Dream of Empty Crowns

by M. J. Sewall

  I served the king, but when the king died, I was no longer useful. I was suddenly an enemy of my kingdom and literally thrown out. I was taken in by a small group of good people. That's where I met Aline. She was like an orphan in a place that didn't know what to do with orphans. She latched on to me and I trained her to be the warrior that she is now.”

  Gordon asked, “Orphan? But I've met her mother, Sandrell.”

  “Yes, she has a mother, but Sandrell was away. Sometimes by choice, sometimes not. It's a complicated thing between them,” Mantuan said.

  “I guess that's why Aline didn't seem very happy to see her,” Gordon said.

  “It's a long story, but it's not mine to tell. You can ask Aline about that another time. Although, I don't think she would tell you everything,” cautioned Mantuan.

  “Aline said that you are the reason that I was chosen king. Is that true?” Gordon asked.

  Mantuan looked directly into Gordon's eyes and said, “Yes, it's true.”

  Gordon asked, “But why?”

  “It doesn't seem like it should be, but that's a complicated answer. There is far more going on than you know. Plans that have been in the works for many years by the firstcouncilor and others to completely change the kingdom. Trunculin has had power for a long time. He controls both councils and has controlled most of the kings,” said Mantuan.

  “But I don't understand. The two councils were supposed to be independent of each other, and the king is supposed to be independent of them. They make the laws together, like three sides of a triangle, each equal to each other.”

  “That's right, my king, the three sides of the triangle are supposed to weigh against each other, so that no one side of the triangle has more power than the other,” said Mantuan. “But that is not how it has worked for a very long time. There are many of us that know Trunculin has changed the very nature of how our kingdom works, so that the power of the kingdom is his to wield in secret. I saw this myself as firstman. It took me a long time, but I slowly realized that the kingdom I thought I was living in, was not the kingdom that the first thirteen had envisioned.”

  Gordon said, “But how can that be? There is still a king. And there are still two councils that make laws.”

  “It only appears that way. Trunculin controls everything. That's why he hand picks the king. He picks boys that are easy to manipulate, easy to fool and easy to control. He would never have chosen you, because you are too strong and smart,” said Mantuan.

  Gordon was a little embarrassed. He certainly didn't feel special in any way. “So why did you choose me then? I'm nobody.”

  Mantuan said, “You are not nobody. But Loren would never have agreed to you being chosen king. I feel badly about not telling him first. But it had to be done. You are important in many ways. By choosing you, we sent a clear message to the firstcouncilor that his days of control are coming to an end. We had hoped to surround you with people in our cause while you were king, to teach you and to show you what was really going on. We have a large group of people in our cause, even some close to Trunculin. As king, you could have publically challenge Trunculin's lies and removed him from power. We did not count on how much the firstcouncilor was willing to go to control you. I didn't think he would actually try to kill you. We also didn't expect you to have that vision.”

  “What happened to me? What did that vision mean?” asked Gordon.

  Mantuan shook his head. “The truth is, we don't know. We suspect that Trunculin uses mystics to help him control the minds of the other kings, and maybe some councilors as well. I believe a mystic was inside your head trying to plant some thought, or to control you when it triggered something like a dream vision.”

  “I don't understand. I'm not a mystic, I don't get visions.”

  Mantuan said, “The fact that you had this dream, this glimpse, means something. But I'm more concerned about what else you saw. Aline tells me that there were many kingdoms at war.”

  “Yes, it was like the world was on fire and everyone was fighting each other. Trunculin is the shadow, which makes sense now. In the last one there were two shadows. But, the part that worries me the most is that I was falling from an airship.”

  “Yes, my king, I recommend you don't do that. It isn't much fun,” Mantuan said with a smile.

  Gordon replied, “Well, I sure don't plan to. But, what does all the fighting mean?”

  “I can only guess. Maybe he's making secret alliances or starting friction between kingdoms that will end very badly for us all,” replied Mantuan.

  When Gordon tried to think about it, the concept was just too distant. He was worried about immediate problems, “What about Uncle Loren? How are we going to get him out of prison?”

  “We have to prove your innocence. We can't risk getting him out by force. That would make it appear like you're both guilty. No, we have to continue your quest to find the people that poisoned the king of Thure. We leave tomorrow morning for Artoth, the kingdom of the gods.”

  Aline was still dancing with some Copway people. She came over to Mantuan. She took his hand and made him get up to dance. Gordon smiled, wanting to watch the great warrior dance. To his horror, Aline took Gordon's hand too. He stopped smiling as he was led to dance. He resisted, but Aline was determined. He swallowed hard and thought that he would rather face another monster than embarrass himself in front of Aline.

  Chapter 37: Strange Alliance

  “To what do I owe this… honor?” said the queen's Grandmother as Darion entered her chamber.

  Darion said, “I've always felt that you and I started out badly. Maybe it was something that I said or maybe something you said. I've always thought that we were more alike than we care to admit.”

  “We are nothing alike. One of the reasons I don't like you is that you lie to get what you want, instead of just saying what you mean,” said the grandmother.

  “I suppose I have no talent for being blunt. But I will try. I believe you and I can help each other. I have an idea, and you could help me see it through,” offered Darion.

  “Why would I help you do anything? You tried to keep my granddaughter from the throne.”

  Darion said, “I tried to keep her away from my throne. You know the law and so does she. But the people have spoken and she is in, and I am out. I understand that. But what she needs now is an alliance. A true alliance with other kingdoms so that she can be insulated from anyone trying to overthrow her.”

  “The only person that would try to overthrow me, is you, dear brother-in-law,” said the queen as she entered the chamber. “What is he doing here, grandmother?”

  The grandmother replied, “Trying to convince me of something. He still hasn't gotten to the point. Spit it out boy! What do you want?”

  Darion began, “We all know Gordon didn't poisoned the king. I want the true murderers discovered. And the people want justice. A public execution of the boy's uncle is a terrible way to follow up a funeral. They don't want their new ruler chopping people's heads off.”

  “You want me to let the prisoners go? We don't know that Gordon is innocent. He and his uncle could have planned the whole thing. The boy did run away,” offered the queen.

  “That makes no sense. Even if Gordon had done it, he is already dead. Loren had no reason to kill my brother. This plot may extend farther than we know. I can't have the crown, but I want real justice for my brother. I loved him, just as you did.”

  The queen paused, but finally said, “It's true that I never liked you, but you were a good brother and he loved you. What do you propose?”

  Darion said, “I want to go look for the people that killed him and try to unravel this plot. If I left to do it on my own, it would look like I was undermining you. If you send me on this mission, it will show the kingdom that we are in alliance and not enemies. It would show that you care more about truth than vengeance.”

  The queen responded, “Why should we prove that Gordon is innocent? The boy fled and the god of the sea swa
llowed him up as punishment. And let's not forget that the fortune I now have would be returned to Denogg if his innocence is proven.”

  Darion continued, “I have thought of that. You have coin now and you don't want to let go. I certainly understand. But there's still a way to keep the coin. The king did die in Denny's house, probably by one of his servants. He doesn't need to be a prisoner to be ruined. We can find some legal reason to keep the coin. I'm more concerned about how our people perceive the truth.”

  The queen said, “Even if I agree to your logic, I can't risk upsetting this young new king. He's just a boy, but their kingdom is still the strongest, especially with their airships. We need that alliance.”

  Darion smiled. “There's another way I can help. I have befriended the boy. He is much smarter than people think he is, and I'm sure he would see the logic in this. It could be a venture both our kingdoms do together. It could sew this alliance together. Acts that the people could see are better than words.”

  The grandmother said, “The boy king might agree, but he has no real power. It's obvious that the firstcouncilor controls him and makes all the real decisions. I think it's a mistake.”

  Darion continued, “That may be true. I can only try to convince them. But there's a bigger issue. Who wanted my brother dead, and why? If Gordon was the target, why? No one knew he was in Thure yet. My sources believe the murderers came from the kingdom of the gods. True, there is a lot of trouble there, but it is also a gateway to another land that I fear is up to something very bad.”

  “Dard? You think the scum that destroyed my kingdom and renamed it could be behind this?” asked the grandmother.

  Darion said, “I think it likely, or at least possible. Although I can't get any spies into that kingdom, I have heard disturbing rumors.”

  “Very clever, trying to gain my support by making this about the scum that threw me off my throne… and it worked, my boy. Maybe he should try to convince the king. Finding the real murderers would be better than a bloodbath in the public square,” said the grandmother.

  The queen was silent for a long time, looking back and forth from her grandmother to her brother-in-law. “Alright, go talk to the king. I think this is pointless, but if the king and the firstcouncilor say yes, I will agree that you can go search for these men. However, if you find there are no murderers, and there is no plot, I will expect you to swear your loyalty to me in public. Agreed?”

  “Agreed,” said Darion as he politely bowed and left the room. “I better go see the boy king.”

  “We can't trust him,” said the grandmother after he left.

  The queen said, “I know that. That's why I'm sending him away. The kingdom of the gods is a dangerous place, ruled by two dangerous men. Even if he's able to convince King Asa, I would be very surprised if my dear brother-in-law comes back from this mission at all.”

  The grandmother smiled. “My dear, now you're sounding like a true queen.”

  Darion wasted no time going to see the young king. The guards let him go in, and he was apparently walking in on an argument.

  “… My king, it is not a good idea…,” said Trunculin.

  “I don't see why not. Brenddel, doesn't the firstcouncilor have to follow my orders?” asked Asa.

  “It is not my place to say, my king. But it is the firstcouncilor's job to advise you… and we have a visitor,” Brenddel said as he motioned to Darion.

  “I'm sorry to interrupt, but may I have a moment of your time, my king?” said Darion.

  “Not at all. The king always has time for someone of noble birth,” said the firstcouncilor.

  “He was talking to me. I can speak for myself,” the king said, and then he turned to Darion and said with a smile, “How can I help you, Darion?”

  Darion said, “Well, it's actually how we can help each other. I want justice for my brother and I don't believe Gordon killed him. Nor does the queen. I would like your help to go hunt down the men that poisoned him. I believe I can find them in the kingdom of the gods and bring them back for justice. That would make it much easier for you to take Gordon's uncle back to your own kingdom for whatever justice you see fit.”

  Trunculin replied, “The former king's uncle is guilty of many crimes. But we are content to have the queen administer the punishment. After all, we want to build an alliance, not insult the queen. Gordon is dead. It's a generous offer, but unnecessary…”

  Asa interrupted, “I think that's a great idea. Brenddel will ready an airship to get you there faster. Brenddel will be a big help in finding these men.”

  Trunculin said, “My king, might we discussed this in private? There are a lot of implications…”

  Asa replied, “I've made my decision, firstcouncilor, I don't see…”

  “… Will you stop interrupting me!?” The mood in the room had changed. Trunculin was visibly angry. Brenddel looked carefully at each of the men, then back to the king.

  Trunculin continued a bit calmer. “Well, what I mean to say… my king, is that this decision needs to be made very carefully. I think I could give you some strong points that…”

  “My decision is made,” Asa said, interrupting on purpose, “I'm the king and you have given your counsel. Brenddel, please make the arrangements,” Asa said, looking right at the firstcouncilor, trying to hide how nervous he really was to be standing up to Trunculin.

  Brenddel said, “My king, I will do as you ask, but my rightful place is here at your side.” He looked at the firstcouncilor again. “My job is to protect you and keep you safe. I can send other men with Darion.”

  Asa said, “Thank you, Brenddel, but I have the rest of my personal guard here and since you trained them, they should be able to protect me from anything. Besides, you are the best soldier. I would feel better if you were leading them. Doesn't that make some sense, firstcouncilor?”

  Trunculin was smiling very brightly now. His mood had abruptly changed. “As you wish, my king.”

  Darion said, “Thank you, my king. It's very generous of you to offer your best man for the mission. And the airship will make this a much faster journey,” said Darion.

  Brenddel looked from the king to the firstcouncilor and said, “I'll make the arrangements right now, my king.” Trunculin was still smiling very widely. Brenddel was afraid to wonder what he was thinking.

  Asa said, “Good. Please find them. It would be nice to go home soon.”

  “Thank you again, my king,” Darion said as he left the room to inform the queen.

  Trunculin added, “Oh, and Brenddel, the agent I told you about earlier, he has some business in Artoth. He will go with you.”

  Brenddel nodded agreement and reluctantly left Trunculin and Asa alone.

  Chapter 38: What is Just

  The Copway had prepared a sunrise feast with all kinds of exotic delicacies made just to celebrate the travelers. Gordon still felt embarrassed by the whole thing. Lantovas was healing quickly and was also enjoying the feast.

  “Are you sure you want to go with us, Lantovas? You don't have to. We can send word from Artoth that you're here and I'm sure your kingdom will send a watership,” said Gordon.

  Lantovas said, “Not even my beloved king would've done something as brave as you did for me. I will get back to my kingdom eventually. But since I am supposedly dead, that gives me a little time to go and try to find the real murderers of the king. Let's go find these murderers together.”

  Aline said, “Looks like your building quite the army, one at a time, my king.”

  Mantuan said, “That reminds me, one of your new friends has a gift for you.”

  Number Eight stood as Gordon approached, smiling. The leader adjusted his eye glasses and spoke to Mantuan, who translated, “He says Jaiwan has a gift for you.”

  Gordon replied, “Jaiwan? Oh, is that his name? I feel bad that I thought his name was Number Eight. I figured his body ink meant that he fought as hard as eight warriors.”

  Before Gordon realized it, Mantuan had
translated what he had said. Everyone laughed. Jaiwan replied and Mantuan translated, “Jaiwan says the symbol on his neck is the never ending cycle of life. But he says you can call him Number Eight if you want to.”

  Jaiwan handed him something. Gordon asked, “Is it…is this a claw from that Fasgonn monster?”

  Jaiwan smiled even before Mantuan had translated.

  Gordon said, “If I knew the claws were this big, I might have let that thing eat you, Lantovas.” Everyone laughed again when Mantuan translated.

  All of the men and women hugged them goodbye. Before long, everything was ready and loaded on their ship. The leader said some words to Gordon which Mantuan translated as words of long life and success. Then they were on the ship headed to Artoth, waving goodbye to their Copway hosts.

  After the initial flurry of activity to get the ship underway, Gordon and Aline were on the deck together, looking towards the new day. Aline said, “Great, another ship. I hope this one goes better than the last one.”

  Gordon smiled, “Let's hope so,” then he got serious and said, “I was really worried about you Aline. I tried to hold onto you when the ship went down, but, I don't know what happened, you were just gone. When I woke up on the beach and couldn't find you, I was very… I'm just glad you're okay.”

  Aline punched him in the arm. Gordon winced and said, “What was that for?”

  Aline smiled and said, “Thank you Gordon, I'm glad you're okay too. But don't get all soft and mushy on me. After I realized I was still alive, floating there, I was so mad at myself for failing to keep you safe. If we lost you, I don't know how we would set the kingdom right again.”

  Gordon replied, “I still don't see how I'm important. Everyone treats me like I'm something special. Why? Mantuan told me some of what's going on, but I still have more questions than answers…”

  “You will get your answers. There should be time soon to talk. So much has happened, and so fast. There just hasn't been time. It always seems like the odds are against us. But we will win,” said Aline confidently.