Laugh of Destruction (Book 3 of the Death Incarnate Saga)

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  “Damn it Tate, what are you thinking?” Cage grumbled but the soldiers pretended to not hear that. He sighed “Too late now if it is already publically known.” By the look on the two men it was. “Whatever… Lead the way. Hopefully the meeting will be quick and we can return before nightfall.”

  “Don’t plan on it.” Daku said.

  The elite soldiers gathered their horses from the stables behind the inn while Cage and his women mounted and sat together on Daku’s back. Daku was impossible to not be drawn as the center of attention while walking in the afternoon sunlight. Nor was it wrong. Daku deserved to be seen and respected.

  It wasn’t long till they reached the inner wall and Cage had a smile, remembering last time. Instead of passing through the gate he had climbed the wall in the dead of night and infiltrated the castle to hide for the Summer Ball. It was a quick and fleeting nostalgic feeling.

  Passing the gate, the open courtyard was covered in snow as the foliage was no longer to be seen. The guards didn’t stop them from passing through since they were expected. At the foot of the steps was a woman in a simple pink dress and it turned out to be Princess Amy. When they got closer she spoke to the soldiers. “Thank you, Gentlemen, for escorting my father’s guests. I will take them from here.” The soldiers bowed beside their horses as stable boys came to lead the steeds away. “Sir Cage, Daku, Lady Meeka and Priestess Brooke, it is a pleasure. My father is waiting for us in the private audience chamber. Please, follow me.”

  “Yes, Your Highness.” Meeka said kindly with a bow.

  Princess Amy led the four up and into the marble castle. The tingling sensation of magic increased as they passed through the doors that were opened for them by the castle guards. It was just as Cage remembered and wondered why that was and secretly tried a few minor spells. He couldn’t create any of his usual offensive magic other than a tiny spark of fire. Also invisibility was nullified before it could be applied. It proved he was better off back then by being secretive and any mage trying to hide would be revealed just as soon as they passed the front door.

  Nearly all decorations were taken down. Only carpet floored the expansive room as lit braziers fed with oil burned to keep the main audience hall from freezing. A long table still remained by the wall with food where some lords and ladies flitted around along with soldiers going around the castle. Up in the back of the room, on a platform of pure marble sat a pair of wooden thrones that needed to be approached by a short flight of steps. The Summer Ball’s framework over them were gone.

  People bowed respectfully to the princess as she led the guests to the spiraling stairwell that Daku had to shrink some and follow at the rear to fit. They ascended the ten floors before being led down a long hall. Their steps were intentionally loud without carpet for two alert guards at the end saw them coming. They recognized the lovely princess and the important guests to open the door.

  “Thank you for your time, My King.” A plump woman said and waited for them to pass before leaving.

  As the door shut they noticed the king, his general, the family sorcerer and two older men who were obvious councilors. Princess Amy asked “Father, what did Lady Illai need?”

  King Tate looked up from a paper to smile as his darling daughter came and sat beside him while Cage and his group moved around the other side of the table to stare across at the others. “Just that she needs two hundred more lances for the games. I told her to go speak with one of my weapon masters and take as many practice lances as she requires.” He replied. Looking up he said “Give me just a moment before I forget something.”

  “Tate, here.” Cage pulled out his last spare pen from a pocket and tossed it across the table. “It’ll be quicker than using that quill.” He gave a quick explanation on how to use it and Tate seemed overjoyed when he was able to write as fast as he wanted without pause.

  “This pen thing is wonderful. How much will it cost to buy this?” Tate asked.

  “Keep it. Let Jormon have a look at it later and he should be able you make you a few. I’ve already sent the schematic to Twilight so they know I was the first to design it. I already told them to spread the word that any mage’s who makes a pen should sell it for five copper and whatever it costs for ink. I get one copper from each sale. You should be getting a letter about it soon anyway. If you find people selling pens for one copper more, fine them double for whatever they sold. They are too easy to make, even for third class wizards.”

  “Thank you for the warning and gift. I feel this pen will come in great use. Remind me later Jormon to let you have a look.”

  “With pleasure, My King.” The sorcerer seemed very interested anyway.

  “So what is the situation, Tate?”

  “I can always trust you to get straight to the point.” The king smiled weakly to Cage. “Before that though…” He commanded the upmost magical privacy his castle had to offer to activate. “Good, now we may truly speak freely. Every person in this room is up to the best current knowledge we have on you being a warlock from another world. One I would like to hear greatly about, but that we can do for another time.” Cage wasn’t surprised, not even as Daku shrunk and curled around his neck. The others in the room were greatly impressed with the change, but Daku just wanted to get off the chilly floor. “We may all speak freely, as I figure you would do regardless.”

  “Get to it, Tate.” Cage said calmly.

  The king chuckled along with his general. “Fair enough, in truth, I’m glad we can speak face to face about the situation. I had to make a rather hard decision that will jeopardize the peace of my kingdom.” None spoke as the seriousness in Tate’s voice was unmistakable. “Not a day after sending Captain Blout to deliver you the invitation to this year’s Winter Tournament, an ambassador from the Laqura Empire came to the castle to speak with me.” King Tate laced his fingers together atop the table. “What that ambassador did was force my hand to keep Vlara from being neutral. I had never in my life felt such rage at such a difficult choice by those underhanded fools. You see, both Emroc and the Laqura Empire have been good trading partners for this kingdom for centuries and allowed us to not be directly affected by their petty wars.

  “We have been neutral, never taking a side, till almost two weeks ago.

  “The Empire wants you something bad, My Friend.” Tate said directly and kept going, being thankful Cage didn’t interrupt. “I got word by how you, Daku, Lady Megdline and her Familiar Frill took on multiple first class sorcerers and killed all but five on your own soil without aid. I had to read that report several times just to believe the outrageous claims.

  “When they obviously failed to capture or kill you, Empress Vika realized you were more trouble than they ever expected. I sent an ambassador of my own demanding why she attacked a Vlaran island in direct violation of our agreement. Her response said that the mages who went after you, did so without her knowledge.” The king thought he heard Cage say something like ‘Bullshit.’ but he went on by nodding in agreement and saying “I heard little from her since, but knew something was coming.

  “Her emissary soon revealed she really wants you, without saying it openly. She wanted him to make me turn you in to her custody for you destroying Bepop, freeing those taken into slavery and posing as a member of her court to deceive and rescue more valued slaves from Eeroan. He wanted me to have you arrested and tried for multiple unprovoked murders. We both know damn well they deserved it. If I were in your place and had your power, Cage, I would have done much worse. They also demanded I tell them all I know of you. Twilight thankfully has used great magic to keep your true warlock heritage from being common knowledge. Not even I can openly speak of it because I needed a mage to spell me to secrecy and allow only those with need-to-know access to know of you. Only nine others outside this room have such knowledge along with every mage from Twilight.

  “All I said is that you are a lord of Vlara and also our best bounty hunter.”

  “Makes sense because recently it seems
all my money has come from killing people with a hefty bounty.” Cage said to give the man a breather and a chance to collect his thoughts. “But why have you made me a lord? It actually makes it harder for me to keep from being recognized.”

  “Meeka, please explain why I’ve done so.”

  Startled, Meeka looked around before saying “Lords or ladies can only be tried or arrested in their own kingdom. If there is an issue of crime, it is up to the king himself to decide how to adequately punish for the misdeeds. Love, King Tate has made you a lord so that only he can decide on what to do. If he says no, then the empire cannot pursue you without invoking all of Vlara’s wrath for breaking the law between kingdoms.”

  “Which I chose you over Vika and her empire.” Tate decided and spoke it openly. “When the ambassador learned I would not surrender you at all or would be bribed, he was angry that I would not let you go. In response to this he made me choose to either let you be extradited or all trades between our lands end over one man.” In a serious, unbreakable stare he said “I chose you and it will likely be seen as a declaration of war. As of three days ago the Laqura Empire is no longer openly welcome for trade here in Vlara. To further protect you and keep them from our boarders, I have just sent five of my naval ships to patrol from Vlaran Port to Emrocan Port and not allow any more of the empire’s ships down south. They will no longer find it easy to bring their battleships down that way if they dared to use deceit to come after our coastal villages, towns, cities and even to your island. By tomorrow they will reach the area and begin regular patrols.”

  “Why have you done this?” Cage asked curiously, but wasn’t sensing any lies in Tate’s body language other than it was a hard decision and he was still frustrated. “You barely know me and yet you’re willing to escalate tension and invite war. Why?”

  “Because it was inevitable.” Princess Amy spoke with calm poise. She then continued speaking when her father gestured her subtly to do so. “The Great Prophet’s final prophecy was given to my parents, foretelling your arrival. We honored the late prophet greatly and for him to tell us the most important prophecy in Vlara’s history, we were tasked with protecting the one with the great burden and to ease some off of you.” Princess Amy explained her interpretation of the second part of the first verse to repeat it again.

  “As darkness threatens to consume all life a warrior shall arise to reclaim what is rightfully his from what was lost. On his back is a burden few ever experienced and even fewer have survived, but unlike all others, despair will never rule him and barriers cannot hold him back forever.

  “The warrior will become Death Incarnate and any who are foolish to stand in his way will rue such an unfortunate day. Whether he is hope or despair it cannot be foretold, but he will be known for being bold.

  “Life and death will be his domain to command, but beware should you see him grin.”

  The princess held up a finger to emphasize a point. “We do not know the true purpose of these words, but you are clearly the one, Lord Death.” Cage slightly cocked his head, not realizing how quickly word spread while keeping certain information safe and secret. If the empire knew more, his life would be more hectic and problematic. “You are clearly the warrior who grins when presented with a fight. You shatter barriers thought unbreakable. Sir Cage, if we are to face this darkness, you won’t be alone. We will fight for our right to live beside you and make you give hope. It is of little consequence that we know you, but your actions have turned three entire kingdoms over. You’ve killed many, but more lives were spared and you’ve expelled many of the worst villains of my homeland. For these reasons, you are worth protecting.”

  “But you’ve yet to say why it would have been inevitable?” He pointed out.

  She smiled before nodding. “It would have happened regardless if you came to this world or not. You personally delivered letters to King Skylar of my agreeing to marry Prince Sek, his son. It wouldn’t have been long till the empire found out about our plans for a union. The moment I conceive through our union will have broken treaties anyway. War would result.”

  Now it makes sense. Cage thought. It is a lose-lose situation for them and I’m the perfect reason to end their neutrality and not be shackled by outdated trade agreements. “I know it is none of my business, but why are you marrying Sek? Is there another reason you are marrying him, even knowing it would be seen as a political marriage between Emroc and Vlara?”

  Princess Amy looked to her father who patted her forearm and nodded for her to do so. “There are many reasons, but personally I abhor slavery above all else. I wouldn’t dare fancy the idea of a union between myself and the empire, though hundreds have tried for my hand. I will not play their games or allow their doctrine to subjugate my people. I’m a second class witch, like my mother before me, but the empire’s mages think anyone without use of their magic as savages. I will not allow them to gain further footholds in my kingdom.

  “As for Sek…” Her cheeks reddened some as she smiled. “We trained sometimes in Twilight and fell madly in love, but we had to keep it secret for awhile. For our safety and our peoples since the empire is a greater enemy than we like to admit. Father knew I wished to marry him, but Sek couldn’t be so open with the war ravaging their land this past year. Our marriage needed to be even more secret than your being a warlock.

  “I hope to marry my beloved soon and now that Father has sent all of the empire’s peoples out of our kingdom we can sooner unite our lands.”

  “So it is a win-lose situation.” He admitted to those before him. “Amy gets hitched and Emroc gets help from Vlara. You don’t need to deal with Vika’s insanity or her people any more all the while she loses a partner and will now need to deal with a united adversary. And as a bonus you’ve got me to be the very thing you needed to sever ties with that bitch.”

  “Essentially… Yes.” General Kurk announced. “No one can be neutral forever and the empire needs to be stopped before Emroc falls. It would only be a matter of time since it has been pointed out that the empire is not only larger, but they are not slowed by snow like us. They will be using this time to prepare for retaliation and soon they will creep further south till our old allies in Emroc are put under heel. After that Vlara would one day be next in Empress Vika’s quest for total control of Raliea.”

  “I would say thank you, but to me it seems like we’re benefitting each other.” Cage said while crossing his arms and leaning back, careful to not put too much pressure on Daku.

  “That is why we are becoming friends.” Tate said. “But I do have another request if you are willing to listen?” The king didn’t find any signs of hesitation in the warlock so he went on. “We’ve yet to decide on where to hold the marriage of my daughter, but I was wondering if it could be held on neutral ground, a place few have ever stepped foot on and be well protected. Would you be willing to allow it to happen on your island? You will be handsomely compensated of course.”

  “No, you need to ask my mate. It is her decision.” Cage said.

  Brooke leaned forward. “Before I contemplate the notion of outsiders on our new home, Amy, is there somewhere we may speak privately?”

  The princess blinked before saying “Of course. Father, may we be excused?”

  “Where will you be taking her?”

  “My chambers.”

  “You may, but have one of the guards outside your room at all times for any needs that arise. From what I’ve heard of the Utala, Brooke and you will be speaking for hours.”

  “Thank you, Father.” Amy stood and gestured for Brooke to follow her to the backside of the room where another door stood and they disappeared.

  “Now Tate, I’m not fully up to speed on how entirely the kingdom runs. And since you know what I am, I don’t need to be seen as ignorant. Tell me what will be expected in the near future and how Vika will react. I’m not going to be some piece on a board to be used. My best skills shine in small numbers so adding me in your military won’t happen
.” Cage said.

  “I’ll let my advisors fill you in and it is clear your real power is better utilized with secrecy instead of direct war. You saving my life was point enough. General, go make sure that all the ships are gone and have Skylar fully informed on what happened. Don’t speak of the marriage till Brooke gives her answer. I expect he will be relieved to hear we’re offering our might to reinforce his own.”

  “So do I.” The general excused himself.

  Later Cage strengthened four flawless giant, flawless crystal balls by touching his magic to the castle’s, being supervised by Jormon so that the castle’s secrets remained such. They all shared a meal while discussing further ramifications before Amy and Brooke left the princess’s bedroom to say they would still need to speak again.

  Several hours after nightfall Cage and the others returned to the tribe at the Twinkling Bell and told them what happened. None were expecting what was going on, but they generally agreed that Tate had the right intentions since none cared for the empire after what they did.

  Two more days passed as Cage stood by his tribe outside the city with everyone else out on a large piece of land that is usually used for farming, but with winter’s firm grip, the open land has a second purpose, the perfect place to hold the Winter Tournament. The land wasn’t truly flat as the arena was made in a lower section. Should there be rain, the center would easily flood. But it allowed a decent and natural stadium. A good three thousand spectators came to watch combatants face each other while competitors fought for prizes of gold and honor. Some hawkers sold goods alongside tents that offered hot food and drink. The field was created with a large, fenced area with fires all around to keep people from freezing. Long wooden benches were brought out, but it wasn’t like a stadium. It reminded Cage of a simple rodeo attraction with a low budget. On one side of the simply erected arena stood a long rack with an assortment of weapons. Spears, lances, swords, shields, archery equipment, hammers, axes and even a few wicked looking maces. Beside the racks were round, painted targets for tomorrow’s archery challenge.