PART 1

Rayman sat up, startled awake. Shay lay next to him but stirred from his sudden movement.

The sun was just rising, shining light through his window. Roosters crowed, waking the city from its slumber. It had taken three weeks to reach Qutreth from Calchester but the journey gave him time with his family which he desperately wanted. He felt he had failed them when they were forced to flee Vulkira without him. Shay had insisted he give up on the notion and persistently told him he wasn’t to blame and it was not in his control to travel with them and all that mattered was he was with them now.

Leaning over to his wife, Rayman wrapped his arms around her and kissed her gently on the lips, wanting nothing more than to remain by her side for all eternity.

“You’re meeting Jebbin today aren’t you?” Shay mumbled through his kiss.

It was their first night back, the road had been smooth and uneventful but tiresome nevertheless. His back and legs were sore from sitting or riding and he wished for a sweet release of the pain but his only remedy for sore muscles was a good stretch.

“I’m staying in bed today. Let’s make up for lost time.” he winked.

Shay giggled but pushed him away. “There’s time for that later… I promise,” she smirked.

A knock on their door downstairs made them go quiet, listening for who it was.

“Sir, Rayman. Sir.” a young voice knocked. “Elderman Jebbin requests your presence.”

Rayman shrugged, “Uhhhh.” he moaned, wiping his eyes. “I’ll be down momentarily,” he shouted.

He slipped out of bed, reluctant to leave his wife, and quickly dressed.

“Will you talk to Daniel later?” Shay said. “He’s been acting out ever since we were separated. I think he was afraid of losing you and doesn’t know how to share his feelings.”

“Oh. Yes of course.” Rayman shifted uncomfortably. “Share… feelings.” he frowned.

Shay nearly burst into tears from laughing so hard and it took her several moments to contain herself. “Rayman, dear. He’s your son who loves you. He needs you to connect with him.” Shay said more seriously. “Just try.”

“Alright. You don’t have to laugh at me.” Rayman shook his head smiling. “I will speak to him.”

“Thank you,” Shay said.

“I have to go.” Rayman made his way to the door. “I’ll see you soon. Love you.”

Shay blew him a kiss as he left, making his way down the steps and entered into their living room. To Rayman’s surprise, Daniel was sitting in a lounge chair reading a book. He looked up at his father and gave him a half-smile.

“Good morning father,” Daniel said. “Have a good day.”

“Thank you.” Rayman stopped before opening the front door. “Listen, son. How would you like to go fishing with me one of these mornings? Catch up and have some fun together. What do you say?”

“Whenever you are free, father. I’d love to go fishing.” Daniel smiled, putting his book down. “Could we get a boat?”

“Absolutely,” Rayman said. “Well I’m off, son. I will see you tonight.”

“Goodbye, father.” Daniel waved to him as he left.

Rayman stepped from his small two-story house which had been gifted to him specially by Jebbin on his arrival to Qutreth. Shay’s words in Calchester haunted him daily, unsure how to respond to the idea that Jebbin was somehow untrustworthy. For decades he had served Vulkira, sacrificing many many years of his life for the people and Erik. He needed to hear Erik say it to him personally to believe it. For now, he didn’t act on his suspicion alone, rather working with Jebbin to provide for the cramped populace.

Torstein was at Jebbin’s side also, giving ample support for both of them. Rayman relied heavily on Torstein when it came to security and boosting military morale. Jebbin, trustworthy or not, was extremely skilled in the political side of handling matters, no one could deny that, however, there was an issue they needed his attention for which he rushed up toward the castle where Jebbin and Torstein awaited his arrival.

As Rayman briskly walked through the doors he made his way to where they waited. When he arrived in Qutreth he had immediately noticed the masses buzzing about in and outside the walls of the city. As large as Qutreth was, it could not hold the number of people needed to stay. Thousands of people pitched tents outside, without easy access to water or food, the city was grossly prepared to house an entire kingdom into the walls of one place.

“Right here sir.” a guard gestured to him as he opened the door for him.

Rayman entered to find Torstein leaning over Jebbin’s shoulders pointing at a map of the city and surrounding areas. They both looked up at him with grave expressions.

“That bad huh?” Rayman tried to lighten the mood. “What’s so urgent you dragged away from my wife?”

Jebbin looked exhausted and he sighed, gesturing to him to have a seat at the table. “We have a serious problem, Rayman.”

“We are already running out of food and the people haven’t a decent place to sleep,” Torstein said. “Temporarily this wouldn’t be a problem but it has been too long now, they need to know we have a plan.”

“What happened to the food stores?” Rayman asked. “Shouldn’t that be enough to last at least six months?”

“I’m afraid not,” Torstein said solemnly.

“It seems… Lord Kelmin, in all his wisdom, depleted most of the grain stores before our arrival.” Jebbin said flatly. “He hasn’t taken our presence too kindly.”

“I assumed he would be angry with Xerath gifting us Qutreth, albeit temporary but still, he’s gone too far with this,” Rayman said, anger rising. “Have you contacted Xerath or Cara about this?”

“I have written letters on our behalf, yes,” Jebbin commented. “Though they have done enough for us already. To cause infighting as guests would not look good for us or the people.”

“Should act against lord Kelmin.” Torstein suggested. “Perhaps if we make a show of force he will replace the food he stole out from under us. Without fighting of course,” he added.

“That food was meant for us and Kelmin is a scoundrel for it but we cannot make a rash decision such as that,” Jebbin said calmly. “We need a plan of action, whether that is to grow our own food or hunt for it, is up to us.”

“I agree,” Rayman said. “I share your sentiment Torstein but we cannot make an act of war on Xerian citizens. Kelmin would jump on the idea, peaceful or not.”

“It is too late to grow our own food now. Our people will be starving within a month.” Torstein said. “We need a faster plan of action, though growing our own food will benefit us in the long run, we need food now.”

“We hunt,” Rayman said simply. “We fish, we buy cattle, sheep, chickens, anything we can get our hands on.”

“That would deplete our reserves of gold and silver but, I’m afraid there is no other choice,” Jebbin said. “I’ll have the money prepared by tomorrow.”

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“Very good,” Rayman said. “I will organize hunting parties. We can leave you, Torstein in charge of purchasing cattle and the like.”

“Yes, sir.” Torstein nodded.

“I suppose that settles the matter then,” Jebbin said simply. “But there is one more thing.”

Torstein and Rayman both looked up at Jebbin curiously. He looked to be thinking something over, which he carefully phrased.

“Erik wants you to be our voice to the people,” Jebbin said.

“What does that mean?” Torstein looked confused.

“He wants you to speak to the people directly on a regular basis in the next coming months,” Jebbin said. “The people still look to you for leadership, especially now that Erik has all but disappeared.”

“He hasn’t disappeared.” Rayman’s tone darkened. “Erik is finding us a solution to take back our home. You’re wrong in thinking otherwise.”

“Calm down.” Jebbin raised his hand. “I don’t mean to criticize the king, rather praise his forethought in dealing with the situations at hand. He knew it would come to this, or something very similar. Erik knew we couldn’t maintain an entire kingdom within one city. As generous as it was, it wasn’t enough.”

“What did he say?” Rayman asked.

“He wanted you to step up,” Jebbin said. “He needs you to keep the citizens under control and give them hope. We have a plan, a simple one but it will work, however, it won’t be easy and it will only get worse until it gets better.”

“You want me to lie to the people?” Rayman squinted his eyes in suspicion.

“Heavens no.” Jebbin sighed. “You’re missing the point.” he cleared his throat and leaned forward. “You need to tell them the truth. Erik believes that you will inspire them to work together in these troubling times, otherwise, it will turn to every man for himself which will tear us apart.”

“Alright,” Rayman said. “I can do that. But I won’t lie for you.”

“I wouldn’t want you to,” Jebbin said.

“Good.” Rayman locked eyes with the old man. His suspicions of him grew deeper as he remembered Shay’s words.

Jebbin sat there silently looking back at him. “Why would Erik put him in charge if he didn’t trust him?” Rayman thought. “What had Jebbin done to cause Erik to doubt him?” inwardly he couldn't stop himself from asking these questions, unsure what to do about it all.

“If you are able,” Jebbin said. “I’d like for you to address them now.”

“Now?” Rayman sputtered. “I haven’t prepared for anything.”

“I believe in you,” Jebbin smirked.

Torstein nodded his agreement. “The people need insurance that everything will be alright. What better way to relieve their fears than for you to be honest and true with them.”

“I-I suppose so.” Rayman shrugged, feeling uncomfortable at the idea.

“You’d better hurry,” Jebbin said. “A crowd is gathering as we speak.”

“You arranged for me to have a speech before I agreed to it?” Rayman felt slightly betrayed, annoyed that he would do that to his nerves.

“As I said before, I believe in you.” Jebbin smiled again.

PART 2

Rayman cleared his throat. Nervousness shot through his body like spikes stabbing at his guts. An enormous crowd had gathered, forming tightly around him. A bead of sweat slipped down his forehead which he wiped away instantly.

His family sat a few yards off, atop a wagon, watching him. Shay mouthed an encouraging word to him, “You can do this.” He smiled at her and prepared to speak.

Thousands of people gathered, filling in the streets and houses surrounding the area he was to speak. He would need to shout for everyone to hear him but he doubted all would be able to do so however loud he was. Taking a deep breath, Rayman shifted his stance and waved his arms into the air.

“People of Vulkira! People of Vulkira!” Rayman shouted. “Listen!”

The buzzing murmur of the crowd died away almost instantly, giving Rayman the opportunity to be heard.

“We have traveled far and graciously been given a place to stay within the walls of Xer! Now! I know you are all worried about what will come next! By now, you know our food stores are dangerously low but we must not allow panic to overtake us! We must stay united!” Rayman shouted with all his might, the crowd silent and listening to his every word. “Elderman Jebbin, General Torstein and I have a plan but it will take all of us to achieve it! In the next few days, we will buy food and cattle from whomever we can. Hunting parties will be assigned to groups who will provide meat for us all! We have a large river five miles from the city where we can fish which will give us another source of food. Like the hunting parties, many of you will also be assigned to fishing duties! Farmers will start plowing fields!”

Rayman paused, his heart pounding as he judged the crowd's response, they remained still and silent, watching him closely.

“We must not revert to violence! But rather unify ourselves as proud Vulkirians and overcome the hardships that we will soon face! If we stand together… we will remain strong!”

“Where is king Erik?” a lone voice shouted, stirring the crowd.

“Yeah!” dozens of voices joined in. “Where is our king! Where is Erik!”

“He has abandoned us!” the crowd began to erupt.

“Silence!” Rayman shouted at the top of his lungs. “Silence! Please!”

The crowds quieted down quickly, eager for his answer.

“Erik has left us in charge! Yes. But he has not abandoned us! He is fighting for us right now, as I speak! He seeks answers to deliver us from these troubled times! Do not forsake him for his absence! Do not forget all he has done for Vulkira!” Rayman said passionately, willing them to listen. “Our king will return with answers! The Vog will pay for what they have done to us and we will take our lands back! Do not despair! We must stay vigilant and stay strong! We need each other to survive!”

“Long live king Erik! And long live Vulkira!” Rayman screamed with all his might, shoving a fist into the air. “Vulkira!”

“LONG LIVE VULKIRA!” a thunderous, booming chorus filled the city drowning out their own thoughts. The chant reached the outer walls where more and more people yelled at the top of their lungs in determination.

Rayman continued to shout with the crowd as he stepped down from the crate he stood on. “Long live Vulkira!”

He shuffled through the deafening crowd, approaching his family. Shay had a grin on her face as did Daniel and Alexi who cheered for their father. Stepping up to them, people around him watching, Rayman embraced his wife with a long kiss which the crowd cheered as he did so.

Catching a glimpse of Torstein, Rayman saw him staring at him, his face full of suspicion and anger. The general turned from the crowd and disappeared from sight, whereas Jebbin approached with a smile of his own.

“You did well!” he shouted over the noise.

A sinking feeling fell over him. "Why was Torstein upset and Jebbin looking happy from the speech?" he wondered to himself. Whatever just happened, that Torstein didn’t approve.

PART 3

“What have you done?” Torstein raised his voice. “Do you realize what you are doing?”

Rayman looked at the general, confused and oblivious. “I don’t,” he mumbled.

“You're either working with Jebbin or you have walked right into his trap,” Torstein yelled.

“What do you mean?” Rayman leaned forward from his chair.

The room was empty except for them, after the speech, Torstein had requested he join him in the meeting room, without Jebbin.

“You really don’t know?” Torstein said.

“Know what?” Rayman said. “What has Jebbin done?”

“Rayman. Oh, Rayman. You are a smart man, but your loyalty blinds you.” Torstein said. “For some time now, I have suspected Jebbin of a treasonous plot against Erik.”

Rayman’s mouth nearly dropped open but wasn’t as surprised as he’d like to be. Jebbin had been a good friend to him for decades, he wanted to give the old man the benefit of the doubt but facing Torsteins allegations, he had to face the possibility that it was true.

“Tell me,” Rayman said coldly. “I need to know what Erik meant with his warning.”

“Erik spoke to you of this?” Torstein asked.

“Not really, but he relayed a message to Shay, telling me to be wary of Jebbin,” Rayman explained. “What do you know?”

“Nothing is for certain, but Jebbin is no doubt hiding something.” Torstein frowned. “I have been watching him for years but he hasn’t made a mistake yet. So my suspicions are unconfirmed.”

“How have you kept this up without giving Jebbin a clue that you are onto him?” Rayman asked. “I suspected nothing from him, let alone keep it a secret that I knew he was plotting something.”

“I have a lifetime of experience, sir,” Torstein said, bluntly. “You are not the sort for spying. No offense.”

“None taken.” Rayman said, rubbing his temples. “Now, tell me what you think I’ve done wrong.”

“Sir, for whatever reason, Jebbin wants you to become king,” Torstein said. “I believe he wants to manipulate you into seeming like you are trying to take Erik’s thrown from him.”

“Then he will accuse me of treason and take me out of the picture.” Rayman finished. “What does he want after that? He already had the throne when Erik was a boy, he could have kept the throne for himself then. Why now?”

“I… I don’t know.” Torstein admitted. “Perhaps he knows Erik suspects him and wants to act while he is away. If he knew Erik was onto him, then his motivation would be to save himself, and perhaps he wishes to push for himself to be king.”

“By giving my speech… I’ve already begun his plan,” Rayman said.

“I’m afraid so,” Torstein said. “But… that’s not all sir.” he frowned.

“What could possibly be worse?” Rayman groaned, at a complete loss.

“Sir.” Torstein cleared his throat. “I believe Jebbin has something to do with our previous king and queen’s death.”

“You mean…” Rayman paused, overcome by shock that reached his bones, the accusation shaking him to the core. “Jebbin may have killed Erik’s parents?”