by Andrew Wood
His own guard, wearing the tabard of the Royal Elite soldiers, stayed close to the man he was charged with protecting. Inside the elegant entrance hall, with its marble flooring and elaborate pictures, he headed to the left. Here were another massive set of doors, once more with two guards outside. He would be made to wait here, until the government officials inside the room decided to let him in.
Even a slight delay was a snub. The fact Oran was made to wait nearly twenty minutes was little short of a complete rebuke. Once he was finally admitted, he stepped inside. The room was unusually full, with most, if not all the governors being present, and this he knew was something extraordinary in itself. He could hear a few jeers as he made his way to the head of the room, where his seat was positioned opposite the bench.
The bench was not actually a bench, and was just called so in name. It was in fact a large desk, behind which, were positioned the leading government officials. Here sat the most powerful men in his country, and all were present. Oran immediately noticed something different. Casting his eye around the room, there were more soldiers than usual. Whereas normally just a couple of guards stood on duty beside the doors, there were also a dozen or so lined up along one wall. As to why they were there he was at first unsure.
Oran was beginning to think he had just walked into the lion's den, as all eyes focused upon him, he calmly poured himself a drink. His guard stood just behind him and off to his left, as he leaned over, "Get Commander Porter and the guard in here...now please," he said quietly. The guard nodded and quietly slipped away, leaving him on his own.
The room fell silent, as one of the men on the bench stood and raised his arms, as those on the seats reserved for lesser government members waited on. Oran knew one or two of them on a personal level, and had always deemed them reasonable men. The five most senior members of the bench however, he had no time for.
Only when the standing man was happy he had everyone's attention, he called for the guard to close the doors. This action was again unusual, and Oran was beginning to think he had misjudged just how far the situation had moved on. "Members of the Kothian Government," the man spoke in a loud and clear voice. The room had been designed in such a way that even the person sat furthest away, would hear someone talking the other end.
"We have been called to this meeting to address a most serious matter. My right Honourable gentleman will now explain," the man said before gesturing to another official sat beside him. Oran eyed the man who had spoken. He had not even acknowledged the presence of the king. This only confirmed his fears that these men were up to something. He looked towards the doors, hoping his commander would turn up with the guard very soon. The only thing that might bide him time, was the government officials own protocol, whereby certain members had to speak before others.
The second man stood and glowered Oran's direction, as if he were some terrible criminal. This was the man Oran had asked to be arrested, and it was he who had been at the forefront of all the accusations, but without his guard aside him, he was alone. Four of the five men on the bench, and the other forty-four government officials awaited the man standing to speak. It was clear Oran was there to be accused.
The man started by telling everybody who it was that actually ran the country of Kothia, and the royal family were nothing but a burden on the decent taxpaying people. Oran let the man have his say, still wondering how long it would be before his guards made an appearance. After waffling on for another minute, on how much of a waste it was having a monarchy, the man paused, "Now we learn that our king is responsible for breaking the very laws he is sworn to uphold." Although there were a few gasps of surprise there was not as many as Oran had thought there should have been. This of course meant that most of the men sitting in the room were already familiar with the accusation.
There was another pause, before the man concluded, "Oran, I see you leave us no option but to place you under arrest. Guards take him away." There was a lot of shouting amongst the men in the room, some clearly enjoying the king's demise, others shocked. Four of the guards that had been standing along the far wall made their way over to where Oran sat. He had not even been given a chance to rebuke the accusations.
Oran did not resist, as the four guards stepped up beside him, and one of the men took a hold of his arm and pulled for him to stand. As he was escorted back towards the door, he cast a glance back at the rather smug looking men sat at the bench. He turned back to see the doors in front burst open. His commander had not let him down.
The two government guards at the door were merely brushed aside as over thirty of the Elite Royal guard moved boldly into the room. The men on the bench called it an outrage that the soldiers of the king had burst into their domain. Oran felt a wave of relief as his own men surrounded him, and ushered him out. There was a standoff between his men and those guards within the room. Thankfully, neither side saw fit to actually engage the other. Oran hoped it remained so, but had the feeling a line had now been crossed, and one side had to now give.
In Pitford, Ramon had his soldiers keep a watchful eye on the local area. He had asked that scouting parties be sent out and look for any further signs that their position was under scrutiny. The guard on the gatehouse was doubled, and soldiers were now also asked to patrol those gaps in the outer wall. All magicians, both the younger members and older had strict instructions not to wander out of the grounds. He was certain that those who had attempted to grab Maxim, would likely do so again. As a seer, it was frustrating for him, that he could not predict when or how that might happen.
He next needed to sit down with the other senior magicians at Pitford, and discuss the best way forward. Trouble was stirring, just as he had predicted to the king several years earlier. The monarch had set him the task of creating a safe haven for those wielding magic, with a view to making an army of wizards capable of repelling a similar enemy. Ramon knew that time was approaching, now he needed to step up and deliver to the man who had kept faith, and risked so much by having him do so.
Now it was time for the magicians to learn, practice and hone the skills needed to fight, and in Darion, he knew he had probably the best. The old man had been forced to live a life of exile, back when the nation had deemed it a death sentence to anybody with magic. Since Pitford's resurrection, the old man had settled back in, and although his people skills left a little to be desired, his magical knowledge was as good as Ramon had ever seen. Feeling the need to keep up to date with latest events, he locked the door to his office.
After returning to his seat, Ramon leaned back and closed his eyes. He needed to shut himself away from the world today, and peer into what tomorrow might bring. Naturally, what he saw would only be what may happen; if events were changed then things may not. The more in depth he peered, the more power it took. Occasionally however, he had visions far into the future, as he had once seen to warn the King of Kothia. These rarely happened and only ever whilst in the deepest sleep.
Since the incident with Maxim, a couple of days ago, Ramon had taken to checking whether he could see any potential threat. Before that time, he had been so busy running the estate, that he had barely a spare moment to sit and relax enough, to do what he did naturally; now however, he had made it a priority. The mere thought, that an enemy had made an attempt to snatch the young lad known as Maxim, had scared him.
He had seen a glimpse of what might have happened if they had not succeeded in stopping them. Maxim was a very powerful magician, although it was obvious the lad himself did not know just how powerful. Whereas some magicians were able to help and heal, Maxim was a destroyer. Darion had some small elemental skills, hence why Ramon had asked him to teach Maxim, but nothing like the scale of the youngster's powers. Ramon knew well, as a few others did, that if Maxim realised his true potential, he would be capable of destruction on a massive scale.
He slowed his breathing, and concentrated, clearing his mind of all distractions he focussed on one face; Maxim. He quickly shuddered a
nd his eyes flickered open. He caught his breath, such was the power emanating from the youngster, he was finding it increasingly difficult to see his path. He paused for a few moments to regain his composure. The other lad, Zack was clearly close to Maxim, perhaps he might be able to view his path instead, and hope Maxim was involved somewhere along it.
Ramon focused once more, attempting to concentrate on Zack. It was clear the young royal also had potential, should he make the right choices. However, it was also obvious to Ramon, that Zack's future was very obscure. The young lad would have so many choices and decisions to make. Some of them did concern Maxim, which at least told the seer nothing was about to happen just yet that might endanger the youngster. With his mind at rest for at least the immediate future, he needed to focus on the present.
Chapter 18.
Oran was ushered back to his royal residence with his Elite Royal Guardsmen surrounding him, as he walked hurriedly back. They had to move quickly, and he realised he had under-estimated just how far the government were willing to go. To have attempted to arrest him meant they were ready to overthrow the monarchy.
His commander had called out the entire company of guards, and already had them positioned around the walls of the royal palace. He had already sent word to the cities two garrisons, and the message had been a clear one. The government were attempting a coup and the king needed his men to rally to his cause. Now it was time to see just who was willing to fight for which side.
Already, horses were being readied, as a bulk of the cavalry were preparing. Both infantry and archers were collecting weapons and heading off out of their respective barracks. Some headed toward the government building, others toward the home of the king. Men who had been on duty side by side just a few minutes before, were now forced to take one side or another. There was no middle ground, yet it was apparently clear many did not know which side they should follow. As it was, those with uncertainty followed a friend or commanding officer to a side.
Dozens of men, both on horseback and on foot headed to the palace. These were the men who had decided to side with the king. However, it was soon apparent to the commander, that the government appeared to be getting the larger share of the forces. "Sire we have enough to defend the palace for some time, although it appears the government has the greater numbers from the garrisons." Oran was a little disappointed more had not sided with him, but he did not have time to dwell.
The king's first reaction was to prepare to defend, although realising that would mean Kothian fighting Kothian, he was beginning to think otherwise. "What do you think to a tactical retreat Denny?" he asked his commander.
"We will stand and fight if you wish Sire. However, if that is what you wish we shall follow you. Where do you have in mind?"
"Can we gather enough horses and supplies for every man?" Oran asked.
"I'll see what we have, and get the supplies gathered."
Oran quickly jogged into the palace, he needed to get his wife and children ready to leave. He knew it would mean leaving most of their possessions behind, but if it meant saving lives then so be it. He could not have battles raging through the streets of his capital. Innocent people would likely be caught up in it, and that was something he did not want to be responsible for. His son Anden, helped gather the jewels and treasures belonging to the monarchy; these were items he dare not leave behind.
Despite his eleven-year-old daughter Frena, being scared at the events taking place, she remained calm and did as was asked. Oran's wife Tiana, oversaw the children, as he gathered together the important books and documents. As he quickly rummaged through the papers on his desk, he placed several papers on the small fire in the hearth. There were certain details that he could not afford to leave any clues on, and any papers or maps that pointed to Pitford had to be destroyed. He had one last task, and that was send word to his brother, and another missive to the men at Pitford. He needed to let them know what was taking place in the capital.
Denny watched on as the yard started filling up. He sent scouts out into the city, and the first reports were coming back to him. The government soldiers were apparently gathering around their offices, awaiting orders. He needed to get out of the city before the governing officials made a decision. There were not quite enough horses for every man, but sufficient wagons to carry the few who did not have one.
Within just half an hour, a long train of troops, carts and wagons left the palace gates and headed for the exit. Denny had not taken all the men with him, instead he left several behind to acts as his eyes and ears. The commander had promised his king, that one day soon, he would retake the capital for him. Oran was just glad to avoid any unnecessary fighting.
There were many people in the streets, still uncertain as to what was taking place, as the royal family, and at least two hundred soldiers, had ridden from the palace and straight out of the city. Several hundred soldiers had amassed around the government building, although it appeared they did not quite know what they were supposed to be doing.
Oran rode his own horse, although those belonging to his wife and children had been given up to soldiers to use. Instead, the other members of the royal family travelled in a covered wagon. Although this did not afford them any warmth, it did prevent some of the cold biting winds. They had several days travelling ahead of them. With what they hoped just enough supplies to get to their destination, and the weather not best suited for such a trip, there would indeed be testing times before them.
By the time the government had made a decision about what to do, the royal contingent had long left. Naturally, they agreed that the king fleeing just proved the man's guilt. Although it was already quite clear that many of the general public were not best pleased, as rumours and gossip were spreading like wild fire. All variants of the truth, but all accusing the government of over stepping their mark. The fact that the king had been forced from his palace, was little short of an outrage.
In the Capital's main square, a large protest was taking shape, and already there had been a few skirmishes between the guards at the government buildings and the public. So much so, that the governors had been forced to extend their meeting to discuss what to do. With a large contingent of soldiers at their disposal, they decided to place more guards around their buildings and homes. They had not expected such a public backlash. The king had barely been gone a couple of hours and already those now taking command were having problems.
The members on the bench; those with the most authority agreed not to move into the vacant palace. It was hoped this would avoid giving the protestors anything else to complain about. It was not just members of the public that were outraged at the king's treatment. Although few in number, there were also those in government who did not agree. It was clear to all, that Kothia was virtually in a state of civil war.
Oran received word that his party was not being pursued, and that at least was his one major concern answered positively. Fear that he had given up a defensive position at the palace, only to be attacked out in the open. Despite this news, he asked his commander to keep scouting both front and rear of their position. The more distance he could put, between himself and the soldiers of the government, the better.
He hoped it would not be too long before he could ride back and retake his capital city. He would have stayed to fight, if not for the risk to innocent people, his family included. As it was, he and his followers had a long journey, and despite this thought, and the fact he had been forced from his home, Oran tried to remain upbeat. He may be fleeing now, but once he had gathered suitable strength, he would take back his country. Once he had done that, he had already decided to dissolve the entire government. The nation had been run for centuries by the monarchy, and it would do so again.
In Pitford, Danton was sat with Zack. Mikel, Maxim and Shadow were also in the same room. Although they were there as well, it was only due to them being told to stay together, and not for any magical lesson. Zack on the other hand was attempting to create a
globe of light, although he had tried this once before with himself and Maxim, and failed.
Danton was a patient teacher, unlike Darion, who Zack did not particularly like. They had already been trying for over an hour, and the best Zack had managed was a small flicker. Danton had told him, if he could achieve that, then the rest would follow. "I'm still learning all the time Zack," the man told him. "Also there is often more than one way to achieve the same result," he added.
"Yes...I seem to recall Darion mentioning something similar," he replied.
They were interrupted by a knock at the door to their room. Mikel decided he would answer it, and was disappointed to see the large frame of Kurtis Raston stood before him.
"What do you want?" Mikel asked a little rudely.
"I am here to help Maxim with his reading and writing," the young man said.
After glaring at each other for a few moments, Mikel thought he had better let him in.
