by Neil Breault
***
Mikol and Bayle hurried to the main dining hall. They had only taken as much time as needed to be presentable. Mikol did not think anyone would actually talk to them but wanted to make sure they did not incite screams of disgust from their earlier exertions. They entered from a side door to survey the dining hall and Mikol smiled to himself. They were not late. The dining hall was only partially full. They slipped in quietly and found their seats.
Raifaran sat on the throne, already drunk, or maybe still drunk, Mikol could not tell these days. Mikol assumed the king’s clothing had started clean this morning, but the front of his shirt was stained with grease and wine. It was hard for Mikol to see his father like this. He could almost remember when his father was full of life and did not need wine to get through the day. But ten years ago Queen Evion died. The kingdom had already been dealing with the loss of the Heir Consort. The Royal Runes prolonged the life of the Queen but did not extend the childbearing years. The Heir Consort had to be chosen when the king wanted to have children that would become heirs. This was Mikol and his brother’s mother. Raifaran had been close to both women, and their absence was felt throughout the kingdom. If Raifaran had time to grieve for one before the other died, Mikol felt he would not have fallen so far. The seat next to the king was left empty.
Perim entered one of the side doors, followed by his command staff. The stress of being the general of the army had aged him considerably since last Mikol saw him. His hair, once brown, had turned almost fully white. At first glance it would seem Perim was the eldest brother, but he was five years younger than Arceri. Perim sat down next to the king, whose only acknowledgement of his son was to loudly ask for another glass of wine. Mikol and the rest of the party skillfully avoided watching the king’s display. Thankfully, a servant rushed to the king’s side with a new flask of wine. The king settled down immediately as his glass was refilled.
Mikol looked over the other council members arrayed around the main table. He had rarely seen them dressed in better attire. They sat attentively waiting, and Mikol knew they were trying to impress Arceri, who was king in all but name. The coronation of a new king generally happened on their fiftieth birthday or sooner. Mikol had heard speculation that Raifaran was too drunk to remember, and still others said Raifaran was testing Arceri. Whatever the reason, it had brought strife between factions in the court for the last five years. To Mikol it seemed a boon: As all the council’s attention focused on Raifaran and Arceri, it gave them little time to harass him as the future Archon.
Turos entered from the main door, dressed more extravagantly than Mikol had ever seen him. While Mikol had never been certain about current clothing trends, he was certain no one else would be wearing anything Turos wore. He strode confidently over to the main table, his cane tapping in time with his stride. He sat at his usual seat near the king. Raifaran sat upright in his chair and eyed Turos. Turos smiled widely to his father and gave a seated bow.
“What did I tell you about those outlandish outfits?!”
“Not this again. It is perfectly...”
“I don’t care what you think is acceptable! We’re not savages. It’s not respectable. You shouldn’t even be here!”
Mikol was glad to be standing far enough away from the explosive confrontation between father and son. Accustomed to this outrage, those in attendance turned away from the king again. Only Mikol and a few of dignitaries continued to watch the outburst. Mikol gasped when Raifaran threw his wine glass at Turos to end the conversation, yelling at the same time for a new glass of wine. Turos would have run out of the hall, but Perim quickly moved behind Turos as he stood up. There was a quick exchange between brothers. Mikol could not hear what was said but had seen many of these conversations before. Perim, ever the diplomat, was convincing Turos to rise above the situation and calm himself. Mikol could see Turos inhale deeply to compose himself. He raised his head high, turning back to the assembled crowd. He nodded to those few that met his gaze as he sat down. The glass had left a very unflattering stain on his blouse resembling closely that of the king’s own.
All conversations stopped when Voletain entered from the main door. He only nodded to the crowd and walked to his seat at the king’s right. Voletain had changed into his robes of office. It was something Mikol had seen before, but he knew it was only something Voletain wore to impose his presence. It worked on most of the assemble crowd, as no one dared to speak until he had passed them. Immediately as he sat down, Voletain locked eyes with Mikol and motioned for Mikol to sit next to him.
“I don’t envy you,” said Bayle as Mikol hurried away. Mikol shot him a glance that could have cut glass. He made his way to the main table. Since Mikol had become apprentice, his status had changed, and his normal seat at the far end of the main table was moved next to Voletain and the king. Ever dutiful, Mikol walked over to his father first and bowed to him. Raifaran smiled widely and wrapped his son in a big embrace.
“What have you brought me from Casparan?” asked Raifaran. This was not the first time the king had confused his sons, but it was the first outside of private gatherings. Mikol tried not to look at those nearest him. His face became flushed as those seated closest turned their heads away. He had become part of the spectacle. He was grateful as Voletain interceded and spoke with Raifaran. Voletain pushed Mikol to the side and indicated the chair. Mikol obeyed and quickly sat down. The remaining guests arrived in a very short time, and the main hall filled up quickly. There was a murmur running through the crowd, and a tense energy overcame those waiting for Arceri. He arrived only moments after everyone was seated. His entrance was as extravagant as ever. He flourished his cloak and bowed to everyone in the room. There was a cheer as he made his way to the front of the room in front of the king.
“I come bearing wonderful news from the north,” said Arceri. “Casparan has maintained their independence from the savage kingdoms for more than three hundred years. Many warlords have tried to invade, and Casparan has repelled them all. King Nico Salveram has decided they will not be isolated anymore, and with open arms signed a trade accord with Ternia.” Applause erupted from the room. “This will benefit both countries and will bring many years of continued peace.” Another round of cheers and applause. “There is but one catch.” The room became quiet. “He demanded his daughter be married before the treaty was finalized. So I present to you the future queen of Ternia, Princess Juna.”
Arceri gestured to the door and every head turned to see the woman who had ridden in with Arceri earlier in the day. Her riding leathers were replaced by a long, flowing, golden dress, accentuated by daylight streaming through the door and reflecting off every golden stitch. Mikol cocked his head slightly to the side. There was not a window or opening that would allow the sun to shine so brightly inside this room. He looked at his brother and was rewarded with a knowing wink from Arceri. Juna started forward slowly to meet Arceri. No one in the room seemed to breathe. Ternia had remained closed to any country for thousands of years. Every marriage had been a Ternian union. Mikol did not know what to think. Looking around, he saw that no one else did, either. Regardless of the future, he knew what needed to be done now. Mikol stood up and raised his glass to his brother.
“To the future King and Queen of Ternia. Long shall they live.” The room exploded in cheers and applause.
Chapter 2
Arceri
Over the next couple of weeks Arceri could not find anyone not preparing for his wedding except for himself. Since he had announced his engagement, the city and especially the castle were alive with activity, but no one was involving him. He had nothing to do but wait. When he had tried to get involved he found that one servant or another led him away. The first couple of days he became angry that no one listened to him, but he came to realize he actually had time to himself for once. After this revelation he began to wander the halls of the castle for the first time since he was a child.
Every day he left his room with no goal
in mind, choosing hallways by chance. He remembered exploring as a child and being dumbfounded by its size. While it was not as large as his memory told him, he had not walked the same path twice yet. He took time to marvel at all the castle held. He pitied the Casparanians; they had been without magic for thousands of years. Here, every hallway Arceri walked down was filled with runed sconces pouring light out when someone was near and extinguishing themselves when no one was around. Arceri stopped in front of a sconce. He thought back to his early teaching, searching for how the sconces actually worked. He could not remember what type of magic had been infused within them. He pondered if they detected life or movement. He wondered how slowly he could move and not make a sconce light up. Spotting the next dark sconce down the hall, Arceri took on a statue-like pace. Hearing battle noises coming from a nearby corridor, he forgot about the sconces and darted away.
Arceri heard the sounds from the raven courtyard and raced to it. Beyond the doorway, Mikol and Bayle were sparring. Relieved to not find a true battle, Arceri sat down at the edge of the courtyard, acknowledging a few of the onlookers who noticed his presence. Arceri watched the match with rapt attention. Arceri could see improvement in Mikol since he last watched him. Mikol’s movements were quicker, cleaner, and more precise. Arceri chuckled to himself, remembering the first time Mikol had picked up a sword. Had it been a real sword Mikol swung around that day he would have been hopping around on one leg. As it was, he had only sustained a large bruise on his leg for several weeks.
Arceri knew Bayle had not been interested in sparring with Mikol or learning about tournaments. He envied Mikol having such a good friend as Bayle. Arceri admired how quickly Bayle had learned to spar such that he now gave Mikol quite a challenge. The fight seemed to be coming to a close as Mikol pushed forward. This caused Bayle to side step and leave an opening. Mikol took full advantage of it, and his blade disappeared into Bayle’s chest. Everyone in attendance cheered for Mikol. Withdrawing his sword, Mikol gave the crowd a bow. Bayle gasped for breath before shaking his head and clapping Mikol’s shoulder.
“You’ve gotten better since I saw you last,” said Arceri.
“I’ve grown up a bit too,” said Mikol. “It’s been awhile since you beat on your baby brother. I’ve learned a few things.” Mikol nodded to Bayle. “No thanks to him. Though he does make a good practice dummy.”
“Ha ha ha,” said Bayle. “You know I just let you win.”
“Really? You must really like getting beaten. I just hope you know how to really use a sword when we finally get to explore the Savage Kingdoms. Most people don’t use magic training blades.” Bayle snorted as Mikol offered his hand to his friend.
“Come on, brother,” said Mikol. “You look like you need something to do.”
Mikol grabbed the blade from Bayle and tossed one to Arceri, who snatched it out of the air and fell into a well-disciplined stance. He added several flourishes for the crowd. Cheers and applause erupted from the courtyard again.
“Showoff,” said Mikol. “Come on then.”
They both stepped into the ring and took up positions. Arceri noted Mikol’s new stance. Not recognizing it, he stepped into a different stance to allow for a defense. Before they could start they heard yelling from the hallway. A distressed man burst in to the courtyard, yelling for Arceri. The man, a servant of the king, nodded to Mikol and looked around the court for Arceri before realizing he was Mikol’s partner. Arceri waited for the man to come to him.
“Your Highness,” said the servant, “A messenger has arrived from Casparan.”
“What is the message?”
“He would not say. It is sealed and he would only give it to you. He is waiting for you in the main hall.”
“I will be right there,” Arceri said. “Mikol, it looks like we shall have to do this another time. Though, with my wedding the day after tomorrow, it might be a little longer before I get to show you up.”
Arceri winked at Mikol and flipped the blade back to him. Arceri followed the servant back to the main hall. When he arrived in the hall it was filled with people, though he knew many were there preparing for his wedding. Arceri noted the king was seated in the throne, whether from the night before or because he had been summoned recently, Arceri could not tell. Little fanfare was made as he made his way through the bustle to the messenger. Arceri recognized the orange sun of Casparan on the man’s tunic. Seeing Arceri, the man bowed deeply and gave him the sealed missive. Arceri broke the seal and read through the letter.
Arceri,
I did not expect to call for the help of Ternia so soon, but I have no other choice. Casparan has never been a strong military power but we have been able to survive. I fear if what my patrols are telling me is true, we cannot not survive. The newest warlord has been seen leading an army the likes of which has not been seen in centuries. By the time you get this letter, Eocara will have finished preparing the travel stones that link our kingdoms. I ask that you and your elite Paragon unit come and lead my armies to victory. This Sibilovan army is still a month away from all reports received. I am sending this messenger with the utmost haste to allow you time to prepare.
King Nico Salveram
P.S. Please keep Juna safe.
He had to read the letter several times to understand the depth of the words. Each time he read the words, his face grew into a deeper scowl.
“Send for my Paragons,” said Arceri to no one in particular. “Tell them to meet me by the Eagle’s Gate.” Arceri looked to his father and saw he was still asleep from the night before. His wine glass lay empty at his feet. Arceri shook his head and hurried down a hallway leading away from the Eagle’s Gate. Several servants jumped away to avoid being trampled; Arceri only noticed they were not in his way anymore. He arrived at Omoni’s study and burst in. Omoni sat behind his desk poring over a tome. He quickly looked up at the intrusion and smiled at Arceri.
“Why didn’t you know where this warlord was?” asked Arceri as he threw down the letter on the desktop. Omoni picked up the letter and read through it. Arceri started to tap his foot.
“I don’t know,” said Omoni. “I can only guess they have been using magic to cover their movements. We have not been able to track their army since it left Greymount last year. At least not through magic. We have gotten word of an army moving through Sibilova but the reports were very ... contradictory.”
“I want you to take your wardens east in to Sibilova and quickly travel north until you have found this army,” said Arceri. “I will take my Paragons to Highbarrow now and help prepare their defenses. If this letter is correct we have a week before the army arrives in full.”
“I shall see it done, Your Highness,” said Omoni.
***
Arceri paused outside of the guest suite where Juna resided until after their wedding. He took a deep breath before knocking on the door. He walked in when he heard her answer. Juna stood near the window. The sunlight streamed through, presenting a breathtaking silhouette. Arceri paused and admired her from afar. He was grateful that King Nico’s daughter was beautiful, as he had never seen her before he agreed to marry her.
“Sorry to bother you.”
“My lord, there is nothing to offend.”
Arceri strode forward again.
“You don’t need to call me lord. I told you that. This has started as an arranged political marriage, but we will both live far longer than normal couples to be so formal.”
“Yes, my ... Arceri.”
Arceri smiled at Juna. Her cheeks flushed slightly at his gaze. He forgot the world and its troubles for a moment and stood staring at her, thinking of their life together.
“Was there something you needed?”
It was Arceri’s turn to blush. He turned his head and coughed to try and cover it up. Turning back, he saw Juna’s lips turn up ever so slightly at the ends.
“Yes. Sorry, I received a message from your father.”
“My father? Is he ok?”
; “I assume so. He didn’t say anything otherwise. He sends for help against the Sibilovan Army. Apparently, this new warlord as decided to prove his worth by uniting all of the Savage Kingdoms. Even if they do not want be united.”
“Does he want me to return?”
“No. He wants you to stay in Valefort. He does not want you to come to harm. But when I see him I will be asking him how he came to propose this marriage just in time to see you away from Casparan.
“You don’t think my father would risk his country to save his daughter, do you?”
Arceri stared into Juna’s green eyes, looking for some sign of emotion. He new she was against the marriage at the beginning but finally acquiesced to her father’s wishes. Arceri had not been ready to choose his wife so soon. He had planned on slowly looking for one over the next fifty or hundred years. Nico’s proposal had come as a surprise, but Arceri did see the advantages of uniting the kingdoms after hundreds of years. Arceri wanted to unite all of the lands that had once been Ternia thousands of years ago. Being able to take a step in that direction peacefully was worth an early marriage. He could not be certain of King Nico and Casparan as a whole, but having a princess outlive the next five or six kings of a nation did tend to secure the relationship.
“No. No, I don’t. But I will certainly ask him about it when I see him.”
“Of course. How long do you think you will be gone?”
“I don’t know. It all depends on how serious this Warlord is about taking Casparan, or if he is just posturing.”
Arceri reached out and grabbed Juna’s hand.
“I am sorry I have to leave before our wedding. I have grown up in Valefort, but I know it is still foreign to you. I promise I will come back as soon as I can so we can build a relationship that lasts hundreds of years.”