by Lance Wilson
It is late mourning early afternoon when the carriage first stops. Mecmed smiles and exits his carriage and begins to stretch is legs as his men take care of the horses. Mellyruna is awake and does the same, however as he and Rin exit the carriage they are carefully watched by the guards around them. What did they think he would do run, he knows it is too late for that, he would never get far and besides, what would he run too, Ronin has fallen to Mecmed and is by now filled with his guards evoking his law. He would not last a second, not to mention that if he did try to fun he is sure that they would run him down on there horses. Calmly and carefully he walks around keeping a close distance to his carriage. He does not want to invoke them. It takes only a few moments for the men to signal that the horses are ready to start again, they know that the king is eager to get to his home, he doesn’t enjoy being in Denerith elf territory.
“Mellyruna, will you come here for a bit?” Mecmed says calmly as he licks his forefingers and runs them through his thin goatee.
Mellyruna without any real emotion walks over to Mecmed, what could he want now. If only he could get his hands on a knife, he would assassinate him here and now, but that too would probably be suicide. He walks tell he is only inches away from Mecmed, his eyes burning with hate and fear all at once.
“You are a young man, and as a young man I think it inappropriate to be in a carriage with a woman. Normally I would have you ride on horseback, but I think it wiser for the both of us if you ride with me in the carriage” he says calmly and gestures to the carriage door. Mellyruna enters first; the carriage of course has been cleared of all weapons or anything that he could use against Mecmed. Once inside and sitting Mecmed enters behind him and sits opposite of him. The carriage door then closes and then the trip begins. As the trip continues Mecmed watches with some satisfaction as Mellyruna stares at him with hate, with a burning hate that he cannot imagine. And now it is time to play his hand.
“It is time we talked don’t you think” Mecmed says and smiles
“I am at your service my king” Mellyruna says, the words like poison on his tongue.
“I doubt that, but I wish to tell you a tale, my tale and how I came to be what I am, perhaps in the telling of it you and I can come to some kind of understanding of one another” Mecmed says and leans back in his seat.
Mellyruna glares at him, a tale; what kind of understanding would he get from some kind of tale.
“You see I was like you, a young prince just past the rite of passage. I was a prince to a small council in the Kainith elf lands, back then it was ruled much like the Denerith elves, many lords, and many ladies, always feuding and fighting. When my father was taken from me in war I began to wonder what life might be like if there were no wars. For years I thought I could come up with a way to end the war in the Kainith elf lands, but no matter how much I talked to the other lords, how much I tired to bring peace to them, they would not listen. So slowly I began to take lands, smaller lands, one by one, until I had an army an army that was ready and primed for the larger lands. I did what I could to save the lives of those in my land, I paid and bribed many for peace, those that couldn’t be bought, I had to fight, and took the land swiftly. Since then I had filled my lands with peace and prosperity, my people flourish. I did all this so that there would be no war among my own elves. I was happy with this, for a while. But then my eyes grew wider and I began to see further, I saw the wars of the Denerith elves and saw my old kingdom. I saw what was going to happen to them. And I thought to myself, that perhaps if I grew strong enough, smart enough, I could bring peace to all elves. Not just the Kainith elves, but also the Denerith elves, the high elves, the blood elves, all of them. Think of it, all elves falling under one rule. I could never rule them all, I know nothing of the Denerith elves and what they need, but I could make the lords fall before me, and pick the right person to lead them, a general of mine. I have done only one of those things so far. I was lucky with the Denerith elves, many of the larger houses were greedy and I was able to buy them. They fell without the shedding of blood; it was the Unagi that caused problems. Your father was a brave man, and I was not able to buy him like the others. Your grandfather was a slave and I believe that is why he wouldn’t bow. I can admire this. I was also lucky to already have the other houses at my side. I was able to lay a trap for him, and with that, move into the Ronin, the Unagi capital, and take it by force with almost no resistance. I will admit that I killed many, and for each life I took of theirs I will weep. But not for long, for I know that by doing things this way, I took some life, but saved so much more. I cannot tell you how sorry I am that you knew some of those men. But I have been thinking during this trip and I paid great attention to you this whole time. I believe that you would make a fine general of the Denerith elves. You have all the qualities. Now do not think I am trying to buy you, I can see you hate me for what I have done, and I don’t blame you, if I were you I would feel the same way. I am only going to take you to my home, let you see things for your own eyes and hope to somehow change your mind about me, maybe in time we could grow to be allies.” Mecmed says and smiles up at Mellyruna. He can tell by the look on his face that he has peeked his interest.
“So your saying that you destroyed my home, killed my father, and split up my family all in the name of peace” Mellyruna growls at him
“That is a rather dark way of looking at it, but I guess I would have to answer yes, with the exception of the fact that your father is not dead, merely contained” Mecmed says leaning forward now.
He knows what will come next and how crucial this part will be. Mellyruna will ask questions to poke holes in his way of thinking, but he is ready, it is just a matter of which questions he will ask. He knows that he must answer with a mix of honesty and sympathy, but not weakness.
“Then why would you separate my family if you thought that I would make a good general to the Denerith elves, wouldn’t it be more to your benefit to have me happy and therefore to have me near my siblings rather to split them into the four corners of the Denerith elf lands” Mellyruna says with a sinister smile.
He has to admit the kid is good, a thinker, the question is also a valid one. If you do wish someone to be your general you do want them happy, and to take his sibling from him was a wrong decision for that. But like always he had prepared for this question. He has been planning all this since they left the city of Ronin.
“It may not win your approval, but it does keep you fresh in a sense. You see your siblings might influence the way you see and think of me. I would rather you spend time with me alone and not go back to hateful minds, that way you can make up your own mind rather then listen to those that might give you the wrong impression. Byrdi and Maeraer are young and may not be able to see things with as clear a head as you. As for Attonnan, well, you saw his reaction to me, and him being your full brother would I am sure have the greatest affect on you. I had to split you up in order for you to be uninfluenced, do you understand” Mecmed says his eyes gazing right through Mellyruna
“And what of my mother, you said back there that you wanted her, but I thought all you wanted was peace” Mellyruna says thinking that he has won that he has found the flaw in his logic
“I do what peace, and that is exactly what the raid on Ronin was about. But as I spent time in the Denerith elf territories and watched Ronin from a distance I found myself watching her more and more. I found myself drawn to her. Your mother is a magnificent woman, I know like you she hates me, and I can accept that. But also like you I plan on changing her mind though my actions rather then my words. Perhaps in time she will feel the same stirring that I feel when I look at her. I fear I have fallen in love with your mother as I spied on your kingdom. When I said I coveted her, I was not lying, I want her. I know she will accept my proposal of marriage right away, not for love but for her own safety that will be my stepping-stone for gaining her. Once she is my wife I can show
her all that she means to me.” He says and lowers his head; he always was good at using his body for dramatic affect. Oh sure some of that was true, he did fall for their mother at a distance, but was the stirring love. No, not by a long shot, it is lust and only that. Oh he shall marry her, and treat her well, but she shall just be another in his harem of women in his kingdom. He has five wives now and only one is actually an old flame of his, his first wife. He loves her the most cause her mind and heart reflect his own.
Mellyruna only leans back in his seat, his eyes wide with shock, this is so much to take in all at once. To find out that his life long enemy is not an enemy at all but rather just a man who strives for the same things in life that he does. Mecmed has only strived for peace, being seen, as a tyrant is just something that he is willing to deal with in order to accomplish his goals. And he has to admit that he is probably right about his siblings. Attonnan would have only fanned the flames of war if they were kept together, and Attonnan was always the one that could pull his strings. Byrdi might see things the way he does now, but Maeraer would only remember what happened, she would never accept Mecmed and that would only cause him to stay on the defensive and keep the thought of Mecmed being a evil tyrant. His father had always taught him that Mecmed was no better then a dog, enslaving all the others of his race in order to gain power and strength, he was all that they fought against, all that their grandfather fought against. Now he wonders if it is true, what if it is all just what people want to believe about him. Seeing him now, listening to him, it shines a whole new light on him.
“I do not expect you to believe any of this, and even if you do, I do not want you to make up your mind now. Just roll everything over in your mind. Enjoy the trip rest, I’m sure that you are still exhausted from the attack, and I doubt you slept well last night; I never sleep well in these things myself. So rest and know that no harm will come to you. I have some wine if you would like” he says and removes a small panel in the side of the carriage revealing an assortment of bottles
“No, no thank you. You’re right though, I am tired.” He says, he hadn’t realized it until Mecmed had said something; he really didn’t sleep last night. He kept waking up wondering if they would be killed. He only slumps his head down folding his arms in front of him and before he knows it sleep over takes him. Mecmed only chuckles, he saw his eyes after the speech. He has bought all of it, oh sure he started out as a small prince, but this has nothing to do with peace. The war against the elves is simple, he is a god and that makes it his divine right to rule over them. As for separating the others, another simple answer, he had no use for them. Still his mind drifts to the young Attonnan, that fire, the blazing hate that was in his eyes, and to be skilled enough even at that age to wound the demon lord Fuma. No, he can’t let himself be distracted, he gave Attonnan to the Hojo clan and in that he has assured Mellyruna’s death. No one has ever wounded Fuma and lived to tell the tale. Once he is sure that Mellyruna is sound asleep he gets up and lays him flat on the bench then pulls a blanket over him. A wicked smile comes over his face as he does this. This is perfect the boy has just lost a father and if he fakes compassion to him, brings him into a warm embrace; this will only lead him further and further into the path that he wants. He watched Mellyruna in the battle, his skill with a blade was incredible, but more so, the way the men fought for him. He is a natural leader. Yes he will make him a general, but not until he is sure that he can trust him to take the Kainith elves and his gods needs over any one else.
The carriage stops one more time in the late afternoon, slightly before sunset. To his surprise Mellyruna does not wake but only lays on the bench sound asleep. Mecmed takes this advantage to go speak with the mother Rin. If he can win her over as well then all is perfect. When the carriage stops he walks to the second carriage and takes a seat when she is not looking. The men signal that it is time to get moving again and with a sigh she gets in and jolts in shock to see Mecmed in her carriage. He wouldn’t dare take advantage of her here would he? But then again, what is to stop him. She lowers her head and takes her seat across from him and gently folds her hands on her lap as the door is shut. Mecmed waits until the carriage is moving before he speaks to her. She is harder to read then her son.
“My dear, why do you not look at me? Do I frighten you so much” he says with a hint of sorrow in his voice
“You do not frighten me at all Mecmed” she says her voice not at all what he expected, it is one of power and confidence.
“Oh, well that is good, I never wanted you to fear me. I am sorry for what has befallen you. I… . I would like to explain myself.” he says and turns to the window
“Do not flatter yourself lord Mecmed, I am a queen, I know all about acting. You care little of what has befallen me. So say what you want and let us take the rest of this trip in silence” she says her eyes now glaring at him, there is power and fierceness in those eyes.
“You cut me to the quick” he says now dropping the act, she will not fall for it. Well then, this will not be so much a matter of swaying her, but rather a time to lay down some laws for her.
“Get to it” she says and turns her head quickly in disgust
“Vary well, when we get home I shall take you as a bride, you will be one of five. You shall answer to Salaina, my first lover. Mellyruna shall be mine to command, I know all about what you think of me and I shall not have you infecting his mind with such beliefs, do you hear me” he says his voice sharp and cold
“You think I am going to sit and watch you destroy my son with your greed and hate, you do not know me vary well do you” she says a smile crossing her face
“Oh, I know you will. You see, not only do I control your son Mellyruna, but also I have your other three children remember. One word from me, and the leaders of any of those clans will execute them. As for Mellyruna, if you do try to sway him in any way, well, accidents happen in my kingdom” he says his eyes piercing through her
Her eyes grow huge is shock and her breath quickens. He is right, what can she do? She is sure that he will have every moment of there time together watched. If he finds out that she is trying to turn Mellyruna against him, then he could have any of them killed. She feels a tear slowly slip down her cheek, what is mother to do. She has no choice; she will not say anything to her son. Anything about how he may fall into the grasp of a tyrant who believes himself a god.
“I understand” she says all the strength now sapped from her
“Do not look so down hearted my lady, you shall have all that you would wish for, your every whim answered to” he says smiling leaning over and gently stroking her cheek
“My only wish is that you die, you’re a cancer on this race” she says her voice trembling
“Well that is something I cannot help you with.” He says chuckling, what does he care if she hates him. She will do as he says, she will indeed lay with him and perhaps she shall be the one to bare him a son. His others, well he has had many children, but all girls. He wants a son, an heir to the thrown he shall build.
“Remember this act Mecmed, you have made many powerful enemies, seeing you now, I see that you shall make more. Your confidence will be your downfall” she says and watches as he throws back his head and laughs at her.
“My dear, I am a god, no one will ever have the power to defy me.” he says and with that the carriage goes silent.
For the rest of the time they ride together perfectly silent. He only smiles, he knows now that she will not buy his lies and false promises, but it doesn’t matter he still has control over her children and by that he has control over her. He will add her to his harem and perhaps with her create a son. And as she stares deep into his eyes she finally understands him. He is a man obsessed with conquering the known elf lands, not just the Kainith and Denerith elves but all of them, and to have all the elf races worship him as some kind of god. But no one is that powerful, and everyo
ne makes enemies. She can only guess whom it will be that cuts him down in the end but she is almost positive it is someone he has underestimated. Not to mention he has put his faith in lords of lands that he has bought, who is to say that they will stay loyal. Either way, she will play the roll of the faithful wife of this man; she will have to in order to stay alive, and to keep her children alive. As for Mellyruna she can only hope that he is smarter then this man gives him credit for.
The carriage stops again in the late evening, right before sunrise, and again Mecmed changes carriages. He has come to the understanding that Rin will play her role but she will not be swayed to seeing things, as he believes them. But that doesn’t matter, his true task is Mellyruna, he is a powerful youth with a strong mind and would make a wonderful apprentice. Once inside his own carriage he sees that Mellyruna has not awakened yet and is still lying on the seat, covered in the fur that Mecmed has left on him. Mecmed only smiles, he will not even know that he left to talk to his mother and will just assume that he has been sitting there watching over him. It is a few hours after dawn when he finally wakes, stretching and yawning. Mellyruna brushes his eyes clearing them of all crud so that he can see properly. To his surprise his first sight is that of Mecmed leaning back in his seat his hands folded over his lap his head hung down as he lightly snores. Mellyruna sits up, but stops suddenly feeling the fur fall to the ground. He covered him up, why would he do that. Picking up the fur he just stares at it in shock. He had no reason to treat him so kindly, but he does, he seems to actually care about him. Not as a son by any means, but there is some kind of care there. Maybe all that he has heard about this king is not completely accurate. Sure he has conquered others and drove them to work the way that he thinks is right, but, who is to say that his way is wrong, and that because they now follow only one king that the elves under his rule aren’t better off. At least there are no clan wars. He can’t say anything or make any decisions until he himself has seen the Kainith elf kingdom. To say anything before that would only be foolish. Slowly he sits up and wraps the fur around him looking at Mecmed, the snoring has stopped. He wonders if he is awake, there is so much more he wants to talk to him about. He should learn all about this man, after all he is now under his rule and he should know about those that keep him in his chains, so to speak. For what seems like forever he just sits there, wondering about this new master but his silence and thought are interrupted when Mecmed chuckles to himself.
