The Egg Quest

by Jo Fontana

  “What ceremony?”

  “My coronation.”

  There was a long pause. Reyden didn’t know what to say. Finally, Yoshi decided the matter for everyone.

  “We wouldn’t miss it.”

  “I’ll have the servants escort you. Be ready by dusk,” Gil said with obvious relief.

  There was a knock on Reyden’s door an hour earlier than he expected. He was shocked to see Ryvanna. She started crying at the sight of him. He took her in his arms and led her inside.

  "What can I do?"

  “Exactly what you are doing.”

  Reyden held Ryvanna until she stopped trembling. She stayed with him for over a half an hour. After a while, Ryvanna whispered, “Please, I need to get ready for tonight. I have very little time left to prepare.”

  Reyden took her by the arm and escorted her out of the parlor.

  "I wish for you to come back here later and we can take a walk in the gardens tonight," she murmured to him when they arrived at her chambers.

  “I’m yours to command,” Reyden replied and kissed her hand.

  She thanked him and closed the door behind her. Reyden barely closed his door before there was a knock.

  He flung the door open, then instantly regretted the manner in which he opened it. He realized that he was seeing Gil as a prince for the last time. Reyden cautiously watched Gil to gauge his mindset.

  "How is she?" he asked when Reyden entered.

  "A bit calmer," Reyden replied with relief.

  "What do you need of me?" Reyden asked warily.

  "Just your presence," Gil answered wearily. "Also, maybe you can help keep an eye on Ryvanna."

  Reyden smirked recalling Ryvanna’s request.

  "That can be arranged.”

  The pomp and circumstance that made up the coronation annoyed Reyden. The servant who came to escort him was nervous and awkward and irritated him even further. Reyden saw that there were few empty seats remaining. He followed the guard to the front row and he smirked when some of the nobles looked angry about that. He wasn’t surprised to see that Glynn sat by a pair of older elves. It amused him to see that Glynn resembled his father, but had his mother’s light hair. Glynn’s sister was dark haired and raven-eyed version of her mother. Reyden thought that she was stunning. He noted all the noble families attending, but none was sitting closer than the second row from the front, not even Glynn and his family. He figured the seating was purposeful. Everyone seemed too anxious and too loud. Sarinth stood at the foot of the stairs leading to an elaborate golden throne. He held a scroll in his hands. Ryvanna stood on the other side of Sarinth holding a sword in a scabbard. Reyden wondered why Sarinth had a part in the coronation. He had an egg in his hand, ready to zap Sarinth at a moment’s notice if need be.

  The attendees hushed the minute the horns blasted, announcing the arrival of the king-to-be. Gil was resplendent in sky blue robes. He didn’t look much different, but Reyden knew his friend had transformed somehow by the abrupt change in his manner.

  Gil approached the dais slowly walking in time to the stately music the court musicians were playing. He stopped between Sarinth and Ryvanna who bowed to him, before he continued up to the throne. He stopped just before it and turned to face the crowd. Dariel followed behind him carrying a crown. Sarinth and Ryvanna also slowly advanced up towards the throne.

  The ceremony began with Sarinth reading off Gilryn’s lineage and the duties expected of him as king. Reyden almost fell asleep because it was so long and Sarinth’s voice droned on throughout the reception hall for what seemed like hours. Glynn jabbed Reyden in the back from behind and startled him awake. Reyden gave Glynn a look of pure disgust before turning his attention again towards the throne.

  Dariel turned and addressed the audience. “If anyone who has reason to reject this succession, let him speak now.”

  When no one objected, Dariel placed the crown upon Gil’s head and knelt in front of him. Ryvanna then handed Gil the sword and likewise knelt before him. Sarinth bestowed on Gil, the royal seal of his office specially made for him and knelt before Gil as well. Reyden was exceedingly glad to see this. He’d worried that Sarinth would try to usurp the throne at the last minute. Gil sat on the throne and looked out over the crowd before rising again, and motioned for everyone in attendance to rise as well.

  “Today is tempered by the knowledge we bury my father, the great King Evreth, who was assassinated last night. We will mourn him tomorrow evening. Be assured that justice will come to the one who committed this atrocious crime. Keep in mind that justice is, at times, slow, but know that the offender will be punished.”

  There were gasps and mutterings in the hall after Gil’s announcement. Reyden knew that very few had known the nature of the king’s death before this. He felt honored and humbled that Gil had trusted him with that information. He resigned himself to the fact that he would have to put up with more pomp and circumstance for the funeral the next day. This thought did not please him, but he would do it for Gil’s sake.

  Sarinth confirmed Reyden’s suspicions by the lack of attention he now paid to his and Ryvanna’s interactions during dinner. Reyden figured Sarinth was worried that the crown would go to Ryvanna and that Ryvanna would have chosen someone that was not elven. However, he wasn’t sure that was all that Sarinth was concerned about. Reyden glared at the old goat when he caught Sarinth’s eyes.

  Reyden happily discovered that there would be no reception after the coronation, which was unprecedented, because of the people’s grief for the former ruler. Even though a part of him felt Gil missed what he was due, Reyden was sincerely grateful that he didn’t need to make another appearance until the following day.

  “I can’t wait to leave. I don’t know how much more formality,” he sneered, emphasizing the word, “I can put up with before becoming unbearable myself.”

  “I’m going to hide in the library,” Illithor said.

  “Good idea. Maybe I can find something to magic for Gil.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I think he’s being cheated out of his due with no celebration and all that. I thought I might make him something.”

  “That’s a good idea. We can find information here in the library to give us some ideas.”

  “What about Ryvanna?”

  “I’ll check on her later.”

  Reyden was reading an interesting book when Illithor nudged him again about Ryvanna. Reyden blew it off initially before finally huffing out of the library a half an hour later because Illithor refused to stop pestering him until he checked on her.

  Reyden reluctantly knocked on her door. Reyden though that Ryvanna looked too pleased to see him. He decided to be quick about it and not give her an opening to cause him to stay very long.

  “Reyden, come in,” she said smiling and motioned for him to enter.

  “I can’t, Illithor is waiting for me. I just wanted to see how you were doing.”

  The light in her eyes seemed to dim and her smiled faltered. “I will be fine. I’m sorry that my brother doesn’t get to keep his freedom, but I am happy to have him back.”

  “I’m glad you’re doing all right. I promised Gil that I would keep an eye on you.”

  Ryvanna smiled again. “Thank you, Reyden. Will I see you before the funeral?”

  “You’re welcome. I doubt it. I’m going to be doing research before the funeral because we’ll be leaving early tomorrow.”

  “I see. Sleep well then.”

  “Yes. Sleep well.”

  Reyden waited until she closed her door before returning to the library. He wondered why the exchange made him feel so terrible and decided not to dwell on it. He took a cue from Illithor by burying his nose in the book he had found so interesting earlier.

  Since they were unable to find anything referencing healing symbols, Reyden took a break from reading and explored areas in the palace where he had access. He was looking for something he could magic that would protect Gil. Reyde
n didn’t want to admit it, but he felt that Gil was in a dangerous spot because of them and he wanted to give him something that would deflect attacks. He couldn’t find anything suitable to use, so he decided to pay Glynn a quick visit.

  Glynn’s face was priceless as he opened the door and saw Reyden standing there. Glynn’s sister was in the room and looked a bit upset until Reyden smiled at her; then she beamed.

  Glynn frowned and asked, “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing. I was just wondering if you had anything of Gil’s.”

  “I may. Why do you want to know?”

  Reyden sighed. “I want to enchant it so he’d have something extra to protect him. I couldn’t find anything useful lying around the palace.”

  Glynn looked completely surprised. “Oh. Hold on. My father had a ring repaired for him and I was going to return it to him later.”

  “That will do. I’ll give it to him when I’m done.”

  Reyden smiled at Glynn’s sister again as he took the ring and headed back to the library. He thought it was funny to annoy Glynn too.

  As soon as he entered the library, Illithor asked, “Did you have any luck?”

  “Yes, I have one of his rings.”

  “Perfect, I found some of the court magic worker’s notes. Apparently, they’ve been placing magic into objects for various reasons.”

  “Does any of it mention how to actually do it?”

  “Yes. Use your focus and instead of focusing the magic on the outside of the object, focus it on the inside of the object.”

  “We should both try it at the same time,” Reyden suggested.

  “That’s exactly what I was thinking. We should concentrate on creating a shield around the wearer, which would be Gil, when danger is present.”

  “Precisely,” Reyden said as he took out an egg.

  Illithor held onto his crystal and touched the ring at the same time that Reyden did. A slight shimmer appeared above the ring as the two men focused on it. The egg burst and the crystal glowed intensely. The men looked at each other for a minute. The ring didn’t look any different, but it felt much warmer to Reyden.

  “Interesting,” Illithor said.

  “Make a note of this so we can compare it to other things we magic,” Reyden told Illithor who was already taking out a writing instrument and paper.

  “Hurry up. I want to give this to Gil before the funeral.”

  “I think it would have more impact if you brought it.”

  “Suit yourself.”

  Reyden had expected to encounter hassles in order to give Gil the ring. But it appeared that he had free reign over most areas of the palace. He thought Gil placed a little too much trust in them. When he arrived at Gil’s chambers, the guards nodded at him.

  “I’m here to see the King,” Reyden said.

  The guards opened the door and he walked into the room. Gil was at a desk, with his back to him.

  “You trust me that much?” Reyden sneered.

  “Yes, I do,” Gil replied calmly.

  Reyden walked directly in front of Gil and placed the ring on the desk.

  “How did this end up in your possession?”

  “I got it from your slippery cousin. Illithor and I decided that you couldn’t hide as easily as we can now. So, if Rafe decides to pay you another visit, you could be in trouble. Think of the ring as backup for when we’re not here.”

  Gil stood up and crushed Reyden in a hug.

  Reyden pushed away saying, “Save that for someone who likes that kind of attention. I’ll see you later.”

  Then he smiled briefly at Gil before leaving his chambers. The guards smiled at him as he passed them.

  Reyden was in a very good mood when he returned to the library. He convinced Illithor to nap there instead of going back to their rooms because Illithor seemed as tired as he was. The magic they performed earlier took a lot out of them. Reyden woke up first and cajoled a servant into bringing them brunch. He decided not to leave the library before he had to get ready to attend the funeral. Illithor wasn’t fussing at Reyden to get ready much earlier than he expected.

  When they finally left the library, Reyden dragged his feet while getting dressed. He was tempted to arrive late to the funeral, but a servant knocked on the door and led him to the great hall. Swathes of black fabric decorated the hall. Candles flickered and the room was eerily quiet. Reyden sat shortly before the entrance of the new king. Gil and Ryvanna entered from a side door flanked by Dariel and several guards. The general stood on the dais, next to the king’s coffin. Reyden was glad to see that it was a closed casket.

  When the audience stilled, the general spoke a few words about the former King. When his speech was finished, the procession began lining up, led by their reluctant king and their princess, so everyone could say their goodbyes. Reyden thought the funeral would never end. He estimated that it took him over an hour to pass the coffin, put the customary flower on it, and console Gil and Ryvanna. When the last of the guests had finally left, Reyden led Ryvanna to her rooms before returning to his and enduring a fitful night.

  The next morning, Reyden took his time gathering his things. He didn’t pester anyone and was quiet while eating breakfast. The others talked of their plans for the trek to the plains so Medicine Woman could help Omaric with his memory problems. Reyden was the first to get up when it was time to leave. He silently left the dining room and walked to the stables where the horses were. As he readied Bubbles, he heard footsteps at the stable entrance.

  “Move it, it’s time to leave,” he called out.

  He heard Ryvanna’s voice. “I know that’s why I came now.”

  Reyden whipped around in surprise.

  “I wanted to say good bye,” she said.

  “I didn’t expect you to show.”

  “Why wouldn’t I show?”

  “I was hoping to avoid a painful goodbye.”

  She gave him a small smile. "Reyden, of course I’m saddened that you’re leaving. I’m also grieving my father and my brother’s broken dreams. It is going to be hard now that you will not be here either, but I truly understand.”

  “I know,” he said quietly, hoping not to reveal how painful this really was for him.

  She smiled again, walked over, and gave him a quick kiss. "You have friends in Nava Asari and you will always be welcome here. Maybe one day, I will see you again."

  “I’d like that. Now go before your brother catches us.”

  Reyden led Bubbles outside to where the others were waiting. He saw Ryvanna walk out to catch up with Gil who looked at her questioningly. Ryvanna slipped her arm through his and led him toward the others. Reyden saw that there were turtle transports waiting for them and that Yoshi and Glynn now had horses as well. Gil was also carrying a bulging sack that gave off a delicious aroma. Deverick’s stomach began to growl loudly.

  “How are we going to return them to you?” Reyden asked cautiously, indicating the turtles.

  "I have supplied drivers who will take you to where you need to go. They will return once they have delivered you safely to your destination," Gil said.

  “That’s all right then.”

  "I had the kitchen make you lunch. They took eggs and meat and wrapped them in bread so you can eat while you travel. No mess!" Ryvanna grinned.

  Reyden rolled his eyes when he saw Deverick wipe a bit of drool from the side of his mouth.

  "Well that sack will feed Deverick," Illithor observed. "Is there another for the rest of us to share?"

  “He’s going to have to make do with what he gets,” Reyden replied sharply.

  “There is plenty for everyone,” Ryvanna responded kindly.

  "I think we should get going," Emory prompted.

  “Have a safe trip,” Ryvanna said.

  “Don’t be strangers,” Gil added with a smile.

  Reyden didn’t do prolonged goodbyes so he snorted and loaded Bubbles on one of the transports. However, when he thought no one was looking, Reyden
took a chance, and blew a kiss to Ryvanna as she looked back at him over her shoulder. She grinned and winked at him.

  As they were getting into the carriage, Omaric whispered to Reyden, “I saw that.”

  Reyden stuck his tongue out at Omaric, and then smiled and Omaric grinned back at him. He continued to heckle Reyden for a few minutes and Reyden allowed it without comment. He had a feeling Omaric would never bring it up again. As they lumbered out of Nava Asari, Reyden broke the silence.

  “I think we made sure that Rafe will know that we’re heading to the plains. He shouldn’t return to the palace. I don’t think the Panther Clan will have much trouble with him either because I doubt they really matter to him. Glynn and I had no ties with them before, so he’ll probably bypass the village.”

  “I hope so,” Morgan answered worriedly. “They’re good people.”

  "There are enough skilled warriors there that I doubt Rafe would pose that big of a threat," Emory reasoned.

  "I have heard the plains warriors are some of the best," Yoshi commented.

  "We have yet to see your skills, sword master. I am looking forward to watching you," Reyden stated with amusement.

  "I try not to fight, but there is always someone who gives me no choice.”

  “You can’t always avoid it,” Reyden agreed.

  "Especially when there is always someone out there who wants to fight and they don't care with who," Emory added.

  Reyden moved closer to Emory.

  “I’m learning discretion in which fights or arguments I choose. It’s why I decided against reaming Glynn for his behavior the other night,” he spoke softly, hoping the others couldn’t hear.

  "Honestly, as far as indiscretions go, it wasn’t that bad. And he didn’t cause a scene. I'm not thrilled, but that’s how he is."

  "Yes, I know," Reyden stated with an exaggerated eye roll.

  Glynn approached Reyden. “I hate to interrupt your gripe session about me, but I heard something I didn’t like back in Nava Asari.”

  Reyden refrained from showing his annoyance; his curiosity was too great. “What was that?”

  “I don’t know his final destination, but I’ve confirmed that Rafe is heading back west.”