by Aaron Thomas
“I told you, Leroy. You don’t need to bow when no one is around,” Kilen said waving him forward.
Twilix placed a hand on Kilen’s forearm, “I have instructed him differently. If he is to perform the task you have asked of him, he will need to play the part. He must do this at all times, even if you think nobody's watching.”
Kilen let out a sigh, “Well I don’t have to like it. Leroy, tell them I’m on my way.”
Kilen started walking forward when Twilix’s tug pulled him to a stop. She smiled, “Do not be so eager to answer their beckon call. They will use you to your fullest if you do. Besides, I still have not received my good morning kiss.”
The idea of kissing her made his armor seem to swelter. A cool gentle breeze did nothing to stifle the heat as he pressed his lips to hers. When the kiss ended, he lingered a moment leaning his forehead against hers. She stood on her tiptoes to reach his.
Turning to go, she threaded her arm in his. “Your book will need to be finished, but I do not think it should ever be placed inside the wizard's library,” Twilix said pulling out a map of the castle.
Kilen smiled, his strength imbued armor gave him the ability to remain awake at all hours giving him ample time to wander. He had traversed the castle several times, learning the hallways and rooms. Where the others got confused by the unadorned halls, Kilen could walk them in the darkest parts of the night without faltering. He waited until Twilix tugged him in the wrong direction and he pulled her a different way.
“If my book does not make it to the wizard's library, where should it go?” He asked.
“The book you're making is not for wizards. It is for weapon bearer’s, and if there were such a place as a weapon bearer’s library, I would recommend it go there. Seeing as there is no such place, perhaps make copies and begin to send it to the nobles of this land. Give them a book from which to teach their children and the inheritance recipient of their weapons,” she replied.
The large arched opening leading into the throne room did not have doors. He could only guess that years of being under the lake helped them rot away. New ones would have to be constructed before too long. As for right now, Kilen trusted everyone inside the castle, except for the captured Earth Realm Wind Councilman, Mica.
Kilen stopped short of the doorway, “Give me a moment. I must gather my thoughts.”
Twilix curtsied and stood to give him a kiss on the cheek, “Do not keep them waiting too long, my king.”
The throne room was circular with the center of the room depressed into the floor. He watched Twilix descend the stairs, disappearing from view. Two elementals stepped out from the other side of the doorway but did not speak to him. His elemental friends Max, made of stone, and Joahna, made of water, were alive and only known to be to him. They would not speak to him now to keep Kilen’s ability a secret. He looked at each of them in their elemental eyes but said nothing.
Pulling the crown out of his satchel, he ran his fingers over the smooth surface. Each side marked equally with the marks of elemental magic. Slowly, he placed it on his head and began his descent after Twilix. From the top of the stairs, he watched as people from Keepers poured dirt on the floor in the center of the room. Ria, a rogue earth wizard, supervised their efforts to build the mound. To the right side, stools had been set up for the other Wizards Council. Brent, a water wizard, was sitting in the Water Councilman's place. Kilen’s sister, Kara, took the seat for the Fire Council. Ria would take up the Earth Council, and the wind seat meant for Alexander remained empty.
Twilix found herself to the left of the mound of dirt; it was the place reserved for the queen, but she would serve as his advisor as well. When Kilen reached the center, he looked down at the large mound of dirt that was where his throne was supposed to be. Ria opened her hand and dropped a single seed on the top. Kilen watched as the seed turned to roots and vines snaked their way in and out of the dirt. Some twisted tendrils of leaves and branches crept into the air.
It was an already unnatural event when plants grew faster than they should, but watching them twist with a purpose was even more unnerving. Vines laced together forming a chair back, seat, armrest, and legs. One last worker poured a bucket of dirt where Kilen was supposed to sit. With a sprinkle of what seemed to be powder, a cushion of moss sprang up.
Ria waved Kilen into the new chair, motioning that she finished. She bowed very deeply when he approached it. All the others in the throne room stood, which caused him to falter. Bowie was one that remained seated until he let out a squeak. Kilen thought he saw a vine disappear from behind where his friend sat down. When he took his seat, so did the rest of the room. Bowie looked as though he would remain standing just to spite whoever poked him with the vine.
Kilen faced the first row of people, consisting of his head chef Pete Bradley and his son Leroy, Bowie, Captain Wells, and the few fire wizards that followed his sister. Everyone that was doing their part of leading this city was present in the room except for Alexander.
“Where is Alexander?” Kilen asked as his voice echoed through the empty hall.
The room was shaped to help those in attendance to look down upon the king from their terraced seats surrounding him. The echo and seats made Kilen feel very intimidated. A spirit within him pushed courageous emotion into him helping bolster his voice. He wished he could thank Tokeye again, but it would have to wait till he was alone, lest he appears to be talking to himself.
Ria remained standing but held out a hand to the empty stool, “Alexander said he had pressing matters to report to the Elders. I have discussed these matters with him and will speak for him in his absence.”
Kilen nodded and waited for someone to speak. The room remained eerily silent as if Kilen were to say something.
Finally, Twilix leaned in, “You have to give her permission to speak.”
Memories flooded Kilen’s mind of Humbridge. Mayor Bingham held town meetings every three months at the inn. It was always very formal and no one speaking out of turn unless there was a heated discussion, and even then it was brought to order by the banging of a wooden mallet. Kilen smiled at the memory of Bowie stealing the mallet, mid-meeting causing quite an uproar later on.
“You have the floor, Ria,” Kilen said as he leaned back in his new chair.
She bowed deeply, “We have summoned this meeting for the purpose of discussing what the townspeople are to do next. We have ample supply of food from fishing and gardens grown by your elemental and my strength. The Earth Realm army has retreated across the Heathmos Pass except for twenty soldiers stationed at each exit over our city's main bridges. In just two days your subjects have completed all tasks that we are capable of completing.”
Kilen replied, “Are there any suggestions?”
Bowie did not wait for his name to be called, “We get a lot more bloody soldiers, that’s what we do.” Bowie leaped off of his seat rubbing his buttock but did not stop talking.
“The rest of the Earth Realm’s army is on their way here. You know that Atmos will not stop until your head is on a platter. We need to get more soldiers and get them here now.”
Ria now had her arms folded in front of her staring at Bowie, “Master Crescent, how do you suppose we do that?”
“I’m not the king; I don’t know. We all know that is the first problem to take care of,” Bowie said looking around the room.
Kilen sat forward a bit, “Brent, do you think more will come to support us now that Leviathan has returned?”
“It’s possible word will travel to areas saying that a new king has risen. Although, I do believe that they will require more than just idle chatter at a bar. Perhaps we should send messengers through the realm?” Brent asked.
“You can’t just send messengers. Kilen has already told us every Earth Realm soldier stationed in the water realm is looking out for him. They had soldiers at the gates and stationed at every nearby city as law keepers. Any messengers we send out will be captured and imprisoned. I’m sure
new recruits will be lining the streets to get here if we do that,” Bowie said sarcastically.
“Yes, you have a point. It would have to be a group big enough to cause some commotion and be able to stand their ground.” Brent said rubbing his chin.
Kilen knew he didn’t have many men to spare and almost none of them were soldiers. If he did take the soldiers he had, there would be no one left to guard the castle. It would be lost before he reached his first Springfest celebration.
“It will need to be me,” Kilen said suddenly.
The room went quiet after the few words, so he continued.
“Not only will I be able to defeat any Earth Realm force in the cities, but it will also build confidence in my strength. I can ride faster than anyone here so that I can reach the farthest city before I need to return,” Kilen said.
Twilix smiled, “I think your place is here. There is a castle that needs to protected. Besides, why would people come if you leave?”
Brent stood and dropped his hand from his face, “No, he’s right. He must make a presence, but it must not be just him. Wizards must go with him and spread the word. We have to have as much pomp and circumstance as possible. Anyone we can spare that has armor and horses should join him. I will go; I know some of the more powerful nobles and will be a testament of Kilen’s station.”
“I will go as well. I know a lot of merchants and will be able to spread the word through them,” Bowie said.
Kilen was sure if Bowie were going then Auburn would go as well. He didn’t want the entire castle leaving, so he waved them to silence to stop them before they get ahead of themselves.
“I need most of the people we have here to stay. They must continue to prepare the castle for the arrival of soldiers. Twilix, will you remain to watch over matters?” Kilen asked.
“I will do as my husband requests, although I will miss you while you are gone,” She said bowing her head to him.
He took note of her uncharacteristic obedience in public. He wondered if she really did agree or not.
Kara finally spoke from her seat on the council, “I will go with you. I do not have a purpose to remain here other than cook food. I’m sure others can handle making a fire. With the escape of the fire wizards from Atmos’ control, perhaps we may help sway a nobles mind.”
Kilen noticed a nervous-looking Wells sitting next to one of the fire wizards, “Captain Wells, I will charge you with protecting the castle and my wife while I am gone.”
“Yes, your majesty.” He said with a scared look on his face as he bowed.
Ria shook her head in disappointment, “You are all forgetting we have an army guarding our gates and amassing on our border. How do you think these soldiers you recruit will get inside the gates?”
The large chef cleared his throat, “If I may? We use to have boats come to and from Leviathan on a daily basis. If you are able to secure Basham, they would be able to transport the soldiers here by way of boat. At least until we had enough to push the soldiers from the bridges and hold them from the inside.”
Brent clapped his hands and jumped up, “It’s decided then: we will depart to recruit soldiers and nobles at first light. Taking Basham will have to be our first priority. There are a few nobles there that will be able to hold the city.”
Ria cleared her throat standing between Brent and Kilen on his throne.
“Right, of course. I mean we can leave at first light if you wish, your majesty,” Brent took a deep bow.
“Yes, we will leave at first light,” Kilen repeated.
“Still, you don’t listen. There are more matters at hand that will need seeing to. Perhaps you forgot that we have a rogue wind wizard in the dungeon. Who will keep him in check if Kilen and Bowie leave? They are the only two wind wielders that we have left.” Ria said as if chastising everyone.
There was a moment of silence before Kilen spoke, “Let him go. We have no purpose to hold onto him. Let him return to Atmos and tell him that the castle has been raised. Let him return to his king and tell him he stood no chance against me.”
Bowie laughed but stopped after Ria gave him a stern look.
“Perhaps I should return to my wagon. Surely this place will sink if it is continued to be run by children,” Ria said angrily.
Twilix took a set forward, “Sit down, Ria. We are hardly children. I will not stand here and let you berate my husband. You called this meeting inquiring what we are to do, and he has made a decision. Perhaps next time you call a meeting, you should make council with him first about your concerns instead of surprise him with issues tough for any experienced in politics.”
Ria nodded and took her seat leaving Twilix as the voice of the meeting.
“Ria and I will stay to tend Leviathan. My husband will be accompanied by Councilmen Everheart, Councilmen Parker, and Master Crescent to meet with nobles and recruit soldiers. If any of the others wish to accompany this group leaving, please stand now.”
Kilen watched as his presumptions were confirmed. The red-haired archer, Auburn, stood beside Bowie. Al’tore the leather-wearing fire wizard stood behind his sister along with one other fire wizard. One he did not assume would be going stood beside his father; Leroy, who was supposed to be playing the part of Kilen’s man servant. Kilen shook his head at Pete who reluctantly sat down. Kilen gave Leroy a nod and a smile hoping to show him some appreciation.
Twilix’s voice echoed through the chamber, “Go and prepare yourselves. We will meet in the courtyard before sunrise. Bowie, Auburn, I will need you to remain after.”
Bowie made a deep bow, almost in mockery of the wizard queen, but he remained in place.
Twilix came to stand in front of Kilen, “We need to secure you a way out of Leviathan, and I think I have found one.”
Kilen shrugged and followed Twilix over to where Bowie and Auburn talked. “Master Crescent, I have a mission for you and your lady.”
“As your subjects, I guess we can’t really refuse,” Bowie replied.
Twilix let out a sigh, “I have already dealt with an ancient earth wizard today, Bowie Crescent, do not make me deal with you as well. It will not end as nicely as it did with her. I am a queen and a wizard, you will treat me as such.”
Bowie inclined his head to say he understood.
“Now then, I saw your horse on the shore to the east. I can make you a small boat of ice that can get you to your horses. When you find them, you will need to ride them to Basham and find yourself a boat, one that can be here for first light. Send or ride the boat back here, and the rest will join you in Basham tomorrow. Do you understand?” She asked in nice enough tones for it to sound like a suggestion to Kilen’s ears.
“Go and get Charger, yes that sounds good. I really didn’t like the idea of one of those Earth Realm soldiers getting their hands on him. I will go and get my things,” Bowie said.
His friend seemed happy enough but cursed when he reached up to run his hands through his hair. The red haired girl curtsied and followed Bowie out of the throne room.
When Twilix was left alone with him, she turned and put her head on his chest, “Kilen Everheart. You will return to me whole and in as short amount of time as possible.”
Kilen did not know if it was a promise that he could keep, so instead, he wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her gently. She must have understood his answer because she squeezed him in return then left him to his thoughts.
When she crossed the doorway out of the chamber Jace’s voice echoed down, “We are free to talk.”
The stone man at the edge of the room crossed to its center to stand before Kilen, “It’s about time. We need to get out of here. Whenever we are around you, we have to keep our mouths shut.”
Joahna, in the form of a man of ice, waved his brother to silence. “We can travel faster by ourselves, Kilen. Perhaps we should see about breaking away from the others as soon as possible.”
Jace’s voice whispered out of nowhere, “The council is right; Kilen will ne
ed the others to convince those of highest authority. What I am afraid of is that they will be unable to protect him. We will need to be very vigilant when Kilen starts to draw a crowd.”
The elementals all seemed to agree with that statement and began talking amongst themselves. The discussion was about how to better communicate to Kilen while others were around him. Jace gave a brief lecture on dangers to look out for in the water realm. All of the discussions would stop at the same point; that they needed another man in their group. One that could watch over Kilen during the night without being seen or looking suspicious.
Finally, Kilen interrupted them, “It’s time to get Tokeye out of my head.”
After a brief moment of silence, Max spoke, “Which element would you like us to give up for him?”
Joahna answered for him, “None, Kilen has the ability for summoning a fire elemental.”
It only took a moment for Max to reply, “Tokeye does not do well with fire.”
“He is right, I was weakest in fire magic,” Tokeye replied in his head.
“You were a fire wizard, Joahna. I think it’s time you took up your old post.” Kilen said facing away from the others.
Kilen did not need to wait for an answer; he felt the familiar concussion in his head. He wavered on his feet and reached out for the throne. Joahna’s spirit had been out of Kilen since he left the Elder Wizard’s town at Idleton, he was almost happy to have the familiar knot in his head.
“Sorry, I should have warned you,” Joahna said, feeling apologetic inside Kilen’s brain.
Kilen turned around to see the Iceman form still standing where Joahna left it. “Tokeye, get ready to take hold of the ice,” Kilen warned.
Focusing on the ice figure, he used water vision to see each and every blue particle that composed it. He closed his eyes and willed Tokeye into the form. A snap of emotion left his brain. Kilen opened his eyes and searched himself for what had happened. Upon searching his thoughts, he did not find Tokeye among the emotions. The ice figure moved, and Kilen knew he was successful in moving the spirit out, but the departure did not cause him to waver.