by S. W. Gunn
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To learn more about the world of Heima, please visit www.swgunn.com/Heima
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Heima:
Challenge to the Crown
By S.W. Gunn
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Heima: Challenge to the Crown© 2016 by S. W. Gunn
All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher.
For more information contact:
4109 W. Lydia Ln.
Phoenix, AZ 85041
www.swgunn.com/greenwhale
Design by S.W. Gunn
Cover by Johnny Marrow and S.W. Gunn
Digital ISBN 978-0-9861377-1-6
Print ISBN 978-0-9861377-0-9
FIRST EDITION December 2016
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To my own sweet Princess Astir, love you my little cutie!
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Prelude
Astir continued to kiss Daell, who weakly kissed her back. His lips were soft and she wished to keep kissing him however she knew that his strength had long since passed so she broke her kiss and looked at him. Slowly his eyes opened before he gave her a weak smile, which she responded to by smiling joyfully. Suddenly his eyes rolled back before he slumped forward into her arms. Astir was initially shocked but then struggled to hold herself up under his weight. Fear and panic raced through her heart. Her brother and his Jordling friend stepped forward. They gently lifted Daell up and their Vindiri friend placed her hand out to aid Astir in standing. Astir's heart was pounding heavily. She did not hear who it was, but someone called for doctors to be summoned. It was a very brief wait before a doctor raced up to Daell, who was on now laying on his back. One of the doctors, an older Vindiri man in a plain white tunic and trousers, knelt down and placed some of his fingers on the side of Daell's throat. He then slowly examined Daell.
After some time the doctor rose from his kneeling position and announced, “He will live. He needs some ministriation, but he will live.”
Astir had not realized it but she holding her breath and the words of the doctor brought instant relief. The crowd around them once again cheered loudly.
Astir’s mother approached them and gently placed her left hand on Astir's shoulder as she calmly said, “Your Majesty do not fret, your King will recover soon enough. We must escort him back to the inn. It is best that he recover on a bed and not the hard ground, even with his apparently strong bond with it.”
Astir glanced up to her mother and said, “Yes your Majesty.”
Her mother laughed and said, “Sorry your Majesty, you are the Queen around here, I am just Councellor Drottni.”
Her father casually strolled up her mother and placed his arms around her mother's waist. He had a large grin on his face.
He coyly announced, “I have been waiting twenty five harvests to be able to show proper affection to my beautiful wife.”
After speaking he finished speaking, he scooped her into his arms and kissed her passionately. Astir was surprised to see his affection. In Bygod he rarely so much as touched her mother in public. She turned away from them and saw that her new husband was being surrounded by a large crowd of Jordlings. The level of care that they showed as they gently picked him up and slowly began to walk towards the inn impressed her. Astir longed to follow him. She glanced back at her mother and father.
Her father, who was still embracing her mother said, “Go with your King your Majesty, he needs you.”
She nodded to him and began to follow Daell. She took a few steps and saw her brother break away from the crowd that was following Daell.
He walked up to her and offered his left arm before saying, “Your Majesty while I am not your husband, the King, I would be honored to escort the Queen of Heima.”
Giving him a kind smile she laced her arm around his. They started to follow the Jordlings carrying Daell. Astir leaned her head against Viga's shoulder as they walked.
“Viga it is probably going to be pretty busy for me for the next turns, I just wanted to make sure I thanked you.”
“For what your Majesty?”
She answered, “For everything... It was you who got him to enter the Kostir. If you did not, I would have ended up marrying some other man.”
Giving a shrug he stated, “Your Majesty, I only did what I knew I had to.”
“But how did you know? How did you know he was the one for me? How did you know he would win?”
Viga grinned wickedly before asking, “Surely you saw something special about him that first turn I brought him out?”
With a nod she answered his question by saying, “I did.”
“Well imagine spending a cycle with him. He is literally everything that I said he was, and more. Once he recovers you will see.”
Astir could see the sincerity in his eyes.
“I saw his power on display.”
Viga shook his head and said firmly, “That is just it. He did amazing things with earthcrafting only one time before the Kostir. I do not know exactly what he just did, but according to Hollurn, no Jordling has that power.”
“It was written on the faces of the Jordlings around us.”
There was a brief pause before her brother stated, “It is not his powers that make him special. There is something about him. I wish I could explain it to you, but I cannot. You will find out soon enough.”
Astir just nodded at his words. She was unsure what she could even say in response to such a powerful statement. They finally arrived at the inn.
As they walked into the door of the inn Viga gave a wicked grin and announced, “Now we are just going to have to teach him how to be a King, fast.”
“I know just the teacher.” Astir replied with a chuckle.
Looking at each other knowingly, they said in unison, “Fregna.”
Both laughing as they spoke her name.
“My poor husband does not know what he is in for.”
Viga nodded. They walked up the stairs and into Astir's room. As they entered the room, Astir saw the doctors slowly cleaning Daell's wounds and softly rubbing some ben oil on his bruised skin.
After they were done, one of the doctors approached Astir and bowed deeply before stating, “Your Majesty he is badly injured but none of his wounds are life threatening at this point. All he will need is about three turns of bed rest and he shall recover.”
Viga asked, “Is he well enough to transport to Bygod?”
“Your Highness as long as he is transported carefully, however I would wait one turn before doing so.”
The doctor waved at the others and they all shuffled out of the room. Astir was overwhelmed with relief. She had went through all of that for the right husband, she would have been heartbroken to lose him. Walking slowly, she approached him lying on the bed. He looked so peaceful as he slept. Reaching out, she gently held one of his hands. She leaned slightly closer to his face and began stroking his bruised cheek. The beating had taken left her in awe and made her quite upset that she had not listened to her heart during the Tilkall. If she had, he would have never had to take so much punishment since he would have won two events and only would have had to compete in the last event if Skyansam had defeated Anderskoti. She sighed heavily. Her brother moved next to her and placed his arm around her shoulders.
He calmly said to her, “Astir, whatever it is you are thinking, do not think it. Daell literally moved Heima itself for you and I know he would do it again. Instead of going down the line of thought that you are dragging yourself, treasure him for what he is, for soon he is going to waken and he will need you as m
uch as you need him.”
She had tears of guilt in her eyes. She smiled as she looked up to Viga before saying, “Let us get him home Viga.”
Chapter 1
Daell's eyes slowly opened. He had the strangest dream that he could ever recall having. In his dream he traveled all of Heima and then married the Princess of Heima. The sun still had not risen so instead of getting up, he just shifted his weight on the bed that he was lying on to get more comfortable. As he moved he bumped into someone, which he found very confusing. He slowly turned over and saw a figure lying on his bed with thier back to him. Slowly moving closer, he could tell that it was without a doubt a female form on his bed. He leaned even closer until he could see her. When he finally was able to identify the person shock rocked his world. It was the Princess of Heima! That was no dream, he really did win the Kostir and was now married to the woman of his dreams. His heart began to beat rapidly. Since Daell did not wish to wake her, he tried not to make the tiniest of movement. The room was so quiet that he could hear her soft and even breathing, which told him that she was in a deep sleep. The smells of flowers surrounded them, he could tell was coming from her and it caused her to smell absolutely wonderful. Her delicate face was completely calm as she slept. She was more beautiful than anything that he had ever seen in his life.
As Daell lay there watching her sleep he realized that his whole body was sore. So much so that he could barely move his legs at all. After some time the sun began to peek into the room, which allowed him to take in his surroundings. He had no idea where he was. It was an opulently designed bedroom of some kind. The bed that they were laying on was the largest that he had ever seen in his life, much bigger than probably all of the beds in his old home put together. Glancing at himself, he noticed that he was only wearing a pair of sleeping trousers and that his body was still heavily marked with both bruises and bandages on the spots that he remembered being cut by the Aldarnari's sword. It all did not matter to him now because he would do it all again for her. She stirred slightly, which caught his attention. Her eyes then slowly fluttered open.
“Daell!” She screamed out as she spotted that he was awake.
The speed and joy in which she flung herself into his arms was surprising to him. She had ended on top of him when she cast herself at him.
“You are awake.” She said joyously.
Daell nodded at her as he said, “I am.”
She began kissing him slowly. He was hesitant at first, but passion soon overtook him. A sudden and loud knocking on the door began.
“Your Majesty are you alright?” A panicked female voice called out loudly through the door.
Astir broke their kiss before she chuckled and slowly stroked the side of his face with her left hand.
She then sighed as she said, “I guess you have been given a reprieve from me, we best let everyone know you have recovered.”
Daell shook his head as he sincerely stated, “I’d never wish a reprieve from you.”
She kissed him again before saying, “Let us go, we can continue this private discussion later.”
“Could we have someone come and aid me in standin’? It appears my muscles are sore and not quite workin’ as well as normal. If I could have some help outside, I might be able to stretch them out some.”
“I feel so horrible about that. If I had voted right during the Tilkall you would ha”
Daell interrupted her by placing one of his fingers on her lips.
“No, that doesn’t matter. All that matters is we’re here together now.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks, which Daell slowly smudged away with his fingers. He smiled happily at her which she responded to by kissing him yet again. It was a sensation that Daell knew he would treasure every time. After breaking their kiss she separated herself from him and stood up. She then picked up a small bell and rang it. Suddenly the door of the bedroom flung open and five Jordling women of different ages entered.
Astir commanded in a firm tone, “Please call for Master Hollurn and Prince Vigamadir to come aid the King from bed, he wishes to go for a walk.”
It was going to take some time for him to get used to being called things like King or Highness because it was not something that he had strived for. He knew that it was an adjustment he would have to work hard on making. Daell sat up.
One of the Jordling women replied to her command, “Yes your Majesty.”
She then left the room, closing the door behind her. The other women immediately began scurrying around Astir as they removed her evening wear. It was a sight Daell that found himself enjoying immensely. He was ashamed to admit it, but he had never seen a woman outside of her clothing. Sadly, the quickly moving handmaidens had blocked his view and he was only able to catch minor glimpses of Astir's bare skin before she was dressed in an elegant looking red dress. The dress had a tight fitting bodice with proper short sleeves that connected around her neck but left a square shaped exposed area over the top part of her chest, he himself liking it quite a bit. She had her eyes closed while some sort of reddish material was applied to her eyes and lips. As she opened her eyes she saw him admiring her top.
A wicked smile grew on her face as she stated, “I picked this dress specifically to wear once you awoke, I can see you approve of it.”
He blushed a deep red that almost matched the color of the top.
“As I had hoped.” She said with an evil chuckle.
He nodded shyly. It would seem that he had much more to learn about women than he had thought. Daell did not initially notice her skirt, but as she moved he saw that it was a long flowing red affair with multiple white ribbons that flared out all around her. It brushed slightly against the floor. He liked it, just not as much as the top.
Astir walked to his side of the bed, brought her lips next to his ear and whispered, “I know that you were peeking as I dressed. Tonight I will let you see what you missed this morning.”
She stood straight back up before she winked at him, turned away and then sashayed towards the door. The handmaidens opened it and she left. Daell spotted Viga and Hollurn standing outside the door. They both bowed deeply as she approached.
In unison they said, “Good morning your Majesty.”
She replied, “Good morning”
Daell could not see her face but the smiles on both Viga and Hollurn's face let him know that she was as happy as he was. As soon as she was out of sight both men entered the bedroom. As they entered Daell could tell immediately that Hollurn was happy to see him.
Joyfully Hollurn said, “Daell I am so glad to see that you are awake.”
Daell grinned as he said, “I’m glad to be awake.”
Viga chuckled and asked, “Your Highness, how was your first morning of marriage?”
Daell laughed and then said to them, “Please don’t start that King and your Highness stuff with me, you’re my best friends”
They both nodded at him.
He continued speaking, “But to answer your question, I’d only say that it’s none of your business.”
They both laughed at his reply.
“Always the gentleman.” Hollurn said.
Viga stated, “Let us see if we can get you out of this bed and moving around.”
As they slowly helped him off the bed and into a thick red robe Daell asked, “Where in Heima are we anyways?”
Viga answered, “We are at the Royal Palace located on Bygod. Where else would the Queen and King of Heima live?”
Daell still could not believe it. He was a blacksmith's son and now he was the King of Heima. Hollurn and Viga each took one of Daell's arms hooked them over their shoulders to aid in him walking. They guided him to the restroom and gave him time to utilize the facilities before again aiding him back on his feet. Slowly they walked through the large bedroom and down a long hallway.
Daell asked curiously, “Viga, I know this might seem like a silly question, but what exactly does a King do.”
“Technically the
King only has two responsibilities. The first will be a position assigned to you by the Queen within her ruling council and the second is to provide her with an heir.”
Daell asked, “An heir?”
Viga laughed at him and then said, “It is probably going to be the easiest part of your job. After all Heima cannot continue without a Princess to eventually take the Queen's position. I suspect you might have already gotten started on that responsibility.”
They both laughed as Daell blushed.
He felt a sudden urge to change the subject so he asked, “And what of this position within the council?”
Viga said, “Subject change, nicely played Daell.We have a council of advisors who run various aspects of Heima. I am unsure of what position my sister has in mind for you yet. She is still forming her council. I suspect you will get some training.”
“Trainin’?” Daell asked.
Viga replied, “Oh no Daell. I am not helping you on that one. You will find out about her soon enough.”
With a look of confusion on his face Daell asked, “Her? Are you talkin’ about Astir?”
Viga shook his head as he replied, “No, you will find out about her soon enough, for now let us get you healthy.”
During the conversation they had made their way through the palace and to the massive dining hall. As they entered the hall, he saw Astir sitting at the end of a long table. She was eating the morning meal.
“Your Highness it is a pleasure to see you on your feet.” She said.
Daell was initially unsure of her formality.
Viga whispered in his ear, “We have to be formal when in view of others.”
Daell nodded and said to her, “Thank you your Majesty.”
She smiled at his words. Viga guided them to the other end of the long rectangular table, away from Astir, which he could only guess was where the King sat for meals. Daell did not want to sit there, he wanted to sit by Astir.