But you might need my help convincing him to accept the crown,” Kaidia said with a faint smile.
“Very well,” the councilwoman said as she stood up and gestured to one of Rykar's guards. “Find your Lord and bring him here, guardsman.”
The man nodded, turned, and slipped out of the room.
* * *
“You want me to be what?” Rykar asked, utterly deadpan.
“We want to appoint you as the new king,” the councilwoman replied.
“Why me?” Rykar questioned.
“You have been determined to be the best choice,” she answered.
“Best? You have a god standing right there!” Rykar exclaimed, pointing to Kaidia.
“I don't think I'd make a good queen, Rykar,” Kai responded.
“What makes you think I would be a good king?” the lord demanded.
“You're a warrior and a hell of a tactical mind. We need both in leadership right now. Therefore, you are the best choice for king,” Kaidia answered, a faint smile on her lips.
“And there's no one else? No one with royal ties?” Rykar asked.
“No,” the councilwoman replied.
Rykar sighed, shook his head, took several long moments to think, and finally looked up.
“Fine. I'll do it. But I want it on record that I'm not fond of the idea,” the man acquiesced.
“Thank you, Lord Vaikos,” the councilwoman said, voice dripping with relief.
“You're welcome. Let's just get this over with,” Rykar muttered with a wave of his hand.
* * *
“So, Your Highness...” Kaidia began with a teasing grin.
“Shut up, Your Holiness,” Rykar retorted, eyeing the new ring on his right index finger. It was the same ring every human king of Haelstross had worn since the very first, thousands of years ago. The royal crest, shared by all kings and queens of Haelstross.
The new royal and the god were standing off to one side of the room, separated from the King's Council. Rykar was obviously a bit overwhelmed. Kaidia knew he would get used to it fairly quickly. Rykar always adjusted to major shifts in battle or his life with ease. The man glanced up to Kaidia.
“What is it you wanted to say?” he asked.
“Well, considering what this force that took out Corrana and Sarkos is capable of, I was going to suggest that we reach out to the other races for help. With your new rank as the human king, you can reach out to royalty of other races and with my own status as a god, I can reach out to leadership of other races. They're going to be targeted by this army as well. Sarkos and Corrana are technically human cities but there were no shortages of elves, dwarves, orcs, and kyrians in those cities either. They're obviously not worried about killing anyone from any race,” Kai explained.
“So we should get their help before they get blindsided,” Rykar concluded the thought.
“Right, though I find it hard to think that they haven't noticed the war going on all over Haelstross,” the god chuckled grimly.
“True. Who are you thinking we reach out to first?” the newly crowned king asked.
“Everyone at once. At the rate this force is attacking, we can't afford to take our time. Your council can handle most of them. The elves, the dwarves, and the orcs all have ambassadors to the human kingdom and vice versa. But the kyrians do not, nor does the city state of Anklis,” Kaidia answered.
“Anklis? Really? I mean, they're not antagonistic towards anyone, but they're not exactly amazingly friendly with anyone either,” Rykar pointed out.
“I know that, but they're going to be targeted by this army that's hell bent on destroying religious sites if they've not been attacked already. They have temples, after all,” Kai defended.
“You're correct. I'm assuming that when you say my council can handle most of them, you mean I should handle the rest?” the man inquired.
“No, just one of them. Anklis. I will handle the kyrians,” Kaidia returned.
“Oh, that will be fun. You get to play with the cats in the forest while I go to a massive city filled with mercenaries and all manner of people who aren't keen on outsiders,” Rykar muttered with a sarcastic smirk.
“You will be fine. It is a diplomatic meeting between two kings,” the mercenary replied.
“Yes, but Zathias Goren isn't known for his skill in diplomacy.”
“Neither are you, Rykar. Want to know another similarity between you and Zathias?”
“What might that be?”
“He is called the Thunder King by his people because he wears enchanted bracers that give him the ability to wield lightning. Just like you, except your ability is natural.”
“Oh. Wonderful. We'll see how far that gets me,” Rykar muttered, his sar
casm having returned with a vengeance.
“Just don't be an ass and I'm sure you'll be fine,” Kai said, then gestured to the council members who were across the room, talking among themselves. “Better go inform them of the plan, Your Majesty.”
“Yes, yes. If you call me that one more time, I'm going to throw you out a window, old friend,” Rykar threatened with a playful scowl before making his way to what was now his King's Council.
* * *
Malcade Cullins stepped into Rykar's home with an officer of the Scorpion Company just behind him, both having been summoned by a courier. He and the officer made their way into the main room of the house. Kaidia was sitting on the stairs leading to the second story, apparently deep in thought. She glanced up and waved.
“Good to see you again, Malcade,” she greeted the man with a faint smile.
“And you, Kaidia,” Malcade returned, inclining his head slightly.
“K... Kaidia? As in, Dragon God?” the officer, a man roughly the same age as Malcade, stuttered.
“Yes, that's me. No need to get excited,” Kai said, raising her hands.
“Also one of the heroes of the war with Adathir and slayer of Adathir just a month or so ago,” Malcade informed the officer, smirking. Kai gave Malcade a faint glare.
“No need to overwhelm him,” she growled softly. Just then a bang resounded from upstairs and a bag sailed down the stairs, narrowly missing Kaidia and crashing into the floor, Rykar came shortly after it with Farren, his house girl, in tow.
“You really didn't need to throw that, my Lord.” Farren admonished.
“Yeah, you crazy jackass, you about hit me in the head!” Kai stood and snarled.
“It was quicker to throw it and Kai, I've seen you get knocked through a building. If that pack had hit you, you would have been fine,” Rykar responded to both women at once, and then he eyed Malcade and the officer. “Malcade, go home, pack your shit, you're coming with me. Second Commander Telvas Felcor, you're the acting Lord of the Third District until I return.”
Realms of Valen - Blasphemous Crusade (War of the Gods Book 2) Page 4