Trey followed Flos out into the corridor. He walked several steps, then felt someone grab his tunic from behind.<\/p>\n
\u201cWait a second. Don\u2019t follow him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTeres! What are you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
His sister pulled the startled Trey back into Flos\u2019 room. Then Teres shut the door. Trey stared at her in disbelief.<\/p>\n
\u201cTeres! What are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m staying here. I\u2019m not haring off this time without knowing what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, but he\u2014but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
Trey stared at the door. Flos had been striding down the corridor. What would happen when he noticed the twins were gone? Would<\/em> he notice they were gone?<\/p>\n But there was no arguing with his sister. Trey knew it just by looking at Teres\u2019 face. Her jaw was set. Teres was still breathing heavily, her cheeks flushed from her earlier outburst.<\/p>\n \u201cI think he\u2019s going to be pretty cross when he realizes we\u2019re gone. We\u2019re supposed to follow him everywhere, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell I\u2019m<\/em> bloody tired of it. Aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Trey gave up. He agreed with his twin sister. He just wasn\u2019t sure being rude to a King\u2019s face was the best way to go about it.<\/p>\n Resigned, he stared around Flos\u2019 room while Teres crossed her arms and stared at the door. There wasn\u2019t much in the bedroom at all. Except for the head\u2014Trey hurriedly averted his gaze, relieved it was facing the wall\u2014he couldn\u2019t spot anything remotely interesting. Besides the dresser, there was a wall closet, and a door that led out onto a balcony. But no objects of note. None whatsoever.<\/p>\n Well, there was an empty scabbard propped up against one wall. It was like a footnote, especially since the sword it belonged to was nowhere to be seen. Trey stared at it. That wasn\u2019t the same scabbard Flos wore at his side. This one looked fancy, dark crimson and black leather or fabric capped by metal filigree at the tip. The metal looked like gold, and it shone dully the longer Trey stared at it.<\/p>\n He wondered where the sword had got to while he waited. Trey kept staring at the door. Would Flos notice? Or would he send someone to get them? He\u2019d feel like a complete fool if he and Teres ended up staying here for hours.<\/p>\n One minute passed, then two. And then Trey heard footsteps, and Flos thrust open the doors to his room. He stared around, a confused and mildly miffed expression on his face. He caught sight of Trey and Teres and stopped.<\/p>\n First the King looked quizzical, and then his expression shifted to annoyed, and then amused once more. He smiled ruefully and chuckled before thrusting the door wider.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it you two young lions object to this time? I asked you to follow. Honesty is one thing, but I do require a pair of legs so you may follow me about.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill you explain what we\u2019re doing first?\u201d<\/p>\n Teres glared at Flos. He blinked at her, and then at Trey. The young man had crossed his arms to show solidarity with his sister.<\/p>\n \u201cI am not used to explaining myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we <\/em>want to know.\u201d<\/p>\n It was not witty repartee, but it worked. Flos laughed, and stroked his beard as he regarded the twins. He looked thoughtful, and happy again for some reason.<\/p>\n \u201cToo long. Too long since I have heard dissent. Too long since I remembered\u2014yes I will. I will explain myself. Thank you Teres.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned and walked around the twins, towards one of the windows that looked out onto the city. Flos stared down at the streets and people below before turning his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI am Flos. The King of Destruction.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe know tha\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Teres\u2019 peeved voice shut off as Flos raised a hand. This time Trey felt his jaws clamp down, though he hadn\u2019t tried to say anything. There was a difference in the way Flos spoke now. He was serious, quiet and thoughtful, as he spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have heard of my legend, at least, part of it. Once I ruled over this continent, and sent my armies to the other continents of the world. Some may have said I was poised to create a kingdom that would last a thousand years. But at the moment when the world feared me most, I gave up my throne. I recalled my forces and let my kingdom fall to ruin. I slept. For twenty long years, I slept.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey had heard all of that before. But seeing the King\u2019s face change, he felt like he understood far more. Flos\u2019 face was bitter with regret.<\/p>\n \u201cSo I slept. The sleeping King of Destruction, sitting in his rotting kingdom as other nations picked my empire to pieces. My vassals scattered, and only Orthenon stayed by my side. Until I woke. Now my kingdom stirs, and my people rejoice. They say the King of Destruction has awoken, and that is true. However, that does not mean I am yet ready to act as a [King].\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at the twins, something like pain in his eyes. That was a human expression, a mortal one. Not the look of a King. It was intimate, private. Perhaps not even the Seven had seen Flos look like this before.<\/p>\n \u201cTwenty years. I feel as though I am still sleeping some days, Teres, Trey. It is not as if I can begin again so easily, you see? I doubt myself. I fear I have forgotten how to be myself. And yet, I must be myself, and as sure as I have ever been. Because now I am awake, I owe it to my people not to disappoint their faith again. And yet\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cEarlier I mentioned my fears. I fear what I must do next. You see, I am a specific kind of king. You know it is my class as well as my birthright, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n The two twins nodded. Flos smiled unhappily.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, but do you know the secret of rulers? Not all [Kings] are the same. Those who sit upon thrones become different kinds of rulers. Some pursue peace, and their Skills and classes reflect that. Under their rule crops grow mightily, and their people rest under an aegis of protection. But not my people. No, my kingdom knows only one thing. War. I am a King who pursues war. It is in my nature, and when I act, it will be to lead my people into battle, not replenish the land or rebuild.\u201d<\/p>\n A king who specialized in war. Trey released the breath he had held and asked the only question he could think of.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you afraid of war?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWar? No.\u201d<\/p>\n Something shifted in Flos\u2019 eyes. He smiled, and his gaze revealed something hungry and eager. And just as quickly it was gone, replaced by another, somber thing.<\/p>\n \u201cI am not afraid of war. I do not fear battle. I long for it. But it is the cost I think of. I cannot shake the cost from my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n The cost in bodies? Lives lost? Trey only half understood. Flos nodded back to the window.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is why I wish to listen to my people. To understand if they fear what I fear. I do not know. I must confess\u2014that has never been one of my strengths. I can know the will of my people or hear their supplications from their lips, but I often fail to understand the why of it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo what are we doing?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos looked surprised as he stared at Teres.<\/p>\n \u201cListening. We will walk among my subjects and listen, today. It is time for it.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey and Teres exchanged a glance.<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2026how can you listen if they know you\u2019re there? Are you going to ask them?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos blinked in surprise, and then smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, we shall do it in secret. With this.\u201d<\/p>\n He held up the brooch in his hand. Trey stared at the yellow jewel embedded in the center, nonplussed. Flos stared at his confused audience and sighed again.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I had forgotten you would not understand. I should activate this now, perhaps, so as not to surprise you. Very well, observe.\u201d<\/p>\n He touched the brooch and\u2014changed. Before Trey and Teres\u2019 astonished eyes, Flos turned from a King into\u2014an ordinary fellow. Trey didn\u2019t actually witness the change\u2014one second Flos was there, and the next a slightly shorter, less impressive man stood in his place.<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t have reddish gold hair, and his eyes were hazel. His belly had more flab and there were wrinkles in his face and grey mixed in with his dark hair. He didn\u2019t look bad\u2014but no one would ever confuse him with Flos.<\/p>\n Even his voice was different. It wasn\u2019t as resonant, and it had a nasal quality.<\/p>\n \u201cThere. You see? A perfect disguise. Now that I think of it, it is better that I used it here, rather than where others might see me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow did you\u2014was that magic?\u201d<\/p>\n Teres rolled her eyes as Trey stared at the brooch. She jabbed her brother in the stomach with an elbow.<\/p>\n \u201cObviously it\u2019s magic, idiot!\u201d<\/p>\n Flos nodded, showing the twins the brooch. It sparkled in the light from the sun, but didn\u2019t shine or twinkle or do anything else that gave away its nature.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a gift from Mars, years ago. It allows me to assume the shape of an ordinary person, a common man wherever I go. I have made use of it on occasion to learn from my people. I will do so again now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo you\u2019re going out looking like\u2026that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed. And so shall the two of you! Yes, I think that would be best.\u201d<\/p>\n He thrust the brooch at Trey.<\/p>\n \u201cHere. Touch the stone in the center.\u201d<\/p>\n Hesitantly, Trey did so. He heard Teres gasp and looked down at his body. He didn\u2019t see anything wrong. He stared at Teres. Her eyes were wide as she looked him up and down.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou look different!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow? Am I uglier?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2014well, you were never a looker but\u2014you\u2019re just different, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n Trey saw what she meant when Teres copied him. Her features altered. She didn\u2019t become uglier or fairer, but her hair and nose and mouth and skin tone changed to make her look more like the people of Flos\u2019 kingdom, rather than a London-born girl from another world. Flos nodded in approval as Trey and Teres stared at each other. Trey had to poke Teres experimentally to make sure she was the same underneath, and Teres exclaimed as she felt at Trey\u2019s features and felt his real face underneath the mask.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is a temporary illusion. It will last for several hours if memory serves. We shall mingle with my people while we wear it.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos looked happy at the prospect. Trey and Teres exchanged a glance.<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose that\u2019s alright, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n The strange girl standing next to Trey nodded, looking resigned.<\/p>\n \u201cSo we\u2019re just going to wander about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps. We shall see what occurs.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos rubbed his hands together, looking pleased. He paused as he strode over to the door. Trey had a hard time keeping his eyes off of Flos\u2019 face. There was no longer that strange magnetism around the man, and that was almost as disconcerting as his new features.<\/p>\n \u201cWe should avoid going near any of my vassals.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos smiled, and it was another man\u2019s lips which turned upwards.<\/p>\n \u201cThey would be able to detect the magic. Orthenon is alert for such tricks and Gazi would be able to see through such illusory magic. Perhaps even without her main eye. As for Mars, she might not notice, but I would prefer not to risk it.\u201d<\/p>\n That seemed weird. Wasn\u2019t Mars the one who\u2019d given Flos the brooch? Flos opened the door and after glancing around for a second or two, quickly strode out. Trey and Teres hurried out into the corridor. Not too many people were about, and they didn\u2019t look twice at Flos, despite him walking out of the King\u2019s own bedroom. They didn\u2019t look twice at Trey and Teres either, which he supposed was part of the illusion.<\/p>\n \u201cFew will notice us, unless they are actively looking.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos spoke out of the corner of his mouth as he walked more slowly down the corridor, the twins following him closely. Trey nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cUm, my K\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Teres elbowed him. Trey stared at her, and then remembered.<\/p>\n \u201cF-Flos?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt has been a while since I heard that name. What is it, Trey?\u201d<\/p>\n Trey gulped. He forgot the last question he was going to ask and blurted out his question about Mars instead.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t Lady Mars be able to see us? Doesn\u2019t she know a lot of illusion magic?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHer? Hardly.\u201d<\/p>\n The man Flos had become raised his eyebrows, looking amused.<\/p>\n \u201cShe is called the Illusionist, but not because she knows any magic of her own. Rather, she possesses many trinkets such as these.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember now. She told me. But why is she called the Illusionist if\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWatch it!\u201d<\/p>\n Flos turned his head and quickly stepped out of the way. Trey yanked Teres back as four men carrying heavy sacks of something or other walked past them. One cursed the trio as he went past.<\/p>\n \u201cKeep to the right side, fools! Unless you\u2019re carrying something heavy, keep the corridor clear!\u201d<\/p>\n Startled, Trey looked at Flos. The King looked nonplussed, but as he and the twins looked around they realized that they were getting dirty looks.<\/p>\n It suddenly occurred to Trey that they were walking like they had been before, straight down the center of every corridor as people hurried around them. It was so natural that they hadn\u2019t realized it. But that was how the King and his sworn vassals walked. And once Trey looked, it was obvious they were making a mistake.<\/p>\n The servants, workers, and other people bustling about the palace did not walk down the center or wherever they pleased. Instead, they walked on the right side of the corridor while people going the opposite way walked down the left. The center was reserved for people in a hurry, or carrying things too bulky to go with the usual flow.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe we should walk on this side.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos stepped closer to the right wall, smiling at an older woman who did not smile back.<\/p>\n \u201cHurry up and move. We ain\u2019t got all day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry!\u201d<\/p>\n Trey and Teres stepped smartly and followed Flos on this new, more proper route. They no longer walked at their own pace; they were now following the person in front. When they slowed, the three had to slow as well or run into someone.<\/p>\n Flos, Trey, and Teres were all unaccustomed to walking that way. But they obediently followed the flow of people on the right side of the corridor, chatting quietly as they did.<\/p>\n \u201cFascinating. I had no idea there was a system for such things. I suppose Orthenon must have implemented it for convenience\u2019s sake. It is this sort of thing that I wish to experience.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWalking?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGetting yelled at?\u201d<\/p>\n Trey and Teres stared dubiously at Flos. They didn\u2019t think there was too much special about this, but he seemed privately delighted.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, and yes. How can I lead my people if I do not walk in their shoes from time to time? It is this experience which\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t get to finish his proclamation. An annoyed woman\u2019s voice called out to the three and they saw a grey-haired lady hurrying over to them with a scowl on her face.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you three doing? You\u2019re not part of the interior staff!\u201d<\/p>\n Trey stared anxiously at Flos, but the King smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are laborers, Miss. We did not have any work at the moment so we\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He got no further. A huge scowl replaced the smaller one and the woman snapped at the three.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re not busy you should be reporting to wherever you were assigned for more work, not wandering about the halls getting in the way!\u201d<\/p>\n Flos bowed his head, looking contrite.<\/p>\n \u201cI am terribly sorry, Miss. I don\u2019t know what I was thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToo right! Now if you\u2019re done wasting time\u2014we\u2019ve quite a lot of supplies to be moved. Another [Trader]\u2019s come by and we need all the goods taken up to the storerooms and the kitchens within the hour!\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed down the hall and Trey noticed a stream of people carrying heavy loads coming their way. He expected Flos to refuse, but the man just smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cWe would be delighted to help, Miss.\u201d<\/p>\n His comment didn\u2019t impress the woman.<\/p>\n \u201cToo right you will, or I would be having a word with Lord Orthenon directly after this! Get moving you two\u2014I\u2019ll send some others to help unload.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can take care of it ourselves. My two\u2026my niece and nephew here can help me. I\u2019ll carry everything up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, a [Laborer] are you?\u201d<\/p>\n The woman paused to look Flos up and down skeptically. He grinned at her.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Just strong. We\u2019ll have your supplies in a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite herself, the woman smiled. Even with another face, Flos\u2019 grin was slightly contagious.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you can do it quick, I\u2019ll have a cold drink waiting for you. For now, bring anything edible to the main kitchens and the rest to the store room next to the library. You know where that is? Then get moving!\u201d<\/p>\n She strode off. Flos nodded at Trey and Teres, and they followed him again, this time heading out of the castle.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not going to carry stuff, are we?\u201d<\/p>\n Dismayed, Trey stared at Flos. His arms still hurt from practicing with Mars earlier. Flos nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course! I gave her my word I would help unload that cart. A bit of work won\u2019t be wasted while we observe the others.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2014aw\u2014but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Trey didn\u2019t get any further. In moments he found himself struggling to carry a heavy sack of something on his shoulders. He staggered after Flos as Teres did the same with an equally heavy bag. The King strode back through the castle, carrying five heavy sacks at once. Trey stared, and some of the other people carrying things made startled comments as Flos passed.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t kill yourself there, Mister!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThose bags of flour will wait, no matter how loudly the [Cooks] yell. It\u2019s not worth a broken back!\u201d<\/p>\n Flos laughed and responded jovially as he marched through the halls. He stepped into the huge stone kitchen and after being directed where to put his load, he and the twins set down their cargo and headed back for a second trip.<\/p>\n Trey was massaging his shoulders as he hurried after Flos. The King smiled at him.<\/p>\n \u201cIf your shoulders ache after only that, we\u2019ll have to build your muscles, Trey! A set of good armor might not be as heavy, but wearing it for hours on end is far more exhausting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs that why you can carry all that at once?\u201d<\/p>\n The King laughed as he strode down the corridors, following the right side\u2019s flow of traffic.<\/p>\n \u201cHah! Well, I must admit that I\u2019ve grown weaker than before. In fact\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He frowned and his smile vanished.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was actually quite unpleasant. Carrying such heavy loads\u2026it is little wonder few choose the [Laborer] class. I am beginning to regret volunteering to carry all of the [Trader]\u2019s goods myself.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey and Teres glared up at Flos. He laughed again.<\/p>\n \u201cNever mind. A promise is a promise. Onwards, you two!\u201d<\/p>\n He strode down the hallway, giving neither Trey or Teres a chance to object or throw something at his head.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n An hour later, Trey would have sorely loved to kill Flos for volunteering them to carry an entire wagon-load of goods up several floors to the various store rooms and the kitchen. But any possible threat of violence was impossible; Trey\u2019s arms could barely move and his entire body hurt<\/em>.<\/p>\n He sat at a table in the banquet hall next to Teres. She was slumped over, but sitting next to her, a loud and obnoxiously good-natured Flos was sharing a drink with some of the other servants taking a break at the same time.<\/p>\n True to her word, the woman in charge of supervising the servants had given Flos, Trey, and Teres a half hour\u2019s break to have a drink and a bite to eat. Trey had been too tired to do more than chew the hot, doughy crescents of spiced bread \u2013 a popular snack in the region \u2013 and sip some water. Teres was the same, but Flos was sipping at his drink of ale and laughing with a group of men and women as they sat and talked among themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve only ever met a few men capable of carrying that many sacks of grain by themselves. You\u2019d better watch yourself, or you\u2019ll find yourself assigned to ferrying supplies up for good!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere are worse fates, I suppose. But I hardly think you all lag behind. I simply feel invigorated today, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos smiled as the man sitting across from him, a balding man with scars on his arms, laughed. Someone reached out to slap Flos on the back.<\/p>\n It was a strange thing. Wearing a different face and speaking with a different voice\u2014even without his aura of command, there was something about Flos that drew people to him, made them listen to him. It wasn\u2019t just that he\u2019d done twice the work of anyone else in the same amount of time. It was that he cared. When he spoke, Trey believed without a doubt he was telling the truth from the bottom of his heart.<\/p>\n \u201cIn truth, I feel far more tired than I should be. Tell me, has it been so busy every day?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAye. And then some. But we have our breaks and hot food and no one could ask for more. Besides, you know how it feels. We\u2019re alive at last, and a few sore muscles means little for that.\u201d<\/p>\n The man sitting across from Flos sighed. There was a smile on his lips, and a light in his eyes. Trey heard people murmuring agreement around him. A woman who\u2019d been in the kitchens raised her mug.<\/p>\n \u201cOur King has awoken.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe is awake.\u201d<\/p>\n The man sitting across from Flos raised his mug to that. He didn\u2019t cheer and no one toasted. But people drank and sat in silence reverentially, as if those words were a prayer. Trey reached for another piece of fried dough, but Teres had taken it. He looked up at Flos, and saw the man\u2019s smile had become shadowed.<\/p>\n \u201cAh yes. The King. I haven\u2019t heard much in the streets. What goes on in the palace?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot much you wouldn\u2019t hear about. Gossips always go into the inns at night to talk\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The others agreed, laughing about how a few tidbits was worth a free drink in any tavern. But then the balding man clicked his fingers.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about those two twins, though?\u201d<\/p>\n Trey sat up anxiously.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about them?\u201d<\/p>\n The man sitting across from Flos laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cHaven\u2019t you seen them, lad? They\u2019re scarcely older than you\u2014but they\u2019re a different type than you and I. Foreigners, from Terandria perhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI heard they were from further than that. But I\u2019ve not caught the name of the nation from which they hail. No one has. Only our King knows where they came from.\u201d<\/p>\n Other heads nodded. The bald man grunted, looking less pleased all of a sudden.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what purpose those two serve. Aye, they\u2019re young, but Lady Mars said she has no clue why our King keeps them close.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos stared intently at the man. He drank slowly as Trey and Teres hunched over at the table, feeling guilty.<\/p>\n The bald man nodded. He leaned forwards conspiratorially, but kept his voice loud enough for everyone at the table to hear.<\/p>\n \u201cShe says they\u2019re completely unskilled with any weapons. And that\u2019s true enough. I saw them in the training grounds, flailing about with swords as if they\u2019d never held one before. That brightened my day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve no qualms with them being here, but I\u2019ve been told they\u2019re to be treated with the same respect as one of the Seven. Imagine that!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLord Orthenon seems to respect them, and I have no earthly idea what Lady Gazi thinks. Lady Mars seems to share our opinions, but she\u2019s respectful enough. I wonder what merits our King\u2019s trust in them\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The others around the table began gossiping about Trey and Teres. Trey was relieved that none of them had specific complaints, but he felt wretched. He was relieved when Flos cleared his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cThe twins are one thing. But what about the King?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about his Majesty? I saw him walking down the hall just this morning. He met my eyes and I\u2019ll swear to you all, he was the same man he once was. Just as great.\u201d<\/p>\n The balding man spoke proudly and everyone nodded. But Flos shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cIf he is as he was, that means war is coming, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd if it is?\u201d<\/p>\n The man stared challengingly at Flos. The King did not respond. The laborer drained his mug, speaking loudly to everyone at once.<\/p>\n \u201cIf it comes to it, I\u2019d be the first to grab a sword and follow him into battle. He has but to ask. Once our King raises his banner, we\u2019ll follow him as before.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs always.\u201d<\/p>\n The female [Cook] said that, and the people around her nodded. Trey blinked as he saw every face just as resolute as the balding man\u2019s. If he but asks, we\u2019ll go to war.<\/em> He looked at Flos and saw something different written on the man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n Anguish. It was there for a second, and then gone. Flos turned to look at Trey. Then he resumed listening to the people talking in loud, excited voices.<\/p>\n What did it mean? Something had bothered Flos. And it was why he had come here. Trey understood that without needing to be told. But what?<\/p>\n \u201cWhy is he upset?\u201d<\/p>\n Teres whispered into Trey\u2019s ear. He shrugged and looked around the room. No one looked upset. Just the mention of war had made other people come over. Some, most were civilians who\u2019d never fought, even before Flos had slept. But a few at the table including the balding man had been soldiers. They spoke proudly of battles past, and of battles to come. There wasn\u2019t a trace of fear or hesitation in their eyes.<\/p>\n So what had Flos seen?<\/p>\n It was a slow realization. It dawned on Trey as he watched Flos mingle and talk with the other servants and laborers, ordinary citizens, craftsmen and soldiers. It was in their wrinkled faces, the way they doted on Trey and Teres, asking where they had come from, where their family was\u2014questions the twins had a hard time answering honestly let alone dishonestly.<\/p>\n It when Trey saw the youngest woman in the room, the young [Cook] in her mid-twenties, that he finally understood. He nudged Teres at once as he watched Flos laugh uproariously at a joke someone had told.<\/p>\n \u201cI get it, Teres.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n Trey hesitated. How could he explain? He thought and whispered into Teres\u2019 ear.<\/p>\n \u201cThink about the Great War, Teres. The Lost Generation\u2014you know? Think of it like that. Only the opposite.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked blankly at him, and then her eyes widened. She took in the room, the aged faces. The lack of young ones.<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t the faces Trey saw that had bothered Flos. It wasn\u2019t the living. It was those who weren\u2019t there. The children. The young people. There were scarcely any people Trey and Teres\u2019 age, and he had seen\u2026how many children over the month he had been here? So few.<\/p>\n It was a flash of insight. Flos, the King of Destruction would go to war. He would ride off, and his kingdom would rise with him. They would follow his banner into war again, as they always had.<\/p>\n Only this time, no one would come back. Or rather, there would be no one to come back to. This time, there was no generation of young men and women to fight. It would be the fathers and mothers who took up arms, every living soul. There weren\u2019t enough bodies left. This generation would be the last.<\/p>\n This was Flos\u2019 kingdom. Dying. They had come to life, but that life was fragile. Tenuous. They were what remained, but if Flos rode to war, there would be nothing left.<\/p>\n Trey looked up and saw Flos looking at him. The King nodded, and turned back to the laughing men and women. When he spoke, it was quiet, but his voice quieted the loudest laughter.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat a terrible King.\u201d<\/p>\n He sat at the table as sound died around him. Trey saw every head within earshot turn. The balding man stared at Flos, joviality gone.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was that, fellow?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI said, what a terrible King he must be. To ask you all to fight and die again. What sort of King could ask that of his people?\u201d<\/p>\n No one spoke. Trey looked around at the suddenly hostile faces. The balding man pushed away his drink.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you new to Reim, stranger? Or did you never lay eyes on our King before now?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos met his gaze squarely, without passion.<\/p>\n \u201cI have seen him before. As he lay slumbering while his kingdom fell to ruins.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen you know nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n The bald man stared at Flos, face reddening. He pushed back his chair.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you never met our King before, then you\u2019ve no right to speak of it. He may have slept, but we kept faith with him. We waited, and when he calls, we will go to war and yes, die for him without fear. Because he is our King. Now, I\u2019ve got to be getting back to work. And you had best leave.\u201d<\/p>\n He stood up, staring at Flos. The King stood as well, and Trey and Teres scrambled out of their seats. Everyone was staring at them. But Flos didn\u2019t turn to leave. He stared curiously at the balding man, as if he were staring at something he\u2019d never seen before.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy would you follow a King who abandoned you? Who left his kingdom to rot? Why would you love such a worthless King?\u201d<\/p>\n The bald man stared at Flos across the table. His face went crimson, and then white with anger. His voice was barely contained.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause he is our King. Because we love him. Because we would follow him to the ends of the earth. Because he is worthy of respect.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Flos shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is not.\u201d<\/p>\n Silence. Trey saw the tendons bulge on the balding man\u2019s neck. He saw his hand move in slow motion\u2014and then the man threw a punch at Flos.<\/p>\n It was so quick that Trey missed the blur of movement. He only saw the second part of the punch, as Flos leaned backwards, avoiding the blow.<\/p>\n \u201cBastard!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The balding man leapt onto the table and started swinging at Flos. The King dodged backwards, letting each punch miss him by inches. But there was only so far he could back up. He blocked one punch towards his chest, took a step back, and ran into Trey. Flos took the second blow to the face which sent him sprawling and a kick to the stomach before people pulled the bald man off of him.<\/p>\n \u201cGet out. Take your uncle with you and don\u2019t set foot in the palace again if you want to walk out.\u201d<\/p>\n The balding man spat at Flos as Trey and Teres helped him up. The other servants and workers held him back, but no one spoke up in defense of the twins.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey and Teres pulled at Flos and he let them pull him out of the hallway. Once they were out, Trey and Teres set a fast walk, hurrying Flos down the corridor. Only when they were a good minute away did Flos speak.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, that was enlightening.\u201d<\/p>\n The twins stopped and stared at him. Servants behind them cursed and dodged out of the way as Flos rubbed at his cheek. It was already swelling up.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em> What do you mean, it was enlightening?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExactly what I said. I am glad to have spoken to that man. Although I wish you two would have backed up. I needn\u2019t have taken that punch otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n The mildly reproving tone and glance towards Trey nearly made him lose it altogether.<\/p>\n \u201cThat wasn\u2019t our<\/em> fault! You started that fight! Why didn\u2019t you punch back or\u2014or stop him?\u201d<\/p>\n The King stared in confusion at Trey as if he<\/em> were the one not making sense.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous. What sort of King would attack his own subjects?\u201d<\/p>\n Trey\u2019s mouth worked helplessly as Flos led them on again.<\/p>\n \u201cThe\u2026kind that doesn\u2019t want to be hit?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah! Good point.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos grinned at Trey as he rounded a corner, tapping the gem in the center of the brooch twice. One second he was a wincing, commonplace laborer, the next, he was a King. Trey wouldn\u2019t have noticed the slight swelling around his cheek at first glance. The sheer\u2026Flos-ness of the man overwhelmed details at first glance.<\/p>\n \u201cMy King! Good morning to you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood day to you.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos waved at servants who exclaimed upon seeing the King appear out of the middle of nowhere. Trey saw the corridor full of people behind him do a sudden double-take and stare in amazement at Flos. They called out greetings too as Flos abandoned the right side of the corridor and strode down the center again. It was better that way; people got out of Flos\u2019 way no matter where he walked.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe you let him hit you. Why did you call yourself a bad King?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I am. Because it is true. They may see me as a King worth following, but I will not give myself such laxity. I have failed them. That they would follow me is a mark of the worth of my subjects, not myself.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey stared at Teres. She shrugged. Then she frowned at Flos.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell them you were the King, then? Then they wouldn\u2019t have kicked you. Or thrown beer on your head.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWas that what it was? I thought it was water. But why would I reveal myself?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos felt absently at his damp shoulders. Trey tried to explain, feeling all the while that he shouldn\u2019t have to.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, isn\u2019t that what you wanted to do? It\u2019s like\u2026it\u2019s like all the stories.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStories?\u201d<\/p>\n The King halted in the middle of the corridor. He made Trey explain to him what he meant.<\/p>\n \u201cIn stories of\u2026King Arthur, I guess, he pretends to be a beggar, or an ordinary knight. He goes around doing good deeds and learning about folks, and then he reveals himself to them afterwards as the King.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy would I do that?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos looked blank. Trey opened his mouth and paused.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause\u2026because then they\u2019d know it was you?\u201d<\/p>\n The King shook his head, frowning.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I were to do so, then that man would have realized he raised his hand against his King. I would not trouble him with that knowledge. And besides, it is best I keep such tricks secret.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you got punched.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I did. But it was important. And I have a healing potion in my rooms. Follow me.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos refused to continue the conversation until they were in his quarters. There he took a bottle of clear blue liquid from his drawer and let Teres dab a tiny bit of it onto his cheek.<\/p>\n \u201cMy stomach will be fine. But a King cannot be seen with a swollen cheek. That much is true.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo why did we do all of this?\u201d<\/p>\n Trey complained as he eyed the potion bottle. He was wondering if he could use some on his sore shoulders. Or arms. Or legs. Or if he could take a bath in it. Flos sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou saw what will come, did you not? Death. Death for my kingdom and my people. It is war I walk towards, and it will take their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIsn\u2019t that how war always works?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is. But I had not thought of the cost of it until now. When I was young I did not know why my people followed me, even to their deaths. Now I know, and I am humbler for it. They showed me their feelings\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He winced as Teres touched his swollen cheek.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014Quite clearly. And it is good that I know it. Because I must be the King to fulfill such expectations.\u201d<\/p>\n He sat on his bed, head bowed as the healing potion worked its magic and his cheek returned to normal in seconds. At last, Flos raised his head and smiled tiredly at the twins.<\/p>\n \u201cChildren, did you see the other part? When I became a King again, did you see it in the eyes of my people?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSee what?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos smiled bitterly. He stretched out one huge hand and stared at it as he spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cThey do not see me. They stare right through me, at something else. An illusion far more complete than any Mars could create. At a dream.\u201d<\/p>\n Teres was the one who hesitantly replied.<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean\u2026at the King you used to be? Before you slept?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot even that.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cThey see a King who never existed. Their ideal King, the ruler they made from shattered dreams as I lay slumbering. A King without fault, who will bring them salvation. I am not that King. I never was. I never will be. And yet, that is the King I must be.\u201d<\/p>\n He stood up. He took the bottle from Teres and gently put it back into the drawer of his dresser. When he turned, he stood taller than ever, or so Trey thought. And when he spoke, it was as a King, so that every word hung in the air.<\/p>\n \u201cMy subjects dream. It is a King\u2019s duty to turn that dream into reality. I am a King, and I must act like it. I cannot hide behind petty tasks anymore. It is time to be a King in truth.\u201d<\/p>\n He gestured towards the door, and this time the twins walked out with him behind them. Flos explained as they walked through the corridors, every head turning and bowing towards him.<\/p>\n \u201cIn truth, Trey, Teres, I have not acted as I should. You have seen me supervising the repairs of a wall, or managing supplies, dealing with the affairs of my kingdom. And while those are true and pressing tasks, they are not mine. I have always left such things up to Orthenon, my [Steward].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou did?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course! He is far more competent than I at such matters. Whenever an issue of logistics popped up I believe I said\u2026what was it now? Ah, yes. I would probably say \u2018Orthenon, take care of it\u2019 and leave it to him.\u201d<\/p>\n The twins gaped at him. Flos raised his eyebrows.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t even say \u2018please\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShould I have? I am a King, and he is my [Steward]. My faith in him is complete.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Trey shook his head, an activity he had come to associate with Flos. He looked around, frowning, as he realized where they were going.<\/p>\n \u201cAre we headed to the map room?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes!\u201d<\/p>\n Flos smiled as he threw open the doors to the room where strategy was planned and Orthenon occasionally tutored the twins. He surprised a woman organizing the carefully arranged maps. He nodded to her.<\/p>\n \u201cWill you fetch us a map so I might view it? I would like a\u2026modern map of the surrounding area. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked vaguely pleased with himself for adding \u2018please\u2019 at the end. The woman bowed and immediately found him the required map. Flos unrolled it and the twins stared at the inked lines on parchment.<\/p>\n \u201cHm. This is only a few years old. But I see.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos sighed as he stared down at the countries and nations marked out on the map. Trey and Teres stared. Compared with the map Orthenon had shown them earlier, this map was completely different.<\/p>\n Most of the nations to the west had been swallowed up by a new empire, the one ruled by the Emperor of Sands. Whereas, around Flos\u2019 kingdom of Reim\u2026<\/p>\n The King traced his finger around the tiny, almost ludicrously small plot of land that was his kingdom. His hand moved up, and he went from nation to nation, staring at the tiny names listed there.<\/p>\n There were so many small plots of land around his kingdom that it looked like a spiders\u2019 web. Trey saw Flos\u2019 finger point to a tiny sliver of land to the north, directly next to his capital city.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember these lands. I remember\u2026ruling them. Now each one is ruled by a [Lord], or part of a larger kingdom.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned quickly away from the map. He nodded at the woman and she rolled it back up quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was all I needed to see. Come, Trey, Teres. There is something I must do with the two of you.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey didn\u2019t get it. But he followed Teres and Flos out the door.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are we going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wish to see for myself what Mars saw. I should have sparred with the two of you myself, rather than leave it all to her. If she does not know your worth, then how can she evaluate you properly?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait, you don\u2019t mean\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Trey balked the instant Flos led them back to the training grounds. He and Teres backed up to the doorway as men and women training with weapons turned and called out exuberantly to their King.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re tired. We can barely lift our arms!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood! That means you\u2019ve been exercising. But I would like to see your lack of skill myself. Ah, Mars.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos turned and smiled in greeting as Mars hurried over. She blinked at the sweaty and irate Trey and Teres.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you going to have them train again, my lord? I gave them a workout earlier. They might not have the energy for it a second time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a few swings. It has been far too long since I wielded a sword in earnest myself.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos accepted two training swords and tossed them at Trey and Teres. Both twins failed to catch their swords and had to pick them up laboriously. Trey froze when he saw Flos had unsheathed the sword at his side.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy do you have a real<\/em> sword?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry. It\u2019s not enchanted.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Trey bit his tongue as Flos swung the sword through the air. It was fast <\/em>in his hands. He saw Mars staring with what looked like love at her King as he held the sword. Flos beckoned at Trey and Teres as they held their blades uncertainly.<\/p>\n \u201cCome. I won\u2019t injure you two. I simply want to see you strike.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey couldn\u2019t remember how Mars had taught him to hold the sword. Reluctantly, he swung at Flos\u2019 left as Teres viciously poked at his stomach. Flos\u2019 sword blurred and he knocked Trey\u2019s blade aside as he parried Teres.<\/p>\n \u201cGood! That was quite a determined thrust, Teres. Try again, Trey. Strike with all the force you have! Don\u2019t worry about me.\u201d<\/p>\n Gritting his teeth, Trey did. He slashed down at Flos and felt like he\u2019d hit a wall when the man blocked. The sword tumbled out of Trey\u2019s hand from the impact. He scrambled to pick it up, hearing laughter as he did.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t fun being laughed at. Trey\u2019s ears were red. He raised his arm, ready to try again, only to see Teres try to cut Flos\u2019 head off. She looked as annoyed as he felt, but Flos was encouraging her.<\/p>\n \u201cGood! Spirit! You have a good thrust\u2014you might have run me through there. Perhaps Orthenon would be a good teacher for her, don\u2019t you think, Mars?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want to give her over to him, I won\u2019t object my lord. But he and I don\u2019t see eye to eye on how to fight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. True. Well, what about you, Trey? Perhaps we should let you train with Mars or I while Teres learns from Orthenon\u2019s style.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos turned to Trey, casually blocking Teres as she tried to stab him in the back of his leg. He motioned her back and raised his sword.<\/p>\n \u201cMars has taught you to strike, but how about blocking? Come, we\u2019ll take turns.\u201d<\/p>\n He let Trey strike at him, his sword not budging an inch as he blocked. Then he showed Trey how to hold a shield in his other hand. Trey flinched as Flos raised his sword, but the King laughed and gently swung down.<\/p>\n \u201cBrace yourself as I strike. And don\u2019t let your shield stray from your body. When you strike, don\u2019t expose your arm or I might lop it off. Good! Keep your shield up as you stab\u2014there.\u201d<\/p>\n Within minutes he had Trey gingerly keeping the shield in his left hand up as he struck and blocked Flos\u2019 gentle taps to his shield. Soon, Flos had begun using more force. Trey felt heavy buffets threatening to knock his shield away. He braced himself, letting his legs cushion the blow as Flos struck downwards.<\/p>\n \u201cI think I\u2019m ready to stop.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNonsense, you\u2019re doing splendidly. Come, strike at me.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey saw Flos\u2019 face smiling broadly as he peeked around his shield. He also saw approving looks on the faces of the others watching him, and a smile on Mars\u2019 lips. That gave him the strength to weakly cut at Flos\u2019 side.<\/p>\n \u201cExcellent! Raise your shield\u2014I\u2019ll be striking from the left. Harder this time.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite being ready for the blow, Trey felt his arm compress against his body. He made a wheezing, gasping sound as he stumbled back. The King beamed at him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014think\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrey wants to quit.\u201d<\/p>\n In his heart Trey blessed Teres. She glared at Flos, ignoring the disapproving faces staring at her. Flos eyed Teres and sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cOne last blow then, from each of us.\u201d<\/p>\n That sounded fine. Trey managed to tap Flos\u2019 sword. Then he raised his shield. Flos was smiling.<\/p>\n \u201cVery good. You\u2019ve the makings of a good warrior, Trey. Now\u2014block!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He raised his sword high, giving Trey a chance to raise his shield. The young man did, bracing himself. It was just one more strike. But then the sword came down like lightning. Trey froze. It was too f\u2014<\/p>\n The sword struck Trey\u2019s shield. It didn\u2019t cut through the metal, but the impact of it knocked Trey flat.<\/p>\n Trey didn\u2019t feel his knees give way. He slammed back-first into the ground, hearing his back go crack<\/em> in various places. Trey felt as though his entire body was whumph<\/em>. The entire impact ran through him and for a few seconds he just stared at the sky. Then he remembered he wasn\u2019t breathing and tried to gasp for air.<\/p>\n \u201cTrey!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Once hearing had returned he heard Teres\u2019 voice, and felt people crowding around him. Someone opened an eyelid and Trey tried to make his eyes focus. He heard his sister shouting angrily at someone and a contrite voice that was Flos\u2019.<\/p>\n The wind was knocked out of him and it wasn\u2019t coming back. Trey sat up at Teres\u2019 insistence, but then lay back down. He felt\u2026floppy. Could you hit someone so hard their bones turned into rubber?<\/p>\n He felt like he should stand up, but he couldn\u2019t. Trey felt himself being picked up and was carried somewhere. He must have fallen asleep, because the next thing he realized he was sitting up in the room he and Teres shared, in his bed.<\/p>\n \u201cTrey?\u201d<\/p>\n His sister was standing over him. She had a bottle of yellow liquid in her hands. Trey opened his mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to drink that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to. It\u2019s a healing potion.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey thought about that.<\/p>\n \u201cCan you pour it on me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Hold still, I\u2019ll rub it onto your back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd my arms. They really hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n Teres helped Trey partly undress. Trey groaned as he saw the bruised skin underneath his clothing, already turning spectacular colors.<\/p>\n \u201cOw.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHold still. I\u2019ll have you right as rain in a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n He let Teres rub the yellow stuff into his skin. It stank horribly, but the agony went away every place she touched. Trey whimpered as she got to his back. Teres was scowling.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s the King?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI dunno. I shouted at him and then took you to our room.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe he hit you that hard!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t either.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe could have killed you! I thought you were dead when you didn\u2019t move.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought I was dead too.\u201d<\/p>\n Teres glared at Trey. Then she slapped his back. He yelped. She poked him hard in the back.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be smart.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOw. Okay.\u201d<\/p>\n After a while, she finished with his back and Trey felt well enough to rub the healing potion onto his legs himself. Teres sat with him, applying a bit to her own arms.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was it like?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBeing hit? It looked like he squashed you with his sword.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right enough.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey had to think as he tried to explain the feeling.<\/p>\n \u201cRemember when Trevor Martin got hit by that car and had to stay in the hospital for two weeks?\u201d<\/p>\n Her eyes went wide.<\/p>\n \u201cThat bad?\u201d<\/p>\n Trey felt at his chest and back again.<\/p>\n \u201cActually, I think I\u2019d rather trade places with him. That hurt.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, he\u2019s not doing it again. He\u2019s mental, that one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought he said he was out of practice.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey winced as he handed the mostly empty bottle back to Teres. She rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cHe says he\u2019s not good at holding back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat was him holding back?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYup. That\u2019s another thing he\u2019s not good at, then. If he\u2019s so special that everyone loves him so, what\u2019s he actually good at to begin with?\u201d<\/p>\n Trey thought about that for a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cHitting people.\u201d<\/p>\n He lay back on his bed, trying to block the horrible healing potion smell from his nose. Teres lay next to him.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think I can go to sleep, Teres?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think so.\u201d<\/p>\n That sounded like an awfully good idea to Trey, so he closed his eyes. When he opened them again, after what seemed like minutes, it was to hear Teres arguing with someone at the door.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t care what he wants. If he wants us, he can come and say so himself.\u201d<\/p>\n She slammed the door. Trey closed his eyes, and went back to sleep.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Sometime later, Teres woke him up. Trey got out of bed, still feeling foggy, but hungry. Which was lucky, because he\u2019d apparently slept till dinner time.<\/p>\n Every day, Flos dined in the banquet hall, at the high table with his trusted vassals while the rest of the people in the hall ate at other long tables. Trey and Teres sat at that table with him as well, but they were used to being overlooked.<\/p>\n Not today. This time, when Trey passed through the tables up to the hall he heard people calling out to him and Teres. Most of them just laughed as they asked Trey if he was alright, or if his head was still in one piece. It wasn\u2019t mocking laughter though, and Trey himself could smile at the jokes.<\/p>\n People reached out, and a few of the older men ruffled his hair, or gave him a slap on the arm.<\/p>\n \u201cWell done, lad. You took the King\u2019s blow like a man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThought you\u2019d nearly died there. But you sat up, so you\u2019ve got some grit to you!\u201d<\/p>\n It was embarrassing, but Trey still enjoyed it. At the high table, the vassals of the King had words for him as well.<\/p>\n \u201cTrey. I trust you are recovered?\u201d<\/p>\n Orthenon nodded to Trey. Gazi smiled at him, but it was Mars who slung an arm around his shoulder, laughing as she called for a drink for the both of them.<\/p>\n \u201cI took a blow like that from our King once. I couldn\u2019t see straight for two days, I\u2019ll swear! If you can remember your name, that\u2019s cause for celebration.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos himself only laughed as he sat with Orthenon on his right and Mars on his left. The twins sat next to Mars, and Trey found himself in the enviable and difficult position of having to stare past her to listen to the conversation. She was distracting, and Teres kept jabbing him in the side when she thought his attention was wandering.<\/p>\n The thing about sitting at the high table was that the conversation topics were never dull. Tonight\u2019s was especially focused, and Trey saw the servants serving food listening just as intently as the people around him.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a few experienced soldiers, but I fear we must count on a mostly green army to begin with. With Takhatres keeping the Emperor of Sands occupied, our main focus must be on raising the level of our conscripted soldiers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd finding an actual army. We can\u2019t make everyone hold a sword or we won\u2019t have anyone to grow crops, cook, and so on. Plus, we don\u2019t have that many swords.\u201d<\/p>\n Mars stabbed at a piece of chicken on her plate as Flos nodded. He turned to Gazi.<\/p>\n \u201cYour thoughts, Gazi?\u201d<\/p>\n She shrugged. Her eye flicked towards Trey and Teres, while her other three remained focused on Flos.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have Mars\u2019 arms. We can outfit an elite core of soldiers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you suggesting we take on another nation\u2019s army with a few dozen warriors?\u201d<\/p>\n Orthenon stared at Gazi. She bit into a Yellat and swallowed it before responding.<\/p>\n \u201cWe must retake our lost lands sooner or later. Once we do, we will have more soldiers to join us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDeclaring the King of Destruction has returned so early is not a wise move, Lady Gazi. It is better to wait for those vassals with their own forces to arrive.\u201d<\/p>\n Orthenon stared hard at Gazi, not deterred by the fact that she had four eyes and he had two. Mars sighed gustily.<\/p>\n \u201cYou say that Orthenon, but how long must we sit on our hands here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs long as it takes. There is much to do here, unless you had forgotten. The city is in sore need of repairs, and we can best spend this time planting new harvests for next year, training those waiting to be soldiers\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWaiting.\u201d<\/p>\n Gazi said it impassively, but Mars nodded in agreement and Orthenon stiffened in his seat. He opened his mouth to reply, and Flos spoke, cutting the argument apart.<\/p>\n \u201cOrthenon. Gazi. Enough.\u201d<\/p>\n His retainers looked at him expectantly. Flos put down his knife and reached for his goblet. He stared into it and then looked around the table. His eyes did not miss Trey or Teres.<\/p>\n \u201cI have heard counsel from all present. I hear Orthenon\u2019s need for caution, just as I understand Mars\u2019 desire to raise my banner once again. Tomorrow morning I will tell you all what I have decided to do.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around at his companions. All three nodded and sat back. The conversation turned to less intense matters, and Trey resumed staring at Mars covertly. She really was stunning. Were they really fake?<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n That night, Trey climbed into bed while Teres took the one on the other side of the room. He felt tired, but not sleepy, thanks to the long nap he\u2019d had. Plus, the downside of using the healing potion meant his body was as energetic as ever. It thought it was time to be up and about, no matter how Trey\u2019s weary mind tried to convince it otherwise.<\/p>\n Perhaps that was why he was still awake hours later to see the door to their room open slowly. Trey sat up, heart pounding as a faint candle\u2019s light entered the room, held by a shadowy figure.<\/p>\n There were no locks on the door, or if there were, Trey and Teres hadn\u2019t been given a key. It wasn\u2019t generally needed in most parts of the castle and the servants were in and out of the rooms. But all that meant was that the mysterious intruder could be anyone.<\/p>\n Trey\u2019s heart beat wildly as he looked at his slumbering sister. He opened his mouth to shout, and the figure brought the candle up to his face.<\/p>\n \u201cTrey. It is I.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos stared down at Trey. That didn\u2019t make the young man feel any better. He stared at Flos.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n This time he didn\u2019t add \u2018sire\u2019, or \u2018your majesty\u2019. Flos smiled down at Trey.<\/p>\n \u201cI apologize for the late intrusion. But I have business with you. May I sit?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm. Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Trey felt the bedding shift as Flos sat on his bed. He sat up awkwardly staring at Flos. The King hadn\u2019t changed into his night clothes; he was still wearing the sword at his belt. He nodded to Trey.<\/p>\n \u201cI trust you have healed from earlier? I did not have a chance to ask over dinner, but I am told you used the healing potion I had sent.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did. Um, thank you for sending it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou should not thank me for that. It was my own fault.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos sighed. He looked ashamed as he stared at Trey, the candle only illuminating parts of his face.<\/p>\n \u201cI was a fool. And your sister was right to call me such. I struck you far harder than I should. It is just that I wished to change the gossip about you and your sister. If you had blocked the blow of a King, it would change what was said.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey recalled all the people who\u2019d slapped him on the back and Mars\u2019 words of praise.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026think you did that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, but I did not mean to harm you. That was my fault. I apologize, Trey.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos\u2019 head lowered. Trey stared. It took him a few moments to realize Flos was bowing his head. To him.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s okay. Really.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is not, but thank you for saying so. Trey, I realize today I have asked much of you. But I ask that you and your sister follow me one last time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFollow you? Where?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOutside my city. I have had horses saddled in secret\u2014a tricky matter, even with a [King]\u2019s authority.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos smiled ruefully. Trey stared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWait, but where are we going?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA village. It is only an hour or so\u2019s ride away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAn hour\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Flos clapped a hand over Trey\u2019s mouth before he could shout.<\/p>\n \u201cI know it is an imposition. But I ask it of you.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey wanted to say no, but he couldn\u2019t find the words. Instead, he resorted to a cowardly, if effective tactic.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly if Teres says yes.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos nodded, and gingerly Trey went over to wake his sister. He had to shake her several times. She flailed at him until she sat up. She was ready to curse him out until she saw Flos. Her mouth opened as she glared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cI am sorry for waking you, Teres. However\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Out.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed to the door. Flos bowed his head towards her.<\/p>\n \u201cTeres, I have one last matter I must ask you to witness. It is of vital importance.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo! Can\u2019t it wait?\u201d<\/p>\n The King smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, it cannot. Because this must be done alone. No one must know where we are going. Not Orthenon, or anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n The twins stared at Flos. Trey\u2019s first thought was that he was running away. But that didn\u2019t seem to be the case. Teres folded her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy do we <\/em>have to come?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I trust you two. And because you are reassuring.\u201d<\/p>\n The twins gaped at Flos. He smiled, and rose.<\/p>\n \u201cFollow me.\u201d<\/p>\n And they did. Teres complained and Trey chimed in, but somehow they ended up dressed and in Flos\u2019 room in minutes. There they stared at the King.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re leaving the city, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCorrect. We must do it in secret, without alerting one of the servants. They will have seen us going into my room, but so long as we are not spotted leaving any of the palace\u2019s exits they will not wake Orthenon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow are we getting out, then? Wait\u2014are we going through a secret passageway?\u201d<\/p>\n Trey immediately grew excited, thinking of revolving walls, illusory doors and magical passphrases. But Flos shook his head, looking wistful.<\/p>\n \u201cI asked Drevish to build me a hidden network of tunnels, but he told me that he had better things to do than waste time creating secret walls and doors. He refused to put a single secret tunnel in my entire palace and told me that if I wished to escape my duties, I should find a way to do it myself without relying on cheap tricks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen how\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s very simple.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos went over to the balcony. He beckoned Trey and Teres over. Trey walked out into the very cold night air, expecting to see a rope made of bedsheets, or something else like that. He was not<\/em> prepared for Flos to seize hold of him and then toss him over <\/em>the balcony.<\/p>\n \u201cAaaaaa\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Trey\u2019s scream was muffled by a huge hand on his mouth. He felt hands on him, and then an impact, reduced by the arms that held him.<\/p>\n \u201cThere we are. It\u2019s lucky you\u2019re not full-grown or I might have shattered a knee trying that.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos remarked casually as he put Trey back on his feet. Trey stared at him, and then up at the balcony above him. It had to be two stories up. He felt dizzy and had to sit.<\/p>\n \u201cTeres. Jump down. I will catch you.\u201d<\/p>\n The King\u2019s voice was low as he called up. Trey heard his sister reply\u2014and thought she was probably making her opinion clear with a gesture as well. Flos repeated his command. Somehow, in between Trey trying not to throw up, he persuaded Teres to jump.<\/p>\n \u201cThere we are. It\u2019s not quite as attractive as a secret passage, but I suppose Drevish was correct.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos remarked to the two twins as they tried to follow him on shaky legs. He led them around to a stable where three horses were indeed saddled. Trey and Teres stared at the horses. Trey suddenly recalled what Flos had said and realized there was a huge, wonderful flaw in the King\u2019s plan.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know how to ride.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe neither.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos\u2019 eyebrows rose as he tied a lantern to the saddle of his horse, a tall dark beast which snorted down at the twins.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t? Well, it\u2019s quite simple. I\u2019ll teach you to guide your mounts another time. For now, just hold tight with your knees. I can command three horses as easily as two.\u201d<\/p>\n Ignoring their protests he put Trey on one horse, and Teres on the other. Trey started as the huge thing between his legs began to move. He clutched at the reins unsteadily as he saw Teres doing the same.<\/p>\n Flos sat on his horse as if he\u2019d been born there. He clicked his tongue quietly and all three horses followed him as he led his out of the palace stables. He rode down the streets, heading towards one of the gates. It was open, despite the late hour. Flos waved up at whoever was on top and Trey heard a voice raised in reply.<\/p>\n And then they were out of the city, racing across dry, dusty ground. Trey stared around the dark landscape, where shrubs of tough greenery sprouted up from the arid earth. He had only been out of the city once or twice. Now the air blew in his face\u2014so cold!\u2014and Trey could look up and see a night sky full of stars. Two moons stared down at him, one pale and yellowish like the one back home, but tinged slightly blue, and the other a shade of purple, glowing brilliant in the sky.<\/p>\n After a few minutes, Flos slowed their rapid pace. He turned the horses at a crossroads Trey barely spotted and turned them up another road, making the horses trot quickly. Now they had a chance to shout, the twins did so. In turns.<\/p>\n \u201cHush. You might wake someone. Or something.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos ignored their complaints as he smiled. He breathed in the night air and extended an arm, indicating the wide, flat land around his city.<\/p>\n \u201cLook at this land, you two. This is Chandrar. My home. Where it is not desert, it looks much like this. Dry. Some would say inhospitable. But there are valleys and places where nature blooms. And the people who live here are the strongest of spirit, the most resilient.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey looked around. All he saw were rocks, hills in the distance, and an unpaved, dirt road underneath. But he held his tongue.<\/p>\n Beside him, Teres was fidgeting on her horse. Trey couldn\u2019t see her face in the darkness, but he knew she was glaring at Flos. She turned her head to him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy do we do it, Trey? Why do we keep following him about?\u201d<\/p>\n Trey shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cI dunno. Maybe it\u2019s a Skill? Or maybe it\u2019s because it\u2019s him, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s like\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Trey searched for words to describe the feeling.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s like, you know, even if something bad happens, whenever we follow him, something exciting happens. And it\u2019s usually good in the end, right? It\u2019s like the grandest circus and movie and video game all put together. You can\u2019t help watching him, the King I mean. And you want to be part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to be part of this.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Teres indicated the horse. Trey heard it snort. He nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but I guess it\u2019s like\u2014you know, a package. You have to take the good and the bad.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo which is this?\u201d<\/p>\n Trey didn\u2019t know. He looked ahead at the King, riding without a hint of discomfort on his horse. Trey felt like his bones were being shaken out of his body, but the King of Destruction was at home here. And he was happy.<\/p>\n Flos was smiling, staring down the dark road lit only by his lantern. And there was something about the way he sat in his saddle, staring ahead, that told Trey something was going to happen.<\/p>\n \u201cTrey, Teres, thank you for today.\u201d<\/p>\n They looked at him. The King sat high on his horse, staring into the distance. He spoke loud enough for them to hear him over the sound of the horses\u2019 hooves, but only just.<\/p>\n \u201cThis day was special for me. I realize it was difficult for the two of you in light of my errors. I made many, and inconvenienced you and others greatly. But that is what made it so precious for this foolish King.\u201d<\/p>\n He waved his hand back towards his city, already part of the landscape behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have seen my mistakes, borne witness to my failures. I am glad you have seen me as a man, not as a King. I enjoyed today more than I could say, and I will remember it. But now I must be what I am. A King.\u201d<\/p>\n So saying, he stared ahead. And in the distance, Trey thought he could see light. Around him, the darkness was complete. The only light came from Flos\u2019 lantern and the stars. But there was a pinpoint of something that was not starlight. It was no electric glow, but it was light. And as they rode on, Trey realized there was more than one speck of light.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are we going?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA village.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos pointed towards it, guiding his horses along the road. Trey expected to reach the village at any minute, but as they rode on and on, he realized their destination was very far away. It was only because the land here was so flat that he saw it from far off.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have left my kingdom. In truth, we left it the instant we passed beyond my walls. This land has been claimed by someone else. A [Lord] or some other land owner claims this village, and receives a tithe in exchange for protection.\u201d<\/p>\n The King\u2019s voice was low as they drew closer. Now Trey could make out the outlines of houses in the distance. And a wall. There was some kind of wooden barrier around the village, obscuring all but the roofs of the houses.<\/p>\n \u201cThey did not have a wall when I last came here.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos frowned as he spotted the wall. Teres looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen did you last come here?\u201d<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t reply. Now the village was directly ahead, minutes away. Trey was shifting in his saddle, his thighs and other parts aching, when he heard a shout. He sat bolt upright as he heard it again. It had come from the village, from the wall.<\/p>\n \u201cThey have spotted us.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos said the words calmly, but Trey\u2019s heart was racing. He saw shapes moving in the distance, and heard more shouting. The lights flickered. A door opened in one of the houses, and Trey saw someone block the light for a moment. He realized the village was coming to life.<\/p>\n \u201cYou there! Halt!\u201d<\/p>\n When they were fifty meters or so away from the village, Trey heard a voice. He saw someone standing on the wall, dimly illuminated by a torch\u2019s light. He had a bow and he was staring right at them.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re no easy prey for [Thieves] or [Bandits]! And we don\u2019t deal with travelers in the night. Begone!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe wish to enter the village. We come in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos raised his voice to shout back. The person on the walls made no reply, but after a second Trey heard a whining sound and then a thunk.<\/em> His horse reared and Trey had to hold on for dear life. An arrow had sprouted out of the soil in front of Flos\u2019 horse.<\/p>\n \u201cThe next one will strike true! Leave us alone!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe should go. They\u2019ll shoot us!\u201d<\/p>\n Teres hissed at Flos, but the King made no response. He slowly got off of his steed, patting it to soothe it. He grasped hold of the reins on both Trey and Teres\u2019 mounts and guided them off the road with his horse. Then he walked back onto the road and faced the village.<\/p>\n \u201cI ask again. Will you let me enter? I bear you no ill will.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey thought the person on the walls faltered. He was not alone; he could see other people manning the wall, also armed. But then the voice came back, loud and angry.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you are a Runner or a servant of some [Lord], state your business and offer proof of it! We cannot trust your word alone!\u201d<\/p>\n Flos stared at the village. When he replied, it was in a ringing voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI have a right to walk here. This land is mine.\u201d<\/p>\n That silenced the person on the wall. Flos did not wait for a reply. He began walking towards the village, slowly, staring up at the people there.<\/p>\n \u201cHold your ground! Hold, I said!\u201d<\/p>\n Flos made no reply. He kept walking. Trey saw the person on the wall move, and another arrow landed in the dirt next to Flos\u2019 feet. The King paid no attention. He advanced on the village. This time, he stopped within sight of the wall, and stood there in the darkness, staring up at the figures on the wall.<\/p>\n \u201cWill you not open your gates to your rightful ruler?\u201d<\/p>\n Trey heard a nervous laugh from the wall.<\/p>\n \u201cRightful ruler? You\u2019ve lost your mind, stranger. This village pays tithe to [Lord] Venith and [Lady] Maresar. But we have no master.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot so.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos\u2019 voice was calm, distant. He spoke softly, growing louder until his voice filled the air.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce, I rode through this village. Many years ago. Yet I still remember that day clearly in my mind. I stopped here, and saw no hope, no dreams in the crushed souls of the people. So I planted my banner in the earth and claimed this land as my own. I told you to rise, to follow me and seek a brighter future by my side. Have you forgotten that day, oh villagers of Manimar?\u201d<\/p>\n For a second, there was silence. Then a gasp. Trey saw the torch on the walls move. Someone took it up and brought it closer to Flos.<\/p>\n \u201cIt can\u2019t be.\u201d<\/p>\n They drew closer, and then Trey heard the gasp. The torch fell from the wall and landed on the ground. It cast Flos\u2019 face into light.<\/p>\n Someone screamed. Another man shouted, and then there was a cry, not of anguish, but some other emotion. Trey saw the wall erupt into chaos, and then a voice, carrying above it all.<\/p>\n \u201cThe King! It is the King of Destruction!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n On the heels of that cry there was another.<\/p>\n \u201cHe has returned! Our lord, Flos has returned!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOpen the gates!\u201d<\/p>\n Within moments, Trey saw the gates open and light stream out. They encircled Flos, and he heard voices babbling, people weeping. The King stood in the center of it all, taking people\u2019s hands, turning to touch people on the shoulder or head. He turned then, and stared at Trey and Teres.<\/p>\n They came closer, sliding off of the horses and stumbling towards him. Flos didn\u2019t move as the gates opened wider and more people came stumbling towards him. He said only one thing.<\/p>\n \u201cI have returned.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n He sat in the village\u2019s town hall. It was a simple building, used for anything and everything that needed doing. Right now, it was filled to the brim. People filled every spot available, those closest to the King sitting and looking up at him, the rest standing around the edges, staring in through the open windows, crowding around the outside.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t just one village. Trey had seen people racing on horseback or foot, telling other villages or finding farms. And so over the course of the fading night people had come streaming in, come to see the King of Destruction, Flos.<\/p>\n Their King.<\/p>\n He sat in the center of it all, talking quietly. He just talked. He sat on a chair or stood, pausing as each person went to him. And he had a word for them all. Trey and Teres watched as he met an old woman who had seen him as a youth, or a man who had lost a son who\u2019d joined Flos\u2019 army, or an old man who\u2019d fought with Flos on the battlefield.<\/p>\n They all knew him, had had their lives touched by him. And Flos knew them all. He knew every face, remembered people he\u2019d only spoken to two decades ago. He looked at them all, and his eyes were filled with tears.<\/p>\n But he never wept. And as night turned into day and the sky began to lighten, Flos spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cLong ago, I came to this very village. I rode through with an army and told you all to follow me. I told you I would overthrow every nation, every rule of law and every government. I asked you to break all bonds and follow me for a brighter future.\u201d<\/p>\n All the voices in the room went silent. Flos looked from face to face.<\/p>\n \u201cTwenty years ago. No\u2014more than that. When I was a boy, I called upon you to be my sword and shield. And you did. You sent your sons and daughters, and you picked up arms to follow me. You marched across nations, through rivers, from one end of the continent to the other.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd we will again!\u201d<\/p>\n A man stood up. He was trembling.<\/p>\n \u201cAsk it of us, your Majesty! Raise your banner and we will serve again!\u201d<\/p>\n People cheered and shouted in agreement. But Flos raised his hand slightly and they were silent.<\/p>\n \u201cYou did once. How many came back from my endless wars? How many lie buried thousands of leagues from home?\u201d<\/p>\n No one could answer that. Flos looked around the room and shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cSo many were lost. Too many. And yet, each man, woman, and child died with that same dream in their eyes, that same fire in their heart. A brighter future. One worth fighting for. For that alone it was worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n They nodded at that. Flos paused. His fist clenched.<\/p>\n \u201cBut then came the day when I faltered. I lost the will to continue. I stepped off my throne and put down my sword. I disbanded my armies, and left my vassals to scatter to the wind. I let all of you down, you that had journeyed with me so far.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at them, tears in his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI failed you.\u201d<\/p>\n Instantly there was a babble of dissenting voices. Flos raised his voice above them all.<\/p>\n \u201cI failed <\/em>you. All of you. I abandoned my duties as King. I slept! For twenty years I slept and you all have suffered my neglect. I am not worthy to call myself your king.\u201d<\/p>\n Again, they shouted in denial. But Flos kept shaking his head. He waited until they were all quiet again.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd yet, I am your King. That fact will never change.\u201d<\/p>\n He stood, and turned slowly around the room. Men and women stared at him, old warriors and mothers, farmers and shepherds. Widows and children.<\/p>\n His people.<\/p>\n \u201cI am your King, by blood and by oath. I accepted your loyalty once, and no force in this world could break that bond between you and I. I am your King, and I will not run nor hide from my responsibilities any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n They stirred. Flos stood taller. His voice grew louder.<\/p>\n \u201cI have no right to ask it of you. No right at all. But twenty long years have passed since I slumbered and the world has not changed. There is still little hope to cling to. People live and die in service to a faceless [Lord], struggle to eat and live, sleep in fear of monsters and bandits. This is not the way to live. There is a better life out there, beyond the horizon.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned and Trey saw his eyes. They were burning. Flos stared from person to person, looking into their faces. They stared back, caught by his gaze.<\/p>\n \u201cCome with me. Follow my back. Raise my banner one more time. One last time. This time, I shall not retreat. I shall not falter. I will go to the ends of the world and tear down every wall, every fortress of stone. You are not the villagers of Manimar, not the people of one single farm or village. You are mine. You are my people, and I ask you again. Join me. Your King has a dream. Will you follow me?\u201d<\/p>\n For a while no one moved. And then a woman stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cI will, my King.\u201d<\/p>\n An old man was next. He smiled, tears in his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have waited for this day, your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe are with you! Until the end!\u201d<\/p>\n More people jumped to their feet. Young and old. They stood up, shouting and cheering. Trey looked around the room, and then realized he was on his feet. So was Teres. They gathered around Flos, reaching out to touch him.<\/p>\n Someone had a flag. It was old, a relic over two decades old, eaten away by time and rot. But when Flos touched it, the colors came to life. A black flag, stitched with gold around the edges. Trey stared up at it. There was something in the center of the flag.<\/p>\n It was a flame. A burning flame, woven out of gold and silver, white and purple, a flame that burned brightest in the dark. It flew above the wall as people cheered and called Flos\u2019 name. He stared up at the banner and smiled.<\/p>\n The sun began to rise as, in the village of Manimar, people lit torches and gathered around their King. They had not forgotten their King. And he had never forgotten them.<\/p>\n Trey found himself standing with Teres. She was staring at Flos, head propped in her hands, dreamily. He sat with her.<\/p>\n They didn\u2019t need to speak. They sat and watched Flos, at the center of the world, accepting people\u2019s vows, talking with them. And Trey thought he understood how someone could follow him and keep faith with him after two decades. It was because when you listened to him, you could believe there was a better place just over that mountaintop. And you would fight for it. You could follow him for that dream.<\/p>\n Trey turned to look towards that horizon. His eyes found the lightening sky, and the hint of a sun in the distance. And past that the hills\u2026<\/p>\n Trey frowned. He stood up and Teres turned. Something was coming. Flashes of light reflected off of armor, riders. Orthenon? Someone from Reim? Trey\u2019s heart beat wildly. He had never seen that armor, nor the banners raised. There were two dozen riders, at least. And more\u2014behind them Trey saw more moving shapes.<\/p>\n An army. Marching towards the village.<\/p>\n He turned to call the alarm. But someone had already seen the riders. They shouted. Flos turned. The villagers tried to close the gates, but there were too many people in the way. Trey heard screams, and the thunder of hoof beats. He saw the first rider race into the village, scattering people out of the way.<\/p>\n The man on horseback pulled his horse to a stop in front of Flos. The King didn\u2019t move. He stared up at the armored man, wearing light chainmail armor the color of silver. He had a shield on his back and a sword at his side.<\/p>\n The man looked coldly down at Flos. The King stared up at him and smiled once.<\/p>\n \u201cVenith Crusland. It has been a long time since I last saw your face.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKing Flos Reimarch.\u201d<\/p>\n There was no love in the man\u2019s voice. He stared down at Flos as the other riders rode in through the gates. Flos nodded, looking around at the other riders without fear, but sadness in his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI had heard you became lord of this village and these lands. Tell me, you who once rode with me. Do you come to fight by my side again, old friend?\u201d<\/p>\n Venith shook his head. He stared down at Flos, and Trey saw the anger there. The anger and something else. He reached for his sword and drew it slowly. The other riders did the same.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I have come for your head.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Trey followed Flos out into the corridor. He walked several steps, then felt someone grab his tunic from behind. \u201cWait a second. Don\u2019t follow him.\u201d \u201cTeres! What are you\u2014\u201d His sister pulled the startled Trey back into Flos\u2019 room. Then Teres shut the door. Trey stared at her in disbelief. \u201cTeres! What are you doing?\u201d […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52856846,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"patreon-level":0,"patreon_level":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11693084,349],"tags":[7224,250708,4330244,4472517,11693079],"twi_volume":[11693133],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-3861","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-4","category-writing","tag-fantasy","tag-inn","tag-web-novel","tag-web-serial","tag-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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