An Empire Forged

by Michael Greenfield

  The Lord sat just beyond Kormick spoke up, “What you mean is that you won’t bow to Duke Vilstrom, and he won’t bow to you?”

  “That does raise a slight issue doesn’t it.” He looked at Qar’a, “And would your own Lords agree to you leading the people of M’ur? As far as their other Kingdoms are concerned, you’re probably the only two nobles in the country we would trust.”

  “Then what would you suggest?” Qar’a’s tone spoke quite clearly of the fact that he completely agreed with Kormick’s summary.

  Kormick laughed, “Gods, I don’t know. I thought that’s what we were here to try and figure out?”

  Harlin spoke up, “The way I see it, you have a line of succession in Galorn, but its clouded. Any single party could push forward, but there would be a strong possibility of civil strife.

  And here in M’ur, you have a direct heir, but he is much too young for what we face.” He looked at each of those assembled.

  “Boraan is a slightly different issue.” Myriana raised an eyebrow, pointedly fixing her gaze upon the dwarf, “Again, Her Majesty is quite young for the responsibility, but I believe that she had more than adequately demonstrated that she has the ability to deal with what we face.

  So again, the issue is Galorn and M’ur.

  Whatever we decide here, I give my word that the Dwarven peoples will abide by that decision.”

  Several voices of thanks were heard, most audibly from Kormick and Qar’a.

  Kerin leaned forward, “Commander Collett and General Jerito are currently working on a plan for our campaign against the Mythraan and their supporters.

  We need to be able to support this plan as soon as its ready to implement.” She looked at Qar’a before continuing, “What would you say to M’ur continuing to operate under the council that is currently in place?”

  Kormick was about to state that there was no issue with that on the part of Galorn, when one of the M’ur Lords that had been asked to join the discussion spoke out.

  “Impossible.” He glanced at the Earl at the head of the table, “Your council would leave a dangerous vacuum amongst the nobility of the country.” He paused, looking from face to face.

  “Go on, Lord Nerus,” said Kerin.

  “If you’ll forgive me, Lady Kerin.

  We may not number as many nobles as our neighbouring Kingdoms, but we have a few. And I’m sure that some of those would like to see themselves upon the throne.

  If we were to bring the government under the direction of a council, then we would be opening the way for those that have the inclination to plan for ways to remove it.

  Again, we would be in no better position than Galorn.”

  Cal had never met Nerus before, but he decided that he liked the young nobleman.

  “How can we direct the obvious energies of our peoples toward the greater good. It appears that whatever we try, we’re going to have some that resent the situation and may even work against it.” Qar’a looked exasperated.

  Kormick’s eyes had taken on a far away look, a gaze which Harlin had noted from the opposite side of the table.

  “My Lord?” his question didn’t elicit an immediate response as the Galorn continued staring into space for a few minutes.

  Everyone about the table became silent, none wanting to break the man’s concentration, as they watched, expectantly waiting for him to say something.

  The moment almost lasted too long. Qar’a was about to pose another question when Kormick suddenly blinked.

  “I think I have it.”

  “Well don’t make us wait, laddie.” Harlin had never had much patience.

  “The issue we have is that in both countries we have basically two powerful groups who don’t wish to see the other gain ascendancy over them?”

  Several heads bobbed up and down in acknowledgement.

  “So, let’s not give the right to rule to any of them.”

  There was complete silence about then table as they tried to understand what Kormick was proposing.

  With a beaming smile he stood and moved to immediately behind the other Galorn Lord, leaning in close to him and whispering in his ear. The man’s eyes widened as he listened, “No!”

  “With Vilstrom as Chancellor?”

  The Lord seemed to be on the verge of another retort, but instead he sat silent for a moment, thinking over what Kormick had just proposed to him, before grudgingly nodding his head.

  Next, he went to Qar’a and motioned for Lord Nerus to join them. He quickly conveyed to them the idea he had come up with. After a few moments, Nerus stood back with a smile on his face.

  “I’d love to see their faces when this is announced.”

  Qar’a was also grinning, “It will provide the support and security the council are looking for. I agree. Nerus?”

  “I also agree.” He looked back at Kormick, “Shall we?” He waved his hand toward Myriana, who was looking totally unsure of herself for once.

  The two nobles stepped clear of the table on the side where Cal and the others from Boraan were sat.

  “Myri, would you please stand.”

  Still looking confused, the Queen stood from her chair and faced the two men. Kormick looked to the others around the table.

  “If you would be so good as to join us.” He motioned to Cal and Luda, “Perhaps you would like to stand either side of your Queen.”

  Cal still wasn’t sure what was happening but thought he might have a vague idea. With no reason to object, he complied with Kormick’s request and took up position to the left of Myriana, Luda standing to the right.

  Before the bemused trio from Boraan, Kormick and Nerus took a half step forward and the knelt, one knee to the floor.

  “Majesty, all of our Kingdoms stand in peril and we have need of stability if we are to persevere. It therefore falls to myself and my colleague from M’ur,” he inclined his head slightly toward Nerus, “to take the only action I can conceive that will allow us to unite our peoples.

  Myriana, Queen of the Sovereign Kingdom of Boraan. On behalf of the people of the Kingdom of Galorn I, Duke Kormick, kneel in your presence and ask that you accept our fealty to your name.”

  The young Queen from the westernmost of the Southern Kingdoms was no longer looking confused, she was absolutely shocked. Before she could say anything, Nerus took up where Kormick had left off.

  “I, Nerus, Earl of Leema, do hereby pledge allegiance on behalf of the nation of M’ur, to Queen Myriana of Boraan.” Without waiting for a reply, he stood and raised a hand, “Long may she reign!”

  The room erupted. Cal found himself caught up in the emotion, shouting his affirmation of Nerus’ cry. He looked to Luda, who was also cheering, before looking back to his Queen. She no longer looked shocked, and he could see that her natural abilities were taking over.

  Although he wasn’t as politically astute as many in the room, even he could see the sense in what Kormick had proposed, and with the backing of Qar’a and Nerus, it really left little anyone else could do about it.

  Myriana stood amongst the cheering group, looking nothing more less bemused. The purpose of this meeting had been to solidify the civilian leadership for the three Kingdoms, but nothing had prepared her for what her uncle had proposed. Now, as she saw the joyful faces about her, she decided that no matter what her personal feelings toward the idea, she couldn’t let down the hope that she saw in this room.

  She looked at Cal, the youngest in the room bar herself. He was quietly smiling to himself, watching her in return.

  “You seem happy with this new arrangement my dear Baron?”

  “I’m a country boy, Majesty. I know probably better than the others that for the most part its not who rules, but the fact that someone rules. It may be false comfort, but it allows us to get on with our lives.

  From what everyone was saying, splitting the thrones would have led to strife at a time when we can ill afford such.”

  The Queen of Boraan laughed. It was as much a r
elease of tension as it was for anything funny in Cal’s observation, but she couldn’t stop herself. As she laughed, the crowd about her started to quieten, until she was stood in their centre, trying hard to control herself.

  Eventually she managed to regain a measure of control.

  “Friends,” she looked at each of them as she spoke, “I can honestly say that this was not what I expected, or if I’m being truly honest, not what I really wanted, but my young Baron here has explained that it is a necessity.

  I accept your pledges, and more, I pledge myself to the people whose future I have been entrusted with.

  If we are to do this, I think we need to organise some form of ceremony as soon as possible, if for no other reason than to let the people know that we are taking our responsibilities seriously, and attempting everything we can to ensure the protection of this realm in which we live.

  Uncle Kormick, would you and Lord Marut,” she indicated the Galorn Lord whose name Cal hadn’t known, “Along with Lady Kerin and Earl Nerus, stay. There are things we need to discuss.” She glanced about her again, “And you Cal, I think we may need your perspective.

  As for the rest of you, would you please see to the throne room. I believe we might want to make it look festive for the crowning ceremony. And find a priest willing to conduct the ceremony itself.” She paused, “Better make sure he’s quick on his feet to, as I think he’s going to have to invent the words himself.

  Oh, and Luda, see if you can find Tamala, I’m going to need her magic.” The big man looked quizzically at her, “Well I need a dress, don’t I?”

  Several laughed at the Queen’s obvious attempt to keep the mood light, as they filtered out of the room to begin to pass the word.

  Once they were left alone, Myriana motioned for them to sit back at the table, though this time she took the seat at the head.

  “Before anyone starts, this is not the Empire of Boraan, or any such nonsense. We need to unite all of our peoples under one banner.”

  Cal was the first to respond, probably because he was the only one who had only recently joined the nobility, and as such he was the only one who didn’t instantly think of putting his own country’s interests first.

  “We’re the Southern Kingdoms, why not the Empire of the Southern Kingdoms?”

  Kormick nodded, whilst Nerus spoke up, “Its good, but a bit of a mouthful.”

  Kerin smiled, “Then shorten it. How about the Southern Empire?”

  They mulled it over, before each in turn nodded their agreement. “The Southern Empire it is then. That was easy.” Myriana leaned back in her chair, “Now, how do we hold it together? It has to be one Empire, but we need to maintain the individual strengths of each Kingdom.”

  “I can’t help you there.” Kormick looked toward his niece, “Seriously, I can’t be seen to be gaining more out of this than some others because of our family ties.”

  “He’s right,” Marut shook his head ruefully, “the only reason I agreed with him was because he told me he would nominate Vilstrom as Chancellor.”

  “Three Principalities, answering to one governing body. Would that work?” Kerin looked to the others as she asked the question.

  Surprisingly, it was Marut that spoke next. “That could work.

  Each Principality has its own Chancellor, who would form the basis of your ruling council. Advisors from each would also form part of that,” he turned to Kormick, “if you would be willing to serve, My Lord? Duke Vilstrom may not be particularly fond of you, but he will acknowledge that you have an exceptional mind.”

  Cal shook his head in wonder as the talk continued about the table. Each of them seemed determined to make this work, in the face of an enemy that they all knew they could not face individually, and he was watching tentative ‘peace offerings’ coming from all sides.

  Myriana caught his eye, and as he looked toward her, she smiled, and then winked. He couldn’t help but smile himself as the Queen obviously saw the same as Cal did.

  It didn’t seem to take long before they had the basis for an agreement in place. It would require the obligatory signatures to confirm that each of the Kingdoms had indeed renounced their individual status, and that would take a little time, as Vilstrom was still back in Galorn and he would be needed to sign on their behalf.

  Next, it was decided that the group would work on the wording of said agreement. For this, Myriana decided that she would nominate Luda and Collett as the representatives of Boraan during the discussion that would be needed.

  Cal thought Collett would complain, as he was busy planning their next military move, but he would do ask Myriana asked.

  At that, the Queen declared that this meeting was over and that they should organise with Luda and Collett as to when they would hold the next meeting and start the work that needed doing.

  As she stood, they all rose and bowed to her. Kormick spoke as they did, “Your Imperial Majesty, may I be the first to wish you a long and fruitful reign.” The others cheered in response.

  The young Queen actually blushed, before replying. “My dear Lord Duke, it’s not quite the birthday present I imagined, but I will do my best not to break it.”

  Birthday? Cal suddenly felt something click in his mind as certain facts dropped into place. Without realising, he burst into peals of laughter, tears starting to stream from his eyes.

  “Cal?” Myriana looked genuinely worried as Cal fought to bring himself back under control. “Cal, are you alright?”

  Gradually he regained his composure. His eyes were still watering though as he replied. “I’m fine Majesty. Something funny just occurred to me.”

  “Funny?” All eyes had been on him for several moments, but there was now an extra intensity to their scrutiny.

  “Apologies, but it was when you mentioned your birthday.

  The Prophecy states that if a Royal Child of Boraan should fail to meet with the Seer during their sixteenth year, the Kingdom of Boraan will be no more.”

  Confusion reigned amongst the others, but Myriana herself had also started to laugh. “Don’t you see Uncle,” she asked Kormick, “Today’s my sixteenth birthday. I’ve failed to visit with the Seer and because of that, the Kingdom of Boraan is no more.

  We always assumed that it meant the destruction of the Kingdom. It doesn’t, it speaks of the joining of Boraan with M’ur and Galorn to form this new Empire.”

  A few giggles sounded, then as if the floodgates had opened, they were all laughing hard.

  A Family’s Past

  After the meeting had broken up, Cal found himself at a bit of a loss for something to do. No one had given him instructions, so he judged he was being left to his own devices for a change.

  He would have gone looking for Tamala, but he knew that the new Empress was already heading in that direction, mumbling about dresses and jewels. He definitely wanted to stay clear of that.

  He made the decision to go looking for Farsighter. He’d seen him about but had not managed to speak to him yet. Decision made, he decided to try outside the wall first. His guess would be that the ex-Ranger and woodsman would be helping organise hunting for game and harvesting berries and fruits from nearby woods to supplement the supplies from the city and nearby towns.

  He passed out through the northern gates, barely acknowledging the salute given him by the gate-guard, as he started to cast his eyes about trying to see if he could spot someone he recognised. He’d collected his sword from his room as he made his way out of the palace, and it was now firmly strapped across his shoulders.

  There may have been a large, armed force outside the city walls, but no-one was taking any chances. Harlin and Collett had arranged patrols and watch-posts throughout the immediate area, with wooden towers being hastily erected to give an even better view of anything that might approach.

  Tamala and Dorrin had played with the idea of placing some wards about the countryside, but Tamala herself had pointed out that if the Mythra or Eshek could open a gateway, t
hey would probably open it either right before the city, or even within its limits. Either way, a ward wouldn’t really make a lot of difference in warning time.

  As he made his way through the bustling camp, he heard the distinct clinking sound of someone working metal. He knew that the dwarves had quickly erected a temporary forge soon after they had arrived, in order to make lots of little things that would be needed. Cal smiled at the memory of Vorston patiently explaining to some young courtier that there was no point in making horseshoes for his mangy mount until they had the nails to attach it with.

  Admittedly, the nails themselves weren’t made in the forge, but the iron they were produced from was worked there first.

  He wandered in the general direction of the sounds, hoping someone there might tell him where Vorston could be found. As he passed one of the long huts that had been erected to provide basic shelter, a couple of families to each hut, he saw that the forge he approached wasn’t one of the dwarven ones.

  It must have been erected by someone from the city, or perhaps from the Boraan garrison. He was about to turn away and go look elsewhere when something about the smith working there caught his attention.

  He was facing away from Cal, but there was a certain shape to his stance that was jogging the Baron’s memory.

  “It can’t be.” He started to jog toward the small, wooden construction, “Eldur!”

  The smith stopped in mid swing, hammer held high, and turned in surprise. “Cal?”

  The tongs holding the iron he was working dropped back onto the coals, whilst the hammer bounced as it hit the floor. Eldur didn’t care, he was sprinting himself.

  The two brothers flew into each other’s arms.

  “Cal! Gods, how are you here?” Both brothers laughed as they stood back and looked at each other, “And where did you get that sword?”

  “It’s a long story. How come you’re here, and where’s da?”

  “He’s here. We followed Commander Collett’s men when they left Holdur. After the Shaler were forced back, soldiers came asking at all of the villages to see who could help.” Eldur shrugged his shoulders, “Everyone wants a smith.”