Five Kingdoms: Book 07 - Wizard Falling

by Toby Neighbors

  “Do you think we’re doing the right thing?” Brianna said.

  “Yes,” Zollin said. “I don’t see that we have much of a choice.”

  “Prince Simmeron isn’t going to like it.”

  “I don’t care,” Zollin said, “but we better watch our backs between now and tomorrow afternoon.”

  There was a knock at the door.

  “That will be my father,” Brianna said. “He has my wedding gown.”

  Zollin opened the door and stepped aside.

  “It’s bad luck for the groom to see the wedding dress before the ceremony,” said Brianna’s father.

  “I was just leaving,” Zollin said.

  “Be careful,” Brianna said.

  “You too,” Zollin told her as he left the room.

  He went downstairs and left the castle. It was easy to disguise his identity with a long cloak and by pulling the hood down low over his face. He got the occasional odd look, but for the most part he was ignored once he got far enough away from the castle. He went straight to the inn where his father and Mansel were staying. It was a small establishment, and Zollin liked that it was quiet. The sun was out, casting a weak, winter light across Yelsia, and there were heavy clouds to the north slowly moving toward Orrock. Inside the Inn’s common room, the light was low with only a few lamps and the fire in the hearth holding back the gloom. Zollin walked over to where his father sat with Mansel and Nycoll.

  “I have news,” he said.

  “Tell us,” Mansel said, pouring Zollin a mug of ale from a pitcher.

  Zollin glanced around, they were the only people in the common room.

  “There’s no one else here,” Quinn said. “The inn keeper stepped out.”

  “And left me in charge of the ale,” Mansel said a little louder than he needed too.

  Nycoll gave him a stern look.

  “As you might have guessed, all is not well,” Zollin said.

  “Yes, I thought so,” Quinn said. “Simmeron arrived about a week ago and things have been tense.”

  “He wants the crown,” Zollin said, taking a sip of the ale, which was better than he expected. “That’s good.”

  “Best ale in Orrock,” said Mansel. “Trust me, I’ve tried it all.”

  He ignored another scathing look from Nycoll.

  “Well you should go easy,” Zollin said. “You might be in danger.”

  “What are you on about?” Mansel said. “The war is over.”

  “But Simmeron wants to be king and he thinks Zollin is in his way,” Quinn said in a low voice.

  “Is that true?” Nycoll asked.

  Zollin nodded. “General Hausey wants me to take the crown.”

  “King Zollin,” Mansel said.

  “Keep your voice down,” Quinn said.

  “What are you going to do?” Nycoll asked, the concern for Zollin clear in her voice.

  “I’m not sure there’s much we can do,” Zollin confessed. “Simmeron isn’t a fit ruler.”

  “He was poisoning his father,” Quinn explained.

  “But we put a stop to that,” Mansel said, draining his mug of ale and then looking at Nycoll. “Don’t worry, that’s my last one. I’ve learned my lesson.”

  “So, you think Simmeron might send men to harm us?” Quinn asked.

  “He won’t strike at me directly, at least Hausey doesn’t think so and I agree with him. He’s already testing the waters though. He summoned Brianna and I to his quarters. He’s already ensconced in the Royal Chambers.”

  “So what are you going to do?” Quinn asked.

  “Well, that is the other reason I’m here. Brianna and I have discussed things and we feel it is high time we got married.”

  “Oh!” Nycoll said.

  “Congratulations!” Mansel said.

  “Sometimes things work out just the way they should,” Quinn agreed. “When is the big day?”

  “Tomorrow,” Zollin said.

  “Tomorrow? Are you daft?” Quinn said in surprise. “Don’t you need time to plan something?”

  “General Hausey wants us to make a big appearance. He’s planned a parade in the city and then a feast for all of Orrock. It seems like the perfect opportunity. And I would like the two of you to stand with me.”

  “Of course,” Mansel said.

  “It would be an honor,” Quinn said.

  “It’s settled then,” Zollin said, then he turned to Nycoll. “Can you get them dressed in their best clothes and have them at the castle in the morning?”

  Nycoll nodded.

  “Good then, I’ve got to go. I still have a few loose ends to tie up.”

  “Wait,” Quinn said, “what are you going to do about Simmeron?”

  “I haven’t decided for certain,” Zollin said. “Whatever happens, it will have to happen tomorrow. It’s the perfect time to announce who will be coronated as the new king.”

  “You better watch your back,” Quinn said.

  “I will, you three do the same.”

  Zollin left the inn and wandered into a livery stable, where he rented a horse for the day. Then he rode out through the city’s main gate and through the sprawling slums that surrounded the city. Zollin was amazed at how quickly the mud huts and makeshift hovels had been rebuilt.

  The wind was cold and Zollin pulled his cloak tightly around his shoulders as he rode. He went out past the crowds that loitered around the city and made his way up the hill that he and Mansel had used to spy on Orrock when Brianna was a prisoner in the city.

  On the far side of the hill he called out to Ferno. His magic was still weak, but he could feed magic into the effort of communicating with the dragon and soon a mental image of Ferno with Tig and Sorva entered his mind. It only took a few more minutes for the dragons to arrive. They flew in low to the ground, trying to let the terrain hide them.

  Zollin filled the dragons in on the plans that he and Brianna had made. The dragons didn’t understand marriage or romantic love, but they understood the part they were to play in the festivities the next day.

  Then Zollin rode back to the castle. By the time he arrived the sun was down and the kitchen staff was already serving dinner to the castle’s guests. He found Brianna and sat down to eat with her. Brianna’s family were crowded around them. Her mother did her best to ignore Zollin, but her father and sisters were cordial. It was clear none of them trusted Zollin and he understood that. Brianna’s sisters had told him what had happened in their village when Zollin had fled with Quinn and Brianna. Todrek wasn’t the only person killed that day, and Zollin knew the entire village blamed him. Zollin even blamed himself and had to work to keep from falling into a depression over the tragedy that had befallen Tranaugh Shire.

  After dinner they went back to their own quarters. Zollin had been given a smaller suite of rooms on the second floor, which suited him just fine. He didn’t feel slighted in the least. He knew that Simmeron was in the Royal suite and that General Hausey was using the rooms Zollin had once shared with Brianna on the third floor.

  Normally Zollin and Brianna would have spent the evening together, but Brianna was with her family, both because they wanted to spend time with her and so she could keep them safe. Zollin didn’t mind the solitude, in fact he welcomed it. He sat near the fireplace, staring into the flames late into the night. He wrestled with the decision to accept or reject the kingship and tried his best to think of all possible outcomes. An hour after midnight Hausey came quietly into Zollin’s room.

  “Have you made a decision?” he asked.

  “We’ll have the coronation tomorrow,” Zollin asked, noticing the relieved look on General Hausey’s face. “Right after the wedding.”

  “I couldn’t have planned it any better,” the General said. “Well, I should let you rest. After tomorrow things can settle down around here.”

  “I hope so,” Zollin said.

  After a few hours of restless sleep he got up and got dressed. The citywide celebration would start soon and aft
er the parade General Hausey had planned, Brianna would be wed on a newly built platform by the city’s main gate. It was a tense morning. Zollin took his time bathing and shaving, before putting on the richly appointed clothing that one of the castle stewards had found for him.

  There was a knock at his door and when he opened it he found his father and Mansel standing outside.

  “We’re ready,” Mansel said.

  “You don’t look hung over at all,” Zollin said with a smile.

  “I’m a man of my word,” Mansel said in mock humility. “If I say I’m not going to have another drink-“

  Quinn cut him off, “Then he only has four more.”

  They all laughed and then went out to the castle courtyard together. They found two large stallions being held for Quinn and Mansel. Zollin didn’t bother to ask about Nycoll, he knew she wouldn’t want any part of the fanfare they were about to experience. In fact, he doubted she would even brave the crowds to attend the wedding, but Zollin didn’t mind. The soldiers, officers mostly, all from noble families and robed in their finest clothes and polished armor, stood waiting by their horses in a long row. General Hausey hurried up and nodded at Quinn and Mansel.

  “Are the dragon’s coming?” Hausey asked.

  “Yes, the’ll be here any minute” Zollin reassured him.

  “Good, you better get up to the tower then.”

  Zollin’s trek through the castle would be the last time he was alone that day. He moved with purpose, but he wasn’t hurried. He wrapped his thoughts around him like a cloak, questioning again if what he was doing was the right thing. He climbed the steps up to the southern lookout tower. Across the city he could see people celebrating in the streets. The noise from the crowds floated up to him and he leaned on the stone parapet resisting the urge to look over and see if Brianna was on the opposite tower.

  Then came the familiar sound of dragon wings flapping over his head and Zollin looked up. He was forced to stand against the wall to let Ferno land, since his magic wasn’t strong enough to levitate himself up onto the green dragon’s massive back. He had to climb up Ferno’s leg, and Zollin ignored the look the dragon gave him. Ferno had behaved as if Zollin were made of glass, as if he would break unless he was treated with extreme care. Zollin guessed he should be grateful, but he didn’t like feeling powerless. His magic was returning so slowly that Zollin could barely notice a difference from day to day. He had to shrug off a strong sense of melancholy as he scrambled up onto Ferno’s back.

  “Alright,” he said. “I’m ready.”

  Ferno roared and jumped from the castle tower. They swooped down before climbing higher. Ferno sent mental images of Zollin’s father and Mansel as they rode at the rear of the parade. Mansel was waving as people pointed and shouted his name. They wanted to see Death’s Eye, but Mansel kept the sword sheathed. Quinn was more stoic, he had never been one for public demonstrations. He preferred to get things done behind the scenes and Zollin wondered if he felt reluctant to celebrate with the crowds of people due to the fact that if Mansel hadn’t saved him Quinn wouldn’t have survived the battle.

  Then Brianna came into view. Zollin knew it would be impossible not to see her, and in fact the parade was practically their wedding processional, but he wasn’t prepared for how stunningly beautiful she looked. Brianna was both fierce and feminine. She looked like a legendary warrior sitting on Sorva, whose black scales glistened in the bright, morning sunshine. Brianna wore a long, ivory colored gown. Her hair was pinned up with golden combs and the smile on her face showed both joy and excitement.

  Ferno spiraled down slowly, landing gently in the courtyard not far from Sorva. The black dragon growled and Ferno answered. Ferno had thick back legs and muscular but much shorter forelegs. Walking through the city streets would be much more difficult for the green dragon, but Ferno insisted on carrying Zollin.

  The crowd erupted when Zollin and Brianna came through the large gate of the castle. They wanted to ride side by side, but there simply wasn’t enough room. Ferno alone was nearly too big to pass through the streets which were lined with people on both sides. Zollin went first, nodding and waving to the crowd. There were shouts of King Zollin and long live the Wizard King. Zollin pretended not to hear them.

  The parade wound through the streets of Orrock and eventually ended up at the newly built massive gates. The people along the route had fallen in behind Sorva, so that a huge crowd followed the procession. The soldiers, including General Hausey and Tollis, had taken a position to either side of a large platform that had been built just outside the massive new gate. They sat on their horses, with gleaming armor and brightly colored uniforms.

  When Ferno reached the platform Zollin climbed down and stood at the foot of the wooden stairway that led up onto the stage. He glanced over and saw the priest in elaborate robes waiting beside a marble pillar where a golden crown was nestled on a velvet pillow. Zollin turned and saw Brianna hopping down from Sorva’s back. She was careful not to snag the delicate gown her father had made for her. Zollin saw Brianna’s parents standing nearby.

  “There’s still time to escape,” Mansel said quietly as he and Quinn moved up behind Zollin.

  “From Brianna or this crazy mob?” Zollin asked.

  “What are you whispering about?” Brianna said as she walked slowly toward Zollin.

  “Nothing,” Zollin said. “You look beautiful.”

  “You don’t look half bad yourself,” Brianna said. “I’m glad you opted against a purple robe and tall pointy hat.”

  Mansel chortled as he tried to hold back his laughter.

  Zollin was dressed simply, with wool pants and tall leather boots. His only real finery was a short cloak that draped across his back and over his right shoulder. They watched as Sorva and Ferno took to the air. Both dragons flew up and then circled slowly over the wooden platform.

  Zollin gave Brianna his arm, and they walked up the wide steps together. The roar from the crowd was thunderous. They all pushed forward and gathered around the stage. There were so many people that they filled the wide space around the gate and spilled out into the broad avenue that led out of the city.

  The priest raised both hands and waited for the crowd to quiet down before beginning the ceremony. The marriage was simple and only lasted a few minutes. When Zollin turned and kissed Brianna, sealing their vows and bringing the ceremony to a close, the crowd cheered again. Then the priest picked up the golden crown and handed it to Brianna. She looked at Zollin and he nodded.

  The crowd hushed as Zollin raised his hands and called for quiet. The priest was an experienced orator and was used to speaking in a loud voice to large crowds. Zollin’s nerves threatened to make his voice shaky and weak, so he let his magic amplify his voice.

  “People of Yelsia,” he began. “I am honored by your support. I want to thank you for celebrating with Brianna and I today.”

  The crowd cheered again and Zollin waited for them to quiet down.

  “This crown represents the hope of our kingdom. Yelsia needs a leader who can reforge the bonds of brotherhood we share with Baskla and help rebuild the lost kingdoms of Falxis, Ortis, and Osla. Many of us have lost people we care about, friends, brothers, sons; all of them giving their lives so that we could live. We must honor their sacrifice. We must strive to make the future better than the past. And to do so, we need a king that is honorable, loyal, and worthy of our trust.”

  The crowd began to chant Zollin’s name.

  “I am not that man,” Zollin said.

  The crowd roared in disapproval, but Zollin’s magic amplified his voice so he could be heard over the noise of the raucous crowd.

  “But there is one here with the strength and honor to be our king. One who has shown his willingness to serve the people of Yelsia.”

  Brianna gave Zollin the crown and he walked down the wide steps. Prince Simmeron had a look of elation on his face as Zollin approached him. He dropped to one knee and waited for the crown to be
settled on his head, but Zollin walked past him and stopped in front of General Hausey.

  “What are you doing?” the aging commander asked in surprise.

  “Entrusting you with our future,” Zollin said simply.

  “But I cannot,” Hausey said. “Who am I to be a king?”

  Zollin amplified his voice again, so the crowd could hear what he said.

  “You are the commander of the king’s army, the man who led his troops boldly into the path of the enemy to protect our kingdom. Your humility and strength are what we need now, not magic, not pedigree.”

  Zollin raised the crown and placed it on Hausey’s head.

  “Long live king Hausey!” Zollin shouted.

  The crowd roared in approval. Zollin then dropped to one knee, but glanced over to where Simmeron was fuming. The pale prince’s face was red and there was murder in his eyes. Zollin knew the prince was dangerous, but he wasn’t planning to wait around to see what the disappointed prince might do.

  The crowd joined Zollin in kneeling and Hausey stood in shock. Then, Zollin stood up and nodded to Brianna. She stepped to the edge of the stage and vaulted forward, flipping in the air, the train of her dress fluttering in the wind as she twirled. Then Sorva swooped down and Brianna landed lightly on the black dragon’s back, her ivory dress standing out in contrast to the glossy, black scales. Zollin glanced at Brianna’s family. Her father looked content, but her mother was as outraged as Prince Simmeron.

  As Zollin backed up, the Royal Guard formed up around King Hausey, who still looked shocked.

  “He doesn’t know what hit him,” Mansel said gleefully.

  “That was very nicely done,” Quinn added.

  “You’re all coming north, right?” Zollin asked, with the crowd no longer paying him hardly any attention.

  “We’ll head out first thing tomorrow,” Quinn said.

  “Good,” Zollin said, sounding relieved. “Tell the king I’m sorry I couldn’t stay.”

  “I’m sure he’ll understand,” Mansel said, slapping Zollin on the back. “You better not keep your bride waiting.”

  Zollin hugged Mansel. Then he looked at his father.