Dream of Empty Crowns

by M. J. Sewall

  Santovan continued, “From what we have heard, it is a very strange system. Some leaders get elected, some get appointed. They have some sort of ruling body that makes all the decisions. Apparently, some are more equal than others.”

  Gordon said, “A few people saying that everyone is equal, but then saying 'but we will be in charge,' seems confusing.”

  “They don't see any contradiction,” said Santovan.

  Mantuan said, “There's always a leader. And when there's great power involved, they rarely give up that power. So, finding the murderers is out of the question. We will find another way to get your brother and Loren out of prison. There is another way you can help, old friend.”

  Santovan seemed intrigued. “I'll help anyway I can…”

  “We need to find the law keeper,” said Mantuan.

  “…Anyway but that,” said Santovan. “The law keeper does not want to be found.”

  Mantuan smiled, “So you do know where he is?”

  “Yes,” Santovan said with a puzzled look. “You do know who the law keeper is, don't you?”

  “He is the one that's going to help us take down Trunculin and all his evil plots, once and for all,” said Mantuan.

  “I seriously doubt that. It would be difficult for you to even reach the law keeper, who has stopped travelling and settled in one place. And you will never convince the law keeper to get involved with your kingdom again.”

  “If what I've heard is true, he found many documents that will prove what Trunculin has been doing, many of his secrets. We need this proof to convince our people,” said Mantuan.

  “I believe the law keeper does have these documents. Every kingdom was searched quietly for years by the law keeper. But to do what you propose, would open up more wounds than you know.”

  “Opening up old wounds is always dangerous. But if we don't, they won't heal correctly. Right now my kingdom is rotting from the inside out. We have to destroy the illness and restore the kingdom,” said Mantuan.

  Santovan looked weary. “The problem is not finding the law keeper. The hard part is getting there. The law keeper is high in the snowy mountains. Agents of mine climb the mountains with supplies once a year. It takes a full week to climb the mountain. And I lose men every year in the attempt. It is an impossible idea.”

  “Too bad we don't have an airship,” Gordon jested.

  Mantuan laughed, “Too bad indeed. I don't think Trunculin will loan us one. We will have to make the climb. We will find the law keeper with or without your help Santovan.”

  “How can I say no to a man back from the dead? The law keeper will be very angry.” Santovan let out a heavy sigh. “Please say you beat the information out of me. I will give you maps that show exactly where the law keeper is. But I will warn you that the path you're on, there's no turning back. It will be sad for you to come back from the dead only to die again,” said Santovan, indicating Gordon and pointing to the next room where Aline had gone, “…and then taking these nice young people with you.”

  “Not very much faith for someone who lives in the kingdom of the gods,” said Mantuan.

  Santovan said, “I believe in a great many things. I also live in the real world. I'm convinced that we can never go backwards. I will help you on one condition. Find a way to get my brother out of prison.”

  “You have my word. I will get him out if I have to fight all of Thure myself,” Mantuan promised.

  “I would say I'm going to regret this, but I already do. Come with me,” said Santovan leading them into another room for the maps and a list of things they would need to make the climb.

  Mantuan sent Aline ahead to ready the men at the docks, giving her specific instructions on how to prepare them for the next step. Santovan warned them to dress warmly and sent Gordon and Mantuan on their way. They said their goodbyes and came out of the door. As Gordon and Mantuan were walking into the street, Mantuan suddenly stopped. Without saying a word, he drew his longknife.

  Three men were walking towards them and they also stopped. Gordon didn't recognize two of the men. But there was no mistaking the man in the center. It was Brenddel. The firstman had drawn his own longknife and was already running straight at them.

  Chapter 47: Imprisoned

  Loren and Denogg stood by the bars in their cells.

  “… No, it was just me and my brother Santovan,” said Denogg. “Our parents were merchants. We both followed in their footsteps. Although my brother was much more defiant, he dared to go far away from home. I never had the urge. Of course I've traveled and have business dealings in many kingdoms, but I like the comfort of home.”

  Loren said, “I'm sorry that home is gone. Sorry that we involved you at all, Denny. Although I certainly couldn't have seen any of this coming.”

  “Oh stop. I will be fine, providing that they don't cut my head off. That would ruin my day. How about your family?” asked Denogg.

  Loren said, “Just one sister. I…” they both heard noises coming down the hall toward them.

  Denogg said, “I hope that's not the executioner already…”

  The queen walked down the corridor quickly, giving orders to several soldiers. Denogg and Loren stood there. The queen said, “You're getting out of here. Now. I'm giving you a full pardon.”

  “To what do we owe this… honor, my queen?” asked Denogg cautiously.

  One of the guards opened the cell doors, and the queen said, “I'm convinced you were not involved in my husband's death Denny, or you Loren, nor Gordon. I am sorry about Gordon, by the way. And I'm getting you out of here so that your insane firstcouncilor does not kill you.”

  Loren asked, “Did Trunculin do something? What has happened?”

  “Many things happened,” said the queen. “Some of them too disturbing to talk about now. Besides, there's no time. Denny, you both need to leave the kingdom now. How fast can you make arrangements?”

  “Just release my ships back to me when I arrive at the docks. We can leave right away. Why the urgency, my queen?”

  “Because as soon as my grandmother finds out what I've done, she will tell Trunculin and his men will be after you,” said the queen.

  “What's the best way out?” asked Loren.

  “Like all palaces, we have secret ways out,” the queen said, handing something to one of her guards. “These guards will get you to the docks. I have given him a sealed letter releasing any goods you need. Go quickly… “.

  The queen stopped as she heard metal clanging and voices coming towards them. “She was faster than I thought. Go, it's that way.”

  Denogg, Loren and the two guards made for the secret exit the opposite way from the fast approaching commotion. The queen turned to see several of Trunculin's guards running towards them. The guards had their longknives out and started to surround the queen. Her own guards drew their longknives.

  The queen said, “How dare you draw your knives in my kingdom!”

  “Put your knives away,” said Trunculin as he strode in with the grandmother. He asked, “Where are they, my queen?”

  “How dare you…” the queen started.

  The grandmother rushed in and slapped the queen across the face. The guards froze, not used to protecting the queen from her own grandmother. “You stupid girl. I should have realized from your mother that brains could skip a few generations. We need this alliance. You have royal blood, act like it!”

  The queen recovered and rubbed her face. She stared at her grandmother. “I will act like a queen who was just struck by one of her subjects. Guards, put my beloved grandmother in that cell,” said the queen wiping the blood from her lip.

  “You wouldn't. I…” began the grandmother.

  The guards hesitated for a moment but complied. “And gag her,” added the queen. “I can't speak to the brains, grandmother, but I thank the gods that cruelty skips generations as well.”

  The firstcouncilor stood there watching. The queen could tell from his expression that he didn't know what t
o expect next.

  The queen turned on Trunculin. “You vile filth. If I could find a way to save that poor boy, I would. I should kill you where you stand, but I'm not stupid. I know your airships would come over and rain fire on my kingdom. I know that I cannot win in a war with you.” She took a step toward Trunculin. “But I can throw you the hell out of my kingdom.”

  Trunculin stepped towards her. “You have far more enemies than you think, my queen,” he said, nearly spitting the words. “We will leave. And we will catch the prisoners. Don't worry, I'll return Denogg to you after I catch them, from my airship. The fat pig should make quite the stain in front of your palace. And if I ever choose to come back here, it will not be for a friendly chat.”

  Before the queen had time to respond, Trunculin and his guards had walked back down the corridor. The queen fully understood that the ally she'd hoped to gain was now her enemy.

  She looked over to the cell where the grandmother was gagged. Her hands were tied, and she was furiously trying to shout through the gag. The queen slowly went up to the bars. The two women made eye contact.

  The queen said only one word to her grandmother before she walked away. “Rot.”

  Chapter 48: Mantuan and Brenddel

  Mantuan was in the middle of the street as Brenddel charged him. Brenddel only faltered for a moment when he saw the boy and realized Gordon was alive. Mantuan used that moment of hesitation to attack. He swung at Brenddel, but Brenddel twisted his body backwards and leapt to avoid the knife. He didn't land on his feet, but he was up on them quickly enough to block Mantuan's second blow.

  The other two men in Brenddel's party didn't move to help, but instead the man from Extatumm asked Darion, “Who is that boy?”

  Darion said, “Believe it or not, that is the boy king Gordon. And that is the legendary warrior Mantuan. Looks like it's a day of the dead in the kingdom of the gods.”

  Gordon has drawn his longknife as well, and wanted to help Mantuan, but he had no idea how to engage without being in the way.

  “Did you bring it with you?” Mantuan asked Brenddel as they battled in the middle of the street.

  Brenddel took a step back and aimed his wrist arrows. Mantuan pushed over a small wooden table, spilling fruit everywhere. With one hand, he turned it into a shield and the small, thick arrow made a “thktt” sound as the head of the arrow came through the wood. Mantuan launched the table at Brenddel and it hit his arm, shattering his wrist mounted arrow gun. “I told you that thing is useless in a real fight.”

  The blow sent Brenddel tumbling down the stone steps to the next terrace. People scrambled to get out of his way. Mantuan charged down the steps, not wasting a moment. “Is it here?” Mantuan shouted again.

  Brenddel stood up and took a few paces backwards. He knew that Mantuan had the advantage on the higher ground, looming over him on the steps. Both men's hearts raced as they shouted over the rushing water below the steps. “What are you saying, dead man?”

  Mantuan made a shout and charged Brenddel again, blocking his knife and pushing him back. Brenddel went flying backward into a cart full of pottery. He rolled over the ruined cart, getting up quickly. Mantuan said, “My battle axe. I want it back before I kill you.”

  Gordon raced down the steps after them, still hesitating to enter the fight. Brenddel had just gotten up, when Mantuan's shortknife went flying at Brenddel. He shielded his face instinctively and it sunk into the back of his arm.

  Brenddel yelled and pulled the knife out. Gordon's hesitation didn't matter, and apparently Mantuan needed no help. Gordon knew how strong Brenddel was, but it was clear he would lose this fight. Brenddel knew it too.

  Mantuan advanced on Brenddel slowly, step by step. “I can throw you down into the waters of Artoth, or you can run. Your choice.”

  “You should run, dead man,” said Brenddel, holding his arm. Blood was pouring from the open wound. “I have a full airship. We will be coming for you.”

  Mantuan replied, “I'm counting on it. Next time we meet, I want my axe back.”

  Brenddel broke off the attack and started running back to the gates of the kingdom and his airship. Memories of his childhood rushed into his mind as he ran. Brenddel realized this part of the kingdom was not far from where Mantuan had found him. And from where his parents had been taken.

  He used the fury of these memories to rush to his men on the airship.

  * * *

  Darion and the Extatumm agent watched the action from the distance. They saw the fight move down the steps to the terrace below.

  Darion said, “Well, it looks like we will be headed to Extatumm alone.”

  Coltun said, “Yes, it appears that way. I have transportation out of the kingdom at the far gate. I need to make an urgent stop first.”

  At the next block, Darion waited as the man went into a small building with a woman's face painted above the door. A few young women and young men all wearing white were milling around outside. Coltun was only inside a moment. After he came out, he saw a group of girls with flowers in their hair leave the building. They all seem to be running back the direction they had just come.

  They stood at the edge of the fight again and saw Brenddel leave to retrieve his men.

  “Should we wait until he gets back?” asked Coltun.

  Darion saw the first of the Artoth guards coming. “No. We should go now.” Coltun and Darion left for Extatumm.

  * * *

  Mantuan did not pursue Brenddel, but gathered Gordon and took an alternative route. They tried to walk quickly, without drawing attention. He removed his patch again. He knew the skirmish in the street had been witnessed by a lot of people. Both kings had guards everywhere. He just hoped to get out of the kingdom in time.

  It was slow going, winding through the ancient terraces, streets and alleyways. Mantuan was sure that they would get away, when he saw a group of guards shouted for them to stop.

  “Blast, I would've preferred to have dealt with the blue king's men. Those pointy toothed guards are very skilled.” They stopped and ducked into a nearby alleyway. “Gordon, I need to take care of these guards. Stay here in the alley…”

  “I want to fight,” Gordon said.

  “You are not ready, my king. This is no place to test your skills. Wait here. I insist,” Mantuan said as he drew his longknife. He was back in the street quickly, the guards nearly on him. There were four guards dressed in orange leather armor, and Gordon could see they were all bearing their sharpened teeth. They all had their knives drawn and Mantuan leapt into them as though he was a beast attacking prey.

  “Hello.”

  Gordon was startled by the greeting from behind him. He turned around to see a young woman in a white dress standing in the alleyway. He turned back to the fight. Another girl said, “Hello.”

  Gordon saw that Mantuan had already defeated one man and was just besting another. The man fell and would not get up again.

  “Do you know the mother?” asked one girl to Gordon.

  “Would you like to meet the father?” asked another.

  “What? I'm sorry I'm a little busy right now…” Gordon said as three more of the girls came smiling at him. Gordon looked confused as one of them came close to him and opened her palm.

  Gordon said, “I really can't…”

  The girl blew a fine powder into Gordon's face.

  Mantuan had defeated the third guard, when movement caught his attention from the alleyway. He looked for Gordon. To his shock, Gordon was being carried off by girls all dressed in white.

  Mantuan shouted, “Gordon!”

  One of the pointy toothed guards took advantage of the distraction and slashed at Mantuan, slicing him on the left arm. Mantuan growled and used the pain to fuel him. He ran the man through with his longknife and the man dropped to the ground. Turning, Mantuan shouted, “Gordon!”

  Mantuan put pressure on his wound and starting towards the alleyway. He could no longer see the girls or Gordon. What he saw coming in
stead were dozens of guards. They were coming at him fast.

  From either side of the alleyway, there were guards wearing the colors of both kings. They successfully cut Mantuan off from Gordon.

  Mantuan knew he had no choice and fled. He had temporarily lost Gordon, the best hope for the kingdom. He sheathed his longknife, running back to his men and Aline.

  Chapter 49: Catching the Prisoners

  King Asa just watched as his men packed up all of their things. The firstcouncilor had said nothing since he had returned, except that they were going back to their kingdom. Everything was done quickly, and in what seemed like only moments, they were aboard the airship.

  Asa thought about asking to say goodbye to the queen, but he knew that would only make Trunculin angrier, if that was possible. They boarded the airship and took to the skies. Trunculin knew that leaving at night was dangerous with the fin creatures, but he had no choice.

  He had only a small contingent of soldiers after all, and one airship was nothing against the entire kingdom of Thure. Trunculin had many plans, but starting a war now was not one of them.

  It wasn't until they were up in the air that Trunculin turned to Asa and said, “You did it all for nothing, you know. Loren and Denogg are fleeing Thure by ship, you stupid boy. This airship is twice as fast. We will find them. And I will make sure you remember their screams as you watch them fall.”

  Asa sat looking down at the deck of the ship. Then he slowly rose out of his chair to look right in the firstcouncilor's eyes. He tried very hard not to wince at the pain from the bruises. Asa's eyes were wet, but he tried not to blink, saying nothing. He just stood there looking at Trunculin.

  Trunculin smiled a thin, arrogant smile. Asa thought that this was his true smile, not the one he showed to the public.

  “You want to be defiant, do you?” said Trunculin. “Do you enjoy the punishment? Because I have many more ways to punish you, little king.”

  Asa stood there, staring at Trunculin.