“Nothing, Father,” he said, picking up his bag and walking to the door. Ahnon gathered his things and followed with a straight face. “Don’t say anything,” Jedek warned Ahnon when he reached the door.
“Never crossed my mind, sire,” Ahnon said as they walked out.
Michi was chuckling as he finished gathering his supplies and the dresses. “Michi, do you know?” Tilbus asked, burning with curiosity.
“Yes, your majesty,” he answered, picking up his stuff up and moving to the door.
“Well, what?” Vilarius shouted after him.
Michi turned around, chuckling. “I will not say, but I will tell you this; Ahnon can’t work off a manikin when he’s piecing a dress together,” he said then spun around and left.
“That boy loves his mother,” Theobald said in awe, and the others agreed.
“That doesn’t leave this room; is that clear?” Vilarius said in a stern voice.
“Yes, sire,” Theobald said, and the others agreed. “I remember a boy who—” Theobald started.
“Hey, you are sworn to secrecy, Theobald!” Vilarius shouted, walking to the door.
“Yes, sire,” Theobald said, following as Tilbus caught up to Vilarius, begging him to explain, but Vilarius ignored him.
It was several months after Emperor Tilbus left that Vilarius sent for Ahnon and Jedek. The two walked into the state hall to see the king and Theobald at the back of the room behind the oversized desk. Walking over, they stopped in front of it.
“Yes, Father?” Jedek said, smiling.
Vilarius cleared his throat. “It has come to my attention that you two have been arranging sparring matches with some of my troops,” he informed them. Jedek’s face paled as Ahnon just looked ahead.
“Ah, well not really, Dad,” Jedek managed to get out.
Lifting up a sheet of paper, Vilarius asked, “Then this report is false then?”
Jedek shrugged. “Depends on what it says.”
Vilarius stood up. “Jedek, are you and Ahnon going out and challenging some of my troops to unarmed combat and placing wagers on it?”
“’Wagers’ sound so…immoral, Father,” Jedek said, grimacing. Vilarius just gave his son a bland stare. “Oh, all right. We might have had a few sparring matches with some of the palace guards, and I bet them some money on the outcome.”
“Where did you get the money?” Vilarius asked.
“From you.”
Vilarius jumped back. “You told me that was for a present for Kenna.”
“Well, it was, but I wanted more. She really liked a blanket with a griffon on it we saw in town.”
Vilarius sighed. “You could’ve asked for more.”
Jedek wasn’t about to tell his dad he bought the blanket and several other things for Kenna. “I didn’t want to bother you.”
“So this is all true then?” Vilarius asked.
Jedek looked up at Ahnon then back at his dad. “Yes, sir,” he mumbled.
“Some of those troops were hurt pretty badly,” Vilarius informed him.
“Well, they stink as fighters, Father.”
Vilarius shook his head. “How much have you won?” he asked.
“Not much,” Jedek lied, and seeing his father didn’t believe it, he reached to his back and pulled out a money pouch. He opened it and spilled out the coins on the desk. “The rest is in my room.”
Vilarius stared at the pile of brass, copper, silver, and even a few gold coins. “Oh my,” he said, looking at the pile. “You may keep this, but the little events are to stop now.”
Ahnon cleared his throat. “Your majesty, I was just using them as sparring partners, and sire spotted an opportunity.”
“Ahnon, you’re not helping,” Jedek whispered.
“Sorry, sire,” Ahnon replied.
“Is it true you offered three copper crowns to twenty men if they could take Ahnon?” Theobald asked.
“Yeah, but I had to increase it yesterday to five,” Jedek admitted.
“With Ahnon blindfolded?” Vilarius asked.
“That’s the only way anyone will spar with him now for money,” Jedek admitted.
Vilarius shook his head. “I’m putting an end to this now, you two. Do I make myself clear?” he asked. They both nodded. “You may leave.” Vilarius raked the coins back into the pouch and handed it back to Jedek.
When the two left, Vilarius looked at Theobald. “Ahnon can fight.”
“That is certain, sire, but did you really have any doubts?”
Vilarius shrugged. “Blindfolded. I’ve only seen you take two blindfolded.”
“I really never thought it would come in that handy, sire,” Theobald replied, sounding wounded.
Letting out a deep laugh, Vilarius sat down and said, “Come now, old friend. Don’t take offense; I didn’t mean anything by it. Sometimes, Ahnon can scare me with what he knows.”
“Sire, on that, we can both agree.”
Chapter 12
Jedek stood on the battlements looking out across the city and watched the second sun slowly come over the mountains. He sighed, wishing it would drop back down and take the other one with it. He was not in the mood for today. He adjusted the katana Ahnon had given him months earlier for his twelfth birthday, moving it away from the magic satchel slung across his body.
The satchel was way bigger than what he needed, but Ahnon insisted. Jedek could only do twenty spells without killing himself or others and didn’t need that many component packets or bottles of powders and liquids. True to form, Ahnon didn’t listen and come close to demanding he carry it. Of course, Jedek had relented upon seeing it meant that much to Ahnon. All of Jedek’s life, Ahnon was there, and he didn’t like the idea of disappointing him. Not that his parents weren’t there, but they were always moving around the kingdoms, sometimes for months at a time.
Jedek didn’t really mind, but he really wanted to go with them sometimes and see the world. The only time he had gone with them was on a trip to Nazar months ago. Sometimes, when his parents left, Ahnon would take him into the city, the surrounding countryside, or up into the mountains camping. Remembering the camping trips, Jedek smiled like he always did, thinking about the fun they had. Feeling something brush his leg, he looked down.
Looking back at him was a bocha hound, a present from his trip to Nazar from Tilbus. Ahnon had almost punched his nephew for it. Jedek didn’t understand why; he had always wanted a dog. Then Ahnon took him out to the royal kennels. There, Jedek got to see full-sized bocha hounds and almost took off running. They were the size of a small horse, and some units of the Nazar army rode them in patrols.
Ahnon had told him the bocha hound was a cross between a dog and a mangmyr. When Jedek asked what a mangmyr was, Ahnon took him to another part of the kennel. Inside a massive cage was a wolf that was bigger than a large ox. The intelligence Jedek saw in the creature’s eyes terrified him, and he told Ahnon that. Ahnon went on to explain mangmyrs hunted humans and always had and that bocha hounds were first bred to fight them.
Still looking down at the bocha hound, Jedek smiled. “Minos, I don’t think Ahnon likes you,” he said, rubbing Minos’ head.
Already bigger than a full-grown dog, Minos titled his head. “Why? I said sorry. I did not know he liked leather piece,” the dog replied in puppy talk.
Jedek laughed, kneeling to hug Minos. Ahnon was teaching Jedek and Kenna how to understand the speech of other animals, but Jedek could talk to Minos from the second he laid his hands on him. They weren’t true words but small vocalizations and body language. When Jedek had asked why Ahnon didn’t like Minos, he looked at Jedek and asked, “You know what the first thing your hound asked me?” Jedek shook his head, and Ahnon answered, “You dog looked at me and went, ‘Play.’”
Ruffing up Minos’ fur, he said, “You shouldn’t have chewed up his belt, Minos. He changed colors two times he was so angry.”
“It chews really good,” Minos said, closing his eyes, loving the rubbing.
Standing back up, Jedek noticed the second sun over the mountains. “Well, this day is bound and determined to start no matter how much I don’t want it to,” Jedek said, annoyed.
“Wrong?” Minos asked.
“Yeah, I don’t want the day to start.”
“We can play?” Minos asked hopefully.
Letting out a sigh, Jedek said, “I wish I could, Minos, but I have to get married today.”
“Married?” Minos asked, not understanding.
“Yeah. Live with someone forever even if you aren’t sure and have no say in it.”
“Oh, take a mate,” Minos said. “I haven’t seen you fight the pack yet.”
Jedek laughed. “Didn’t have to; it was arranged. My kingdom and hers get something out of it,” Jedek said then thought he didn’t like the term “mate.”
“Kin-g-dom?” Minos struggled with the word.
Thinking for a minute, Jedek said, “Yes. My pack.”
“Oh, sorry. But you must for pack.”
“Yeah, that’s what I’m irritated about.”
Curious, Minos asked, “Mate who?”
“Kenna.”
“Oh, long fur. I like long fur. She plays good,” Minos replied, panting.
Jedek smiled. “Well, I like her too, but I don’t know about as a wife.”
“Don’t worry. Long fur will pet you and rub your fur,” Minos assured him.
Jedek busted out laughing. “I hope it’s that simple, Minos.” Minos didn’t understand what was funny, so he just put his head on Jedek’s leg, letting him know he wasn’t alone. Stroking Minos’ head, Jedek watched the two suns race up into the morning sky, seemingly taunting him.
“You know, just because I start letting you out of my sight doesn’t mean you can just run anywhere,” Jedek heard from behind him, coming up the steps.
“Ahnon, it’s not like you don’t know where I am,” Jedek said without turning around. “You know, I figured out long ago this amulet I wear around my neck is like a beacon.”
“That’s part of it,” Ahnon said, stopping beside Jedek and looking down at Minos. Ahnon leaned down and lifted Minos’ head. “Minos, where’s my other boot?” he asked with a dark look.
“Boot?” Minos asked, and Ahnon looked down at a new pair of boots. “Oh, the good chewy. In the den with the small cave with changes of fur,” he said proudly.
Ahnon stood up, closing his eyes. “You have to keep him, don’t you?” he asked Jedek.
“Oh, come on, Ahnon. I’ve seen you. You love Minos.”
“Yes, I don’t know what came over me, Jedek. I’ve lost two belts, a pillow, blanket, satchel, a sword scabbard, and now a pair of boots,” Ahnon said, counting off the items using both hands.
“It’s only one in the closet.”
“Maybe, but I found its brother under the covers in your bed. It looks like it put up a valiant fight, but in the end, Minos subdued it.”
Jedek looked at Ahnon and changed the subject. “So the amulet is a locator?” he asked, really wanting Ahnon to lighten up on Minos.
“Yes, but that’s not what they were made for.”
“Then what were they made for?” Jedek asked.
“To seal the bond for the sho-ka, tying them to their sire…” Ahnon started then paused.
Jedek grinned. “That’s why when we played hide and seek when I was little, you always won,” Jedek said.
“Hardly. You couldn’t hide very well,” Ahnon said, smiling.
“I was a little boy,” Jedek said in a wounded tone.
“Yes, you were, sire, but you did give me a few fits. But now, you’re a young man,” Ahnon said with pride. Ahnon looked at Jedek, remembering the day the king forced him in his arms and felt his heart hurt. “Sire, it will be okay today. The world will keep turning. The grass will still be green, and I’ll still be here with you,” Ahnon assured him, “letting your stupid dog eat my belongings.”
“Dog, where?” Minos asked, looking around.
Jedek forced a laugh at Minos. “I’m scared, Ahnon,” Jedek admitted in a broken voice.
“I know, sire, but don’t be. It’s only a ceremony. You and Kenna will still be who you are, staying in separate wings of the castle.”
“Then why do we have to have the ceremony?”
“You’ve read the treaty, Jedek. Gratu will get naval bases off Honch and preferred trade status with Fantshu. The kingdom is going to become stronger because of it.”
“Can’t we wait till I’m a little older?” he moaned.
“Sire, it’s not up to me. If it was, you wouldn’t be marrying the evil Kenna.”
“She’s not evil, Ahnon!” Jedek shouted.
Ahnon took a step back. “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought since you hated her so much, she must be evil. I mean, just look at the turmoil she’s putting you through.”
Jedek bellowed, “I don’t hate her, and she’s not evil! I’m doing this to myself!”
Ahnon raised his eyebrows, almost positive his hair had blown straight back with the shout. “Very well, sire. How may I help you feel worse?” Ahnon asked as he bowed. Jedek tried not to smile. “Guess I could kick you in the shin if you would like, that way you can at least have some physical pain,” Ahnon said, holding the bow.
Jedek stifled a laugh, and it came out as a snort. Unable to resist anymore, his face broke into a grin. “Ahnon, please quit bowing. People are going to talk,” Jedek said, chuckling.
Ahnon straightened. “Oh, we care what other people think now. I’m glad you told me because I was fixing to start blowing stuff up.”
Jedek’s chuckle turned into laughter. “Thank you, Ahnon.”
“I don’t know what for, but you are welcome,” Ahnon replied. “Do we still have to keep the dog?”
Jedek dropped down, hugging Minos. “You love him, and you know it. I’ve seen you love on him when you thought nobody was looking.”
“No, sire, I was begging him to chew on your stuff, not mine,” Ahnon replied with a straight face.
“Chew?” Minos asked, panting.
“Not now, Minos,” Jedek said, standing back up. “You think Kenna is as nervous as I am?” he asked.
“I know she is, sire.”
“You’re sure?”
“I made her dress, remember?”
“Oh my, how could I forget? Mother demanded I not see it until today, so I had to stay in the next wing with Michi. Then I had to sit as you made dresses for all the queens and girls for Kenna,” Jedek choked out, laughing.
“Bridesmaids.”
“Girls for Kenna,” Jedek repeated.
“That is how I’ll address them then,” Ahnon replied with a blank face, making Jedek laugh again. “I did make you a nice outfit,” Ahnon reminded him.
“I like the sword you gave me better,” Jedek admitted, grabbing the hilt.
“You better. I forged it twenty years ago for you.”
“I’m not even going to ask,” Jedek said, looking over the wall. “So Kenna is a little worried?”
“She’s practically vibrating in anxiety, sire. Karme almost had to tie her to a chair to start on her hair.”
“You’ve seen her today?” Jedek asked, astonished.
“Yes, sire. That’s what took me so long to get here for our morning walk on the wall.”
“Well, what’s she look like?” Jedek begged.
“Oh, about this tall,” Ahnon held his arm out below Jedek’s shoulder. “Long, thick, golden brown hair with loose curls and green eyes. She’s kind of short and scrawny, but she kind of grows on you.”
“You’re so asking for it,” Jedek warned, grinning.
“I have no idea what you are referring to, sire. But whatever ‘it’ is, I’ll take it if that makes you feel better,” Ahnon said with a faint smile.
Jedek smiled. “You went to see her for me, didn’t you?” he asked.
“Yes, I did, sire, and I assure you if she wasn’t anxious and nervous, I would have taken the appropriate
steps.”
Jedek lunged over Minos, wrapping his arms around Ahnon. “Thank you, Ahnon,” he said, trying not to cry. “You’re always there for me,” he mumbled.
Wrapping his arms around Jedek, Ahnon squeezed him tight. “And I will always be here, sire,” Ahnon promised. “Jedek, you will be fine today. I have the utmost assurance getting married doesn’t kill you.”
“How do you know? You’ve never been married.”
Ahnon laughed. “Well, you’re right there, but I do know several people that have been married, and they all lived afterward. You just have to be strong, Jedek.”
Jedek leaned back. “I’ll be strong. I promise. You’ll be proud of me.”
Ahnon grabbed Jedek and lifted him up in the air. “I’m proud of you now and have been since the day your father made me hold you. Everything else is just a bonus,” Ahnon said and dropped him to his chest, engulfing him in a hug. “I love you, Jedek, and you never doubt that,” Ahnon said, kissing the top of his head.
“I love you too, Ahnon,” Jedek said as Ahnon let him go. “Well, let’s go see if getting married kills me.”
“If it does, then I die first,” Ahnon assured him. Minos came over, licking both of their hands, and Ahnon looked down. “I guess we keep the dog,” Ahnon mumbled, rubbing Minos’ head.
“Play,” Minos said hopefully.
“Don’t you think about anything else?” Ahnon asked, shaking his head.
“Chew,” Minos replied, opening his mouth.
“No, think play,” Ahnon said quickly. “I’m running out of stuff.”
Jedek rubbed Minos and looked up at Ahnon. “Ahnon, why don’t sho-kas wear an amulet?”
“We do. I have one that looks just like yours. A black ahus̆-roc in flight with a sword in his talons.”
“Ahnon, you don’t wear a necklace, and I can’t take mine off.”
Ahnon opened the front of his shirt. “Give me your hand.” He placed Jedek’s hand on his breastbone. “Feel that?” he asked, and Jedek nodded. Ahnon moved Jedek’s hand up both sides of his neck.
Realization set in. “It’s inside of you!” Jedek screamed, causing Minos to drop to his belly.
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