Evercloud told the room of the rhyme and of the white mouse. Expecting to have his discovery swept away as coincidence and foolishness, he was hesitant with his delivery. He had lost the bravado he and Riverpaw had held in the forest. His words seemed juvenile now, especially with the concern of what was now taking place. Riverpaw had to prod him on through the story in different places. He was no longer sure that what had happened to them in the forest was even of any importance. When he had finished recounting his tale, he found it difficult to meet the others’ eyes. For some reason, he felt ashamed, as if he had just mocked the severity of the situation. The room was grim. The bears looked to Eveneye for wisdom and he merely stared at his son. Whiteclaw was the first to break the silence.
“Eveneye… My King… What say you?”
Eveneye gazed at his friend and as he met his eyes, he seemed to realize his place again, as well as the importance of what he was about to say.
“I say…that I was wrong.” Everyone seemed puzzled by his remark, with the exception of Whiteclaw. “I believe our sole purpose, now, is to find the Ancients or at least do all that we can to. I cannot explain away that thing in the sky. Without it, it is easy to dismiss our other information as rumor and coincidence. But if that thing in the sky is what we believe it to be, then these rumors may be our only hope for salvation. We must find the Ancients.” Whiteclaw nodded in agreement and everyone else remained silent. Eveneye spoke again. “Riverpaw, I need you to retrieve my advisors. We will need to hold an emergency meeting. I also wish for you to be present at this meeting.”
Riverpaw rose to his feet with alacrity, beaming with pride.
“Yes, my King. I am honored.”
“Go now,” said Eveneye, “and make haste.”
Riverpaw left the room at once and then, Eveneye turned to Goldenheart and Autumnbreeze.
“I need the two of you to gather all the castle’s servants and have them prepare a feast to be held in the arena. I wish for the entire kingdom to be there. Tonight we will celebrate and honor what may be the greatest quest in the history of the bears.”
Eveneye then motioned to both Whiteclaw and Evercloud and they departed for the advisors room.
It did not take long for Riverpaw to round up the king’s advisors. With a giant ball of lightning floating across the sky, they had already made their way into the castle in preparation for just a meeting. As Eveneye, Whiteclaw and Evercloud entered the room, the advisors were already seated and waiting. The three new arrivals took seats and Eveneye began speaking at once.
“I thank all of you for attending this meeting at such a short notice. I respect all of you very much and your opinions have always held great weight in my mind. Though as I speak to you now, it is without the intention to spark debate. I have brought you here to give forth decree.” The bears around the table glanced at each other, obviously worried but trying desperately not to show it. “With the appearance of this entity in our sky, I have decided it is in the Kingdom’s best interest to prepare ourselves for the worst possibilities. I, at this time, would say that two things are true of this entity in the sky. The first truth being that we do not know what it is or what the significance of its appearance is. The second truth being that the worst possibility is that it is the return of the Great Tyrant and all of our lives are in peril. As I have already said, we are dealing in uncertainties. However, it would be foolish to wait for further proof before we act. With that said, this is what I have decided our course of action shall be. As I speak, a banquet is being prepared in the Mountain Arena to be attended by every citizen of this kingdom. It is to be a celebration to honor both the Ancients and our champions. We, my brothers, are these champions. At this banquet, I will announce two things. The first announcement will be the creation of the Protection League. Four of you shall have prominent roles in this league. Firerock, it will now be your priority to train the bears of the mountain to defend themselves. We bears have never had a problem defending ourselves but we may, for the first time in our history, be confronted with powers stronger than our own. Forestmoon, it will be your charge to construct a barrier around Gray Mountain. No longer is it safe for creatures to come and go from our home, unchecked. Redriver, I wish for you to create an armory. There very well may come a day when every able-bodied bear will need to be equipped for battle. Lastly, Oaktongue, I wish you to head a communications team. We need eyes and ears all over Ephanlarea so that we are fully prepared. Our small number of scouts will no longer suffice. I will oversee the league but it is the four of you who hold its power. Do you understand?” The four bears nodded their heads. “The second announcement is that I will be sending out a search party to look for the Ancients. Whiteclaw will head the group and he will be accompanied by both Riverpaw and Evercloud.” Riverpaw and Evercloud beamed at each other. This was exactly what they had wanted. Others, however, did not share their enthusiasm and found they could no longer hold their tongues. Firerock spoke:
“Sire, is there truly to be no debate on these decisions?”
“No, Firerock, and I will tell you why. There are very few facts I base these decisions on, very few indeed. It is a gut feeling and a gut feeling is not a matter to debate. Secondly, I am king and leader. The responsibility falls on me and so should the failures if it is to be so. But we need solidarity. We must unite. A bear that second-guesses himself in times of action cannot lead a kingdom. No bear would follow me, nor should they. It is not station alone that leads our kingdom but also decisiveness and passion. Our kingdom deserves my strength, now more than ever. I, in turn, need yours.”
Oaktongue rose to his feet and gazed at the king.
“You have mine, my King.”
“Mine as well,” said Whiteclaw.
After Whiteclaw, the other bears echoed him in turn, as did Evercloud. Last to stand was Firerock and he spoke thusly:
“My King, I have a confession. The day that I became one of your advisors was one of the happiest days of my life. I was so happy to be able to serve this kingdom along side you. You, who had shown more courage and strength than any other bear I had ever known. I was in awe of you. But during my time on this board, you have disappointed me. Your lack of decisiveness had changed my opinion of you. I longed to see the power you had exhibited during your ritual challenges. Tonight, you have shown me that you are still that bear and I am honored to call you my King. I give to you every ounce of strength I possess. Long live, King Eveneye.”
At this, everyone else in the room, with the exception of the king himself, echoed these last words.
“Long live, King Eveneye.”
“Thank you,” said Eveneye. “All of you. You double my heart in size. I would now ask that you all prepare yourselves for a celebration tonight. For it is tonight that we give to our Kingdom its heroes.”
For The Kingdom
“Evercloud, you’ve been silent ever since the end of our meeting with the advisors. Are you all right?”
Evercloud was beginning to feel the enormity of what was happening. He didn’t know how to begin processing it. His head was swimming with everything that had transpired. It was a lot to take in.
“I’m fine, father. It’s just…”
Evercloud paused. He had so many questions.
“Don’t hesitate to talk to me, Evercloud. You will be leaving soon and I don’t want anything unresolved before you go. Please, ask me anything.”
Evercloud saw his father’s concern and it eased the words out of his mouth.
“Well, how did you come up with this plan so quickly? I mean, it was as if you already had it laid out.”
“You are very perceptive. In fact, I did have it mapped out. It was a plan I hoped that I would never have to use but it was important to have it nonetheless. You see, Evercloud, often times it is best to prepare for any situation, regardless if that situation should present itself or not. You would do well to remember that… Was that all that was bothering you?”
“I know that you h
ave never really believed in the Ancients. So, I was wondering if you really think that they and the Great Tyrant have returned or if this is something that needs to be done, just to appease the kingdom?”
“It is true that I have not taken the stories of the Ancients as truth in the past. Even still, I do not know if I believe these stories in their entirety. However, it would be ignorant of me, at this point, to not admit that at least part of these stories are true. As I said already, there are things going on that I cannot explain. It would be foolish of me to not consider all the possibilities. I believe a better answer to your question, however, would be that I would never send you off on such a quest if I did not believe that you wouldn’t find something. Does that make sense?”
“Yeah. I guess so.” Evercloud still looked bothered by everything that swirled around in his brain. He decided to continue with the questions. “What about me? What about… my abilities?”
“What exactly do you mean, your abilities?”
“Well… I’m not a bear. How am I going to defend myself on this quest? What if we should come under attack?”
“You are more capable than you think, Evercloud.” Eveneye paused. “I think your questions may be better suited for after the celebration. Some things may be revealed to you that may quench your curiosity.”
Eveneye put his arm around his son and nodded as they stood outside the King’s box seats at the arena. Goldenheart waited inside, as did Whiteclaw, Autumnbreeze and Riverpaw. Evercloud nodded back at his father with a grin.
“Come on,” Eveneye said to the boy. “Let’s join the others. I guarantee this will be a night that you never forget.”
They entered the box and looked out over the arena. As Evercloud gazed out onto the arena floor, he couldn’t believe his eyes. The entire floor of the arena was covered with tables and chairs and the bears of the kingdom were already feasting on all types of food. The smell of cooked meats and hot breads filled the air. Evercloud had never seen such a spectacle.
“How did the servants put this together so quickly?” asked Evercloud in astonishment.
“Preparation,” said the King. “Nothing is impossible if you have planned accordingly.”
Evercloud noticed that at the end of all the tables, there was a raised platform with a podium and some chairs behind it.
“We’ll be going down there after we’ve eaten,” said Eveneye.
Evercloud gulped. In the box, a table was set up with many of the same foods as on the tables below. Seated at the table were Goldenheart, Whiteclaw, Autumnbreeze and Riverpaw. Eveneye and Evercloud took their seats at the table and began to join in the feast. Everyone filled their plates high with the exception of Evercloud. The enormity of the night had stripped him of his appetite. Riverpaw sat to his right and nudged him with an elbow.
“Eat something. You don’t want to have to make your speech on an empty stomach.”
“My sp-speech?”
“Riverpaw,” chided Whiteclaw. “You’re making more of this than it is.” He turned to Evercloud. “You won’t be expected to make a speech, but when you are presented, you’ll be expected to say a few words. It’s not a big deal.”
“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” added Goldenheart. “Just let it come naturally.”
“Yeah, sweetheart,” added Riverpaw with a mouth full of potato. Evercloud jabbed him with an elbow.
“All right, you two,” said Eveneye. “Before we go down there, I want to go over the procedure. I’m going to spend a moment speaking to the crowd while the two of you and the advisors will be seated behind me. I will address the concerns of the entity in the sky with the announcement of the Protection League. As each position is announced, that bear will come to the podium and say a few words. Pay attention so that you can see how it is done. After the announcement of the Protection League, I will announce our search for the Ancients and each of you will take a turn at the podium. When you are speaking, be sure to thank the Kingdom. And whatever you say, do not make mention of the Great Tyrant. Just because we think he has returned, doesn’t mean that we should cause hysteria by announcing it as fact. Understood?” Both Riverpaw and Evercloud nodded to the King. “Good. Now let’s finish our meals.”
The bears continued to eat and Evercloud managed to force down a pork chop. Once they had had their fill, King Eveneye stood from the table with a smile and nodded. It was time.
Evercloud and the three bears left the box, after saying their goodbyes to Goldenheart and Autumnbreeze, and made their way down to the arena gate. As they stood just outside of the arena, Oaktongue, Forestmoon, Firerock and Redriver joined them. Now that they were all present, a guard sounded the arena horn and the gate to the arena opened.
“I think I’m going to be sick,” muttered Riverpaw. Evercloud chuckled.
“Who’s the sweetheart now?”
As they entered the arena, the crowd began to cheer. Every bear in the kingdom rose to their feet for their King and his advisors. They reached the platform and everyone except for the King found a seat. As the King came to the podium, a hush fell over the crowd. Everyone was very eager to hear what Eveneye had to say.
“Tonight. Tonight, we celebrate and honor our past, our present and our future. We celebrate and honor our great Kingdom. We look to the light of the Everflame, which burns to remind us of the bears that came before us. Of the Elder bears, whose teachings we guide our lives by today. It is now, more than ever, that we look to their wisdom to guide us through these mysterious times. Times in which we hear rumors of Ancient beings retuning to our land. Times in which unknown entities pass through our skies. It is not with fear that the elders would have us face these mysteries, but with a sound mind and a courageous heart. It is with my mind and heart that tonight, I give you answers to your questions. And I answer you with the Protection League. This league, headed by my advisors, will serve to protect Gray Mountain and all its inhabitants. The League’s first order of business is to create a wall around the base of the mountain, allowing us to better monitor traffic, in and out of the mountain, as well as preventing passage to those who may wish us harm. The department in charge of the wall’s construction, as well as the monitoring of traffic, will be known as the Department of Fortifications. And as its head, I give to you Forestmoon.”
Forestmoon rose to his feet and the crowd roared in approval. He took his place at the podium and silenced the crowd, so that he might speak.
“I wish to thank my King and also, thank my Kingdom. For it is only through your power that we are able to achieve such wondrous heights.”
The crowd once again erupted with cheers and Forestmoon gave the podium back to the King. Eveneye raised his arms and the noise of the crowd fell.
“The next step in the process of the Protection League will be in the creation of an armory, so that any bear who wishes to defend their Kingdom may do so with the finest weaponry available. The department in charge of this feat will be known as the Department of Armaments, and as its head, I give to you Redriver.”
It was now Redriver’s turn and the kingdom gave him a matching response.
“All praise be to the Kingdom. I thank the King for this wonderful opportunity and I pledge to serve my Kingdom with honor.”
Again the crowd cheered but the King was not finished.
“What good are weapons in the hands of the incapable? I would not see my Kingdom defend itself without the proper knowledge and training. Any bear that wishes to become so, will be trained to be a ferocious warrior. For this, I give you the Department of Disciplines, and I give to you Firerock.”
Firerock received the largest cheer so far. He was the most popular advisor in the kingdom, due to the passion with which he spoke. He was widely regarded as the Kingdom’s voice.
“Thank you, my King. You do me great honor. It is with great pride that I serve you, my Kingdom. You are the blood that flows through my heart. Together, we shall become as strong as the mountain. Together, we shall burn like the Everflam
e!”
The crowd erupted and it seemed the mountain might explode. Oaktongue leaned over to Whiteclaw.
“How am I supposed to follow that?”
Whiteclaw shrugged and smiled. Riverpaw and Evercloud turned to each other with nervous looks. Neither of them looked ready to take the podium. As the crowd lulled, Eveneye spoke.
“Finally, concerning the Protection League, no amount of defense is enough without knowledge of what we are up against. It is now important to have eyes and ears all around our land of Ephanlarea. For this purpose, I give you the Department of Information and Oaktongue.”
Firerock had really stirred the crowd into a frenzy and Oaktongue was happy for it as he took the podium.
“Thank you. Thank you, everyone. I promise to serve you justly and inform you with ferocity!”
The crowd, already primed, exploded. However, Oaktongue’s ridiculous statement was not lost on Evercloud and Riverpaw.
“Did he say ‘inform you with ferocity’?” giggled Riverpaw.
“Don’t joke,” returned Evercloud, trying to stifle his own laughs, “or he may try to enlighten you severely.”
This was too much for Riverpaw and he threw his head back in a giant guffaw. Throwing his back against the chair, it tipped over and he fell off the back of the platform. The crowd went silent but Riverpaw jumped up quickly, embarrassed. Seeing that he was all right, the crowd went back to cheering, now laughing as much as anything else. Eveneye, once again, made to quiet the crowd but it took a little longer to quell them this time. All of the laughing had taken the nerves right out of Evercloud and Riverpaw. They were comfortable now, with the knowledge that they could say almost anything when their turn came. Again, the King began to speak.
“I said this would be a celebration, didn’t I?” The crowd gave one more cheer before quieting. “The Protection League will begin recruiting tomorrow. If any of you would like to volunteer, you know where you will be able to find the appropriate department head. Now, with the Protection League out of the way, we move to the next item on our agenda. Addressing the rumors that have been circling the kingdom. We’ve all heard the rumors of the possible return of the Ancients. I’m sure that you are all wondering about their validity and what it might mean for you. Well, I’m sorry to inform you, my friends, that we have no answers for you at this time.” The crowd moaned. “But fear not, my Kingdom. As your King, I find this to be as unacceptable as you do and I refuse to allow your questions to go unanswered forever. That is why I have put together a search party. I swear to you. If the Ancients have returned, we will find them!”
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