The Kings of the Seven Bells

by Marti Talbott

  IT WAS LATE AFTERNOON and Raxton was taking another dangerous chance when he went to the lake to see if Sarinna was there. In Carbollo City, Gincar seemed to be everywhere he went. Several times, as he made his way through the forest, he stopped to see if she was following him. As near as he could tell, she was not.

  By the time he reached the lake and hid behind the rocks, Sarinna was not there. Nerratel, he supposed, had forbidden Sarinna to meet with him again. Even so, Raxton stayed, holding to the hope that she might still arrive. He gave up, finally, and went back into the forest on the Carbollo side.

  Suddenly, Sarinna was in his arms.

  “I have been looking for you.” she whispered. “I wished to tell you how very sorry I am about your king.”

  “Thank you.” He would have stayed in her embrace forever if he could, but he soon stepped back. “There is trouble for us, Sarinna.”

  “What sort of trouble?”

  “Her name is Gincar and she saw us together. She demands I marry her and if I do not, she will tell what she saw.”

  “Marry her? But you would not, would you?”

  “I would rather die.”

  She went into his arms again. “There must be something we can do. Perhaps we can find another place to meet.”

  He could not bring himself to pull away from her a second time. Instead, he held her close and whispered, “How I long to be with you, but I fear the only way is to stay away until we have a new king. If he be a Carbollo, perhaps he will approve the marriage.”

  She lifted her head and looked into his eyes. “Then you must become king. A Mobbox, especially my brother, would never let us marry.”

  “I shall do my best.”

  She was a Mobbox and according to custom, the first kiss was to be initiated by her. If Raxton was surprised when she lifted her lips and touched his, he did not show it. Instead, he drew her closer, kissed her passionately, and for much longer than he should have.

  Too soon, Sarinna stepped away. “Raxton, something is upsetting our men.”

  “What?”

  “I know not for certain, but there are whispers. They talk where even my mother cannot hear.”

  “Try not to...” Raxton started. He had not been as aware as he should have been, or he would have heard Nerratel coming through the trees.

  “Sarinna, go home!” her brother demanded.

  She smiled at Raxton to assure him Nerratel would not punish her, and then reluctantly obeyed.

  After she was out of sight, Nerratel took his time drawing closer to Raxton. “Did I not tell you to forget her? No good can come from a union between a Mobbox and a Carbollo. Take care, Raxton, for I am bound by a promise to be my sister’s protector.” He didn’t wait for a reply before he walked away.

  “SARINNA, WAIT,” NERRATEL insisted.

  She stopped, turned around, and glared at her brother. “You threatened to ask the king to marry me off against my will, but the king is dead, so now what will you threaten?”

  “I can insist you stop meeting him or I shall be forced to tell Mother.”

  “There is no need. I have already decided against seeing him, but not for you – for him.”

  “For him? Because you fear what I will do?”

  Sarinna didn’t bother to hide her fury. “You are not the only one who threatens. Gincar Carbollo saw us together. She demands Raxton marry her or she will tell what she saw!”

  Nerratel held his eyes down and muttered, “What does he mean to do?”

  “He means to become king.” With that, she went home.

  NOT FAR FROM THE CASTLE gates on both sides of Extane, a crowd waited to hear what the challenge would be.

  Nevertheless, the Boons were in no rush to give the answer. Seated in the throne room, both had taken off their robes and haphazardly laid them on a bench. They spoke not a word, for there were no words to say. It was not until the people outside began chanting, that they finally left the throne room and walked out of the castle, each on his own side.

  AS SOON AS HE APPEARED, Boon Carbollo was met with cheers, applause, and dozens of questions – until the crowd noticed that something was not right and quieted. He clearly looked disturbed in a way he had never looked before.

  “What challenge shall there be?” a woman asked.

  “Challenge?” Boon Carbollo asked. “Oh yes, I nearly forgot about that.”

  “Forgot?” Raxton’s father asked. “What else could you have been doing in the castle all this time?”

  “You’d not believe me even if I were able to tell you.” He cleared his throat and then continued. We decided the challenge shall be a stone toss. Furthermore, the Boons shall decide the size of the stone together.”

  His remark was met with a flurry of new comments and shaking heads. “You mean to eliminate those of little strength before the challenge even begins?” a young man shouted.

  “We are convinced that only the strongest shall be fit enough to endure the quest.”

  “What about the riddles?” another asked. “Some are not so strong, but are very well versed in solving riddles.”

  “We thought of that,” Boon Carbollo said. As if he could not quite remember the answer, he looked up at the sky. When he did, the people did as well, although none of them saw anything unusual. He suddenly remembered and said, “Oh, for the challenge, the men are to choose someone well versed in riddles to help him, and then to accompany him on the quest.”

  “Only one?” a woman questioned. “Was it not always two to go with the winner on the quest?”

  “Was it?” the Boon asked. He thoughtfully stared at the ground.

  “When?” Raxton’s father asked. “When does the challenge begin?”

  Boon Carbollo didn’t bother to raise his head. “Tomorrow, just after the morning meal when our young men are the strongest.”

  Standing near the front, Raxton had been closely watching him and became concerned. “Are you unwell, Boon Carbollo?”

  “I believe I might be at that.” He started to leave when he remembered. “Oh, there is to be both a stone toss and a riddle to solve for the challenge.” With that, he made his way through the crowd, walked to Carbollo City, and disappeared through the gate.

  “Did he not already say that?” Raxton’s father asked.

  “I thought so,” Raxton answered.

  WHISPERS THAT THE KING did not die in his sleep reached the Mobbox soon enough. Though they found it disturbing, most believed it was just a rumor and nothing more. On both sides there were also murmurings concerning how oddly the Boons were behaving, but with no explanation, that too they managed to overlook. Instead, men and women alike happily turned to the all-important and vastly exciting pleasure of placing wagers in the marketplaces. Long into the night, there would be loud laughter and the clinking of silver coins on both sides.

  In the Carbollo marketplace, fewer than half of the Carbollos placed their coins in favor of Raxton. It was Whildon Carbollo who managed to heighten their enjoyment, by insisting the people cast their coins for him. It made everyone laugh, for while Whildon was far more outgoing than most, he would be their absolute last choice when it came to selecting a king.

  While the people celebrated and placed their wagers, the young men set about preparing for the quest – just in case they won the first two challenges. They sharpened swords and knives, whittled extra wooden arrows for their bows, and tried not to imagine what dangers they might face on the quest. It was said that more than one previous king had come back from the quest with an injury, although not a serious one.

  Word that he was not favored to win did not bother Raxton, nor did news of the stone toss. However, choosing but one man to help him with the challenge and taking the same man on the quest did. He thought to take two, one small enough to get in places he was too stout to go, and another who was good at solving riddles. He knew of no one that fit both requirements. While he considered who to ask, he too prepared for the quest. Raxton had many friends and no do
ubt some of them would be disappointed if he did not choose them. Yet, the stakes were too high to put that concern above all others. The question he needed to answer was – which young Carbollo man was the best at solving riddles?

  IT WAS EARLY MORNING and already people from both civics were beginning to gather in the courtyard in front of the castle. Most brought chairs and some brought their morning meal with them. Children played, the Mobbox sang songs, and life rapidly changed from the sorrow over their dead king to the excitement of crowning a new one. As he walked past them, Raxton found that a bit callous and unsettling, something he had not noticed about his people before. What reward was there in being king, if he was not missed for more than a day or two after he died? Extane had legends and stories for everything they did. It was their history and their way of life, but he knew of no story that dictated how they should behave after laying a beloved king to rest.

  Raxton set those thoughts aside, and smiled when he spotted his little brother.

  Sitting on a bench inside the gazebo, eight-year-old Annack Carbollo plucked a hair out of his full head of curly blond locks and carefully examined it, just as he did every morning. Unfortunately, he saw no hint that it was turning red, and was just as disappointed over it as he had been each of the many mornings before. Annack shrugged and blew the hair particle away.

  “Not yet?” Raxton asked as he joined Annack on the bench.

  “Could the quest not wait until I am old enough?” The boy flexed his arm muscles. “I grow stronger every day.”

  “I am afraid the others will not wait for you to grow up.”

  “Very well. I do not truly wish to be king anyway. Why do you wish to be king?”

  “Have you not always wanted to see the inside of the castle?” Raxton asked.

  Annack’s eyes brightened. “Oh, very much. I wish to see each and every room.”

  “And so you shall – if I become king.”

  “Why does the king not let everyone go inside?”

  Raxton answered, “I have often wondered that myself. If I find out, I will tell you. First, I have a question.”

  “What?”

  “Who among us is best at solving riddles?”

  “Effrin,” Annack answered without a moment’s hesitation.

  “That is what I think too. Have I your permission to take him with me, should I win the right to go on the quest?”

  Annack wrinkled his brow. “You need not ask my permission.”

  “I would like it anyway – for luck?”

  “Oh, for luck.” Annack got up, stood in front of his big brother, and put both hands on Raxton’s knees. “I hereby grant my permission!”

  Raxton hugged his little brother and then went to find Effrin.

  ON THE MOBBOX SIDE, it was reported that Nerratel was highly favored to win the challenges and the quest.

  After he sent for Nerratel, Boon Mobbox paced back and forth behind Mobbox City where the children normally played, trying to decide how much he could or should not say. He decided the less the young man knew, the better. As soon as he saw Nerratel coming, he drew in a deep breath to prepare himself.

  However, Nerratel asked the first question. “Why are you not wearing your robe?”

  “I am,” he started to say before he thought better of it. “It is too hot to wear a robe.”

  To Nerratel, the temperature was as pleasant as it normally was, but he let it pass. As soon as he was summoned, he feared the Boon had gotten wind of the attraction between Raxton and his sister. “Is something amiss?” He held his breath and waited for the answer.

  “Not at all. I only wish to know who you have chosen to take on the quest.”

  Nerratel relaxed a little and folded his arms. “I have not yet decided. Do you have a suggestion?”

  “I do. If I were in your position, I would choose Lasun.”

  “Lasun? I believe Lasun would be my last choice.”

  “Yet he will remain watchful.”

  Nerratel considered that. “True, he is watchful, even when there is no need to be.”

  “That is what I mean. Lasun will not hesitate to find fault in your decision, and will not fear telling you.”

  Nerratel snickered, “So long as he does not find fault in all my decisions.”

  “I strongly advise you to listen to his council. If you do, Lasun will steer you away from danger.”

  “How dangerous do you think the quest will be?”

  The Boon ignored the question. “I’ve another matter I wish to speak to you about.”

  “As do I, now that we are alone.”

  “What?” the Boon asked.

  “A witness saw two Mobbox go into the castle late the night the king was murdered.”

  “Murdered? So you have heard. Who is this witness?”

  “He is a Carbollo.”

  “Oh, I see. While we are on the subject of the Carbollo, I must have your word that when you become King, you shall not force the Carbollo off their land.” The Boon looked deep into Nerratel’s eyes. “Give me your word!”

  If he was not confused before, Nerratel was now. “I find no fault in letting them stay, but I thought that is what all the Mobbox wanted – including you.”

  “I have lately changed my mind.”

  “Why?”

  “I cannot explain it, but I know this - you must be our next king, for the Mobbox will listen to you.” Boon Mobbox thoughtfully looked away for a time, and then looked back. Just before he walked away, he said, “I can give but one warning – take care, for Extane has many untold secrets.”

  Nerratel stared after the older man until the highest ranking Mobbox was out of sight. There seemed such urgency in the Boon’s words, that Nerratel found it more than a little alarming. What sort of untold secrets? Were they harmful, and if so, harmful to whom – the Carbollo, the Mobbox, or both?

  Before the Boon summoned him, Nerratel had been enjoying the betting, but that interested him no more. If his Boon was right, and he had no reason to believe he was not, Nerratel needed to find Lasun and implore him to help with the challenge.

  IN CARBOLLO CITY, RAXTON found Effrin right where he supposed his friend would be – in the marketplace. Effrin was with Whildon, keeping a keen eye on the wagers and trying to keep Whildon from being a nuisance, which was not easy. When Whildon could not convince the people to cast their coins for him, he took to trying to bribe them.

  The moment Whildon spotted Raxton, he moved away from the crowd, got down on one knee and put his hands together as if praying. “I agree!”

  Raxton chuckled. “You agree to what?”

  “Do not be shy, Raxton Carbollo,” Whildon answered. “I have always known you would choose me to go on the quest with you. I’ll need but a moment to...wait!” Whildon quickly stood back up. “I am as strong as you, far more handsome, and ten times more intelligent. Therefore, I fully intend to win the stone toss instead of you, and if you are very good to me, it is I who shall take you on the quest.”

  Raxton rolled his eyes. He was about to say something when Effrin tapped him on the shoulder. “He claims to be far more handsome and still he cannot persuade Gincar to marry him?”

  “Gincar?” Raxton asked, turning his attention back to Whildon. “You are in love with Gincar?”

  “Oh, that’s right, I remember now,” Whildon answered. “I am in love with her, but there is a problem. She thinks she is to marry you, Raxton.”

  Raxton glanced around to make certain Gincar was not close enough to hear, moved closer and whispered, “I do not wish to marry Gincar.”

  Whildon’s eyes widened. “You do not?” He grinned and then suddenly wondered, “Does she know that?”

  “Not just yet. However, if you persuade her to marry you, I shall have no objections.”

  “In that case, I sincerely hope you win. Yet if I should toss the stone farther, will you help me with the riddle, and if we solve that, come with me on the quest?”

  “You truly suppose you can
toss the stone farther than me?” Raxton asked. “You were not able to when we played the games last.”

  Whildon answered, “I am much stronger now than I was then.” He ignored Effrin’s snicker. “So, did you come to ask me to help you?”

  “No,” Raxton answered.

  “I must warn you,” Whildon said, “you shall regret it if you choose someone else.”

  “Even if he be a friend of yours?”

  “Oh, that is different. Wait, which friend?” Whildon asked.

  “Effrin.”

  “Me?” Effrin scoffed. “I have changed my mind. I do not wish you to be my king. You have lost all your senses.”

  “Are you not good with riddles?” Raxton asked.

  “Well, perhaps,” Effrin answered.

  “Then ‘tis you I need,” said Raxton.

  “He is right,” Whildon agreed. “I never thought I would admit it, but Raxton is right about this one thing. Besides, I must be here to comfort his mother and Gincar when he fails to return.”

  “And who will comfort me when I do not return?” Effrin wanted to know.

  Raxton put a hand on Effrin’s shoulder. “We would have no kings at all if all failed to return.”

  Effrin’s eyes lit up. “Right, you are right!”

  “Do you accept?” Raxton was pleased when Effrin emphatically nodded. “We best go, for the challenge is soon to begin.”

  “Do you suppose there are Slewworths on the quest?” Effrin asked, as he walked out of the city and to the courtyard with Raxton and Whildon.

  “I have no idea,” Raxton answered, “but fear not, I shall protect you.”