Will and the Word
Chapter Twelve
Relg and Taiba's home, Mar Amon, Maragor
Relg and Taiba sat amongst their large family. Their eldest son holding a missive from the caverns of Ulgo "Father Holy Gorim has died, It is time" the young man who grew up in the light slumped his shoulders "Father I know it is sinful but this is not what I wanted for myself. I am not nearly ready."
"That's a good sign" a voice spoke from the open door of their home Relg turned and as a testament of his worldliness he did not prostrate himself "It would be the height of hubris to believe we are ever ready. I know for fact I was not ready. But somehow I don't think that is the heart of the matter is it Taryn or should I say Gorim of Ulgo"
"You are correct God of all Angarak. I feel like my life and my dreams are being subsumed, because of the color of my eyes." Taryn said angrily "Then there is the fact that the Ulgo lives in houses inside a cave and while I support piety and paying respect to the gods, I think it is time we rejoin the world. We can't do that if all of Ulgo is afraid they may offend UL if they stop singing the Hymn."
The decades above ground had taught Relg much, He had discussions with both Mara and Ul at times about Taryn's willfulness but to hear his son speak of this so impassioned moved him.
A pillar of white light dropped from the heavens and suddenly their living room was filled with the unearthly presence of the father of the gods "I have heard your words, Taryn; you are right it is unfair to ask you who have known the light all your life to live in darkness." Ul noted the entire house was on their knees "Rise I require no genuflection or service of you. Taryn has rightly pointed out that it is well past time that Ulgo rejoins the wider world and the abject piety can be toned down and my people can start to live."
"Holy Ul, I understand how my son feels but he is wrong to address you as he has. It is disrespectful." Relg said looking his god
Ul laughed for the first time in many years he laughed "My son, the first Gorim was not exactly the height of respectful. However, I believe that Aldur's newest disciple could perhaps be of assistance since you are now Gorim it will be you who is performing Geran and Eleanora's wedding ceremony in question. I have it on good authority Both King Hettar and Urgit will be there with their families I know you are fond Thierra and Khyri."
"Most Holy has anyone ever told you that you are a little bit evil" Taiba entered the room after putting her youngest down for a nap "Both those girls know they could easily have Taryn but neither has tried because they do not want to cause him trouble as he is the Gorim of Ulgo."
"I understand what you mean however, Ulgo does not live in a void," Ul said gravely "Follow your heart and the people of Ulgo will follow you."
"I will make sure you are provisioned for your journey son," Taiba said pulling her oldest into a hug.
Taryn could only nod "you and Father are not coming to the summit?"
"Son I am not a leader of men as you are. Also, our family is too large for us to make the trip with any amount of ease. Belgarion and Ce'nedra will understand so will Geran" Relg said quietly
"My Son Providence will provide. You will be able to spend time with your friends and your family in Tol Honeth" Ul Said with a laugh
Sthiss Tor, Kingdom of Nyissa
Salmissra sat on her throne she had felt something shift in the world. Something that felt would shake the world to its foundation. She could catch glimpses of a young man who had black hair he reminded her of Belgarion she could sense something about him that felt like he might be kin of sorts "Sadi am I to assume you will be leaving on your Journey to Tol Honeth tomorrow?"
"Yes, Divine Salmissra I thought I had your trade requests is there something you want to add?"
"There will be a young man traveling with Belgarion's entourage he has black hair and green eyes. I suspect he is paired with Princess Beldaran" Salmissra hissed quietly "I also know that he is Aldur's newest disciple next to Beldaran. I want to meet this young man that stalks through the world. Please extend my invitation to the Princess and her consort. I have a feeling even a brief discussion would be enlightening and beneficial for our kingdom."
Sadi was taken aback "I will do as you say, my queen."
"You have my thanks Sadi" Salmissra spoke before getting comfortable and sleeping "You are dismissed enjoy the summit."
Boktor, Kingdom of Drasnia
King Kheva son of Rhodar and Porenn was sitting at a desk going through the many things his spymaster Javelin marked as important. Among them were Arik Thordahl late of the Isles of winds who had been exiled and his property seized for insulting the Rivan Queen and beating his wife. His old friend and childhood companion Eriond had visited and the royal party left the isle on the morning tide. Something had happened with Beldaran in the Vale of Aldur. Kheldar promised an update in person during the summit in Tol Honeth.
There was also a missive from Urgit, Zakkath, and Korrudlin. "Javelin, could you come in here I need to talk with you."
A moment later a young woman stepped into the office "Yes your majesty?"
"I want Arik Thordahl late of the Isle of winds watched, He has recently been stripped of his holdings and titles for the attempted assassination of Belgarion's Heir, Insult to Queen Ce'nedra, and Abuse of his wife. I want to know who he speaks with, when, and where. Whomever he is in contact with likely has designs on Princess Beldaran. Make time for a meeting with myself, Kheldar and Belgarion while at the summit."
"Will that be all your Majesty?" she said sarcastically "Kheva my love comes, it is lunchtime and you have been here for hours."
"That is a good Idea Tahna" Kheva replied
"Of course, it is a good Idea I am the one who had it," she said a smirk adorning her young face "So if it is a good idea why are we not going to lunch?"
"Why yes Your majesty it is a good idea," Kheva said smiling but his smile fades "I am sorry dear, but this situation with Arik Thordahl and bear cult has me on edge."
"I think I have just the thing to help distract you." She said with a decadent smile she crooked a finger motioning him to come to her. She then whispered something in his ear that left him speechless as she sauntered out the door.
Imperial Palace, Tol Honeth, Empire of Tolnedra
Ran Borune, formerly the Duke of Anadile was angry His son was dead thankfully his son's guards had saved his frightened wife and 3 children and he was no closer to finding out who the killer was than the day it happened Therese had been relieved when he insisted, they take up residence in the imperial compound. Now his eldest grandchild was Crown prince with his sisters being princesses and he was not growing any younger. There was unrest in the great families they did not like that His predecessor had adopted him. Many in his supposed family the Borunes were outraged that they were not chosen.
He hated what he was about to do "Therese" he said as he approached his daughter in law
"Yes Father," she said looking up from the book she was reading to her youngest as they leaned back against the walls of the garden. Noting his serious demeanor "What is wrong Father."
"I would like to talk to you about your and the Children's Future young Veran is my Heir and you are his regent but today alone we have caught five people trying to get in to do you and the children harm," Varana said quietly I am afraid it is not safe for you or the children to remain in Tol Honeth much longer. Nor even in Tolnedra for that matter. I am going to discuss with my niece and her husband and I am going to set you up with them until Veran reaches adulthood."
"Father you don't have a niece…. Oh!" as her mind caught up to what her father-in-law was saying "Do you think our cousin will help us then?"
"If I know Belgarion even half as well as I think I do he will offer to gut most of the great houses for you." The emperor smiled a vicious smile "and Prince Kheldar will help him."
"But if something happens to you?" Therese asked solemnly
"Belgarion and Ce'nedra will rule as regents until Veran is of age." Varana Stated smiling at the thought "The great houses respect and hate Belgarion in equal amounts so that would be an interesting outcome. Let us hope it does not come to that."
"I just want my Babies safe." She breathed heavily and tears started to fall.
Varana the proud father and grandfather did not even think he immediately embraced his daughter he had no care for who saw him or what gossip made its way around the city.
The Lion, Camaar, Kingdom of Sendaria
Arik Thordahl strode into the inn his ship was unloading cargo and they would sail on the morning tide. Sitting at a table by the fire the man was lost in thought and was startled as someone sat down across from him. "We have heard of your reversal in fortune. We also believe it was unfair. What a man does to discipline his family is his business. We also believe we can remove the obstacles allowing you direct access to her highness Beldaran. We offer you this token of our esteem" the man said putting a large pouch on the table "Inside are 1000 Tolnedra Crowns All we ask is that you Ferry two individuals to Tol Honeth and provide them Safe passage away once it happens."
"I thank you for the token and have no problem offering upstanding Alorns aid "Arik Thordahl was suddenly wealthy again he could afford to pick up cargo and sail for Tol Honeth. "Is there any other instructions for this voyage?"
"You should move with care, the Drasnians are watching you!" the man said getting up "In Tol Honeth you will want to talk to Grand Duke Koiron Honeth. He will be most interested in the package you deliver. The two in question will be at your ship tonight. Safe Journeys may Belar watch over you."
The man got up and went shortly followed by a young woman they met up near the waterfront "He ate that up hook, line, and sinker." The young woman said "Are you sure this is a good idea"
"No, I do not but it is the only way we are going to blunt this attack"
End of the day, Temple of Nedra, Tol Honeth
The high priest of Nedra was crossing the temple to get to his quarters when he heard a great clatter as it looked like the great scale had broken one end was filled with lead the other held no wealth at all. No thief would be brazen enough truth be told 'it must be a sign from great Nedra' he thought as he reached out to touch the scale, he was assaulted by visions of Princess Beldaran Lying in the street dead with emperor's grandchildren, next a young man with vivid green eyes and a mane of wild black wild hair in a red and gold surcoat two golden lions with wing standing rampant. The boy was crying over her one moment and burning the city executing the Great houses the next. He would need to tell the emperor"
An Hour later the emperor had gathered the heads of the great houses in the temple and were told of the Omen
The Horbites, Ranites, Vorduvians, and the Borunes were all conciliatory. Grand Duke Koiron Honeth was anything but and it was getting to the emperor "Grand Duke Koiron, let me be clear this city will be awash with rulers from all over the world a great many of them love my great-niece do not think for a moment that the Aloria will not rise against us along with Sendaria. King Urgit and Yar lek Thun would close trade routes and bring forces as well." Varana Explained to him like he was a child "If this young man exists and is a sorcerer like Belgarion I fear for your house. If something should happen to my grandchildren, I will wipe out those who I even suspect had a hand in it Are we understood"
The Grand Duke Bowed and then swept from the temple 'We will see about that, Varana." He turned to his reeve "I want to know when Belgarion arrives in the city, if this young man is with him, I want to know."