King Erik sat on his throne in Vulkira looking down at a grime-covered man kneeling before him. Roughly in his fifties, he had a full beard that was stained black from coal. One of his citizens, a worker from the mines, had pleaded for an audience with him, raving about something in the tunnels, 'demon' was mentioned multiple times. The King grew tired of the endless rantings of his people’s superstition but his advisers told him it was good for the people to know that their ‘Beloved’ King cared for his citizens.

Silence broke King Erik’s thoughts. Torstein, the captain of the royal guard, standing at his side nudged him with his elbow, waking him from his thoughts. The room grew quiet and the miner looked at him expectantly. He looked at the King with wide eyes, waiting for an answer. Erik realized he must have missed most of what the miner had said. Erik frantically searched for words trying to make up for his lack of attention. Realizing he had drowned himself in thought rather than listen to the poor man, he leaned forward and looked him in his eyes.

“Hmmm,” Erik thought aloud. “So you say you found a giant door shaped like a...” he trailed off.

“Pentagon, sire.” the miner responded. “Deep below the earth. We haven’t even started digging yet and there is a monster inside, a demon.” Zepper added. “We feared for our lives and escaped to the surface.”

Erik gazed at him intently, unsure to believe the man. He seemed fidgety and scared but his face didn’t betray his sanity.

“We feared the demon would follow us and destroy the village. Everyone locked themselves inside and all production has halted. I know this creates a burden on you, sire, but please help us. We can make all the money you have lost back if only you rid this demon from Vori.”

“Right,” Erik said, raising one eyebrow in skepticism. He went through his memory vaguely remembering parts of his story. “I am disappointed that you have stopped mining, however, I understand your concerns. You will not be punished, rest assured. Tell me of this glowing door. Did you see it yourself?”

“Yes, sire.” Zepper croaked. “We feared it would eat us, or worse, steal our souls!” the miner exclaimed, his whole body trembled as he revisited the memory.

“Did you... see this, Demon?” the king asked skeptically.

“Well,” the miner trailed off. “We didn’t really see it but we knew it was there. We heard it breathing. I know it’s a demon sire! It shook the earth and its howl pierced the air.”

Erik rolled his eyes and leaned back into his chair. “I can’t go chasing after demons you say exist but haven’t seen.”

The miner bent his head down looking worried and ashamed. Erik couldn’t help but feel sorry for the old man, he had traveled all this way in fear of something that didn’t exist. He sighed then snapped his fingers.

“Torstein, send for Rayman. I’ll put my best man on it and put all our minds at ease,” he tried to smile at the miner. “You, sir. Uhhh what’s your name again?”

“My friends call me Zepper, sire,” he replied as Torstein left the room. “And thank you, sire. Please do not punish us. We can make up the amount of gold mined that we missed this week.”

“Right... Zepper, lead our soldiers to the door in the mine and Rayman will sort this whole mess out and put our minds at ease, alright?” Erik compromised for the man’s peace of mind. “And do not worry. You will not be punished. Vori is valued and respected, the people there are hard workers and I will not easily forget that.”

Torstein could be heard giving orders to one of the soldiers, no doubt to fetch Rayman from town. He reentered the throne room and waited quietly at the door.

“That would be wonderful, my King.” Zepper’s face lit up and he gave a toothy smile. “Thank you, sire.” the miner said while slowly bowing. His eyes looked less panicked and more at ease, which is what Erik wanted.

Zepper quickly backed out, bowing as he did so, and waited outside the door.

Rayman entered minutes later. He walked forward up to the king and bowed respectfully. He was a tall man, broad shoulders, sturdy arms, and a hell of a swordsman. Not only that, he was also loyal, to a fault. Rayman was a kind man even if he looked and acted like a tree. Erik trusted Rayman’s word and could rely on him. Including checking on a crazy person’s hysterics of a demon about to kill them all.

“I hear there is a demon in Vori?” he smiled halfheartedly. “I assume you want me to check in on the miners, yes? Rayman asked his King. Knowing Erik's doubt of the demon’s existence but also aware of the trust in him to solve the issue. “Do you believe the rumors to be true?”

“Ugggh,” Erik dragged his hands down his face, pulling on his eyelids. “True or not, that old man believes there's a demon and has halted gold and silver production. Yes, I would like for you to resolve the issue, whatever that might be. The elders would lose their minds if they heard I completely ignored a citizen's concern. I wouldn’t hear the end of it. And besides, this rumor is spreading like wildfire, we need the men to keep working. Let’s get this over with as quickly as possible and let them work in peace.”

“As you wish, sire. It is good of you to heed his warning even if it is false,” Rayman said in a serious voice. “I will see to it.”

“Yes, well, thank you,” Erik said to his friend. “Oh, don’t look at me like that.” he frowned at Rayman.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” Rayman lied, smiling. His stamp of approval was shown on his face.

“You have that look of approval. Don’t go getting all serious and soppy on me. I am a grown man.” Erik said frustratingly.

“It’s my job to take things seriously, I just enjoy seeing you becoming a great king,” Rayman responded, ironically, with a serious voice and face.

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“Can’t you relax for once? Sit back, have a glass of wine with me. It might be fun you know. I could have some girls come in to entertain us? Get some musicians in here. Huh?” Erik attempted to convince Rayman jokingly. Erik grinned and winked mischievously, obviously in jest.

“As fun as that sounds, I have Shay an-.” Rayman was cut off.

“Shay and two children.” Erik finished for him. “Yes, I know. You are so boring and predictable.” Erik insulted.

Rayman brushed off the insults gracefully, as he knew they were in jest. Erik often insulted him to try and get a reaction from him and always failed miserably, which probably upset Erik even further. He constantly tried to find ways to poke fun at him and Rayman enjoyed the little game.

Erik was always isolated in his castle, rarely going outside except when necessary. Rayman provided many opportunities to impart entertainment for the young king.

“Shay and the children have missed you.” Rayman steered the subject away. “You know our doors are always open to you. What do you say we have a meal together when I return? Get your mind off of work and the stress. I know many women who would love to attend. Not the kind that you speak of. Proper.”

Erik frequently talked about women of late, possibly due to his loneliness and lack of the company of the fairer sex. He acted like he was familiar with women and wanted to seem experienced. Probably because he felt insecure about the matter, hoping to convince others he wasn’t the odd man out. He wanted people to think he had lots of women and could have any he wanted at any time but in reality, he wanted more than a whore, he wanted something real. Not bought and not someone looking to use him for power or gold.

“Ugh.” Erik groaned. “What does proper even mean these days?”

“Someone who loves you and isn’t looking to use you for your power,” Rayman stated.

“Come on, I was only jesting. You know me... I only want to have some fun is all,” Erik tried to explain himself. “I know how much you love your family. Not sure what Shay sees in that ugly mug of yours though.” he insulted, ending with a smirk.

Their banter was in jest but felt more of a connection to him as a father and son would rather than a servant to the crown.

“Vori will be overjoyed by your presence. Many of the soldiers have family there, yes?” Erik changed the subject. “I trust you will resolve their fears.”

“Yes, of course, sire. Will that be all? If so I will inform you immediately of anything that needs your attention,” Rayman stiffened in a formal bow.

“Take as many men as you need,” Erik said, slightly annoyed with his bowing. “Don’t take any unnecessary risks. I don’t believe a demon lurks in the mines but something else might. The Vog have been known to hide in caves such as these. Be on your guard.”

“As you command.” Rayman nodded. “We will take proper precautions. And I assume that is a yes to my invitation,” he smirked.

Pursing his lips, Erik raised an eyebrow. “I suppose I could suffer through a meal with your family.”

Rayman turned and made his way to the exit.

Memories of his parent's sudden death, he and his sister being left to rule the country came flooding back to Erik. His sister, Cara had married Xerath and moved to Xer, leaving him alone. Rayman and Shay were the closest thing to family he had and he was worried, to say the least, for his safety.

Jebbin, an Elderman of Vulkira, had taken temporary control of Vulkira during his adolescence. After which, Erik took up his father’s crown and governed the land far more proficient and fairly than his father had. The shift of power had been granted to a fourteen-year-old boy which didn’t sit well with many lords and ladies. However, he swiftly reduced all doubts of his competence and ableness with the help of Rayman and a few others.

He brought in two emissaries from Tykin and Xer. With his sister’s support from Xer, and king Xerath’s endorsement, few opposed Erik’s claim. Rayman had supported him and won the loyalty of the people. Rayman was well-liked and popular with the common citizen, he was a family man and a trusted soldier and with his support, he gained favor from the people as well.

King Erik had spent the next ten years enhancing friendships and trade deals. He boosted all the wealth even to the poorest citizens. Giving the common people an opportunity to gain status and wealth encouraged people to rise in power to rival the lords and ladies that previously squandered their leadership roles and used their power to all but enslave the masses. The lords had used their wealth and power to cripple the people through debt and labor. This was one thing Erik found most difficult to forgive his father for. Letting so much corruption grow rampant.

With a legal way to fight back, and through honest work, Erik balanced the power of the common people with the troublemakers. Erik was loved by all, except the lords and ladies who despised him. As much as they hated him, they couldn’t fight back without showing their true colors, in which case would prove Erik’s point valid and the people would rebel against any who opposed king Erik. He was loved by the people and Erik truly cared for them. Vulkira trusted their king and the citizens respected and favored him, Erik would not betray that trust as his father and mother had.

Refusing to be bribed or coerced into going against the good of Vulkira, created many enemies for Erik and his friends. Distant uncles and cousins despised him, except his sister Cara, who to this day supported him even from Xer.

With no family, a void of loneliness threatened to consume him. His sister Cara, the only family he had left was in Xer, leaving him alone. He knew Rayman could see it in his eyes. He had endured so much at such a young age. Most men would have buckled under the pressure of governing an entire nation, let alone a kingdom in the aftermath of a war. Friends and acquaintances only saw him as an opportunity for money or power. For those reasons, Erik had distanced himself from those who sought to use him. Age twenty-four and maintaining the richest country in the world, yet he was without a lover. Without a family. He felt truly alone until Shay and Rayman had practically forced him to visit them.

Shay, Rayman’s wife, looked at Erik, not as a king but a young man who needed guidance. They both saw the good in Erik and wished to give him a shoulder to lean on. Shay convinced Rayman to join the royal guard and act as a mentor to him. Rayman didn’t feel like he did much for Erik but he trusted the king and did what he was asked. Shay was always happy to help the young king too. For this reason, Erik had shown great gratitude towards them and looked to them for advice on many occasions.

Erik’s cheeks blushed from embarrassment at the memory of calling Shay his mother once. The awkwardness that had followed was nearly unbearable but they had taken it well and treated him like a son, regardless of his status.

Torstein returned to the door as Rayman was leaving but he saw Rayman whisper something to the captain and they both slipped out the door.

Rayman snapped out of his thoughts and gave a slight bow to the young man, his king. Erik had been good to his family, he had wanted to give them a villa as a gift to them but Rayman had refused. He appreciated Erik’s kindness but he didn’t want a handout. It would feel like he was just using the king for his own gain. Not only that, he didn’t want the people seeing Erik favoring one family over any other and so, Rayman politely rejected the gift also to prove his loyalty to the king.

He watched the two men, perhaps the only people he truly trusted, leave him to himself. After a moment of pause and the slight echoing of his fidgeting, a lullaby popped into his head. One he knew well.

Erik sat on his throne and hummed his mother’s tune, bringing back the memories of his childhood and of his sister. A great bout of sorrow filled him and he hunched over in his chair, a void in his heart.