"Dear King, my name is Felix Sirum. I have lived my whole life with my family in the village of Zork. We, as a family, have always had great respect for the Brenner family. For years, we have been providing a portion of our flock of sheep to Clarus, to honor the royal family and the local population. However, due to the recent orc attack, my family and I have fallen on hard times.
A large part of our house has been destroyed. We are fortunate that my wife's cousin's house is still intact. Otherwise, we would have had no place to stay. However, we would like to have our own home again as a family. Therefore, we are trying to save every coin we earn. Would it be possible for the crown to pay an extra percentage on the sheep we provide to you? All the money from my sheep will be used to restore Zork and to create homes for everyone again."
Randar raises his hand to signal that the man’s speaking time is over. He then pretends to think about his response, though he already knew his answer the moment the man spoke his first few sentences. "Dear Felix, the Brenner family certainly has not forgotten the Sirum family. I thank you for all those years of loyalty. I also wish for Zork to return to its former state. However, you have already mentioned my problem: the orcs.
They have arrived in Borgon and have caused serious damage to Toro and Zork. The army sent by Robert Electus has never returned, or at least, not in any significant number. They entered the forest that borders Clarus and Borania, only to return with a few knights. None of them can tell what happened to the entire army. One moment they were entering the forest, and the next, they remember leaving it with a few. There is no trace of the rest of the army or the orcs. After a few weeks, some villagers from Toro and Zork emerged from the forest, and they too have no sense of time. Everyone’s memories stop from the moment they entered the forest.
Since Robert Electus has still not returned, we sadly assume he has died. Duchess Esmeralda is in deep mourning, and I must focus my attention on her and her people. The Jura realm is without a duke, and I have already sent troops into the forest. The strange thing is that they can go in and out of the forest and retain all their memories. However, there is no trace of Duke Electus's army or the orcs. You must understand that my full attention is devoted to the missing orc army. As long as we are unsure of their whereabouts, my main task is to protect the city of Clarus. If this capital falls, the Borgon realm is lost."
Randar sees that Felix is far from satisfied with this answer. He realizes well enough that if they had been alone in a room, Felix would have lashed out at him. However, they are in the throne room, and if he were to lash out at his king now, the entire realm would know. Felix swallows his words, bows, and then walks out of the throne room.
"The next is a woman from the city of Zaqui; she wishes to discuss something with you." Randar quickly makes eye contact with Rikardus to stop him from speaking. He is tired; he cannot help his people. He has too many worries on his mind, and he would rather just go rest in his bed. "The king has decided that he will continue to listen to your requests tomorrow. In the meantime, there are various inns in the city at your disposal." A faint murmur rises from the audience in the hall. However, it quickly subsides as everyone leaves the throne room. When he is alone with Rikardus, he realizes just how tired he is. The cramps in his neck have become more frequent; he needs rest.
"Rikardus, I am going to my quarters. Tell Sir Henric that he should come to my quarters to guard them. Then go to the quarters of Jordaan Frasiër and tell him that we have done everything we could to find his gemstone. Make it clear to him that his king believes it would be wise for him to return to his city, Morala. Also, tell him that his king expects him to meet with Kimana Filony and to give her some of his money to help restore Toro. He is the duke of the Batavia realm, and the Filony house is under his care. It is his responsibility to ensure that everything is set right there." He notices from Rikardus’s expression that he has his own thoughts about this order. Rikardus would have expected Randar to personally deliver this message to Jordaan. However, the last thing Randar wants to deal with at the moment is Jordaan Frasiër.
When he closes his bedroom door, all the stress seems to slide off his body. He no longer cares about anything for a moment. He will deal with everything tomorrow. For now, it is time to sleep and to be briefly happy. Randar closes his eyes and falls into a deep sleep almost immediately. However, it is abruptly interrupted after half an hour. There is a knock on the door of his private quarters. Randar sighs, gets up, quickly puts on a robe, and then opens the door to his bedroom. He takes a brief look around his room, where he receives guests. Everything is a bit messy, but overall, it’s not too bad. "I specifically said that I did not want to be disturbed. Who is knocking on my door?"
"My apologies, my king, but there is a nobleman here who says he had an appointment with you. It is a very urgent matter. Shall I let him in?"
"Give me a few minutes, Henric. Let the man in and tell him to take a seat at my desk. I will go to my bedroom to quickly change into something more appropriate."
Randar quickly walks to his bedroom and closes the door. How dare Jordaan come to see him anyway? Can’t that man understand that he is the king, and if Rikardus issues commands in the king’s name, he should listen? Now he has disturbed my peace, and I will not forgive him for that. It must be made clear once and for all that I do not have to do everything he commands me. I am the king, and he remains just a duke. Randar swiftly retrieves a shirt and a decent pair of trousers from his wardrobe. He puts them on and then takes a quick glance in the mirror. He uses a comb to ensure he looks at least somewhat presentable. Then he walks to the door, takes a deep breath to calm himself, and opens it.
“There you are at last, Randar. You needn’t have gone to all that trouble to get dressed up for me. Didn’t your knight tell you that I urgently needed to speak with you? I don’t have all day to wait around in this castle for you.” Randar stands in the doorway, astonished. The nobleman Henric mentioned is not Jordaan at all. Randar sees Nubé Savos sitting at his desk. Just seeing him is already causing a slight headache. The brief rest he had earlier has proven to be of no help. “What do you want, Nubé? Like you, I also have important matters to attend to today.”
“Did I hear you correctly, Randar? I’d adjust my tone if I were you. Have you forgotten who I am, or should I remind you? How dare you ask what I want? Where are my items, Randar?”
“Do you not realize you are speaking to the King of Borgon? I only need to call once, and Henric will be in this room immediately to protect me. You can do nothing to me because you will never get out of Clarus.”
“Oh Randar, you’ve clearly forgotten who I am. Let me make it clear once more.” After these words, Randar suddenly feels a tightening around his neck. It’s not from a person; it feels as if the air around him has decided to become denser and apply pressure. He starts having difficulty breathing and begins to see dark spots. Then he loses his balance and falls to the ground, choking, and just when he feels he is about to faint, the pressure releases.
“That’s better, Randar. You’re bowing to me again. That clarifies our understanding. Now, what about the items? Have you managed to obtain them?”
“No, Lord Savos, but I swear I am working very hard on it. I expect to have the gemstone in my hands any moment now.” After speaking these words, Randar feels his body being lifted. He is then hurled to the other side of the room and hits his head against the wall with such force that it starts to bleed slightly.
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
“Be quiet about that gemstone, Randar. That was the wrong answer. I know about your plan with Oudenhuysen. That fool came to visit me at my own estate. If I ever receive a visit from one of those people you send out, it will not be your best day. Now that Oudenhuysen works for me, the gemstone will soon be in my possession, so you need not worry about that. How about the medallion and the grail?”
Randar would prefer to remain silent. Whatever he says to Nubé, he would know he is lying. The only option is to tell the truth. “For now, I have only focused on the gemstone. I wanted to be certain I had that in my possession before starting on another item. However, since you say the gemstone is almost in your hands, I will shift my focus. I will start working on it immediately!” Randar sees that Nubé is hesitating whether to cast another spell on him. However, he restrains himself and starts speaking softly.
“That seems to be the most sensible course of action now. You won’t see me for a while, Randar. I have other matters requiring my attention. However, when I return, I expect results. I won’t say when I’ll be back, but I will return. By then, I want to have them in my possession, is that clear?”
“Of course, Lord Savos. I understand my task. I will not disappoint you.”
“As long as we understand each other, everything is fine, Randar.” After these words, Nubé stands up from his chair and walks to the door. He does not cast a glance at Randar as he leaves. Nubé departs as swiftly as he arrived. For Randar, it is clear: this is his final warning. He must act, and preferably today. After sitting at his desk for fifteen minutes to compose himself, it’s time to get moving.
He walks out of his quarters and immediately signals Henric. “I expect my carriage to be ready at the castle gate within ten minutes. I want to drive around the city and gauge the mood of my people. Arrange for two knights to ride the horses to drive the carriage. I want you, along with two other honor knights, to be around the carriage at all times. Also, I expect Rikardus to be waiting for me in the carriage. I will not board the carriage without knowing he is there to protect me.”
Henric departs immediately, and within ten minutes, everything is arranged. When he boards his carriage, Rikardus is waiting for him. He does not have a clear idea of where he wants to go in the city. He primarily wants to think and find a solution to all his problems. Staying in the castle seems like no option; it only causes him more stress.
The carriage mostly travels on the main roads of the city. Randar is not planning to show his face in the poorer neighborhoods. He understands well enough that most people are not happy with him at the moment. He does not need to challenge fate needlessly.
Despite the usual bustle on the main roads, Randar notices that it is busier than normal today. Especially after the past few weeks, it is strange to see so many people back on the streets. “Is there something special happening in the city today, Rikardus? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such crowds. I can’t imagine what it must be like to walk around here. I’m glad I get to enjoy the safety of my carriage.”
“Today is market day, my king. This naturally brings more people out. However, today is extra special. I’ve heard that the merchant Abelkijn is at the market. Many people want to see his stall and its goods, and I can’t blame them.”
“You’re talking about the Abelkijn, aren’t you, Rikardus? He usually operates in the market of Orolalum, doesn’t he? What is he doing in our capital?”
“I don’t know much more about it either. There’s a rumor that he’s come here to give people hope. By showing them some magic and selling some items from his stall at a lower price so that people might forget a little about the orc threat. He will soon leave to go to the city of Borania to set up at their market and show his support for the Electus family.”
“I would like to speak with him before he departs for the Electus family. Rikardus, have the carriage stopped. Oh, and signal to Henric that he should come into the carriage for a moment.”
Abelkijn might be the solution to his problems. He is certainly suitable to steal one of the items for him, perhaps the grail or the medallion. However, Randar realizes that he shouldn’t get ahead of himself. So far, he hasn’t managed to acquire any item, but from now on, he will focus on the grail. It should be easier than the gemstone; he can’t afford any more setbacks.
Randar is interrupted in his thoughts when the carriage door opens, and Henric takes his seat. “You wanted me to join you in your royal carriage, my king?”
“Indeed, I have a task for you, Henric. Can you go to the market and make contact with Abelkijn? Tell him that the king would like him to come for an audience. Do this in a subtle manner; I wouldn’t want the whole city to know that I’m inviting him to the castle. I don’t want to make people unnecessarily jealous.” Or have people asking needless questions, he thinks bitterly.
For the rest of the day, he continues to drive around the city in his carriage. They stop once at a tavern to have a few beers, but not too many; Randar wants to be sober enough if Abelkijn decides to come to the castle. As it starts to get dark, Randar decides to return to the castle. He hopes that Abelkijn has complied with his request and is waiting for him there.
Upon arriving at the main gate, he spots Abelkijn’s well-known market stall not far away. So he has accepted his invitation; this day has at least brought something positive. As he walks into the castle, Henric comes directly to him. “Abelkijn was honored to be granted an audience, my king. He arrived half an hour ago, and I have offered him a room on the second floor. When you are ready to meet him, I will fetch him.”
“Excellent, Henric. I am going to the dining hall now. I want to have dinner with Abelkijn and not be disturbed. I have a few matters to discuss with him, so I don’t need your protection for this evening, Henric, nor yours, Rikardus. However, if you think it’s safer, Rikardus, you may stand outside the door to keep watch, just in case.”
“If that is your wish, my king, I will do so.” Randar gives a brief nod and then heads to the dining hall.
As ordered, the royal table is set for two. When Randar sits down, a waiter approaches to ask which wine he would like for the evening. He chooses a bottle of Montelena and tells the waiter that he expects a seven-course meal tonight. He needs to impress Abelkijn; otherwise, he will never agree to his proposal. When the waiter heads to the kitchen, Abelkijn enters through the main entrance of the dining hall. As always, he is dressed elegantly and wears a grin that could mean anything.
He walks over to Randar and shakes his hand. He is wearing a pair of velvet gloves made from a very soft material, which immediately intrigues Randar. Abelkijn sits opposite Randar, and several attendants come in with wine and various snacks. The dinner begins, and they discuss various topics: the city of Clarus, Orolalum, and the current situation in Borgon. “Am I safe here at the moment, Randar? Can you, as king, assure me that Clarus will not be attacked?”
“I can assure you, Abelkijn, that I am doing everything I can to protect this city and the entire realm of Borgon as best as possible. However, I think if anyone can defend themselves, it would be you.”
After this remark, there is a moment of silence. Abelkijn looks uncomfortable at Randar, and they both take a sip of their wine. “Just because I deal in magical items doesn’t mean I enjoy it. The reason I have so many comes at a certain cost. I tell you, if I could ever stop, I would.”
“You stopping dealing in magical items? Just your name alone has made the trading city of Orolalum so large. If you stop, there will be significantly fewer customers for the other stalls.”
“I realize all that, Randar, but my greatest wish is that I could someday stop.”
Randar has no idea why Abelkijn is speaking so openly with him. Perhaps it’s the wine, or maybe he is just a more open person than himself. However, he must use this openness for his own purposes, or he will never be rid of Nubé. He is doing all this for his brother, or at least that’s the only thing he can tell himself to still get some sleep. His father was right all along. He is and remains a disgrace to the Brenner family.
“What would it take for you to stop trading, Abelkijn? Can I, as king, assist you with that?” A slight flicker of light appears in Abelkijn's eyes; he is intrigued by the question. “I need a large capital, and when I say large, I mean more money than I can earn through my trade in magical items. I would like to undergo a certain operation, and it costs a lot of money.”
His people have already been unhappy with him lately. Randar’s neck begins to tense slightly at the thought of the consequences if he raises taxes. However, that might be the only way to pay Abelkijn.
“I, as king, would be willing to provide you with that capital, but on one condition. You said this is your greatest wish, didn’t you? Would you be willing to carry out a task for me? No one must know about this, but if you do, I will give you the capital you so dearly seek.”
“Thank you, King Randar. You don’t realize what a great favor you’re doing me. I will never forget this. What task do you have for me, my king?”
Luck is on his side again. He has found a new candidate to acquire the items. Nubé will be proud of him the next time he sees Randar. “Abelkijn, have you ever heard of the three items of the dukes of my realm? More specifically, the grail of the Hemelsdag family from the Winsard realm?” As Randar speaks these words, he pours another glass of wine for both of them.