by Wilson Harp
Tal closed his eyes and focused on the tree. The rough feel of the bark, the smell of the wood and sap, the sound of the branches and leaves in a gentle wind.
He turned to the man and held out his hands.
“I’ve dealt death with these very hands,” he said. “I’ve seen death with these eyes. I’ve heard death with these ears. How do I make myself forget it all?”
“You don’t,” the man said. “And you shouldn’t. You should remember what you did and what has been done by others. It will make you strong if you let it instruct you, or harden you if you try to forget. There is no one who can be unaffected by what has happened, but you make the decisions on which way you will go from here.”
“I’ve made a decision,” Tal said. “I’ve decided I will be king.”
“Good,” said the man. “An easier way was offered, but it isn’t your destiny. What will you do as king?”
“I will rule in my father’s place.”
“And what does that mean? Will you just settle disputes, expand trade, send soldiers to barbarian lands, war against other kings?”
“All of it, I suppose,” said Tal. “I don’t know what else to do.”
“You’ll do fine at those things. But you need to decide what you will do for yourself, for those you love, for the people of Mestor. When you leave the throne and pass into the next world, what will you leave behind?”
“A greater kingdom than one I inherited,” said Tal.
“A grand purpose. So think on what would make Mestor greater, and follow that path.”
“I was worried you would say I shouldn’t seek this glory.”
“Do not seek glory for its own sake, but glory is a reward for those who serve well. Serve Mestor as its King and you will bring glory to your people and yourself.”
“I’m glad you approve. It lightens my heart.”
“Let me lighten it further. Why did you touch the tree?”
“It seemed right. My hands… my hands are covered in blood. They reek of death, and the trees are full of life. I hoped to refresh my hands when I touched the tree. To make up for what I’ve done.”
“I told you there was a time to be merciful and a time to be resolute. Choose mercy when you have the choice, but be resolute when it is required. You were both. It was difficult for you to loose the arrow which killed your brother, but you knew it had to be done. Someone else in the battle would have if you had not, he sealed his own fate when he decided to attack your camp. But you knew it was your responsibility, and you did not run from it. And you were resolute because you were merciful. You knew if Bator’cam had become king, the people of Mestor would have suffered under a tyrant. You made the right choice, Taldirun.”
Tal felt tears on his cheeks. He cried as he was told he made the right choice.
“I’m glad you came for me tonight,” said Tal. “This will give me peace at the ceremony tomorrow.”
“Good, I’m glad. And the crowning is why I’ve come to you. There is something you must do tomorrow.”
“What?”
“Keep moving forward. Do not stop out of fear or doubt. Trust me when I tell you, if you continue onward, it will be well.”
“I don’t understand.”
The man smiled. “Just don’t fear and don’t doubt. You’ve made the decision to be king, and that is part of your destiny. You will be king, Taldirun. Remember these words and do not fear.”
The sound of a horn pulled Tal out of his dream. He lay with his eyes closed as he remembered what the man said. It was odd, but he felt more fear and doubt now that he knew he would face fear and doubt at the ceremony.
He felt Siande stir beside him and opened his eyes. He wasn’t in his room, but the walls were familiar; he had spent many hours in Olatic’s chambers since he was a child. With his own rooms full of the foul stench of the poisoned, rotten fruit, Tal had taken Siande to his brother’s apartments to spend the last night before he would be king.
He slid out from beneath the blankets and pulled on a cloak to ward against the morning chill.
“Are you leaving now?” Siande asked.
“I am.”
“Does it have to be so early?”
Tal smiled down at her. “Yes, I need to be at the temple soon to start the cleansing.”
“Then kiss me, prince of Mestor. The next time I see you, you will be king.”
Tal leaned down and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around him and held him close. “Go, and fulfill your destiny,” she said. “Then return to me.”
“Go wait for me in the Palace,” he said. “They’ll prepare the king’s rooms, so wait for me there. I’ll see you after the ceremony.”
He kissed her one more time and then slipped out the door into the morning. The rising mists from the gardens made Tal think of the dream he had woken from. He held his cloak around himself and nodded to the guards who kept watch over his door. Yelsit had assigned men he knew and trusted. They would make the core of the royal guard when Tal was king.
He walked at a slow, measured pace along the slick stones which led to the temple. He knew a king should walk, and never hurry, and he wanted to appear as a king to every eye which saw him.
Several priests met Tal at the temple, Daelcor among them.
“A blessed morning,” Daelcor said. “Please come with me and we will start the rituals.”
Tal followed his friend into the Temple. They headed toward the baths when Daelcor looked behind him and pushed Tal into a side passageway. Tal started to say something when Daelcor motioned him to silence and then opened the door to a small room. Once Tal was inside, Daelcor joined him and shut the door.
“Tal, listen to me. There’s a problem.”
“What problem?”
“The crowning ceremony is secret and only a few know what happens and fewer still are present.”
“I know, but what’s the problem.”
“The sun, Tal. There’s a reason they have to wait for the sun before they can crown a king. When the new king sits on the throne, the sunlight must shine on him and the throne to signify the gods approve. If the gods don’t approve, the claim is considered against the will of the gods,” Daelcor said. “A claimant who does not have the blessings of the gods is executed, Tal.”
“What? I’ve never heard of anything like that.”
“It hasn’t happened in generations and I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t overheard some of the talk last night.”
“The sun should be out today, though. So there shouldn’t be a problem. The sun is always shining on the throne when it’s a clear day. There are windows high on the walls in every direction.”
“They know where the sun will be today when you go for the ceremony, and they have placed stones in front of the windows.”
“Who? Who’s done this? My mother?”
“No, High Priest Faldrir. Tal, Anicus arrived in the city while you were in Folsit. I didn’t know about it because I was busy with Meleus. When he told what happened at the shrine and how the Prophet died, Faldrir decided you were an enemy of Balket. He’s determined you won’t become king.”
Tal rubbed his forehead. “This is why Corest told me the priests of Balket oppose me. He told me to let Janu be crowned king and he would give me control of the kingdom until Janu is old enough.”
“You should consider it,” Daelcor said.
“No,” said Tal. “The throne is mine by blood and by destiny. I will have it, and I will have it today.”
“If the gods will it, Tal. But the priests surely don’t. If you sit on the throne and the blessings of the gods don’t shine on you, you’ll be executed. It’s a law that goes back to Atlas.”
“At least I know what I am heading into. I have to keep going, though. If something happens to me, make sure Siande and Meleus make it to Indaric. He will take care of them, I hope.”
“I’ll do what I can, Tal. But you can take the High King’s offer even now.”
“No, I can’t.”
Daelcor sighed. “As you wish it. Let’s go and get you cleansed and ready for the ceremony.”
Tal followed Daelcor to the baths. The finest oils and soaps were used to clean and perfume his body. Chants, rituals, and animal sacrifices were made to gain the gods blessings. Tal was then dressed in the finest clothing and led out of the main temple and to the narrow stairs which led near to the entrance of the palace.
The sky was clear blue and the sun shone brightly as Tal stepped out of the temple. His clothes were a brilliant white and people all over the city could see him as he descended the steps. Horns blew from the temple and were answered with horns from the Palace as Tal walked slowly to the entrance of the Palace of Mestor.
He thought of the man in his dreams and was grateful for the encouragement he received. When fear and doubt would assail his spirit, he thought of how he felt when he touched the tree. The pure life he could feel in the tree calmed him and gave him peace. The man only told him the truth, and he had said to continue onward no matter what occurred.
Tal could hear the cheers of the people as he reached the bottom of the steps. He tried to block it out and focus on what lay before him. Months ago he was focused on his first battle as Prince Commander, and his future would be one of travel and adventure doing the will of his father and brother. Now he would be the one sending other men out. He would be the one who carried the weight of responsibility and the glory of all the people of Mestor.
He reached the doors of the Palace and knocked loudly with his fist as he had been instructed. There was silence as the city behind him watched the beginning of the ceremony. He would step in as a prince of Mestor, King Fa’amuil’s last living son, and when the doors would open again, he would be King Taldirun, ruler of the city and kingdom of Mestor.
The door opened and High King Corest and High Queen Jala stood just inside.
“Greetings Prince Taldirun,” Corest said. “What purpose brings you to the Palace of Mestor?”
“I seek the Alabaster Throne which Mestor, brother of Atlas, sat upon.”
“And what would you do when you find it?”
“I would take my rightful place and sit upon it.”
“To sit upon the throne is death for any who is not king by the will of the gods.”
“I will sit upon it, and the gods will give their blessing.”
“Have you any who would witness this for you?”
“No, I am without a wife and without children.”
“Then enter,” Corest said.
Tal followed them down the long entry hall and into the throne room itself. High Priest Faldrir waited with a large soldier in a black hood with a thick bladed knife in his belt. Tal knew he would be the executioner if the gods did not give their blessing. More priests stood off to the side to witness the event, but only Faldrir represented Balket. None of the other priests of the god of the sea and the father of Atlantis had attended. They were opposed to Tal and his claim on the throne.
“I have heard Prince Taldirun has a woman he is fond of,” High Queen Jala said. “Though she is not his wife, he could bring her to witness the ceremony. I’m sure she would enjoy it.”
“No,” said Corest. “The law is specific and clear. Only the wife and children of the claimant can witness the ceremony. No others.”
Tal’s jaw clenched at his mother’s vague reference to Siande. He knew High Queen Jala must surely know of the plot to prevent the crown from being placed on his head. He knew she only wanted Siande to be horrified when the executioner performed his duty.
Three servants stood near the throne and a small box of finely carved and polished wood sat beside the throne. Tal knew it contained the crown of Mestor. His father had worn it the day he was struck down.
Corest motioned Tal to stand before the throne.
“The throne of your father sits empty, now turn your back on it and face me.”
As wrong as it felt to Tal, he turned his back on the symbol of Mestor. As he faced Corest, he glanced up at the windows. The sun burned bright, but inside the throne room it was as if it were a cloudy day. He saw three of the windows each had a large stone plastered in place to block the sun’s rays.
“You have entered the throne room, and it sits empty of a king. Feel now the power of this moment and know only one blessed by the gods can carry the burden the crown places upon it’s wearer. Do you wish to claim the throne?”
“I do,” Tal said.
The palace jerked to the side and then back again. Tal almost fell as the building lurched. Stones cracked and groaned and the Tal looked up at the ceiling. Small lines formed in the blocks of rock near the ceiling. Several of the priests had fallen to the ground, and two trembled and made no move to rise.
The ground had moved again, like it did at the shrine. But it wasn’t as severe, nor did it last as long, as it had then. Tal’s heart raced as he knew this would be taken as a bad omen. He looked at Faldrir and saw the shock on the old priest’s face. Faldrir glanced up at the window and Tal’s heart gladdened. He knew he just had to trust it would be well.
“Prince Taldirun,” the High King said as he looked around the room. “You have given your answer and now you have my consent. If you wish to take the throne of your father, then ascend the steps and claim it. The gods will judge whether you are worthy.”
Tal took a deep breath and turned his back on those assembled. The servants who stood near the throne trembled as they looked around. Tal thought the people must be just as terrified out in the street. They must have felt or seen the Palace shake and thought another ill omen had come to curse them.
He stepped forward and looked at the throne itself. It still lay in the shadow of the stone which blocked the sun. He knew the final obstacle he faced could not be overcome by his own hand, but would be overcome. Fear made his legs heavy and doubt whispered in his ears all of the things he would lose if he were wrong. He felt comfort that doubt was present, a lesson he learned from his father, and felt courage in the face of his fear, and he continued until he was at the top of the steps.
He lifted his eyes and looked at the window which shone the brightest, and at the stone placed there to prevent the light from reaching the throne. A thick crack ran through the mortar which held the stone in place and Tal knew that he had to continue on.
Tal turned and faced High King Corest and High Priest Faldrir. Faldrir had a slight smile on his face, and Tal was sure he would see the same on his mother’s face if he turned his head. The High King frowned, his lips worked as if he wanted to speak. Tal felt scared. The shaking of the palace had caused the stone which blocked the window to loosen, but it still concealed the sun. He thought of the words of the man in the dream.
“Do not stop out of fear or doubt. Trust me when I tell you if you continue onward, it will be well.”
Tal took a deep breath and sat down on the throne. The palace jerked again and Tal was almost thrown to the ground. Clouds of dust poured from the ceiling and Tal saw all of those in attendance, save the High King, had collapsed to the floor.
The High King had held his feet somehow, and he looked around the room in wonder. As the palace steadied itself, the stone which had blocked the window slid from its perch and landed with a loud crash. A brilliant beam of sunlight gleamed down and the Alabaster Throne glowed in translucent splendor. Its ribbons of blue and gold created a halo of color and Tal knew the gods had blessed him.
“Bring me the crown,” High King Corest commanded.
A servant lifted the finely carved box from beside the throne and brought it to the High King. Corest opened the box and took out the crown of Mestor, a thick gold circle carved to look like waves and set with sapphires and white pearls.
“Through many perils and trials, you have proved yourself worthy of the throne of Mestor. His blood flows in you and the blessings of the gods shine around you. I set this crown upon your head as confirmation the kings of Atlantis call you their brother, just as Mestor was brother to At
las. So shall all know you are the rightful king of Mestor, Taldirun son of Fa’amuil.”
Corest approached the throne with the golden crown held high. The sunlight caught the brilliance of the stones as he lowered it onto Tal’s head.
“All hail the king of Mestor. All hail King Taldirun,” the High King said.
Chapter 23
The doors to the palace opened and the cheers and cries from the crowd drowned out the horns which announced the wedding of their king. Hand in hand, Tal and Siande descended the steps to the large square. Their smiles shone as bright as the sun and their joy was reflected in the enthusiasm of the crowds which packed the streets of Mestor.
Siande’s raven hair was woven with strands of pearls and gold chains, and was the talk of the kingdom among the women. Several wives of influential merchants and minor nobles had sought methods of dyeing their hair to match their new queen’s tresses. There were some who were more successful than others, but it was apparent many women wished to show their support and love for their young queen.
The afternoon the High King and High Queen left for Atlas, Tal announced he would marry Siande. High King Corest had confirmed that as King, Tal could decide who he would marry and while tradition held it would be a royal daughter of another king, it was not a law. Tal’s mother had made clear she did not consider Tal worthy of thought and so she had no objections to whoever he wished to make queen.
The people had loved Tal’s father, for he was wise and just, but their former queen, the new High Queen of Atlantis, was known for her cruelty and cold nature. Siande was a dramatic change from her mother-in-law. She had a ready smile and a kind word for all who approached her, especially children. Siande had secured Tal’s blessing to give a portion of the kingdom’s money to house orphans rather than sell them into slavery to some other kingdom.
The young couple had already proclaimed several changes to let the people know they intended to put their focus on the welfare of the city and kingdom before all. Tal had met with Lord Indaric two days after the coronation, and agreed to be advised by the older nobleman. He announced he had given Lortum the title of general for Mestor and Yelsit was to be the in charge of the royal guard.