Even as she made her way, Quimby rushed to greet her, eyes wide with panic and face wrinkled with concern.
“Astrid! You’ve returned! Astrid, the king…” He couldn’t seem to breathe, so overcome was he with emotion and sadness.
“The king what?” She studied his eyes, blood pumping quickly as she anticipated what he was going to say, but in her heart, she knew.
“The king is dead,” Cayden appeared at her side, hand gripped firmly on her shoulder.
Cayden’s large brown eyes searched hers. His face held such emotion, eyes watered, and lips pressed tight. Astrid didn’t know how to respond. The king had not been good, but she had hoped that after everything was over, there would be hope for him. Now, she would never know.
“Astrid, he tried to murder Emmeline. He did kill King Armand. But, he was killed in the process,” Cayden continued.
The news hit her like a hammer, what had she missed while she had been gone?
“Who killed him?” she asked.
“Your sister. Svana. She had no choice,” Cayden said.
Astrid nodded and gulped.
“We need a new ruler,” Quimby pressed, as Caelestans gathered around him. “You must be our new queen.”
“Yes! You will be our queen!” others in the crowd chanted.
Soon, all of the sky kingdom people gathered around them, demanding her to be queen. Astrid took a step back. She knew she couldn’t. It had been her intention all along to kill the king and restore the kingdom, but as she looked around her, she realized those things had been accomplished. The kingdom was restored. Caelestis was safe. All of Verdil was safe.
Her entire life had been spent looking after her younger sisters, looking after herself even, and now as she watched their earnest faces, she knew she couldn’t continue to do that. She needed a life of her own, even if it meant that her request was selfish. For now at least, she wanted to live her own life.
“My dear Quimby. You are my closest friend. Your people are my people, and while peace has been my desire since I left my home of the Volcano of Shadows, I know now that I am not fit or ready to be a queen. Not in the way that you need. I graciously decline, and instead request that you, Quimby, be the new king. No one could care for or love these people like you do, it is deserved.” She bowed humbly.
Quimby’s face drained of color. The Caelestans stopped chanting and looked to him, waiting for his response. Astrid smiled at him. She knew he would make a great leader. He wasn’t at full strength yet, and he only had the one arm, but she knew he had leadership in him. Besides, he was half Caelestan and half Tellurian. If anyone could help unite the kingdoms and bring them closer together, it would be him.
“Yes!” someone shouted. “Yes! Quimby will lead us!”
“Yes, he will make a great king,” Astrid said. “I will continue to help restore the kingdoms and aid the new king… as I have always done.”
Astrid took a step forward, throwing her arms around the rotund man, squeezing him tightly. “You are one of the greatest men I have ever known, and it will be my honor to continue to serve you,” she whispered into his ear.
Then stepping back, she smiled wide as a tear escaped Quimby’s eye, the pride on his face would be something that would stay etched in her memory for all of time.
“What will you do now?” Cayden asked, his face pale with shock.
She turned to face him, foot stepping forward with certainty toward him. Astrid stood on her tip-toes, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her body worn, scars on her arms, but heart full of warmth for this man. “Hopefully, spend more time with you.” She closed her eyes, tilting her head slightly as she pressed her lips to his.
He wrapped his strong arms around her waist, squeezing her tightly to his form and around them cheers from the Caelestans rang out through the air.
Caelestis had found its strength, gotten a new king, and seen love, all in one day. The future held much promise for them all.
54
Svana
There is something that can be said in the aftermath of battle. It is then when true friendships and alliances are formed. Love takes its greatest root, and evil is finally put to rest. Take heart in these moments, and revel in them. For time and history have a way of circling back around.
Palladin, The Great, Ninth Dragon Elder, Tenth Age of Verdil
Svana spun, dropping her sword low, then roundhouse kicking the undead creature in front of her. He twirled in a circle as he collided onto the ground. She stepped forward, slamming her blade into his throat, decapitating his head from his shoulders. Before Svana could catch her breath, another creature rushed at her. She ducked under his swipe, stepped back, then stabbed her Dragon Sword through his neck and twisted, causing it to fall from his shoulders. Svana turned around, searching for her next opponent, but she didn’t see any.
Sweat dripping down her forehead, red hair wild and untamed, Svana stood tall as she surveyed the shoreline. Jakobe joined her. His strong, calloused hand slid around her waist.
“We did it, Svana,” he said softly.
She nodded, smiling to herself.
“We did.”
The soldiers were tired, but now that it was over, they let out little cheers of excitement. As if signaling the end of the fight, great waves washed ashore, reaching up to their feet. The fallen corpses would soon be swept to sea. The Aequorans would make sure to take care of what was left properly.
“Well,” Jakobe sighed, “what do we do next?”
“Head back home.” She smiled back at him.
Little by little, weapons dropped or were sheathed back into their scabbards, and the soldiers began the slow walk back to the castle. The sound of their feet dragged against the sand, and then across the bramble and broken leaves of the forest ground. A breeze came from the east, and then, as if the Unseen Ones had smiled upon them, it was followed by a gentle rain which cooled their aching muscles and washed the sweat from their tired bodies.
To Svana, the destruction, the fires, the broken homes that had been destroyed by rogues and brigands was a welcome sight as they emerged from the forest. They had much to rebuild, but today, they had worked together. There would be peace among the people once more.
Jakobe held her hand while they walked, and the feeling was like salve to her tired soul. As they neared the courtyard of the castle, the Toveraks roaring and pulling at their chains from each side made her laugh.
“What’s funny?” Jakobe squeezed her hand, eyebrows raised as they entered the market area of the castle grounds.
“After everything we’ve been through, I doubt I’ll ever fear a Toverak again.” She grinned wide, and he laughed with her.
“You make a good point.”
They hurried into the castle, leaving behind the slow-moving soldiers who dragged their feet along behind them. Branwin and Jasper were close behind, and as they approached the throne room, Svana motioned for them to follow her.
They nodded, eyes wide as they surveyed the gold and maroon tapestry and plush carpeting that adorned the room. It was such stark contrast to the death and blood they had faced at the water.
“Svana! You’ve returned!” Emmeline shouted, looking no worse for the wear, her face lit with a warm smile as she rushed forward to greet the woman.
“Emmeline! You got back safe!”
They threw their arms around each other, embracing for a long moment, before Emmeline cleared her throat, releasing Svana from the embrace.
“Svana, we have much to discuss. Now that my uncle is dead, we need someone to rule the kingdom and I certainly am not ready, nor prepared to do so.” Her eyebrows furrowed, as she watched Svana.
The ruby haired woman stared back, slightly perplexed, eyebrows raised as she thought about what Emmeline was proposing. Her eyes drifted to Jakobe, and she knew in her heart of hearts, no matter the fact that she was a warrior and everything she and her sisters had been fighting for had come to this, she couldn’t take over the Telluri
an kingdom.
“Emmeline, I can’t…” she mumbled, surveying the throne room as she contemplated the idea of ruling all of Telluris. A wise and good leader was needed, but Svana did not see herself as that. Not now. Not when all she could think of was making a life, a real life, with Jakobe.
“Svana, you and your sisters destroyed the darkness, you fought every evil we faced. There is no one in all the land who has fought as hard, or shown themselves to be as trustworthy. Please… say you’ll stay, rule Telluris. We need you.”
Svana let go of Jakobe’s hand, and began pacing back and forth. Squinting her eyes hard, wishing there were some easy way out. Something she could do to bring back the king.
“Fine, let us discuss with the people and leave it to a vote. If I take the throne without their approval, there will only be more dissension. If I turn it down, but there is no replacement, then we leave the kingdom without a ruler.”
Emmeline nodded. “A fine idea. I will send word to the leaders, and we will convene in the banquet hall and make our decision there.”
Svana nodded, as guards stepped forward, motioning for the four to follow after. Emmeline could be heard discussing the plan with Tristan, who called for another guard to send word to the remaining leaders, and Captain Telvidius.
The banquet hall had been stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, and servants hurriedly brought in fresh flasks of wine as they sat. It wasn’t long before Emmeline entered, Tristan at her side. Fresh bread and butter soon followed and those who joined sighed audibly with joy at the banquet set before them. The air filled with lively conversation, and renewed hope until the whole room was buzzing with it. When every seat had been filled, Emmeline commanded everyone’s attention from the head seat at the extensive table.
“Listen, my friends,” Emmeline began. “Today, our kingdom suffered a great loss as our king was slain in battle. He gave his life trying to save mine, and while I am forever indebted to him, we are left with the difficult task of trying to fill such a huge hole for our kingdom. We need to elect a leader who will bring peace between the kingdoms and restore what has been lost. My uncle was fond of Svana of the Sword, and I, too, believe she would make a great leader for Telluris.”
Cheering rang out, while others grumbled and muttered among themselves. Clearly, not everyone was a fan of Svana.
From her seat, Svana shifted uncomfortably. I cannot do this task, I know that it was my purpose, but I am bereft. I know that I am capable, but I long for peace… for quiet. For a normal life, whatever that means, where I am not fighting for my life or the lives of others day and night. I know it is a selfish request, but this is what I want. She had turned her words inward, speaking to Lingaria, knowing how desperately she needed his advice.
It is not selfish, Svana, to desire a life for yourself. However, you and your sisters were chosen. I think it is important that you give the people the chance to choose you, if they wish. Who’s to say that Jakobe won’t join you as king? There was a playfulness to his voice, but Svana knew she couldn’t take him from his life. The villages would need his help to rebuild. It was important that she encourage that, even if she was elected queen or leader, or whatever the people wished. She could not take Jakobe’s life away from him.
“Svana, what say you to the people?” Emmeline interrupted her thoughts.
Svana stood, taking in a deep breath. “My people, when I left the Volcano of Shadows, I was but a child in mind and heart. Serving you and fighting alongside you in battle has been the greatest privilege of my life. I will continue to serve you however you see fit.”
Hammer Toe stood, as Svana sat back in her seat. “Svana would make a great leader! Not only is she a great warrior, and admirable foe.” He winked at her. “She is just and will rule in a way fitting of a queen.”
“I second that.” Geribaldus stood, both shocking and surprising her. “Svana is strong in ways we need a leader to be, but she is also wise. She will make a great leader.”
Svana pursed her lips as she studied Captain Telvidius’s companion. She had barely said a few words to him. Why was he standing up for her?
He and Hammer Toe sat back in their seats, sloshing back wine in great goblets, and cheering one another.
“May I offer an alternative?” Svana spoke up.
“Who did you have in mind?” Emmeline asked.
“You.”
Emmeline’s eyes widened. “Me?”
“Emmeline, you knew your uncle better than any of us. You knew him before the darkness, when he was full of kindness, the same kindness we saw in him at the end after the darkness left him, and you share his kindness. I don’t believe there is anyone more suited for the throne than you,” Svana said.
“Svana, I do not feel that I have what it takes to rule an entire kingdom.”
“And what makes you believe I have what it takes? I’m not familiar with the political structure here in Telluris. You are. You were with your uncle every day. You saw him in his good times and his bad times. You know what the people need more than anyone. Telluris deserves a queen like you.”
Various places at the table erupted in words of encouragement for Emmeline. Several people shouted their approval over others.
“You’ve lived here your whole life!”
“No one loves Telluris like you!”
“You are kind, and wise. We need you!”
While those that wanted Svana to govern, tried to outshout them.
“What’s wrong with Svana?”
“Svana is the one who united the kingdoms and fought for us!”
“Svana for queen!”
“Be at peace!” Emmeline shouted loudly above them. “Svana, I am leaving the choice up to you. What do you wish to happen? I will trust your decision.”
Svana nodded her head with respect, urging Lingaria to come forward. He appeared on her shoulder and the entire room let out gasps of shock, save for those who had seen her dragon battling at the shore with them.
“I will make a decision best for the kingdom, but before I do so, I think it is fair that I am honest with you. My sisters and I… we were chosen for the three kingdoms. Our original plan was to kill the kings and take their place. We were given these dragon guides to assist us, and as we got to know you, as we fell in love with the kingdoms and all of Verdil. We knew it could not be that easy. There would be no death for the kings, because we believed they could be saved.
When we discovered that dragon magic controlled them, we defeated the dark dragon who had sought to harm you. Lingaria here, has been my wisdom, and for the most part, the strength in my fight. He gives me the power to do what I am not capable of doing. Therefore, I am not strong enough to be your queen. In the end, my hope, the one thing I long for is to be a true Tellurian. I want a normal life.
I long to help you rebuild what you have lost, to restore the homes and towns that have been destroyed. I long to work with your leader, to establish trade routes once more. As a united land, we will flourish and prosper, but my time is better spent on the ground. I can fight with you, and work with my sisters to ensure that peace remains within the kingdoms while we work to make Verdil a world that flourishes once more.
So, it is with a broken heart, and great humbleness that I decline the opportunity to be your queen. I instead urge that Emmeline take her uncle’s mantle. She is kind and compassionate, and she loves Telluris more than anyone I know. With the right people at her side, and I wish to be one of them, it is she who will restore these lands.”
People on both sides broke out in cheers.
“Long live Emmeline! Long live Emmeline!”
“What do you say, Emmeline?” Svana asked.
Emmeline smiled sheepishly, shaking her head at Svana. “I do not feel worthy of such an honor, but as inept as I feel, if Svana trusts me with such a title then I accept it with great pride. I promise to do right by the people the best that I can, and I’m trusting that everyone here will unite with me in making Telluris a g
reat kingdom, like it once was.”
“Here! Here!” everyone yelled, clinking their goblets and drinking to the election of the new queen.
“If all are agreed to this, then as my first decree—”
Emmeline reached out and grabbed Tristan’s hand.
“I ask you to receive Tristan, the love of my life, and my best friend to be my king. His kind heart, and fiery spirit will aid me in all that I must do in the days to come.” She smiled.
Cheers of celebration rang out, and Emmeline turned to him. “What say, you? Will you rule Telluris alongside me?”
Tristan grinned wide, scooping Emmeline in his arms, amidst the noise and cheering, his lips pressed hard onto hers in front of all the council. When he finally let her go, Emmeline’s cheeks burned crimson, and they both were left nearly breathless.
“Does this mean I get to marry you?” he asked.
“Is that you asking?” she said playfully.
“Is that you accepting?” he teased.
“Yes, I think a wedding could be a very good start to a newer and brighter future for all of us.” Emmeline smiled wide, eyes sparkling with joy as she turned to face her people. “First order of business once the kingdom has been restored, a royal wedding!”
Laughter and cheers continued, and as all around them the people celebrated, Svana and Jakobe slipped out quietly from the room. Their feet treaded across the rich plush carpeting of the castle hallways as they searched for a place they could be alone. They stopped in a nearby room; the very same room Svana had spent weeks in a coma.
“I can’t believe you turned down being queen,” Jakobe said.
“I have other aspirations in life,” Svana said.
“Like what?” he asked.
“Well, I’ve always fancied being a blacksmith’s wife.”
Jakobe grinned. “So, you want to start a new life with me, is it?”
Dragon Scepter Page 43
