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. He knew it was out of his control. The Vog had thrown everything out of balance. All that mattered now was he was with his family, safe.
His men had almost instantly disappeared, going to their own families the moment they arrived. Rayman couldn’t blame them but he wondered where they all were and how they were coping.
Kevin, Wolkin, Fin, and Billy were the only ones to offer their swift goodbyes before going about their own business. George and Connor had gone to the medical tent to check up on their wounds. George’s eye socket had started to grow puss and his need for medicine was great, though the next morning Rayman had checked up on him and was glad to see him doing better.
Shay shifted onto her back and he leaned over her, wrapping his arms around her, and kissed her gently on her neck, wanting nothing more than to remain by her side for all eternity.
He kissed up her neck and then moved to her lips. She brushed her hands against his cheeks then pushed him away.
“You’re meeting Jebbin today aren’t you?” Shay asked through a grin.
It was their second 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 and a hot bath.
“Nah. I’m staying in bed today. Let’s make up for lost time.” he winked at her mischievously.
Shay giggled but pushed him away again. “There’s time for that later… I promise.” she smirked devilishly.
A knock on their door downstairs made them go quiet, listening for who it was.
“Sir, Rayman. Sir.” a young voice knocked. “Alderman Jebbin requests your presence.”
Rayman shrugged, then moaned in frustration, wiping his eyes. “I’ll be down shortly.” he shouted.
He slipped out of bed, reluctant to leave his wife but quickly dressed.
“Will you talk to Daniel later?” Shay said as he pulled on a shirt. “He’s been acting out ever since we were separated. I think he was afraid of losing you and doesn’t know how to deal with it.”
“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 promise me you’ll try.”
“Alright. You don’t have to laugh at me.” Rayman shook his head smiling. “I’ll speak with him.”
“Thank you.” Shay said while tapping her fingers on the bed.
“Well, I’m off.” Rayman made his way to the door. “I’ll see you soon. If I’m late for lunch don’t wait up for me.”
Shay blew him a kiss as he left. Making his way down the steps, he entered 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 seriously. “Will you be back for lunch?”
Rayman had stopped before opening the front door. It was odd for Daniel to be up so early. “I’m not sure, but, 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 with enthusiasm. “I’ll have everything arranged for us. I should be back this afternoon. How does tomorrow morning sound?”
“I look forward to it.” Daniel said with a brighter smile on his face. “Goodbye, father.”
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 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 focusing 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 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 amount of people needed to stay. Thousands of people pitched tents outside, without easy access to water or food, the city was grossly unprepared to house an entire kingdom into the walls of one place.
Not only was there little room, but the ever-growing problem of cleanliness also grew. The streets were muddy and feces had begun to pill up. Thankfully, Jebbin had already begun to solve that problem. Rayman didn’t want to think about how he dealt with such an unpleasant task.
“Right here sir.” a guard gestured with his hand 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 more exhausted than Rayman felt and the old man sighed, gesturing for 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. “Someone decided to raid the stores before they left.” he spat to the side in contempt.
“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, as you can imagine.”
“I assumed he would be angry with Xerath for gifting us Qutreth, albeit temporarily but still, he’s gone too far with this.” Rayman said, his anger rising. “Have you contacted Xerath or Cara about this?”
“I have written letters on our behalf, yes, but only mentioned it. I can’t outright say we need Xerath to intervene.” Jebbin commented. “They have done enough for us already. To cause infighting as guests in a foreign country would make all of us look bad. And that is not what we want. We are guests.” he repeated. “We need to act like it.”
“We could persuade Lord Kelmin.” Torstein suggested. “Perhaps if we make a show of force he will replace the food he stole out from under us.” The blank stares, Rayman and Jebbin gave him, told him how silly that plan was. “Without fighting of course.” he added defensively.
“And how would you suggest we go about doing that?” Jebbin asked sarcastically. “Invade his remaining estates and steal his food? Start a war with the very country that has taken us in? Did you hear a word I said?”
“When you put it like that…” Torstein trailed off.
“That food was meant for us and Kelmin is a scoundrel for taking 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 frustrations Torstein but we simply cannot make any threat towards Xerath’s subjects. Kelmin would leap for the opportunity to crush us. Jebbin is right, we must grow our food. We can hunt and trade to make up the differences.”
“We can start growing food within a week or two but 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.”
“Then 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.”
“Very good.” Rayman said. “I will organize hunting parties. I trust we can leave the rest to you, Jebbin? Purchasing cattle and the like?”
“That I can do.” Jebbin nodded.
“I suppose that settles the matter then.” Rayman smiled, eager to get back to his family.”
“There is one more thing.” Jebbin raised an eyebrow.
Torstein and Rayman both looked up at Jebbin curiously. He looked to be thinking something over, which he carefully phrased.
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“Erik wants you to be our voice to the people.” Jebbin said slowly. “I’d like for you to say something, make them feel at ease.”
“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 a 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 the king say?” Rayman asked.
“He wanted you to step into his shoes, per se.” 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. In the meantime, you will be the leader they look to.”
“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, cautiously. “I can do that. But I won’t lie for you.”
“I wouldn’t want you too.” Jebbin said. “Ease their worries. Make them believe in us and in their king. Erik will return and when he does, we will have fulfilled our promises.”
“Very well.” 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 the three of them in charge if he didn’t trust Jebbin?” Rayman thought. “What had he done to cause Erik to doubt him?” Inwardly he couldn't stop himself from asking these questions, unsure what to do about it.
“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, waving off Rayman’s growing anxiety.
Torstein’s face twitched, contemplating something but ultimately nodded his agreement. “The people do need assurances that everything will be alright. What better way to relieve their fears than for you to be honest and true with them. You are popular with the people but...” he paused. “They mustn't get the wrong idea.”
“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 and annoyed that he would do that to his nerves.
“Like I said before, I believe in you.” Jebbin smiled again.
Rayman noticed Torstein narrowed his eyes, obviously disliking something. He stalked up to Rayman and whispered into his ear so Jebbin couldn’t overhear.
“Be careful what you say.” Torstein warned.
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 ways 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.
This was all so sudden and he wracked his brain for words to formulate as his anxiety increased.
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!” Rayman shouted several times, stealing their attention. “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 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. “Alderman 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 immediately!”
Rayman paused, his heart pounding as he judged the crowd's response, they remained still and silent, eyes intent on him.
“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.
“Quiet down!” Rayman shouted at the top of his lungs. “Silence!”
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 upon. “Long live King Erik.” he whispered to himself.
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?” Jebbin's joyous grin was expected but Torstein seemed overly upset by his speech. Whatever just happened, Torstein didn’t approve and Rayman was intent on finding out why.
PART 3
“What have you done?” Torstein raised his voice. “Do you realize what you are doing? I told you to be careful with what you say.”
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 in his chair. “Stop yelling at me and explain yourself.”
The room was empty except for them, giving them privacy. After the speech, Torstein had requested he join him in the meeting room.
Without Jebbin.
“You really don’t know?” Torstein questioned suspiciously.
“Know what?” Rayman asked, unwilling to admit he had his own suspicions of Jebbin. “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. “Something about him hiding something. 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.”
“You’ve had your doubts about him for that long?” Rayman squinted. “He doesn’t suspect you know of his… plot?”
“I have a lifetime of experience, sir.” Torstein said, bluntly. “You are not the sort for spying. I don’t blame you for not noticing anything. No offense.”
“None taken.” Rayman said, rubbing his temples. “But, you are?” he asked.
“I’m smarter than I look.” Torstein huffed. “I hold my position for a reason.”
“Fine. Tell me then, what do you think I’ve done wrong.” Rayman asked.
“Sir, for whatever reason, Jebbin wants you to make a play for Erik’s crown.” 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, seeing where this was going. “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? It doesn’t make any sense.”
“I… I don’t know. I haven’t figured that part out.” 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 you to take control. If that happens he can then accuse you of the very crime he wished to escape.”
“By giving my speech… I’ve already begun his plan?” Rayman tried to think it through aloud.
“I’m afraid so.” Torstein said. “But… that’s not all sir.” he frowned. “There’s something worse.”
“What could possibly be worse?” Rayman groaned, at a complete loss.
Nothing made sense. Erik had obviously had his doubts but Torstein’s accusations were thin at best. He couldn’t think of a logical reason for Jebbin’s treachery.
“Sir.” Torstein cleared his throat. “I believe Jebbin has something to do with our previous king and queen’s death.”
“You can’t be serious.” Rayman scoffed in disbelief. “You’ve gone too far. Those rumors stayed rumors for a reason.”
“No. I was there that night.” Torstein started, his face growing grim and sure. “I didn’t witness it personally but I was involved in things I didn’t understand at the time. Jebbin had come to me with proof of Halden and Astrid's betrayal of the kingdom. Obviously, I didn’t believe him but he had convinced several members of the court and was in the process of trying to convince me.”
“This is ludicrous.” Rayman narrowed his eyes. “If this is true why haven’t you spoken of it?”
“Please, let me finish.” Torstein raised a hand. “The very night before they were assassinated, Jebbin accused them of trying to kill him. I didn’t know what to believe so I went to my king with the information. Halden told me of his own suspicions of Jebbin and that they were trying to catch him in the act of treason.”
“Naturally, I obeyed my king. I arrested Jebbin and handed him over to Halden in the dead of night. At which point I was dismissed and told to keep it quiet. I was so sure Halden had everything under control that I didn’t even bother to stay. Jebbin was in chains, powerless.”
“What did he do?” Rayman asked, his attention focused intently on Torstein’s story.
“They interrogated him, that much I do know for certain.” Torstein replied. “But, by morning, Halden and Astrid were dead, and Jebbin all but in name had seized power.”
“Where were Cara and Erik in all this?” Rayman asked quickly. “Did they see something?”
“No. Erik saw nothing but Cara was bedridden the next morning.” Torstein said. “No one was allowed to see her except Erik and a few maids.”
“What?” Rayman frowned. “I never heard of this.”
“It’s true.” Torstein promised. “At first, I had thought Jebbin was trying to poison or outright kill her and take Erik’s rightful place as king. But soon she woke and she had witnessed the assassin kill her parents. From her word, I had nothing to go off of. So, I kept quiet for all these years, waiting and watching him. He had somehow tricked Cara into believing him. Perhaps he hired his own men to do the deed in front of her to give him deniability.”
“Jebbin became king for three years.” Rayman reminded him. “He gave up that power when Erik became of age or did you forget that already?”
“Of course I haven’t. I can’t explain everything but you must trust me Rayman.” Torstein said, his eyes pleading for him to believe his testimony.
“What would you have me do?” Rayman asked. “Spy on him, without a shred of evidence?”
“Let me investigate.” Torstein said. “I will find the truth.”