by S. W. Gunn
He said, “Viga I understand formality, however I wish to sit next to the Queen please.”
Viga glanced at Astir, plainly looking for approval. Her smile grew broader before she nodded at them. Daell could tell that she was pleased. Her smile brightened his heart greatly, even with his very sore body beneath him. As they sat him in the chair next to her, he suddenly realized that he was famished. Jordling servants brought out plenty of food for the morning meal. Daell was quite excited to eat. Once he glanced down at the table he realized that he was already in trouble. There was multiple utensils there and he only recognized the knife and a fork. The other four were completely foriegn to him. Astir must have realized his problem as she began laughing loudly. He looked up at her and saw that she was grinning at him. He smiled back embarassingly at her.
Reaching out to him, she gently touched his cheek before saying, “My King do not fret, we will teach you about those. For now please just eat and recover your strength for you will be needing it soon.”
She rose from her chair and began heading out of the dining hall.
Suddenly she stopped before taking another look back at Daell and then stating loudly, “Very soon.”
The look on her face made him realize that she had fully intented on fulfilling her promise from earlier in the turn. As soon as she was out of hearing range both Viga and Hollurn began laughing uproariously.
Viga then clasped both of Daell's shoulders with his hands and then stated, “It seems that you are in trouble my friend. We better get to work on getting your strength back, I would hate to fail my Queen.”
Daell was completely embarrassed and excited at the same time. He knew she was nice, but he had not realized just how saucy she was. It all made him quite happy and eager to learn more about her. His belly rumbled from hunger so he tore into his food with vigor. After he finished his meal Viga and Hollurn again helped him to his feet.
“Where would you like to go?” Viga asked.
Daell needed to feel the earth beneath him. He had no idea what he did at the end of the Kostir, but he knew that he had changed. For some reason he could sense the earth beneath him in a way he never could before. It pulsed and vibrated beneath his feet. The marble floors made it hard for him to properly sense the earth below but he could somewhat sense it.
“Please take me outside, I need to touch the earth.”
They both nodded and began to lead him out.
Hollurn then asked, “Daell what happened to you?”
“What do you mean?”
Hollurn replied, “When we lived in Anddyri you barely could earthcraft and now you seem to have a power that I have never seen in a Jordling.”
Daell shrugged and stated, “I don’t know Hollurn. It just came to me and now everythin’ is different.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well I can sense the earth beneath me in a way I never could. It’s hard to describe, but I feel as though I can make the earth below us do almost anythin’ I want.”
Hollurn nodded solemnly. Daell suspected that he did not fully understand. Once they made it outside a very large pair of doors, Daell found himself flabberghasted. Just outside the back of the palace was a massive garden. It was impressive. He could have never dreamed such a beautiful sight.
Viga asked, “I take it you like the garden?”
In awe Daell replied, “Sayin’ like would be an understatement.”
Viga nodded and said, “I am sure the Queen will appreciate the kind words about her garden.”
Daell grinned at his statement. As soon as they stepped fully into the garden he could fully feel the earth beneath him pulsing. He flipped off the slippers on his feet and as soon as his bare feet touched the ground he felt a strong spark of rejuvenation flow within himself. Raising his arms off of his friends, Daell knelt down to the ground. He then placed his palms on the ground and opened himself to the earth below him. For some reason he could feel its ebb and flow. Heima itself, while not a true being in the same sense as him and his friends, was alive. He could sense it. The ground below him pulsed though his body with vibrancy and he could feel his strength come back to him. While it might take some time for the aching of his body to stop, he could move properly. He stood up on his own.
“How do you do that?” Hollurn asked.
“I just open myself to Heima.”
Hollurn shook his head. Daell could see that he still did not understand and Daell could not think of a way to explain it.
Viga smiled at him and stated, “Either way Daell, I am just happy to see you on your feet.”
Daell exclaimed loudly, “Viga, I’d love to explore everythin’ here!”
Hollurn chuckled before saying, “The Jordling adventurer lives!”
They all laughed.
“Hollurn.” A female voice called out from a distance.
Daell turned and saw Skemmra approaching from the palace doors. She looked both excited and happy. Running up to them she gave Hollurn a big hug.
“The Queen offered me a position on her council!” She said.
Hollurn said excitedly, “That is wonderful Skemmra!”
Daell could see that Hollurn was as happy as she was about the news.
“Where are my manners?” She said before turning to Daell to curtsy and then continue speaking, “It is good to see you on your feet again your Highness.”
Daell shook his head at her and stated, “Skemmra you are one of us, please don’t call me that. I’m just Daell to you.”
“Well then Daell, I am happy to see you are well.”
She gave him a hug, which he responded to by smiling.
“Did Hollurn tell you the news?” Skemmra asked.
“What news?”
“He did not not.” She said with a frown.
She reached out and gave Hollurn a punch on his arm.
“Ouch!” Hollurn said half mockingly.
Daell was sure that she could not hit him hard enough to actually hurt him.
“I’m still waitin’ on this news.” Daell said.
“We are getting married.” She announced happily.
Daell was a little shocked but deep down he knew that their relationship could head that direction.
“Congratulations to the both of you.”
They both smiled.
“When is it goin’ to be?” Daell asked.
“We are still working on that.” Hollurn interjected.
Skemmra added, “Hollurn and I are from very different areas and we are trying to figure out how to coordinate it all for our families and for our friends here.”
Daell stated, “I’d love to attend.”
Skemmra responded to him by saying, “Of course, but we have to wait for the Queen to finish organizing her government before we can start to plan anything.”
Daell understood their reasoning for waiting. He felt a sudden desire to see Astir again.
“Would it be possible for me to see the Queen right now?” Daell asked.
Viga answered, “You can see her anytime you wish, she is your wife.”
Daell then announced, “Well then, I’ll like to go see her.”
It really was going to take a period of adjustment for him to use to the idea of being married and having a wife. It was a problem he would trade for anything in Heima. He chuckled as he thought about Hollurn’s declaration just before the Kostir that Daell’s single life was about to come to an end. It was quite prophetic and Daell still did not believe that he had won, or even how his friends had so much faith in him when he himself had so little faith in himself. He was just joyful to be in the position he now found himself. Slowly he started to walk back towards the palace. As soon as he got to the doors he stopped.
“Ummm... Could someone direct me?” He asked.
His friends all laughed loudly at him.
“I will take you.” Viga announced.
Viga took him through the maze that the was the palace. After wandering through the palace they
stopped at a pair of very large wooden doors.
Viga stopped at the doors and then instructed him, “She is beyond these doors in a meeting with the Grand Council and some of her councillors such as the Primier. You must knock on this door three times and wait for the doors to open. Make sure you refer to her by her title at all times. Also, do not forget that my mother is no longer the Queen. So, no calling her your Majesty, just Councillor will work for her. Do you understand?”
Daell reached out and clasped Viga's wrist before saying, “Thank you my friend. I understand.”
“Very well, good luck then.”
Chapter 2
Astir had already spent the whole morning with her mother, grandmother, and the other members of the Grand Council as they tried finalize her council. The moment she gained the throne her close friend Ofriki became her first council member and the Premier of Heima. Astir was quite impressed with Ofriki because she had transitioned beautifully into her new role, which had actually meant that Astir would have little to do unless an actual decision needed to be made. It was Ofriki and her fellow Vatune who ran the inner workings of Heima and its government. Thinking about her friend’s growth since taking her position actually made Astir smile. Before she had been involved in so much trouble and their time training lead Astir to wonder how she would do once placed in a position of authority, Ofriki had rose to the occasion instantly, which made Astir quite happy. Her council was almost complete and at this point the only issue they had left was what to do with her husband. They could shift and move other councillors to different positions, but finding a position for him was proving quite difficult. The role of military advisor that her father had was transitioned to her brother and Astir had little idea what talents that Daell had which could be utilized in the council.
All of the women in the room were arguing intensely about the problem when seemingly from no where there was three heavy knocks on the door. It was the knock of the King. Astir was curious because Daell was unable to walk without help when she left him this morning.. Had he recovered his strength so quickly? The council members turned and looked at Astir.
Her mother spoke first, “Your Majesty, I thought the King just awoke this morning. Is he already on his feet?”
Astir replied, “He was unable to walk by himself when I last saw him.”
She decided to find out who was knocking on the door so she nodded at the servants who where posted by the door. The doors of the room opened and to Astir's complete surprise, Daell walked into the room. He wore the red robe that she had placed by the bed for him and He was slightly limping, but he still looked wonderful to her. Even though she had seen him so recently, her heart flushed with joy.
Bowing deeply he said, “Good morning your Majesty, I hope I’m not disturbin’ you.”
She grinned widely because she was certain that her brother has been coaching him. Even still, she was much more curious about how he was able to be on his feet so quickly.
“No your Highness. In fact, my councillors and I were discussing you.”
A looking of obvious curiosity struck his face before he stated, “Your Majesty, I’m here at your service.” He said.
Astir was more than sure her brother had coached him. She just nodded in response to his statement.
Her mother spoke, “Your Majesty, perhaps his Highness could take a seat at the table? We might find a resolution to our problem if we have his input on the subject.”
Turning back to Daell Astir asked him, “Your Highness would you join us?”
“For you your Majesty, I’d do anythin’.” He announced.
Ofriki cheekily interjected, “We noticed your Highness.”
Astir could not help but laugh at Ofriki’s comment. Her laughter filled the room, which soon became contagious and all of the women in the room began laughing. Daell smiled bashfully and took a seat in the empty chair next to Astir. After setting down in his chair, with a light groan of pain, he rested his hands on the table in front of himself. Astir wished for nothing more than to touch her husband by holding his hand. She thought about it, was she not the Queen of Heima? She wanted to know, how come she had to follow so many old stiff traditons? Her mother and father never so much as touched each other while in public. She sat there longingly wanting to reach out and take her husband's hand. Astir thought to herself, why should she deny herself something so simple? After a moment of thinking, she decided that she would not so she reached out and gently took Daell's hand, squeezing it softly as she held it. He looked at her and a broad smile grew on his face. She returned his smile. It was right then that she decided that she would be changing a few things.
Ofriki spoke next, “Your Majesty if I may?”
Astir nodded at her.
Ofriki turned and looked at Daell before speaking, “Your Highness part of what makes Heima run so smoothly is not just the way it is organized, but our ability to transfer leadership for each new Queen smoothly. As I am sure you have heard, each Queen has a council of advisors who run certain aspects of Heima for her. The last King served as the head of her military forces. The Queen has already assigned Prince Vigamadir as the head of her military forces. What we are doing at this time is trying to find an appropriate posting for you your Highness. Would you have any ideas as to what you think would be a good post for you?”
Astir again looked at Daell. It was quite clear that he was thinking about the question. He scratched his chin with his free hand and then smiled rougishly. While she did not know him well yet she recognized that smile. It was the smile he gave before he made a humorous comment. She recognized the smile from when he had when he answered her mother's question about the Aett.
“I don’t suppose there is a postin’ on the council for a blacksmith?”
Astir gave his hand a soft squeeze. In response to her squeeze he glanced at her. She could see the twinkle in his eye.
It was clear that Ofriki did not catch his humor because she said quite seriously, “Your Highness, I am afraid not.”
Astir did not know why she did it but she started slowly rubbing the knuckles on his hand and fingers with two of her fingers. The physical contact felt nice to her and his response of a growing grin let her know that he enjoyed it.
“Very well then,” He said to Ofriki, “Let’s see. What else am I good for?”
He paused for a moment, no doubt to seriously consider her question.
Finally he spoke, “This is much harder than one would think. I’m not sure any of my skills are useful in some sort of council role.”
Astir turned to look at her mother as she asked, “Your Highness, what about the time you negotiated a peace with the Hyggja? Certainly you did something to accomplish that?”
Astir looked back at Daell as he answered, “Councillor I suppose I was involved with that. I’m sensin’ that perhaps we need an honest look at my abilities. I’m a blacksmith by trade, I became an explorer by choice, a diplomat by accident, a King by luck, and a husband by love. I can’t honestly think of anythin’ I can do well enough to say that it that would suite my wonderful Queen in rulin’ her people.”
The table was quiet when he finished speaking. Inspiration suddenly struck Astir. Her brother had told her that Daell was involved in training others and then leading them. He had leadership skills that he did not know existed. She realized that if she pushed him into a role, he would thrive. She thought back to everything her brother had told her about Daell and then came to a realization of how to use her husband.
“I have decided what role the King will play in my council.” She announced.
The entire room shifted thier attention to her.
“He shall become my minister for the economy of Heima.”
Everyone sitting at the table looked very confused with her choice.
Ofriki asked, “Your Majesty are you sure that is the right role for the King?”
Astir nodded affirmatively before replying, “We have two choices. We could either let my Ki
ng sit about bored and not participate in our government, which I am certain many within this room would wish to do, or we could simply assign him a task and then teach him what he needs to know.”
Letting go of Daell’s hand she stood before she continued speaking, “I personally have absolute faith that my King will learn, adapt, and excel at any task we give him. I have chosen economy because of his experience with physical materials and people. Who here knows more about the workers of the economies within each city? I have been to each city, as have all of you. But only one person in this room has dealt directly with our people without the facade of politics barring their view, my King has. He has dealt directly with our workers. He knows them. I suspect that they trust him more implicitly than any of us, as he is one of them. He will run my economy. I guarantee he will learn quickly and he will travel to each city in order to ensure that my wishes are being followed.”
Astir sat back in her chair and then reached out and held her husband's hand once again. He squeezed her hand several times.
Her mother was the first to respond, “A wise decision your Majesty. I had not thought of it, but you are right. His Highness has dealt more with the real economy of Heima. No doubt he will have insights about each city that will prove fruitful.”
Her mother smiled at Daell. Astir was quite happy to have her mother so quickly support her.
Ofriki then spoke, “As you wish your Majesty. We shall adjust the council and he shall be the Minister of the Economy. When shall we have him formally take his role? I know he has only recently recovered from his injuries and it would be wise to give him enough time to fully heal before placing any burdens on him.”
The room again turned to Daell who responded by looking directly into Astir's eyes before saying firmly, “I serve at the whims of my Queen. If she wishes me to sit on a council now, I’ll do so.”
She could not have been any happier. It was clear that the little training Viga had given him before entering the room worked nicely and he was already fulfilling his role as King admirably. She chuckled as she thought of the Kostir and the words of Anderskoti. Daell was going to learn quickly and make an excellent King.