Will and the Word

Chapter 20

"Yes, master how may I serve?" the voice resonated throughout the amphitheater causing the cacophony of the dead to fall silent. "I take it you want me to do something about the spirits of the angry dead."

"While it would be nice if you did. I assumed you would prefer not to," Harry said running his hands through his hair "I seek advice on how best to lay them to rest."

"Their existence and suffering are tied to the gold" the specter of death whispered "Thou must sever the link."

"Never an easy solution." Harry whispered causing the specter to laugh "What is so funny?"

"You who choose the path of most resistance are now complaining nothing is easy" the specter continued to chuckle "You have the power. You have the will. It is time for you to use it. End the curse on these souls let them rest."

Harry had been listening when death said the word curse "Are you freaking kidding me. It cannot be that easy. Can it?" Harry asked

"You will not know until you try" the specter stood resolute "Go on then give your hand a wave."

Harry gathered his will and intent and spoke the word "finem et quietem" the effect spread from Harry quickly encompassing the city before moving out into the country until Harry could feel the entirety of Maragor when he felt the last spirit rest, he collapsed to one knee "Gods I never want to do that again."

"Have thou any other needs master?" the specter of death asked and seeing Harry shake his head in the negative "then I shall away." A light breeze rustled through the amphitheater Harry leaned into it. When he looked up, he was alone with a huge pile of gold

"Gods I am tired" Harry mumbled to himself as he drew his will in a final time and released the words in a whisper thinking of the family that lived here and those who would come in the future said the ground began to shake and shudder again as Harry applied his will. For an hour the earth heaved Harry inscribed the runes for anti-violence and protection around Maragor in concentric rings until he reached the very edge of the country. His last act was to raise a pedestal where he sat with his back to the pedestal.

It was then He was bathed in Light as Mara, Nedra, and Aldur appeared

"Take your ease young Harry." Aldur said softly turning to his brother Nedra he motioned to the pile of gold "You have done well."

Nedra turned to the pile of gold passing his hands over it. And its place was only a slightly smaller pile of gold coins "I trust you can safely store the monies for Relg and Taiba."

"Yes," Harry said pulling in his will he conjured a chest complete with runes for being, Feather light, bottomless, and with runes to shrink as needed "This should do it. I will blood bind the chest to Relg and Taiba's Line." Harry then summoned the gold into the trunk shrank it down putting it in his pocket. "My Lords, is there anything else that needs doing this evening?"

Aldur's smiled "No Harry, no tasks to complete tonight. Just wanted to check in on you. See how you are adjusting. While I am here, I bring a small gift from my brothers. More so to ease your endeavors of defending the children" he held forth a small wooden chest that looked like it was made of fossilized wood "We will not see you for a time. We are needed in other parts of the universe. And while I would counsel you to enjoy your life with Beldaran, I know you will do what is right over what is easy. I urge you to be gentle in the application of your will my son"

"I will try master." Harry whispered bowing his head 'I am on my way back Bel' Harry thought quietly

A moment later Harry was alone in the amphitheater

Back in the grove

Relg and Taiba were doing their best to keep their children calm as the land heaved and buckled about them. "Belgarion are sure about this man? If he has the power to do this …"

Belgarion felt Harry's will build and reach out he could see ruptures in the ground surrounding as gold was ripped out of the ground the orb sang a questioning tune what surprised him was rather than being loud it was almost like a whisper "His control is phenomenal"

"In a way we are lucky," Polgara said softly when she saw everyone looking at her for an explanation "He was taught control when he was young, to not let his emotions get the better of him. It is something he has struggled with constantly throughout his life."

"From what I have gathered from what he has and has not said," Belgarath continued a smile gracing his face "what friends he had, they were his family and when they were taken, he went off the rails as he put it. However, he never lost his way."

"One surmises though it will take time for him to get used to having a pack again," Poledra said gravely "He was alone for 18 months, and though Beldaran has forged an amazing bond. He is still unused to being touched."

"I know!" Beldaran exclaimed "I share a bed with him, He suffers from nightmares. His life has been… hard and the last thing I want is for him to experience more hardship."

"You know as much as I like going home" Ce'nedra commented lightly "Taking him to Tol Honeth is not ideal Koiron Honeth … if he tries anything"

"Harry will likely turn him into something useful." Durnik finished succinctly.

The rumbling stopped and a keening wail pierced the air and they heard whispered on the wind "Death, attend me" the level of authority that Harry issued the command surprised all the sorcerers.

"One finds our grandson's ability to command death… Disconcerting" Poledra admitted and was interrupted by Beldaran

"He hates this ability if he could be rid of it, he would" Beldaran challenged

"We are not judging him dear one, "Polgara politely chided "It is disconcerting although not something we will ever bring up again."

The sorcerers felt Harry gather his will again and heard his word. However, this time the intent they felt was one of peace and solitude. everyone relaxed in the wake of the wave that had washed over them. After it abated, they thought maybe he was done when they felt his will begin to build again.

"Beldaran, I think Harry needs to stop and rest for a bit Belgarion said mildly, looking pointedly at his daughter. "He could hurt himself doing this!"

"It is too late he already has gathered his will; he is applying his words," Durnik said his eyes wide with awe he felt Harry inscribe his will into the very bedrock under their feet he could feel the soothing and here the constant whisper of peace it would be very hard to commit violence in Maragor and then he heard Harry whisper faintly 'I am on my way back' "I think we should all finish our meal Harry will be joining us shortly.

As Durnik finished speaking Harry appeared in the grove handing the trunk he had conjured to Taiba with a weak smile He took a knew and gathered his will a final time and made an elegant Crown for Taiba and a more masculine crown for Relg. "In the days to come, I will make suitable regalia for you and the princesses. But for now, I would like to go check my eyes for light leaks" Relg and Taiba were at a loss for words as Harry went to his wife and collapsed into her embrace. Beldaran shook her head and led her husband into their tent and to bed.

The monastery of Mar Terrin, Kingdom of Maragor

The Abbot and brothers of the monastery at first feared that there was a widespread earthquake and for a few moments abject fear reigned over the holy men. But when they saw the gold that they studiously ignored in their devotion to bringing peace to the ghost of Maragor start rising from the waters and heaving from the ground and flying toward the center of Maragor they noticed that the specters of dread were no longer focused on them as they had been in ages past. They rode out the heaving of the earth. Until it calmed.

Then again, they gazed in awe as the ghosts vanished from their sight for the first time in millennia Maragor was quiet for a moment before the host of spirits roared in anger and then was laid silent the feeling of dread that once permeated the land was gone. Then the land rumbled once again and a whisper could be heard on the wind commanding peace to be the law of the land. It also carried the names of those who had done this act and who would rule the land. In the wake of the upheaval, the Abbot turned to his brothers "I will seek out our king and queen. They will need counsel and we will need guidance if we are to rebuild this kingdom. I will travel to Tol Honeth in the morning and present myself to them." The old man said to his younger brothers "First though ready a bird His majesty the emperor must be informed. While I am gone Survey damage done to Mar Terrin and send out scouts to the other cities. Brother Tartius is in charge while I am gone.

Salmissra Palace, Kingdom of Nyissa

Salmissra was awoken by the heaving of the earth in Maragor, she then felt the dead lay to rest and she felt Harry lay the wards around Maragor though she did not know it she mirrored Durnik's thoughts 'child power or not, you must slow down you will hurt yourself when he finally stopped, she marveled at that for all the power the young man had she could feel the reluctance to use the power. she now knew his name, Harry Potter. She also knew the kingdom of Maragor would need people who knew how to make potions and the like

"With Sadi Gone for the summit in Tol Honeth. I would have my faithful Gather a group of Herbalists and Apothecaries to help my masters' brother resettle Maragor." She commanded grimly "I also command that no assassin take up a contract against the king and queen of Maragor or their family. I would also suggest that to take of a contract of any kind against the house of Riva or the youngest disciple of Aldur would be a death sentence." 'I cannot wait to meet him but never do I think I want to upset him' she thought to herself.

Kell, Dalasia

The land spoke as it had many times before when it was rent asunder but the mutters of the land soon became sighs of contentment as both the diviners and necromancers became aware of what was happening half the world away. The seers however were concerned they had no visions of this man nor the power he held. a member of their race had yet to lay eyes on him. The discussion was vigorous until Cyradis let her voice be heard 'we will be patient he will be met soon. Know this I have seen him in visions before when I was much younger and was still learning to read the stars and understand He is a good and noble man do not judge him by this one act I think there is more to him than just his power."

Tol Honeth, Tolnedra

Most of the empire felt the earth shake foundations were cracked. Some manors shook apart. Even the imperial Palace was not spared as the wing that was going to house the visiting royals collapsed

Ran Borune inspected the ruins the following morning and was in the process of massaging his forehead "this has something to do with either Belgarion or the newcomer and I will have words with either when I see them." He grumbled to his daughter-in-law.

"What exactly will you say father?" the woman asked wryly they were interrupted when a guard approached. Stopping ten paces from the emperor and princess his left fist covering his heart as he knelt.

"Report" the emperor commanded

"Your majesty, we have word from Maragor, the Abbot of Mar Terrin sent a messenger," he said presenting a note.

Ran Borune read the note and smiled "Relg and Taiba are the king and queen of Maragor, the ghosts have been laid to rest, and the gold that once permeated the realm has become the coin of their realm. The emperor read the note aloud "Apparently Aldur's newest disciple performed the act and his name is Harry Potter Duke of Gryffindor. That's an odd title well no matter. Summon the legions we have a mess to clean up. Also, Send an ambassador to Meet with Relg and Taiba

Koiron Honeth was not a happy man his manor in Tol Honeth had not weathered the earthquake well he was lucky not to have been crushed when the manor fell around him his guest from Riva was not in any better shape word had come that the keel of his ship had been broken when the water rose high enough to propel the Rivan merchant ship up onto the stone quay. This was a disruption to their plans

Arendia

Sir Varian Wildantor looked out at the training field. Ostensibly looking for a squire but his mind was far afield worried about his father now that he was out of the household. He had grown up hearing stories of his mother and how much his father had loved her and how everyone from his king to the Rivan queen had been affected by her passing. The stories that were told allowed him to get to know his mother at least as much as he could but his father had been living a half-life of sorts since her death and he hoped that this trip to Tol Honeth would allow him to live again. He was surprised when a lithe hand rested on his shoulder "You are a thousand leagues from here, tell me what you are thinking love" Her voice sounded like music to his ears "Please Varian…"

"It is my father which fills my thoughts tonight, my lady" The young knight admitted "He has mourned my mother for nigh on 18 years. It is like he is living a half-life."

"Well said My champion" Came the light voice of his queen who sensed the knight before was about to turn and genuflect "I do not need your adorations today Varian. We, my husband and I the sovereigns of Arendia share your concerns there are several ladies of noble quality Mimbrate and Asturian alike who see your father's quality. But he shows them no interest."

"Your Majesty if I may?" the young woman who was with Varian "I have an understanding of Baron Wildantor"

Mayaserena smiled "You have never been reticent before Lady Rosemary," the queen said focusing on the young girl "I do not expect you to start being so now."

"He feels if he were to pay attention to another woman, he would be disrespecting the memory of Baroness Wildantor." And there it was the thing that everyone knew but had never spoken truth to.
"Their love was intense so much so that he fears to love again. To open himself thus leaves his heart…"

"Open to be broken again." The queen of Arendia sighed "There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss your mother or her wise counsel." She left unsaid that her death was the spark that caused Lleldorin to truly grow out of his brashness "Well if he will not listen to us then we needs must have him listen to someone who will."

"Who would that be your majesty?" Rosemary asked, "If he will not listen to his closest kin and his sovereign who does that leave?"

Mayaserena fixed the girl with a look. "Their Majesties Ce'nedra and Adara, Ariana's Closest friends. And if that does not work, I will beseech her grace Polgara and Belgarion." The queen said smugly "Now Sir Wildantor, how goest thy search for a squire?"

Varian Smiled "Majesty to be honest none of the young men in the lists have caught my eye. I think I may need to look further afield. I believe that even the lowliest of scullions could become a knight if they were given the opportunity."

"Have thou a candidate in mind," Mayaserena asked curious to hear the answer

"I do Your majesty." He said turning toward the northern edge of the list field He saw a boy who he had noticed weeks ago Could not be more than seven years old "That Boy has been coming to the lists and watching the knights, squires, and men at arms bringing water and food to many on the field. I have also seen him when no one else was around training with blade and shield imitating the older kids "

"He is a serf?" The queen of Arendia asked quietly "That has never been done."

"Neither had an Asturian ever been made a knight." Varian stated calmly "I mean to take that young man and teach him as I was taught."

This made Mayaserena smile "You and your squire brothers did have perhaps the best teachers on life. How do you hope to compare to your instructors?"

It was Varian who smiled now "Early in my training with his majesty Belgarion, Queen Ce'Nedra in her wisdom sent scribes to all their companions I have a small library that I lived and breathed." He said as they traversed the list coming to the boy who had been serving those who were on the list field until finally, they were within shouting distance the boy looked up from a conversation with the other hopefuls who were whispering and pointing at the approaching knight. Coming to a stop at the child he knelt so he was eye to eye when he realized that it was not a boy he was looking at but a little girl.

"I am Varian Wildantor and I am looking for a squire" He whispered to the girl "I have watched you for weeks now you work as hard as any boy. I see in you the heart of a warrior. One of the bravest warriors I know is a woman."

The girls' eyes lit up "Queen Ce'Nedra?" the girl whispered excitedly

Varian smiled "No, and not that Queen Ce'nedra is not a warrior. She Just makes war in different ways" he tapered off gathering his thoughts "I speak of one her close friends and an aunt to me; Queen Adara of Algaria. Would you be interested?"

The little girl nodded and Varian smiled "Good I need to talk with your parents and I shall need your name."

The little girl whose smile seemed to lighten up the room dimmed "My mother and father are dead two winters past it was a bad year with no rain which meant little in the way of crops They gave me their food such as it was. My mother named me after a great lady of the court one who helped deliver her when she was a baby."

Mayaserena's eyes grew big this waif of a girl had been out here for months without any supervision although she seemed clean for the most part there was no training in social niceties. "Arianna, I knew your namesake. She was indeed a great lady in my court. Which I am sure will be repeated by you when my son and his queen sit on our thrones. If you will be my champions squire then it seems to me that I will have to ensure parts of your education. As you will have to function as both a Lady and Knight within the court. Sir Varian Wildantor is it your intention to take Arianna and train her in concert with your betrothed in the ways of knighthood and how to comport herself as a lady."

The denizens of the list field had all congregated around the queen Knights, squires, and men at arms all took a knee arrayed around the queen and there was some harsh murmuring. A glare f and raised hand from the queen silenced them.

"Yes, your majesty it is my intention. With your blessing, I will endeavor to educate her to be the most puissant of knights in the list, in keeping with my mentor Sir Mandorallen, Lord Barak, and King Hettar, the most erudite of scholars in the keeping of my mother and the Lady Polgara, the most cunning and observant in Keeping with Prince Kheldar and Princess Liselle and the wisest of counselors in keeping with Belgarion and Lord Belgarath."

The girl who had been down before looked a little fearful and said in a small voice "What if I fail?"

"Then you pick yourself up and try again" Rosemary stated also coming down to the little girl's level "Trust me you will have the very best of teachers."

Mayaserena then copied Varian and Rosemary and knelt "You will be a ward of my house fostered by Sir Varian, I expect you to strive for excellence in all that you do, and as Rosemary said when you fail always pick yourself." The Queen looked at the young lady expectantly "Can you do that for us?"

"Yes, Your Majesty" Arianna said as she curtsied clumsily before the queen of Arendia.

Mayaserena stood "Sir Varian of Wildantor, I charge you and your troth Rosemary of Vo Mandor to match over and instruct my Charge while we arrange for other instructors. Am I Understood?"

"Yes, your majesty!" they both said looking at each other

"Good, now as you are worried about your father you three shall accompany us and other to the summit in Tol Honeth which starts in two weeks." The queen said smiling "Oh and Varian, I think you should spend in the lists today. Rosemary would you and Miss Arianna join us for tea?" with a nod from Rosemary and a horrified look on Arianna's face who looked at her clothing then stiffened when Rosemary and the queen both laid hands on her shoulder leading her away.

Varian looked at the knights and others in the list field "Before we begin, how many of you knew she was a girl?" The Knights all raised their hands and a few of the squires did as well. None of the hopefuls had raised their hands "We should all be ashamed she has worked harder than most of us with fewer resources while she may not be Mightiest Knight on life I swear here and now she will be a force to be reckoned with. I will teach a class on the use of the sword for half an hour after which I will Take the field against all those who are not knights for two hours. we will not be using steel lest her majesty and my troth have words with me. Is that acceptable for everyone."

The Knights who had come to the list smiled this would give them a chance to see who was worth getting to know. Today turned out to be a good day