Will and the Word
Chapter Thirteen
Drojim Palace, Rak Urga
Nathel, Zakkath, Urgit, and Unrak sat in the throne room talking over cups of mead. Since Eriond's ascension, the people of Nathel's nation stopped living in abject fear. With assistance from Eriond, Zakkath, and Urgit the nation of Mishrac ac Thull was no longer a nation of serfs. Nathel had met an Algar woman; Allera a year after he had returned from Mallorea. Between her and the other rulers, they helped the young man grow into a good man and king. "Eriond brought a bleeding boy into the palace? What do we know of him?" Nathel asked.
"Only that that He was taking the boy to Polgara to be healed which I am not surprised he is one of her boys" Zakkath smiled thinking about both of Polgara's Boys one a king the other a god. "Truthfully it looked like the boy had been through a war zone and either lost or worse won and he was the only one left."
"If he is with Polgara that means he is with Princess Beldaran as she studies under Lady Polgara during the summer" Urgit stated "The girls' exchange letters. The Gorim of Ulgo passed a week ago, Relg and Taiba's eldest Taryn is the New Gorim, He will be performing Geran's Wedding Ceremony. Kheldar inferred he is Marrying Kail's daughter at the end of the summit."
"Isn't your daughter fond of Taryn," Unrak asked Urgit slyly "How do you feel about that?"
"Oskatat is planning on marrying his Tolnedran love and I don't even want to think of Khyri dating but if she chose him at least I know he will treat her right. Relg and Taiba have done a wonderful job" He paused "However King Hettar is in the same position his daughter Thierra is also interested in Taryn."
"I despair that a woman will ever catch my Kharath's eye" Zakkath lamented "His Cyra is entirely too interested in boys. She flirts like she breathes… effortlessly. WE may have to ask Ran Borune for extra guards Just in case"
"Allera and I are expecting our first" Nathel said quietly the celebration kicked off after that.
Allera, Prala, and Cyradis sat with their children. Cyradis led the discussion "The seers among the dals have sent word. There is a young man's Name writ large in the stars of The Lion of Gryffindor many are the possibilities that surround this young man. Already he has bonded with Princess Beldaran. Something is going to happen in Tol Honeth we" she motioned at the assembled mothers would like you to stay close to him if something should prevent us from protecting you."
Oskatat the younger looked mutinous "Mother I am old enough to look after myself…" his mother interrupted him
"You are still my son. You are not on the throne yet young man. Please Just do as I ask and look to this man after we are introduced." Queen Prala growled at her son before turning to her daughter "Khyri have you decided on the Taryn?"
"Yes, Mother I have. Thierra fell hard for the Sendarian ambassador's son. He reminds her of King Belgarion." The girl said a smile gracing her face. "So, this lion of Gryffindor was he the boy Eriond drug through the court?"
"Yes" Cyradis sighed "He is a person of greater power on par with Lord Belgarath even if he refuses to use his power. Stay close to him. Kharath dear," she said to her sixteen-year-old son who was deep in a tome on sorcery compared to other magics.
"Huh," the bookish boy said coming out of his world "Yes mother what did you want?" the other kids snickered causing the boy to frown
Cyradis knew her son heard everything he only acted clueless "Promise me!"
"I will Look to him but I refuse to cower I will help if I am able." He declared making his mother smile "No one being should be forced to defend everyone "
Royal Palace grounds, Vo Mimbre
Lleldorin the Baron of Wildantor looked on as his son had moved up through the lists. He could see the effects of Baron of Vo Mandor's training. He could see bits and pieces of all his son's trainers. Trainers he thought, friends are more like it. He thought fondly of Barak, Silk, Belgarion… all of them. But thoughts of them eventually turned to thoughts of his beloved wife Arianna a wonderful woman and physician. Sadly, she passed in childbirth with their son. To this day he had never looked at another woman.
"Baron Wildantor" a voice roused him from his musing turning seeing Queen Mayaserena and the Baroness of Vo Mandor, Nerina approaching Lleldorin offered a deep bow
"Your Majesty how may I serve," Lleldorin said not looking up from his bow.
Queen Mayaserena frowned "Lleldorin rise, I have come to see the results of the tourney," she said as there was a great clatter causing a gasp to come from the crowd
"Winner, Varian of Wildantor!" the herald cried out Young Varian was off his horse and helping his opponent up making sure there were no hard feelings and a promise to face each other at other tourneys.
"That is my queue," Mayaserena said as she walked out onto the field, she could see her husband on their thrones looking down all the squires who had been in the list, their knights and men-at-arms took a knee they knew what was coming and while there was some jealousy none of it was malignant. Varian Wildantor was an oxymoron he was Asturian yet he was squired to the mightiest knight on life. Well versed in both the knightly arts and a master of the bow like his father. However, he was not hot-headed, he was educated and well-spoken many at court did not like him due to the circumstances of his birth. However, they respected both his intellect his prowess in the field. "Rise Varian and attend me"
"Lleldorin my friend you look lost, come let us see your son elevated," Nerina said over the hue and din of the crowd "Are you okay my friend?"
"No today my son will be made Knight. Mine and Arianna's dream for our son but I cannot share it with her." Lleldorin replied sadness
Nerina smiled at her friend "Yes you can my friend. She lives on in him, in all the lives she touched, now let's go watch your son be made a knight."
Down on the field, the Queen was met by the king who handed his sword to Mayaserena
"Take a Knee Squire" the Queen demanded as he did the queen began "16 long years have I known and watched this one. His mother is one of my Ladies in waiting, we are poorer for her loss. I have watched as you trained with royalty and never took on airs. You have been insulted about the circumstances of your birth constantly. But today it is you who are the best of the best. Even in wining you show respect to your opponent's today all of Arendia knows your quality" She paused seeing she had the entire field enraptured. She continued.
"Be without fear in the face of your Enemies. Be brave and upright that the gods may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. That is your oath." She then hauled off and slugged the boy full in the face hurting both her hand and his face "that is so you remember it. Let this be the last time you are struck unchallenged. Rise a Knight Sir Varian of Wildantor, Knight of Arendia and My champion!"
The crowd sat in stunned silence even Korrudlin was silent as she knighted the young man who was like a nephew Korrudlin Made a motion and Arianna's Uncle came forward. Bearing a finely crafted set of plate armor, Barak the Earl of Trillium came forward bearing an equally finely crafted sword and shield. King Hettar and Queen Adara came in together, leading a magnificent stallion, next from behind Baroness Nerina of Mandor stepped out a young Lady of the same age as Varian she bore a surcoat with his arms on it, a belt and her heart in her eyes. Last came Lleldorin himself bearing a longbow cut from the limb of the strongest oak. Cut a day before Varian was born and forgotten until the crown themselves reminded him. With aid from his friends, he had crafted the finest and strongest bow he had ever seen. He spoke "Before we give this knight his due, I wish to Honor one tradition of Asturia, every archer is given a bow cut near the time of their birth and worked until it is gifted to the young man upon his coming of age. Varian my son this is your bow."
There were mutterings in the crowd they seem to grow until Korrudlin himself raised a hand "Many times I have heard muttering regarding Varian's circumstances of birth. His Mother Arianna was of Noble birth as is Her widower Lleldorin Wildantor is of noble birth as well. As such if the subject should ever come up again. My vexation will be given directly to the perpetrator." The king growled "This is my word and as such is beyond contestation. Sir Varian your father has made a right and proper request. Take up your bow."
Varian walked to his father embracing him "It is finished?" receiving a nod "Have you tried to string it?" receiving a head shake "No pressure then" the boy said with the same easy smile as his father. "Thank you, father," he said with a deep bow before accepting the Bow, string, and quiver of arrows."
He then turned to the crowd strung his bow nocked an arrow saw a speck in the air at the far end of the list drew and fired seamlessly. Bringing down a goose. He then turned to his father "Perfect"
In short order they had the boy in his armor, his surcoat adorning his torso and a belt with the queens' favor, and curiously enough the young maidens favor as well. When it came time for him to mount he lifted the maiden onto the horse and took the reins following their majesties Korrudlin walking next to his queen Lleldorin and Nerina two steps behind "Count Wildantor a word if you will" The king said stopping to speak with Lleldorin."
"How may I serve your majesty," He asked perfunctorily causing the king to frown.
"My friend you have performed services for crown and country for most of your life," The king said sadly "I would have you live again, to see Happiness in your eyes and Mirth in your voice."
"To that end," Mayaserena said with a slight edge to her voice "You will be escorting Nerina and her daughter Rose to Tol Honeth. However, while we are there you will be serving as our seneschal."
Lleldorin groaned internally he knew they meant well "Your Majesty what woman would want for a shell of a man slipping past his prime?"
"Come to Tol Honeth and see my friend" was all the king said quietly "If it makes you feel better, I order you to act as my seneschal."
"It does not make me feel better sire" they left Lleldorin standing alone until Hettar and Barak caught up with him. His friends seeing him and knowing how he thought promptly sought out the nearest tavern where they ate and drank and spoke of days gone by.
Near Faldor's Farm, Central Sendaria
Tears Coursed down her face as she beheld the two graves Her husband and her youngest were caught in a mudslide that tipped their wagon crushing the pair. Leaving their oldest and his young wife in charge of the farm she had come here to say goodbye. When she turned, she was met by Her neighbors of nearly 17 years Oreth and Vivian, she knew they were not Sendarian but it did not matter much they were kind and supportive in the aftermath.
"Oreth what brings You and Vivian here?" She asked
"Well, that depends on you, dear lady. Are you planning on going home to your son's farm? perhaps back to Faldor's farm? Or are you going to do something tragic that would hurt your friends?" Oreth asked the questions not waiting for the answer "Before you say you do not have many friends. I daresay you have far more than you know. Particularly childhood friends and by association their spouses."
"The only childhood friend I have left is Belgarion of Riva" she snorted "I highly doubt he thinks of me."
"Both he and Ce'nedra think of you often. Because of his responsibilities, he could not come in person but he wrote your late husband often." Oreth noted her expression "He never told you?"
"No, he did not!" Zubrette seethed until she realized why "The last time I saw Belgarion was shortly before he was crowned "I Loved him as much as I loved Rundorig. What I don't understand is how you fit in here?"
"We are here because their majesties wanted to see you and your family were taken care of after the Battle of Thull Mardu" Oreth finished
"We are also here because Like Belgarion and Ce'nedra, we have come to care greatly for you." Vivian said to her "I know Rundorig received the letters as I was the one who delivered them Perhaps, he saved them for you." Let us take a trip back to your home."
When they got back to her farm, they were met by her son who was holding an envelope and looking at a good-sized chest.
"Ander where did you get the chest and who is the letter too?" She asked kindly.
"It's for you mum, the chest and the letter were under dads, workbench in forge." He said holding it out to his mother. She could recognize her husband's untidy scrawl.
Carefully she opened it.
My love if you are reading this then I am no longer here to explain. For that, I apologize. I know that you love Garion and me equally. I have never been jealous of how you felt for him. In 5380 Garion and Ce'Nedra's child Geran has Kidnapped the last thing the royal couple did before departing to find their son was to send us a gift
Rundorig and Zubrette,
I miss you both much more than I would ever admit to another human being, my son has been kidnapped and we are going to get him back. But I know that in this world I can only control my actions and if I do or do not make it back, I want you both to know that I am grateful for Rundorig service to my Queen and I have granted you Land on the aisle of winds for you or children to take. A place in my court and back pay from the Tolnedran and Rivan Armies respectively.
Take Care of each other
I love you Both
Garion
Lady Zubrette if you are reading this, I would love for you to attend me in court
Ce'nedra
If I am no longer here and the children are old enough find Belgarion and Ce'nedra and explain that I kept this hidden from you. Because I liked the simple life we had.
Love Always
Rundorig
She handed the not to Vivian and sat down and cried
"Mum what do you want to do" Her son's wife Bethanie asked "Do you want us to sell the farm and go with you. Do you want to stay with us… Mum, you have options!"
That caught Zubrette off guard "Oh Bethanie what do you and Ander want?
"Mum I promised father if anything happened to him, we would take care of you so really the farm is inconsequential we can look over what dad left and come to a decision but whatever makes you happy is what is important."
In the end, they decided to emigrate however Zubrette was escorted to the Sendarian capital and traveled to Tol Honeth with Fulrach's son
Authors Notes: Today is a two-for a glimpse around the world if you will. This will be my last post of any of my works until mid august. I have three week vacation and as much as I like writing I am beginning to feel the burn. I have been writing almost nonstop since last november and I think may need a little break.