by Jon Bender
Everyone in the room remained quiet until Celia broke the silence. “Do you know where this army is?”
“In one of the eastern kingdoms. Information has been harder to come by as borders close and armies march,” Corin replied.
“We will do what is necessary, Your Majesty,” Nelix said.
“As most of you know, a city that was once home to all death mages has been revealed to us, and I have come to an understanding with Alimar. He will aid us in the fight against Or’Keer, and Ale’adaria will supports his efforts to restore the city and begin rebuilding his and Jaxom’s school,” Corin said, looking about the room for reactions.
Tamrick looked to the older death mage as Corin spoke. Not breaking his gaze, he addressed the king. “Who will rule over this city, Your Majesty?”
“Jaxom will act as steward in my name,” Corin replied. Jaxom could not have been more stunned if Corin had pulled his sword out and ordered his execution.
“Your majesty, the law does not allow for that,” Tamrick objected. “If you do this, both men and mages would unite against both of you.”
“The city will still be a part of Ale’adaria, and I will be the lawful king. This violates no law.”
“I cannot support this,” Tamrick said after a moment.
“Fortunately,” Darian said, “it is not completely up to you.”
Tamrick stared at Darian. “It is not up to you alone either,” he said, looking to Danika.
With all eyes in the room focused on her, the slight mage shifted her gaze uncomfortably. She squared her shoulders. “I have seen what this enemy is capable of. If Jaxom can find more like him and train them, it will only help us,”
Tamrick regarded his sister for a moment as if he wanted to reply. Instead, he turned back to the Corin and bowed deeply. “You have the support of the mages,” he growled.
“I am grateful for that, but everyone should know I am not doing this just so we can find and train more death mages,” Corin said. “This city in the north will give us access to the mountains, which may very well hold metals we will need. The world is tearing itself apart and waves of refugees are fleeing the fighting. Some of them have already found their way here, and Jaxom’s city will provide the space we need.”
Celia cleared her throat. “Cousin, from the look on Jaxom’s face, perhaps you should ask him if he will do it first.”
“Well, what of it?” Corin asked him. “Will you say no after all this fuss?”
Jaxom was stunned. “I don’t know anything about running a city,” he said lamely.
“Celia will go with you to help you learn,” Corin replied, waving his hand dismissively.
“Yes, my father will be glad that I am finally accepting responsibility as a member of the court,” Celia said with a hint of sarcasm.
“I am no lord,” Jaxom said.
“That brings me to the next part. You have been a brother to me in all but name, and it is about time you were that too,” Corin said with a smile. “As such, you will have a legitimate claim to lordship.”
Jaxom stared at his friend. Corin had been trying to get Jaxom to accept Baldrin as his surname for many years. Was this all a ploy to finally make that happen? Corin was always very good at getting what he wanted. “You agreed to this?” Jaxom asked Alimar.
“As long as a one of our school is in charge, it does not matter to me. This will allow me to focus on our goal,” the death mage said. “One of the king’s terms is that someone he knows hold the position. You seemed the obvious choice.”
Jaxom had no other excuses. Restoring the death mages would be a lot easier with Corin’s support. With a sigh, he bowed to Corin. “I accept your generous offer, Your Majesty.”
Corin smiled and placed two large hands on Jaxom’s shoulders. “I know you will serve the crown and the people of Ale’adaria well,” he said with a wide smile. Leaning closer, Corin kept his voice low, so the others could not hear. “I win, little brother,” and laughed as he pulled back. Jaxom rolled his eyes. He would have to deal with that name for the rest of his life.
