The king leaned forward after hearing the troubling news, tapping his meaty fingers on his knee before responding.
“Nephew…I hear your plight, and I sympathize with your friends. But you know very well how we feel about mingling in the affairs of the other kingdoms.” he said slowly.
“I know, Uncle, but if you could just –" started Rex, but his uncle swiftly cut him off.
“That is enough! You will let me speak, or you will leave!” shouted his uncle, suddenly enraged.
“Our people were once forced to fight alongside these kings, caught in between the battles of the North and South, forced to slay their brethren for the sole purpose of defending the pride of a pair of old men!
“After the war ended, we decided to stop that foolishness and look after our own families. Men from both sides left their homes and together, we settled our new lands, on the very grounds that had soaked up our blood!
“Now, look at us! We have grown to an independent people, free from the tyrant rule of a King, instead, led by our own, making decisions together as one big family.
“Now tell me, Reximus,” he continued, looking fiercely at his nephew, “Do you think, after the history that our people have endured, that they will be so eager to come to the aid of the very man who had forced them to kill their own family members some thirty years ago?”
The King finished his speech and stared at his nephew and slowly shook his head, knowing his message had hit home. But then, Rex spoke, a defiant look in his eyes.
“Uncle, what you say is true, but you fail to see the whole picture. If this man succeeds in his plans, an evil so great will be unleashed upon this earth that nothing will be able to stop them. It is true that the sins of the Northern King effected our people in the past. They were hurt deeply by the wars, everyone was! But if we do not stand up now and fight, we will be the next ones to fall under the blanket of darkness.” Rex finished speaking and stared intently at his uncle, trying to gauge whether or not the man was truly considering his words.
He finally responded, “Reximus, have you forgotten why we chose this valley for our new life? Our city rests atop a mighty mountain! A mountain that can only be reached by traversing a long, narrow passageway after having climbed for thousands of feet back and forth up a difficult and treacherous path. No army, no matter how large, could possibly pose a threat to us in this valley!
They would be forced to funnel their way through the passageway, weak and tired from the arduous journey up the mountain side. We would be standing at the other side, waiting and at the ready, like a mighty hammer we would squash them like a bug!” he pounded his fist in his hand to demonstrate the act, and it nearly made David jump out of his seat.
“Your words do not make me afraid, Nephew. They only make me saddened to see you so eager to throw the lives of your people away, the same way you threw away yours when you abandoned us!” said the King, to which Rex visibly slumped in his chair, seemingly defeated.
“Now, if that is all, you will have to excuse me. I have important business to attend to” said the King. He signaled to Reginald, who had been waiting silently by the doorway, to usher his nephew and the others to leave.
“You may stay here for the night, if you wish, but by morning I want you to go.” called the King, and he walked swiftly out of the room.
Chapter XVII
That night after having another large, regal feast, David, Orin, and Rex decided to go to the pub to meet with his friends, Reingard and Holzer, for a few drinks before calling it a night and preparing for their journey back down the mountain the next morning.
As they walked down the hill toward the village, it was clear that Rex’s return had sparked a lot of attention in the townsfolk, as crowds of men, women, and children waited at the edge of the town, awaiting his arrival. Apparently Reingard and Holzer had went around telling everyone in town that Rex had really returned, as the rumors had suggested, and that he would be coming to the pub that night for a grand party.
Rex couldn’t help but smile in spite of the disheartening confrontation he had had with his uncle earlier that day.
Cheers erupted from the townsfolk as Rex and the others approached. It was almost like a hero had returned from a long, fought war, victorious over his enemies. Inside, Rex didn’t feel like a hero. Instead, he felt downtrodden and defeated for not being successful at enlisting the help of his uncle, the King.
As they made their way through the thronging crowd towards the pub, David and Orin had to push their way forcefully through in order to keep up with their friend or risk losing him to the masses.
When they finally reached the pub, they sat down at a table in the far end of the room prepared specifically for Rex and his companions and had some pints of honey ale brought to the table for them to drink. A seemingly endless procession of people approached the table to greet Rex and welcome him home, one by one, for what felt like hours, until finally the last one had greeted him and they had a much needed moment to relax.
David and Orin sat staring dumbfounded at their apparently very popular, and very royal, friend, seeing him in a completely different light than they previously had.
“I know, I know…It’s embarrassing, really.” replied Rex, noticing their looks and sheepishly smiling before taking a big gulp from his mug.
“I definitely was not expecting this kind of reception, but honestly…I’m kind of enjoying it. It’s nice to be back home…” he said after swallowing.
To his right sat David and Orin, and across the table from Rex sat Reingard and Holzer, already slightly buzzed and on their third pint each.
David was the first to bring up the real subject that was weighing on each of their minds, “Rex, if you have this much support from the people, why is it that you’re letting your uncle run the show?” he asked.
“It’s complicated, David,” replied Rex. “It’s true that I was in line to rule when my father died, but after my wife died, instead of owning up to my responsibilities, I ran from them, too cowardly to face the world on my own. My uncle stayed and looked after them, he earned their respect and the right to rule over them.”
“Yeah, I understand that, but that was before…this is now, and in case you’ve forgotten, the entire world is at stake if we don’t do something and stop General Krauss!” cried David.
“It is true,” piped in Orin, “the stakes are very high indeed. And despite what your uncle thinks about the defenses of this village, they wouldn’t be able to endure the endless stream of demons that would fall upon this place once they set their sights on it. It would be like a black tidal wave of death, and it would fall on your people as sure as it will fall on the rest of the world. Nothing will stand in its wake…nothing.” He finished, a grim look on his face, remembering the horrors from the War of the Mystics.
Reingard looked across the table at the old mage, no longer wearing his sheepish grin. “Did you say demons?” he asked suddenly, nudging Holzer who was working on chugging the remainder of his third pint of beer, but quickly spit it out at the mention of demons.
“Demons!” he shouted, wiping the foam from his beard, suddenly paying attention to the conversation.
“Rex is this true?” they asked, almost in unison.
“I’m afraid it is, mates…” he replied, and David and the others quickly filled them in on the recent events that led them up to that moment, each person taking turns to fill in the gaps involving their part of the story.
They told them of David’s mysterious transport into this world from his own and his bonding with the orb and the prophecy that surrounds him. Of the instructions he and Erin had received from the Elders shortly before they vanished to the palace. Of the coup led by General Krauss and how they learned he was holding the King and one of the Elders as captives in the palace dungeons.
They spoke of David’s visions and dire message from the Mystics that warned him of the pending doom that would ensue if they don’t stop General Krauss from opening a rift into th
e Dark Abyss. Finally, they reached the part of the story involving their flight from West Post, Erin’s midnight departure, and their encounter with the Wolf Guard in the Great Plains at the foothills of the mountains, and how David had saved them just in time.
“If we can’t stop General Krauss, the Defiant One will be unleashed, along with his army of demons. He thinks he will be able to control them for his own ambitions, but something tells me that once they are released, they will be more intent on the death and destruction of every living thing than they will be on taking orders from him,” finished Orin somberly.
By the time they were finished, the entire pub was deathly quiet and surrounded their table. In the heat of their discussion, they hadn’t noticed the crowds gradually growing closer to listen in on the tales, their expressions turning from joy and drunkenness into sober-inducing horror.
“What are we going to do about it?” cried one of the men standing in the crowd behind their table, “Are we warriors, or are we not?” he asked the crowd, who roared in response.
“You’re all willing to fight with us?” asked Rex, inspired by the sudden enthusiasm and support the crowd in the pub was showing. “But what about our pledge to never get involved in the affairs of the Kingdoms again?” he asked, making sure their support was genuine.
“To Hell with the pledge, mate!” cried one of the supporters, “I’d rather die fighting, than sit here waiting for a bunch of demons to come knocking on my doors!” To which the crowd cheered again, mugs rising in the air and sloshing ale everywhere.
“Okay, Okay! Easy, men!” shouted Rex over the roar of the crowd. They all quickly grew silent, eager to hear what their former prince had to say.
As soon as he knew he had their full attention, he continued. “As much as I appreciate your enthusiasm and support, I think we’re all forgetting one thing. I’ve already spoken to the King and he was adamant about staying out of it. He won’t risk the lives of his men for what he sees as someone else’s war.”
The crowd erupted in boos and hollering, some even brazen enough to call him a coward.
“You’re just going to sit there and let him decide our fates for us, then, is that it?” asked another man near the back of the crowded room, to which the whole crowd shouted “NO!” in unison.
“Listen to me!” shouted Rex, now standing on the table so the whole room could see him. “I see how passionate you are about this matter, and my heart swells with pride to see my brethren so riled up and ready for a righteous fight! The spirit of our people is strong!” he waited for the cheers to die down again before continuing. “But if we are to win the support of the King, we must show him our support is strong, and petition him to change his mind so that we can have the full support of Ravenfell behind us when we march for war! ARE YOU WITH ME?” cried Rex, to which the entire pub erupted in cheers and stomping, causing the whole building to shake with the terrific sound.
Suddenly, a company of soldiers rushed into the room, the lead man bearing a piece of parchment as they shoved their way to the front of the crowd towards Rex and the others.
“What’s this about?” demanded Rex.
“You’re under arrest by order of the King and his council for the crime of conspiring to overthrow his rule. You are all to be brought to the castle for your sentencing” ordered one of the soldiers, apparently the one in charge.
“Conspiracy?” yelled Rex, with rage rising in his voice. “I will have word with my uncle about this! Now you’ll get out of my way if you know what’s best for you!” He stepped forward towards the soldiers, but they refused to move, each in turn drawing their swords in preparation for the coming battle.
“Alright, have it your way” Rex said as he lifted his battle axe from his back, ready to take them down.
Orin and David quickly followed suit and each prepared for battle, David unsheathing his sword and Orin lifting his staff high into both hands ready to strike. Holzer and Reingard quickly ran in between the two sides in an attempt to stop the fight.
“Wait!” cried Holzer, holding up his hands towards the soldiers, apparently familiar with their leader. “Reximus was not conspiring anything! He came here for a few drinks and some good company, but we’ve all just heard his tale and we think it to be worthy of our King’s renewed attention.” he pleaded.
Rex intervened. “Holzer, don’t bother trying to sway them. They already have their orders from their King, so I suggest you move out of my way so I can take care of these little pests” he growled stepping forward, flexing his large muscular arms.
“No! These are my friends too; don’t you get it? They are only following orders.” continued Holzer.
“He’s right, Reximus. They’re innocent just like you” interjected Reingard, stepping in the way.
He turned to his soldier friends. “Look, I know you have your orders to take them in, but if we’re right and Reximus is really innocent, then that leaves him free to go and speak with the King, along with his followers here who agree with his position.”
The soldiers suddenly looked around the room, as if noticing for the first time they were surrounded by a horde of drunken, angry barbarians, all riled up and ready for war.
“Why don’t you let him go and talk to his uncle to clear this up? Maybe there’s a way to get to the bottom of this without anyone getting killed.” pleaded Reingard.
“Alright Reingard…Holzer. You better be right about this, or it’s your asses that’ll be scrubbing the floors in the dungeon. Stand down!” the head soldier ordered.
He sheathed his sword and his company of soldiers followed suit. They each walked out of the pub house and dispersed throughout the city streets, going back to their normal patrols while the captain stayed behind eager to see this one through to the end.
“Lead the way boys” the captain said, gesturing towards the door.
“Thanks, Captain, we owe you one.” they said, relieved.
David and Orin relaxed and lowered their weapons, putting them away in their appropriate places.
Finally, Rex lowered his weapon too, but he still bore a look of rage and fury on his face. He didn’t like being accused of conspiring against his uncle. He had never really liked the man, but he wasn’t a traitor, either.
They all quickly walked out of the door, heading for the castle on the hill with the crowd from the pub and what appeared to be the entire town following in suit – each readying themselves for a confrontation that would decide their fate, and ultimately, the fate of the whole world.
When they reached the pathway on the hill leading up to the castle, they could tell from the amount of movement up by the gates that the rest of the soldiers had been placed on high alert.
The sky was getting darker as each moment passed leaving only a small portion that was still colorfully lit by the fading sun as it set behind the mountains to the West.
Dozens of soldiers patrolled the tops of the walls over the front gate, pacing back and forth searching for any signs of trouble.
When they saw the massive crowd approaching the front gates, along with Rex, David, and Orin leading the way with some of their own in tow, they immediately blew their horns and signaled for the gates to close, preparing their company of soldiers to stand and face the threat.
Rex, David, Orin, Holzer, Reingard, and the captain slowly made their way up the hill before stopping at the gates. The captain walked ahead and signaled to the guards before shouting to let them in.
“It’s okay, there’s been a misunderstanding. They’ve come to speak with the King and the council members to clear up the confusion.” he called up to the soldiers on the ramparts.
Their captain looked down from the walls at the soldier, carefully inspecting his expression for any sign of a threat. After some time, he decided the soldier wasn’t being coerced, and signaled for the others to open the gates and let them in.
David let out a silent sigh of relief, having known it would have been impossible for them to get th
rough those gates otherwise.
When the soldiers signaled for them to proceed, Rex and the others led the way into the open courtyard and were greeted by Reginald.
“Greetings again, my lord.” he said to Rex with a slight bow of respect.
“Reginald.” replied Rex, with an equal bow of respect, “Would you kindly inform my uncle that I am here to speak with him, along with the entire population of Ravenfell.”
And he wasn’t exaggerating the numbers. Not a single person had remained in their homes when word had spread from the pub to the rest of the town. Even the women and children came out to hear what fate would be decided by their king.
“Of course, my lord.” said Reginald, and he quickly turned and disappeared into the heart of the castle in search of the King and his council.
It wasn’t long before the great doors opened once again and out strolled the King of Ravenfell, followed quickly by a group of burly, elderly men that David assumed was the council members Rex had previously mentioned.
“What is the meaning of this, Nephew?” demanded the King, clearly displeased at the enormous crowd now standing before him and the manner of which they came parading into his courtyard.
“You tell me, Uncle. You’re the one who sent your men to arrest me for conspiracy!” shouted Rex, loud enough for the crowd to hear him.
“What did you expect me to do, Reximus? I was receiving reports that you were in the pub, shouting and screaming and causing a ruckus, that you were inciting a riot! Did you expect me to think you had good intentions, showing up here unannounced after disappearing for years without a trace, demanding I lend you my army for another man’s war!” he replied, his voice booming.
“You know that’s not what I was doing!” shouted Rex, but his uncle quickly cut him off.
“I knew no such thing! You come to MY kingdom, after giving up your right to rule, and demand that I do as you say. HOW DARE YOU!” he screamed, enraged, taking a step towards his nephew.
“I listened to your requests, I weighed the options, and I have decided along with the council members, that it is not in our best interests to go to war with a kingdom that is far greater than our own. And for what? To save a king who had no regard for our lives and those of our father’s when he demanded we fight in his war?” he continued.
David Bishop and the Legend of the Orb Page 15