PART 1

Erik rode into camp with Torstein, Durlan, and his two guards close behind. He slid off his saddle and a servant took the reins and escorted his horse to the makeshift stables.

He greeted his soldiers as he walked but made his way for his tent, where Jebbin was to meet him. Whipping the flap doors open, Erik entered the dimly lit tent and set his gaze on Jebbin who sat in a chair, half asleep.

His head jerked up to the noise, “Your, majesty. Forgive me, I nodded off for a moment.”

“It’s quite alright Jebbin.” Erik waved a hand in dismissal. “I’ve come with news.”

“Ah, good news I hope.” Jebbin furrowed his brow.

“Indeed it is.” Erik smiled, as Torstein entered a moment later. “I’ll fill you both in.”

Erik took his own seat next to Jebbin and poured himself a glass of mead. Taking it all down in one go, he gulped it down loudly before proceeding.

“Xerath has promised us Qutreth.” Erik said plainly.

“The entire city?” Jebbin coughed in surprise. “What of lord Kelmin? He will fight this.”

“I asked that very question. Xerath has assured me that Kelmin won’t be a problem.” Erik shrugged.

“I never would have thought.” Jebbin scoffed. “He actually remembered.”

Erik tilted his head in surprise, “Remembered what?”

Jebbin gave him a suspicious smile, “I gave him some advice long ago. Doesn’t matter.” he dismissed the question. “How do you wish to proceed, my king?”

“Very well.” Erik raised an eyebrow at his response. “We should break camp in the morning. Torstein, I trust you will handle everything?”

“Yes, sire.” Torstein nodded. “I’ll make preparations tonight and have everything packed in the morning. We should be ready to leave by midday.”

“Very good.” Erik said. “Though I must tell you, I won’t be going to Qutreth with you.”

Jebbin was in the middle of drinking mead and spit the liquid in a spray in front of him in shock. Torstein looked concerned but waited for Erik to clarify his meaning.

“You're not what?” Jebbin coughed.

“I’m going to Riqun.” Erik stared Jebbin in the eyes.

Jebbin’s face instantly turned solemn, “Oh. I see.” he raised an eyebrow. “With whom?”

Erik had never told Jebbin of the Ancient’s ruin in Kligira but judging from his reaction, the alderman was completely aware of its existence and perhaps what was in it.

“Xerath is sending a party into Kligira and I will be accompanying them.” Erik took another sip of mead.

“Sire, I must protest. Your people need you.” Torstein objected.

“That is why I’ll be leaving you in charge.” Erik gestured to Jebbin. “You will travel to Qutreth and see that our people are safe and secure. Torstein, you will go with Jebbin and aid him. Don't worry, I’ll have a personal guard with me. I’d like Durlan to company me. He’s more than proven his loyalty and bravery to me. He may be young but I like him, he has spirit.”

“But…” Torstein started, “Only one? Durlan?” he stuttered, unsure what to say. He was visibly processing the information and by his reaction, Erik knew even without the visual effects of his stuttering protests, Torstein would never approve no matter what.

“Why?” Jebbin bluntly asked. “Why would you leave in a time like this. Especially after the news of general Brynd’s army being destroyed and Tykin hasn’t said a word. The people are afraid. Tensions are high.”

Erik turned to Torstein, indicating he wanted privacy. The general was flustered and unhappy. He wouldn’t have a say in the matter but he bowed graciously and retreated from the tent without another word, even though his face was beet red from frustration.

“I hope you believe me by now that I have been getting visions from the Vog, named Felkuru. What I have also seen is a way to awaken the Ancients. I’m still unsure how it will work but I am sure it will come to me eventually.”

“I do believe you for what it's worth, Erik.” Jebbin began. “My doubts are not with you but with the people. I fear they will… see you as unfit to rule. If I take your place, after everything, I don’t know what they will do.”

“That doesn’t matter to me anymore.” Erik said. “I don’t require their love or acceptance. All I want is to save my people and return them to their homes safely. I believe, by going to Riqun and awakening the Ancients a far more sinister plan will be revealed. Saving my people is my top priority and I’d happily give up my throne to do it.”

“What if awakening these beings, it turns out they are that evil?” Jebbin questioned. “You could be awakening the very thing you wish to prevent.”

“I’ve thought of it.” Erik stroked his stubble. “I’ve felt Felkuru’s bond with these beings. I even heard one of their names. It was not the Ancients that I felt were evil, but rather a distant creature. A being of great power. That is what I felt through Felkuru.”

“Are you sure you can trust these…” Jebbin paused. “Feelings?”

“I can’t really describe it properly but…” Erik also paused. “It was like looking into a soul. I could sense his intentions, his desires, his hate, his pain. I did not, however, sense any ill will toward humans. That much I know for certain. Felkuru is also searching for this…” Erik bit his lip. “Being.”

“Alright then.” Jebbin sighed. “I trust you know what you are doing. I have faith in your judgment.”

“Thank you.” Erik also sighed. “I understand your doubt. But I also need you to lead Vulkira. I can’t do this without you.”

“You… are a good man, Erik. If it means anything to you, I am proud of you.” Jebbin said. “I will do as you ask. I will keep our people safe. Until you return.”

“Thank you, Jebbin.” Erik smirked. “I never really liked you, you know that?”

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“I hadn’t noticed.” Jebbin said sarcastically. “Though, giving me this responsibility forces me to rethink your opinion of me.”

“I know about my parents Jebbin.” Erik said out of nowhere. “My sister told me what happened.”

Jebbin’s face turned to stone. “What did she tell you?”

“She told me enough.” Erik said blankly. “I know my parents didn’t die from an illness.”

Jebbin shifted in his chair, uneasy and clearly unsettled. “How did they die?”

“You don’t need to pretend anymore. I know it was a Kligiran assassin who killed them.” Erik’s face turned sorrowful. “I know you lied to protect me. I was a child and I wouldn’t have taken it well knowing our enemies killed my parents. You were right to keep it from me. I would’ve acted...” Erik hesitated. “Rashly, back then.”

“Right. Of course.” Jebbin said, uncomfortably. “Everything I did, I did to protect you and your sister. Never forget that.”

“And that’s why. The lengths you would go to to protect me and our kingdom, that Jebbin, is why I want you to lead our people in my absence.” Erik smiled. “I may not see eye to eye with you on most things, but one thing I do know is you are loyal to the people.”

Jebbin’s hand was shaking slightly and he took another sip. “Well then. I won’t fail. I swear it.”

“Good.” Erik smiled. “Thank you again, Jebbin… for everything.”

“I am here to serve, my lord.” he nodded to Erik.

“Oh, before you go. There is one more thing I’d like you to do for me.”

“Anything.” Jebbin lifted his head in curiosity.

“It has to do with Rayman.” Erik started.

“What about him?” the alderman raised an eyebrow.

“I need you to give him something.” Erik said. “Give him this, if I do not return.”

Erik reached his arm out and opened his palm.

Jebbin narrowed his eyes.

PART 2

After Jebbin left, Erik was left alone to his own thoughts. He nearly nodded off in exhaustion when Torstein called from behind the tent flap.

“Sire.” Torstein called. “Amira has asked to see you.”

Erik sat up straight and cleared his throat. “Let her in.” he said while trying to calm his voice.

Amira stepped in a moment later, she had a long red dress on, different from her plain medical one. Her long brown hair was curled up in a bun and her piercing orange eyes narrowed on him. Erik couldn’t guess her mood from her look, she didn’t give anything away, only standing there silently staring.

“Lord.” she curtseyed. “I’ve come to apologize to you. I thought you were… mad, and I didn’t believe you. Please forgive me.”

Erik smiled at the use of her words, he enjoyed the way she dressed up for her apology and recognized her effort. It struck him, noticing how beautiful she was. Her simple blue outfit from before was simple but her jawline and button nose, on top of her features gave her a simplistic beauty Erik found hard to describe. Her gorgeous red dress now was even more astonishing to look at.

“All is forgiven.” Erik stood up, reaching out his hand for hers. “Think nothing of it. I don’t blame you in the slightest for thinking me insane.”

Amira gave him her hand and Erik gently kissed it. “You look stunning,” he said.

She blushed noticeably, her cheeks turning bright red. Pulling her hand away from his, she backed up a step sheepishly.

“Have I made you uncomfortable or offended you?” Erik looked confused. “If I have, forgive me.”

“No, lord.” Amira said. “You have not offended me. I am just… unaccustomed to a man complimenting me.”

“Are men not allowed to compliment women where you're from?” he asked in jest.

“Not that either, lord.” Amira pulled one arm behind her back and shifted. “I am a peasant woman. My father and mother were very poor and I’ve grown up around the clinic. For a king to notice me in such a fashion has me...” she hesitated, biting her lip. “Flustered.”

“I see.” Erik grinned. “I do not wish for you to feel that way. But surely, men would line up to ask for your hand.”

“After my father died, my mother and I ran the clinic. A woman, beautiful or not is unalluring when you are neck-deep in filth or blood.” Amira explained. “Though I must admit, I did get ample amounts of marriage proposals from men.” she smiled slyly.

“Do tell.” Erik said, curious.

“My herbs and potions often left men, or women, in a mindless stupor.” Amira elaborated. “I was often proposed to while my patients were in this state.”

“I see.” Erik smirked. “I can understand why. I have paid close attention to your work as of late. You have saved many lives and many more in the past that I am unaware of I’m sure.”

Amira blushed again. “Thank you, lord.”

Erik grinned at her, “Of course.”

“I must be going.” Amira said suddenly after staring into his eyes for too long.

“Wait.” Erik called to her as she turned around. “Have you eaten?”

“No, my lord.” Amira replied.

“Would you join me for dinner?” he asked. “I’d love to have your company... if you’d like.”

“I would like that very much.” Amira said, grinning stupidly at him.

PART 3

Erik had stayed up late into the night enjoying Amira’s company. They had chatted for hours when she had finally excused herself from his tent. He barely slept that night, staying up thinking of her.

The moment he woke, he dressed and made his way to the medical clinic. She had told him that no one helped her set up or tear down the tents where she made her medicine. Amira had no help with her personal tent either. Erik had hoped to catch her at one of the tents and help her pack.

He rounded several tents and found hers. She was rushing about, clearing things, and trying to move a large wooden table where she held all her herbs and equipment. Four soldiers, ready to help followed Erik.

“Amira.” he shouted to her, waving a hand.

She was hot and sweaty even in the cool morning air. Amira wore her everyday blue dress and had her hair tied up again, but this time it was in a jumbled mess. Even sweaty, Erik found her overwhelmingly attractive and adorable. They locked eyes for a moment. She instantly smiled but then looked embarrassed as she realized the state in which she was in.

Hot and sweaty, mud on the hem of her dress and her hands were dirty. “My lord. You’ve caught me in a bad time.” she said, looking as if she wanted to run away from him.

Erik laughed and grinned at her, he couldn’t help himself. “I’m not here to chat with you, though I would love that. I’ve come to help you pack your belongings and tear the tents down.”

“Oh.” Amira brightened and a visible relief washed over her face. “I would greatly appreciate the help.”

“Good, I brought four men with me to help too.” Erik said, nodding over his shoulder.

“Here to help ma’am.” one said to her.

“Thank you.” Amira said. “Mother, come here, quick.” she shouted to her left.

A middle-aged woman emerged from the tent and stared at Erik in shock. She started to get down on both knees when he rushed over to her.

“No need for that.” Erik said kindly, gently grabbing her arm. “You must be Irine, your daughter has spoken of you. I am thrilled to meet you.”

“Oh, dear.” Irine said, wiping sweat from her brow.

“King Erik has brought these fine men to help us pack up.” Amira explained.

“Oh bless you, young man. Hashem bless you.” Irine drew close, grabbing his cheeks.

Irine pulled his neck down to her level and kissed both his cheeks gently. Erik was shocked at the gesture but allowed it nevertheless.

“Mother.” Amira scolded. “That’s the king. You can’t just kiss him.” she sounded almost jealous, Erik noted.

“That’s quite alright.” Erik chuckled. “I’m glad to help and so are these men. Just point us in the right direction.”

Amira walked closer to him, shyly. They stood there awkwardly for a moment. Suddenly, Amira stretched onto her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. It was so quick and cute he didn’t know what to do.

He just stood there dumbly, staring back at her.

“Thank you.” Amira blushed while biting her lower lip.

Erik’s heart nearly pounded out of his chest. He turned red from embarrassment and felt an urge to kiss her back.

He resisted the urge.

“Come. I need help with this.” she pointed.

“As you wish my lady.” Erik smirked and followed after her.