“But you haven’t been crowned yet,” Lord Kent added. “Under these new circumstances, we should hold another vote.”
“Silence!” Lord Michaels snapped.
“I second that,” Cathy stated. “And I believe Markus inherits his family’s position in the court and is entitled to a vote.”
“So the vote is 3-1 in favour of a revote,” Markus pointed out.
Lord Michaels laughed. “Are we actually considering putting this child on the throne? We need someone with experience to lead us. Not some knight in training.”
“I’ll admit that I have a lot to learn. Luckily I picked up this nifty book to help me,” Markus said, raising Lord Michaels’ ledger. “It’s full of...experience.”
Lord Michaels clenched his jaw and drew his sword. The guardsmen in the room drew their swords as well. A quick head count revealed a one to one ratio of Michaels’ troops and our own. It would be the easiest fight we had all week. But you can’t expect a brilliant fighting strategy from a career politician who’s never been in a fight, no matter how much ‘experience’ he has in ‘leading’.
“You dare break into another man’s house and take his things?” Lord Michaels asked.
“Funny, that was on page three,” Markus said, opening the book.
“Guards!” Lord Michaels called out. “The man that brings me the boy’s head will be made Lord of Malkia.”
The guards began advancing towards us and I noticed one walking up behind Lord Michaels. With his sword drawn, the guard attacked Lord Michaels from behind, piercing him through the back. Lord Michaels cried out in agony as his guards attacked our group.
I diverted my attention to the closest guard and launched a Pulse at him. The guard was lifted off his feet and crashed against the wall hard. He lay motionless on the ground and I waited to see if he would rise again so this fight could be extended. Through loss of will, or actually being knocked out, the guard didn’t move and I felt a little disappointed.
The fight was over as quickly as it had started and all attention was directed to the mysterious guard who had betrayed Lord Michaels. He drew his blade out of Lord Michaels slowly like he was savouring the moment before turning his attention to us. He removed the helmet and smiled.
“It’s good to see you again, Markus,” Ser Cook said.
Markus smiled and closed the ledger. “Right back at you, Kyle.” He went serious. “I’m sorry about your father.”
“His sacrifice wasn’t in vain,” Ser Cook answered. “We got you here.” He turned to Cathy. “Good to see you back too, my Lady.”
“Same,” Cathy said. “I knew you’d have to show up sooner or later. My condolences on the loss of your father.”
“Thank you, my Lady,” he said.
Markus broke away from the group to approach Lord Kent. The last Lord of the old court had retreated to a corner to hide from the fight. He approached Markus glumly and muttered an apology for not being able to do more.
Markus handed him the ledger. “I don’t know what Michaels was holding over you and I don’t want to know. You and your men will be granted a chance to enter his castle in Riverside and retrieve whatever was taken from you. The ledger will be all that remains of your secret. Take it and destroy it. We never had this talk.”
Lord Kent whispered a thank you and hurried out of the war room to make preparations. I didn’t get a good look but I thought I had seen tears running down his face as he left the room. I was curious about his secret before, but now my curiosity had exploded out of control.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Markus said, snapping my attention back to him. “If Michaels’ coronation was tomorrow then we can just use the set up for me. Save some time so we can focus on the Evenawk problem.”
“Michaels had been feeding everyone false reports, but I’ve managed to get a hold of the real ones,” Ser Cook said. “I’ve already circulated them around the groups loyal to my father.”
“So we have confirmation that they will be attacking after all?” Markus asked.
“What? You didn’t believe us?” Cathy asked playfully.
Markus smiled. “Could anybody have truly believed your story?” He turned to Ser Cook. “Bring me that information and we’ll plan our next course of action over dinner. Emily, you and your brother are welcome to join us.”
“I...don’t think I can get a hold of him in such short time,” Natalie pointed out.
I chuckled to myself.
*****
The castle was buzzing with news of the death of Lord Michaels. His troops were given the option of joining Markus or being imprisoned. Most joined but those loyal to Michaels fled the city. Markus sent a division of troops to Riverside to maintain order as the news broke. It was hard to say how the people would react. Despite being power hungry, Michaels had been perceived as a good ruler for the town. Our hope was that people would be more focused on the upcoming war than local politics.
The future king went all out with the dinner. The staff seemed happy to help him create a grand feast to honour the fallen. We toasted the soldiers who took back the city, Lord Cook and the old king and his family. When Markus started talking about his family, the mood shifted. He quickly excused himself and called it an early night. Ser Cook agreed and retreated for the night as well.
The coronation ceremony the next day had been beautiful. The small group of attending citizens were treated to a fine spread of food and ale as relief washed over them. Balendar would finally have a leader to help rebuild the city.
The coronation was short and Markus, dressed in a robe that made him look like he was being swallowed whole, rose to address his people for the first time. He was clearly shaky and nervous, but took a deep breath and spoke in a clear and confident voice:
“Thank you all for coming. Unfortunately our celebrations will be short. There is still much for us to do and not enough time in which to do it. We have lost much recently. Our mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters...” he trailed off and took another deep breath. “But we haven’t lost our will to live or our need to bring the man responsible to justice. He now threatens our borders again with an army of enslaved Evenawks.” A murmur rose amongst the citizens. “He thinks he can catch us unaware and weak but we will rise and meet him in Archanion. He will not set foot in Balendar to hurt us ever again. I promise you.”
It was short and simple but the citizens responded to his honesty with a small cheer. Words weren’t going to be enough. His actions would be judged carefully and victory would be the only thing to truly reunite Balendar.
“I would like to call up and introduce the members of my new court as is the tradition,” Markus continued. “Lord Gregory Kent of Rooksbend, Lord Kyle Cook of Malkia and Lady Sandra Middleton of Davalin.” The three, dressed in their best, rose to bow towards the crowd. “The Lordship of Riverside will be removed from the Michaels family and given to the Scott family with Elizabeth Scott being granted the title of Lady.” A polite round of clapping from the citizens. “Everyone, please enjoy yourselves. There is plenty of food and drink. Could I see my court over here please? Kairu, please join us as well.”
I broke away from my spot with Natalie and the crowd shot me some weird looks. Either the name had thrown them off or they were trying to figure out why I was special enough to talk to the king. I joined the others and Markus led us away from the group.
“Be honest with me,” he said to us. “The speech sucked, didn’t it?”
“Not the worst in history,” Lord Kent said.
“It had its moments,” Kyle Cook said.
“I didn’t fall asleep,” Cathy said.
“The cake looked delicious,” I said.
He laughed. “Hopefully this isn’t how I will be remembered. Alright, we have a lot of work to do. I want everyone heading back to their cities and getting their armies ready. We’ll need to form some sort of battle camp outside the borders. We’ll work out a spot later. Lady Sandra and Kairu, I have something I nee
d to ask you about our opponent.”
Lord Kent and Kyle bowed and left to perform their duties. King Markus paced back and forth before looking up at us. “In times like this it is customary for the king to take an advisor. Sandra, your knowledge of what we’re facing makes you the perfect choice.”
Oh dear.
Cathy chuckled nervously and looked at me before facing King Markus. “I’m not the best choice. I always turn to Kairu for advice. You are better off making him your advisor.”
“It is too soon after Davenport, or Desroche or whatever he is called, for me to do that,” King Markus said. “But I know how close you two are. That is why I asked you, Sandra; figured it was a package deal.”
Cathy chuckled. “Turning into a good leader already?”
“Don’t need to be a good leader to see the obvious,” he said. “We should, however, not make it well known that we are close to a Mage. No offence.”
“None taken,” I said. “Things are still tense.”
“Exactly,” he said. “Hide it as best as you can.”
“Done,’ I said.
“Now,” King Markus started, “you’ve given me the quick version. But what’s the real story? How are we going to win this?”
“By destroying Desroche’s control over the Evenawks,” I answered. “The Evenawks don’t want a fight. We shut down his control and the war is over.”
“Getting there is the problem,” Cathy added. “Only one way up the mountain if you don’t have wings.”
“That makes it difficult to try and invade Ghanlar,” Markus said thoughtfully. “We almost have to sit and wait for him to come out.”
I nodded. “Pretty much. Luckily, he seems eager to invade Balendar. He might rise to a challenge if he finds you marching across Archanion.”
Markus thought for a second. “Would he actually send his armies to fight in a strategic position like the mountains?”
“He wouldn’t, the Evenawks would,” I answered. “The brainwashing doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for intelligence. Attack at the base of the mountain, then retreat back into the field. They will follow in a blind rage and Ca-Sandra and I will lead a team up the mountain behind them.”
“Cassandra?” Markus asked and Cathy shot me a look. “What’s wrong with you and names? What’s next, Jamarkus?”
I laughed. “It’s not a speciality of mine.”
“Back to the point,” Cathy said. “I think we have a plan that works. Draw the enemy out and infiltrate.”
“It wouldn’t hurt to have some allies to reinforce the line,” I said. “I have some friends in Nesqa. I could talk to them about joining up.”
“You continue to surprise me,” Markus said. “If you can get the Nesqian army to ally with us, it would definitely help morale. Sandra, go with Kairu to act as a representative for us. Take as many soldiers as you need for an escort. Secure an alliance and meet us at the edge of the Archanion Field. We’ll be set up there.”
Cathy bowed with a smirk on her face. “Yes, my Liege. I’ll send word to Davalin and have my troops sent here.”
“I’ll take care of them,” Markus said. “For the first time since we’ve met, I actually feel we can do this.”
“One step at a time, my Liege,” I said. “One step at a time.”
Chapter 20
King Markus insisted we stay for one more night before heading out but the sooner we left the better. Too much time had already elapsed since we left Desroche in Ghanlar and I wanted to check in with my Nao friends to ensure they were safe.
Cathy picked up Lady Middleton’s newly repaired noblewoman’s armour and was happy to be rid of the clunky iron. Strapping on her sword and shield, she beamed at the thought of hitting the open road again. For all her talk of enjoying hot food and soft beds, she was a fighter and wanderer with an attention disorder. After this mission, it was going to be tough to keep her in one location again.
I was shocked to see Natalie ready to join us. I knew we would be leaving her behind soon, but she wanted to join us to Riverside at least. She was suited up in her armour and at the docks long before Cathy and I arrived.
“The ferry won’t wait forever,” Natalie called out to us. “You guys coming or should we wait for the next one?”
“We’re here, we’re here,” Cathy replied. “Keep your top on.”
“I see you brought the kitchen help with you,” Natalie joked, pointing to my clothes. “This is why nobody takes your fashion tips seriously.”
I shook my head and boarded the ferry. After going through all of my clothes on this trip, I had borrowed a durable looking set from the servants’ closet at the White Castle. If I was going to have arrows fired at me, I wanted something that I could destroy without damaging my conscience. Nobody would care about this set the second I left town.
“You should consider getting some personal armour,” Natalie suggested, taking a seat with Cathy.
“It’s always too bulky and restricts my use of magic,” I said, sitting beside her and Cathy. “Plus, how could I use my demon skin to protect myself against magic if I’m covered in armour.”
“Get a custom set,” she answered. “A chest piece without the shoulders. Oh, and don’t wear gauntlets. You can still use your full arms for magic and keep those vital organs safe.” She smacked me in the stomach.
“That’s...a good idea,” I said thoughtfully. “I had promised myself I wouldn’t wear armour again but I always seem to end up in a suit. I might as well find something comfortable when I have the coin.”
Natalie pulled out her bag and threw a full coin purse at me. “Your share for taking down Joe. He won’t need it.” She turned to Cathy. “None for you because you are already a rich lady of the court.”
“Not even a loan until I make it home?” Cathy joked.
“Ask Demon, I’m not sharing,” Natalie answered with a smile.
“Well...thanks,” I said pleasantly surprised.
“No problem,” Natalie said. “Seems every time we get together we are taking down a crime boss and taking their loot. If you run low on coin, just come find me. There are still a few crime bosses I hate left.”
I laughed. “Good to know. Should I look for you at Aaron’s farm or just go immediately to the nearest prison?”
Natalie laughed. “It wouldn’t hurt to check them but you are better off looking for me in Malkia. I was staying with my sister before all this.”
“I didn’t know you had a sister,” I said surprised. “What is her name?”
“Emily,” Natalie smiled.
I chuckled. “You are just messing with me now.”
“Maybe, maybe not,” Natalie said. “You’ll just have to come to Malkia and find me.”
I nodded thoughtfully. “It’s a deal.”
Natalie turned to Cathy. “You can come too since you two are joined at the hip.”
Cathy scoffed. “If I’m not too busy ruling the world by the end of this.”
Natalie chuckled. “I’ll keep an ear open for your name.”
We enjoyed the rest of the ride, joking about each other’s fighting moves. They spent a long time exaggerating the scene of me dropping the axe behind the castle. It wasn’t one of my finer moments, but I was glad Cathy didn’t blow her cover and tell Natalie older stories about me.
When the ferry pulled into the Riverside dock, Natalie stood up and faced us. “This is where we split,” she said. “There is still too much heat on me up here and I’m better off disappearing solo. Besides, there’s someone I need to check on.”
“A certain farmer?” I asked.
She smiled. “A certain set of evil twins.”
I chuckled. “I hope to see you and Aaron after this.”
“If things are as bad as you’re saying, you might see us sooner,” Natalie informed. “Little Marky is going to need some skilled volunteers and we happen to know a skilled archer.”
“Good luck,” I smiled.
“You too, Demon,” Natalie
said and then turned to Cathy. “Take care of him, Sandra.”
“I can’t make any promises if he decides to use a weapon again,” Cathy replied.
“Hey!” I exclaimed.
Natalie laughed and joined the crowd. She weaved her way between a couple of groups and disappeared from sight. Cathy and I stood up and followed the remaining people off the boat.
“Didn’t Markus grant her a pardon?” Cathy asked.
“I don’t think she is ever worried about city guards,” I answered. “Chances are ‘Jokes’ will want a cut of the Diamondback Joe haul.”
“I didn’t think she would give you a cut,” Cathy said. “She must like you.”
“Is that your professional opinion as a woman?” I asked, stashing the coin purse in my pants.
“That’s my professional opinion as someone who doesn’t form bonds with people easily,” Cathy answered. “Am I going to have to be jealous that she’ll replace me?”
I laughed and threw my arm over Cathy’s shoulders. “Like anyone could replace you, Cathy. I’ll always want you around.”
I dropped my arm from Cathy’s shoulder as we disembarked from boat. The town of Riverside was back to its usual busy self. With the upcoming fight on everyone’s mind, the need for soldiers and supplies occupied people’s thoughts and the recent political mess was already a thing of the past.
“We’ve got some coin now,” I started. “Did we need anything while we’re here?”
“In case you haven’t noticed,” Cathy started, looking a little flustered, “you forgot your pack back at the castle.”
I grabbed behind me and realised she was right. How something as vital as that could be so easily forgotten made me wonder if I was really cut out for this adventuring lifestyle. I sighed. “Damn it.”
“So let’s pick up a new one and stock it with food and supplies for the trip,” Cathy finished.
“Sold,” I said, heading towards the market.
*****
We spent the late afternoon picking up our supplies and were heading out of town in the evening. We had debated whether to stay in town for the night but the sky looked clear and Cathy liked the idea of camping out under the stars for the night so off we went. We had made good progress before finally calling it a night. We would be back in Szwen before the end of the next day.
The Vacant Throne: The Legend Of Kairu Vol 3 Page 16