A Rising Tide

by Ross Buzzell

  “I’m sorry.”

  Are the only words Konner is able to squeeze out. All the prince has ever wanted was happiness for his friends, but being the cause of this much pain to someone he was once so close to with is almost more than he can bear. Na’era wipes a tear away from her cheek; she shakes her head and slowly faces Konner.

  “It’s not you. You are a great man Konner Lorian, I feel like…”

  she pauses for a moment, searching desperately for the words to describe her emotions at this moment in time. Konner speaks up in a soft tone.

  “Like you are chest deep in tar. Like the more you struggle the more it crushes the life from you. So all you can do is relax and let whatever destiny is chosen for you play out, without your say and without your consent.”

  Na’era’s shoulders drop. Her body language changes; it becomes clear to Konner that he may have been hiding his true feelings a little bit better than even he anticipated, as the princess visibly relaxes at his words.

  “You feel the same?”

  The prince laughs and nods, as the sound of the festivities echo in a muffled tone through the walls.

  “Na’era, I have loved you since we were children, but as a friend and nothing more. You are a wonderful woman and I wish above all else that you would have been able to marry for love.”

  At this Na’era begins to laugh, partially through entertainment at Konner’s words, but mostly through the wave of relief that finally breaks the massive amount of tension and stress that has been building within her for who knows how long. It takes some time but eventually Na’era is able to compose herself.

  “You Konner Lorian are excellent at deception. I could not tell you felt that way. Throughout the entire ceremony I kept telling myself that it was my duty to marry you and give you an heir. I thought this is what YOU wanted.”

  Konner smirks some. Slowly he walks over to a chair near Na’era.

  “I was telling myself the same thing. Duty before self. Now that we are united, however, there are certain things we will need to discuss, but not tonight.”

  Na’era gives Konner an exhausted smile. She walks over to Konner and gives him a kiss on the cheek.

  “Thank you Konner. I am exhausted and in need of rest.”

  Konner nods over at the bed.

  “You take the bed. We can figure an arrangement out later.”

  As Na’era makes her way over to Konner’s bed, the prince looks around. He spots an old wooden divider set up as a decorative piece on the far side of the room. Quickly the prince gets up to move the simple antique between him and Na’era to give her some privacy. Just as Konner gets the divider in place he hears a knock at the door. The rap is familiar to the prince. It belonged to his parents. Konner looks back, unable to see his bed the prince unties his cloak and throws it on the chair at the far end of the room; he makes his way to the door and opens his robes revealing his upper body. The knock continues. Quickly Konner opens the door just enough for his head to poke through. Sure enough the sight of his mother and father greet him. Konner forces a smile for his parents as he takes a deep breath.

  “Yes?”

  “Are you not coming to the banquet?”

  Konner’s father asks, oblivious to the visual cues Konner is trying to send. Out of the corner of his eye, the prince notices his mother pick up on the hints he drops. she gives the High King a gentle tug on the arm. As Konner scratches the back of his head; he looks back into the room.

  “I do not believe we will be joining the banquet.”

  A look of bewilderment consumes the High King’s face. He puffs his chest out.

  “And why not, it is customary for the newly wedded royal family to present themselves to their guests.”

  Konner grins, not wanting to push it too far but his father’s relentlessness could only be quelled by one thing, embarrassment. If Konner could make the High King feel uncomfortable enough, then he would not return for the rest of the night neither would he demand Konner and Na’eras presence.

  “I understand father, but securing the bloodline of the Lorian family is also a customary act of the newly wedded royal family, which I believe takes precedence over a meal.”

  It is only then that the High King finally reads what the prince is falsifying as true. He quickly grows flush and nods.

  “Right, I will address the people on your behalf.”

  Without another word, Konner’s parents turn and walk quickly away. The prince closes the door behind them and walks over to the chair in front of the fire.

  “We will not be bothered again. Sleep well Na’era. Tomorrow we initiate the ‘time of mourning.’ We will need our rest.”

  Konner hears the rustle of the sheets on the far side of the divider, followed by the tired soft voice of the princess.

  “Thank you Konner, you sleep well also.”

  Konner turns the lights off. He moves to sit in his chair that sits in front of the crackling fire before succumbing to the unrelenting force that is sleep.

  The next five years passes Konner and Na’era like a whirlwind. The first three months of the marriage Konner and Na’era spend time secluded from the planet and apart to mourn each other for the day they will inevitably die. This is a Boronian custom designed to prevent citizens, especially soldiers and figureheads, from being debilitated with grief after a loss, thus making them far more productive. After their return to society, Konner forges the Paladin which consists of a hundred of the most loyal and best soldiers with only ten of them being admitted into the circle of ‘The First Knights.’ Through chivalry and righteousness they usher Boron and all her lands into a new and far prosperous age. Na’era and Konner grow closer but never truly fall in love. All the while, Konner keeps the wedding gift on a chain around his neck. They commit to their duties as the leaders of Boron and produce an heir by the name of Ryan Lorian roughly a year after their arranged marriage. The two spend the next three months observing the ‘mourning period’ for their son, and through him they find a common true love. Na’era works closely with the Queen while raising Ryan when Konner is off world on diplomatic and military missions. On Na’era’s first wedding anniversary, the Queen bestows her wedding ring upon Na’era as an anniversary gift. Jil’Thorin is taken under the wing of Sal’Der to be trained as a future Triad General. Ja’Sanfur takes a leave of absence to assemble the few chosen dragon riders to form a specialty corps and Bara’Helor leaves with her. The Battle Master takes a leave of absence to return home to his people. About this time the Dead Lands finally begin to become active but not with the monsters of tradition, rather semi-sentient beings. Man’Sanfur and Disa’ani begin to become more and more secluded from those around them. Man’Sanfur goes so far as to completely disappear with an entire platoon of Boronian soldiers. Na’era aids Konner in a search for his missing friend but to no avail and upon returning home the High King orders Lei to the Dead Lands to act as a diplomat to this seemingly new race that is coming forth. Over the five years’ time Konner notices his father age inexplicably rapidly to the point where his body is now frail. On the night of his son’s fourth birthday, time stops for the High Prince Konner Lorian, as his aged father comes to visit his son in Konner’s own chambers.

  Konner sits in his large, soft chair, adorned in his princely robes. He reads a book that is about the history, physiology and culture of the human race. Over the past almost two decades, the prince’s curiosity of the human race and Sol 3 have not diminished; and now that the planet and the kingdom is running smoothly Konner is free to peruse any studies he pleases. A soft giggling catches Konner’s attention. Slowly he peeks over the edge of his book to see his small child running around the room in pursuit of Na’era who playfully runs away from him. Looking upon his son, Konner feels a great swell of love overtake him. Slowly the prince puts the book down as he watches the mirror image of himself at that young age have a care free childhood, not one dedicated all to studies and battle like his own. Soon Ryan catches Na’era and she
picks him up off the ground. Konner stands up and walks over to his wife and son. Gently he places his hand on Ryan’s small head before he gives his son a kiss.

  “It’s time for bed son. Mommy will tuck you in.”

  he yawns in the exhaustion of any little boy who has stayed up far too late. Na’era chuckles at how adorable her son is.

  “Time to say goodnight, my precious boy.”

  she goads her son. Ryan opens and closes his little hand at Konner before blowing him a clumsy kiss.

  “Night daddy.”

  His words are understandable but still slightly fumbled over each other. Na’era gives Konner a smile before she turns and leaves their room, gently bouncing their son on her hip as she does.

  “Let’s go say goodnight to grandma!”

  Na’era happily tells her son as Konner makes his way to the patio window and gazes out over Caelum as the city rests peacefully below him. A soft creek catches Konner’s attention. Thinking it was Na’era he calls out before turning around.

  “That was fast.”

  Konner turns and stops. He laughs audibly as he sees his father, who has aged ten years in the past five cycles, standing before him.

  “I’m sorry father, I thought you were Na’era.”

  “That is ok my son.”

  His voice is a shell of what it once was a semblance of the king he used to. The High King makes his way over to Konner and looks out the window at Caelum as well. A peaceful, satisfied smile falls over his face.

  “My son, I have ruled this planet for far too long. My time is soon coming to an end and this planet needs a good, strong ruler.”

  The High King turns to Konner. Slowly he places his hands together. This draws Konner’s gaze downward as his father pulls off the Royal Ring.

  “This is the ring of the warrior kings; it holds our knowledge, our power. Let it guide you my son… I know you understand what it means to be king, but let it show you that true leadership is out of kindness, out of purity, not just the great powers you will possess. It is time for me to relinquish my title and for you to take the oath of the kings.”

  Upon hearing these words from his father, Konner’s heart nearly stops in his chest. He had been looking forward to this day but was not expecting it for some time. The passing of the title of High King from father to son is a private affair on Boron. It is often done when the High King is at his weakest so to maintain the illusion of strength. Ever since time in memorial, the High King has crowned his successor in such a way that the High King always appears strong. Heart pounding, adrenalin rushing. Konner kneels to the floor. The duty is great, as is the burden of leadership, but the years of training and discipline have left the High Prince ready to receive the crown. The High King hands the ring to Konner. With hands trembling with angst and excitement, the High Prince accepts the token. His eyes gaze upon the metallic ring’s surface. On its face is the twisted outline of a fish with three lines in the empty center.

  “By my soul I do swear to uphold the laws of my people, to lead them into the light and always flee treason. To protect the weak from any evil that may befall them and never commit outrage or murder. To never take up the sword for wrongful purposes or worldly goods and to bar the path of Darkness and protect those weaker than myself to my dying breath.”

  The Oath of the Kings flows from within Konner as if part of genetic memory. Having only ever heard it once in passing; the fact that he remembers it so flawlessly surprises even Konner. Konner stands and makes eye contact with his father.

  “Thank you father, I will use this ring to protect the weak as you did and your father before you. I will lead our people in a way that will make you…”

  An explosion interrupts Konner and shakes the entire palace. Konner and his father look at each other with confusion and concern. The doors to the chambers burst open as Na’era flies into the room in a panic. Soot paints itself all over her face, body and garments and that of their son in her arms. Quickly Na’era slams the door behind her; she calls out to Konner and his father.

  “We are under attack your majesty. The queen has fallen at Xero’s hand.”

  The King goes white as Konner moves across the room to his nightstand. His hand finds its home on his old friend, the hilt of his weapon.

  “That is impossible. He was banished a millennia ago.”

  The King gasps out in shock. Konner looks at his family. In the blink of an eye he slides the Ring of the Kings onto his right middle finger. A yellow light immediately erupts from the metal band and burrows itself into Konner’s forearm. As it passes through his arm and begins to dance up his body the energy turns from yellow to azure blue as his silken gown slowly forms into his battle armor. Konner’s cape falls behind him as the family crest glows brightly on his chest. Konner begins to walk to the doors as Na’era backs away. They burst open once more kicking up a massive cloud of dust. Konner quickly moves between his wife and child and the doorway as his father moves directly behind him to protect his grandson. As the dust settles, a monstrous creature comprised of dark energy steps into the room, followed by a handful of others.

  With a roar, the attacking force charges Konner whose weapon ignites into a straight sword. With ease and even greater speed than he has wielded before, Konner engages in battle. He dispatches the attackers with the fluidity and strength of a raging river. Being vastly outclassed two of the lumbering four legged dark energy beasts retreat. Moments later Disa’ani appears in the doorway, having clearly been engaged in battle. Konner smiles as he sees his old friend. Konner’s father pushes past his son in an attempt to get information from the now general of his guard.

  “Disa’ani my general, give me a report. What is going on?!”

  Konner notices the King instantly stop; he looks down the hallway in sheer terror. Quickly Konner moves to see what his father sees, his heart nearly stops. A behemoth of a man walks down the corridor toward Konner’s room. Smoke dances up around the giant of which Konner had ever only seen one being larger, the Berserker class Titan he fought as a child. The grueling being holds a massive sword in his right hand which is covered in notches. The pit in Konner’s stomach tells him each notch is for a life that has ended at the blade of that sword. The grip is constructed out of a contorted bone which matches the face, twisted by some unknown darkness from what was once a handsome man to a conduit of pure evil. The flames lick up his muscular feature but do not burn him as it would for a Boronian but he was not absorbing the flames. His smooth scalp glistened in the roaring light of the fire as he glares at Konner with more hate than the prince had ever seen, from behind dark, twisted eyes.

  A wet crunch brings Konner’s attention forward and the King’s heart literally stops for a brief moment. Time seems to slow down as his eyes take in the horror that is before him. Konner’s father, now on his knees has a spear thrust through his chest and out of his back. The likes of which are held by Disa’ani. Konner moves as fast as he can as horror strikes at the very heart of the new King. He is not fast enough. As he reaches his father, Disa’ani pulls the spear out, Konner catches his father before he hits the ground but the life is already gone from him. Konner feels a wave of sorrow and rage wash over him as he holds his father close for a brief moment. A single silent tear rolls down his cheek for the man who raised him, who helped forge him into the man Konner is today. A soft flash of light flairs in Konner’s peripheral vision; slowly the prince turns to face the source; Disa’ani stands over Konner, spear jabbing forward but stopped a few centimeters from Konner by an azure blue energy field. Konner’s eyes begin to flair violently into the azure blue of the royal family. His vision tunnels and focuses on his once good friend as he gently sets his father down. Disa’ani jabs at Konner again who dodges the attack and knocks the spear away with his bare hand.

  “HOW COULD YOU DO THIS!?”

  he roars in an unbridled rage. Disa’ani jabs at him again. Konner reacts swiftly and catches the spearhead, stopping it millimeters from his fac
e. Konner feels the power within him pool into his arm that holds the bracer. Konner looks down to see the force field that usually generates his shield has formed into a gauntlet around his fist. Konner winds his fist back, wrenches Disa’ani’s spear to the side and delivers a punch with so much power and speed that Konner’s hand nearly breaks the speed of light. A deafening ‘boom’ explodes from the sheer force of the attack. A blinding flash of light explodes at the moment of impact and Konner feels his body absorb an immense amount of heat as his old friend is sent violently crashing through the thick stone walls of the palace, before tumbling violently down the mountainside only to be buried under the debris.

  “KONNER!”

  A woman’s voice cuts through his tunneled focus, the voice of Na’era. Immediately Konner turns to see the giant swinging his sword from over his head down toward his wife and child. The sight is horrid enough to make Konner’s heart stop yet his adrenaline floods his system like a sea, is in full effect. Faster than the eye can see, Konner dashes across the room; he slides against the stone floor, scuffing it greatly, as he skids to a stop between his wife and the attacker Xero.