By Royal Decree – The Reign of King Geoff, of House Ramsey
Chapter One: The First King
Crippling fear was growing amongst the people of Achievement City; King Geoff could almost smell it wherever he walked, a heavy and rancid odour that spread more rapidly than any fire. Murmurs, whispers, disapproving faces set in hard lines of mistrust…
Politics, that's all it really came down to in the end. The will of the people was a formidable thing and it did not always act in its best interests.
In his mighty citadel of stone, King Geoff scowled and drunk heavily from a flagon of ale. His villagers took this moment to press their case, sensing that their liege was also falling victim to the same doubts that plagued their fair city.
"The people are beginning to talk, my Lord. Your knights, these powerful warriors you cavort around with in our kingdom, their exploits are… stirring the unrest. Jack in particular, although he has no ambition to speak of, has won the hearts of the people with his simple generosity."
Jack the Humble, they called him. Jack the Loyal. King Geoff understood his villagers' concerns and knew better than to correct their assumptions of his friend's lack of motivation. Enormous ambition welled in his friend, just not the type they would recognise or comprehend. His steadfast bearded friend had his sights not on supremacy and conquest but rather on family and happiness. All the times they had journeyed into the Netherworld side by side, or rode on horseback across the plains of the kingdom or slain vicious creatures of the night, Jack had confessed that he would rather build a simply house, thatch it and spend his days adding to the small comforts of his new family. He had no real drive to rule over anybody, except to champion the rights of the disadvantaged. He truly was a humble, hardworking companion, one whose friendship Geoff did not take for granted.
There were many ways to topple a King and not all of them violent. That Jack and his other closest friends were 'stirring the unrest' was an understatement. Geoff had unfortunately spent so much of his time away from the commonfolk, holed up in the citadel, save when he and his associates ventured forth into the land to erect monuments or stage tournaments. The people were searching for an alternative to their distant, if prolific, King. Jack had power in the will of the people; there was no mistaking that fact, even if he had no desire to slip a knife between his liege's ribs any day soon.
The others had their merits and were also gaining sway in the kingdom however, there were a few Geoff suspected that had considered less honourable ways of hastening their ascension.
"Even Ryan, whom some say can commute with the beasts, grows in the people's favour," Geoff's faithful villager continued sourly.
Ryan the Animal-Whisperer. The Prince of Beasts, some said, though Geoff knew his affinity with the animal kingdom did not give him leave to don a crown and call himself a monarch. There was a certain mystique to Ryan that lent him charm, a hidden grandeur and fierce intelligence that made him a considerable foe in the friendly contests they held together. He had a willingness to exploit loopholes, to bend rules and to utilise his vast array of knowledge to frightful ends. Certainly, he was a man who was willing to go to less honourable lengths to achieve victory although with Ryan sometimes it was not easy to determine what his goal was. Sly, smiling and outwardly pleasant… That was the gift of the House of Haywood. Geoff did not want to imagine what power would do to a man like Ryan.
"And there are the younger heroes too," another villagers piped up as Geoff's semblance grew troubled. "Mogar the Great is regarded as the most magnificent warrior in the land. Of course, it is not only those faces close and dear to the people that have earned their respect. Others have too. They say that the dark-skinned man from across the Silver Sea who dresses in black and white grandeur and holds a fresh red rose betwixt his fingers quietly claims victory in many of your feats of skill, bravery and intelligence."
Michael and Ray. Young, talented and courageous but with very different strengths. Michael had earned the name Mogar when he slew a terrific mountain-bear unarmed and had worn the pelt of the creature ever since to reinforce his legend. With a sword in hand, the champion of many bouts of strength was utterly terrifying. Ray, although a foreigner, was much admired. The people adored his reserved manner of excellence, the quiet way he would surpass all opponents. Amongst the younger villagers he held a special affinity, one of simultaneous kinship and heroism.
King Geoff ran a hand down his sheathed weapon and his knuckles grew white. He'd built his kingdom up from nothing with his own sweat and tears yet the threat of rebellion and war hovered constantly over his head, like a guillotine waiting to plunge down. His daughter the princess was simply too young to hold her claim unless her father could offer a solution to appease these restless warriors and their devoted factions within the city. The House of Ramsey was vulnerable and he knew it.
Geoff swore badly under his breath. He just wanted time with his family! His soul ached for a peaceful resolution to the disturbance, for recreation and the chance to continue to add to Achievement City's splendour unheeded. He didn't need this, especially not from those who were like kin to him. Although if history had any lessons to show it was that those who were considered friends were the most dangerous to those in power.
"Ah, sire, there are even suggestions being brought forward… Some say that your foundling, Gavin the Free, should be the rightful heir and that you should step aside and give him the throne."
That stung King Geoff more than he was willing to admit but he hid these thoughts behind a stoic face. Gavin, his boy. 'The Free' given that he had come from lands largely unknown but the little title suited his personality more than the people knew. Foolish, quirky, hilarious and thoughtful, no one could hazard a guess to accurately predict the next wild scheme that would come out of Gavin's mouth. And people adored him; there wasn't much to dislike, especially when you didn't have to live with him. Together he and Geoff had constructed huge sections of the kingdom, built it up stone by stone.
His cheeky, foolish, well-meaning adopted son from a far off land; that he would betray his own father and his own family had never even occurred to Geoff… That after all the merriment and games they'd shared together…
Something in that morose thought sparked an idea in Geoff. The King stood, armour gently clanking together, his drink in one hand. In a quiet voice he saw both advisors out of his citadel with promises that he would look into restoring the peace as soon as possible.
"It won't come to war, I'll figure something out," he assured both of them as they trekked the incredible length of the main room of his citadel together. Torches threw flickering orange and red light from the walls but most of his recluse hid in shadow, hanging high overhead.
Both relieved that their somewhat cloistered King was taking matters into his own hands and slightly curious, the villagers merely bowed and hastened out as they were bid. Their King had the ability of flight, a ferocious temper and a fierce will to protect his family. They murmured quietly in the gathering darkness that they would be steadfast to him and House Ramsey before parting ways in the Town Square.
Alone now, Geoff pulled paper from one of his depositories and noted down the details of his inspiration. It would take some time and effort but he believed that he had hit upon a decent solution. The quick sketches and notes steadily became a consolidated plan.
A vast enchanted Throne Room set in gold and maroon… An Arena fit for Kings… A series of challenges to determine supremacy…
Minutes later Geoff swigged back the last of his ale and set to writing his missive on a fresh sheet of paper to go in the Town Square Noticeboard:
'By Royal Decree, His Majesty Geoff of House Ramsey commands that in five moons henceforth Ryan of House Haywood, Jack of House Pattillo, Mogar of House Jones and the honourable Ray, from across the Silver Sea and Gavin the Free, his majesty's foundling son, will present themselves to his Majesty for the purpose of determining a system of Rule in our fair kingdom.'
He reread over his words only once before setting the missive aside. There was so much to be done. Geoff walked over and unlocked his wooden chests, searching for a serviceable diamond axe, gold and other materials. This time the game would not only be for the honour of a Golden Tower but something with far more extensive consequences. This game would separate the mere men from the Kings.