Angst Box Set 2

by David Pedersen

  “That’s right, the elements, especially Magic, used us to fight their war. Along my travels, I met people from every nation, and none of them wanted this. You were told that if I won the prize, my wish would destroy Ehrde. You came here to stop me, to protect your people and our world. I commend you.

  “Well, I beat the elements, and I won the prize. I’m sure you noticed, I did not destroy Ehrde,” he said, waiting for polite laughter until he remembered taking away their sound. “I’m also not here to destroy you. That’s what elements do. That’s what they did to Rohjek. We need to work together so that never happens again. Tonight, we bury our dead. Tomorrow, we go home. In six months, you will send leaders to meet at the former capital of Rohjek. There, we will decide how to rebuild that nation and defend Ehrde. If you have any complaints, feel free to share with my friends.”

  On cue, a hundred naked Berfemmian landed around him, hard enough to shake the entire battlefield. Armies stepped back as tribesmen approached their mates and stood beside them. Nordruaut and Fulk’han laid down their weapons while Melkier and Unsel armies took a knee.

  “This is our Ehrde, not theirs. This is your Ehrde, not mine,” Angst said. “Now do what’s right.”

  He released the spell, and a cheer erupted. His shoulders dropped, and he let out a deep sigh. Turning around, he took in his friends. Jaden embraced Victoria. Nikkola held Kala as if she’d never let her go. Rose and Dallow’s embrace seemed more out of relief than passion. Tarness winked at him even as Maarja smothered the large man. Tiny Meldusians surrounded them like small children, hopping up and down while cheering. It was all good.

  Heather, Thom, Eila, and Scar approached, and he drew them all into a hug, holding them close until his kids complained.

  “Thank you,” he said. “Let’s go home.”

  54

  Several months later

  “You’re here,” Alloria said, leaping forward and wrapping her arms around him.

  “Just like I promised,” Angst said. “I’ll visit you as often as I can.”

  “I hate this place. I’m so lonely,” she said, shoving him away. “How could you leave me here by myself?”

  “I’ve been told you have all sorts of company,” he said. “And how could you hate paradise?”

  Alloria’s island was roughly the size of the training field. She had more than enough space to run, and dance, and relax. A sizable dome made of stone, similar to those in Rookshire, stood several hundred feet from the shoreline. He could barely make out Angoria in the distance. This was a lonely place, but it was far better than the dungeon under Unsel. Or death. He’d promised to keep her out of that dungeon, and this was the best solution. He’d also promised to always be there for her, so he visited every week or so.

  “I guess I don’t completely hate it,” she said, grudgingly. “And I do get a lot of visitors. Berfemmian stop by almost every day. They teach me how to do sealtian, and I show them how I dance. They are so nice, and beautiful. They bring me food, and sometimes I even get a kiss.”

  “Good,” he said. “You deserve to be kissed.”

  Her eyes brightened. “Is that an offer?”

  “I’ll kiss your cheek any time you want,” he said with a knowing smile.

  She pouted cutely and stomped her foot. “You’re no fun.”

  “I can leave,” he said, turning away.

  “Please don’t, baby,” she said. “You know I was teasing.”

  “Tell me more about your days,” Angst said.

  “I also get to visit with merpeople. They’re friendly but different. I’ve even gotten to see their children… So cute!”

  “I bet,” he said with a smile.

  “Your family comes to visit sometimes,” she said, coyly. “I see your kids. Kala and Scar come to see me, and so do the twins. Bella and Karina sometimes bring mead, and we drink late into the night.”

  “Oh?” he asked, in surprise.

  “Please don’t tell them to stop,” she pleaded. “They’re so much fun. I promise I won’t hurt them.”

  “I believe you,” Angst said.

  “Am I really so dangerous that I need to be stuck on this island?” she asked.

  “Are you?” he asked. “You’ve been making daggers out of stone again. I sense three in your home, and two buried by the shore.”

  “Oh, those,” she said, sucking in her lips. “They’re for protection.”

  “You’re safe,” he said. “And like last time, I’ve turned them into sand.”

  “Whatever,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Did you bring me something?”

  “Just food.” He withdrew a parcel from his satchel. “And a new dress.”

  “Oh,” she said, taking the dress and holding it up. “It looks pretty… Is it boring? Did your wife pick it out again?”

  “This one is from me,” he said.

  “I’ll go try it on,” she said. “Want to come watch?”

  “Yes,” he said. “But I’ll wait here.”

  “Chicken,” she said, sticking out her tongue before running to her hovel with the dress.

  It shouldn’t have taken that long to put on, and he was tempted to check on Alloria but knew better. Seconds before he actually became worried, she came out in a short, fitted dress. It was hot pink, and low cut in the best way possible. She absolutely owned the dress and reveled in his attention.

  “Stunning,” he said.

  “Thank you,” she said, bowing just enough so he could see everything nice.

  “Are you going to tear this one up like the others?” he asked.

  “No, but I get bored waiting for you,” she said, pouting cutely. “Do you want to see the new decorations in my home?”

  “Maybe after lunch,” he said.

  She nodded as he spread out a blanket and their meal. They feasted on roast meat sandwiches, hearty cakes, and a little sweet wine. She hurriedly shared stories about playing fetch with Scar, drinking with Bella and Karina, kissing Berfemmian, and missing boys.

  He tried explaining that, despite Rose’s failure to heal her, Dallow was still working to find a solution. All his friends were convinced that, even though Magic had somehow broken the young woman, there was still hope. Collectively, they continued searching for ways to make her whole. In a way, he felt her lack of sanity was almost worse than death. Angst tried his best to share their efforts, as encouragingly as possible. She merely nodded, dismissively, as if he were talking nonsense.

  “I should go,” he finally said.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to see my house?” she asked, her tone full of sultry. “You won’t want to leave.”

  “I already don’t want to leave,” he said, standing and brushing sand off his leggings. “But I’ve got something to do.”

  “Okay,” she said, in a heartbreaking tone. Alloria stood, placed her hands on his chest and leaned against him. “Will I ever get off this island?”

  “I promise to bring you to Unsel every holiday,” he said. “As long as you behave yourself.”

  “Boring,” she said, nuzzling a bit. “And sex? You said we could have sex.” She gyrated against him pleasantly.

  He pulled away, holding her shoulders. “I did not say that, young temptress,” Angst said with a wink.

  “You’re missing out,” she said, sincerely.

  “I believe you,” he said.

  “I hate that you’re such a good man,” she said, pulling him into another hug.

  “Me too,” he said, kissing her forehead. He took a step back. “I’ll see you next week?

  “I can’t wait,” she said.

  Angst created a portal. He brushed her cheek with his fingers, nodded once, and returned to Unsel.

  55

  Angst stood at the entrance of the throne room he’d broken when being chased by Magic. It felt like so long ago. Victoria stood in the center, her arms crossed and shoulders tense. His natural inclination was to walk across the room and rub them until they relaxed. Heather might n
ot have appreciated that but would understand. So, choosing to respect his wife, he didn’t and instead looked at the problem.

  The great war had taken up all of Unsel’s resources and restoring this room had been slow going to nowhere. His princess, his best friend, should be crowned in this throne room, not some grand hallway that was makeshift.

  “Hey,” he finally said.

  “Angst,” Tori said in surprise, spinning about. She tugged on her ivory bodice and gave him a glowing smile.

  “You look stressed,” he said. “Like you’re going to be crowned queen of Unsel or something.”

  “Ha,” she said, taking a deep breath. “Something like that. It suddenly feels very real.”

  “I apologize,” he said. “It should’ve happened sooner. I feel like I delayed it.”

  “It’s not that,” Tori said, looking around. “It’s this. I’m a big baby to complain, but I’ll be the first queen of Unsel not to be crowned here. My mom was, my grandmother was, but me…”

  “May I?” Angst asked, making a broad motion toward the room.

  “Really?” Tori asked in wonder.

  “Really,” he said.

  He could do anything now, practically anything, but would always understand earth far better than the rest. Angst drew in his will and raised his hands. A blue glow surrounded them, ripe with the power he wielded. He needed material to work with. Most of the rubble had been cleared, so he reached far into distant mountains until he found white marble. The room shuddered as he drew that marble to them. Victoria stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him for protection, just as she had when they met at the maiden’s courtyard. Like clay, the white marble formed columns, repaired floors, and molded into the ceiling. After several minutes, he smiled and nodded respectfully.

  “Thank you,” she said stepping back.

  He bowed his head once again. They looked into each other’s eyes for barely a moment before Tori blushed and searched the room as if admiring his handiwork. He moved in close like she used to. They met eyes again, and hers became sad. She inched away.

  “Yes,” he said.

  “I…I’m sorry, what?” she asked, her voice nervous.

  “You were going to ask me something,” he said. “Before Alloria stabbed you. You said, ‘Angst, would you be my…’” He shuddered at the memory. It seemed like forever had passed, but it would always be one of those key moments in his life, never forgotten.

  “I did,” she said, swallowing hard. “I remember.”

  “The answer is yes.”

  “How can you say yes when you don’t even know the question, silly?” she said, failing to sound playful. Her face was wrought with worry.

  “Because that’s how much you mean to me,” Angst said. “I love you, Tori. I always have. I always will. No matter what you ask, the answer will always be yes. All you need to do is ask the question.”

  She waited, her throat constricting as she swallowed hard. “Are you really an element, Angst?” she asked, a slight quaver to her voice.

  “That’s not what you were going to ask me,” he teased.

  She looked ready to smack his arm but hesitated. Was she really that scared of him? “Are you?”

  He winked but provided no further answer. “What were you going to ask me, my queen?”

  “I was going to…I was going to ask you…” Her face went pale, and she rocked slightly as if ready to pass out. “I was going to ask you if you would be my—”

  “Champion?” he asked with a knowing smile.

  The relief in her eyes was immediate. That wasn’t what she’d been going to ask in her chambers. When he’d walked through the crystal cave on his way to Nordruaut, Angst had seen the future—a future where they were married, and he was king of Unsel. A part of her had wanted that, and a small part of him had as well. But much had happened, their futures were now unwritten, and they both controlled their own destinies.

  He was married, happily on the good days, and there weren’t really many bad days, not anymore. She had someone waiting who she loved very much. Angst and Victoria were friends, the best of friends now and forever, and nothing would ever get in the way of that.

  This may have seemed a cruel way to clear the air, but it also ended any open questions forever.

  “Yes,” she said with a sigh. “Yes, please. I can’t think of anyone else who could protect me better than you.”

  “Welllll,” he drawled, placing his hands behind his back. He began to pace. “That sounds like a demanding job.”

  “It will be very rewarding.” She gave him a full-lipped smile. “Both financially, and you get to see my pretty face every day.”

  “Bonuses are nice,” he said, turning to wink at her. “Of course, I’m married with kids. I may need time away to tend my flock.”

  “I’m sure the crown can accommodate your schedule,” she said. “All things considered.”

  “And, of course, other responsibilities may come up,” he said. “In two thousand years or so.”

  “Oh.” Her voice was worried again, and he realized that it was too much.

  “Will travel be required for this job?” he asked. “I hear my queen likes to adventure.”

  “I’m sorry to say that travel will be a necessity,” she said, hopeful once again. “Adventures are a requirement of the position.”

  “And what about Rookshire?” he asked.

  She looked at the ground hesitantly, took a deep breath, and said, “Whatever you want.”

  “It’s what they need,” he said firmly. Angst turned on a heel and bowed deeply. “Then I accept, Your Majesty.”

  She clapped and giggled again, every bit the young teen he’d always loved. A queen who could keep her sense of humor, who could appreciate his, but would give up everything for a better kingdom, would indeed be a great queen. He stood at attention, with his chest sticking out barely farther than his sucked-in stomach, and hands behind his back.

  “Angst, is this the right path?” she asked. “I can see so many futures, but I can’t read you or your mind. Our future, our fate…”

  “Is now ours to choose. That’s everything I fought for,” he said taking her hands in his. “And I couldn’t be more grateful, or more honored, to be your best friend, now and always.”

  Their embrace was far more than a hug and far less than love lost. After a long time that would’ve left others feeling awkward, Angst pulled back.

  “You will be an amazing queen,” he said, proudly. “Let’s see you crowned.”

  Victoria bowed her head low as Wilfred gently laid the crown of Unsel onto it. The throne room was so still, Angst feared he’d broken time once again. Everyone from sirs to miladys looked on in wonder. Zyn’ight, wielders, and citizens all admired with wide eyes and hopeful smiles. This was as much a closure to the insanity, war, and strife the kingdom had faced as it was an open door to their unknown future. This wasn’t just the crowning of his dear friend, their queen. This was hope, and it was about felking time.

  She stood upright and nodded once at Wilfred, whose eyes were glassy with tears. Angst shed none, feeling nothing but pride for Tori, and everything he’d fought through to make this happen. The queen turned and looked over the room, making the briefest eye contact with him. His glance at Heather was met with the softest wife-look he’d ever enjoyed. Victoria’s eyes met Jaden’s as the young man approached to stand by her side.

  Jaden turned around, held her hand, and raised it high. “Our queen!”

  The room erupted like a crowd at a jousting tourney. Whistles and hoots and clapping echoed through the hall like nothing Angst had ever heard. His heart swelled with pride, and his anxiety wanted nothing more than to leave. He squeezed Heather’s hand once, nodded, and pushed his way through the masses. Heather, Thom, and Eila followed him as he rushed to exit through the wide center aisle, and just beyond the soldiers at the back of the throne room.

  “Mister Angst,” Victoria called out.

  He froze
in place as though a spell had been cast. The crowd quieted immediately, and Heather held his hand tight.

  “If we run, we can still make it,” she whispered.

  “Mo-om,” Eila said.

  “I said,” Victoria’s voice echoed throughout the throne room, “Mister Angst!”

  Angst spun on a heel and took a step back, rearing at her steely gaze. “My queen,” he said with a bow of his head.

  “I have summoned you,” she said stiffly. “You will approach.”

  He couldn’t believe this. What now? She barely sounded like his Tori; she sounded more like her mother. He sighed and forced his legs forward. The sneak-out-through-the-crowd with his family had seemed much faster than the long walk back, wading through the heavy gazes of a hundred watchful eyes. He stopped before her parapet, looking up at his dear friend and seeing his new queen. There wasn’t a thimbleful of emotion on her face, and despite their closeness, he could sense nothing. She merely stared at him.

  “Am I not your queen?” she asked, looking from him to the ground.

  “You are my queen, and my friend,” he said, kneeling.

  “Mister Angst,” she said, her tone as cold as a Nordruaut winter. “Is it not true that you have destroyed all mage cities beyond restoration? Did you not destroy half the capitol of Melkier, driving them to declare war on Unsel? Were your actions not instrumental in the Fulk’han going to war with Unsel? Are you not responsible for the battle at Prendere? Is it true that you almost destroyed Ehrde?”

  “It is true, Your Majesty,” he said, his heart racing. “All of it.”

  “Is it also true that you freed two mage cities of their curses? Did you not end a terrible evil at the mage city Gyldorane? And were you responsible for killing all the living elements, ending the war, and bringing peace to our world?”

  “Yes,” he said in a small voice.