Duke Brynyar, Lord Chamberlain of the House of Hymns and one of the most powerful men in the entire Kingdom, watched the receding backs of King Julian and Orin of Myrin. Each step they took reminded the Duke, and not for the first time, just how powerless he was despite his prestige and titles.
Julian should not have tried to placate the boy's anger. He should have established his place and his position. For a Knight who could barely be called a man to speak to him as though he was lesser was unthinkable in the Chamberlain's eyes. His King, his greatest friend, was above such insults. Brynyar knew he may have deserved such hostile words, but that wasn't the point. Julian was the King of Venos and one of the greatest Smiths to ever be inducted into the royal family.
Brynyar knew full well who Orin of Myrin truly was. As a Master Knight he had been privy to the secrets of the Hall for many years and he hadn't been that surprised when Julian had told him of the events in Paldrum and of Orin's true nature. His deeds could be chalked up to luck, of course, but in Brynyar's experience no man held Fate's favour for so long. No, Orin's deeds could be explained by his power as an Heir. The Chamberlain had met the previous Heir as a younger man, though he hadn't known it at the time. Even then he had seen that the man had more power than any Knight he had ever met before. Not to mention the fact that he always had a cadre of five followers. The Heir that Brynyar had the pleasure of knowing had been awe-inspiring and just. A fervent follower of the Great Spirit's teachings and a beacon of hope to many.
What dark days were ahead of them if this commoner was to be the banner behind which the Knights of Ouros gathered? Could he replace such a titan as Count Verdun, whose death had been felt across the continent? Brynyar had read the file complied by Yale and had received many missives from his agents over the past weeks as the news of Orin's reckless and impetuous actions reached his desk. Attacking an army with only eighty warriors? Conspiring with the Princess to flee the palace? Putting the line of Venos in danger due to inexperience and a foolish protective need that was exacerbated by a Bond out of control.
The Princess was equally to blame, of course. Despite her training, Elora had given into the Bond as she and Orin grew closer at a rate beyond even the severe calculations of Annabelle. Them spending time together had been a mistake and one which Brynyar had argued against. But what's done is done and they could do nothing to break them apart now. Even getting the Princess to return to the palace would be challenge, as settled as she was in the orphanage in the Commons. Brynyar had sent people to bring her back, much in the same way he had done for the Queen when she still held her daughter's title. They were turned back by a group of the Princess' guard, a Wife of the Great Spirit and a savage mercenary whom Brynyar knew to be Tessaraina D'viritazi. That alone would be enough reason to panic, but her presence along with everything else was slowly morphing this entire situation into a disaster. The fact that a member of one of the Five Houses had broken a man's legs and beaten two others into unconsciousness was merely drawing attention to the fact that the palace was losing control. Brynyar could almost feel the whispers in the House of Hymns, the words splashing against his body like lukewarm water. They looked at him and knew. He was losing this war. The balance that had been carefully maintained for so long was in danger of failing and civil war may still visit Venos even without the help of Dunhold.
Julian had a plan. Not good or bad, but it could work. The King needed to right the ship and with the Queen still despondent it would be up to him to make sure all was well. Brynyar doubted he could because he was naturally pessimistic. It was something that his friend had always said would help him as a politician. If you prepare for the worst then nothing can surprise you. It was a good lesson and one which the Chamberlain had taken to heart, but what happens when the worst case scenario is more terrible than anything you had ever envisioned?
Brynyar sighed bitterly as the King and Orin turned a corner, no doubt headed for Julian's private study. Even if Venos was doomed, at least Ouros was not. Alice was already proving herself to be one of the most powerful Heirs in recent memory and her abilities grew by the day. Soon she would come fully into her powers and the future of the continent would be safe in her hands. Yes, there was hope for Ouros, but very little for his homeland.
Orin would be tested in the coming months in ways that the boy could scarcely imagine. More responsibility would be placed on his broad shoulders than Brynyar was comfortable with. He was wild and without root. Myrin was not his home, the road was. The Chamberlain could recognise this in the boy because he had felt it himself once. The need to be free of expectation. To walk his own path in life. Back when he had been whole. Back when he had purpose, when he had him.
But life rarely gives us what we want. Brynyar sighed once again as fond memories were inevitably tainted by the bad and he shook his head to banish them. He had come to accept his place a long time ago, with Julian's help. He hoped that the King could do the same to the wild mercenary on whom they now all depended.
A young Heir, whose past remained a mystery, bound to the Princess. The eyes of the world would fall on Venos and wait to see what unfolded here with bated breath. It was history in the making. It was something that Duke Brynyar had never wanted to be a part of.
“He is a wild thing, isn't he. That scar on his face is ghastly.” Walden spoke from his right and Brynyar tried his best not to attack the man. The meeting which they had all been a part of had not been an easy one, made all the harder by the People's Collective representative being present. His nasally voice and small eyes made the Chamberlain want to knock the moustache off his face.
“Scars earned in battle have history attached to them, Lord Walden. It will become just another part of the Scarred Knight's legend,” Elgard grinned after the King and Orin, “The boy has spirit. He thought about fighting me for a moment there. Did you see that, Asterd?”
“I did,” The dark garbed man nodded, his face inscrutable to most, though Brynyar had known his friend long enough to realise that the Smith was just as interested in Orin as his Knight. “I wonder if the King speaking with him alone is a good idea. Perhaps we should follow, just to be sure.”
“The King asked for privacy and privacy he shall receive,” Brynyar replied in his rumbling bass, trying to hide his own worry behind a calm demeanour that he had spent years mastering on the battlefield. “Julian is hardly defenceless and the Queen is nearby. Besides, while the boy is vicious, he does not strike me as an idiot. Attacking the King of Venos in his own palace is a step beyond the pale, even for one so reckless as he.”
“True, but he might believe himself beyond that now, being Bound to the Princess as he is,” Asterd argued quietly. Despite speaking out against the Duke, Asterd still held a tremendous amount of respect for the man in his quiet voice.
“If he believes that, Julian will set him right.” Brynyar smiled slightly. He too had once been like Orin. A young man, angry at the world for perceived wrongs. After the death of his Smith, that anger had transformed into a boundless rage and battle lust. It had taken the patient hand of his King to set him to task and he had no doubt in his mind that Julian could repeat the feat. Brynyar did not believe in much, but he did believe that.
“He is right, Asterd. We have our own duties to attend to, as do you, Lord Walden,” Elgard said, eyeing the weasel with distaste, “Come. Let us be off.”
After much hesitation for Walden and a small amount from Asterd, the two Lords made to follow the Veteran Knight. Brynyar watched Elgard with a calculating eye. In moments like this, the Chamberlain was reminded of just how good a leader Elgard could be if he only applied himself and didn't focus solely on his mastery with a blade. Sadly, a command position was not in his future. Elgard refused to believe in his own merits and saw himself as merely a tool, nothing more.
“I will take my leave as well, your Grace,” The next words came from the diminished Duke Cellus, who had looked on with a silent and unreadable expression carved into his features as the others spoke, “I must prepare for my return to Sind.”
Brynyar turned an eye to the boy and felt his heart constrict at the sight of this once powerful and sure young man brought low before his time. Their meeting in council had, in part, been in preparation for Orin joining their number. As Knight of the Princess he was entitled to attend, a title which no longer belonged to the young Duke of Sind. Cellus had revoked his rights as Royal Protector and formally passed them on to Orin, something which had nearly brought the young warrior to tears, but he had remained strong throughout their deliberations.
Duke Brynyar felt no small amount of fondness for the boy. While it was Gida who had taught Cellus how to fight, it had been Brynyar who had helped prepare him for life at court, under instructions from her Majesty. While he had seen it as little more than a burden at the time, he had come to understand and even like the young man. He would even go so far as to say that he was akin to a son. To see him like this was difficult now, but Brynyar couldn't let him leave yet. Words needed to be said.
“Do you love Elora, Cellus?” Brynyar grumbled as he turned his hard gaze on the young man, his eyes seeming to pierce the neutral shell he had constructed and to the heart of his emotions that lay buried beneath.
Cellus chuckled darkly as he looked away, unable to meet the warrior's gaze. “It does not matter now, your Grace. She has made her choice. Enough was said between us at Paldrum that I know it to be true. She did not say that she loved him, but the kiss she gifted him said that for her. I lost Elora the moment she and Orin Bonded.”
“I did not ask about what the Princess feels for Orin, Cellus. I asked if you loved her?” Brynyar stated again, pushing for an answer.
The young Duke hesitated before he spoke once more, “She said that I could not love her. She said that we had been thrust together as children, that we had no choice. I accepted it in Paldrum because I knew I could not talk her out of it. I made mistakes after the wedding. I pushed her from me and straight into his arms. It was all my fault.” Cellus' eyes filled with tears as he narrowed them and clenched his fists.
“I feel like I do, but after she spoke to me I see doubt everywhere. I dream of her at night, wishing that we could return to the times of before. Of the wedding, when we should have Bonded and become one. But whatever my feelings they matter not. She is gone from me. She sees none save Orin.”
“And you will give up, just like that?” Brynyar asked, causing Cellus to reel back in shock, “One mishap, one misstep and you believe you have lost the war before it has truly begun? You were trained better than that, Cellus. You are more than that.”
“Your Grace... what do you mean?” Cellus replied, breathless, but a hint of hope in his eyes, “There is nothing I can do. She is Bonded to Orin now, and married, besides.”
“Being Bonded and being in love are two separate things, Cellus,” Brynyar stated carefully, “My Smith was the greatest friend I ever had. A companion whom I could turn to whenever I needed comfort or a quiet word of courage. Orin will always be a part of Elora's life, perhaps the largest part of it. It is difficult for anyone to penetrate that relationship, but you have history with her, a life that you both planned on living together. That sort of thing is not forgotten in a few weeks with another. Fight for what you love Cellus. Prove to her that you are the right choice and she will see that you are. Orin and Elora are married, true, but only because of ancient tradition. There is hope yet, son. If the doubt you feel is enough to make you give up, then you should let her go and move on with your life. But if you wish to be with the Princess, if you truly wish it, then fight with everything you have, act before it is too late. Do not allow what you feel now to fester and become twisted. Believe me when I say you will regret it if you do. I know I did.”
Cellus peered at the carpeted floor beneath him, his tears banished and eyes wide as he thought on Brynyar's words. It was foolish, the Duke thought, to give the boy hope like this. But he, above all others, had wished that someone had told this to him when Utmand had still been alive. He had been too late to tell the man he loved what they both already knew and he would regret that for the rest of his life.
“Thank you, your Grace.” Cellus said after a quiet moment of self-reflection. “I will think on your words.”
Brynyar smiled and clapped a hand on the young man's shoulder.
“I will walk with you, your Grace,” A quick reply came from over Brynyar's shoulder and the Chamberlain found himself staring into the eyes of Embla, the guard captain of Elora's protectors. How long had she been standing there, the Duke found himself thinking. Had she heard what was said? For a moment, the Duke believed he had made a mistake and cursed no longer being able to employ the skills of a Knight. He had overlooked Embla because of Orin and his fiery confrontation with the King.
But Brynyar caught a look in her eyes that gave him pause while he pondered on how to deal with the problem. He smiled at the young woman who looked back at him fiercely, before nodding his head and stepping aside. Perhaps Cellus was not as alone as he had first thought. Embla quickly fell into step next to the young Duke and the two marched down the hall, the young and formidable warrior comforting the even younger Cellus with her stoic presence. Brynyar doubted Cellus even knew she was there, too absorbed in the Chamberlain's words.
“You give him false hope.” The bored voice belonged to none other than Lord Yale. He was suddenly standing next to the grizzled warrior, with no explanation as to how he could've gotten there so fast. Despite this, Brynyar did not flinch. He was more than used to Yale's antics and had long ago given up on trying to extract his many secrets.
“Perhaps, but I have not told him to immediately seek the Princess out to make amends. I merely want him to come to terms with his own feelings before he is destroyed by them. To reignite the fire that I know smoulders inside of him. The boy can be great, all he needs is a clear path. If another rejection is what it takes, then so be it. Maybe that alone will give him some peace. What do you know of the girl's allegiances?”
“She serves Orin through obligation to the Princess, but sees Cellus as the better match. A doomed venture before it has begun, even if she has the support of Elora's guard.”
“Nothing is set in stone, Yale.” Brynyar replied confidently, in spite of the doubt he himself felt.
“Too true, but if anything was then it would be Orin and Elora. He would burn this Kingdom to the ground for her safety and she would do the same for him. It goes beyond this 'Bond' that you Knights and Smiths are so fond of going on about.” Yale grinned at the man, still dressed as a beggar. His eyes inscrutable and intentions murky. “Though if it worked then it would be a significant hurdle removed and a load off my mind. I find myself rooting for the young Duke. I always did like an underdog. Then again, trouble is always fun and Orin is sure to bring that in spades. Difficult choice to be sure.”
“You know nothing of the Bond, Spymaster.” Brynyar growled, turning to gift Yale with a menacing glare.
“Correct, but I do know people. Did you know that Orin was the boy who gave Elora the Fate Flower during her first outing as a Princess? What are the chances of that, Chamberlain? I'd estimate it's close to zero. Cellus may try, but he will fail. Elora is even planning a wedding this week to cement Orin as her husband.”
“What?!” Brynyar all but screamed as he rounded on the Spymaster who remained as calm and collected as he always did. “How long have you known?!”
“Calm, Brynyar. I only discovered what was happening early this morning. My agents have seen the Princess' guard running around doing errands for the special event and overheard some whispers. Quite something, indeed. Have no fear, no one else knows.”
“This is not good, Yale,” Brynyar clenched his teeth, “If I'm learning this from you then it stands to reason that the King and Queen are not invited to the event. It will be seen as a slight of the highest order! What is that girl thinking?!”
“As I said, Brynyar, I know people. Elora loves Orin and wishes to privately confess that love. I will ensure no one discovers what is happening, but our fears might be unfounded. I believe that Orin is here to mend some of the hurt between the Princess and her parents. In fact, I would even bet on it.”
Brynyar stared into space. Yale's words were soothing, but they weren't enough. He needed to do something about this, it must take precedence. If the King and Queen were not invited to a second wedding, then the rift between the Princess and crown would be known to all. Sides would be taken and the turmoil in the country would only grow worse. Perhaps he could send another contingent of guards to fetch the Princess and bring her home, to keep her close at hand until she could get this nonsense out of her head. Tessaraina D'viritazi was formidable, he was sure, but she would stand no chance if Brynyar sent a Knight to accompany them.
Yale's eyes hardened, almost as if he could see Brynyar's thoughts, “None of that, your Grace. I might be able to keep eyes off of the orphanage for the moment, but the guards you sent this morning were difficult to explain away. If you send any others then it will be known that the Princess was being taken into custody, not to mention the opinions of Gida and Julian. Who knows what Orin will do when he finds out about your little outing? I warned you against it and yet you did it anyway. I hope you have not ruined this chance for the royal family to unify because I can't help you if that's the case. I'm good at what I do, but I'm not a miracle worker. Then there is the risk that a D'viritazi is harmed which would cause problems that reach the hallowed halls of Tyra itself. As you know, we already have a problem in that department.”
Brynyar was brought up short by Yale's words. The man was speaking the truth. Any move he made to bring the Princess home would inform the other high ranking members of the Nobility of the schism that was forming. He couldn't approach this like a General. He needed to be what he so loathed in this world: A politician.
He would take measures if Orin and Julian failed to come to an accord. Yale's faith was enough to bolster him and Brynyar knew the man was one of the greatest Spymasters that had ever served. If all else failed he could try and approach Elora himself to make her see reason. It was what Yale said last, however, that caused him to become troubled.
“You have word?” Brynyar whispered, knowing there was no need for it, but doing so anyway.
Yale's facade cracked and a worried frown made an appearance, “I have. The Hall knows about Orin. At least, they suspect. We need to prepare the King and Queen for the arrival of whoever they send. They will come, Brynyar. There is too much chatter, too many waggling tongues for me to stop all gossip from reaching them. What annoys me is how I have heard nothing about what they are planning. It's impossible to breach Tyra's Calling and see beyond those cursed mountains. They have been quiet. Too quiet.”
Brynyar suppressed a shiver as it ran down his spine. He looked back on his time in the Hall as some of the greatest years of his life, but he knew better than most just how dangerous the Masters who dwelt there truly were.
“Whoever they send, it will be one who can match the Queen with Sgread. They know the threat she poses. That gives us an idea of who might be coming,” Brynyar said grimly, “I never thought we'd be in a situation like this but needs must. Do not bother the King with this until after his meeting with Orin. I will speak with the Queen and discuss our options.”
“As you wish, Chamberlain,” Yale bowed to Brynyar, his face returning to its original smirking self. “Should we tell the boy?”
Brynyar immediately shook his head, “There is no need. If the Hall comes, he'll be unable to do anything anyway.”
* * *
The King led me through the labyrinth of hallways and great rooms with an easy grace that spoke to his familiarity with the palace. Our journey passed us by in silence, with only the occasional mutter of respect from a bowing servant to break up the monotony as they showed their deference to Julian.
I wondered how long I would have to live here to be able to memorise the complete layout of this place. I was beginning to understand that during my brief time in the palace I had seen next to nothing of the wonders it contained. All I knew for sure was that the Spires stood at the centre and that was all. Apparently going to stand before the Spires themselves was forbidden to all but the royal family, though that was a rumour I had heard some time ago. I wasn't sure if it was true and had yet to ask Elora if it was so.
The thought of the Princess added a bit of surety to my step as I followed after the well dressed sight of her father's back. I was here for her and had meant what I said, I just wish my soul hadn't decided to act up at that point, throwing my own emotions into turmoil and heightening my reaction to seeing the King again. I was regretting the way I had spoken now but there was no changing what had happened. The way the King reacted to my biting words had been more than a little unexpected though. I had disrespected him in front of a bunch of Lords, including Cellus, and yet he had barely batted an eye. Instead he had empathised with me which I had to say had eased my worries a little as to the nature of my visit. Julian seemed to genuinely just want to talk to me. I knew that I couldn't take him at his word, but he at least seemed to be a little more honest than his wife. Speaking of Queen Gida, she was in this palace somewhere. I could almost feel the gaze of her black helmet with its shining eyes on the back of my head as I quickened my pace slightly, surprised when the King sped up to match.
“Beautiful, isn't it?” The King asked over his shoulder as we passed through yet another hall that was filled with so much treasure it would end poverty in the Commons, “I have to say that I have grown to love life in the palace as the years have passed. I hated it at the beginning, of course.”
“You did?” I replied, taken aback by the King's blatant declaration. I remembered what Embla said about showing respect and decided to try, ignoring the renewed spitting of my soul in response. “I mean... you did, your Majesty?”
“You can drop the formalities, Orin. I really did mean that I wanted to speak to you as two men, rather than Noble and commoner,” Julian looked over his shoulder and smiled at me once more, “To answer your question, I did. When I came here Gida was already well into her term as the world's worst Princess. Her father, the King of the time, felt that my influence would deter her from spending so much time in the Commons or causing mischief wherever she went. Unfortunately, we couldn't stand each other at first.”
“Really?” I blinked in surprise. Should he be telling me this? Was this allowed? I wasn't sure of the rules for all this. Shit, I knew fuck all about the rules for anything, much less what the King could and couldn't say. He was the King though, so maybe he could just do whatever in the Spirit's name he liked?
“Really!” Julian laughed at my reaction as he continued to walk, “For a long time I thought our fathers had made a terrible mistake. Every time I tried to bridge the gap she would do something to drive me away. My wife is an incredible woman, but even she has made mistakes. Some far greater than others.”
“The Severance wasn't a mere mistake,” I stated, focusing on soothing my trembling black fire, “and Queen Gida wasn't the only one there that day.”
Julian sighed and nodded his head gently in response, “I know. But if I have read you right then you wouldn't have come if Gida had asked. Is that correct?”
I grunted an acknowledgement but didn't speak, instead choosing to remain silent in case my eternally fuming flames caused me to say something that I would later come to regret. I had come to repair Elora's relationship with her parents, or at least her father, while also making sure that we didn't become prey for the Nobility as a whole. That's what I needed to focus on, not my own problems.
Julian took my silence as acceptance and nodded, “As I thought. We are here.”
The King pushed open a door made of oak, well oiled and swinging open with ease despite its obvious weight. The inside surprised me even more.
When the King told me we would be in his study for this little talk I had assumed it would be a shrine to opulence and power, with leather bound books adorning ceiling high shelves and a table made from trees taken from the Lostwood. Instead it was a rather small chamber, only slightly bigger than the room I had stayed in after the wedding. While there were books on cases that lay against the wall, each of them looked dog-eared and well read. A desk of mahogany stood near the opposite wall with three simple, well-made chairs. Julian immediately went over and took a seat behind the table, which was well covered by parchment and another small pile of tomes. A fire crackled merrily in the corner, a small affair and recently lit. All and all, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting.
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Julian chuckled as he examined the look on my face, “You will learn, Orin, that I am a simple man with simple needs. The palace is for the Nobility more than myself, especially those travelling from other lands. It is a way to show the power of our family. You will learn of all this, in time.”
I knew what he was implying but didn't rise to answer. He was right. Though the thought of it all still made me more than a little uncomfortable.
Julian indicated for me to take one of the seats sitting opposite his own and I complied, surprised by how comfortable it was. I didn't let my feelings show and instead examined the King further, seeking to try and understand the man.
In truth, the King of Venos was rather unassuming. If I saw him walking down in the Commons wearing peasant clothes I wouldn't have even batted an eye. He had a soft face, one that I wouldn't have believed belonged to a King. His hair was of the same shade as Elora, an unruly mop that sprouted from his head. His eyes were soft, a shining blue that seemed to peer straight through me. Elora shared many of his features. The only exception was that her eyes were golden in colour, though they change to an almost syrupy honey when the light of the sun hit them in full. Her smile was larger too and near stopped my heart whenever I saw it.
I coughed and felt a flush run up my cheeks. Best for me not to think of Elora's better features when sitting in front of her father.
“I thank you once again for taking the time. I'm glad you understand the urgency with which I have called you here today. May I ask what Yale told you?” Julian asked, a small smile on his face.
“Almost nothing,” I shrugged, “I know you wish to try and patch things up between us. I'm going to be honest, so neither of us are under any allusions. I believe that is a lost cause. You and the Queen did some terrible shit. The kind of terrible that would have ended with me banished, blamed for things I didn't do and, inevitably, in my death. No, I'm not here for me. I'm here for Elora.”
The King smiled brighter as I spoke, as if my words were in no way a surprise to him, “You speak of her well and that says more than you might think. I am of the same mind as you, Orin of Myrin. One conversation, no matter how enlightening, will not end with our reconciliation. I don't hope to be your friend, let alone your family, when you leave here today. What I do want is for the two of us to develop some form of mutual respect and understanding. It is needed, I'm afraid.”
“Venos is cracking.” I stated. I didn't really understand what was going on, but Yale had said as much and Elora had definitely been hinting at it at breakfast.
“Correct. While the dangers of Dunhold have passed us by, the problems that rose as a result of Gida and I being imprisoned remain. With Cellus outed and you the new Royal Protector, all know of the state of our royal line. Old enemies, those that have been quiet for decades, now whisper in the halls of power. They seek to sow unrest, to depose us finally and place a willing puppet on the throne. This I cannot allow. We are weaker now than ever before, and with our army still on the road it is in more than just politically.”
“And you need me to put things right?” I blinked in surprise and leaned back in my chair, “Even if you don't have an army, you have the Queen and Vera. Surely they are enough to stop anyone from trying anything?”
“Ordinarily, I would agree with you. Vera and Annabelle are a powerful pairing and even their names would be enough to bring those who would rebel to heel. The true power of Gida and I is known only to a few, but even the threat of one or both of them is usually enough to quiet unrest amongst the Nobility,” The King of Venos sighed heavily, brushing a weary hand over his face as he sank back into his chair, looking for all the world as though he carried its weight upon his shoulders. “But I am afraid we are beyond such actions now. Threats of further violence at this point would only add fuel to the fire and that is something we must avoid. To see this threat through we will need unity. For unity we will need you.”
“Elora said much the same thing this morning,” I said uncomfortably, shifting in my chair, “With all due respect, your majesty, I really know nothing about all of this. Politics always gave me a headache and I could never understand it. I don't think I'm the ace in the deck you think I am.”
The King chuckled, “Please, call me Julian and no, you are not. Elora, however, is. If my daughter has learned anything from me at all, then she will know what it is we face. She knows how to handle situations like these and she can teach you the same.”
Elora did know, or at the very least she suspected. She knew that her mother and father would try and approach us at some point to bring us on side but we never thought it would happen so soon. We were supposed to have time. That was what this wedding was about, to take advantage of our last bit of privacy before we were inevitably wrapped up in the comings and goings of court.
“So... what exactly do you need from me?”
“Your cooperation with certain aspects. As well as Elora's. I know she is pained right now. If Gida's father had done to her what we tried to do to you, I wouldn't have rested until I saw justice done. But Gida's father was never a good man. A good King, perhaps, but as a human being he was most definitely found wanting. He would never think of doing something like this. To put it bluntly, the way back into Elora's good graces is through you. Thus, we find ourselves here.”
“Your Majesty... Julian, I can appreciate what you're trying to do. Save your Kingdom and your relationship with Elora in the process,” I said carefully, trying to make sure I was understanding exactly what was being said, “But you didn't answer my question. 'Certain aspects', you said. What exactly are you talking about?”
“You ascending into the ranks of the Nobility.” Julian examined me after saying the words, his eyes narrowed and face tight as he watched for my reaction. I tried to keep any such thing from showing.
I most likely failed.
No. That was my initial, gut-wrenching reaction to the thought of being one of them. No, it was too much for me. I had seen too much of the shit the Nobles had done and now the fucking King wanted me to join their ranks? Was he insane, or just an idiot? Surely he knew by now who I was, what I was. An Heir I may be, but I was as common as muck. Even my birth parents had been farmers. I couldn't do that. I wouldn't.
“Why would you think that I would do something like that?” I asked the question as calmly as possible, though it still emerged as a growl. My soul was boiling again and I felt my control slip slightly before I wrapped my hands around it again with fingers that felt like they'd been dipped in oil.
Julian raised a calming hand, “You must have expected this, Orin. After all, you are very nearly a Noble already. Knight of the Princess, Royal Protector, Heir to the First Knight and future King of Venos. You have more titles, more prestige, to your name than nearly every other member of the gentry in the Kingdom. What you lack is something that binds you to the land, to Venos itself, and you won't until you become King. Right now you are in the peculiar position of being part of the royal family, but also a commoner.”
“Nothing wrong with that.”
Julian's gaze softened, “I know, but there are others who do not see it that way. The Nobility would be relieved to discover that you are one of them, instead of being one of the common-folk. It will soothe their thoughts of rebellion, especially when they see you standing beside us instead of against us. This will help you establish yourself. Most of all it will provide security to Elora, something I'm sure you can see the value of.”
“Why?” I asked, gritting my teeth, feeling my rage bubble and burn beneath the surface of my skin, “Why should it matter what my name is or where I come from? Can I not just be with your daughter? Is that too much to ask? Can I not just be left the fuck alone to live my life with the woman I love without all this needless shit?”
Julian was silent for a moment longer, his examining gaze flooding with sympathy, or was it pity? In all honesty, I wasn't sure which would be worse.
“Needless you call it. But this is how Kingdoms and Empires are built, how they endure. Rules bind us together. That's all they are, Orin. A series of nonsensical rules that make one man better than the next. Are they fair or just? Of course not and everyone, from monarch to beggar, knows this. We blind ourselves to it because that is what it takes to maintain the fragile balance of our Kingdom, and it is fragile, Orin. Venos is no shining example of a monarchy done right. It is a tinderbox ready to ignite at the hint of a naked flame. It is a game in which we are all pieces on the board. I know you never wanted this. Spirit knows I didn't when I was offered as husband to Gida, but I understood the consequences of not playing. Because all of the rules we follow can be boiled down to one.”
“And what rule is that?”
Julian leaned across the table, his eyes fervent and frown fierce, “Your rule. That is what this is all for now. The game was played for my sake and for Gida's, but now it is for you and Elora. I wish to leave Venos better than I found it. Preparing the both of you the best I can is the way I will do that. It's not about the power that this title, and the others you hold, gives you. It never was. It's about-”
“-How you use it.” I finished. 'Not by birth, but by deed.'
Julian smiled brightly and it looked like the tremendous weight he had been carrying was lifted away, just for a moment, before it settled again. His stare became wistful and melancholic as he leaned back into his chair, “This is the price, Orin. It is what we pay to love women like them. They are of House Brand, a dynasty that has endured before even the founding of Venos itself. We play the game as best we can, try to use what privilege we have for good, and support them when they have need of us. The pressure on us will never be as great, all eyes will always be on them as true descendants of Gilderbrand. You love my daughter, this I see. To be with her, you must be more than her husband, more even than her Knight. She will be tested in ways you can't even comprehend, as Gida was before her. It is our job to be there when the storm comes, to shelter them from it, to take the strikes that were meant for them. To never flinch even when all hope seems lost. You accepting this title, becoming a Noble in full and bearing all the burdens that come with it, is the promise to do everything in your power to keep Elora safe.”
I wanted to reject what he was saying. I wanted to say that I didn't need to be Noble to keep Elora safe, to be a man worthy of her. I wanted to say these things, but I couldn't bring myself to. He was right. I could do more good as a Noble than I could as a commoner, that much was obvious. But despite even my recent conversations with Embla, I just felt like I couldn't do it. Being King was something that might happen in the future. So far ahead that I honestly didn't have to worry about it. This was something else. To accept this offer would mean letting go of a part of myself. I had promised to try harder with the Nobility, not to become one of them.
My visceral reaction to his idea of elevating me was a response that I had honed over years of exposure to the upper echelons, of being stepped on from on high. The King was looking at me like he understood my plight, but how could he? He had been born Noble, but then maybe I was thinking about that the wrong way. He had married into royalty, like I had. Maybe he was like me once. Pulled from his home and told to make nice with a Princess that didn't want him. Shit, the parallels between the King and I were pretty bloody obvious now that I thought about it. By all accounts, it seemed like my Princess was nicer than his, which I was thankful for.
“It is difficult, isn't it? Gida's father gave me the choice that I now offer you: You could leave right now. All you have to do is stand up and walk out that door. I won't stop you. Run away. Leave Elora, Myrin, all of it and live a life of your choosing. Forget the Bond and leave these troubles at your back.”
“I'd never do that. I love her.” I said through gritted teeth, disgusted that the King would even suggest doing something like that. I was uncomfortable, yes, but you'd have to tear my head off to stop me from standing beside the Princess.
Julian didn't take offence at my obvious revulsion. Instead he grinned knowingly and nodded his head, “Then you realise that the choice the former King gave me was really no choice at all. Like you, the thought of leaving Gida was not even an option. As King you will never be the highest authority in this land, Orin. The blood of Brand will always come first. Like I said, the titles and the power they bring give you the means to help in your own way. But I want to be absolutely clear; Loving Elora, protecting her. That is your duty. The rest will come, or it won't. Either way the politics don't matter, they never did. You can imagine how I felt when I was told this. After years of training, years of putting up with Gida's antics and proving myself to court, my fate was decided by a spot of afternoon tea with the King as he offered me a chance to run away. If I had accepted, if you had, then we wouldn't be worthy of them.”
“So... you're saying I'm well and truly fucked?” I asked, a small smile appearing on my face for the first time since we sat down.
Julian blinked at me once before he began to laugh uproariously, slapping his hand against the arm of his chair, red-faced and his eyes filling with tears. There were a lot of similarities between the King and Elora, but their laugh was certainly not one of them. Julian's laugh was boisterous and infectious, to the point that even I had a quiet chuckle myself.
“I-I'm afraid so, Orin, I'm afraid so.” Julian said after he had calmed down, his speech still impaired by occasional bouts of laughter. “As soon as Elora decided you were hers, you stood no chance of escape. Gida did the same to me and while I share many traits with my daughter, she inherited her mother's stubborn streak. I suppose that might be one of the reasons we love them.”
I smiled along with Julian. Honestly, I couldn't help but like the man. His way of speaking was a little flowery and confusing, his accent not helping things considering he sounded like he hailed from the south of Venos, but he seemed honest to me. A fierce father and husband, highly protective of his family. I could empathise with that, knowing that I too would do anything for those closest to me. Yeah, I could say I liked the King. I'd even admit that I felt a bit of respect for him and the burdens he carries. Doesn't mean I could forgive him for what he and his beloved wife did. If I was in his position and it was Elora who was the one pushing for our daughter's Knight to be slain for a situation beyond his control, I'd like to think that I'd stop her. Then again, that whole scenario had been fucked up from the start, so who could say for sure? I didn't know enough and I was in the perfect position to get some answers. Plus, I could put off answering Julian's request for me to become a Spirit-cursed Noble.
“My Element,” I said after silence had once more descended, “It was the reason for the Queen acting the way she did, wasn't it? I got the impression that me being an Heir was secondary and I didn't get any answers in Paldrum. I want to know what it is and what it can do. I know it doesn't come from me. An Heir is gifted their Element from their Bond with a Smith. Elora gave it to me, which means that you and Gida must have seen it before. Seen it in that Knight who wore the mask: Jester.”
If Julian was surprised with the all too sudden shift in subject he didn't show it. He did lose any of the humour on his face, however. He became thoughtful, an old sadness blooming within him that couldn't be restrained to his body. It echoed out into the room with all the force of a pained and piercing scream.
“Jester?” Julian muttered, his eyes seeing nothing but the past, “Is that what he called himself? Fitting, in a way. He always liked to play the fool. Many people bought it, even Gida. I never did, but I dismissed him as a non-entity. It was a mistake I swore never to make again.” Julian smiled bitterly, “Ironic, isn't it? Two of the biggest mistakes I've ever made have directly related to underestimating someone. First was him, then there was you. I'm not as wise as I believed myself to be.”
“Who is he?” I asked intensely, leaning closer to the King and gripping the edge of the table with one hand while another reached up to run a finger down my silver scar. “Who took my eye?”
Julian took a deep breath, his eyes suddenly focusing and tracing the healed wound on my face. I got the feeling that if he could be anywhere else at that moment, he would.
“Your Element, Orin, is one that is seen in a fraction of a fraction of our family. Space. The Element of the immutable and terrifying cosmic force that touches all life, all Elements. It even touches the very soul.”
“Space...” I whispered, leaning back in my chair as the image of that terrifying, burning eye appeared in my vision. The personification of my Element, whose power I had ripped away and taken for my own. It had been everything and nothing, the endlessness of all things. I suppressed a shiver. I was in no rush to stand before that being again. Even the short time I had tried had almost killed me. “I cut a Smith in half while she was inside of her Knight when Elora and I fought against Dunhold. Is that what you mean by touching the soul?”
Julian nodded hesitantly, “Yes. I have seen that done before, by the same man who attacked you and Elora outside of Dunwellen. He is a monster, one who very nearly succeeded in tearing this country apart. We were almost too late to see it. Gida and I stopped him then, though the battle was great and the cost was high. For a long time, we thought it was too high.”
“What do you mean?”
Julian sighed and rubbed his forehead in frustration, “I apologise if I'm not making sense. Back then, we were barely more than children. Our lives had been privileged and we knew no hardship outside of the cruel machinations of Gida's father. The man you speak of, Zelato, he drew back the curtain and showed us just how terrible things could truly be. The worst of it was that this man was a creature who carried the blood of Brand. The Space Element has not been historically used for good. You know the tale of the King's Night, I'm sure? When Gilderbrand's son attempted to kill all the commoners? He too had the Space Element. Our line is marred with madness and the only correlation is that they were touched by it. That is why you are feared so by my wife, Orin. She believes you are another Zelato.”
“So this Zelato did something horrible and I'm blamed for it?” I asked, my anger rising once again, “I think I've proven by this point that I'm not insane. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the guy who thinks things all the way through, but I'm hardly gonna go crazy and start killing commoners.”
“Yet the evidence for the contrary could not be denied. At least to Gida. I argued that, as an Heir, you should be more than able to handle its power, but Gida is scarred from that time in our lives. It has made her a great warrior, a great leader, but when it comes to things that involve Zelato she becomes short-sighted. Even now, at this very moment, she still believes you will one day hurt Elora. Being a parent is a difficult thing, Orin. For Gida and I, it is harder than most.”
“But she can't know that for sure,” I insisted, my anger tapering as I brought it under control, “I didn't even know the name of the Element. Sure, I touched it once but I'm still myself.”
“That is the only reason you yet breathe, Orin.” Julian replied just as insistently, “Gida would not rest in finding a way to separate you two if that was not the case. My pleading would not sate her and she would break all of the rules the Hall has in place to see the Bond broken and you dead. What you did at the Severance has given her pause and allowed me to push to make amends. She is content to wait for the moment, but as soon as you give her cause she will kill you.”
“Hardly seems the right thing to say to someone you're trying to bring onside,” I chuckled, “If I can't be safe around the Queen then what is the point in staying in Myrin?”
“That is exactly why you must stay,” The King said, hitting his hand against the chair, “Prove her wrong, prove me right. I believe that as an Heir this will not affect you like it has done our ancestors. You have too much power to be swayed by a simple Element.”
“'Immutable and terrifying'?” I threw the King's words back at him, “To be honest, Julian, if you had seen what I'd seen you wouldn't think it so simple.”
“Yet you live!” The King cried, throwing his arms up towards me, as though to present the evidence of my sanity. “And your mind is your own. I theorise that you have some defence against Space and, if that is the case, you can wield it freely and without issue.”
“Alright, alright!” I was feeling tired of all this. Could the secrets just stop coming? Yesterday I was finding out that I'm an original Heir untethered to the First Knight and that one of my friends is obsessed with me. Now I discover that I some sort of cosmic force in my soul that... might drive me mad? Will drive me mad? Spirit, it was already driving me mad just thinking about the fucking thing. “But how do I control it? What Elora and I need is training. We need to get stronger. You saw Zelato and he was working with Craven, the man who attacked her wedding. They didn't come for me, they came for the Princess. They need her for some reason and now I'm guessing it has something to do with this Element. If we are attacked by Zelato again, I need to be able to control this power. You and Gida may not be around next time to stop him.”
“I understand, Orin. I have spoken with my advisors and with Gida. We have come to the same conclusion. Zelato somehow knew that Elora had the potential to awaken the Space Element. How he knows this, or how he would take advantage of it, I don't know. I agree that you need training, but there is little I can teach you that doesn't involve the Dark Element. Gida and I never had Space and all manuals or treaties pertaining to its use have been either lost, taken by Zelato, or destroyed. As far as I know, no other family on Ouros have the same power so that too is a dead end. But training can only take you so far, Orin. While I admire the faith you have in the abilities of my wife and I, Zelato is at the level of a Master. His incredible affinity for his Element means he can cut us from a mile away. As you know, he can attack me even in the inner soul. He can even just run away if he's losing, moving through Space and appearing in another location. One minute he could be in Venos and, in the next, he could be sipping an ale in the Imperial capital.”
“Shit, Space can let you do that?” I gasped. I supposed it made sense. If you could cut anything at a certain distance then you could surely move yourself in the same way. Could I learn to do that? If Zelato could, then it stood to reason that I was capable. I just didn't know where to start.
“Shit indeed, and yes, he can,” Julian grimaced, “He is a slippery opponent and not one I would engage lightly. As I said, even if Gida and I devoted ourselves to training you for years, there is no real chance of you being able to hurt him, let alone beat him, without first honing your own primary affinity for Space. We can give you training in Dark, even if it goes against the Hall, but what we can teach you before we're likely to be attacked again is limited. All the more so considering it is your secondary Element. Limiting you to Dark would be like Vera only using Water. It can only take you so far.”
I had seen what Gida could do. I had seen the dark destruction she had visited upon the armies of Dunhold. She was a Master, as was her Smith, and yet the King was telling me that even he would think twice before fighting Zelato. I had only seen a fraction of the man I had known as Jester's abilities but I didn't think he would be so strong. Maybe only slightly above Craven in terms of power. He had been holding back. A lot. He could have killed us all with a wave of his hand. Such a thing appealed to the warrior in me, in the need to defeat my weakness, but I also thought of myself as something of a realist. Elora and I would have to keep away from Zelato, at least until we were truly capable of defending ourselves.
“So you do believe he will attack again?” I asked, feeling my heart leap into my throat as I stared at the man.
“I do. Twice now Zelato has tried to take my daughter away. Once at the wedding and then again at Dunwellen. The fact that you are an Heir will make the need to take both of you all the greater. You make too tempting a target to ignore. Elora told of us of Craven's ravings, of the Mentor he is said to serve. If the Mentor is not Zelato, as we suspect, then that means there is one who is powerful enough to bring that dog to heel. That in itself is most troubling, not to mention the strange Smith who emerged from Craven, a corpse that still lived. It is disturbing how little we know.”
“Seems my list of enemies grow with each day.” I said softly, imagining a man or woman stronger than Gida or Vera.
“Not your enemies, Orin,” Julian stated firmly, “Our enemies. A threat to you and Elora is a threat to us. While we can help you with training, there is another way for you to become stronger and at a rate beyond what a typical Knight could achieve.”
“How?”
“To increase your roster.” Julian said, his hands gripping the sides of the desk until his fingers turned white, “Alice, the Imperial Princess of Ingemar, already has all five of her Smiths. She is powerful, though inexperienced.”
“All five?!” I all but shouted. The idea of having five Smiths swimming around my soul seemed near impossible to comprehend. Concentrating on Elora was bad enough, but five independent entities all talking and doing shit at once? Fuck the Space Element, that's bound to drive me mad right there. I don't think I could do that. Some part of me thought it might blow me up, rend my soul to tiny pieces. I knew there was another Heir training at the hall, but another Princess? Was the Spirit playing a joke on me? I knew of the Empire, though little about their rulers. My time with the band had been spent around the border territories doing odd jobs and I'd never ventured further in. Ingemar took up nearly one half of the continent after all. It was also where the Hall of Tyra resided. Was the Hall training up the Imperial Princess to fight me, like the Sister said they would? I felt nervous at the prospect, but also faintly excited. I really needed to keep that part of me contained. It wouldn't do to be grinning like a madman before the King of Venos.
“Yes, all five,” Julian repeated, “With the training of the Hall she will be a force to be reckoned with in no time at all. I am not sure of your circumstances, Orin, but I believe that you are... not in favour with Tyra. Am I correct?”
“You are,” I muttered grimly. I didn't really feel comfortable revealing all my secrets to the King. I respected him, sure, but trust was a hard thing won when it had been lost so spectacularly. Besides, I was still reeling from finding out I had a potential problem with yet another high class Noblewoman. I certainly had a type.
“But you have a Smith of House D'viritazi just sitting there in that orphanage with you. A weapon that you must utilise, and quickly!”
“Tessa isn't a weapon!” My soul was spitting again, but I still had a tight grip on it. It didn't like this stranger talking about things he didn't understand... no, it didn't like him talking about Tess. Well, that was weird. “And how do you know that anyway?”
Julian smiled weakly, “Yale has been watching you since you left Paldrum, Orin. You have had Knights on stand-by since you left the throne room there. We were not going to risk losing Elora again.”
Yale had said much the same, though I noticed he had omitted certain details. Knights on stand-by? Did that mean we'd had a bunch of Knights following us around and the two of us hadn't noticed? Even when Bonded and with our superior spiritual sight? It was surprising to me, but it really shouldn't have been. I mean the King and Queen aren't going to entrust their daughter to anyone less than their best. They probably sent a couple of Masters along as well. The worst of it was that Elora and I... well, we had hardly been that discreet with our affection for one another. Considering that the King didn't look uncomfortable, I could only pray that I wasn't the only one that Yale hadn't told the whole truth to.
“I don't want to make you feel uneasy. I know you have a prior relationship with the D'viritazi girl. But if she can help you and Elora become stronger, then I for one am all for going ahead with your Bonding.”
“And if I'm not?” I don't know why I said it. I had thought about it, of course. I had thought of little else while trying to go to sleep the night before, but it seemed to feel... wrong, somehow. Like I was taking advantage of Tess' clearly unstable state of mind.
“Then that is your choice, but I urge you to at least consider it. The Five Houses are known for having the strongest Smiths in Ouros for a reason. She will give you great power, Orin. Perhaps enough to give you a better chance against someone like Zelato.”
I knew the King wasn't saying this for my sake, but for Elora's. Still, his point was valid. More than valid. Could I really pass up the chance to advance just because it made me uncomfortable? I hadn't even gotten Tess' thoughts on Bonding, never mind Elora, who seemed to be keeping secrets from me. The Princess had wanted me out of the orphanage pretty fast and Tess seemed to be alright with her doing so. Another mystery that needed solved and one that was making me a little uneasy.
“I have to tell Elora about all this,” I said thoughtfully, rubbing my hands together absently. “I need to get back to the orphanage.”
“I would expect nothing less,” Julian nodded in understanding before hesitating, “Though that other matter I mentioned, Orin. Your title?”
I stopped myself from climbing out of my chair. I hadn't forgotten Julian's proposal, only pushed it the back of my mind because of the impending weight of doom that had begun to settle about my shoulders as we spoke of my Element and Zelato. I thought on what the King said. He was right. I was already a Noble and would be even if I didn't accept. I didn't need to be like the others. Yet even as I accepted that, a part of me still held back. For some reason, I knew that it would be the end of my own dream. Of exploring the continent, of being a sword for hire and seeing the world. It really came down to a simple question: Was Elora worth it?
Yes, she was.
'Not by birth, but by deed.'
“I accept,” I replied grimly, “If me playing a part is what's needed to keep Elora safe, then I'd be an idiot not to do it.”
The King beamed in triumph, “Thank you, Orin. This will be a load off of all of our shoulders. Gida will be pleased, though I'm sure she will not show it.”
I grunted, not giving a wit as to the condition of her Majesty. Gida wanted to kill me still, that much was clear. The King said that I needed to prove myself to her and while her reasons for hating me were somewhat valid because of her experiences with Zelato, I just couldn't comprehend hating someone so much that the very thought of seeing some aspect of them in another turned me to a murderous rage. I respected Julian and had even come to like the man for his virtues, but forgetting what had happened, forgiving him. No, I wasn't there yet with the King of Venos. I doubted I ever would with the Queen. The bad blood had congealed between us and the way out was murky, filled with instances in which Gida wouldn't hesitate to try and take my life.
“Who was Zelato, your Majesty?” I asked, causing the man to freeze and his smile to drop from his face, “Who was he to you?”
“Someone of importance, Orin,” Julian looked at me with tired eyes under a laden brow, “But that is a matter for another time. Elora has a right to be here to hear it and so does Gida. The story is long and the bitterness my wife and I hold is great.”
“Then tell me how you beat him.” I said standing up and placing my palms on the table, my eye pinned with purpose, wanting to seek the answer to how I could withstand such a monster.
Julian smiled sadly, “You and Elora are not the only pair to Forge a Weapon in combat, Orin. My daughter told me of her forging of Rionna. She did it for you. A powerful act and one all Smiths must eventually perform. It is the promise to place the life of your Knight above even your own, an acceptance of the Bond in full. A powerful act, indeed. One I myself never performed.”
“You don't have a Weapon?”
“I never said that. I said that I didn't Forge my Weapon for my Knight. Emotion plays a very large part in the workings of Gifts, Weapons and Armour. I'm sure Elora has mentioned some of this to you.”
I nodded, thinking back to when Elora explained the Gifts to me in the palace, how the Idea had to be strong and tightly wrapped in powerful feeling. It was what made her Gift of Strength so powerful. “So... you used the wrong emotions?”
Julian chuckled bitterly, “It felt like the right thing to do at the time. I told you that Gida and I paid a high price to banish Zelato. That was our price. What I Forged was less a Weapon and more a Curse.”
I felt something twinge at the back of my neck and I turned into the empty room, which seemed to have suddenly dropped a few degrees in temperature. A shiver ran the length of my spine and I stared out warily into the little study. It felt like something was watching me.
“Do not fear, Orin. She slips her bindings at times and tries to peer out into the world. My thinking of her, of her Forging, sometimes lets her pierce Gida's inner soul,” The pressure faded almost immediately and I turned back to face the King, who sighed in relief and grinned at me. “Gida has her again. We have been lax of late. Stronger chains will be needed.”
“Was that-”
Julian placed a finger to his lips, silencing me before I could finish, “While I'm sure Gida has things under control, best not to tempt fate. Wouldn't you agree?”
I nodded without hesitation. Whatever I had felt then, whatever had been watching me, it hadn't felt natural. Was that the King and Queen's Weapon? Was that why they didn't draw it at Dunwellen? It felt like I was being watched by a predator so far up the fucking food chain that I was a mouse in comparison. Spirit, how strong were these two if their Weapon alone was enough to make me shit myself? For that matter, how could a Weapon peer out from the soul? Would Rionna eventually be able to do something like that or was it something unique to them? More questions to be answered, but these I could leave for the moment. I didn't want whatever was inside Gida to look at me again. The very fact that it was inside the Queen was a stark reminder that she wasn't far away. Shit, she was probably listening in on our conversation.
“Then on that note, I best be off,” I said, pushing myself to my feet and nodding at the King, “Elora needs to hear all of this.”
“I understand, of course. I would offer to shake your hand, but I don't believe your soul would like that very much,” Julian said with a grin as he followed me to his feet, “While I know you and I will most likely never be friends, Orin, I am thankful you were willing to listen. The only way for us to combat Zelato, his Mentor and even our own Kingdom, is to come together. To unite. I hope you know I hold a tremendous amount of respect for you. You saved my little girl and I'll never forget that. Gida won't either, no matter what she says.”
“It was nothing. I couldn't just stand there and let them take her. Plus, my family was up there.” I replied uncomfortably, rather taken aback by the sudden praise.
“Even so, I have read the reports and listened to eye-witness statements. Fighting a Knight with little to no chance of victory is an action bordering insanity and yet you triumphed regardless. If you hadn't been there then Elora would be gone and we would all be lost. I fought the decision for Elora to spent time at the orphanage, did you know that? I thought it would be a waste of her time. Time which could be better used to serve Venos. How wrong I was. If Elora had not run into your Sister Erin on the street that day, then who knows how events would have panned out? Thank you, Orin of Myrin.”
I scratched at my scar grimly, the King's praise not sitting well with me. I think it was just because I wasn't used to it. I was far more comfortable with confrontation that I was with compliments. Elora did something similar, I'd noticed. Though it was fun to tease her. A spark of recollection lit up in my mind and I nearly cursed myself for forgetting something so important.
“One more thing. I have a favour to ask.”
“A favour? Do you need something?”
I shook my head, “It isn't for me. It's for Elora. She needs it, even if she doesn't realise that herself”
Curiosity bloomed and the King's brows shot up as he examined me from behind the desk.
“I'm listening.”