by M. J. Sewall
“Call me what you like, as long as you deliver,” said the woman, “Why won't you let me help you? I have other thinkers and builders who could assist you. They could get the ingredients for you. It would make building these things much faster,” said the woman.
“And have your spies steal my secrets? I think not, mother of the living god. I will deliver them all for the agreed price, on my own.” He realized he was worrying too much, even if they knew about one or two of the items, it took three special ingredients, plus the exact mixing was crucial. I am safe as long as she needs me.
She bowed slightly, responding to her correct new title, “I see. You are a fool to turn down my help, but as long as you deliver them on time, I will have to be content with that. I just hope my son will be. The living god's moods have been… well, hard to predict lately.”
“Yes, more are thrown over the cliff every day. Are there any more men to steal from the floating city?” said Seefer.
“Do not speak of matters that don't concern you.”
He bowed, but just a little, “The last five hundred will be on time.”
“I need an extra two hundred. Things have changed. I must have extra protection. Things went badly in the Kingdom of the Thirteen.”
“I… I did not know we were talking to other kingdoms. What has our god done?”
“You will be happy to know your little toys can take down their flying ships. My agents did well, but their kings live.”
“You tried to kill their kings? They will burn down this forest!”
The woman stepped very close to Seefer and grabbed his throat, “They wouldn't dare. My son is a god. He will blow them from the sky. They have been warned. So have you, worm,” She was so close he could smell her foul breath, “and if you ever threaten my life again, I will tell the living god to cast you from the cliff chained to your little toys.” She let go of Seefer, “Finish your work. I will have guards outside night and day until you do.”
“That is not what we agreed…”
“Our god has changed the agreement. Finish your work,” she did not wait for a response, and simply left.
Seefer stood, shaking with anger. She did scare him, no matter how much he pretended that she didn't. The insane were unpredictable. But, if she has angered the Kingdom of the Thirteen, with their airships…. The thought made Seefer realize he would have to make his escape sooner than he had planned. He wished he could pray for those he had to leave behind, but he had stopped believing in gods.
Chapter 8: Rumblings
“Why shouldn't we get what's ours?” said Domen.
A cheer rose in the drinks house. Domen and his friends had convinced half the room with their loud talk of change in the Kingdom of the Thirteen.
“Here, here!” shouted an old man from the corner. Another old man close to the bar just turned and shook his head.
“Why shake your head, old man from the days of Trunculin?” Domen sneered, “It's a new day, but the same old rotted system. Trunculin may be dead, but a boy he chose still sits on the king's chair. Two false king's, even!”
More cheers. A section of the room grew quiet as Cossca stood. They were just talking and drinking, but they all knew Cossca was their leader. He wasn't very tall, but his thick neck and deep dark eyes demanded respect. Everyone knew how strong he was, and he was always the one left standing when drinking turned into fighting. Everyone listened.
“The kings don't even bother to speak to us lowly people,” Cossca said loudly, “Some say one of them is hurt, some say he's dead, and that man with the patch is really running the kingdom now.”
“It's true. But it's worse than that. At Trunculin's trial they promised to end corruption.” offered one of Cossca's friends.
“The palace is as corrupt as ever!” shouted another.
“Only a few councilors have been put on trial, the rest still make laws while we sit here, no work, little coin to buy food. I say something has to change.” Cossca said, sloshing his cup around.
An old man spoke up, “Drunken idiots. Things have changed. They have thrown many old laws out, the trials of corrupt councilors have begun. Things don't change in a day. You can spout your nonsense, but Brenddel's not waiting at that door anymore, ready to have you taken off, to shut you up. The young have no patience.”
They all went silent for a moment, before Cossca said, “We all heard the stories, but in the end, Brenddel turned on Trunculin. The courts found him guiltless. I raise a toast to our fallen Firstman Brenddel.” Much of the room toasted. One man stood up, limping badly. He threw his glass down. It shattered on the floor.
“No! I won't drink to that monster,” said the man, “He turned too late. I still walk with this limp after being in one of his interrogation rooms, deep in the palace. Do I ever get to walk straight again? No! May that monster rot!” he spat next to his broken glass.
The anger in the room ramped up. Shouts flew back and forth. Clearly there would be a fight any moment. Cossca stood again, “Enough! The enemy is not in this room. The enemies are in the palace.”
“The people have spoken. Asa and Gordon were kept kings by the crowds,” shouted a young man, slurring his words.
“Oh really? That's what they say. How do we know?” Cossca said, “Were you there that day? Did you shout their names? The whole kingdom wasn't there. Were our shouts counted? They didn't speak for me!”
“I was there!” said an old man.
“So was I!” shouted another.
Cossca screamed, “Ah yes, my friends. The crowds that day may have decided to let Trunculin's little pets rule us. I have no quarrel with the boys, they say that they are kind and fair. But this isn't Artoth. One king rules here, chosen by fate, not monsters. I say something is still rotten in the palace. After Trunculin, they said palace business would be 'clear as glass.' I say that they lied!”
Domen added, “And what about Brenddel? Love him or hate him, he was our Firstman. What's being done about that? I've seen no airships leaving to attack our enemies. It's time for a change, from the palace foundation right to the top. Let's turn the triangle upside down so the people are on top!”
There were more cheers. It was hard to tell if it was the talk or the drink that was winning over more men. Then another man stood up.
“Do you really want to do something? Or just talk us to death?” said a short man, walking boldly into the center of the room.
Cossca stopped drinking and eyed the man. He stood, and showed the man that he was easily a foot taller than him, “And who are you, then, little one?”
“Answer my question first. Do you want to actually change the way things are, or just talk?” asked the man again.
“Oh, I want to do something alright. In fact, I think the fighting part of the evening has just begun. You want to be the first blood on my fist?” replied Cossca, “I'll ask again, who are you little man?”
The man looked into Cossca's eyes, “My name is not important… not yet. I worked in the palace for years. I saw up close all of Trunculin's evil.”
“Yeah, so?” Domen smiled, “What good is that?”
“I know where all the bones are buried, and I know that everyone that works in the palace can succumb to corruption. When Trunculin went down, they stood on that stage and talked of the people deciding for themselves. Maybe it's time for the people to be in charge directly. And I have the plan.”
Cossca smiled and bought the man a drink.
Chapter 9: Lands Unknown
Loren checked off his list, “You've got the new pin, jars of healing sour oil and you know how to use the machine. I will also give you sour cakes just in case. We don't know how long your journey will be, so I'm giving you a good supply. Ellice, you will both have to make sure it's kept safe. Why exactly does it have to be you three that go?”
“Loren, you know why,” Ellice replied, “I don't like it either, but Gordon is the best agent to send. His fame alone should help keep us safe.”
�
��Or make him a target. He was taken by one madman not that long ago,” Loren argued, “If someone wants to ransom him…”
“I won't let that happen.” Aline stated, arms crossed.
“I wish I could come with you, but I have too many new healers to train.”
Ellice hugged her brother, “I won't let anything happen to him either. I'll be by his side the whole time. We will keep his sweetblood in balance together.”
“And I'll be his personal guard for the mission,” said Aline.
They all said their goodbyes to Loren. Gordon took his supplies reluctantly and they made their way to Mantuan. It was Mantuan he was most worried about. They walked in and Mantuan had laid out an old map on the large table near the king chairs. He looked uneasy, “This is where the watership will leave. You will have a dozen men as guard. I still think you should take more.”
“Any more and it might look like an attack,” said Gordon.
Mantuan shook his head and continued, “The problem is here.” Mantuan pointed to a blank area on the map far from their coastline.
Gordon said, “I don't see anything.”
“Exactly,” Ellice said as she pointed her finger to the edge of the map. Along the edge was a jagged coastline before the map just ended, “This is where the Outlands begin. Here…” her finger went back to the blank spot, “…after that, well, we don't know what we'll run into.”
Mantuan said, “The gateway to the Outlands is behind this rock formation, called Salban's Fingers. They are deadly to ships, one of the reasons very few have gone exploring the Outlands.”
Aline said, “That's a lot of unknown.”
Mantuan banged his hand on the table, “That is why I think we should attack, my Kings. It's not too late. Send me instead.”
Asa felt for it, and put his hand over Mantuan's fist, “I miss Brenddel too, but talk before fists. Sending envoys is the only way. We need your support now.”
Mantuan paused, but finally said, “You have it.”
“Also, I've found a guide. I just got word that a man who has been to the Outlands is willing to help us,” said Ellice.
“What man?” asked Mantuan.
“A man who helped me when I was lost, when I was looking for records as the Law Keeper. His name is Harlow of Hallimenn.”
Mantuan's deep laugh exploded, “You're not serious.”
“Why?” Asa asked, “Who is Harlow?”
Mantuan said, “An old smuggler, a criminal, depending on what kingdom you ask. He's wanted by nearly all of them.”
Ellice said, “I grant you he's had a troubled past. But he was pardoned by the last King of Thure. He's not in any trouble. Not right now. Many kingdoms have probably forgotten about him.”
“Yes,” Mantuan said, “because he's about five hundred years old. He's also fond of hard drink.”
“The man is odd, but he has been to the Outlands. I trust him,” said Ellice firmly.
Mantuan responded, “I don't.”
Gordon asked, “Mother, are you sure? You've never mentioned him.”
“We went on a few adventures together. He is our best chance of getting to the Outlands unharmed.”
Asa said, “It's your mission Gordon.”
“If mother says he's okay, then he is.”
Asa asked, “When will you leave?”
“Harlow will be here by morning. We will have everything ready and leave by high sun.”
Just then, Tolan came through the doorway. He approached cautiously, “My Kings, I apologize for the interruption, but this message just arrived. Normally I would present it to you both with your other letters. But this one is more urgent.”
Asa said, “It's okay, Tolan.”
Tolan tried to hand it to Asa. Gordon took it with a smile. Tolan looked embarrassed when he remembered Asa still couldn't see. Asa's eyesight had been getting a little better, the darkness was getting a little less dark. He still felt helpless.
Gordon read, “To Asa and Gordon, the Kings of our great land: After the evils under your kingships were stripped bare, it is clear that our current system cannot hold. The crowds may have roared for you both to remain kings, but they were but a small sliver of our kingdom. The will of the people cannot be denied. You were both chosen falsely. It is time for men to lead, not boys. Denounce the crown and return to your village. It is time for a council to govern our land. The time of kings must end.” Gordon cleared his throat, “It's signed, 'The Council of the Thirteen.' ”
Everyone stood there in silence. Asa finally said, “Well, I didn't expect that.”
“Who delivered this message, Tolan?” asked Mantuan.
“I don't know his name. He was unarmed and young, but he looked like a hard man, he's seen some fighting. He left after I assured him the kings would see it. I should have detained him. I'm sorry.”
“Which way did he pass?” Asa's brothers had been quietly sitting nearby. Now they sprang to action.
Devver shouted, “No one challenges my brother.”
Mantuan calmed them down, “It's just talk. A lot has happened to our kingdom lately. The changes have been fast, there are bound to be groups of people unhappy. The pamphlets have been stirring the crowds.”
“But challenging our kings is different. We all want people to speak their minds freely. But this is clearly a threat,” said Aline.
Asa said, “I guess we have more enemies than we thought.”
Gordon said, “Should we stay? We could postpone the mission.”
“No. We need to know why the Outlanders attacked us. We have to know if there is a threat from outside the Kingdom. An unknown enemy is more dangerous.”
“That sounds like a quote. Who said that?” asked Gordon.
“Ha! A history quote you didn't know. It was Borenn, our first king.,” said Asa, smiling.
Ellice smiled, “You've learned so much in the last half a year.”
Asa pointed to his useless eyes, “And the war wounds to prove it.”
Mantuan said, “I will keep him safe. Maybe there is a good reason for me to stay after all. We will tackle this challenge here together, my king.”
“Get ready to leave in the morning. We will take care of this 'Council,' ” said Mantuan. “Don't forget to send me back messenger birds once a day. I want to know what is happening regularly.”
Aline said, “Of course, Manny. Looks like we both may be off on an adventure. Let's hope there are no more surprises while we're gone.”
Chapter 10: The Ruined Forest
Young Kett of Green Lake made his way to the clearing. As agreed, he brought only his two best men, both cousins. No more than three, they all had agreed. As they stood there, Kett could see at least five other groups coming from all directions into the large clearing. He recognized only a few of the tribes.
Kett shook his head as he realized clearing was the wrong word. The burnt, twisted remains of the giant trees were still here. Destroyed by the arrogance of men who flew anywhere they wished, destroyed what they willed. The Thirteeners, the scum. This was not a clearing, but the scene of a crime by outsiders.
He led both cousins closer to the men standing in the middle of the twisted mess, what was once the haunted forest. He looked on cautiously as the other tribes also approached, all looking over the others for weapons. None could be seen, but Kett assumed they all had small knives tucked away like the one in his boot. No sane man would bring no weapon at all, not with so many old enemies close by.
looking back to the three men at the center, Kett asked, “So you are the great Cayne the conqueror?”
The man dressed in light brown leather armor brushed his green cape over one shoulder, “Is that the best you can do? Some call me Cayne the cruel, Cayne the killer, cold blooded Cayne.”
A man from a different group offered, “And now you would make it Cayne, the King?”
“That's the rumor.” Cayne stood only a few dozen feet away from his two guards. They did not smile. Cayne smiled wide enoug
h for all of them, “I thought all the tribe leaders of Aspora should finally meet. If you all want to call me King…” he smiled wider, “…I won't argue.”
Another group walked up from behind Cayne, “Aspora doesn't want a king at all. Leave us to our freedom, Cayne. Aspora is called the land of a thousand kings for a reason. Our long history proves they never last long. You would be no different.”
“Ah, I'm glad your tribe came. You must be old Jott's daughters. Your name's Lyrra, isn't it? He declared himself King once. I knew your father.”
“You killed my father,” replied Lyrra.
“Well, I knew him briefly.” replied Cayne.
“My father called himself king for nearly a year, so I know from experience, they don't last.”
“The grass folk will never rule Aspora,” Kett said, and spit on the ground.
Lyrra's sister took an angry step forward, “Shut your mouth, river rat. Your filth raids all over our land. Let me kill this one, sister.”
“You speak of raids?” Kett shouted, “It's your kind that…”
“Enough!” Cayne seemed careful not to show his legendary rage, “This is why we need someone to unite Aspora.”
Lyrra replied, “You only know how to slaughter, not lead.” she stared at Kett and said, “I will never join with water folk.” She spat for Kett's boot. He took an angry step forward, but Cayne came between them.
“Well, I am honored you came anyway. All of you!” said Cayne, turning his attention to those gathered, as though he was on a stage, instead of surrounded by enemies.
“Why are we here, Cayne? You know none of us will bow to you as king. Let Aspora stay free,” said Kett.
“Free, you say. Are we free? Truly? Look around you. Look at this forest. The men that fly came here and did this,” he indicated the ruined forest, “Do you think I chose this place by accident? No! That rich kingdom beyond the sea invaded us. Can that go unanswered?”
Another man said, “You want to go to war with the Kingdom of the Thirteen? Are you mad? Look what they did here. And this was for fun!”