Chapter 9: Etheros

When King Ezran awoke, it was much warmer.

His eyes were wide, as he looked out the window, at the towering city around them.

"Welcome to Etheros, Ez." Callum said, looking up with similar wonder. "Wow. I didn't know Neolandia was so...advanced." He said, looking up at the spires above.

"Actually, we're not in Neolandia. We're near the border. Etheros is a city state, it's neutral." Ezran explained.

Callum frowned.

"Wow. I didn't know that. Look at that. My little brother, breaking down regional politics."

"Opelli made me memorize that." Ezran replied. "One of those things you have to know when you're the king."

"You're doin great Ez. Never forget that." Callum said, flicking the back of his neck. "You've made us all proud. No matter what happens."

"Yeah." Ezran said, before rubbing the back of his neck. "I dunno. I just don't wanna mess it all up."

"You won't." Callum said with a smile. "I know you won't."

"King Ahling's son is dead, Callum. How...what am I supposed to say to him?" Ezran asked. "Sorry?"

"I mean...yeah, that's how I'd start. But it's not like you killed him." Callum replied. "Apologizing would still be good, definitely apologize." He quickly added.

"Who killed Prince Kasef?" Ezran asked, genuinely curious. "Was it you?"

"What?! Me?!" Callum exclaimed. "No, of course not!"

"I'm just asking!" Ezran said, putting up his hands. "I'm not trying to say you did it! I know he came after you, that's why I asked."

Rayla stirred awake.

"Somebody got killed?" She asked wearily, as she rubbed her eyes.

"Yeah. Prince Kasef, we talked about this!" Ezran said, as he looked out at the gorgeous, ancient stone buildings of the city.

"Right...sorry just...had a weird dream." Rayla muttered, leaning down and looking at the floor.

"You okay?" Callum asked, putting a hand on her back.

"Yeah. Just...gimme a bit." Rayla replied. "How long do we have until the peace summit?"

"It'll be a little while, rest." Callum assured her, giving her a subtle rub on the back of the neck.

"Nah. I'm awake now. Gotta do bodyguard things." Rayla grumbled, leaning over and rubbing the side of her head against his. "Thanks though. For tryin."

"You gonna be okay?" Callum asked, looking over the rattled looking elf.

"You already asked that, Callum." Rayla replied with a light chuckle.

"No, I asked if you are okay. That's a different question." Callum insisted.

"It's kinda the same question. Except...I don't know the answer to one of them. I can't tell ya now if I'm gonna be okay." She said, squinting at the morning sun.

Callum let out a sigh.

"Rayla...what?"

"It was a weird dream, ah dunno. I'm just sayin stuff."

The wagon lurched to a halt.

"My king...we have arrived." Commander Fen stated, opening the door of the wagon, and bowing.

They had arrived in the center of town. A truly massive castle stood before them.

It stood tall, and proud, made of ancient stone and marble. It was taller than the castle back in Katolis.

Significantly taller.

Ezran looked up at it in awe.

Before it, stood a heavily armored battalion, clad in yellow and black.

"Welcome, King Ezran, of Katolis." A grey haired, bearded man beckoned, bowing. "I am Iman, free king of Etheros. I humbly welcome you to my city, and these peace talks."

Ezran bowed back, not knowing if he had to.

"Thank you, King Iman." He said, looking around. "Is anyone else here yet?"

"Yes. All have arrived, save for King Ahling."

One exhausting bout of brutal stairs later, King Ezran arrived on the top floor of the tower.

He collapsed to the floor, panting heavily, Callum and Rayla on either side.

"This is why you must eat breakfast." Commander Fen grumbled, walking up behind them, and standing against a wall.

A table stood ahead.

Queen Aanya of Duren, sat patiently. On either side of her, unfamiliar faces. Regents for the slain king and queen of their respective kingdoms.

The regents sat on either side, with concerned faces.

"Glad to see...everyone made it..." Ezran wheezed, climbing up into a chair. "How are none of you tired?"

"We've been waiting for over an hour." The regent of Del Bar grumbled. "And we STILL can't start. No sign of King Ahling down there, I take it?"

Ezran's head lifted up, and his eyes widened as he realized she was waiting for him to answer.

"Oh! No. No, I don't think so. I don't know what he looks like to be fair..."

"Another child on the throne." The stuff lipped regent of Evenere grumbled. "What a waste of time this has been."

Ezran's brow furrowed.

"Hey..."

"That's alright, King Ezran." Queen Aanya spoke, before clearing her throat. "We are all of us learning. There is not one king from the last of these meetings still in this room. Florian and Fareeda have fallen. It is deeply troubling, and regrettable. But do not put down King Ezran or myself for not waiting to embrace destiny."

"Is that what it's called?" The regent of Evenere asked. "Or is it merely a way for a child to plunder the pockets of kingdoms? You cannot possibly know what is expected of a king or queen. Neither of you are worthy to sit at this table!"

Ezran stood, mouth agape at the exchanges before him.

"I..."

"With respect, humble regent." Queen Aanya stated, narrowing her eyes. "We have survived. Both of us." She said, gesturing to Ezran. "We have survived coups. Attempts on our lives. A great battle at the Storm Spire, that created peace between our kingdom, and Xadia. You will show myself, and King Ezran, the respect we deserve."

"I agree!" A voice called.

The four at the table turned, eyes wide.

As King Ahling, sitting on a throne, was carried into the room.

He looked frail. So much older now than he had at the last Pentarchy.

"I agree. You are both part of this now. And your accomplishments are admirable. But first, and foremost...let's discuss the battle at the Storm Spire." King Ahling demanded, anger in his aged eyes. "And what became of my son."