They did.
Time flew as many objectives were created or completed, much to Alex’s astonishment. Zara and Kyri woke and helped where they could.
When the two large shrouds were carried down and placed in the center of the hall a surprise arrived. King Calosh arrived with twenty fellow priests. Although Alex and many others didn’t believe in the Juguan religion they listened as the white robed priest prayed over the bodies of the fallen warriors.
Afterwards many came forth to pay respects, most were older men and women who survived before Runkamon took control.
An hour before sunset Alex and the others stepped down off the stage. Each one knelt down and honored Gerieg, Elo, and Sheer. Alex went last, as all successors were obliged to do.
He knelt and said “I’ll never forget you or all you’ve done. Enjoy eternity with all your loved ones. I will do all of you proud.”
Alex then stepped back, flared his strength and fit his hands in a crack behind where the bodies had been laid. In the crack that only fingers could fit, Alex shocked all as he lifted a twenty foot square slab of marble up. The stone was one foot thick and solid throughout without a crack or blemish. Weighing about four tons he lifted it alone, revealing the crypt none but a Furion could open. Dank, stale air rose as he flashed his grip and pushed the slab until it stood on its own. With a nod, ten men came close and made sure to steady the marble so that it wouldn’t accidently fall or harm someone.
Beneath the hall was a large staircase that plunged into the earth and not a flicker of light came out. Torches were lit and Alex received one. Lily came up and wrapped an arm around his and together they went down first. The bodies followed and everyone else of importance proceeded next. The catacombs smelled musty, but not putrid. Since not one person had been buried here in decades Alex had to locate an open place to lay them. Hundreds of walls were engraved with names, usually four, the couple and their partners, but some had more than five names, but none more than eight were buried together. He remembered some of the names from past masters who crafted a perfect sphere in Pilluan where he too became a master. Twenty minutes later Alex located an open hole ten feet deep and five high. There were several dozen in this part of the crypt. The burial detail placed the remains inside and blocked the hole with large bricks and mortar. That took another twenty and after they had been sealed together Alex drew his sword and carved the three names of his masters.
Tears weren’t uncommon to those that knew such great beings.
It was easier to leave now that they didn’t need to search blindly.
Exiting the crypt Alex noticed a great many waiting both inside the hall and it seemed as if the entire city stood outside the castle wall. He saw nearly a hundred elderly men and women waiting patiently on the stage. He then had the ten guards step away and carefully replaced the large portion of stone back into the floor, where it looked as if it never came out.
Once it dropped in place Freto asked “Alex, will you and the other’s stand with us?”
Not answering with words his actions were apparent as he and the others made their way up. Neither Shade or the attending fiends needed a translator to understand what was happening.
“As leader of the council of elders,” Freto explained as he held up a round beige ball that seemed to send his voice to everyone within the city without hurting the hearing of anyone. “we have reached a decision.” The Royal City of Ra’van herd clearly. “With the death of the false king, Runkamon, we’ve learned of your lineage to the former King Gerieg. Every present elder has concluded unanimously that you are the firstborn son of his firstborn son. That being said you are by all rights the sole living heir who can claim to be king. Do you claim your right?”
“I do, but not because I want to. It needs to be done.”
“Then kneel before me and the people of Ra’van.” He did without question. Freto then snapped his fingers and a young maiden approached, carrying a thin purple pillow with a golden crown situated atop it. It looked to be made of braded rope, but several rare and highly polished stones had been situated within the firm metal. He then picked it up and placed the crown on Alex’s head. “I hereby crown you, King Alex Shuelson! All hail the king!”
“All Hail the king!” The crown shouted in unison. “All hail the king! All hail the king!” they shouted three times and cheered as he stood in a daze.
When the crowd became slightly subdued Freto again brought his item to his lips and said “Lily, please stand before me.”
“Why?” She questioned and laid her hands on the pommels of her swords.
Many began to chuckle and laughed as the old man playfully admonished “Just get over here.” She did and stood rigidly. “Now I request you show us the scar that both you and Alex have inflicted upon each other, before all the elders.”
“Is that all?” She inquired and pulled down her tunic slightly and willed her metal to show the narrow scar between her breasts. Alex did the same.
“For those who cannot see, both Alex and Lily have done the Marking Ceremony and have scarred each other in the most binding location. They will never take another so long as the other survives. Their union is of the highest trust and love. I hereby acknowledge Lily before you now as Alex’s lifelong mate. Kneel before me.”
“Forget it!” She stated clearly and confidently. “I only kneel to Alex when we are alone, if you catch my meaning.”
The crowd and city roared in laughter and many of the elders blushed while laughing.
Freto bristled as she had taken over time-honored traditions with a singular joke, but he inclined his head and snapped his fingers. Another maiden approached with a much more delicate crown, but its beauty surpassed the one on Alex’s brow. The man then had to reach up and place it upon her brow. “We elders also agree that you are hereby crowned, Queen Lily! All hail the queen!”
Again the crown said thrice “All hail the queen!”
After a great banquet and merriment came to an end as the full moon hung at its peak in the sky Alex wondered why Lily ordered a servant to have Allahandra come. The queen of Alluan came to their newly altered king’s chamber. Lily grinned and hugged Allahandra. They spoke for a few minutes while Alex watched their interaction from the massive bed that put everything he had slept on to shame. Before long Lily pulled out her small dowry box Allahandra gave as a gift. She then pulled out the silver circlet and handed it back saying “Since I’m now queen I wear gold, just as you’ve said. Now I’m returning the gift so you can give it to your son.”
Allahandra laughed and gladly took it. They spent an hour together before separating and going to bed.
Chapter 27
Yanna, Wake and Itanah began chasing each other through the tall grass and shrubs, scaring all animals within hearing distance. They play bit, tackled and tied subduing each other at every opportunity. Their noises and play fighting amused all who watched.
“They are nearly as tall as me yet they play so adorably as they always have.” Lily commented as she rode atop Crest and Alex atop Shade. The proud parents watched their first litter with amusement and admiration. And already two new pups named Gerieg and Elo watched their elder siblings from between their enormous parents.
“It’s hard to believe it has already been a year.” Alex retorted.
“Any news on Clift?”
“Nay, Allahandra hasn’t heard anything since he left to go claim Starflash and their colt. He’s also acting as guide for the dignitary she’s dispatched to speak with me so don’t fear for them traveling alone. The prides and packs haven’t seen him either. Don’t worry he’ll come back soon. You’re getting as bad as Marlin.”
“Not fair!” Marlin stated from where he rode another horse. “I only ask every few days.”
Pirn laughed and said “You should see how pitiful he is when Niranene isn’t around to occupy his mind.” Marlin harrumphed, but didn’t deny it.
“While we are on the subject has there been any sightings of you
r cousin?” Lily asked.
“Nay again. After she and Veign married two weeks ago they haven’t been spotted, but Kyri has. Three days ago one of the Frox found her prowling the Bend Mountains with a large male. I was told she seemed happy.”
“Good for her.” Lily smirked.
“Zara and Veign know they must return in two weeks. We’ve put off her training long enough. We should be done quite quickly and still meet up with you the other leaders at Central City for the unveiling of the neutral Waget nation and overseeing council.”
“It will be a long eight months…” Lily sighed oddly.
“So why have you suddenly called us to go on a trip today?” Marlin wondered.
“Let’s see…” Alex looked up and scratched his jaw to think. “We checked to see the school and Sheul Library working out as properly as I hoped. Wasn’t it pleasant to see the children playing Recha during the break and studying with the fiend children?”
“Only you could have done that.” Niranene stated from behind Marlin. “I think it was genius for you to pair adolescent teens with the pups. Wake, Yanna and Itanah seemed to enjoy their partners.”
“We would if they’d stop playing without US!” Kori’s eldest daughter yelled and Itanah stopped and looked back at her with mirth and bounded over to rub her head against her partner lovingly. Itanah barked several times. “Yeah yeah, I forgive you.”
Alex turned and asked “Did you understand what she just said?”
“Not exactly, your majesty. She’s just easy to read.” Itanah then barked, looking between her and Alex. “Oh just go on!” She pushed her partner and in return Itanah licked her face before racing off after her siblings.
“Father, can we play too?” Little Elo asked and his brother whined in a similar wondering.
Shade continued walking while he looked down at his youngest pups. “You can play with each other over in the clearing ahead. Don’t play-challenge you older sisters and brother for they are just too big to play with right now.”
Crest smirked as she watched her young at play.
“You still haven’t told us why we’re out here in the middle of nowhere?” Marlin shook his head at how easily a conversation could change.
“Well I have a surprise waiting that is going to make everything I’ve done so far pale in comparison. You will all have to just wait.”
“By the way, how is the river project coming, my king?” One of the teens inquired when there came a lull in the conversation for about ten minutes. “Father, hasn’t sent a letter to our family in two weeks and I’m getting worried.”
“Don’t be. About thirteen days ago marauders tried sabotaging supply lines. I had to root them out by sending a patrol of partners to locate their base. Luckily none were harmed and the marauders were sent to work off all the debt they stole on the project. Since then I’ve reestablished the route and the first return ship will arrive by tomorrow. So far not one person has been irreparably harmed. And as for the project itself I’ve been told we’ve dug about two leagues and the river is wide enough for four battleships to easily sail side by side and not risk crashing into each other. Lady Hanna has also reported they’ve completed their first league.”
“Thank you. It gladdens me to hear all that.”
In the past year the city has adjusted much to Alex’s rule and many historians are baffled at how prosperous it has become in such a short time. Many were worried about economic collapse, but within the first month came an unexpected change. Smiles became a dominant feature on the face of the citizens instead of grim acceptance. The largest contributing factor to smiling was when people began experimenting with new lifestyles and trades. Inevitably some closed-minded people saw the new system as a threat and every failed assignation attempt on the new king resulted in either a choice between execution or exile. Many learned Alex didn’t need a full contingent of guards for his skills alone were infinitely more deadly. If Shade got to them first they weren’t offered such a preference.
But the people grew to appreciate his openness for any question. Usually he would answer, but if he didn’t they left the subject alone.
Many freed slaves up and left for their families in other lands. The rest found some happiness in life. Quite a few became loyal servants and chose to be hired by Alex. His kindness and equality made them fiercely loyal.
Fiends became part of everyday society. Some chose to live out in the wild while others made deeply connected human friends and contributed in their own way. Many streets had been changed to dirt so at a moment’s notice a fiend and human could communicate effectively.
Freelan disbanded not two months after news spread of the false king’s death. With the ultimate goal reached there wasn’t a reason for the group to remain bound. The common enemy was no more.
What became more astounding was that Ra’van wasn’t the only land to openly accept fiends. Every great land adopted a relationship with creatures they feared and despised for so long. Such bias is all but forgotten now. Children became accustomed to the fiends more quickly than any adult and it helped facilitate a kind atmosphere.
After about an hour of traveling the pups returned, the three elder siblings picked up their partners while the younger returned and tired themselves out. To rest Alex put them both in the hollow place between Shade’s shoulder.
Ava, her new mate Streak and their newly flying chick Siae swooped in. Streak was slightly larger than Ava and both landed on their individual partner’s shoulder perches. Lily scratched Streak’s feathers. Siae landed between Shade’s ears and settled down to rest. “We’re close.” Ava informed quietly in Alex’s ear.
“Alright, form up!” Alex ordered.
Shade and Crest walked side by side, Pirn pulled his horse around and fell behind Lily while Marlin and Niranene did behind Alex, Krum and Shade. The three overgrown pups and their riders fell in the rear.
The overgrown trail winded for a few more minutes until it opened up to reveal a farm of five acres. Many vegetables and fruits were already growing, but none were quite ripe enough to be picked. The house seemed simply made and looked both sturdy and quaint.
In the fields worked three individuals. Alex then shouted “Hello there!” and waved in greeting.
The three warily approached, seeing the mounts their riders sat upon. Two were middle-aged adults and behind the father stood a teenager in the prime of her puberty. All three wore old and sturdy clothes and each were obviously accustomed to physical labor. “Is there something we can help you with?” The father asked.
“Nay, but I believe I can help you.” Alex stated and dismounted.
As the sweltering sunlight caught his gold crown all three realized who stood before them. Each knelt in the ground and prostrated themselves. “Why would the king himself, come here? I beg your pardon, your majesty. Anything you need you can have.”
“I am not in any need, but correct me if I’m wrong, but are you Pablo and his wife Deja and daughter Rose?”
“You honor my family with knowing our names.” Deja said from her bow.
“Stand up please, I have something for you.”
Reluctantly they did and standing only a few yards away he could see clearer details in each of them. Pablo had uniform blond hair like the sun and deep blue eyes while Deja has platinum blonde hair and violet eyes. Both were quite tall and strong of body. Rose was a combined person of both of them and she was the first to ask “What do you mean?”
“Lily, come join me. I have someone you must meet.” She too dropped and Streak clung as effectively as Ava from his leathery perch. She came closer and again the three bowed, but not as deeply.
“Alex, why are we here?” She inquired with a light catch in her voice, suspecting something.
“Sing your favorite song.”
Lily looked at him as oddly as the three farmers. “Why?”
“Because I like it… They love music, what does it matter?”
“Fine.” And she began to sing t
he only song that she will never forget.
Deja suddenly gasped and her hands both went to her quivering lips.
Alex grinned knowingly.
Lily stopped once Deja began singing it too.
“Can it be?” Lily asked breathlessly as she stared openly at her husband.
“It took me a year of hard searching, but aye.” He then grabbed her hand and that of Deja’s, brought them together and put their hands together. “Lily, these are your parents and younger sister.”
“Mother?” Lily choked as her eyes began watering.
“Dear Lily, you’ve gotten so big.” She choked as well and they embraced each other ever since she was taken so long ago.
Pablo’s eyes glittered with hope as he asked “King Alex, is this the truth? You’ve brought our daughter home?”
“If that is her wish…”
“It is!” She cried in her mother’s embrace.
“There you have it, but if you would like you can live with us at the palace since you are family. I don’t see why you and your daughter should live so far apart. If you choose to come you must find a profession to your liking for none in my kingdom gets free anything. What we need most back home are cobblers as I’m told.”
“If it means bringing my entire family together again I’ll be the finest shoemaker there’s ever been. You seem to be in need of a pair yourself.”
Lily laughed as did all the others who approached. Pablo became confused. She then rushed into his arms and they began crying anew.
Lastly Lily approached Rose and said “I’ve never had a sister before.”
“And I didn’t know she was queen.” They embraced as well.
Alex then changed his voice and rumbled “Crest, Streak, keep Lily company. The rest of us are going to train the children a few stalking skills since we took them from school today.”
Crest flicked her ears. “Do you believe they are a danger to her?”
Ra' van (Book Three of the Items Trilogy) Page 56
