{"id":5993,"date":"2019-05-07T10:22:48","date_gmt":"2019-05-07T10:22:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=5993"},"modified":"2025-12-24T00:59:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T00:59:45","slug":"6-14-k","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/05\/07\/6-14-k\/","title":{"rendered":"6.14 K"},"content":{"rendered":"

(The Wandering Inn, Volume 1 is coming out as an audiobook! The narrator is doing live reading on her Discord, invite here!<\/a> You can listen to her streaming most week days at 2 PM EST if you’d like to hear the audiobook being produced! Please be respectful on her server, and look forwards to the finished product!)<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNawali. Nawali. Nawalishifra.\u201d<\/p>\n

The girl was lying down when she woke up. She heard the voice at first. Familiar. And she was being held, she realized. In someone\u2019s lap.<\/p>\n

\u201cNawali. You must wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bezha called to Nawal in a soft, gentle voice. As she had done for many years, ever since she had begun helping to care for Nawal and her brother as children. And that name, Nawali\u2014only she called Nawal that. An affectionate name she still used even though Nawal was grown.<\/p>\n

The girl shifted. She felt leaden. Drained, and her lungs hurt. Her arms\u2014she could barely move them. It was not an unfamiliar sensation. Hadn\u2019t she felt that in the forge a hundred times before? It was the same pain, the same feeling that was an echo of the beat of the hammer or air in her lungs, fighting to explode outwards as she walked the smith\u2019s labyrinth. It had broken other apprentices, her brother, and worn her father down.<\/p>\n

But that was only half of the feeling in Nawal\u2019s chest. The other half was like a hidden sunrise in her. She felt good, though she didn\u2019t know why. At first, she struggled to remember. Was it the triumph of forging a sword? No, not necessarily. That sword of steel was just that; a sword, far from a masterwork for all it had been done pure. Why was she happy?<\/p>\n

And then the girl lying in the warm embrace remembered. Her eyes opened. An older, lined face smiled down at her. Bezha. Clustered around were some of the other women. No Silmak. No Hesseif. And no\u2026Trey?<\/p>\n

\u201cBezha.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nawal croaked. The woman nodded. She held something, and Nawal felt cool liquid at her lips. Instinctively, she gulped and tasted a sour, bitter liquid. But refreshingly cool.<\/p>\n

A stamina potion diluted with water. The thing for exhausted bodies. Nawal felt some strength enter her limbs. But she didn\u2019t rise yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cNawali, you must get up. Do you have the strength for it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nawal was exhausted. All she wanted to do was rest. That was her right, wasn\u2019t it? Part of her, the sleepy part, resented even having to speak and be awake. But Bezha was insistent.<\/p>\n

\u201cUp. You are tired, this I know. But you must be up. Don\u2019t make me pinch you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? For what? I finished the sword. Isn\u2019t it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

A yawn cracked Nawal\u2019s mouth open. She didn\u2019t feel the veil on her face. Of course; they must be in a woman\u2019s room where men were outlawed normally. Bezha shook her head in answer to Nawal\u2019s question.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is not the sword. The sword was made perfectly. But you must be up. He<\/em> has mentioned your name. And already they are gathering in the banquet hall.\u201d<\/p>\n

The word sparked something in Nawal\u2019s chest. She peered vaguely up at Bezha. Part of her still felt like a young girl in a younger woman\u2019s arms, rather than an adult held by her aunt.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n

She saw Bezha\u2019s eyes widen incredulously. A light flick across the temples; Nawal winced. But it was an affectionate tap.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe King of Destruction, of course. Don\u2019t you remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

And then Nawal did. The shining caravan, the King of Destruction riding at the head of the group, the roar of his citizens. The moment she\u2019d laid eyes on him again and realized that the legends were true.<\/p>\n

The happiness in her breast leapt and rose. Nawal slowly sat up. It was the [Blacksmith] of the Tannousin clan who let the others help her change out of her sweaty, smelling clothes and into a more colorful dress. But it was the young girl who walked out, followed by her clan. Rejoicing, laughing, and smiling as she entered the banquet hall.<\/p>\n

Because the legends were true. And Nawal walked into the banquet hall and heard the roar of sound. She saw a room heaving with people, a room that could hold over a thousand still crowded by soldiers, servants, and\u2026people from the city. Citizens, come to see their King. Feasting, drinking. As Nawal\u2019s eyes travelled up the room, she saw him sitting at a table halfway up the room. As if he\u2019d forgotten to sit at the head table. But there he was, sitting with a group of awestruck children who looked up at their King.<\/p>\n

At the head of the room sat the grand table, heaped with delicacies. And there sat Orthenon, eating efficiently as he talked brusquely with a soldier on his left. On his right was the empty chair. And past it was Teres, staring at Nawal. Then Gazi, then Trey.<\/p>\n

But they were all the background. Nawal stopped. She\u2019d seen him. So had Clan Tannousin, who paused behind her.<\/p>\n

Silmak, who\u2019d forgotten the speech he\u2019d prepared. Hesseif, who rubbed his eyes like a boy. And Bezha, who looked younger, like Nawal, remembering a hundred tales as they looked at the [King] leaning over and inspecting the food on a young girl\u2019s plate. His red-gold hair flashed in the light as his head turned.<\/p>\n

And a myth came to life. A story turned, and the girl inside Nawal smiled. For there stood the King of Destruction. Before he spoke, before she realized her impropriety and knelt and Silmak stammered a greeting that was lost in the noise, before Nawal recalled the King of Destruction\u2019s darker tales and apprehension and the other mortal emotions overwhelmed the feeling, for just that moment, Nawal smiled. And he smiled too.<\/p>\n

That was the kind of [King] he was.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one speak anything ill of him. Do not mention his slumber or his enemies. Make no promises and offer no insult no matter what is done. Never forget why we are here and where we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they sat at the tables near the head banquet table, Silmak hissed at the rest of his clan. All thirty-one other men and women, from Bezha to the youngest, all nodded, and those that did not hear nodded as his instructions were passed down the table. It did not need saying, honestly, but they felt better hearing it. Nawal, who sat next to Silmak and Bezha, felt unsteady. She looked around at the sea of faces.<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t remember Silmak\u2019s awkward greeting to the King of Destruction or what the [King] had said. Or rather, she remembered it in flashes. Entering the vast banquet room with all eyes on her for a moment as Flos of Reim returned to his seat at the head table. And now they were sitting, feasting as he sat there.<\/p>\n

And it wasn\u2019t a situation where Flos was sitting at the head of the room and where Nawal could turn and stare at him from afar. No, it was more like\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I would that you had been with us, Trey. I wonder what you would have made of the Quarass. As for Hellios\u2014well, your company on the road would have been appreciated. Teres tired of answering all my questions, I think. And Mars, Venith, and Maresar all had to remain, at least for the moment. Perhaps Orthenon could take you with him to Germina?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nawal heard a slightly indistinct voice over the background noise. She heard a laugh and then a dry voice, even closer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI fear my journey must be swift, my lord. So I shall travel alone. Although if you wish it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

A chuckle. Nawal\u2019s skin tingled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, Orthenon. It was a joke. I have at least eight questions to ask Trey, and I don\u2019t think his presence would be helpful in Hellios. Where I suspect you\u2019ll spend the longest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do trust the Quarass of Germina, then, my lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

That voice was soft. Female. A pause and then\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cLet us say that I looked into her eyes, Gazi. And I judged her to be true when she agreed to work with me. If nothing else, she is brave; and that is to her credit. The last Quarass was craven. This one will not be, so she will be a fine ally or enemy. Either way, Orthenon need not linger there overmuch, although he will<\/em> visit Germina first. But tell me, Trey. What\u2019s this I hear about\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

If she turned her head, she could see him. Here was the thing. It was not<\/em> like most banquets, where the ruler and his guests of honor would sit at the front of the room, staring across their diners. Flos, the King of Destruction, was eating in the center of his banquet hall, and for some reason, his table was so close to his diners that you could lean over and hold a conversation with him.<\/p>\n

Nawal could hear every single thing<\/em> Flos said, and while some of the other people at his table were out of earshot, he was far too close for her to relax. She stared at the food on her plate and realized she\u2019d eaten some of it. And it was good food! Delicious, or at least, she thought so. But she could feel Flos\u2019 presence to her right, and it distracted her. The other diners too, who listened covertly to him speaking. Until he spoke her<\/em> name and her heart stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo tell me, Orthenon. What passed in my forges before my arrival? You mentioned something. And Clan Tannousin are my guests this night. And you, Trey, spoke of your acquaintance. Nawalishifra, a female [Blacksmith]. I sense that something has occurred. Where does Daiton fit into this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Clan Tannousin froze in their seats. Nawal felt sweat suddenly run down her clothes. Orthenon neither laughed nor made small talk, either of which might have been preferable, even if it delayed the anticipation of the events reaching the King of Destruction\u2019s ears.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy King, I heard only half of what transpired. But from what I understand, Clan Tannousin\u2019s smith disputed the quality of Master Daiton\u2019s work. They competed to forge a sword.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. And?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have the results of both. I wished to wait until after the dining to present both to you. Again, if you wish it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. No, I believe I shall wait. Ah, how exciting. And\u2026intriguing. You saw the entirety of the affair, Trey? Speak up! I can barely hear you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nawal chanced a glance to her right. She saw Flos leaning over, past a girl who was looking at a boy too much like her to be coincidence. Trey had mentioned he had a twin sister. But he was speaking to<\/em> Flos! A mere servant? Hah!<\/em> Nawal tried to disappear in her seat and saw Silmak feverishly take another gulp of wine and refill his cup. She didn\u2019t hear what was said, but she sensed the rest of her clan\u2019s eyes on her.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe calm. Be calm, Nawali\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Bezha\u2019s voice whispered to her. Nawal nodded. She wanted to reply that she was<\/em> calm and the sands take her eyes if she was not! But she wondered if that oath might actually induce blindness in this moment.<\/p>\n

The King of Destruction had heard of her rash bet! But\u2014Nawal comforted herself\u2014he would see the rightness of her statements. She had forged a blade that the so-called master blacksmith Daiton could not. For all his layering techniques, his sword was simply inferior in quality to the steel in her blade. He might have an aesthetically pleasing blade, but put to the test, her sword would break long after his had shattered to pieces. And hers<\/em> had held an enchantment!<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. I see. Tell me the rest later!\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos straightened, and Nawal breathed a sigh of relief. Too soon as it turned out. Because no sooner had Trey sat back than a voice, louder and audible to Nawal, cut in.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy lord. Might I<\/em> speak into your ear?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gazi Pathseeker raised a hand. Nawal glanced swiftly up at her. She froze. Gazi was staring right at her<\/em> with all four eyes. Two immediately shifted over to Flos as the King of Destruction, bemused, leaned over.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gazi turned her head to whisper to him. But two of her eyes were still looking at Nawal. And the [Smith] girl suddenly had a terrible, terrible<\/em> premonition. Because Gazi\u2019s smile was every bit as evil as the rumors said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I see. Really? And\u2026what did you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos listened for a second, half-smiling as Gazi kept whispering. Orthenon, glancing over at them, frowned at Gazi, and Teres, who was having to lean back for the entire thing, glanced up sharply. At Nawal. And then, horror of horrors, Flos\u2019 head turned to look at Nawal.<\/p>\n

She felt her heart stop for one shuddering second in her chest. That would have been enough to plague Nawal\u2019s dreams for a month. But then the King of Destruction stood up. The banquet hall quieted slightly as the King of Destruction spoke in a voice loud enough for all to hear.<\/p>\n

\u201cNawalishifra of Clan Tannousin. Might I exchange a few words with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her. Nawal stood up. She couldn\u2019t help it. And though she knew she should not speak to another man who was not a foreigner, Flos clearly desired a reply. And one did not refuse the King of Destruction.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty. I am honored to be your guest. I\u2014we of the Tannousin Clan are honored to serve you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She\u2019d said \u2018honored\u2019 twice! But Nawal was speaking around the huge lump of sand in her throat, and she felt awkward and stupid. She bowed very low. Every eye was on her. There were voices still speaking, but most were listening to the King of Destruction. Flos smiled at Nawal and inclined his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I am honored to have a smith of the Tannousin clan in my lands. I hear\u2014but time enough for that later. For now, Nawalishifra Tannousin, a rumor has reached my ears. A bit of gossip from my vassal, Gazi Pathseeker.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nawal glanced at Gazi. If looks could kill\u2014but the Named Adventurer was grinning, and her looks could<\/em> kill. Nawal\u2019s voice trembled.<\/p>\n

\u201cA\u2014a rumor, Your Majesty?\u201d<\/p>\n

What could Gazi have said? Then Nawal remembered, and her blood froze. No, not that. But it was too late. Flos was nodding.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy loyal vassal, Gazi, tells me you think my days of glory were exaggerated. She tells me you were disappointed by what you saw of my palace. Is this so?\u201d<\/p>\n

The banquet hall went silent. It wasn\u2019t a gradual silence, the last of the voices fading away, or even a sudden hush. Everyone just stopped. This time, Nawal felt the looks pierce her like spears. Orthenon looked up from his already-empty plate.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014I\u2014I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

I meant no disrespect. Don\u2019t kill me! Please forgive\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

Nawal\u2019s stuttering voice cut off as Flos held up a hand. The King of Destruction didn\u2019t look angry. If anything, he was smiling gently. He looked around at the others. There were not a lot of friendly stares, but the [King] captured their eyes before he spoke again.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are correct.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nawal breathed again. Flos held up a hand against the murmur of protest that rose up. He gestured around.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it not so? In times past, my city was grander. And this was but one of the kingdoms that flourished. Perhaps my towers did not pierce the clouds, and perhaps the streets were not filled with gold, but yes, Nawalishifra. There were legends then.\u201d<\/p>\n

His subjects quieted. They looked and nodded, changing their minds from anger at the insult to\u2026nostalgia? Flos gestured around.<\/p>\n

\u201cI recall a time when banquets in this castle were so plentiful that we could have filled every room and not had enough space to stand. Then again, this room is already overfull. But in those days, I recall standing outside and seeing every house filled with guests sitting on roofs. And [Lords] figuring out how to balance plates on thatched roofs. Do you recall that, Orthenon?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, my King. As I remember it, five of our guests fell and broke bones.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey did, didn\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos looked around at the room. And Nawal, still standing stupidly, saw more than one head nod. She stared at older faces in the crowd. There was that sense, again, of legends becoming reality. They had been there. They had seen it.<\/p>\n

That great head swung back, and Nawal stiffened again. But the smile Flos gave her was disarming.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo fear not, Nawalishifra. I take no offence from your words. If anything, I agree and wish I could grant you the sights of old. But I cannot. And the fault of that is mine alone. I, who slumbered.\u201d<\/p>\n

He spread his arms, a cup of wine in hand. And who would gainsay the King of Destruction? Flos shook his head, but then he turned to a man sitting at his table. A [Mage] in robes. And next to him, two other [Mages] who sat across from some Stitch-People, warriors to look at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cUlyse! Jelaim! Will you give our guests but a taste of what glories there used to be?\u201d<\/p>\n

The group looked up. Nawal vaguely recognized the [Mage] with the bright yellow parasol who stood and gave Flos a bow. Ulyse of Parasol Stroll smiled slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be our honor, Your Majesty. A small entertainment. Mirin? Palke? Asimi?\u201d<\/p>\n

The four [Mages] stood, then they swept across the table. Nawal felt a hand tug her down as the [Mages] walked past her, down the center aisle of the banquet hall. She saw Bezha gesturing her down and sat. But she looked back at Parasol Stroll. They walked towards the double doors in the center of the room and turned their backs to the room. Nawal, the audience, saw them raise their parasols. Unfold them.<\/p>\n

Four brightly colored umbrellas opened. Only, they weren\u2019t quite umbrellas. They were small, meant only to block the light. The four parasols twirled behind the [Mages] for a second, hypnotizing. Ulyse\u2019s yellow-and blue parasol spun, hypnotizing the audience with its colors. And then as one, Parasol Stroll turned. And vanished.<\/p>\n

It was like they\u2019d turned a page in a book; as their bodies rotated, the rest of them that should have been there never appeared. So they turned and disappeared from sight. There was a slight gasp at that, but anyone who\u2019d seen an [Invisibility] spell had seen something similar. The real show began a moment later.<\/p>\n

Every light in the room suddenly went out. Candles, orbs of [Light], braziers\u2014all vanished. Nawal felt a moment of panic and then realized the room was lighting back up. A blue, ephemeral light took the place of the darkness. And then, soaring upwards were butterflies.<\/p>\n

Blue. Gold and violet. Red like blood. Pink and green and orange. Turquoise and magenta, every color imaginable. Even puce. They fluttered up from a man\u2019s hands. And Ulyse\u2019s words echoed.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the King of Destruction! To days of old, I present to you a small performance from Parasol Stroll. Watch, oh guests of Reim. And remember the light shows of old.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gestured. And a hundred more butterflies sprang from his fingertips, flying over the heads of his guests. The bright little things changed, became swooping owls and eagles and other birds. They flew up, circling the banquet hall. They flew up and up until they reached the ceiling and dove.<\/p>\n

The audience ducked as the birds landed among them, but the light did them no harm. The birds shattered like glass against the ground, their bodies breaking into shards of light that bounced across the room and faded. When they looked up, Ulyse was gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe King of Destruction.\u201d<\/p>\n

No one could tell where the voice came from at first. Then, suddenly, it was distinct. They turned back towards the doors and saw Mirin. Her parasol was indigo and teal, and it was spinning behind her. Faster and faster. She raised a hand, and from the ground, from the stone floor and air, suddenly there was water.<\/p>\n

It rushed up around her, a river of liquid that shot up to the ceiling far overhead. It flowed around the [Mage] encasing her but never touching her. The water rushed past her, crashing down in a wave that dove over the heads of those seated. Again, some ducked, but the water didn\u2019t touch those seated.<\/p>\n

It crashed over and passed under the other tables. And there were cries of shock, because it turned out the illusion of water was no illusion after all! People jumped up as the water soaked their boots and feet. But Mirin just pointed, and the water rushed down the center aisle, a wave rolling towards the King of Destruction\u2019s table, right past the Tannousin clan.<\/p>\n

Nawal reached up and felt the water run through her fingers and down the hall. The King of Destruction laughed as the towering wave built and stopped in front of him. It crested and broke over his head and froze there. And vanished, falling into nothingness. Flos reached up, and a bit of water landed on his palm, melting away like liquid snow.<\/p>\n

Laughter broke the awed silence. From the back of the room this time a group of people walked forwards. Not Parasol Stroll, but the Serpent Hunters. There were eight of them, all armed, and they carried curved daggers tipped with black venom. They stood four by four in two lines and began tossing their blades at each other.<\/p>\n

Those nearest them ducked away, but the Serpent Hunters caught each blade and tossed it back, juggling it in the air first at the person directly across from them, then in a pattern, the first to the fourth, the second juggling every blade that came back to them, the third throwing alternately to the first and the forth, and so on.<\/p>\n

The Serpent Hunters walked down the hall, juggling their weapons, and then, before it could dull, suddenly grabbed their weapons out of the air and tumbled sideways, placing their backs to the King of Destruction where he\u2019d turned to look in his chair.<\/p>\n

Jelaim, the leader of the Serpent Hunters, strode down the hall. He called a challenge, and his eight warriors mockingly took it up. They threw their weapons at him, first two and then four daggers. They passed within inches of Jelaim\u2019s cheeks, sides, one through the gap between arm and armpit as he walked forwards in a sauntering pace. Then the warriors threw eight, all towards his chest.<\/p>\n

They were going to hit! Jelaim paused. He bowed as the daggers flashed at his chest\u2014then towards his face! There was a gasp\u2014<\/p>\n

And a [Mage] appeared. His parasol spun, red and black, and the daggers went flying! His parasol knocked them aside as if it were as strong as steel. The daggers flew erratically, but the [Mage] snapped his fingers, and they halted in the air. He folded his parasol with a flick and then waved it in the air, tracing something burning in the space above his head.<\/p>\n

And then sparks filled the sky. They drifted down, bright, glowing embers of light. Only, this spell went wrong, because rather than go out or burn harmlessly, it turned out they were quite real! Half the audience ducked under the tables as the burning flames landed, and the abashed [Mage] waved them away. Jelaim laughed as he bounded onto a table.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the King of Destruction! Serpent Hunters, a show of arms!\u201d<\/p>\n

Two of his warriors unsheathed longer blades, a shortsword and a scimitar. They lunged at Jelaim, and he dueled them both, his blade flashing across the table as they pivoted and whirled, both lashing out with real envenomed blades, but never touching each other in a display of perfect skill. And then the [Mages] returned as one and cast a spell. Nawal and the other members of the audience looked up and gasped. They laughed; they shouted in horror and cheered.<\/p>\n

For here were miracles. Here was magic and might and a sight to delight the eyes! But as Nawal watched, as her eyes travelled back to the laughing [King] on his throne and saw his boisterous laughter replaced by a melancholy smile on his face, she wondered what wonders had passed in this very room in days of old. Her heart hurt to imagine what had been lost.<\/p>\n

The display went on for half an hour. Between the Serpent Hunters doing a few duels that took several minutes and three spells from Parasol Stroll going wrong and taking a bit of time to clean up, there was ample time for Nawal to rediscover her appetite and clear her plate twice.<\/p>\n

When it was over, Parasol Stroll swept the King of Destruction a bow alongside the Serpent Hunters, and the applause filled the room, even from the group of people that were slightly singed, wet, or smelled mildly of turnips.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy gratitude, Ulyse, Jelaim! You have captured a bit of the past, and for that I thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos got to his feet after the show had ended. He commanded silence and had it. The King of Destruction looked around and down at Orthenon.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have feasted my return. And welcomed our guests from Clan Tannousin! But now, I think, it is time. For I have heard there was a dispute between my [Smith], Daiton, and Nawalishifra of Clan Tannousin. It seems both have forged a sword. And it falls to me to decide which is the better work. Is that so, Orthenon?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is the quarrel as I understand it, Your Majesty. And both blades are present. Master Daiton.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orthenon stood up and gestured. The servants hurried to the back of the room and returned with a blade, wrapped in black cloth. At the same time, a man sitting at one of the tables nearby stood.<\/p>\n

Daiton was pale as he stepped forwards. The King of Destruction turned, and Nawal and Silmak were already on their feet. They approached the King of Destruction as he stepped around his table and regarded both Daiton and Nawal. The young woman\u2019s heart was beating out of her chest, but she enjoyed a moment of satisfaction at Daiton\u2019s trembling knees.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster Daiton. You have one of your blades to show me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Words failed Daiton for a second. He simply held up the sheathed blade. It was a lovely one, and the sheath was made of a bright leather crisscrossed by a rich red thread and betokened with a gold-leaf adornment on the tip and handle. When Flos unsheathed the blade, there was a murmur of admiration.<\/p>\n

A blade gleamed in the light, and those close enough to see saw the delicate pattern of steel that Trey had mistakenly called true Damascus steel. But anyone with eyes to see\u2014and that included Orthenon, Gazi, some of the warriors including Serpent Hunters as well as the King of Destruction himself\u2014could tell that it was just a pattern of steel. As Flos smoothly unsheathed the blade and swung it, it did tear the air with a pleasing sound.<\/p>\n

But that was it. It was a sword as good as you could find in many [Blacksmith]\u2019s shops. Perhaps better than a low-level smith could ever craft, certainly a worthy blade for anyone who needed something of steel. But that was it. It was sharp. But no one would sing legends of this sword.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. A fine piece of work, Master Daiton. One of your blades fit for an officer or perhaps even one of the nobility. The steel looks beautiful, as does the patterning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty honors me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Daiton hung his balding head, muttering. He shot a glance at Nawal, and she returned it, full of scorn. If he had not boasted of his work or challenged her, perhaps it would not have come to this! But then Orthenon was gesturing, and Flos laid Daiton\u2019s work aside so the blade draped in black cloth could be revealed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis blade is the work of Nawalishifra of Clan Tannousin, my lord. But the enchantment on it comes from Parasol Stroll.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom them? You mean, this blade was fit to be enchanted?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos\u2019 eyes sharpened as he reached for the cloth. Orthenon nodded slightly. Flos glanced around. To Nawal\u2019s surprise, he looked straight at Teres, the girl who looked as plain as Trey sitting beside Gazi. Flos held her gaze before addressing Teres and the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cA blade cannot be enchanted unless the metal is exceedingly pure. And I am told Tannousin steel is so. But this was forged with Daiton\u2019s metal, was it not? So let us see\u2014ah.\u201d<\/p>\n

The note came as Flos pulled the black cloth back. The sword that the servants offered to him shone in the light. Nawal heard a susurration and felt her tense back straighten a bit.<\/p>\n

A gleaming sword forged of pure steel rose in Flos\u2019 hands. It had a simple handle with no guard, made of wood and carved in haste\u2014that part wasn\u2019t enchanted. But the metal of it, the single-edged blade slightly curved and given a wicked slashing edge was magical. Still, even had there been no enchantment, it would have still competed with Daiton\u2019s ornate blade on looks alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. This is a beautiful sword, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos lifted the blade and swung it through the air. His hand blurred, and Nawal heard a gentle sound; the blade cut air without much noise. Flos balanced it with one finger, changed hands, and swung it with one hand, then two. He made the blade appear graceful in his hands; he knew how to use it like any master, Nawal could tell. He inspected the edge, tapping the blade thoughtfully, then tried to flex it, holding the back and handle. The metal barely flexed. Flos looked thoughtful.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnchanted by Parasol Stroll. Ulyse. Do you claim to have placed the strongest enchantment you could upon the weapon?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Mage] nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo our ability, yes, Your Majesty. If we were more than four, we could have done a stronger enchantment. But linked, we were only able to place one of strengthening on it. It is still a match for most blades in terms of quality.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. I see. Nawalishifra of Clan Tannousin. Do you claim this blade is worthy of the enchantment it bears? Would you put your craft against Daiton\u2019s as you claim?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos turned to Nawal. She gulped, but in this at least, she was defending her clan\u2019s pride. She answered back as boldly as she could, her voice quavering only a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs the sands are my witness, I do, Your Majesty! I call insult to the blades served by a master to the King of Destruction! They are not of pure steel and not worthy to be called a master\u2019s work. My steel, humble though it may be and woman-forged, is barely worthy.\u201d<\/p>\n

A ripple went through the audience, and Daiton\u2019s face drained further of blood. Flos only nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. Then I will test your claim.\u201d<\/p>\n

That threw Nawal. Did he mean to slice Daiton\u2019s sword with hers? Hers was enchanted! That alone proved it was of better quality than his. But Orthenon seemed to know what Flos meant. The [Steward] gestured at the servants.<\/p>\n

\u201cBricks. Here and here, to hold the sword up. Ten for each side. And a sledgehammer, I think. A maul will do if one can\u2019t be found.\u201d<\/p>\n

The servants rushed out of the hall. Flos nodded. Nawal and Clan Tannousin stared in mounting horror as they saw what was happening.<\/p>\n

Ten bricks of stone were carried in. They were placed on the ground, piled up, forming two columns. And on that column Nawal\u2019s sword was placed, supported on both tip and handle. Next, a huge sledgehammer, capped by a heavy striking head for breaking stone\u2014or armor\u2014was brought to the King\u2019s Steward. The man carrying it handed it to the King of Destruction. With one hand, Flos casually lifted it from the base of the handle and held it out as his audience watched.<\/p>\n

Again, the King of Destruction turned and addressed the table behind him, ignoring the horrified look on Nawal\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe I once told you, Teres, that a proper sword with a proper enchantment could survive a blow from a warhammer. But the metal that makes the sword must be fine to hold the enchantment and forged just as perfectly. If the blade is weak, or the metal imperfect, the magic is likewise flawed. So. This is my test of Tannousin\u2019s craft.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then he turned back to the sword resting on the blocks. With one hand, Flos lifted the sledgehammer, and before Nawal could close her eyes, brought it down on the center of the blade held up in the air by the bricks. She saw the sledgehammer connect perfectly in the center and heard a crash<\/em> of sound.<\/p>\n

And her sword crunched. <\/em>Not the metal\u2014but the handle and sword tip! With nowhere to go, they tore through <\/em>the bricks piled up underneath, cracking them with the force of the blow. The sword itself barely even flexed, but the bricks shattered, and the sword tumbled to the ground. There was a burst of sound, but hardly louder than the roaring in Nawal\u2019s ears. She stumbled, and Silmak caught her. But there, in the remains of the bricks, dusty, but perfectly intact, was her sword.<\/p>\n

Flos held the hammer to the servant and bent to pick it up. He inspected the blade and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnharmed. A strong enchantment and the metal itself is just as powerfully made.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nawal felt light-headed. She smiled victoriously behind her veil as Flos turned to Daiton. The man was looking down at the crushed blocks, swaying on his feet. He looked like he might faint.<\/p>\n

\u201cDaiton.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos had to say his name twice before the [Smith]\u2019s head jerked up. The King of Destruction gestured to Nawal\u2019s sword in his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cDaiton. This sword is beautiful. And, I think, beyond what you have made. Do you dispute this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. No, Your Majesty. I cannot. It surpasses my own. And\u2014Nawalishifra of Clan\u2026she did it in a day. With my steel, sire. I cannot match that feat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Daiton whispered. Nawal\u2019s excitement faded as she saw the old man had tears in his eyes. Daiton slowly looked at his sword and bowed his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m ashamed. But I will retire my hammer. I cannot call myself a master if a smith half my age can outperform me so. None of my blades could hold such an enchantment.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned to go, stumbling, but Flos held up a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold, Daiton.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man stopped and turned back. Flos held up Nawal\u2019s blade. He glanced at Nawal now.<\/p>\n

\u201cNawalishifra of Clan Tannousin. Daiton is my master blacksmith, and I gave him the charge of forging my armies their arms and armor because of his skill. You have placed a superior blade in my hands. But I have a question for you, Nawalishifra. Do you then claim you can do Daiton\u2019s work? Provide my armies with steel for all the tens or hundreds of thousands who join my rank?\u201d<\/p>\n

He gestured towards the sword he held. Nawal gulped. A hundred thousand? She could barely forge one sword every day, and she\u2019d forced herself to get one<\/em> done! If she had to refine metal for more blades, even if her clan helped her, no, even if she had apprentices\u2026<\/p>\n

Silmak broke in, his voice high with nerves.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty, I am ashamed to say that would be impossible, even for the best smith of the Tannousin. We forge a single blade of masterpiece slowly. We could never hope to supply an army, let alone the numberless warriors who serve the King of Destruction.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. But that is what I require from my master of smiths. Daiton may not produce a blade of this quality, but his swords are strong steel, and he can make enough to outfit an army. Hm. It is a quandary. On one hand, I cannot deny the fact that Nawalishifra\u2019s blade is the better one. But if she cannot produce more than a single blade, am I to give the rest of my [Soldiers] rocks?\u201d<\/p>\n

He glanced meaningfully around. Orthenon nodded briskly, and some of the other warriors in the room were doing the same. Then Flos\u2019 eyes settled on Nawal. And suddenly, she had a horrible realization.<\/p>\n

Of course<\/em> Flos knew Daiton wasn\u2019t able to produce blades worthy of enchantment.<\/em> Of course he knew Nawal was the better smith\u2014probably before he\u2019d even seen the blades! He was the King of Destruction and a seasoned warrior in his own right. He had to know the quality of Daiton\u2019s blades. But he was content with that.<\/p>\n

And he was right\u2014he didn\u2019t need enchanted blades for regular soldiers, just good steel, produced as fast as Daiton could manage it. But Nawal had challenged him and, in doing so, insulted the King of Destruction in his halls by showing his smith up.<\/p>\n

But he was giving her a chance. Nawal forced saliva into her mouth and spoke up loudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty. I\u2014I cannot forge steel as fast as Master Daiton. I am slow, and my purpose is to make and forge Naq-Alrama<\/em> steel. In that, I will humbly serve, but I could never replace your master of smiths. I humbly withdraw my sword from comparing it to Master Daiton\u2019s and beg your forgiveness\u2014and his\u2014for the insult.\u201d<\/p>\n

She bowed as low to the ground as she could. She heard more voices around her and then a quiet again. Flos nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cRaise your head, Nawalishifra. I do not take offence. And I am grateful to have laid my eyes on a blade this peerless. As for Daiton, I think he is humbled in his own way, but I think the matter is closed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nawal did raise her head. She saw Daiton nodding fervently and nodded as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cI beg for forgiveness, Your Majesty. I did not mean to bring insult, and I did not realize the difference in what was sought. I only saw the\u2026the quality of metal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos inclined his head. He turned to face the rest of the room and, in doing so, picked up Daiton\u2019s blade. He held both side by side.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell and so. Remember this, to all who listen. Yes, I do not expect any enchanted blades from my forges. But Master Daiton\u2019s art is, in his way, peerless. For he makes [Smiths] out of apprentices with ease and can create swords I am proud to give my [Soldiers]. I would not ask him to make me a blade capable of slaying Dragons. But when I call for my armies, I know they will be armed with the finest steel he has made and count myself lucky to have his services.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked back at Daiton and bowed his head slightly. Nawal heard someone bang on the table\u2014Jelaim, banging his cup. And then there was applause. Daiton looked up, tears in his eyes, and knelt, shoulders shaking as he wept. Flos looked at Nawal.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy smith indeed. I commend Daiton and his apprentices. And yes, I do need blades that can be enchanted. But that is why you have been summoned, Clan Tannousin. I expect you to live up to your reputation as the peerless smiths of the desert. You have already proven your skill. Continue to do so and I will reward you with my gratitude equal to your labors.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked down at Nawal and Silmak. The two knelt, and both pledged to forge Flos the greatest blades of Naq-Alrama<\/em> steel he had ever laid eyes upon. And Nawal meant it. As she rose and shook Daiton\u2019s hands and apologized again to the teary-eyed smith, she saw how Flos had engineered all of this night so that neither Daiton nor Nawal would bear the offence of her petty feud.<\/p>\n

And she admired him. Admired and feared. But she was no longer petrified as she sat down in her seat. She looked up at him as he sat, still inspecting her blade and chatting to his [Steward] and wondered if this<\/em> story might be told about the Tannousin clan fires someday. That of the foolish girl [Smith] who had challenged herself against his [Blacksmith] and failed to best him. Would they say she was foolish for missing the point? Or that the King of Destruction had cleverly twisted it so that the outcome was a draw? Would they tell legends of her?<\/p>\n

Now that was a terrifying, and incredible, thought.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The banquet ended. Oh, there were no doubt other events of note, at least from Clan Tannousin\u2019s side, wonders and things to think deeply on, but to the King of Destruction, there was less wonder and more mundanity. He enjoyed himself of course, but Nawal was right that he had tasted delicacies and hosted banquets that people still told stories about. So the food and drink was a passing pleasure, and Flos retired after two more hours to his room.<\/p>\n

There he summoned Orthenon, his [Steward]. The man was actually waiting outside his door, having anticipated Flos\u2019 summons. He slipped in as Flos was sitting with a cup of mulled wine.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been thinking, Orthenon. Trey and Teres both call me by my name, usually without honorifics. It\u2019s been so long, and the casual appellation is somewhat delightful. People in their world are usually so informal. Would you ever consider doing the same?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Steward] paused as he came to sit across from his ruler.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe I ever would, sire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA pity. Gazi said the same thing. Mars tried it, but she gave up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos sighed. He hadn\u2019t really expected anything different from Orthenon. It was a mark of their bond that Orthenon even sat in his presence; he was a man who believed in formality, and though he was as much friend as vassal to Flos, he couldn\u2019t bear to be too informal. As one might expect of a man who\u2019d been raised in the Drath Archipelago.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind. I\u2019ve given you my instructions regarding the Quarass. I don\u2019t intend to keep you\u2014will you set out tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs soon as we finish speaking, Your Majesty. I will send Venith and Maresar back. Then Mars when I reach Hellios.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. I could use Mars. And Gazi too, if her eye were healed. You and they are the only things keeping our enemies from assaulting us. They fear you, and rightly so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey will have more cause if Germina and Hellios\u2019 armies both join with yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue. But even then, do you think that Nerrhavia would fear us? Or Fetohep\u2019s armies of Khelt? No, no. It is my Seven that shook the world the first time. And I fear that without all of my Seven, this undertaking may yet fail.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orthenon was silent for a moment, and Flos knew he was taking his words seriously. Of course. Orthenon had plotted Reim\u2019s strategy countless times, and he was the one who had led their armies to devastating victory after victory along with Queravia.<\/p>\n

\u201cTakhatres is stalling the Empire of Sands himself. But when he returns, we will have two armies, and one of them devastating by any measure. If we have time, I can bring you an army that could fight even a coalition of states with you leading them and Mars and I supporting. And should Gazi heal, we won\u2019t need to watch our backs. However\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe still lack for [Mages]. Yes. And that is a void only filled by Amerys.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two men fell silent. Flos stared into his cup. Orthenon stared at him, then the window, which reflected the dark desert and city of Reim.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is not like her to be silent, Your Majesty. If she truly did turn traitor\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos held up a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is there to betray? I left her and my kingdom. Her wrath would be expected. Ah, but Orthenon\u2014I\u2019d expect her [Message] at least. I\u2019m sure Wistram has something over her, but to think they could hold her this long? Even with two Archmages, I would still place my faith in her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps there were three.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps. Wistram has not deigned to answer my challenge. And I must have Amerys. Orthenon, I am troubled by her absence. But I realize I cannot dwell on it. Germina is now our ally, or so I hope, and let that be enough to give other nations pause. If the Quarass\u2026no. You will do as you see fit. Enough, let\u2019s talk of something happier before you leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos sat up and smiled at his old friend. Orthenon gave him a brief smile as well. Someone could mistake him for being emotionless or cold. But that was only because they had never seen Orthenon\u2019s wrath or heard him laugh. Such events were rare, but Flos cherished each memory.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs His Majesty wishes. Then what of the sword you held? How is the sword of the Tannousin smith?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine? It was a sword of pure steel. I\u2019ve held similar enchanted weapons before. But\u2014then again, it is<\/em> excellent work for a single day. I wager half the Dwarf [Smiths] I\u2019ve ever met would be hard-pressed to pull off such a feat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree. I had reservations upon seeing a female [Smith] from the Tannousin tribe. But they have brought Naq-Alrama<\/em> steel. Do you intend them to forge you a personal sword?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos waved his cup idly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, one would be nice to have. My old sword was enchanted quite wonderfully, while a Naq-Alrama<\/em> sword is but a mage-killer. I was thinking of asking for a spear for you, Orthenon. And blades for Takhatres on top of a sword for myself. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

The King of Destruction was pleased by the grin that lit up Orthenon\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would be delighted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you might. Naq-Alrama<\/em> steel is worth paying a fortune for, even if we get only a handful of weapons out of it. But if I can convince this Nawalishifra to stay, I would benefit from more weapons of that quality. It will be tricky, but Trey has a way with people, or so it seems.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orthenon frowned. Flos knew he didn\u2019t quite like Trey as much as Teres and still regarded the twins as oddities, potentially dangerous ones.<\/p>\n

\u201cI confess that I do not know Trey as well as you do, my King. But you have an eye for people I lack. If his presence may persuade the Tannousin clan, by all means let him stay with them. He was part of the impetus of today\u2019s bet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. You see? I must have a talk with him tonight. Send him here as you go, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos laughed hugely. This was what he enjoyed. The randomness and unpredictability of people. Gold was stagnant, and magic got old. But people? Each one was different, and those that interested him seldom failed to disappoint.<\/p>\n

Orthenon pensively watched as Flos took a drink of his wine.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn truth, I still wonder about her competence, Your Majesty. Nawalishifra looks too young to be a full-blooded [Blacksmith] by her tribe\u2019s standards. She is obviously quite good, but I once heard that a [Blacksmith] had to be Level 40 to work Naq-Alrama <\/em>steel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo did I. And yes, I doubt she\u2019s at that level. And the actual forging of a blade is only half of a [Blacksmith]\u2019s work. Preparing the metal is just as important. But her father apparently forged that ingot before his passing, so perhaps it is in her capabilities. If it isn\u2019t? We will see.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Steward] nodded. That they would. He cast a glance towards the door, and Flos knew their time was nearly at an end. He grasped for a few more sentences before they left. Something fun. Idle chatter. He would miss Orthenon for however long the man took to settle Hellios and Germina. The task might take him weeks or months, but Orthenon never protested, no matter how arduous his work.<\/p>\n

\u201cA funny thing. I\u2019m told Naq-Alrama <\/em>steel is twice as tricky to forge as mithril, but no one speaks of Adamantine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps because few know how to forge it themselves. And it is such a rare metal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy to miss, or so I\u2019m told. I heard a [Miner] once dug up a huge vein. He thought the stuff was useless, so he sold it to a [Bricklayer] to make cheap bricks of. It apparently isn\u2019t that hard unless processed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh! Then that explains it. You see, one day, a Dwarf from Terandria visited the city the [Bricklayer] was working in, and he came across a wall built of the stuff. Can you imagine, Orthenon? Enough metal to make several breastplates of pure Adamantine baked into the side of a crumbling wall!\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos chuckled, and Orthenon smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I spot any, I will bring it back, my King. But I must be off. Have you any surprises to offer me before I go?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos did. But he knew that would prompt a final discussion, so he\u2019d been holding it in until the last moment. But now was the time. He sighed as he put his drink aside and leaned forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cA few surprises, but all necessary as I will convince you, old friend. Firstly, I intend to issue an edict, Orthenon. An edict, and perhaps reform one of the units of old.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be welcome on both counts. Have we the resources for a unit?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [King] shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe brought back some treasure from Hellios and Germina. I will see, but it is on my mind. But the true surprise for you and the world is that I\u2019m planning on conducting in that most displeasing of enterprises. Diplomacy. The world waits for me to declare war again, and the kingdoms and nations of Chandrar already plot my downfall. So I intend to give them something else to think about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orthenon\u2019s brows shot up and together sharply. He hadn\u2019t expected this, which made Flos happy. If he hadn\u2019t, it was likely no one else would be expecting this either.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you intend to send to the other nations of Chandrar, Your Majesty?\u201d<\/p>\n

He had a wary look on his face, as if he might have to physically restrain Flos\u2014as he\u2019d done more than once\u2014from making a stupid mistake. But Flos was confident Orthenon would see the merit of this plan. He smiled broadly and sat back in his chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeace, Orthenon. I intend to issue a world-wide declaration of peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

A bark of surprised laughter came out of Orthenon\u2019s mouth, a moment of true levity. He laughed, and Flos committed the moment forever in his mind. But the King of Destruction didn\u2019t laugh with Orthenon. He raised one eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t a joke.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Trey Atwood sat in the banquet. He ate in the banquet. He had some of his hair catch on fire in the banquet when one of the Parasol Stroll mages did his fire trick. He watched Nawal during the banquet. This was what Trey Atwood did.<\/p>\n

He thought Nawal looked very relieved after she sat down at her table, but he didn\u2019t get a chance to talk with her. And she disappeared too soon afterwards. He hadn\u2019t seen her after he\u2019d caught her from fainting\u2014and nearly been tackled by that huge guard, Hesseif, and Bezha, who may or may not be Nawal\u2019s mother.<\/p>\n

But it didn\u2019t surprise Trey, honestly. Nawal and her entire tribe had looked overwhelmed by the King of Destruction\u2019s scrutiny\u2014and his presence. She had already collapsed once from her task of smithing, so they retired quickly after the banquet started winding down.<\/p>\n

That left Trey with Gazi. Only, Gazi left the table first, and Flos and Orthenon left shortly thereafter. And so Trey was left with Teres at last.<\/p>\n

Trey had eaten during the banquet. And chatted to Gazi and watched the show and worried for Nawal. What he hadn\u2019t really done was talk to Teres. Things were still awkward between them.<\/p>\n

Oh, they\u2019d said hello. Trey recalled them reuniting after the week or so apart. She\u2019d found him playing with his sand sprites and wondering to himself if Nawal would be okay.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey. I\u2019m back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. That\u2019s grand. How was it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. It was\u2014okay, here\u2019s what happened\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

And they\u2019d talked. Teres had given Trey a full accounting of what had gone down with Flos and the Quarass and Hellios, and he\u2019d been properly amazed and asked questions, but at no point had he sat down right next to her and leaned on her shoulder or vice-versa. At no point had they begun talking so fast their words overlapped or hugged each other or\u2026or felt close<\/em>.<\/p>\n

They felt like friends. Or family members. Or like brother and sister, even, but not like twins<\/em>, which is what they were. So close they could sometimes know what the other was thinking. But now Trey couldn\u2019t tell what Teresa thought. She had changed. And so had he.<\/p>\n

They\u2019d fought. And they still hadn\u2019t figured out how to come back together. Trey wondered if they ever would. He wondered if they should<\/em>. They\u2019d been so angry at each other at the time.<\/p>\n

Gloomily, Trey picked at his food. He kept glancing up at Teres because he had the feeling she was doing it when he wasn\u2019t looking. Finally, there was a point when they both looked up at the same time and caught each other staring.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, fine, but it\u2019s only\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

They stopped. And grinned at each other, because they\u2019d had a moment of simultaneous understanding.<\/p>\n

What? I was just checking to see if you were checking. Okay, fine, but it\u2019s only because I want to talk to you. Idiot.<\/em><\/p>\n

She missed him after all. Trey scooted closer, taking over Gazi\u2019s spot. Teres rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think she sat between us on purpose?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould be. She\u2019s like that. Sometimes she\u2019s nice\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHah!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is! But she hides it. I told<\/em> you. And sometimes she likes being mean. Like she was to Nawal. But she\u2019s never really<\/em> mean\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell that to His Majesty. He told me all kinds of things on the road. Gazi\u2019s dangerous, Trey. She was a slave once, you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026he found her and raised her, and I guess she was a lot more timid. But she became one of his Seven by killing a lot of people. A lot.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. She said she got to be one of Flos\u2019 best vassals by playing up being scary.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think scary\u2019s the right word. Here\u2019s what I heard she did once from<\/em> Flos. There was this spy, and she ate both his eyes and then\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, Sir Trey. His Majesty requests your presence at once.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey and Teres jumped. They saw one of the servants beckoning to Trey. He swallowed a moment of disappointment and then an impulse to tell the servant to go away<\/em>. That might work on Flos, well maybe, but his servants treated the King of Destruction\u2019s words like law, and they would drag Trey if need be.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe? But\u2014what about you, Teres?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at his sister, hoping she would come with him. But the servant just shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis Majesty ordered only your presence. This way.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was already impatient. Teres made a face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI bet he wants to talk to you about all kinds of stuff from our home\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She waggled her eyebrows, although Trey wasn\u2019t sure how secret their secret really was to begin with.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014to you. I couldn\u2019t handle it. Go on. I\u2019ll talk to you tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPromise?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPromise. And you can tell me about that veiled girl. She\u2019s a [Blacksmith]?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey sighed as he saw Teres\u2019 disapproving look to where Nawal had been. He slid out of his chair and followed the [Servant], who set a quick trot through the castle.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Servant] pointed Trey to a room Trey was vaguely familiar with. It wasn\u2019t Flos\u2019 bedroom, but a sitting room Flos sometimes used. It had a lovely view and a balcony. The King of Destruction was using that when Trey entered the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Trey. I\u2019m grateful you\u2019re here. Thank you\u2014Eim, isn\u2019t it? Your father used to deliver me a nightcap when I was younger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos thanked the [Servant], and Trey found a seat rather than look at the way the manservant\u2019s eyes would light up. He heard the door close after a moment of conversation, and Flos came over to sit down. The King of Destruction smiled at Trey. He had a cup of wine in his hand, half-empty.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has been a long time since we spoke, hasn\u2019t it? A week? It feels like months! Would you like a drink? Something else to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you, Your Majesty. I was talking with my sister. We hadn\u2019t seen each other either.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey pointedly glanced at the door. Flos paused, and Trey felt a moment\u2019s pinch of conscience. Flos was nothing but kind mostly, and aside from the slave thing<\/em>, which Trey had been forbidden from bringing up (and had given up trying because Flos wouldn\u2019t listen even when he tried), he was good to talk to. But Trey couldn\u2019t bring himself to be as casual and say \u2018Flos\u2019 like Teres did. And he was peeved about not speaking to Teres.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, my apologies, Trey. I\u2019d forgotten the bonds of siblings. No, twins. But I hope you two will chat tonight. Teres did mention missing you on the road.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid she?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey perked up a bit. Flos smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tell her I said that. I won\u2019t keep you overlong. But I did wish to call you here to talk. You know it eases my mind to talk to you two.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this more stuff about history? Teres said you pestered her all about war and our world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos shook his head, which relieved Trey a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no. I just wanted\u2014well, a willing ear, I\u2019ll confess.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [King] looked actually embarrassed as he shifted in his seat. Trey looked nonplussed, so Flos explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou see, Trey, it is enjoyable to see your reaction as someone not of this world. You are one of a handful of people I am able to speak to without a level of\u2026distance. As a [King]. And explaining concepts to you, or informing you or Teres of my plans, helps firm them in my mind. I used to do that to the other of my Seven back in the day. Not Mars or Gazi\u2014or Orthenon\u2014Mars is a terrible listener at times, Gazi gets bored, and Orthenon is too serious and too sharp.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019d you talk to, then? Takhatres? Amerys? Or\u2026the others?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey tried to remember the other three of the Seven. Drevish he knew, the [Architect]. But the other two were\u2026<\/p>\n

The [King] noticed Trey\u2019s moment of hesitation. He smiled sadly.<\/p>\n

\u201cTakhatres was good to talk to. Amerys was almost as poor a listener as Mars. The three you\u2019re thinking of are Drevish, Queravia, and Tottenval. They were my companions of choice for these kinds of talks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not? Well, perhaps because all three had different qualities. Drevish was an [Architect], one of two of my Seven not suited to war, so he had no patience for grand strategies. He would listen and give me his frank\u2014and quite sharp!\u2014opinions. But he would listen, and his ideas were fascinating, as you might expect from someone who could build a castle out of water in the desert.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes, to prove he could. It used up so much magic, and Orthenon was so furious\u2026but it was a grand sight, and I think I gave Drevish an entire vintage of wines to celebrate. Ah, but where was I? Drevish was one, and Tottenval another. Both cared little for war. Have I told you about Tottenval?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Only that he died at sea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. It was\u2026he died saving my life where no one else could. And he was no warrior, but a [Gardener]. Not even a magical one. He made Reim bloom and fed my entire kingdom. A Beastkin from Baleros. I will tell you of his passing someday. But not today. Not now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos shook his head, a shadow crossing his features. He took a long drink of wine, as if to banish it.<\/p>\n

\u201cTottenval was good to talk to, mainly because he was so incurious. I would tell him some grand scheme Queravia and Orthenon had concocted or of our latest enemies and their might, and he would say, \u2018so?\u2019 As if it were the most mundane thing in the world! That would only make me try and describe the magnificence of what I saw to him even harder until he got it or I realized how trivial the matter really was. The perspective of a [Gardener], Trey.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey nodded, trying to imagine Tottenval in his head. He wondered how he had died. And how he had saved Flos\u2019 life.<\/p>\n

\u201cI get it. But what about Queravia? Weren\u2019t you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

This time, Trey was afraid to say it. Hints from Mars and Gazi had helped him here, but Flos\u2019 expression had changed. It wasn\u2019t just grief, and the King of Destruction\u2019s fine metal cup bore the imprint of his hand when he lowered it this time.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. We were close. If that was what you were asking. Who told you? Mars? Gazi? Someone\u2026no. Another topic. Another time. Yes, I loved talking with her just because her company was enjoyable. That was all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos got up and refilled his goblet. Trey stared at his back until Flos sat down again. This time, the King of Destruction shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother time. Why did I bring that up? Ah, merely to say that I enjoy talking to you and Teres in the same way, Trey. And I would like you to know more about my enemies. You see, I\u2019m about to put into place a rather daring plan\u2014at least in some senses of the word. But I\u2019m not entirely confident<\/em> in it. Or rather, I suspect only some of my enemies will accept my proposal, and I\u2019d like to think over the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019re you going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSend a message. Which reminds me, if anything lands on the balcony let me know, would you? I\u2019m expecting a guest before I retire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos pointed over his shoulder at the balcony. Trey craned his neck around, frowning. The King of Destruction waved at him to sit back down.<\/p>\n

\u201cLater, later. For now, a little lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI get those from Gazi every day. And Orthenon too!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but do they teach you geography? The affairs of other nations?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. All the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The King of Destruction looked put out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m preparing my own lesson. How well do you know the other nations bordering ours? Belchan? Jecrass? Khelt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey squirmed in his seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can point them out on a map. But I need to see one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos grimaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cA map? I could order one brought, but maps of nations are always changing. And if I do that, I\u2019m liable to spill this wine at some point, and Orthenon will<\/em> kill me if I ruin\u2026no, I have a better idea. A moment!\u201d<\/p>\n

He raised his voice. Trey didn\u2019t know who was listening, but the door instantly opened, and the servant, Eim, poked his head through.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty has a wish?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cParchment and ink, please, Eim. Scrap parchment I think, but large enough for a table. And\u2026hm, these tables are too short. A larger table.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt once.\u201d<\/p>\n

The door closed. Trey stared at Flos.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to draw a map?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. It sounds entertaining, and I do know the various nations. But while I wait\u2014there was something else I was going to do, Trey. Issue an edict and form a unit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, like a proclamation? And why a unit?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey frowned at Flos. The [King] chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cSort of. I\u2019m not talking about regular edicts and units of soldiers, though. I\u2019m referring to a [King]\u2019s Skills. It\u2019s past time you learned more of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t it dangerous for me to know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDangerous as in secret? No, I imagine most of my Skills are well-known. And I want to explain this because I\u2019m wrestling with which edict to issue. You see\u2014hm, how should<\/em> I explain this? Well, you know that as a [King], many of my Skills affect my kingdom, don\u2019t you, Trey?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man nodded. Flos nodded as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a boon, especially if you consider how large a kingdom can be. And a single Skill can do\u2026ah, so much! Now, generally kingdom-wide Skills are rare, even for rulers to obtain. I have a few, like a Skill that allows my soldiers to level up quicker. That is a very<\/em> powerful Skill, if a low-level one for a [King] specializing in war. But just having it can make my nation more powerful than one without a high-level [King] over time, you see?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey did see.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo your powers affect your kingdom, but not yourself as much. That\u2019s why you\u2019re weaker than Mars in battle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly. Her Skills are almost all specific to herself. But mine affect more people. Both have their merits, but one thing a ruler can do is issue\u2026temporary Skills. Or should I say, conditional Skills? For instance, I have the power to issue an edict over my lands. But only one, and should I issue another, it will replace the first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. That\u2019s exactly like a video game. Like a buff. I get it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The King of Destruction paused, looking miffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d forgotten how much these video games of yours resemble this world. I must try one on that phone of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s out of battery, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. Yes. Drat. I recall. If only there was a way\u2026you had that cord thing, don\u2019t you? Maybe Ulyse could charge it. He can conjure lightning, if not as much as Amerys.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey sincerely doubted Ulyse\u2019s ability to conjure electricity would do anything but fry his iPhone, but he nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe\u2026but go on about edicts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm, yes. I can only have one. And before you say that it is a simple task\u2014an edict shapes my will and my kingdom. I cannot change it as easily as one might change boots. It\u2019s just like blessings, honestly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBlessings?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos waved a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cA type of Skill that monarchs gain. Again, you may only have one active. [Blessing of Rains], for instance, was considered a wonder in Chandrar because it guaranteed regular rainfall, however little. I have one and only one. But edicts? I have three. And each is powerful, but comes with a cost, so I have not been willing to use one yet. But with three nations nominally under my control, it is time to use one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay then. What are they?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey leaned forward, a bit excited despite himself. Flos took a drink, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither Drevish nor Tottenval. Well, my edicts are [Edict of Bloom], [Edict of Silversky], and [Edict of the Blooded]. Care to guess what each does?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEr, I don\u2019t know about Silversky, but one sounds like restoration and the other like war.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [King] looked pleased.<\/p>\n

\u201cCorrect! The [Edict of Bloom] revitalizes a war-torn kingdom. Ideal for Germina and Hellios, although we\u2019ve hardly razed much. But Reim would benefit. It allows crops to grow quicker, wounds to mend, children to be born and conceived more fruitfully and quickly among animals and people\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, born quicker? <\/em>That\u2019s not on!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not? A child will be born in six months fully formed rather than nine for a Human mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you can\u2019t just\u2014wouldn\u2019t it make her hungrier or\u2014how does that work?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think mothers do get hungrier, but the time of plenty affects all things, Trey. By contrast, [Edict of the Blooded] boosts preparation for war. All those with an inclination to fight level up much quicker, and those with the talent for battle discover it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey thought that sounded reasonable. Mothers giving birth faster and crops growing sounded like way<\/em> too much power to him. He saw why Flos had waited though; with Germina and Hellios under his command, he\u2019d have lots more crops growing, and in the spring too!<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, but what\u2019s [Edict of Silversky]? Does it turn the sky silver?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. But it does change the weather. I think the Skill comes from the nature of silver as a pure metal, rather than anything else. You see, I gained the Skill during a particularly bad set of sandstorms that threatened my kingdom. The [Edict of Silversky] is a purifying edict. Under its effects, lies are difficult to tell, the weather balances, and hostile presences find themselves unwelcome in my kingdom. Most importantly, it frees the dreams and feelings of my subjects from negative influence, and that is sometimes more than just external. Those who find themselves plagued by sadness or fury without reason calm, and I consider it the best of my edicts to use in times of peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh. That does<\/em> sound nice. It almost sounds like that edict, uh, purifies bad thoughts. Like someone with depression. Imbalances in the head.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think so too? We did talk about medicine, didn\u2019t we? If only we had some [Doctors] from your world. Hm. But yes, it is a valuable edict and the one with least consequence. But I fear it will be the [Edict of Bloom] or the [Edict of the Blooded] I call upon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey frowned and sipped from his sweet cup of grape juice. It was excellent, really.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the negatives of using either edict? Shouldn\u2019t a Skill be helpful?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cEdicts are temporary, Trey. As such, their effects are more pronounced, and there are disadvantages. The [Edict of Bloom] may invigorate my lands, but it is also a time of strife, for monsters will take advantage of the rapid growth as well. Too, the rapid growth takes nutrients from the soil, and as you pointed out, mothers require more sustenance, as do animals. It is intensive on the people, for we may reap harvests and grow, but it takes work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the [Edict of the Blooded]? Wait\u2014do people get violent?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, you understand. Yes, my people train to war, but it encourages them towards battle, sometimes with tragic results. If I used it, Hellios might see more rebellions by young men, and I would receive reports of higher rates of injury among my soldiers. It is a tradeoff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does the [Edict of Silversky] do, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt simply makes things calm. Pure to the extent that it is sometimes agonizing. No harsh weather, no great storms, no lies\u2014imagine not telling a lie for a month, Trey. People crave excitement, if in small amounts. It is an edict I use after a long time of unrest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey nodded. Now that Flos said it, all three edicts sounded like trouble in their own way.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo which will you use? Will you use any of them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos grimaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cI must. It is an advantage I cannot turn down. And I think\u2014yes, I think the [Edict of Bloom] is the one I must use now that I say it out loud. War may be imminent, but it is spring, and there is no better time for it. We will be able to reap two<\/em> spring harvests or an earlier autumnal harvest this way.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gently slapped his hands together. Trey flinched, expecting the edict to begin right then and there, but Flos just shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will issue it tomorrow. It requires at least a bit of ceremony, and I wouldn\u2019t spring it on my subjects. They will know what to expect. Now, onto units. If I explain edicts, we should explain units before my servants return.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gestured at the door. Trey blinked, wondering why it was taking them so long. Flos grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re probably trying to find a table they can fit through the doors and parchment worthy of me writing on it. Never mind. Units are simple, Trey. And they are a Skill that reflects across [Generals] as well. We may designate a group to have certain\u2026qualities. To be granted powers simply by inducting new members.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, like a group of warriors who all have flaming swords?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, exactly. Except that if it\u2019s my Skill, they don\u2019t need to have enchantments on their blades. Their swords will simply burst into flame when they draw them. They\u2019ll have burning armor too, I suppose, although that would be inconvenient.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey\u2019s jaw dropped. He\u2019d only meant that as an example!<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good too! Why haven\u2019t you made one of them yet? Wait\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos was twirling a finger, smiling. Trey thought and applied a video game\u2019s logic to the answer.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026You can\u2019t yet because you haven\u2019t met the requirements.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh! A splendid answer! That\u2019s exactly it, Trey. I have several units I could call into being, and none<\/em> of them I can yet form. Some units are simple to create\u2014such as only needing some [Riders] to form a cavalry-based unit like [Driftwind Riders], who always have the wind at their backs. But more powerful units require certain conditions be met. For instance, a group of riders who also all wear heavy armor to become the [Steelshorn Relentless]. In which case their armor\u2014which was already a pain to deal with\u2014becomes twice as thick. Thankfully, they weren\u2019t immune to lightning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos sighed as he poured Trey a refill of his drink. Trey gulped some more down.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo how\u2019ll you fix that problem?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBy checking on how many enchanted blades we have. I don\u2019t need too many, just a hundred or so\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA hundred?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014to form the weakest of my units, yes. Even if all the blades are only slightly<\/em> magical, turning a hundred soldiers into a unit would make them considerably stronger in battle. But I don\u2019t think I took that many. The Quarass\u2019 treasury and Hellios\u2019 had gold and other artifacts I\u2019ll have Gazi sort through, but not quite enough blades.\u201d<\/p>\n

Again, Flos sighed. Trey choked on his wine.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou robbed <\/em>both treasuries? I thought you allied with the Quarass!\u201d<\/p>\n

The King of Destruction tugged on his beard.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. But I still need gold, and her artifacts were going to waste. I will share with her of course, but as our armies will fight together, my officers need them most. Venith\u2019s shield is enchanted, but he could use some enchanted armor like the old days. And if I had a few artifacts for Parasol Stroll\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey sat back in his chair. That was Flos for you. One second talking about the benefits and demerits of Skills, the next casually robbing kingdoms of their treasures. He heard the door open.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty, sincerest apologies for the wait. We have a chair and table as well as the parchment and ink\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Eim, wonderful. Place it here. Trey, move these chairs back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ignoring the servant\u2019s protests, Flos casually pulled his chair back, and they brought a huge table in with six men. And parchment and ink. Trey stared at it as it filled the quiet sitting room, quite out of place, but Flos seemed pleased.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. That will be all. Trey, gather around here. Time to see the heart of tonight\u2019s little discussion. I am going to show you Reim\u2019s enemies. At least our immediate ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed heartily. Trey walked around the table to Flos\u2019 side. The King of Destruction was already dipping his quill into the ink pot, murmuring to himself as he drew.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see. I suppose I\u2019ll start with Chandrar, shall I? Not all of it, since the perspective needs to be closer. But if I do the eastern and northern parts\u2026there. And here\u2019s Reim. You see it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey did, and he\u2019d seen the map of Chandrar enough times to know it looked like a lowercase \u2018R\u2019, at least, that was how he thought of it. The western half was longer than the eastern, but it was wider than it was long. Okay, a really stretched lowercase \u2018R\u2019.<\/p>\n

But what had shaken Trey when Orthenon had first pointed them out on the map was how small<\/em> Reim was. Flos didn\u2019t seem to mind, and he pointed out the little blob of Reim proudly to Trey.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are in the northeast of Chandrar, one of the countries bordering the great desert. As a consequence, Reim is dry, as are the nations around us. Germina, Hellios, especially Khelt\u2026you see? Germina is north of us, Hellios northeast. Both are so close by, so they contributed most to the army that attacked Reim.\u201d<\/p>\n

The King of Destruction drew two small nations up from Reim. Trey squinted at the map, confused. It didn\u2019t look like the one Orthenon had.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on, Fl\u2014er, Your Majesty. I thought Reim didn\u2019t<\/em> border Hellios and Germina until now. It was even smaller than this, and there were some cities between us. Which you took over.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos waved a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. Not all lands are held by one kingdom. There are individual cities here and there, areas ruled by tribes\u2026lesser countries who come and go around Reim to the south here. I\u2019ll just draw a few of the ones that I know. But I excluded the ones north of Reim and the others because I can\u2019t be bothered to draw every single one in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey. That\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey protested. Flos turned to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI could conquer one of those cities or states with Mars and five cats, Trey. Don\u2019t bother with the small details.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oh, to be a fly on the wall if anyone heard that. Trey almost felt sorry for the [Kings] and rulers Flos casually ignored with the strokes of his quill.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere. You see? We have those smaller countries bordering our south I can\u2019t be bothered to remember. Poor lands, by and large\u2014really a no man\u2019s land. To the north was Germina and Hellios, both our former closest enemies. Our most dangerous at the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey nodded, biting his lip.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you took them out in two battles, so they weren\u2019t all that strong, were they?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos turned to Trey, looking astonished.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course they were! Trey, these were both established nations with hundreds of years of history\u2014thousands<\/em> in Germina\u2019s case. It\u2019s old beyond belief, one of the four remaining Shield Nations!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but its power has waned, right? Or\u2014or it\u2019s still a small nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCompared to some. But it could still command respect from around Chandrar.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos frowned at Trey, looking deeply troubled by Trey\u2019s blas\u00e9 attitude. Trey frowned at Flos, deeply confused by Flos\u2019 respectful<\/em> attitude.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you beat Germina and<\/em> Hellios like that! I was there!\u201d<\/p>\n

He snapped his fingers. Flos shook his head, sighing.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrey\u2026both nations had strong armies. Both nations have power\u2014strength\u2014they had cunning rulers, at least, Germina did. And they were known quantities not to be ignored. Germina is known for its [Assassins] and Hellios its [Knights]. And stonework. That I defeated both nations isn\u2019t due to their weakness; it\u2019s due to my levels and the fact that Orthenon, Mars, and Gazi all rode with me on these nations.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo even though they were strong\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAm I called the King of Destruction or not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos smiled, looking very amused by Trey\u2019s stupid look.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrey, what you fail to understand is that my level is truly high, as are those of my Seven. A big nation\u2014bigger than Germina\u2014would have one or two individuals at most<\/em> who could equal one of my Seven. And a [King] of my level is an even greater threat. As it stands, most nations on Chandrar I could defeat with Mars, Orthenon, and Gazi at my back in an open battle, even with only Reim\u2019s army. It\u2019s when they join forces they threaten to overwhelm me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The casual arrogance\u2014no, the casual confidence in Flos\u2019 voice reminded him again of who he was talking to. Flos, who could talk about squashing a country larger than Germina as if it were a sure thing. He shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. But now both countries are yours. What\u2019re you drawing now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the countries that could threaten Reim, at least in the short term. You see this nation to our west? Khelt. And these two northern countries north of Hellios and Germina? Those are the Republic of Belchan, to the west, and the Realm of Jecrass, respectively.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey peered at all three nations. Khelt bordered Reim, at least, according to Flos\u2019 map. And Belchan and Jecrass were both around Germina and Hellios in size.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre any of these nations dangerous?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos hmmed<\/em> for a second.<\/p>\n

\u201cBelchan is home to one of the [Mage] schools in Chandrar, not nearly as famous as Wistram, but still important. Moreover, it is a fruitful place\u2014you see, it gets more water, as do the nations on the coasts. Jecrass is known for its fine horses, and I know their [King], Raelt, of old. But he was \u2018only\u2019 on the level of the Quarass, so I suppose both nations are \u2018only\u2019 as militarily powerful as Germina and Hellios.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gave Trey a sardonic look over the map. Trey hunched his shoulders defensively.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I get it. They\u2019re good nations.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos laughed, reached out, and ruffled Trey\u2019s hair. Trey held still, wondering at the odd familiarity of the gesture.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, but not the most powerful. You are right in that. Their northern neighbors actually concern me. As does Khelt, but I think their [King] won\u2019t move. If they did, Reim might be wiped off the map!\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos laughed heartily. Trey nearly dropped his drink.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? <\/em>But you said\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKhelt is a terrible nation to fight. I learned that the hard way. Don\u2019t worry, they\u2019re unique. And their [King] isn\u2019t prone to starting wars. But if they fight on their lands or around them, the armies of Khelt are insanely difficult to beat. After all, I can\u2019t demoralize them, they don\u2019t tire, and that damn Fetohep can bring back more and more\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The King of Destruction grumbled to himself as he stabbed Khelt a few times with his quill. Trey stared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re undead?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? No, only the army. Their citizens are alive; the undead are merely slaves. Fetohep is unique as far as I know, different from the living and the dead. Ah, it might be wise to send someone in person to deliver my message to him. Venith, perhaps. He can be touchy, and the last thing I need is one of his armies demonstrating his ire. But happily, his nation is one of the few that doesn\u2019t outright hate mine!\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos brightened a bit. Trey did not. He stared at Flos, then at the map.<\/p>\n

The King of Destruction had kept on outlining countries as he spoke, taking time to make them properly squiggly, as Trey saw it. Two nations appeared north of Belchan and Jecrass, and a very<\/em> large kingdom appeared south of Reim, only separated by the tiny strips of no-man\u2019s land. To the left, Flos drew a few other states, a long strip of a country, a weird, tiny circle, and two more nations. Then the King of Destruction flexed his hand and grimaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cA cramp! This is so taxing! And these countries are annoying to draw! I think I\u2019ll skip our eastern and western borders. There\u2019s not much to draw, anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019ve just done the north and south!\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey protested, pointing at the nearly empty space east and west of Reim. Flos shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the west lies the desert, past Khelt. The Empire of Sands is across that desert, but no one will threaten our western side. Except Khelt. And the eastern coastal nations are a mix. Some are large enough to threaten us and powerful\u2014but they are too far, at least for the moment. There\u2019s a little desert over here, you see\u2014well, I forgot to add it in. It doesn\u2019t matter. These are the nations that concern me most at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

He tapped the map. Trey stared. Four nations north of Hellios and Germina, including Belchan and Jecrass, the huge nation to the south of Reim, and four smaller countries to the southwest.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy these?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on, I just need to outline the rest. I\u2019m making up the borders, but it\u2019s so tiring to draw Nerrhavia. But this looks close enough to a proper map\u2026there was this bit that looked like part of a square over here where the Sarmathi ate a section of Nerrhavia, wasn\u2019t there?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey watched as Flos leaned over the parchment, glaring at the tiny details he was adding, all apparently from memory. But it was apparent he was losing patience as the minutes dragged by and Trey drank more wine from his cup. At last, Flos threw down his quill.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but this is a tiring business! No wonder [Cartographers] are so difficult to come by! Enough! I won\u2019t bother with the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

He held up the map and showed Trey triumphantly. To Flos\u2019 credit, it did<\/em> vaguely resemble the maps Orthenon had shown Trey. The young man stared at it.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Crestfallen, Flos looked at Trey.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay? I labored for nearly half an hour on this!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see a bunch of nations. But why are they so dangerous?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause each one has the potential to invade. And all but one hate Reim\u2014or specifically me\u2014to some degree or other. Actually, almost all the nations do except this one. Right here, see?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos pointed to one of the southwestern nations he\u2019d drawn. Trey eyed it.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo we have only one ally?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPossibly? I knew their [Empress] back in my days before my slumber. She was a growing teen then. So she would be\u2026her empire willingly joined with mine, so I have hopes she\u2019d ally if we drew close enough to share forces. That would be Tiqr, by the way. Stronger than Germina or Hellios, incidentally. It has a Garuda population and a great deal of animals. Like war elephants.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh! That\u2019s like Persia from my world!\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey blinked. Flos nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour world uses them too? I wouldn\u2019t see why not. They are quite deadly. But I feel poorly for the animals, especially when so many die. Nevertheless, that is Tiqr\u2019s business, and with any luck, we won\u2019t fight them. But they are possible allies! Er, the other nations are all enemies without a doubt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd this big nation to our south? Are they weak by any chance?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Nerrhavia. Um\u2026no. No, they are not weak. But their ruler isn\u2019t prone to war\u2014she didn\u2019t even send any forces against us with the coalition army. She\u2019s rather lazy as rulers go, I suppose, or she doesn\u2019t hate me as much as some nations. But she would be a dangerous enemy. You see, all this land was formerly smaller kingdoms and states of String People. But it unified, oh, six thousand years back? Into a powerful empire that ruled for thousands of years then was overthrown. Into the Kingdom of Nerrhavia\u2019s Fall that we now know today. One of the largest and most powerful nations of Chandrar, but you could say its finest hours have passed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019s it called that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it was the kingdom that overthrew Nerrhavia. Who, I am only guessing, was a ruler not well beloved. A dangerous enemy, but not one determined for my head. Yet!\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey gave Flos a flat stare. The King of Destruction only grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe nations that aren\u2019t Tiqr or Nerrhavia?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPomle, Savere, and Illivere. All dangerous, although Pomle\u2014the tiny one shaped like a circle\u2014isn\u2019t hostile towards us. They\u2019re neutral by and large, but they could<\/em> go to war, and they possess significant military might despite being so small. Illivere\u2019s prosperous and dangerous if political, and Savere is prosperous, dangerous, seafaring, and<\/em> their ruler hates me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. Well, it\u2019s a story in itself. Suffice it to say, if we get near any coast, she might be a significant problem. But we\u2019re landlocked, so all\u2019s well for now!\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos laughed hugely. Trey didn\u2019t laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. Two nations to the north. Big one\u2014why are there three dots?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose? I marked the capitals of Germina and Hellios for you. And those dots are\u2026dungeons. Ah, yes. The Thalassocracy of Medain is a nation of adventurers, blessed or cursed by three vast dungeons. All three have been explored for centuries, but they are magical dungeons and still spit out enough threats to employ any number of adventurers. Their ruler doesn\u2019t have a personal grudge towards me that I know of, but his forces were among those that marched on Reim.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey almost wanted to visit Medain and know what a nation full of adventurers looked like. But he supposed that wouldn\u2019t happen so long as he was around Flos.<\/p>\n

\u201cWonderful. And that last nation to the northwest?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos\u2019 smile faded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. The Claiven Earth. That\u2019s what they call themselves. Claiven hates me. And it\u2019s one of the few nations I couldn\u2019t conquer outright before my slumber. It\u2026may be a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was it. Trey couldn\u2019t hold it in anymore. He threw the map up with his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverywhere might be a problem!<\/em> You have one ally<\/em> on this map, and every other nation either doesn\u2019t like you, might attack, or hates your guts! Are we going to die?\u201d<\/p>\n

He was hyperventilating just imagining all these foreign lands, all far bigger than Reim or Germina, lining up to attack Reim. Trey took in a huge gulp of air and felt a large hand descend on his shoulder. It was comforting and warm. Trey looked up. Flos\u2019 huge smile took away his fear for a second.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrey, oh, Trey. Don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey gulped and nodded. Flos stroked his beard, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone dies someday. Besides, looking at this map and my enemies\u2014this is the challenge I dreamed of! And each nation might <\/em>invade, but my plan will deal with half of them, at least. I\u2019m sure of it. Diplomacy was never my forte, but remember, I<\/em> am the one they fear. And I plan to use that to my advantage. At least to build up some more strength and consolidate Germina and Hellios.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey shuddered, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re barking mad. You\u2019re crazy. At least tell me what you\u2019re doing! And how would you even win, even with Germina\u2019s armies and Hellios\u2019? How can you control<\/em> so much land?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you see, there are some artifacts I must have. And if I can get Khelt\u2019s ruler on my side, ally with some nations like Germina, and my plan works\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Tap. Tap.<\/em><\/p>\n

Flos turned at the same time as Trey. The young man saw a figure standing on the balcony adjourning the sitting room. He heard a shout at the same time.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe skies! Someone\u2019s landed on the balcony!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProtect His Majesty! Sire\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey looked around as the door exploded inwards and Eim rushed forwards, holding a belt knife. Flos clicked his fingers and slapped his forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I knew I forgot something. Eim, put the blade down. Call off the alarm. That is a Courier. And my guest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eim slowed in his mad charge to get in front of Flos. The figure on the balcony hadn\u2019t moved. Eim looked at Flos, then turned and rushed back to the corridor, stopping the five soldiers rushing in and shouting frantically.<\/p>\n

\u201cEr, Your Majesty? Who is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

The figure did not look Human, and as Flos walked forwards and opened the glass doors, Trey realized it was not<\/em> a Human who walked into the room. Her feathers were a brilliant green speckled with white, and her form was tall and thin. Trey had only known Takhatres and a few of his tribe, but he had never met a fat Garuda. Presumably they wouldn\u2019t fly.<\/p>\n

But this Garuda had. And she was beautiful. Her beak opened slightly as she bowed, and her feathered wing-arms extended in a courtier\u2019s bow to Flos. Then she looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cPardon the intrusion, King Flos of Reim. But I was told to visit this balcony.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fault is mine, Courier. I apologize for the late hour and the danger, but I have need of your services. By all means, come in. And partake of wine or grape juice if you wish it. Trey, a chair.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey immediately pulled up a chair, but the female Garuda shook her head. She turned to face Flos, still smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cI fear I\u2019ll be too busy for wine, and grape juice goes through my system quickly. But I am grateful for the offer, Your Majesty. I came here to take an urgent message, or so I understand it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are. To every nation south of here. To the rulers of Nerrhavia, Tiqr, Illivere, Pomle, Savere\u2026I have contacted City Runners in Hellios who will deliver my message north and east.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Garuda tilted her head slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. An important letter. You have my word I will carry it without failure or disclose its information to any but whom you intend to read it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to risk your life, brave Courier. I am already indebted to you; you were the only Courier who answered my call. May I ask your name? I\u2019m told you call yourself the Sky\u2019s Mirage. Is there a reason for the nickname?\u201d<\/p>\n

The emerald Garuda shrugged, opening her wing arms slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not the name I chose, but nicknames seldom are. Apparently it came from those who saw me on the ground as I flew high above the sands of Chandrar. I\u2019m told my feathers on the blue sky are a lovely sight from the ground. But I\u2019d prefer you just use my name, Your Majesty. Or have you forgotten me?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked directly at Flos. The King of Destruction paused, and his eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave I? I\u2019m sure I would remember someone so striking\u2026but we have met, haven\u2019t we? Were you a City Runner, once? No. No, wait. Your plumage. And your voice\u2026you were a Street Runner who delivered my message to Drevish when assassins sought his life! How could I have forgotten you, Chaita of Keymos!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Garuda opened her beak in a brilliant smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do remember! And you were the first person to ever trust me with a message of such importance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos held out his hands and took Chaita\u2019s wing-hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saved Drevish\u2019s life, then. I am ashamed to forget. Chaita, I would welcome you into my palace and feast you any other night. And should you ever tire on your journeys or fear for your life, come to Reim and you will be welcome in any land under my rule, I promise you. But I fear I must ask you to swiftly deliver my message.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty is too kind. And it is my honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chaita ducked her head. Flos smiled sadly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo not let that endanger your life. For this letter will soon be known by all. But the rulers of each nation must know first. So. It is here.\u201d<\/p>\n

He reached for something at his side. A bag of holding, because the scrolls he pulled out were far too large to have been hidden anywhere else.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are not sealed by magic or any other device. You need not wait upon each ruler to hear them read aloud either. In fact, I warn you it might be prudent to leave before you witness their reaction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI shall bear that in mind. But I am a Courier, and even the King of Destruction\u2019s messages are bound by the Runner\u2019s Guild.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chaita accepted the scrolls and delicately put them into her own bag of holding. Then she turned and walked towards the balcony.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would stay longer, but it is a long flight. Your Majesty, I may take up your offer again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will be waiting. Chaita of Keymos, I will not forget your name again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos bowed slightly, and Chaita bowed as well. Then the Garuda leapt, and she was gone from view, flying in the night sky before Trey could blink. It had happened so fast that some of the shouting of intruders in the sky was still going on by the time Flos closed the balcony doors.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that is that. I apologize, Trey. And it seems I\u2019ve kept you from your sister too long. Have you any questions for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey had about a thousand as he always did. But he decided to ask only one, the obvious one.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was on the scrolls?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos shrugged wearily.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I said, a message to the other kingdoms. All of them, not just the ones I listed on the map. Which you may keep, by the way. The scroll is simply a dictation of\u2026my terms. Or would it be easier to call it a warning? Ah, well, either way. The prelude to war if they so choose. Don\u2019t worry, I informed Orthenon of my plans, and he did not object. Much.\u201d<\/p>\n

That sounded ominous to Trey. But Flos didn\u2019t appear too bothered. He fished around in his bag of holding.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. I have a few spares. Here. Read it and see.\u201d<\/p>\n

He handed Trey the scroll. The young man unfurled it and read apprehensively. He looked up at Flos\u2019 pensive expression twice, but the scroll didn\u2019t seem that<\/em> bad. It actually sounded positive! Until Trey reached the \u2018or else\u2019 part. Then he turned pale. He looked up and saw the King of Destruction\u2019s smile.<\/p>\n

A prelude to war indeed. And so Chaita sped across the dark skies as Orthenon rode to Germina. They were not alone, for the messages they bore were carried by dozens of City Runners who began to run across the sands of Chandrar. Each one brought a burning message, hurtling from city to city, making monarchs and rulers worry as they read it. The message it contained was simple: peace.<\/p>\n

Or at least, the peace only a King of Destruction would offer. The world turned, and that night, perhaps the only ruler who got a good night\u2019s sleep was Flos of Reimarch. Although his hand hurt from all that map drawing.<\/p>\n

 \u00a0<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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(The Wandering Inn, Volume 1 is coming out as an audiobook! The narrator is doing live reading on her Discord, invite here! You can listen to her streaming most week days at 2 PM EST if you’d like to hear the audiobook being produced! 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