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- To give and not to count the cost;
- To fight and not to heed the wounds;
- To toil and not to seek for rest;
- To labour and not ask for any reward;
- Save that of knowing that we do Thy will.
-Saint Ignatius Loyola
A surprise reunion
The long and bitter winter in Kronar had finally, if grudgingly, given way to the renewal promised by a new spring; the snow finally yielding to the brilliant green of new growth and the bright blossoms of the cherry, apple, and pear trees in the orchards surrounding the ancient city of Caemlann. Commerce was bustling again, with a long line of carts and wagons seeking admittance to the city for the express purpose of selling their wares. Into this sea of mercantilism, a column of cavalry burst from the north gate of the city, the lightly armored force resplendent even in their dark leather armor, as the morning breeze belled out the two standards proudly displayed behind the column’s commander.
The first standard was that of the Baron of Caemlann, the shield rendered in gules, a pale argent, proudly overlaid with the majestic Ironwood Pine, displayed proper, for which the region was famous. The second standard announced the identity of the column’s commander to any who cared to look, for it was proudly blazoned with a shield, in gules, overlaid with the royal lion of Kronar, in or, shown rampant, cadenced with a martlet in argent: the arms of the fourth son of the king of Kronar, the recently promoted Captain Evan ab Eloron.
At Evan’s signal, the cavalry force broke into a gallop, rapidly leaving the city behind as the force followed its commander’s lead into the forest north of the city. About an hour north of Caemlann, and without breaking stride, Evan swung the force off the high road and onto a smaller caravan track, where the narrow road forced the riders to smoothly collapse their column of four, down to a column of two. Another couple hours of hard riding found the force breaking out into a large clearing, and, in the distance, Evan spotted the people he had come to see: Alaric and Kadin were working in their garden, planting seeds in the rich black soil while the ground remained moist.
Evan raised his right hand as he reined in his own mount, and the column behind him obediently drew to a halt. Alaric and Kadin approached the riders and, spotting who was in command, shouted, “Ho, Evan! Welcome!”
Smiling back at his father’s best friend, Evan dismounted and handed his reins off to his second in command before he strode forward. Alaric and Kadin pulled the young officer into a rough three way hug before he replied, “Alaric, Kadin, it is good to see you again. How go things here in the deep woods?”
Alaric and Kadin both smiled before replying, “Things are going very well, thank you. We only just finished planting the garden, so that chore is done. The hard winter we had meant the furs we harvested were of top quality, so they fetched more money than I’ve seen in years. Of course,” and here he smiled at Kadin as he pulled the youth back into a one-armed hug, “it didn’t hurt that we were able to run two trap lines this winter.”
“Still, here I am running off at the mouth, when you and your men must be dying of thirst. Please, have your men dismount and relax for a bit, and feel free to water the horses as well.”
Evan signaled his men to dismount and care for their mounts before following Alaric and Kadin into the cabin, his saddlebag slung over his left shoulder. Evan took a good look around at the cabin that had become a second home to him over the winter, and seeing that things looked much the same as his last visit, he turned to Alaric and was asked, “Can I interest you in a cold ale, Evan?”
Evan smiled and replied, “If it is that same apple flavored ale you had last time, I’ll accept if you twist my arm a little harder.”
Alaric motioned everyone to take a seat while he tapped three mugs off the keg in his cold room. Evan draped his saddlebag across the arm of the easy chair before seating himself, and noticing how much Kadin had grown over the winter. While some boys became gangly and skinny when they grew, Kadin appeared to have added height and muscle in equal measure, giving him a balanced and powerful appearance for his age. Evan noticed Kadin looking at him thoughtfully before he was asked, “Your rank insignia has changed, Evan. Were you promoted over the winter?”
Alaric joined them in the great room before Evan could reply, and then everyone took a moment to sip their refreshing ale before Alaric commented, “I noticed the new insignia as well, Evan. I take it you are now the captain of the guard in Caemlann?”
“You two don’t miss much, do you? Actually, I’m the commander of the royal guard detachment, and second in command to the baron, locally. The promotion is due to the expansion of the force under my command, which doubled over the winter, and is likely to get even larger with the threats we are facing these days. The king has ordered a major expansion of the army in the kingdom, and has authorized the baron of Wildon to create a new marshal of Wildon, who will be second only to the marshal of Kronar in Kelandra. Marshal Caradog is planning to field a force of at least ten thousand this spring, ten times the normal compliment for the entire barony.”
“What of the garrison in Caemlann?” Alaric inquired.
“Current plans are to increase our force to five thousand troops by mid-spring, split evenly between the royal and barony forces. I’m commanding fifteen hundred troops at the moment, and Father has advised that he has another thousand on the way.”
Evan took another sip of his ale before continuing, “All of which brings me to the purpose for my visit.”
“What, our company is not sufficient reason to visit, Evan?” Alaric joked.
Evan chuckled before replying, “Evidently, Father is privy to some information that is being closely held. He would not order this massive an increase in our armed forces without strong justification, and he is planning to field an army of a hundred thousand royal troops, in addition to the forces the baronies are calling up. We’ve not seen a mobilization on this scale since the last great rising of the dark, so whatever Father has heard, it is extremely serious.”
Evan reached down and flipped open the saddlebag at his side and withdrew a thick envelope sealed with crimson wax, which he then extended to Alaric while commenting, “Father sent this missive for you, Alaric, along with instructions that I was to get this to you without delay. His note to me said that we were to review this letter together, and that you were to employ the strongest shield spell you could muster to prevent the contents of this note becoming known to any you did not explicitly trust.”
Alaric accepted the envelope and a glance verified the impression in the wax was none other than the royal seal, meaning the contents had been sealed by King Eloron himself, as that signet never left the king’s hand. Understanding the contents of the envelope to be of a most serious nature, Alaric willed his own signet into visibility and used the inset opal as a focus to trigger the mental concentration necessary to work the most powerful shield spell known to him. Alaric drew in power from the surrounding area, whispered the activation cantrip, and suddenly the entire room was ringed with a barely visible green shield. Alaric then turned to Kadin, “My son, would you be so kind as to cast a second shield within the one I just put up?”
Kadin eyed his dad with curiosity, knowing that nothing could get past the shield Alaric had erected, but quickly complied nonetheless. Moments later, there was a second layer of shield under the first, this one glowing a bright crimson. The shielding completed to his satisfaction, Alaric felt comfortable opening the letter he had received. Knowing better than to simply break the wax seal on the letter, Alaric extended his senses into the wax and found a complicated spell embedded within that would have destroyed the envelope, its contents, and whoever was foolish enough to have broken the seal without permission.
Wanting Kadin to understand how this spell worked, Alaric mentally asked his son to join his probe of the seal. Kadin quickly saw the danger in the spell, and looked to his dad for a clue on how to proceed. Alaric smiled at Kadin and stated, “The seal is keyed to the touch and mental signature of the person it is intended for, my son. If anyone else were to open this, the reaction from the spell would be violent, to say the least.” Alaric extended his index finger to the seal and lowered his mental shields enough to allow the spell to verify his identity. The conditions of the spell satisfied, the energy of the spell caused the seal itself to vaporize, leaving the letter ready to be read.
Alaric withdrew the parchment from the envelope and scanned the document before he began to read aloud.
Alaric;
I am certain this letter is now being shared with Evan and Kadin, old friend, but I must require that this information go no further until we can discuss this matter directly.
Alaric, I apologize for disturbing your quiet life in the woods, but we have information at our disposal that the former chancellor to King Dacian of The Greenwood is a traitor, and worse, that he is behind the orc and goblin attacks of the past year. The reason claimed for this is that Farwalker Redbush and his allies are attempting to free the enemies of the eleven kingdoms; the Hazar. No one is clear on why he is attempting to do this mad thing, but I trust you understand that if he is successful, we must all be prepared for the wrath of the freed Hazar.
I’m sure you are asking yourself, ‘What does this have to do with me?’ Alaric, we are convening a council of the rulers of the eleven kingdoms here in Kelandra in one week’s time, and I would ask for your counsel and support in this, our most critical need. Please make arrangements with Evan to attend us here in Kelandra as soon as is humanly possible. We have use of a transfer portal in the citadel of Baron Kovak in Caemlann, or feel free to create one in your home if you would prefer.”
This alone gave Alaric pause, as the creation of new portals was something generally strictly controlled, and the King had just authorized him to create one for ease of travel between the forest of Erinor and the palace in Kelandra. Alaric shook his head, knowing things must be worse than he feared, before he continued reading.
We are recalling every officer in the rank of captain, and all the current barons, to the capital as well, for we will engage in a strategy session immediately after the conference with the other rulers. We must have a coherent strategy to confront the forces of the dark, and it must be coordinated with all the kingdoms affected to make it effective. There is simply too much for one king to do, so I am asking for help from the only person in my life I’ve ever trusted implicitly: you, Alaric.
I hear through the rumor mill that you have adopted Kadin, and would be pleased to meet the young man who captured your heart so easily. Please bring Kadin as well. Don’t worry about wardrobe, old friend; I have a staff here who will outfit you in the latest court fashion if you get here in the next couple of days.
I instructed Evan to bring enough men with him to enable the creation of your own transfer portal. I remember well how much energy it takes to create one. Please, old friend, keep the location of the portal closely held, and share the specifics of it with only those you would trust with your life. Dark times lie ahead, old friend, but the conditions for evil to win do not yet exist, for there yet remain men and women of goodwill who are willing to act decisively on behalf of the light, and free people everywhere.
Make haste to Kelandra, Alaric, you are sorely missed.
Eloron, through the grace of the Gods, King of Kronar, and ever your devoted friend.
Alaric’s eyes were shining brightly as he finished reading the note from his oldest friend. Gathering his wits about him, Alaric looked at Evan before asking, “Are your men willing participants in the creation of this portal, Evan?”
Evan nodded that they were before he stated, “They are, Alaric; I specifically asked for men willing to lend their strength to a magical undertaking requiring a massive amount of energy, without telling them exactly what it was.”
Alaric stood and scanned the familiar surroundings with a critical eye. “The cold room is probably the best location for the portal. It has a stone floor, is surrounded by thick stone walls, has a heavy reinforced oak door, and is out of the way enough that it wouldn’t be stumbled upon accidentally.” Alaric passed control of his shield spell to Kadin, “Son, could you please create openings in both spells to allow Evan’s men to enter? They will need to be inside the shield to allow me to tap their energy for this undertaking.”
Kadin concentrated momentarily, creating the openings, while Alaric gathered a few supplies for the creation of the new portal. Evan rose and went outside to gather his troops and bring them inside the cabin’s great room. Once everyone was inside, Kadin carefully closed the portals in each shield spell, and verified the integrity of the spells before following Alaric out of the great room.
Alaric and Kadin huddled together inside the cold room, Kadin closely watching his mentor inscribe a hexagon in white chalk in the corner of the floor, behind the ale keg. Inside this was carefully traced the outline of the mezuzah: two overlapped triangles forming a six pointed star. Alaric was careful to ensure each line connected fully with all the others, before placing six white tapers just inside the points of intersection. Straightening, Alaric took note of Kadin watching his every move and knew the boy would be able to reproduce this spell in the future, if it became necessary. Waving Kadin to follow him, they proceeded to the now very full great room, where Evan had his men move the furniture to the side before each was carefully positioned on the floor, heads oriented towards the cold room.
Alaric double checked the preparations before he addressed the fifty men in the room, “Gentlemen, I thank you for your willingness to aid the kingdom in her hour of need. What you will experience is simple, you will all fall asleep, and I will draw sparingly upon your strength for the object we are attempting to create here. While I will draw but little from each of you, the collective energy assembled is extremely high level, as it must be to enable this powerful act of creation to be a success. I must give you a final opportunity to change your minds; if any do not feel they can support this ritual creation, now is the time to withdraw, and you may do so without any discredit falling upon you.”
Alaric glanced at the assembled men, and seeing nothing more than a bit of nervousness, proceeded with, “Very well, I thank you on behalf of our king for your courage and your trust.”
With that, Alaric quietly intoned a cantrip that quickly had the fifty men on the floor asleep and some snoring quietly, before he turned and led Evan and his son into the cold room again. Shivering slightly, Alaric turned to Evan and inquired, “Would you like to be included in the ceremony, Evan? If you are, you will automatically know the portal’s specifics, something that could be useful in the days and months ahead.”
Evan started at the invitation, not having expected Alaric to extend such an offer. “I would be honored at being included, Alaric, if you are sure you want my support.”
Alaric smiled, “I’m sure, Evan. Have you ever participated in creating a portal before?”
“No, Master, I have not. I studied it, of course, but there has never been a reason strong enough to force me to attempt such powerful, old magic,” Evan stated.
For old magic, it was, indeed, what they were about to attempt: a subtle adjustment of the natural order, which, while small in the cosmic scheme of things, defined the requirement for the amount of energy required; for this minor adjustment, while local in its implication, was universally global in its effect, so that this small change needed to be implemented, literally, everywhere. A new portal enabled a user to connect any space, to any other known space – distance was no barrier to those with knowledge and a modicum of power. Once established, the portal would last indefinitely; drawing its sustaining energy from the very fabric of reality itself. The trick was in forcing this unnatural adjustment in the first place.
Alaric locked gazes with both his assistants, before calmly stating, “Both of you must understand that this is one of the most dangerous spells you will ever learn, and you must understand how critical it is that this be performed under the most powerful wards you can place. Doing this unwarded can lead to breaches into our reality from the lower planes of existence, and battling a horde of demons while attempting to close a rift in the fabric of space would challenge even the most powerful of legendary magic users. Are we clear on that?”
Kadin’s eyes widened at the prospect of controlling that much power, and what it could do if control was lost over it. He and Evan quickly assured Alaric that they would be fully shielded if they ever needed to attempt this spell in the future.
Alaric concentrated and made his signet visible for a moment, raising his hand so that the three of them were using the same focus as they began centering. Kadin and Evan lowered their shields, allowing Alaric to control the direction of the ceremony. Alaric bound his two partners into the control link as he reached out and began gathering the individual strands of energy available to him from the fifty men sleeping in the adjoining room, and began binding the disparate energy sources into one coherent power flow. As the nexus of power grew, Alaric extended a flicker of thought towards the six unlit tapers on the floor, and they burst into sudden, flickering light.
The nexus of energy continued to grow, and as it neared its peak, Alaric began to incant, “We stand in a place, outside of space, and outside of time. As was done in ancient times, let it be done now. Connect this consecrated place with all other such places, both known and unknown, across the breadth of space and time.”
The burgeoning nexus had, by this time, grown to a howling, coruscating, helix of power; its swirling, crackling, matrix stirring the air surrounding the portal location into a hurricane fury of howling wind, yet the candles above the hexagram burned undisturbed, the flames not even flickering as, for one brief instant, time stood still. As the flames stopped moving altogether and the winds stirred by the frenzied energy matrix reached a fever pitch, Alaric uttered the activation sequence, “Fiat, fiat, fiat, voluntuas nostrum.”
Instantly, the energy matrix narrowed into a confined column, exactly the width of the defined hexagram, and collapsed onto, and into, the portal location, its energy matrix binding with, and altering, the structure of the flagstone on which the portal had been drawn, and absorbing the essence of the six tapers that had once stood guard over the six points of the mezuzah.
The trio blinked their eyes in the sudden darkness, the complete silence a relief after the magical display they had just witnessed, and yet, in their minds, the portal glowed like a beacon, showing their efforts had been successful, and that the new portal had, indeed, been created and connected.
Two days on found three of Captain Evan’s men installed at Alaric and Kadin’s home, with clear instructions on how things were to be cared for in their absence. This turned out to be a pleasant diversion from soldiering for the three men, as they had all been raised on farms in the countryside of Kronar, and remembered the steady work of farming with a bit of nostalgia.
Alaric and Kadin had learned the energy signature of the Caemlann transfer portal, as well as the location of the portal in the reception area of the royal palace in Kelandra, where the father and son team were accompanied by Captain Evan and Baron Kovak of Caemlann. Kadin and Alaric were immediately whisked away and into the clutches of the court tailor, an exacting and demanding man who endeavored to clothe the pair to fit in with their present surroundings. The father and son duo bore the measuring, poking, and prodding with good humor, and were assured that clothing befitting their status and surroundings would be delivered the next morning.
Alaric and Kadin’s feet had barely hit the hardwood flooring the next morning before the household staff had the bath prepared for their use. After a relaxing soak, each received a visit from the court barber to trim and style their hair, and to trim Alaric’s beard in the short style currently in favor with the court.
In keeping with the whirlwind schedule of the morning, mere moments after they had finished a grand breakfast in their suite of rooms, the court tailor and a small army of seamstresses swept into the sitting room with armloads of clothing that had to be fitted. Alaric and Kadin spent the better part of the morning wearing and changing clothing as the tailor made final adjustments to the way the clothing accentuated their strong, fit bodies, constantly commenting on what good condition they were in, and how well the current court style complimented them.
Kadin barely recognized his dad when he emerged a short time later, looking for all the world like a court dandy, wearing black form-following slacks, a crisp, white shirt with a stand up, mandarin collar, overlaid with a waist length jacket in navy blue. The stiff collar of the shirt had been embroidered with the sigils of his office as a Master Shaman, and with another set of symbols that Kadin didn’t recognize. Alaric, following Kadin’s gaze, answered the unspoken question, “The new symbols name me a baron in the royal court. It seems the king wants my input taken seriously.”
Kadin nodded at the information and replied with a grin, “You look incredible, Dad. Are you planning on catching yourself a princess or two?”
Alaric grinned at the compliment, “Perhaps, my son, perhaps. Personally, though, I think you should go look in the mirror, because I bet you will be the person catching a princess or two.”
“Huh? What are you talking about, Dad?”
Rather than respond, Alaric steered his son in front of the full length mirror he had just vacated. Kadin looked every inch the prince he was, resplendent in ivory colored form-following slacks, with a matching mandarin collared shirt, overlaid with a navy jacket cut in similar fashion to Alaric’s. Kadin was stunned at his reflection in the mirror, but not by the clothing, per se. It had been at least a year since he had seen himself in a full length mirror, and had not really noticed how much he had grown over that time. He had entered the forest of Erinor a boy, but the last year had hardened his frame even as it had grown. Kadin reached a cautious hand up to brush the sigils embroidered on his shirt collar, naming him a secondary echelon shaman, as he turned to examine his profile before turning back towards his dad.
“You’re a very handsome young man, my son. I’d say the court tailors have done a great job of turning you into someone who will fit right in, while also elegantly standing out. Just remember the court manners your mother taught you, and say as little as possible until we get a feel for the current politics of the court, alright?” Alaric asked.
“No problem, Dad, I plan on sticking to you like glue, so don’t stop too fast or I’ll run into you,” Kadin replied with one of his supply of ready grins.
Alaric spent the balance of the afternoon showing Kadin around the palace and grounds, making sure Kadin knew where everything was, and telling his son a few confidential stories from his youth, sharing some of the more comical misadventures he and Eloron had experienced as they grew up.
After the afternoon court had concluded, there was a short knock on the door to their apartment, and when Kadin opened the door, he found himself face to face with one of the palace pages, resplendent in his crimson and gold livery, “Good evening, my lord, I have been sent to extend an invitation for you and your father to dine privately with the king, the royal family, and a select group of key advisors this evening. I am to escort you there as soon as you are ready.”
Kadin nodded his understanding and turned to pass the information along to Alaric, as the older man entered the sitting room. “Who was at the door, son? Oh….”
“It seems we are expected for dinner with the king this evening, Father,” Kadin explained, as he slipped his jacket on and tugged the cuffs of his sleeves into position.
“Very well, my son, let’s not keep his majesty waiting,” Alaric said as he too, slipped his jacket on. “Please, lead on, young man,” Alaric told the young page.
The page led Alaric and Kadin through the corridors of the palace and on into the wing of the massive building that housed the royal family. As the small group approached a pair of dark walnut doors, intricately carved with the lion of Kronar, the page asked them to wait to be announced, before slipping in and advising the seneschal that the king’s oldest friend, and his son, were waiting to be announced, before hurrying off on yet another errand.
A broad smile lit the face of the court seneschal, Squire Blair, as Alaric and Kadin stepped forward. The iron-haired master of ceremonies extended his hand to Alaric, saying, “Master Alaric, as I live and breathe, I never thought to see you in the palace again. It is, indeed, good to see you again. Might I inquire about the young man behind you?”
Alaric reached out and grasped the offered hand and pulled the elderly man into a quick hug, stating, “Squire Blair, it is very good to see you as well, my old friend. This young man is my adopted son, Kadin, and we’re both here at the request of the king.”
Blair extended a friendly hand to Kadin as well, “Congratulations, young man, you found yourself a fine man as a father. Welcome to Kelandra.”
A warm smile graced Kadin’s face as he replied, “Thank you, my lord, for your warm welcome; it is good to be here.”
Blair turned to the assembled crowd and struck the floor with his staff of office twice before announcing, “My lords and ladies, the Master Shaman, Baron Alaric of Erinor, and his son, Kadin ab Alaric.”
The crowd turned as one to get a glimpse of the newcomers as they were escorted to the head table, when Kadin’s gaze was drawn to a brown-haired young man in a black and forest green dress uniform, wearing the insignia of a captain in the border guard; a young man Kadin knew intimately.
Seeing Kadin come to a sudden stop, Alaric also paused, and followed his gaze to the young officer, “Kadin, what’s wrong, son?”
As if sensing he was becoming the center of attention, the young captain slowly turned from his conversation with Marshal Caradog and faced the small group who were concentrating all their attention on him.
Kadin, stunned at finding his older brother in the palace, blinked and looked again to confirm what his eyes were telling him, before he walked up to the young captain and asked, “Kail?”
Kail looked deeply into a pair of emerald green eyes that were a match to his own, his brows drawing together as he attempted to make his balky memory tell him just who this young man was. “I’m sorry, young sir, my memory is a blank past fifteen years ago. I feel I should know you, but that’s everything I can remember.”
Kadin’s eyes were drawn to the scar at Kail’s forehead, and reached a gentle hand up to trace the scar, before locking his gaze with Kail once again. Kadin continued in a quiet voice only the two of them could hear, “I know you won’t remember me, Kail, because of what they did when you were banished from The Greenwood, but I remember you, my brother, and am thrilled beyond words to see you again.”
Alaric, mystified at the sudden turn of events, looked at Kadin for an explanation with a raised eyebrow that plainly asked for answers. Kadin, recognizing the awkwardness of the moment, took the initiative saying, “Kail, may I introduce my adopted father, Alaric of Erinor?” Turning his attention back to Alaric, he continued, “Father, I have the honor of introducing my oldest brother, Kail.”
Alaric, understanding that something unexpected had just occurred, still acted as if things were perfectly normal as he reached out his right hand towards the young officer. “A distinct pleasure to meet you, Captain, and, like Kadin, I look forward to catching up with you after dinner this evening.”
Kail quickly caught on that this was not the time for exploring family history, replying, “I owe you a debt of gratitude, my lord, for taking care of my brother. May I introduce both of you to my commander, Marshal Fychan ap Caradog?”
Handshakes were quickly exchanged, along with quiet promises to meet after dinner to allow the brothers an opportunity to catch up. With that, Alaric and Kadin were escorted to the head table, and shown where they would be seated, discovering that Alaric was to be seated in the place of honor, at the right hand of the king. While they awaited the arrival of the royal family, Kadin quietly gave Alaric the background on Kail, and why it was such a surprise to see him after so long, here, of all places.
As Kadin was finishing up his explanation, a chime sounded and everyone took their places behind the seats they had been assigned. Once everyone was in place, Squire Blair again struck the floor with his staff of office, five times in this case, and announced in a great voice, “My Lords and Ladies, Eloron, through the grace of the Gods, King of Kronar, and the royal family; her highness, Queen Risina, Crown Prince Michel, Prince Jhaveri, Prince Kristian, Prince Evan, Princess Merica, and Princess Alexsandra.”
Everyone stood behind their seats until the king had been seated, and were then quickly seated with a minimum of fuss and noise. Eloron turned towards Alaric and quietly greeted his old friend, saying, “We will have a more informal get together after dinner, Alaric. I’m afraid this dinner is a matter of protocol, and you know what a tyrant Blair is about such matters. Still, this is an intimate gathering, compared to what we’ll endure over the next week as the conference starts.” In a more normal tone of voice, the king continued, “We want to thank both of you for dropping everything and coming to Kelandra on short notice.”
Alaric, noting that Kadin was splitting his attention between the king and his brother, replied, “It was our pleasure, your Majesty. May I introduce my son, Kadin?”
Eloron turned his penetrating gaze on Kadin, as if evaluating him in a glance, before stating, “Welcome, Kadin, I have heard some pretty intriguing things about you, and look forward to getting to know you better. Our son, Evan, has mentioned the unique gift you shared with your father this midwinter past, and we look forward to discussing that, and a great many other things.”
Kadin quickly concentrated his attention on the king as he was being addressed, and inclined his head as he replied with the aplomb only one raised in a royal court could have managed, “I thank your majesty for his kind attentions to my father and I. We are both honored to be here.”
Dinner wound on interminably as the various courses were served to the small, intimate gathering of thirty or so. Kadin badly wanted to sit next to his brother and learn about what he had been up to, and how he came to be wearing the uniform of the border guard, almost as badly as he wanted to share the things that had happened in his life since he had last seen Kail. Eventually, though, the meal wound to its inevitable conclusion, and Kadin found himself being led away from the one person he most wanted to speak with.
Unable to bear this, Kadin spoke up, “Your majesty, would it be possible to have Captain Kail join us?”
The king paused for a moment, seeing Kadin’s pleading gaze, before turning to one of the ever-present pages and telling him, “Page, please have Marshal Fychan and Captain Kail join us in my private library.” As the lad hurried off to do his bidding, the King turned to Kadin stating, “I think there is a story here I would like to hear, young man.”
Alaric placed a strong hand on his son’s shoulder and intervened quietly with, “Eloron, we’ll be more than happy to bring you up to date, but I think this isn’t the place for such a discussion. Perhaps we can adjourn to someplace more private?”
The king nodded his approval and led the group to his library. It was a small group, consisting of only Crown Prince Michel, Captain Evan, Alaric, and Kadin. Once everyone was seated in the library, drinks were served as soon as the small group was joined by Marshal Fychan and Captain Kail. The conversation that night was long and wide-ranging, as Kadin and Alaric brought the king up to date, sharing everything, even Kadin’s status as heir to the throne of The Greenwood, what they knew concerning the prophecy, and the blood bonding he and Alaric had shared over the midwinter festival. Alaric advised Eloron about the implications of the bonding, including displaying the signet the ceremony had created, naming Alaric a prince of the Alvar, even down to the subtle new shape of Alaric’s ears.
Kail spoke at length on his history and how he came to be part of the border guard, with Fychan and Kadin adding pieces of the story as it unfolded. Kail was embarrassed as he revealed that he had been banished from his home and stripped of his status as a member of the Alvar ruling family, something Eloron immediately put him at ease over, telling Kail, “Captain, I have two things I want you to know. First, I have here a letter from your grandfather, King Dacian, clearly stating that your banishment was the result of manipulation on the part of his traitorous former chancellor, and he wanted me to tell you that he has rescinded the banishment order, and wants you to know that he deeply regrets it has taken this long to clear your name. He also wants you to know he is prepared to reinstate you to your rightful place in the royal succession, if that is your wish, but that either way, you are now, and always have been, his son, and that he loves you.”
Eloron rose and walked over to Kail and, as he handed off the letter from Dacian, placed his hands on Kail’s shoulders in an affirming gesture before he continued, “Secondly, I want you to know that my family and I feel well protected with young men like yourself serving in the guard, and am honored to have you as part of the team defending Kronar.”
Kail felt vindication of a sort, knowing at last that he could return home. He knew he could return and reclaim his rightful place as heir, but as he considered it, Kadin spoke up, quietly stating, “Kail, if you wish to regain your status as heir, I will willingly stand aside in your favor. You were wrongfully stripped of your status and, as a brother who loves you, I could never stand in the way of what you truly want in life.”
Kail pondered his life for a moment before coming to a decision. He stood and walked to his younger brother, and pulled Kadin into a tight hug. “Kadin, I love the life I have built for myself in Wildon. I am surrounded by people who love me, and have the respect of everyone I truly care about. There is little a title could hold that would replace what I already have. You will continue as heir, my not so little brother, and I wish you the very best in your future as king.”
Fychan relieved the tension in the air at that moment by simply stating, “Thank the Gods, for a moment there, I thought I was going to have to find a new captain!”
As everyone chuckled at the marshal’s wry comment, Eloron signed for a round of fresh drinks. Kail looked at the king and requested, “Your majesty, if I may propose a toast?”
“Of course, Captain, the floor is yours.”
Kail raised his glass, offering, “To my brother, Crown Prince Kadin of Aradan, son of Alaric, and to the friendship shared between Kronar and The Greenwood!”
Everyone, including the king, raised their glasses in toast to Kadin stating as one, “Crown Prince Kadin of Aradan!”
The next few days were a blur of activity, as the contingents from the eleven kingdoms arrived in Kelandra and were situated in appropriate quarters in the palace. The rulers of ten kingdoms: Kronar, The Greenwood, the Iron Hills, Melna, Corellon, the Delphine Isles, Alberon, Karpathos, Lequoia, and free Santorin, were attending in person, while the rulers of the Dragon’s Teeth were represented by a pair of massive dragonlings, one gold and the other silver.
As the issues were laid out before the assembled leaders by King Dacian and King Mtedas, shock and fear were common reactions. The last great rising of the dark may have occurred in the distant past, but the memory of the death and destruction had been kept alive in song, story, and oral legend. The assembled leaders knew, instinctively, that this was the challenge of their generation, and that it would have to be met directly, for they knew the Hazar would exploit any weakness, to the ruin of them all.
In a dramatic departure from the usual diplomatic wrangling, it was quickly decided that the best defense they could muster would be to vastly increase the size of the armies they could field, and that these forces would have two purposes: first, to guard all known access portals to the Splitrock Knolls, with the intent to prevent the release of the Hazar in the first place, and secondly, to harry and pursue the forces of the orc and goblin clans, thereby keeping them off balance
The representatives of the gold and silver dragons, however, remained strangely reticent, showing a decided reluctance to commit to anything, and when pressed, would only say that, as representatives, they lacked the plenipotentiary power to bind their respective kings to any plan of action, and that the decisions of the conference would have to be presented to King Abraxas and King Galeru in Sarffgadau. After much discussion on the point, it was decided that delegations from the kingdoms most directly affected would travel to Sarffgadau for direct discussion with the leadership of the Dragon’s Teeth. This meant that delegations from Kronar, the Iron Hills, and The Greenwood were selected for this task, and included all three kings and their principal advisors.
Discussions of a more personal nature occurred as well. Kail was reunited with his grandfather, King Dacian, and they reconciled their relationship, with Kail telling his grandfather he wished to remain in Kronar and pursue the life he had built with his foster father, Lannet. Kadin and Aric shared a joyous reunion with Riordan and the king, who took great pains in welcoming Alaric to the family, having been forewarned of Kadin’s actions by a rather giddily happy Goddess. All were pleased to see Kadin again, and even more pleased that he had grown in so many different ways with the guidance of his adopted father.
Kadin, Aric, and Riordan spent a great deal of time with Kail, reestablishing their relationships over card games in the evening, and the occasional sparring match in the palace sword yard. Kail and Aric were pleased to discover their younger brother had been well trained with the quarterstaff and the blade, and worked with him to improve his skills in Taichee Kara’ Te. The young men quickly moved their relationship from simply being brothers, to something much deeper and more profound as the days wore on, while preparations proceeded for their trip to Sarffgadau.
One other item of note occurred. Captain Aslief, who was head of the Alvar house of Sehya, brought his eldest daughter, the Princess Daifina, with him to the conference to observe the workings of government in time of crisis. In the course of the conference, Aric introduced Kadin to Daifina, and they quickly became friendly, spending a great deal of their evening time together, even when with Kadin’s brothers, which now included Riordan. The young Crown Prince was not sure what he felt for Daifina, but was certain that he wanted to get to know her much better. She had a knack for getting Kadin to relax and talk, and she found herself fascinated with his life outside The Greenwood.
Alaric and Eloron spent a great deal of time closeted with Marshal Hellstrom, commander of the royal forces of Kronar, Marshal Caradog, and the assembled leaders of the various military organizations, as a strategy was hammered out over the next several days, detailing areas of responsibility, chains of command, and how best to grow their forces to meet the threat they all feared.
A network of portal locations was worked out, and security precautions implemented to preclude the locations being discovered, and to restrain anyone not authorized to use the network who might accidentally stumble upon the portals. Once the portals had been established, provision was made for regular communications to be made via courier between the respective leaders. Finally, provision was made for the gathering and sharing of intelligence amongst the command staff of the eleven kingdoms.
The last item on the agenda was brought by the Alvar, when King Dacian rose to address the gathered leaders. As the ancient king made his way to the lectern, he gathered his family, now including Alaric, about him as he spoke.
“My friends, it is no understatement when I tell you we face some difficult and trying times ahead. We have learned, to our misfortune, that the enemy does not always cloak himself in the hideous guise of the orc or goblin. Indeed, he can present himself in fair guise, speaking words whose honeyed tone disguises their true intent. I have been misled in such fashion, to the extent of nearly losing everything I hold dear, my family, my kingdom, and my people.”
“I urge you to be on your guard, for the forces of our enemy now know we are aware of their intent, and will redouble their efforts to achieve the goals they have set. I have found that I had been harboring a viper in my own home, and if it can happen to me, it can happen elsewhere. Please, I beg you, question those whose actions seem best suited for their own ends, and not the free people of our respective kingdoms.”
“Accordingly, the house of Aradan is posting a reward for Farwalker Redbush, and his henchman, Karn Roven. We offer fifty thousand gold talons for the capture, dead or alive, of the traitor, Farwalker Redbush, and further offer twenty-five thousand gold talons for Karn Roven, under the same terms, dead or alive. It is our hope that these twisted beings will be so busy dodging bounty hunters that they will find little opportunity for mischief. Still, we must all remain alert, and I caution all of you, Redbush is a Master Echelon Druid of awesome abilities.”
“I, no, we, urge you to be of stout heart, for we all are now faced with the moment of decision where we must all choose between what we know to be right, and what is easy. I ask the blessings of the Gods on our actions as we go forth from this place and confront the forces of the dark. May Vindayin be with us all.”