Kethril

by Carroll, John H.

  One of the nobles watching snorted. “He’s probably some sort of imposter.”

  “It may be true,” a young priest said. The other priests around him turned in surprise and then let him move forward. He was dressed in a robe of pure white wool tied at the waist with a golden belt. Liselle could see that the young man’s eyes were milky with blindness. She considered how to cure that blindness.

  The priest continued. “The armor is empty with the exception of an old soul . . . a soul that despairs its existence and . . . something else, which is not shown to me at this moment.” He bowed and walked backward behind the other priests. “I shall pray on the matter.”

  “How extraordinary!” the king exclaimed. “You are a Knight of Morhain.” Sir Danth bowed without speaking. The king leaned forward, making his personal knights nervous. Liselle saw them grip their swords and take a step forward. “Would you like to hear about my scepters now?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty. I await the details with great anticipation.”

  “How wonderful! I like you, Sir Danth.” King Cranwer held up his right hand. “These are my oldest and newest scepters.” He pointed at them with the scepters in his other hand. “The oldest is named ‘Thunder’. It was my great, great, great, great grandfather’s.” The one he pointed at was silver with a diamond at the top. The shaft was jagged in two places, much like a lightning bolt. “It had magic in it at one point, but it’s gone and some of the runes were scratched, so it can’t be recharged. He would use it in battle against the skeethies, sending lightning bolts against the hordes. The thunder of those bolts would echo in the canyons.”

  He pointed to the newer one, which was made of thick, gem-encrusted gold with a small handhold in the middle and a giant, round sapphire on the top. “This one is called ‘Fluffy’. I had it made two years ago. It sleeps on the pillow next to me.” King Cranwer leaned forward and whispered loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. “It has magic too, but I’m not allowed to tell anyone what it does.” Then he winked.

  Standing normally, he held up his left hand and continued with the introductions. “This is ‘Bonkers’.” He gestured to high-quality leather bits of cloth wrapped around what looked to be a wooden shaft and knob. They ranged from dark to light and were attached with golden studs throughout. “I bonk people on the head when they misbehave.” He leaned in again. “I have to be careful because more than one servant has died because I hit them too hard.” He put a finger in front of his lips in a hushing gesture.

  The last one was made of gold, with a bejeweled base and crown. It was the most beautiful and tasteful of the three. “The other one is ‘Sue’. She’s my best friend. My wife gave her to me as a wedding gift.” He looked at the throne with a black pillow on it. “She’s wonderful.” It wasn’t clear whether he was talking about his absent wife or the scepter.

  “So do you like them?!” he asked, holding all four forward for them to see.

  “Oh yes, very much!” Liselle agreed enthusiastically along with the others.

  “Now, I’ve introduced my scepters. You must introduce yourselves to me just as noble Sir Danth has done.” King Cranwer scanned the companions and his eyes settled on Emmaoen, who had remained with them, becoming a part of their group in a way. “My dearest niece! How lovely to see you. Are you well?” He held his arms out wide.

  She rushed into his arms. “I am, Uncle. I made some new friends too!” Liselle wondered what rank that would make Emmaoen. She glanced at Anilyia who was appraising the wizardess in a new light.

  King Cranwer frowned. “You’ve made some very dangerous friends if rumors are to be believed, my dearest Emma.”

  “I know, Uncle. That’s part of what I like about them. They’re lots of fun and Vevin’s real good at killing spiders.”

  A wave of emotion flashed across the king’s face before he hid it. “That’s good, Emma. Would you introduce me to your friends then, or shall they introduce themselves?”

  “They don’t like talking about themselves, so I should do it.” At a nod from the king, she held her arm out to Liselle, who stepped forward and curtsied as Sir Danth had taught her during their travels. “This is my best friend, Liselle.” The declaration surprised Liselle, but she didn’t have time to think about it because Emmaoen was rushing headlong in giving out pieces of information that Liselle didn’t realize the wizardess knew.

  “Liselle is powerful, although most people can’t see it. I think she’s the child of a goddess or something.” Liselle’s jaw dropped and everyone in the room stared at her. “Flowers like her and she’s very nice, which is a good thing because she could probably destroy the city if she got angry.”

  King Cranwer took Liselle’s hand and kissed it. “Beautiful, divine Liselle. It is an honor to have you in my home. Any friend of my niece is welcome.” Liselle blushed red in response, not knowing how to respond.

  “Don’t get too friendly, Uncle. Vevin is her mate and he gets jealous.” Emmaoen held her hand out to Vevin, who blushed deep purple. “This is Vevin Dragon, Uncle. He’s also nice, which is good because he could destroy the city too, although he’s a dragon so he’s not allowed to do so unless the city attacks him.” The individuals responsible for protecting the king were pale. An adviser near the throne even had tears in his eyes.

  “I’ve never been attacked by a city, so I think it’s safe,” Vevin reassured the king. “You have a wonderful castle and I love your scepters, especially Fluffy!”

  “Why thank you!” King Cranwer held Fluffy up for Vevin to get a closer look. He took a minute to describe the intricacies of the design and to show off the gems. Nobody was willing to interrupt a dragon and king, so the audience just listened.

  When they were done, Vevin stepped back next to Liselle and Emmaoen introduced Anilyia. “This is her Royal Highness, Princess Anilyia Felicia Romenia Illiath Turllisa Wannita Ullbra of the Kingdom of Mayncal. She was kidnapped by agents of Iynath and held in the caverns of the Rojuun.”

  Anilyia stepped forward. “Your Majesty, thank you so much for inviting me into your beautiful castle. I am honored that you would introduce me to your grand scepters. As my father is not here in person, I give you heartfelt greetings of our kingdom and the hopes that sunshine graces your people with its blessed warmth for so long as they live.” With that, the Princess curtsied deeply, sinking near to the floor.

  King Cranwer bowed deeply in return. “The beauty of Princess Anilyia of Mayncal has been spoken of even in this far kingdom. I find that it has not done the truth justice. A suite will be made available in addition to servants to care for your needs. We will speak of your needs on the morrow.”

  “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Anilyia stepped back next to Tathan.

  Emmaoen gestured to Tathan. “Tathan of the Shadows is the one you wished to meet. I’m sure we all know of his reputation.”

  Tathan stepped forward and bowed to the king. Liselle didn’t know of her cousin’s reputation and was dying to find out by that point.

  “Greetings, Tathan of the Shadows.” King Cranwer welcomed him without bowing. “It’s very considerate of you to accept my invitation.”

  “Thank you, Your Majesty. The castle is very nice. I’ve noticed a lot of valuables lying around,” Tathan replied with a smirk. The king laughed, but he was the only one. Nobles started checking their fingers and necks to see if their jewelry was still there. Tathan became serious. “We haven’t been told why you called us to the castle, although I will say that I’m flattered by the fact that you sent a regiment to escort me.”

  “Your reputation precedes you. I wasn’t certain a regiment would be enough honestly. Now that I see you travel with such esteemed friends, I’m surprised it was.”

  “My companions have distaste for killing or slinking away in the night. Had I been alone, the regiment wouldn’t have noticed me,” Tathan informed him without hint of boastfulness. “I must say that I’m very curious as to what need a king has of a rogue.”

  “A ve
ry good question.” The king walked toward the mysterious lady and Steve the Squirrel. “I was informed that you were in my kingdom and would be causing great trouble. The lovely Felina suggested I have you captured and turned over to her so that she may take you in for various bounties.” King Cranwer indicated the green-eyed woman. “She believes that such an action would be beneficial to me as it would keep my people safe.”

  “I can’t imagine a king would send a regiment to arrest someone and then allow another to take the bounty,” Tathan replied. Irritation showed on his face.

  King Cranwer looked thoughtful for a moment. He pointed the scepters in his right hand at Tathan. “You have a good point. I wouldn’t normally consider the request. Do you know why I did this time?”

  “No, Your Majesty,” Tathan responded.

  “Because of Steve here.” The king went to Steve and put an arm around the squirrel’s shoulders. Neither Steve nor Felina looked thrilled by the gesture. “Steve is the most amazing squirrel I have ever met. We’re best of friends, you know.”

  “Umm . . .” Tathan was at a loss for words.

  “Steve can leap quite high and he’s soft too!” King Cranwer used the back of his hand to pet Steve’s head. The squirrel looked decidedly unhappy. “At least he is now that we give him a bath every day. He smells nice too. At first, we tried lavender oil, but switched to nut oil. He likes that much better.” Felina’s jaw was set in frustration at the treatment of her minion. Liselle could see what Tathan was talking about when he said that the bounty hunter’s eyes were striking. Steve had the exact same eyes too, but that was eerie.

  “His fur does glisten. It’s very nice,” Tathan agreed.

  King Cranwer moved next to Felina. “When this beautiful woman told me that Tathan of the Shadows was entering my kingdom I took it very seriously. I know what chaos you’ve stirred in other countries. He waggled the scepters in his right hand at Tathan. “It was very nice of Felina to let me know even if she did have her own motive for doing so.” He honked Felina’s nose. “Honk!”

  Felina glared furiously at the king. Liselle could feel her drawing in energy. Suddenly, every guard had their swords out. Wizards readied energy at their fingertips. One of the wizards, an older woman with long locks of grey and power in her eyes said, “If you dare to draw energy against the king, the remainder of your brief existence will be nothing but suffering.”

  The bounty hunter released her energy immediately. “Every other part of my existence has been suffering, so it wouldn’t be any different.”

  King Cranwer honked her nose again. “Honk.” She glared at him in helpless anger. He turned back to the companions. “So I have a proposal for you and your friends, Tathan of the Shadows.”

  “I’m very curious to hear the proposal,” Tathan replied. “If it’s turning me over to the bounty huntress for the price on my head, I’m not thrilled . . . which bounty is it, if I might ask?”

  The king stopped and tilted his head to the side for a moment. “I haven’t the slightest idea to tell you the truth.” Turning back to Felina, he asked, “What bounty are you collecting?”

  Felina stepped forward. In a low, rhythmic voice that resonated throughout the room, she answered, “There are twelve bounties that I will be collecting.”

  “Twelve? I thought there were fifty or so.” Tathan rubbed his chin in thought. Either way, it sounded like a lot to Liselle. He had told her that his past was dark, not that he was famous for it.

  “There are eighty-three,” Felina replied. Her voice caught a person’s attention and made them listen. There was also an edge to it that could cut someone. “Most aren’t worth collecting and require you to be dead, which would make it difficult to collect the rest. The twelve I’m going to turn you in for are the best way to make money.”

  “That’s very impressive, I must say,” King Cranwer interjected. “Eighty three bounties? I’m not certain I’ve ever heard of anyone with so many. Have you, Historian Alcan?” he asked, turning to the old man again.

  “The most I have heard of is thirty-six for the Putrid Pirate Gallemmor,” the historian said.

  “Ah yes. Does he really smell as bad as they say?” the king asked.

  “I’m certain I don’t know as I’ve never attempted to sniff him,” Alcan replied.

  “Eighty-three bounties,” King Cranwer remarked coming back to Tathan. “That’s more than double the Putrid Pirate Gallemmor. Very impressive.”

  “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Tathan bowed. “You mentioned a proposal?

  “Ah yes. My proposal.” He rubbed his chin. “I have a problem I need help with and I would like your companions to handle it for me. They seem rather capable, what with the ability to destroy cities and the such. In exchange, I will release you from prison and give you a one-week head start before I release the beautiful Felina and my best friend Steve to track you down. How does that sound?” He beamed a smile.

  “What?!” Felina exclaimed in outrage. The guards drew their swords again, probably because it looked like she was about to strangle the king with her bare hands.

  Liselle’s heart tightened at the word ‘prison’. She couldn’t imagine going on without her cousin and even though it sounded like he was the worst criminal ever to walk the world, she wasn’t willing to let him rot in a cell.

  “I couldn’t help but notice when you mentioned the word ‘prison’, Your Majesty,” Tathan said. “I don’t think I like that part of the plan.”

  King Cranwer rested his chin on Fluffy. “I should have you executed for murdering the Prophet of Telemooo. You’ve riled the monks and most of the farmers in my kingdom as well. However, I’m willing to overlook that for the greater need.” Tathan didn’t respond. Liselle noticed he didn’t look guilty either, even though he had admitted back at the inn that he had committed the murder. The king studied him for a moment before continuing. “Well, in any case, I need this task performed and I’m willing to give you your freedom after your companions complete it.”

  Felina balled her fists and stomped her foot in anger. She didn’t do anything more due to the numerous drawn swords around her and Steve.

  “I would know what the task is, Your Majesty,” Sir Danth said.

  King Cranwer nodded. “A ship has been terrorizing villages and stealing sheep along the southern mountains. I want you to find this ship and destroy it. After the task is done, I will give Tathan of the Shadows his freedom.”

  The companions stared at him for a moment. Vevin scratched his head. “I don’t think there’s an ocean along the southern mountains . . . in fact I’m sure of it.”

  “I mentioned that very fact to the first villagers who made the claim. They were very insistent that a ship had, in fact, attacked their village.” The king shrugged. “I didn’t take it seriously until representatives of the next village, the one after that and eleven others came forward with the same story. A ship comes sailing along, shoots three or four fireballs from catapults into the village, then goes to capture all the sheep in the surrounding farms.”

  Sir Danth frowned, which caused the king and a couple of people nearby to do a double take. “Have you not sent your soldiers and wizards out after this ship, Your Majesty?”

  “I’ve ordered the troops in that area to find it, but they’ve been unsuccessful and I’m awfully disappointed in them. The damage to the village is obvious and it’s clear that the sheep are missing, but they just can’t find the ship.”

  “How did Felina know I was in Kethril?” Tathan interrupted.

  “That’s a very good question,” King Cranwer replied. “How did you know?” he asked the bounty hunter.

  “I scryed his location.” She bit off each word in fury. “The signs said he would be in Kethril. As you can see, I was correct.” She gestured irately in Tathan’s direction.

  Liselle had a question for the bounty hunter. “Last we heard you were running away from the Rojuun. How did you escape?”

  Felina waggled her fingers. �
�Magic.”

  King Cranwer got back to the point at hand. “The way this will work is that my soldiers will take you to jail, Tathan of the Shadows. Your extraordinary friends will quest for the ship and stop it from terrorizing my villages. When that’s done, I’ll release you.”

  “How will we prove to you that it’s done?” Sir Danth asked.

  “I will send my niece, the Duchess Emmaoen Silverheart.” King Cranwer put his arm around the young wizardess.

  “Wait, wait, wait,” Tathan interjected with a hand up. “What makes anyone think I’m willing to go to jail?”

  “You killed a man,” Liselle said, drawing everyone’s attention. “I don’t know what all you’ve done before, but you murdered that man. You’re traveling with me, Tathan, and you still murdered him, knowing how I would feel.” For the first time, guilt crossed Tathan’s face. He looked down at his feet and didn’t respond. It bothered Liselle that he felt regret at disappointing her, but not for committing murder. “I don’t want you to go to jail, but I think it’s a reasonable request. I promise I’ll find that ship, take care of it and then come back and get you.”

  “Oh yes! We’ll find the ship,” Vevin agreed, doing a ‘find the ship’ version of the happy dance.

  “I will also take up the noble quest, both to gain your freedom and to help the suffering villagers,” Sir Danth joined in.

  “I don’t know what good I’ll be, but I’ll go to,” Anilyia contributed.

  “No.” King Cranwer shook his head. “I will not allow a princess to go into mortal danger. Your father would send assassins after me were I to allow you to come to harm so foolishly.”

  Princess Anilyia narrowed her eyes and stepped forward. “And will you have your people escort me back to Mayncal when this task is done?”

  “No. They would not be able to get you home,” the king refused. “You will be a target for kidnappers in an attempt to gain ransom or political agreements. Any escort would fall prey to hunters and once again, your father would send assassins to murder me.”