\u201cFlos of Reim. I have come for your head.\u201d<\/p>\n
The young man lying on the ground looked up. He stared in vague surprise at the other young man on horseback. His eyes fixed first on Venith\u2019s set face and clenched jaw. Only then did he focus on the sword in Venith\u2019s left hand.<\/p>\n
He sat up and yawned, but didn\u2019t reply to Venith\u2019s statement. He scratched the back of his head and shook loose some of the dirt that had gotten trapped there. Of all the things Venith had expected, this wasn\u2019t it.<\/p>\n
He drew his horse closer, cursing a bit as his mare seemed more interested in Flos\u2019 stallion, which was placidly eating a few whippy plants to the left. Venith glared down at the king of Reim, Flos. He didn\u2019t seem like much to Venith. He was bigger than the young man on horseback, but Venith had beaten grown men far larger.<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you hear me? I said\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI heard you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Flos looked up at Venith, not intimidated the least by the sword the other man held. The young king had a sword, Venith could see. But he didn\u2019t reach for it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n
That was all the young man with bright red-gold hair said. He stared at Venith, frowning as if the young man were a puzzle, rather than an enemy.<\/p>\n
That was too much for Venith\u2019s pride. He lifted his sword.<\/p>\n
\u201cHave you any last words before I cut you apart?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m rather wondering why you didn\u2019t do it earlier, actually.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Flos sprang to his feet, so quickly Venith cursed and pulled his horse back. He rode backwards as the king mused to himself out loud.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s strange. If you were another [Assassin], or a [Bounty Hunter] or [Mercenary], or any one of the people who\u2019ve come to claim my head this month, you\u2019d have tried to sneak up and stab me to death, or blast me with a spell at range. Or use an arrow. Or poison. But you didn\u2019t. You rode up and told me you were going to kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo? I\u2019m a [Warrior]. Are you going to draw your sword or not?\u201d<\/p>\n Venith didn\u2019t know why he was replying when he should have been attacking. But Flos just grinned as if he knew.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I didn\u2019t, would you cut me down? Unarmed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think you would. Else, you\u2019d have ridden at me and not given me time to prepare.\u201d<\/p>\n That was true. Venith knew he should <\/em>have done that, and he flushed angrily. But Flos just smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you\u2019re coming to take my head? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy reasons are my own. I\u2019m challenging you, King of Reim. Are you a coward, or will you answer me with steel?\u201d<\/p>\n Venith raised his voice and shouted down at the young man. Flos sighed. He reached for his side and drew his sword. Venith tensed.<\/p>\n \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos looked mystified.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet on your stallion.\u201d<\/p>\n The young King looked over at where his stallion had gone to graze. He shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t feel like it. I\u2019ll fight you on foot. It won\u2019t make a difference either way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Venith stared down at Flos. He felt unbalanced. The young king of Reim, the boy with eight thousand gold pieces on his head dead and twice that alive, grinned as he spread his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cShouldn\u2019t you be glad? I\u2019ve heard a mounted [Rider] can defeat three [Soldiers] of the same level.\u201d<\/p>\n That was just a rumor. Venith had heard the same thing boasted of, but since he was no [Rider] he\u2019d never want to try that. He stared down with narrowed eyes at Flos. He wasn\u2019t what Venith had expected at all. He hadn\u2019t tried to beg for his life, or flee for safety. Part of Venith couldn\u2019t help but admire the King for his confidence.<\/p>\n But he was here to kill the young man. That made everything harder. After a second of furious internal debate, Venith swung himself off his horse. He set his mare running with a slap on her side as he grabbed the shield he always carried. It was flat along the top and curved downwards to a point at the bottom. A heater shield. This one didn\u2019t have Venith\u2019s heraldry on it. It, like his sword, was unmarked, so no one would know his identity when the deed was done.<\/p>\n Flos eyed Venith as the young man approached, keeping his shield up.<\/p>\n \u201cYou needn\u2019t have done that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut up. I\u2019m better without my horse. Now, are you going to fight?\u201d<\/p>\n Venith was angry without knowing why. He didn\u2019t want to do this, but he had to. He wished he\u2019d never spoken. But to his surprise, the young Flos just grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cAs you like. I am Flos of Reim! What\u2019s your name?\u201d<\/p>\n It was too late to go back. Venith shouted over the thundering of his heart.<\/p>\n \u201cVenith Crusland! Prepare to die!\u201d<\/p>\n He charged, ready to end it in a single thrust. But Flos raised his sword and Venith, forewarned, raised his shield. He felt something crash<\/em> into his shield and staggered. He raised his sword, but Flos was already running past him. Venith spun, and heard a strange noise over the blood pumping in his veins. It was laughter. Flos was laughing\u2014<\/p>\n Five minutes later, Venith lay on the ground. He couldn\u2019t move. Part of the armor around his legs was damaged and unable to bend. And his right hand felt broken. He stared up at the blue, clear sky while he heard footsteps crunching in the dirt, coming towards him.<\/p>\n \u201cI told you it wouldn\u2019t make a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n Venith closed his eyes. He refused to cry, or beg. He tried to speak and coughed.<\/p>\n \u201cFinish me off already.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n Someone reached down and hauled Venith up. The young man found himself being carried to the slight incline where he\u2019d first laid eyes on Flos. The young king dropped Venith there, and Venith stared up at him.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you plan on torturing me to find out where I come from\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be silly. I like you. And I don\u2019t care where you come from. I just want to know why you came to kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos grinned down at Venith. He was barely sweating. Venith stared up at him.<\/p>\n \u201cI needed the bounty on your head. That\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n He felt ashamed for saying it. It wasn\u2019t an honorable thing to do. But Venith was no [Knight]. He had duties. He was ready for Flos to scorn him, but the young king only laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s why you tried to kill me? Just for money? Then it\u2019s no wonder you lost!\u201d<\/p>\n That stung. Venith tried to rise and fell back.<\/p>\n \u201cI had a chance! I waited until you were alone. If I\u2019d attacked from behind\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou still would have lost. I can\u2019t be killed by [Assassins], you see. I have a friend\u2014well, a vassal, really. She would have killed you, but I told her to let you come closer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA vassal?\u201d<\/p>\n Venith looked around stupidly, but he hadn\u2019t seen anyone when he\u2019d approached Flos. The king just smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou might have beaten me, it\u2019s true, but not with a bad reason like that.\u201d<\/p>\n He laughed again. It was beginning to get on Venith\u2019s nerves.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n The boy King stopped laughing and regarded Venith, suddenly serious.<\/p>\n \u201cIf your reason isn\u2019t good enough, there\u2019s no way you\u2019d ever best me. I have a dream as large as all of Chandrar. If yours isn\u2019t at least half as big, you\u2019ll never be able to beat me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? That\u2019s stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not. I\u2019ll never die so long as I have my dream. That\u2019s why I knew I could beat you.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos stared down at the other young man. He offered Venith a hand again. After a moment of hesitation, Venith took it.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re nothing like what I\u2019ve heard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI heard you were a fool who accepted traitors and slaves into his kingdom. A rabble rouser with no respect for law or tradition.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s partly true. But it doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos spread his arms wide, grinning broadly with a smile that was infectious.<\/p>\n \u201cI am a King. If I cared what people thought, I\u2019d really be a fool, wouldn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n Venith stared at him. He wasn\u2019t like any [King] Venith had ever met, not that he\u2019d had a chance to talk to any other one. He\u2019d only glimpsed other monarchs from afar, usually on bended knee or while dining at a feast or banquet. But Flos was different.<\/p>\n \u201cSo if you won\u2019t kill me, what will you do? My family\u2026cannot afford to pay a ransom if that\u2019s what you\u2019re hoping.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want that either. I think I\u2019ll just let you go.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos turned and whistled as Venith gaped. One horse came running. Venith\u2019s mare. Flos stared at his stallion and kicked at the dirt irritably. Then he smiled again as Venith staggered over to his mare.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you have a better reason for fighting, come find me again. That was fun.\u201d<\/p>\n The other young man made no reply. He hauled himself up into the saddle, wincing. He wheeled his mare to stare at Flos. Then he shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cYou aren\u2019t worth my time.\u201d<\/p>\n Venith spurred his mare and rode away as he heard the young man named Flos howl with laughter. At that moment, Venith hated<\/em> that sound. But he would hear it for many more years and smile. Until the day the laughter stopped\u2026<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Laughter. It was fierce, loud, and unexpected. It made Trey jolt as he stared at Flos. The King of Destruction was laughing <\/em>at the man who\u2019d spoken. Venith Crusland.<\/p>\n It made everyone stare. The villagers, crowded protectively around their King, the mounted warriors, even the man with the sword. He wore a helmet with no visor, allowing Trey to see his face. Venith was an older man, around Flos\u2019 age. He had dark hair, and a stern, set face. He held a shield on his right hand, and a drawn sword in his left. But Flos only laughed at him. He laughed and laughed, as if he\u2019d heard a truly hilarious joke, not a threat against his life.<\/p>\n When he finished, there was silence. Flos wiped tears from his eyes, and then stared up at the mounted man, his smile fading. Venith Crusland hadn\u2019t moved, and his eyes hadn\u2019t shifted from Flos\u2019 face.<\/p>\n \u201cMemory is a strange thing, Venith. Do you have a better reason for seeking my life this time?\u201d<\/p>\n The man on the warhorse stared down at Flos, cold emotions locked behind his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cPeace for my people. Vengeance, and retribution for an oathbreaker. And an end to your lies.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos sighed. His shoulders slumped slightly, and he stared at Venith with disappointment. Disappointment, and something else. Regret, Trey thought. Or was it guilt?<\/p>\n \u201cOh? I had hoped to see you before now, Venith. I thought you would be the first to ride through my gates. I waited for you long, old friend.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou would have had to wait forever. I did not rejoice to hear you had awakened. And if you had the sense to stay clear of my lands, you would not have forced my hand.\u201d<\/p>\n Venith raised his sword slightly. Flos stared at it.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are serious.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do not forgive betrayal. And I swore an oath to take arms against you should you ever wake from your slumber.\u201d<\/p>\n Now Venith rode forwards. He motioned slightly with his shield, and the other mounted soldiers spread out with him. They drew their weapons as well. But\u2026hesitantly. Trey saw one armored warrior riding next to Venith fumble before raising a spear.<\/p>\n Venith didn\u2019t seem to notice. The [Lord] stared at the mob of villagers surrounding Flos.<\/p>\n \u201cMove aside.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, my Lord Venith!\u201d<\/p>\n A man moved to bar Venith\u2019s way. He stared pleadingly up at the [Lord].<\/p>\n \u201cOur King has returned, don\u2019t you see? How could you raise your sword against him?\u201d<\/p>\n Trey heard more voices raised in agreement around him. Venith stared as the villagers moved to protect their King, forming a living wall between him and Flos. His face twisted with fury.<\/p>\n \u201cSilence! You are not his subjects. You are mine! I am your [Lord]! I have ruled you for twenty years!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut I am their [King].\u201d<\/p>\n Flos strode forwards. The people around him parted unwillingly, but they did move. Flos stood at the head of the villagers, staring up at Venith without fear.<\/p>\n \u201cPull your warriors back, Venith. The people of Manimar are not tainted by my guilt.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen send them away and face me yourself, coward.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey saw Venith blink incredulously. But Flos was calm as he went on.<\/p>\n \u201cI will not let myself die here. But neither will I order my subjects to a slaughter. And neither will you. You are not that sort of man, Venith.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou do not know me.\u201d<\/p>\n The [King] met the [Lord]\u2019s eyes steadily.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. I do. You will not slaughter innocent people here. Pull your forces back and we will settle this in a duel, Venith.\u201d<\/p>\n For a second, Trey thought Venith might order his men to attack. His face was red with fury, but he eventually growled a command. He wheeled his horse and the others did likewise.<\/p>\n All except for one. The rider holding the spear was staring at Flos. Trey had an uneasy feeling. He fought to get closer and realized Teres wasn\u2019t at his side. Where had she gone?<\/p>\n Then his head turned as he heard her voice.<\/p>\n \u201cLook out!\u201d<\/p>\n Teres was standing near the edge of the crowd. She had something in her hands. She hurled it as the mounted rider kicked his horse forwards. She\u2019d thrown a stone, but it was too late. The mounted warrior was shouting as he aimed his spear at Flos\u2019 chest.<\/p>\n \u201cDie, King of Destruction!\u201d<\/p>\n He ducked the thrown rock and raised his spear to impale Flos. The King stared at the rider as he charged at him. He seemed to sigh.<\/p>\n The spear shot forwards as the rider thrust with it. But it stopped as Flos reached out and grabbed<\/em> the shaft. He didn\u2019t budge, and as the horse continued forwards the spear was locked between the two. The warrior slammed <\/em>into his saddle and then tumbled off it as his mount\u2019s forward momentum tried to carry him forwards and the spear held him back.<\/p>\n He tumbled off the horse and landed hard on the ground with a crash <\/em>of armor. At once, the villagers were upon him. Enraged by the attack, they began kicking and stomping on him as he tried to get up.<\/p>\n \u201cCalac!\u201d<\/p>\n Someone shouted that name amid the roars of anger as the rest of the villagers streamed towards the downed warrior. Trey turned his head and saw Venith was riding back, sword in hand. The villagers scattered as he rode through them, striking with the flat of his sword and knocking men and women away.<\/p>\n He dismounted and reached for the fallen figure. At once, the villagers were around him. Venith turned, sword and shield ready, but it was Flos who strode forwards. He stopped the villagers from descending on the two warriors.<\/p>\n \u201cEnough. Let him go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut your Majesty\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet him go. \u201d<\/p>\n Reluctantly, the people backed away. Flos stared down at Venith; the man was a head shorter than him. Then his eyes went to the warrior who\u2019d tried to kill him. He was still helmeted, but Trey thought he was a younger man.<\/p>\n \u201cIs that your son, Venith? I remember the name. Calac. You wrote to me the day he was born, and I drank to his health. I am happy he is grown, even if his manners are lacking.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe is my son. And a fool.\u201d<\/p>\n For all his harsh words, Venith carefully carried his son to his horse. He helped Calac to mount as a second mounted soldier brought a second horse over to Venith. Flos called out to him as Venith put one foot in his stirrups.<\/p>\n \u201cI have never seen his face.\u201d<\/p>\n Venith\u2019s head turned. He did not look grateful. There was fury in his eyes. Fury and dark hatred.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you never will.\u201d<\/p>\n He kicked his mount in the sides and he rode out of the village without looking back. Flos watched him go as people shouted curses at Venith\u2019s back. He somehow found Trey, trying to push towards him in the crowd. Flos sighed. And then he rolled his shoulder and stood tall. Because he was a King.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n When they were outside of the village and riding towards the rest of the soldiers Venith had brought, he stopped and turned to his son. Calac had taken off his helm, and his face was pale as he rode next to his father. He was bruised on his right cheek and his armor had been dented in places by the villagers.<\/p>\n Venith didn\u2019t waste time with words. He slapped his son across the face with one hand. It wasn\u2019t a heavy blow, but with his gauntlets on it drew blood.<\/p>\n \u201cYou idiot.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Calac\u2019s face was red with embarrassment.<\/p>\n \u201cFather, I could have\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have disgraced yourself and your family\u2019s name! Be silent!\u201d<\/p>\n There was too much memory and guilt in his eyes. Venith turned away as he guided his horse towards his forces. A rank of cavalry waited for him, along with a cluster of armed foot soldiers and archers. But not his [Mage], nor the vast majority of his forces. They had stayed behind rather than take up arms against the man that had been their King.<\/p>\n His mood was black. Venith had no ears for the man who rode up alongside, asking for orders.<\/p>\n \u201cKeep your forces back. Encircle the village, but do not attack, even if provoked.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if he runs? The King?\u201d<\/p>\n Calac flinched as Venith looked at him. For a second his father struggled with the urge to shout, but he controlled his temper. Barely.<\/p>\n \u201cHe will not run. Even if he is a shadow of what he was, that man would not run.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut what if he does?\u201d<\/p>\n Too stubborn, and too insolent. Venith felt like he was staring at himself, twenty years ago. He scowled.<\/p>\n \u201cIf he does, I will run him down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut if we attacked\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n That was too much. Venith shouted at his son, the first time he had done so in public.<\/p>\n \u201cI will not<\/em> slaughter my people! And if you draw your sword without my permission again, I will disown you. Is that understood?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Calac\u2019s face went white. He stood still and nodded. Venith turned away.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are not without honor, even if he is an oathbreaker. And if we attacked, we would be the ones feeding the crows.\u201d<\/p>\n His soldiers stirred. The younger ones, those who hadn\u2019t ever known the King of Destruction as more than a slumbering legend, looked incredulous. The older ones knew better.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t underestimate an army of villagers. Don\u2019t underestimate him. He could cut you apart with ease, and he has the Skills to make any battle even. No. I\u2019ll kill him myself.\u201d<\/p>\n Venith turned. It wasn\u2019t his son he looked at, but his oldest retainers. The ones who\u2019d fought with him over two decades ago. They shifted. Some were uneasy. Others wavered. But some had the same anger that burned in Venith\u2019s heart. They understood.<\/p>\n Venith dismounted from his horse.<\/p>\n \u201cAlert me when the King of Destruction moves. It won\u2019t be long.\u201d<\/p>\n He drew his sword and inspected it. Venith knew it was undamaged; he\u2019d sharpened the blade this very morning. And the same went for his shield. But he wanted to take no chances.<\/p>\n One of his men rode towards the village to keep watch on it. The burning torches made visibility hard, but Venith knew the King would not run. He wouldn\u2019t. Even as weak as he was, he would not. And so he would come out, and Venith would make him pay for betrayal.<\/p>\n The man\u2019s hands shook as he lifted his shield. He stared at the village, trying to summon more of the white-hot fury that had gripped him when he\u2019d heard the words he\u2019d despaired of hearing ever again. But there wasn\u2019t any anger when he reached for it. Just a kind of emptiness\u2014no, a lack of anything at all. He reached into his chest and felt nothing at all.<\/p>\n So it was with a kind of dread that Venith stood, waiting for his King. He stared at the village and remembered another sight, one far more bitter than the time they had first met.<\/p>\n How had it gone? A village and a King. Only the village that Venith saw in his head had no wall. It was dark, and the village was burning. He could still smell the smoke, taste the blood and fear in his mouth. His grip loosened on his sword.<\/p>\n Once.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The second time Venith met Flos, he was galloping away from his father\u2019s castle as it burned in the distance. The village was filled with screams and armed soldiers striking down people\u2014his people as he fled. They cried out for someone to save them, but Venith could not stop. Sixteen riders wearing black armor and the silver insignia of a set of scales on their arms were in hot pursuit of him.<\/p>\n They caught him at the bridge. Venith heard his mare scream as she stumbled. He tumbled to the ground and saw an arrow in her thigh. His faithful horse thrashed on the ground as Venith tried to get to his feet.<\/p>\n Too slow.<\/p>\n \u201cPut down your sword, Venith Crusland. Accept your judgment.\u201d<\/p>\n The leader of the pursuers was female, but her face was covered by a black veil. She, like the others, hid her face. They surrounded him, weapons raised. Venith reached for his shield, but he had dropped it. So he clasped both hands to his sword and told himself he would kill one of them before he died.<\/p>\n \u201cHold.\u201d<\/p>\n The voice didn\u2019t come from in front of Venith, but rather, behind. He turned warily, and saw his pursuers back away. Because they were outnumbered.<\/p>\n Flos had changed little in the year since Venith had tried to kill him. He was a tiny bit taller, that was all. But this time he was not alone. An army stood at his back. The army of Reim, just as Venith had heard.<\/p>\n For a second hope surged in his breast. But then Venith felt movement. He whipped around and felt something touch the skin at his neck.<\/p>\n A glaive\u2019s tip cut into his throat. The woman who held it stared past him, at Flos.<\/p>\n \u201cWithdraw your forces, King of Reim. This does not concern you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPut up your blade. Now. I know that man. Why are you trying to kill him?\u201d<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t a question that needed asking. Venith knew Flos must have known. The woman\u2019s response was sharp and irritated as she raised her glaive away from Venith\u2019s head. He felt at his throat and felt blood.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are the Black Judgment. The house of Crusland has failed to honor its debts and refused to pay its dues. We are administering justice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean they refused to sell their people off as slaves. And now you\u2019re killing all of them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOathbreakers shall be punished. Criminals shall be found. Traitors slain. You know we answer to no [Monarch]. Do not interfere.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos was staring at Venith. His eyes flicked to the village. Venith could still hear screaming. The Black Judgment worked methodically, going from house to house. They did not have to hurry. They just had to ensure no one escaped.<\/p>\n \u201cMy lord. They have many soldiers here.\u201d<\/p>\n A quiet, frightened voice came from one of the people standing next to Flos. He turned his head.<\/p>\n \u201cHow many, Gazi?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA thousand\u2014perhaps a thousand five hundred. All armored. And six mages.\u201d<\/p>\n Overkill for a small [Lord]\u2019s house and his retainers. But that was how the Black Judgment worked. Anyone who broke the law and refused to honor their debts was punished, be it a [King] or a [Beggar]. Venith\u2019s stomach twisted. Now that he looked, he saw the army that accompanied Flos was no true army. Their numbers lay in the hundreds, possibly not coming close to a thousand.<\/p>\n He stared dully at the woman\u2014no, the person who\u2019d spoken. She was not Human. He found himself staring at a being with a huge eye in the center of her head and four smaller ones around it. He only vaguely recognized her as a species from Baleros. A Gazer.<\/p>\n She was female, frightened, holding a sword that looked too big for her. Venith looked around. The rest of Flos\u2019 \u2018army\u2019 looked the same. They weren\u2019t the professional soldiers he\u2019d expected, merely the sons and daughters of [Farmers] and [Shopkeepers]. Common peasantry.<\/p>\n He turned away in despair. His father had sent [Messages] for help in every direction. If Flos hadn\u2019t come with an army three times larger, it meant he was only here to watch.<\/p>\n But the King was arguing with the half-Gazer now. He stared hard at the soldiers as he spoke to her.<\/p>\n \u201cI like him, Gazi. And these aren\u2019t soldiers that are being killed.\u201d<\/p>\n Venith looked incredulously at Flos. The leader of the band of Black Judgment warriors was doing the same. Flos spurred his mount forwards until he was sitting and looking down at Venith.<\/p>\n \u201cSo this is why you came for my head. It is still not a good enough reason.\u201d<\/p>\n There was no point to talking. Venith lowered his head, biting his lip until he tasted blood.<\/p>\n \u201cGo on and leave. You can\u2019t do anything here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI could. This does not seem like justice to my eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos leaned forwards on his mount. He was staring at the burning village. The woman with the glaive spoke sharply.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have no right! This is the law and they have broken it!\u201d<\/p>\n The King of Reim ignored her completely. He looked at Venith.<\/p>\n \u201cI have no cause. A King must not declare war for no reason. But perhaps you have one. Is this just?\u201d<\/p>\n He would have loved to say yes. He would have loved to deny the truth. But Venith\u2019s hand clenched on his sword\u2019s hilt until it cracked. He spoke slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cMy father borrowed too much and refused to sell his people. That is the truth. This is\u2014justice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see. You are a poor liar.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos didn\u2019t move as Venith whirled on him. He was staring at the village. He pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cLook, Venith Crusland. Over there. That girl.\u201d<\/p>\n Venith did not want to look. But he did. He saw a child lying on the ground. She was dead. Dead, or soon to be dead. He looked down.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about her?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is her name?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t mock\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A hand reached down and lifted Venith off<\/em> the ground. Flos stared at Venith as his stallion groaned at the sudden increase in weight.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat. Is. Her. Name?\u201d<\/p>\n Venith turned to look. There was no way he could tell at a distance\u2014<\/p>\n His breath caught. He saw a long braid, faintly blonde hair. He remembered the handful of flowers that she gathered every summer and handed out like they were treasures. He spoke her name.<\/p>\n \u201cMerisa.\u201d<\/p>\n The King dropped him. Venith landed on the ground with a thump. Flos nodded. He stared at the village, and then met the eyes of the order of Black Judgment.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s all I needed to know.\u201d<\/p>\n He rode back towards Gazi, and his army of amateur warriors. Venith lowered his head and raised his sword as the Black Judgment closed in. Then he heard Flos\u2019 voice.<\/p>\n \u201cHer name is Merisa!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n It was a shout. Like thunder, his voice echoed across the ground, cutting above the screaming and shouts. Venith saw Flos turn. Then the young King unsheathed his sword. Beside him, the half-Gazer raised her blade.<\/p>\n Flos pointed straight at the woman with the glaive. He uttered one word.<\/p>\n \u201cCharge!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n His army roared and swept forwards. Venith heard thundering hooves, and then Flos leapt past him. He cut the first warrior of the Black Judgment down and then rode on. Shouting a child\u2019s name.<\/p>\n That was the first time Venith had ever wept in public. He ran after the King of Reim on the day he declared war against the Black Judgment.<\/p>\n For a child.<\/p>\n For justice.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cTeres!\u201d<\/p>\n Trey shouted her name amid the clamor around him. He heard someone shout his name, and then found her in the sea of people.<\/p>\n \u201cOver here!\u201d<\/p>\n She led him away, away from Flos, who was at the center of the throng of people. When they could talk without shouting, Trey hugged Teres. She hugged him back.<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019d you know he was going to do that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t. But when he didn\u2019t ride off I got a bad feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou threw a rock at him! What if he stabbed you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey opened his mouth to protest that logic when he heard his name again.<\/p>\n \u201cTeres. Trey!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Someone\u2019s voice boomed. The twins turned. Flos was striding towards them, the sea of people parting in biblical fashion. The King smiled as he stared at Teres.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have keen eyes, Teres. A shame you had no bow or wand. I will fix that another time. For now, follow me.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned. The twins stared at each other and then followed Flos. He was walking towards the village gates. People were trying to stop him without actually holding him back. A man\u2014the village headman, perhaps, was trying to talk to Flos.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t go alone, my King. We\u2019ll follow you into battle! We might not have weapons, most of us, but we\u2019ve a wall and three times their number. We\u2019ll choke them on our blood and flesh if need be!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat would be the worst outcome. Far worse than my death. Venith is your [Lord], is he not?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut nothing. He is a good [Lord], by all accounts. I remember Orthenon telling me he patrolled these lands. For twenty years he has kept you safe from monsters and brigands.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe is not you, my King. And he was once your vassal! Taking arms against his sword master is treason!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps. But I was the one who betrayed him first.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos sighed. He did not look at the confused headman, but turned to the twins.<\/p>\n \u201cI will duel Venith now. The sun should rise shortly\u2014stand with your backs to it so you may have the best view.\u201d<\/p>\n They gaped at him. Teres was the first to find her voice.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe challenged me. That is how things are done in this land.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot that! Why does he hate you? Was he your vassal?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. And he bears a grudge.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos strode out of the village, people streaming after him. He was adjusting his belt, tightening it. Trey stared at Flos. He wasn\u2019t wearing armor.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy does he hate you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor abandoning him? For leaving my kingdom to rot? For incompetence, failure, cowardice?\u201d<\/p>\n The King of Destruction shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI do not know. But I must answer him, Trey. I cannot run from my failure. And he has every right to hate me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he\u2019s wearing armor<\/em>! And you\u2019ve only got a sword!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. I rather wish I had something else.\u201d<\/p>\n Instantly a hundred voices rose, offering Flos a shield, a helmet that might fit, a piece of armor. He waved the voices away.<\/p>\n \u201cI have no need. And Venith will not wait. Besides, a sword is all I need.\u201d<\/p>\n He unsheathed his sword, and Trey stared hopefully at the blade. But it did not glow, or sparkle. It was shiny, but that was only because moonlight shone on it.<\/p>\n Flos saw Trey\u2019s expression and laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is no enchantment on the blade, Trey. I believe I took this one from my armory. It is just steel. But it is my sword, so it is a King\u2019s sword. That should be good enough, even for Venith.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he\u2019s got armor.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Teres stared at Flos and then grabbed Trey\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not listening to me. Talk sense to him!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m trying!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I am listening. But your worries are unfounded, Teres. I will not lose. Because I am a King.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey\u2019s sister gaped at Flos\u2019 back. But at his words a huge cheer went up from the people who had heard. Flos stopped and turned to face the villagers.<\/p>\n \u201cI have been challenged! And so I declare this: I will go to do battle with Lord Venith Crusland. Let no one interfere with our duel on pain of death!\u201d<\/p>\n They shouted and cheered him. A King wearing no armor about to fight a man in full plate armor with a sword and shield. Trey stared at Flos as he strode across the dry, flat ground.<\/p>\n Venith was waiting for him. The man stood braced, ready for battle. His soldiers had spread out around him, forming a large semicircle. Flos halted with the crowd of villagers at his back. He stared at Venith, and then turned his back on the man. He raised his empty left hand and bellowed into the night.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople of Manimar! Who is your rightful ruler?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A roar answered him.<\/p>\n \u201cFlos!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He raised his sword, and the cheering and shouting from the villagers overwhelmed all other sound. Venith waited, braced in the dirt, shield in one hand, sword aimed at Flos\u2019 chest.<\/p>\n Trey found himself standing closest to Flos, in the circle that watched the two about to duel. Teres was by his side. She was gripping his arm so hard it hurt, but Trey was doing the same to her.<\/p>\n This was crazy. Insane. But there was something to this moment that spoke to Trey. He thought of knights. Of honor and valor and chivalry. And when he looked at Venith he thought about vengeance and betrayal.<\/p>\n Flos strode towards Venith and stopped around ten paces away. When he spoke, it was far more quietly, so that Trey had to strain to hear over the restless crowd.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy is it that you cannot bear that I live, Venith? You, who once fought beside me fiercest of all?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause you abandoned us.\u201d<\/p>\n Venith raised his sword. Flos kept his lowered. The man charged and the duel began without a signal.<\/p>\n From where he stood, Trey could barely see Venith\u2019s sword flash forwards. He\u2019d stabbed at Flos\u2019 chest, but Flos stepped sideways incredibly quickly. His sword came up and parried Venith\u2019s thrust with the flat of his blade, knocking it aside.<\/p>\n Venith spun as Flos turned. He lashed out, punching with his shield. Flos stepped back from that as well, and raised his sword. Venith pulled his shield up and braced. The sword came down.<\/p>\n And Trey felt the clash<\/em> in his bones. Venith staggered. He stabbed with his sword again and Flos dodged. The King cut horizontally at Venith\u2019s side and the blade slashed across Venith\u2019s shield. Then Flos reversed the direction of his cut. He was aiming for Venith\u2019s shoulder. But Venith had raised his shield again. This time the noise made several people clap their hands to their ears.<\/p>\n \u201cYour skill hasn\u2019t changed, Venith. Your [Flawless Defence] is still as invincible as ever.\u201d<\/p>\n He said it so casually, as if he weren\u2019t fighting for his life. But Venith\u2019s voice was tense, filled with sharp emotions.<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t put down my sword for twenty years. Unlike you. And you have grown weak.\u201d<\/p>\n He raised his shield as Flos leapt forwards. The King jerked his head back to avoid having it clipped by Venith\u2019s shield. He retreated as Venith slashed at him.<\/p>\n The [Lord] didn\u2019t fight like Trey expected. He never slashed wide with his sword and always kept it close to his body. When he attacked it was with a quick, precise cut, not Flos\u2019 powerful strikes. He kept advancing on the King, not giving Flos a chance to move around and find his back.<\/p>\n He was forcing Flos to defend, but Trey saw that Flos could easily parry most of Venith\u2019s strikes, even when the man tried to strike him with the rim of his shield. By the same token though, Venith\u2019s cautious style meant that every time Flos tried to strike him, his shield was in the way.<\/p>\n But the sound<\/em> of it. Trey shuddered as Flos struck Venith again and the very air seemed to explode. Flos was clearly stronger than Venith, and only the man\u2019s shield held him at bay. Around him the villagers of Manimar were shouting their King\u2019s name, drowning out the soldiers who cheered for their lord, Venith.<\/p>\n The noise of it was deafening, actually drowning out most of the sounds of battle, save for when Flos dealt Venith a strong blow. But Trey could still hear the two shouting at each other, in a world of their own as they fought in the center of the ring of onlookers.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are mine, Venith!\u201d<\/p>\n Flos shouted at the man as he cut rapidly from every side, trying to score a solid blow. But Venith\u2019s shield moved just as quickly, deflecting every strike.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are not my king!\u201d<\/p>\n Venith roared as he cut low at Flos\u2019 leg. This time the King had to jump away. He was nearly struck as Venith lashed out. Trey saw the sword catch on part of Flos\u2019 royal clothing.<\/p>\n \u201cA king who abandoned his kingdom is not a [King]! He is a coward!\u201d<\/p>\n Venith lashed out with the edge of his shield. Flos had to avoid that; he blocked Venith\u2019s sword with his, suddenly being pushed back. Venith charged forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cYou left us to rot! You left us to die!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos cut down, like lightning. Venith raised his shield. Again metal met metal. Trey blinked from the impact\u2014he felt there should have been sparks. But then he saw something as Venith cut again, forcing Flos back.<\/p>\n Flos\u2019 sword was bent.<\/em> It was so slight Trey might not have noticed it. But then he saw Flos strike out with it and knew that he wasn\u2019t seeing things.<\/p>\n \u201cTrey\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Teres had seen the same thing. Flos\u2019 strength might outmatch Venith, but his sword couldn\u2019t handle the abuse. And as Trey saw Venith force Flos back, he realized Venith knew this too.<\/p>\n Flos didn\u2019t know. Or he didn\u2019t care. He kept striking at Venith\u2019s guard, as if to batter him down with sheer force. But his sword slowly and steadily deformed from the impacts.<\/p>\n The breaking point came when Flos charged Venith, locking his blade against the man\u2019s shield. He tried to cut below around it, but Venith was too quick. He raised his sword up and brought it down on the bent part of Flos\u2019 blade.<\/p>\n Just steel. That was what Flos\u2019 sword was made of. But Venith\u2019s was enchanted, or better quality. Or simply stronger. It bit slightly into the blade. Flos twisted away and stared at his blade. Venith gritted his teeth. He raised his shield as the King brought down his blade.<\/p>\n For the last time.<\/p>\n The blade met the shield. Only this time there was no crash<\/em> of impact. Flos\u2019 sword broke as it met the shield. It didn\u2019t shatter, but the blade snapped<\/em> and spiraled into the air.<\/p>\n Silence followed that moment, as Flos stared down at the handle of his broken sword. Venith smiled grimly and raised his shield and sword as he spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd a king without a sword is nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos took a step back. Trey stared around in horror at the ring of watching villagers. They were no longer cheering.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are no match for me without a sword.\u201d<\/p>\n Venith strode forwards, and this time Flos was in full retreat. The King cast aside the hilt of his sword.<\/p>\n \u201cMy King!\u201d<\/p>\n Someone shouted. Trey saw a man waving a sword in his hands, trying to throw it to Flos. But the King ignored the blade as Venith\u2019s soldiers pulled the man back into the crowd.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat now, King of Destruction?\u201d<\/p>\n There was mockery in Venith\u2019s tone, but it was bitter. And he was not smiling. He looked as if he was in pain as he slowly backed Flos towards where Trey and Teres stood. Flos danced out of range, far quicker than any man his size should have moved.<\/p>\n \u201cYour vassals will not return. Your kingdom is in ruins. Your lands are gone. You have nothing left. You are no King! You have no army, no allies, no sword\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSilence.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Venith\u2019s eyes widened. He raised his shield and a fist crashed into it. Trey heard the dull thump. <\/em>Venith stumbled back. He raised his sword and a foot kicked him in his armored chest. He fell backwards, crashing onto the ground.<\/p>\n Flos stood over him. He shook his right hand, and raised his voice as he pointed down at Venith.<\/p>\n \u201cFool! Have you learned nothing of Kings?\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone stared at him as Venith struggled to get up. Flos raised his right fist into the air; Trey saw the skin along his knuckles had split from the impact. It was bleeding.<\/p>\n \u201cA King is more than just a sword! <\/em>He is more than a crown, more than an army or a kingdom. Deny it if you will, Venith. But I am and always will be your [King]. Nothing will change that!\u201d<\/p>\n Venith got to his feet, coughing. He swung at Flos with his sword, slower. Flos grabbed his gauntleted arm.<\/p>\n \u201cA King<\/em> cannot be beaten by any common warrior!\u201d<\/p>\n He caught Venith\u2019s shield as it flew towards his face. Flos held Venith\u2019s arms apart as the man struggled to free himself. Then Flos\u2019 head drew back.<\/p>\n Venith was wearing a steel helmet. Flos was not. The King\u2019s head came down and struck Venith on the helmeted forehead so hard Trey winced. Venith stumbled back. Flos took three steps back and shook his head like a dog. But he was the first one to step forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cA King is always a King. And I am your King!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lord] groggily raised his sword. He blinked and saw Flos striding towards him. Venith tried to raise his shield, but it was too late.<\/p>\n Flos\u2019 right fist met the front of Venith\u2019s helm. The impact sent the man\u2019s head snapping back. Trey saw Venith stagger. He took a step back and then slowly collapsed back onto the ground.<\/p>\n Blood dripped from Flos\u2019 right hand. The metal faceguard on Venith\u2019s helm was stained red with blood, but not from the man. It had cut deep into Flos\u2019 hand. But the King didn\u2019t appear to notice. He looked down at the fallen [Lord].<\/p>\n \u201cI will always be your King, Venith.\u201d<\/p>\n The man made no reply. He might have been unconscious. The King turned away. He bent down and picked up Venith\u2019s sword out of the dirt.<\/p>\n Now everyone was silent. Trey stared at Flos as the King walked back to Venith. The rush of excitement and fear in his veins had turned completely to horror. What would happen now?<\/p>\n There was only one thing Trey could think of. Flos stared down sadly at Venith. He raised the sword in his hands. Trey\u2019s mouth was dry with fear.<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n Someone shouted in the circle of onlookers. Trey saw a young man without a helmet\u2014the same one who\u2019d attacked Flos with the spear.<\/p>\n Calac. He threw himself in front of his father, arms spread wide.<\/p>\n \u201cHave mercy, sire!\u201d<\/p>\n Other people rushed to hold him back. Not just villagers\u2014soldiers as well. Flos watched them pull Calac away, and then turned his head. Trey and Teres were standing by his side, staring at the sword in his hands. Their faces were pale.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you going to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Flos didn\u2019t immediately reply. He looked back at Calac. Trey saw the young man\u2019s face, darker than his father\u2019s, but with the same features. Flos stared too.<\/p>\n \u201cI wished to see his son\u2019s face, you know. But I was too far from home.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned back to Venith. Then Flos\u2019 head turned. He frowned and then threw a hand out. Trey felt a palm knock him off his feet. He heard Teres cry out in shock, and then a thunk.<\/em><\/p>\n Trey sat up and saw the arrow. It had passed through the air where Flos\u2019 arm had been. If Flos hadn\u2019t turned, and if he hadn\u2019t knocked Trey out of the way, it would have struck Trey\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n \u201cWho\u2014what was that?\u201d<\/p>\n Teres was shouting. Most of the people around Flos hadn\u2019t heard or seen the arrow, focused as they were on Calac, who was struggling and shouting with the people who held him. But Flos\u2019 head turned. He looked east, towards the brighter sky.<\/p>\n \u201cHis wife.\u201d<\/p>\n Someone was standing on a hilltop to the east. It was a thousand feet in the distance, yet Trey could see the figure clearly. She was riding a horse. Her hair was short, but the figure was unmistakably a woman.<\/p>\n And she was holding a bow. A woman on a horse put another arrow to the huge bow she carried. She was a distant speck, but when she loosed the second arrow it sped towards Flos\u2019 chest.<\/p>\n He cut the second arrow out of the air. Flos stepped sideways casually and Trey heard the ripping<\/em> sound of cut air before the shaft splintered into two parts. One spun past Trey\u2019s face and something stung his cheek.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Maresar disapproves of our duel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs she going to shoot us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n Teres stared at the figure in the distance. She was raising another arrow to her bow. But Flos turned away. He didn\u2019t appear concerned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you doing? She\u2019s going to shoot you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see her. But I see someone else as well. She is always about. I should have known she would have noticed me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n Trey stared at the hill. The woman named Maresar was sitting on her horse. But there was someone else? Then he saw her, blending in at the bottom of the hill. If she hadn\u2019t moved, he would never have seen her. But that was why she wore that armor. It matched her skin, and it was the color of dirt. Now the half-Gazer strode up the hill, sword in hand. Flos smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cGazi.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The mounted archer lowered her bow when she saw Gazi\u2019s head appear over the hilltop. She didn\u2019t appear surprised to see her. And neither did she put away the arrow.<\/p>\n Gazi smiled widely, showing the woman her sharp teeth. She had her two-handed blade in her left hand, and all four of her eyes were fixed on the woman\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Maresar.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGazi. I should have known you were about.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI follow my King. Just as you seem to follow your husband.\u201d<\/p>\n Maresar spoke shortly, with a slight lisp.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is a fool. But he will not die so long as I live.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd neither will you harm my King.\u201d<\/p>\n Gazi spread her hands. Maresar nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cSo. We are at an impasse. I have my soldiers camped below this ridge.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour big eye isn\u2019t open. I could shoot you if I had to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n Maresar turned her head. She was staring at Flos as he stood over Venith.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd why is that?\u201d<\/p>\n Gazi turned her head to stare at her King.<\/p>\n \u201cMy lord did not come here to kill. I know him. Your husband won\u2019t die today.\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Maresar stared at Gazi. For a second her hand tightened on her arrow, and Gazi\u2019s hand tightened on her greatsword. Then Maresar smiled and lowered her bow.<\/p>\n \u201cVery well. If you are wrong I will kill you first.\u201d<\/p>\n Gazi just grinned in reply.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Trey stood with Teres, watching. That was what he seemed to do. Watch. Yet he was a part of this scene as well. He stood next to the King of Destruction, after all. He stood next to the King of Reim as, sword in hand, he stood over his former vassal.<\/p>\n Venith Crusland. The man had regained consciousness. He stared bitterly up at Flos.<\/p>\n \u201cFinish it this time. Or I swear I will come back for your head again.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter all this time, you haven\u2019t changed Venith. I told you once. I like you. You fought by my side for countless years. Shed blood in my name. I could never kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut I could kill you.<\/em> I swore an oath.\u201d<\/p>\n Venith struggled to his feet, but fell back. He coughed and stared with hatred at Flos. Real, deep hatred. Trey could see that plainly, but he also saw how Venith\u2019s eyes hadn\u2019t left Flos\u2019 face. They searched every inch of the King\u2019s expression, as if looking for something.<\/p>\n \u201cYou betrayed us. You left us.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos\u2019 head bowed. He made no reply. Venith raised his voice. He shouted as the villagers fell silent, and his soldiers watched.<\/p>\n \u201cYou abandoned your kingdom! A King! Every army in the world came after us, cutting us down. I swore an oath to save my people, to protect them since you would not! I am bound to kill you or die trying.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA powerful oath.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos nodded slowly. Venith bared his teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cI have never broken my vows. You know that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo.\u201d<\/p>\n Venith struggled to lift a hand. He pointed to the blade in Flos\u2019 hand.<\/p>\n \u201cEnd it. Or we shall fight again. Again and again, until I am dead.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey heard a choked sound from Calac. He was held tightly by two of Venith\u2019s soldiers. Flos nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYour honor. Your vows. For your people you took them, and I know you are bound to fulfill them. However, I would say one thing to you, Venith Crusland.\u201d<\/p>\n He raised the sword in his hands. Venith narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth silently. Flos stared at Venith, and then tossed the sword at his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cI do not care.\u201d<\/p>\n Venith stared. Trey stared. Teres stared. The villagers and soldiers were statues. But Flos just smiled. And laughed. And then he shouted so everyone could hear.<\/p>\n \u201cI am no petty tyrant, no fearful monarch! I am Flos, King of Destruction! My heart is large enough to suffer a thousand insults, but too small to accept the loss of one friend. I care not that you renounced your oath of service, Venith. I care not that you swore a vow against me. Join me, and we will fight together as before.\u201d<\/p>\n He held a hand out to Venith. The man stared up at him, open-mouthed. Then he snarled and swiped at Flos\u2019 hand.<\/p>\n \u201cYou bastard. <\/em>You trampled over our dreams, abandoned us when we needed you most! And you dare to come back twenty years later, as if nothing has changed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n The man\u2019s voice broke as he screamed at Flos, at his King.<\/p>\n \u201cHow dare you! How dare you\u2014you trampled over us once. And now you come back as if nothing happened, spouting your same lies? How can you say the same thing again? You are a heartless tyrant, a fool!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat is what it means to be a King.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Venith fell silent. Flos stared down at him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are right. I cannot take back the past. I cannot undo my mistakes or erase my sins. And they are the gravest of this world. There is no one less deserving of a crown than I. And yet, I am your King. Your King, Venith. Just as you are my vassal.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos moved slowly. He turned to face the crowd of people, the soldiers, the villagers, the twins. But when he spoke, it was only towards Venith.<\/p>\n \u201cI care nothing for your oath. I care not that you raised your sword against me. I only care for you, Venith. I crave your company, more deeply than a lover, more urgently than a babe. I need you, Venith Crusland. Follow my back once more. Be my sword and shield and run with me one more time. One last time. We still have not reached the ends of the earth. But this time we shall.\u201d<\/p>\n Venith stared up at Flos silently, eyes filled with an emotion Trey could not name. The King gazed down at him.<\/p>\n \u201cMy kingdom fell to dust because I was not ready before. But this time my dream is rekindled. And it is larger. This time it reaches beyond one continent. It encompasses the world. That is how far we will go. To the edge of the world and beyond. To the furthest nation, to the highest peak. Once, a young boy dreamed of making the world a better place. Now a grown man dreams of the same. The fire burns again in my chest, Venith. I see in my heart lands I have never laid eyes on, of oceans I have never crossed. And I know my enemies wait for me there, uncountable, and allies too. Waiting for the moment I dare to step forwards.\u201d<\/p>\n He held his hand out, blood dripping between his fingers.<\/p>\n \u201cThe world waits for me. But I cannot face it alone. So I ask you once more. Renounce your oath. Take my hand or go. But know that you will always be mine. My sworn companion. My friend.\u201d<\/p>\n All was hushed. Venith stared up at Flos\u2019 bloodied hand. He stared at his King. And reached out.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cMy King.\u201d<\/p>\n Venith shook his King, grasped his hand. He stared into empty eyes, a vacant expression. Flos stared back, but there was nothing of him in there.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is over, Venith.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n The man turned and glared at the one who had spoken. Gazi. She was standing next to the throne, eyes downcast, more defeated than he had ever known her. Standing to her right, a soldier, one of the Rust\u00e4ngmarder who would ferry orders to the rest of the company, stood at attention. He and Venith had heard the words from Flos\u2019 mouth, but Venith couldn\u2019t accept it.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not over!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is. It is all over. I am finished.\u201d<\/p>\n The words came slowly and at a distance from Flos\u2019 mouth. He did not look at Venith. He sat slumped in the small chair, staring at the ground. But Venith refused to hear.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can still fight! Give me a command and I will lead your armies myself!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not about armies.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos didn\u2019t raise his head. He stared down at his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cShe is dead, Venith. Queravia is dead. So is Tottenval.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n Something cold lurched in Venith. He had known. But\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cWe found his body today.\u201d<\/p>\n Gazi spoke quietly. There were tears in her eyes. Venith couldn\u2019t speak for a few moments. He felt his eyes sting, but he couldn\u2019t stop.<\/p>\n \u201cEven so. Even so\u2014we have to continue. We owe it to them! You can\u2019t just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n His voice broke. It couldn\u2019t be happening. It couldn\u2019t all be over. The entire kingdom, gone. Not like this. Not\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cIt is over, Venith. I am done. The King of Destruction is no more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about your people? What about your retainers, those who have sworn themselves to you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI cannot be their King.\u201d<\/p>\n Venith lost control. He struck Flos with all his might. The King\u2019s head snapped back, but he didn\u2019t look at Venith. He didn\u2019t react to the blow. He just sat, staring ahead. Silent. That was worst of all.<\/p>\n It was more than Venith could stomach, more than he could bear to see. He would have struck his King once more, but someone caught his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t do that again.\u201d<\/p>\n Gazi stared at Venith, her grip a vice on his arm. Venith knew he could break her grip, but he saw the look in the half-Gazer\u2019s eyes. And the Rust\u00e4ngmarder soldier was staring at him. They tolerated no treason in their ranks. Another blow and it might be Venith\u2019s corpse lying on the ground.<\/p>\n After a moment, Gazi let go of Venith and he lowered his hand. He stared at his King. A shell. Just that. There was nothing left of his King here, just his appearance. Venith turned away.<\/p>\n \u201cI will never accept it. I will not. I will wait! Until the day you come to your senses.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos made no reply as Venith strode out of the room, slamming the door behind him. And he waited. He waited until it was too late to go back.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Venith took Flos\u2019 hand. The King smiled. He pulled Venith up. The [Lord] stared at his King. Then he smiled.<\/p>\n And struck Flos in the face.<\/p>\n Trey cried out in shock. The King\u2019s head reeled back. He took a step as the people around him surged forwards, howling in fury. But Flos\u2019 hand held them back like a real thing.<\/p>\n \u201cI have not forgotten the day you turned your back on me. My answer is no.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos nodded slowly. The King stared at Venith, not angrily, but with deep disappointment.<\/p>\n \u201cVery well. Go. But know this, Venith Crusland. For two decades you protected my subjects. You guarded them against bandits and monsters alike and kept them fed. You built them a wall, and took care of my people. For that I owe you a debt beyond measuring. And yet.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked Venith in the eye.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd yet, it was not enough. You gave them food, shelter, pride in honest work. But you could not give them hope.<\/em> Your dream is still not grand enough. And that is why they will always be mine.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned away, and Venith stumbled, as if his strings were cut. In a moment his son and another soldier were by his side. They propped Venith up. He stared at Flos and then turned without another word.<\/p>\n Flos turned away as well. He walked slowly back towards Trey and Teres. He paused to look at them and then reached out.<\/p>\n \u201cI am tired, you two.\u201d<\/p>\n That was all he said. Then he walked back into the village, head bowed.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Venith rode away from Manimar, feeling every inch of his body hurt. He could barely sit in his saddle, but he sat with back straight when he saw who was waiting ahead of him.<\/p>\n \u201cMares.\u201d<\/p>\n His wife, [Lady] Maresar smiled and rode to meet Venith. She eyed her husband\u2019s face, and then looked at her son. She frowned at him, which made Calac flinch. Then she looked at Venith and raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you feeling better now? That\u2019s twice you\u2019ve struck your own King.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe is no longer my King.\u201d<\/p>\n Venith gritted his teeth. His hands were still numb, and he couldn\u2019t feel a distinct part of his face. Maresar only shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard him shouting from the hill. He is your King. He claimed you, despite how you greeted him. And still you think he hasn\u2019t returned?\u201d<\/p>\n He couldn\u2019t properly reply to that. Venith tried to flex his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI swore an oath.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo you did. But you swore one to him first, if I recall.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe abandoned<\/em>\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Maresar silenced Venith with another look.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t come here to argue the same thing again. You are wounded, dear husband. You had better have a [Healer] see to your injuries.\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded grudgingly. Venith hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cI am\u2026glad you decided to come after all. Despite our differences.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHm.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled at him. Venith reached out, and she brushed his hand away. He frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI brought half of our retainers with us. Don\u2019t worry; there are enough hands back at home to keep everything working. Until you decide to forgive your King, you\u2019ll have to make do with that.\u201d<\/p>\n He heard her, but he didn\u2019t want to understand.<\/p>\n \u201cMares, what are you saying?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s my <\/em>King too, Venith. You might have thought about that when you decided to challenge him. I\u2019ll wait by his side, but not for too long. Hurry up and make peace with the past already.\u201d<\/p>\n She rode past him. Venith reached out for her but missed. He called out as his wife rode past.<\/p>\n \u201cMares!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t look back once. Venith stared at his wife\u2019s back as she rode away from him. He stared at his King. He clenched his fist and turned away.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Trey saw the procession of soldiers approaching with the woman archer at their head. Flos had seen them too. But he didn\u2019t appear alarmed. He smiled and stopped the woman bandaging his hand.<\/p>\n He walked towards the woman with open arms. Trey saw a woman, darker skinned, hair cropped short, a bow at her back. She was smiling and kicked her horse into a gallop. She leapt from the saddle and onto the ground before Flos.<\/p>\n And then she slapped him. The crack<\/em> of flesh meeting flesh turned every head in range. Trey felt like he could feel his own cheek stinging as Maresar lowered her hand. Flos blinked at her. Then the woman, Lady Maresar, flung her arms around him and kissed his cheek.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, Maresar. I am overjoyed to see you haven\u2019t changed.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos laughed as he hugged her. Maresar embraced him tightly and then let go. She was actually taller than he was, although not nearly as heavy.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was for leaving us. And that was for coming back. I am delighted to see you, my lord.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I you. But your husband hasn\u2019t joined us.\u201d<\/p>\n Maresar smiled a bit sadly.<\/p>\n \u201cHe still has not forgiven you. But you are my King. He will come back in time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo I trust.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos looked at the ranks of soldiers that spread out behind their [Lady]. Each man or woman slowly knelt.<\/p>\n \u201cThose who would not march against you have come to fight for you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am honored.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos turned to look at someone who came towards him, apart from the army.<\/p>\n \u201cGazi.\u201d<\/p>\n Gazi the Omniscient smiled at her King. She had sheathed her sword, and was looking around at the people around her with all four eyes. Some had already recognized her, and the people calling her name sounded almost as exuberant as when they\u2019d shouted for Flos.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Gazi!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGazi the Omniscient has returned!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy lord.\u201d<\/p>\n She stopped and bowed her head politely to Flos. He grinned at her.<\/p>\n \u201cI should have known you would spot me going, even without your main eye.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose I should only be relieved that Orthenon and Mars didn\u2019t notice and drag me back as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos glanced towards the sky, where the sun was already rising. He grimaced.<\/p>\n \u201cThen again, I\u2019m sure they will have noticed by now. I don\u2019t suppose you told them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOrthenon would have found out soon enough. He\u2019s coming with an army, by the way.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos\u2019 shoulders sagged.<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n Gazi only smiled and pointed south in reply.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Venith saw the army and the two riding at its head. He called an immediate halt to his men. They formed up, looking frightened.<\/p>\n Orthenon rode at the head of an army of mounted warriors. There were only around four hundred of them, all wearing mismatched armor, but they vastly outnumbered Venith\u2019s force.<\/p>\n \u201cHold. They won\u2019t attack.\u201d<\/p>\n Or so Venith prayed. He spurred his horse towards Orthenon, wincing with every step his mount took.<\/p>\n \u201cLord Orthenon.\u201d<\/p>\n He called out as the man approached. Orthenon did not immediately reply. He was holding a spear, two metal hafts sticking out just below the shaft. He rode fast and hard at Venith, and the man slowed. Venith\u2019s hand grabbed his shield, as much out of reflex as conscious thought.<\/p>\n He wouldn\u2019t\u2014<\/p>\n Orthenon raised his spear. Venith\u2019s arm moved up and he raised his shield overhead as his soldiers cried out.<\/p>\n The winged spear flashed down and crashed into Venith\u2019s raised shield. The impact rang<\/em> throughout Venith\u2019s body and sent him tumbling off his saddle. Orthenon raised his spear and regarded the head, which had deformed from the impact. He tossed it to one side and Venith braced himself for the man to draw his sword. But Orthenon simply nodded calmly down at Venith as he lay on the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cLord Venith.\u201d<\/p>\n He rode past the man as Venith struggled to his feet. Mars stared down at Venith and then rode past him without a word, sitting awkwardly on her mount. He was getting to his feet when she kicked him in the back.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Afterwards, Trey found he didn\u2019t know how they got back to Reim. There was only the procession of joyous people, singing and shouting Flos\u2019 name. He was riding with Flos in front as the King spoke to Maresar and Gazi, rubbing his cheek. And then there was the meeting with Orthenon and Mars.<\/p>\n The man rode towards Flos at a gallop, hundreds of mounted warriors following him. At a distance a huge scowl was visible on his face. It only grew larger as he got closer.<\/p>\n When he was in earshot, Orthenon began shouting.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you have any idea how recklessly <\/em>dangerous that was? I have [Scouts] and [Riders] searching in every direction still. We feared you were kidnapped. And you, Gazi! How could you not tell us where our King had gone? Do you have any<\/em> idea what will happen after word of this spreads? Where are we supposed to shelter these people? Their homes are here<\/em>. How are we supposed to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOrthenon.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos interrupted his [Steward] calmly. Orthenon stopped, breathing hard. Flos half-turned in his saddle. He waved his arms at the cheering villagers, Maresar\u2019s soldiers, and then expanded that wave to take in the army accompanying Orthenon. Flos nodded at it all.<\/p>\n \u201cTake care of it.\u201d<\/p>\n He paused, and then looked at Orthenon again.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease.\u201d<\/p>\n He passed by the man and rode on. Trey could hear him calling out.<\/p>\n \u201cMars! Look who has decided to join us! Did you meet Venith on the road?\u201d<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t hear Mars\u2019 shouted reply. Trey rode past Orthenon and saw the man staring at the mess behind Flos. And then\u2026it was just for a second, but Trey could have sworn he saw Orthenon smile.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n And at midday, when he was about to fall asleep, Trey found Flos. The King was sitting in his room, cheek no longer red, hand healed. He didn\u2019t look as tired as Trey, but he was a bit less energetic in greeting the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cTrey. Is there no Teres today?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo si\u2014your ma\u2014Flos. She\u2019s asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA wise decision. I would sleep, but Orthenon insists on keeping me awake.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos glanced regretfully towards his bed. He shook his head and looked at Trey.<\/p>\n \u201cBut you have no [Steward]. Why are you awake?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey didn\u2019t know why he was bothering Flos, for all the King clearly enjoyed it. He hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cIs\u2014is that Venith going to come back and try to kill you again?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos raised his eyebrows, looking mildly surprised.<\/p>\n \u201cHim? I doubt it. As Orthenon told me countless times, it was foolish to leave my city without an escort. Venith has not the men to challenge me if I go forth with proper protection. More to the point, Lady Maresar is now with me, and I doubt he would try to take up arms against his wife.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he did try to kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. I suppose he did.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos stared at his hand, now free of blood. He smiled as he flexed it.<\/p>\n \u201cBut that is the thing about Venith. He has tried to kill me once before, did you know? When we first met. Yet he did it so poorly then, and so poorly now, I wonder if that was ever his intention.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe could have attacked with his soldiers. Or shot me from afar. Or simply alerted any number of my enemies that I was in Manimar alone and defenseless. I can think of a few enemies \u2013 the Emperor of Sands for one \u2013 who might use a teleportation spell to send an assassin after me without a second thought. But he did not. He challenged me to a duel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo test you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps. Or perhaps because he had to be the one who struck me. I confess that I do not know. But I am glad to have heard his fury.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven though he hit you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI deserve it, don\u2019t you agree? My face will not be marred by a single blow, although a few of Lady Maresar\u2019s slaps might do the trick.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos laughed. He stared pensively at the wall, his eyes going down to a blank spot on his dresser. Trey saw there was nothing there as well. No head. He wondered if Flos had buried it yet.<\/p>\n The King sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is an odd thing, Trey. I went to Manimar unsure whether I would be forgiven for my failure. And yet now all I can dwell on is a single vassal of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n He spread his hands as he sat on his bed, motioning Trey to join him. Trey did, almost too afraid to sit properly. Flos loomed above him, as big as the room itself. But tired. He only looked tired in here, nowhere else. And only when Trey and Teres could see him.<\/p>\n \u201cI wronged him, Trey. I committed the gravest sin a [King] could make. He is right to be furious. If he never forgave me I could not speak a word of protest and be justified in it. And yet, I would give much to have him back.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey cleared his throat awkwardly.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou do? Good. Today was a victory, if there were winners or losers to be counted. But it is not the same, Trey. Not the same.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs what?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cAs before. Perhaps it was simply that I was young and did not see the cost in everything I did back then. But today my triumph is bittersweet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI get that, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally now? What is so lacking for you, Trey?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014well, it\u2019s nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey wished he hadn\u2019t opened his mouth. But now Flos was staring at him, and Trey unwillingly continued.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just\u2026today, well, yesterday I mean, Teres did a lot of good things. She yelled at you, threw that rock at Venith\u2019s son when he tried to kill you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh yes. She was brave.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey nodded. He felt proud of his sister. But\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cBut I didn\u2019t do much, really.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh. Are you jealous of your sister?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo! Maybe. I\u2019m not jealous. I just wish I <\/em>could have done something useful too. But it\u2019s always like this. Teres is always the braver one. She always does stuff first. I\u2026don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t know why he was confiding in a King of all people. But there was something in the way Flos looked at him that told Trey he did understand.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know Trey, when I heard my subjects speaking in the dining hall, I was surprised to hear they considered both you and Teres worthless.\u201d<\/p>\n It took Trey a minute to remember. It felt like an age ago.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we are, aren\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot so. You come from another world. From another world.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut we don\u2019t know much. We don\u2019t know how to make guns or how electricity is made or\u2026anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd yet, it is the two of you who woke me from my slumber. Where all my vassals and time itself could not do so. What is that, if not worth?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos placed a gentle hand on Trey\u2019s shoulder. The young man looked up at him, and saw a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cShall I tell you something interesting, Trey? Something not even Gazi knows?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I was a young man, no one thought I would become anything special either. I was a low-level [Prince] of a tiny kingdom. My father had little time for me, and my subjects only thought of me as royalty, not someone to inspire them. Only my mother had faith I would be successful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTruthfully, she was disappointed when I took up the sword. She always had hopes I would pursue other paths. Like poetry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPoetry?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes. She thought I was a wonderful poet, despite my only ability being a small gift at rhyming. Let me see.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos thought for a moment, and then spoke softly.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOne last time let the forges roar.<\/em><\/p>\n Forevermore, forevermore.<\/em><\/p>\n Let hammers sing and bellows cry<\/em><\/p>\n And let voices split the very sky.<\/em><\/p>\n The King is awoke, the land awake<\/em><\/p>\n Now let us all an ending make.<\/em><\/p>\n So one last time the forges roar<\/em><\/p>\n And once all is over, nevermore.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Trey stared at him. Flos shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not good. But I could make such simple poems for my mother at will. It made her smile. The trouble is, such a talent is largely useless. I am a King who leads his people. What use is rhyming and pretty words as a talent? I failed my people. Would that I had a stronger spirit, they would have been better served. But now here I stand with sword in hand, the mark of my folly upon this land\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He broke off, grimaced.<\/p>\n \u201cYou see? It is a terrible thing. And it comes upon me more the longer I think of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey grinned and ducked his head. Flos smiled, and then stared pensively back at the wall.<\/p>\n \u201cYou may not see your worth, Trey. But I promise you, it is there. In you and Teres both. You two are not the same; it is folly to compare your actions, even for twins.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut we\u2019re supposed to serve you. Shouldn\u2019t we be\u2026good enough?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos laughed. It was a genuine sound, honest and pure.<\/p>\n \u201cYou woke me from my slumber, Trey. There is nothing more worthy in the world than that. And as for the rest\u2026if you doubt yourself, keep following my back. Watch me, Trey. Come with me as I learn to be King again. And one day, you will be worthy of standing by my side.\u201d<\/p>\n He clapped a hand on Trey\u2019s shoulder and rose.<\/p>\n \u201cToday was a start. I failed again, but I also succeeded. One village has come back to me. One small village, but it is part of me, Trey. This kingdom is my heart. Its people are my blood. Now it beats faster. Faster. Not with rage or sorrow, but excitement at last. I had awoken, but I did not remember what it was to be King. Now I am remembering.\u201d<\/p>\n He stood, and strode towards the window. Trey followed him. Flos stared out across the empty landscape and smiled. Below him a city moved with people. It was still largely in ruins, still far emptier than it should be, but there was life down there. Growing.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is time to do what I should have done from the beginning. It is time to act, to lead them. Not as a man or memory. But as a [King].\u201d<\/p>\n Flos smiled. He turned to Trey.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, I believe I shall take a nap. If Orthenon comes looking for me, I\u2019ll throw him out a window.\u201d<\/p>\n And he grinned at Trey, looking like a young man wearing an adult\u2019s face. And Trey looked into Flos\u2019 eyes and laughed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cFlos of Reim. I have come for your head.\u201d The young man lying on the ground looked up. He stared in vague surprise at the other young man on horseback. His eyes fixed first on Venith\u2019s set face and clenched jaw. Only then did he focus on the sword in Venith\u2019s left hand. He sat […]<\/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-3870","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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