Chapter 8: The Kingdom to Come Part 5: The Kingmaker's Trials

Evan, Roland and Aranella followed Tani, Chingis and Khunbish back to the sky skimmers they'd all rode in on. Runcible bounded ahead and climbed onto the nose of Tani's skimmer. "Oh by the way," Roland began. He gestured to the skimmers as he continued. "I was wondering about these…" He trailed off as the name eluded him and turned to the pirates to ask. "What did you call them?"

"Sky skimmers." Tani replied then tilted her head to one side and raised a questioning eyebrow. "What about them?"

"Where did you get them?"

"Once upon time our people were a force to be reckoned with," Chingis replied. "And were known far n'wide as the Air Raiders. We'ailed from a nation that used to soar through the skies, but that nation be gone, and we be all that's left o'the Air Raiders."

"What happened to your nation?"

"War." Chingis replied simply, hanging his head and closing his eyes. "It fell to war. Those what survived started anew and became the Air Raiders. And the Air Raiders became the Sky Pirates."

"So the sky skimmers are all that's left of your ancestors' technology?" He stated more than asked.

He nodded. "Aye."

"I see."

"Any other questions?" Tani asked, folding her arms.

"Uh no," he shook his head. "That's all."

"Let's go then!" They all climbed onto the sky skimmers and Tani gunned it just as Evan had got comfortable. The sky skimmer accelerated into the sky with a delighted cry from Runcible, another squeal from Evan and more laughter from Tani. Khunbish and Aranella followed, and once again he and Chingis brought up the rear. Their flight to the King's Cradle took them north across the mountains and further across the sea. In fact, much further than a simple raft would've taken them, he thought as he glanced back over his shoulder. They were very fortunate that things had worked out with the Sky Pirates so well. Though at the same time, Roland got the impression that there was more to Batu's actions than he was letting on. It seemed like he wanted Evan to get his hands on the Kingmaker.

They were now approaching a small island on which the only suitable landing site appeared to be a small beach. Ahead, Tani and Evan's sky skimmer descended, low enough that it began to skim across the surface of the water. Khunbish and Aranella followed suit, and he tightened his grip on Chingis' shoulders as they followed last. There was a light jolt as their sky skimmer's forward landing gear made contact with the water and he turned his head against the spray of sea water that was now shooting up from beneath the skimmer. When they were mere metres away from the beach, Chingis cut the engine and let their momentum carry them the rest of the way. As soon as they came to a halt, Roland let out the breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding.

"Welcome to the King's Cradle, everyone," said Tani brightly, throwing her arms wide.

Roland looked up. His attention was immediately arrested by one of the longest flights of stairs that he had ever seen. "That sure is a lot of stairs…" They lead up to a small ornate building of blue and yellow, that appeared to be a shrine of some kind. He wasn't entirely certain what he'd been expecting but it wasn't this. Perhaps the distance was to blame, but from the beach, the King's Cradle seemed so small and unassuming. The next thing he noticed was another gargantuan skeleton like the ones littering Cloudcoil Canyon. Was this the previous, or a previous Kingmaker of the Cradle of Light, he wondered?

"We'll stay here n'mind the skimmers," said Khunbish.

"Good luck," Chingis added, throwing a salute in their direction.

"Thank you," Evan replied.

"Higgle," said Runcible.

"Are you staying here, Runcible?"

He pulled at a face at all those steps and said. "Higgledy pig."

Evan laughed. "All right. We'll be back then."

Runcible waved. "Hig pig pig." Evan lead the way up the stairs. About half way up, everyone excluding Aranella need a moment to catch their breath.

"So… many… stairs…" Tani panted as she hunched over, bracing herself on her knees.

"No wonder… he didn't want to come…" Roland commented of Runcible. He was bent over just like Tani. He turned to Aranella. "So what's… your secret?"

"Forgive me," she smiled. "But I am quite used to running up and down lots of stairs in my duties."

"Ah… Lucky you." They reached the top of the flight of stairs and Roland was finally able to get a better look at the Cradle of Light. It wasn't the distance that was to blame for its unassuming appearance; No one had tended the shrine in many years. It was consequently in the process of being swallowed up by dense foliage and had also lost much of its lustre; The yellow colour he'd seen down on the beach was a weathered roof that had once been a brilliant gold and was crowned with gemstones of turquoise. And the blue was decorated deep blue pillars that framed the entrance.

"Wow," Tani remarked with hands on hips. "No one's been here for a while."

"Higgle," Runcible agreed.

"If this is to be our Kingmaker's King's Cradle, we'll have to return at some point to restore it back to its former glory," said Aranella.

"Yeah, put that on a to-do list," said Roland. "It won't exactly be an immediate priority."

"No," she agreed.

He turned to face them all directly, placing a hand on one hip. "All right, before we go in, I have a question. Mausinger lead a coup against Evan in order to impress Oakenhart, so what kind of test is Evan going to have undertake?"

"That depends on the Kingmaker doesn't it?" Tani asked.

"That's right," Aranella confirmed with a nod of her head. "Each Kingmaker is looking for the right person to rule their nation. Whoever the right person is will vary from Kingmaker to Kingmaker, and so each Kingmaker's Trial will be different."

Roland frowned in confusion. "But rulership is passed down from generation to generation isn't it? So what kind of test would Evan have taken for Oakenhart if things had gone according to plan?"

"Oakenhart would've simply asked me some questions, and depending on my answers he would've accepted me or rejected me," Evan explained.

Roland's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Really, is that all?"

"Yes," Aranella nodded. "Kingmakers don't really have Kingmaker's Trials for new rulers from an established Ruling Family of an established Kingdom. That's more for the founding of a new kingdom and new Ruling Family."

"Or the changing of Ruling Families as in Mausinger's case."

"Indeed."

"Has there ever been an instance where a member of a Ruling Family was passed over for someone else? Say," he gestured vaguely, "a younger sibling, or someone else entirely?"

Aranella raised a hand to her chin and tilted her head to one side. "I've never heard of the latter, but the former has happened but rarely."

"I see." He turned to Evan, his hand falling back to his side. "Well, Evan. I guess we'd better find out what the Trials are going to be." Evan nodded and they entered.

The interior of the King's Cradle was another matter altogether. Having been spared the harsh battering of the island's weather, the gold of the inside of the roof was untarnished and gleamed proudly overhead, as did the gemstones set into the ornately decorated interior. Deep blue pillars identical to the ones flanking the entrance flanked a golden dragon statue curled around a dark orb that was possibly obsidian, except the interior pillars retained their smoothness and polish, and were flecked with blues and greens of all shades and hues. Two large gold braziers that hung from the ceiling by golden chains, and two large, golden floor lanterns provided a source of light. All burned with a pink flame and Roland was almost reminded of the purple flames exhibited by the Black Knight and Warlord Waryks, but they were brighter and more vibrant, and lacked their ominous aura. "Uuh. If no-one's been here in a while," he gestured to the flames, "who lit these fires?"

"They're magical fires," Aranella explained. "So they never die."

"Oh," he blinked. Right, of course. He looked around. "So… what now?"

Before the statue was a stone plinth with words engraved upon it. The alphabet was completely foreign to him consisting of letters that looked more like runes or symbols, yet Roland was surprised to find that he could read it anyway. Had whoever pulled him from his world cast upon him some kind of magical translation spell as well? Whatever the reason he was grateful as it would've been very difficult to get by without the ability to read.

"What do you think this says?" Evan asked as he scrutinised it.

Aranella examined the plinth herself. "This text is so old-"

"I can read it." All looked to Roland in surprise.

"Wait you can?" Tani asked, one eyebrow quirked.

"Yeah," he nodded. "Someone… uh…" His gaze turned inward for a moment as he hastily thought up an explanation. "… Studied the writing on the plinth in our own Kingmaker's King's Cradle." He gestured to the plinth as he added, "This looks to be the same language."

"Well what does it say?" Evan asked.

"Let's see." He read the plinth, and then read it aloud.

Seekest Thou to prove Thyself a King or Queen?

Place Thine hand upon the Plinth,

Callest upon ones Earnest Heart,

The Trials shalt then begin.

"So I have to place my hand on the plinth to start the trials?"

Roland looked to Evan. "That's what it says."

So Evan placed his hand on the plinth. The engraved words glowed with a gold light and the statue's jewelled eyes blazed to life with a brilliant green. "WANDERER," the statue intoned and everyone jumped back. "I AM THE OVERSEER. SEEKEST THOU TO PROVE THYSELF A KING?"

"Gods, that gave me a fright," Aranella muttered, her hand clutched to her chest.

Evan gulped. "I-I do."

"WHAT IS THY NAME?"

"I-I am Evan Pettiwhisker of the House of Tildrum. I have come to make a pact with one of the great guardians."

"VERY WELL. THEN THREE TRIALS AWAIT THEE! THESE TRIALS WILL TEST OF THY STRENGTH OF MIND, STRENGTH OF BODY AND STRENGTH OF HEART."

"That sounds like a clue," said Roland. He looked to Evan as he added. "You should remember that."

A glowing blue circle appeared on the floor behind them, and they turned to face it as one. "ONLY ONE MAY ENTER. THOU MUST LEAVE THY COMPANIONS BEHIND THEE AND GO FORTH. THE TIME TO PROVE THINE OWN WORTH HAS COME, EVAN PETTIWHISKER OF THE HOUSE OF TILDRUM." Evan swallowed and looked to his companions.

"Good luck, Evan!" Tani declared, fists raised in enthusiasm.

"You can do this, Evan," said Aranella with a warm smile. She clutched a hand to her chest as she continued. "I believe in you."

"You'll be fine, Evan," Roland added, raising a fist of encouragement. "You've got this."

Evan smiled, inclining his head in gratitude. "Thank you, everyone." He took a deep breath and expelled it before stepping into the circle. In a flash he found himself standing somewhere else altogether. "Wh-where am I?" He asked aloud and turned in place to find himself completely alone.

"BEHOLD THE TRIAL OF KNOWLEDGE." The Overseer's voice seemed to come from every direction at once. Evan turned his head this way and that as the Overseer continued but could see no sign of it. "THIS TRIAL SEEKS TO TEST OF THY STRENGTH OF MIND. THIS STORY LIKE ANY OTHER, IS POSSESSED OF A BEGINNING, A MIDDLE, AND AN END. TRACE THE TRAIL OF THIS TALE TO PASS THE TRIAL. OR GO BACK ON THYSELF AND FAIL."

"Oh! It's like a puzzle," he realised before looking ahead. It was very dark but from what he could see, he had been transported to a large stone platform that appeared to be suspended above some kind of ocean, though he could hear no waves, nor feel any breeze. Strange shapes loomed out of the darkness, the farthest of which he guessed to be a door, and very likely to be his destination. He turned his attention to the nearest object of interest; A stone lectern upon which was an open book. "Could that be where the story begins?" He wondered aloud, with one hand raised to his chin. Well there was only one way to find out. He approached the book and began to read aloud.

"Once upon a time, the world was ruled over by an evil dragon possessed of terrible power. A little boy from a little village, determined to rid the world of the dragon's misery and bring happiness back to all, set out to defeat the beast." Evan stopped reading and frowned. "That's funny, I've not heard this story before. I wonder how it ends…" He continued reading. "At his touch, the magic wand handed down by the people of his village stirred to life. And thus was he granted the power of sorcery. Drawn by the call of the wand, a faery came to the boy and befriended him. Together, the two of them set out on a great journey to save the world." As soon as he'd finished speaking the last word, all of the panels on the stone platform lit up, bringing light into the gloom and revealing the true appearance of the strange shapes. The farthest shape was – as he had already guessed – a pair of gold doors decorated with twin dragons curled around four large turquoise jewels. The rest were statues, one of a little boy lit in blue, another of a faery with a lantern hanging from his nose lit in orange, and the last was a wand lit in red. "Just like in the book! I must have to cross to the other side in the right order, and without going back on myself." He frowned at the passage as he read it again. "Gosh it's all so much to remember, I don't think I'd be able to." He looked up. "Would I be able to borrow this book, and take it with me?"

"THOU HAST ASKED SO THOU SHALT RECEIVE. THOU MAY BORROW OF THIS BOOK AS MANY TIMES AS THOU NEEDS."

"Thank you!" He picked the book off the lectern and cautiously stepped onto one of the panels. The colour turned from a pale gold to a light blue. When he stepped onto the next panel, the one behind him dropped into the void below. He took a deep breath and expelled it. "Here goes nothing. Let's see." He consulted the book once more. "According to this, the little boy comes first. Then the wand, and finally the faery." He made his way over to the statue of the little boy and onto the statue of the wand, but then he noticed something that stopped him in his tracks. He hadn't been able to see it until now but behind the statue of the faery was a wheel. Which meant the faery needed to be turned.

"Drawn by the wand," he repeated. "Oh no…" His ears drooped in dismay; The faery needed to be turned to face the wand, or it wouldn't count. He looked up again. "Can I… can I start over?"

"THOU HAST ASKED SO THOU SHALT RECEIVE. THOU MAY RESTART AS MANY TIMES AS THOU NEEDS."

"Oh, thank you very much." The missing platforms returned allowing him to return to the beginning. He waited patiently for the lights to cycle off and on again, indicating the test had been properly reset. On the other side was another lectern except it was empty, so he placed the book on it and jumped when it snapped shut all by itself.

"THOU HAST REACHED THE END OF THIS CHAPTER. THOU MAY PROCEED TO THE NEXT."

The doors were now open, so he passed through them onto the next part of the test. The next room was much like the first, except by the looks of it there were more statues than last time. It looked like the test was getting more complicated. He approached the lectern and began to read. "Guided by his friend the faery, the boy roamed the land, and gathered together a band of faithful companions. The first was a kind-hearted harpist, whose magical melodies could sooth even the fieriest soul. The second was a brave pistolier, ever ready to help his friends through any hardship they might face on their quest. The third was a wise wizard, who took the boy as his apprentice, and taught him all he knew of the ways of magic. His party of heroes thus assembled, the boy found the courage at last to face the monsters that troubled the world. And so, he and his companions set out to battle them wherever they might be found."

Once again the platform lit up and the statues were revealed; A man with a pistol that looked much like Roland's gun lit in green in the far left, a wizard with long hair lit in purple, a girl with a harp lit in pink that was also the closest, a monster lit in red and the boy with his wand raised above his head lit in blue. Judging by the passage, he needed to pass the harpist first, then the pistolier, then the wizard and turn the monster to face the boy and vice versa before passing them in order to complete this part of the test. It took him a few tries to get it right. He placed the book on the empty lectern and jumped again when it snapped shut.

"THOU HAST REACHED THE END OF THIS CHAPTER. THOU MAY PROCEED TO THE LAST."

The last chapter, thank goodness. In the next room, a giant statue loomed out of the darkness and well over the others. No doubt this must be the evil dragon of the story.

"The evil dragon who ruled over the world could not be defeated until the four towers emitting the evil aura that protected him had been destroyed. The first tower looming in front of him, the wizard laid it low with a mighty spell. The second was close by the pistolier, who carefully took aim, and felled it with a single shot. The third was sent toppling when the harpist turned to a soldier and spurred him on with her songs. The fourth tower, which stood in front of the faery, was flattened when he ran into it head-first as fast as he could! His towers gone, the dragon was vulnerable at last, and the final battle began in earnest. As the fight between them raged, the boy spied his chance when the dragon turned to face him, and let loose the legendary spell Mornstar. It struck the dragon, who fell down dead. Thus, the world was saved, and all lived happily ever after." And that was the end of tale. "What a marvellous story! I'm sure Nella would love it too. I do hope I can remember it long enough to tell her."

He looked ahead now that the platform and statues were all lit up. As entertaining as the story was, it was no wonder why none of the pirates had passed the test. Even with the book to guide him, it required paying particular attention to certain details. As such he was still finding it quite challenging. And this part of the test seemed to centre around the evil dragon, with the statue serving as a rotating platform used to access other parts of the puzzle. It took him no small amount of tries to get through and it was with great relief that he placed the book on the empty lectern for the last time. And when the book snapped shut as it always did, this time he did not jump. No doors were waiting for him either, so he briefly wondered how he was supposed to advance to the next trial.

"THOU HAST REACHED THE END OF THIS TALE. THY KNOWLEDGE IS PROVEN."

Another glowing blue circle appeared behind him. Ah, this must be the way forward. He stepped into the circle and in a flash found himself standing in yet another place altogether. A giant stone structure with eyes painted onto it hung suspended in a bright blue sky. Clouds drifted lazily by, and he dared to peak over the edge, but clouds obscured the surface below – if there was a surface at all.

"BEHOLD THE TEST OF STRENGTH. THIS TEST SEEKS TO TEST OF THY STRENGTH OF BODY. THOU MUST DRAW THY SWORD AND VANQUISH THE FOE THAT AWAITS."

He looked up, eyebrows knitting in worry. "Do I… do I have to kill them?"

"THE CHOICE WILL BE THINE."

That sounded promising. He ran up the pathway and through the entrance. An arena awaited him, though there was no audience to watch the duel. As he descended the stairs, the foe with which he was to do battle began to take form. It looked like it was going to be a brute and was easily twice his size. Just as Evan's heart began to sink at the prospect of taking on such a foe, something unexpected happened. The forming shape began to sputter and distort. It switched back and forth between two very different shapes and sizes – the large brute and one far shorter and leaner – before eventually resolving to settle on the latter. The shape solidified and Evan came screeching to a halt.

"Leaving so soon, Tildrum," the foe sneered. "And I went to all this trouble, just for you."

Evan's ears flattened against his head and his expression became one of horror as he sputtered the apparition's name. "Ma… Mau… Mausinger."

Roland folded his arms and turned to Tani. "Tani, this is probably a bit random but…" He gestured in questioning, "What do you think of all this?"

Tani raised an eyebrow at him, one hand going to her hip. "Uhh, what do I think of all what?"

He scratched at the back of his neck. "It just seems that Batu is – how should I say this – helping us more than is warranted." The hand fell away. "I mean, he basically gave us a ride to the Cradle of Light for… what?" He shrugged. "Killing Waryks?" He shook his head. "That wasn't what we agreed upon."

She folded her arms and tilted her head to one side. "You're complaining?"

"No, no," he shook his head again. "I'm not complaining, I'm just-"

"You think there's more to this than he's letting on?" Aranella cut in.

"Right," he nodded and then spread his hands. "It almost seems like he wants Evan to get the Kingmaker."

"Not as part of some nefarious scheme I hope."

"Well that's what I'm trying to work out. Is it possible? That Batu," he gestured, "could take the Kingmaker for himself?"

"Well no-"

"Wow thanks," Tani interrupted sarcastically, her expression now a scowl. "So this is what you really think of us?"

"Look," Roland placed his hands on his hips, "I stand by what I said earlier. That you seem like good people. But being good people doesn't stop you," he shook his head, "from sometimes doing bad things." Tani sighed and her shoulders sagged at that. "In this case using us, using Evan to get the Kingmaker and then taking it for yourselves." He folded his arms as he added, "If that's even possible."

"Well that would depend on what you mean," Aranella replied. "A kingsbond cannot be broken," she shook her head, "it can only be dissolved either by death, or by the Kingmaker theirself."

"Shouldn't you already know this?" Tani asked pointedly. She did not look impressed.

"He could hold Evan hostage, force the Kingmaker to dissolve the bond," Roland suggested, ignoring her.

"There is another alternative, you know."

"What's that?" He asked, looking to her.

"Batu means to join you."

Roland couldn't hide his surprise and he turned to face her directly. "You really think so?"

"You said so yourself," she gestured toward him, "that we could do better than Cloudcoil Canyon. You're going to need a new kingdom, and we're going to need a new home. So combining the two seems pretty obvious to me. We'd even get a Kingmaker to protect us at the same time."

"Huh." He and Aranella exchanged looks. "I gotta admit, I was hoping to gain your people as allies out of all this. Gaining you as citizens would be… well… more than I could've hoped for actually, if that is true."

She folded her arms. "Makes more sense than whatever nonsense you were saying just now."

"I-"

"With the wyverns all in a tizzy, now's the perfect time to leave." She spread her hands, "Or when else are we going to get a better chance? Especially now that a King and Kingmaker without a nation have just turned up."

"All right, you've made your point. And I…" He lowered his head in admonishment. "… Apologise for what I said."

"You'd better."

"I can't say I blame you, Roland," said Aranella. "The pirates don't exactly have the best reputation." Tani humphed. "So if you really do intend to become our citizens, then there's going to be much you'll have to learn in order to acclimate to civilised life."

Tani placed her hands on her hips. "Considering we'll be the ones outnumbering you, what makes you think it won't be the other way around?"

"Because Evan will be our King."

She threw up her hands. "So?"

"Why don't we save this conversation for later?" Roland cut in.

"Fine by me," Tani replied. She stalked outside and sat down on the topmost step, and Aranella sighed and shook her head.

"Go easy on her, Aranella. Anyone would be alarmed at the prospect of their whole life as they knew it being completely overturned."

"Well…" Her expression softened and she clutched a hand to her chest. "I think I have a pretty good idea of how that feels."

"Yeah. You and me both."

"Your Majesty." The replica of Mausinger bowed sarcastically before glancing around. "Well, well. It appears we have found ourselves in the most fitting of locations. And you it would seem are bereft of your allies. That is most unfortunate." He smirked for a moment before calling forth his sword. "There will be no escape this time, Tildrum. Your illustrious line ends here. Today." He clenched a fist. "At my hand."

"N-no… Mausinger…" Evan shook his head pleadingly, holding up his hands. "I don't want to fight…"

"Then you will die." He barely dodged the strike that followed that statement. And as he rolled away he summoned his sword, just in time to block Mausinger's follow up. He backed up, fending off strike after strike, until they locked swords. Mausinger bared his teeth in a sneer as he pressed down. But he was only using one hand, leaving his other free. He raised that hand, calling forth first his wand, and then a ball of fire. With a cry, Evan shoved back as hard as he could before rolling away. The fireball exploded inches away from where his feet had been spurring Evan into a run. Mausinger pursued laughing derisively, his wand vanishing back into his arms band. "This is the heir to the great line of the Tildrums?" He taunted, throwing his arms wide. "Your father must be so disappointed." Evan gripped his sword, feeling anger beginning to rise. "Then again, perhaps not; After all he was a coward, just as you are." Evan gripped his sword tighter. "Have you nothing to say in his defence, Tildrum? Do you care for him so little? Or do you perhaps accept the truth in my words? That he was nothing more than a no good, lying-"

"No." He squeezed his eyes shut.

"-Two-faced-"

"Stop." His ears flattened against his head.

"-Scheming tyrant!"

"NO!" Evan whipped around and attacked so suddenly, that Mausinger was nearly caught completely off-guard. He barely had time to raise his sword to block, and Evan pressed that advantage, raining down blow after blow with such ferocity that Mausinger's sword was soon struck from his hand to fly away, clattering to the floor with a metal ringing sound. Evan switched to his wand, called forth easily the biggest fireball he'd ever cast and with a howl, hurled it at Mausinger point blank. The replica had no time to raise a barrier – only barely enough time to instinctively raise his hands – and the fireball exploded with such force that he went sailing back through the air. He hit the ground hard, his momentum carrying him into a roll and came to a rest on his back. He lay there in a daze, coughing and spluttering, his fur and the front of his robes all singed and smoking. Evan stood over him, sword clutched in a shaking hand.

"EVAN PETTIWHISKER OF THE HOUSE OF TILDRUM, THOU HAST BEST THY FOE IN COMBAT AND SO HATH PASSED THE TEST OF STRENGTH. WHETHER TO SPARE HIM OR TAKE HIS LIFE, THOU MUST CHOOSE." He raised the sword but hesitated. "THOU MUST CHOOSE." Tears began to build in Evan's eyes but still he did nothing.

"Well?" The replica panted, looking up at Evan through lidded eyes. "What are you… what are you waiting for… Tildrum? Take my life… as I took your father's…"

"CHOOSE." The Overseer demanded. The buildings tears began to flow freely. "CHOOSE!" Evan let out a cry and brought the sword down hard. As the replica shattered he dropped to his knees and screamed, before dissolving into sobs that wracked his entire body. "EVAN PETTIWHISKER OF THE HOUSE OF TILDRUM, THOU HAST CHOSEN VIOLENCE, AND SO HATH FAILED TO PASS THE TEST OF COMPASSION-"

Another voice interrupted. "Oi!" They barked. "I'll be the judge of that mun."

Roland and Aranella suddenly appeared. "Where in the…?" Roland began, but Aranella had noticed Evan and was by his side in flash.

"Evan!" She dropped to her knees and turned him to face her. "What happened?"

Evan's answer was to wail, throw himself into her arms and bury his face into her shoulder.

Tani appeared and reacted with surprise. "Whoa, what's going on?"

"EVAN PETTIWHISKER OF THE HOUSE OF TILDRUM HATH FAILED TO PASS THE KINGMAKER'S TRIALS-"

"Oi!" The voice barked again, and they looked around, trying to find the source. "I said, I'll be the judge of that. Look hyur you lot. Evan only failed the test because his conflicted feelings for this Mausinger character resonated so strongly, it overwrote both the Test of Strength and Compassion as they were supposed to be taken, see. So he faced off with Mausinger instead of Thogg."

"And he failed." Roland stated, one hand to going to his hip.

"He passed the Test of Strength, like but… failed the Test of Compassion."

Aranella gasped, as surprise blossomed on Roland's face. "Oh, Evan."

"I've seen enough to know for sure, that Evan's a naturally compassionate person by nature, but whatever this Mausinger did… For a moment he stopped listening to his heart, and listened to his anger instead. But those feelings of anger are in direct opposition to his nature, and it's tearing you apart isn't it mun? You don't know how to feel."

Aranella hugged him tight. "I'm so sorry, Evan. I had no idea this was how you felt. I promise I won't try to push you to do something you don't want to ever again."

"Evan," Roland sighed, shoulders slumping in sympathy. "You don't have to forgive Mausinger. But if you don't that doesn't mean you have to kill him either. We can just…" he gestured helplessly, "arrest him, you know?" Evan calmed down enough to pull away from Aranella at that and Roland crouched, placing his hands on his knees. "All right?" Of course Roland didn't believe for a moment that Mausinger was at all likely to surrender, even if it meant his death, but Evan didn't have to know that now did he?

Evan nodded tearfully and wiped an eye with his sleeve as he sniffled. "But I… I still failed… I still-"

"Dry youer tears my littlely," the voice cut in. "I can void the test so you can take it again if you'd like."

He looked up with wide eyes. "You-you would… you would do that? For me?"

"I would!"

"Who are you?" Tani asked with folded arms.

"I'm youer future Kingmaker en't I?"

She blinked. "Oh. Then," she looked around, "where are you?"

"It's hard to explain like, but I'm – I suppose you could say – on the other side. I'm hyur and there, everywhere and no where. I can see you, but you can't see me."

"… Right… Obviously…"

"I thought Kingmakers Trials didn't allow for a second try," said Roland.

"Who told you that? The Kingmaker's Trials can be however the Kingmaker wants. And I'm the Kingmaker en't I? So I get to do what I want. The way I see it, that test wasn't fair. So it's not fair to judge him on the outcome of that test."

He quirked an eyebrow in skepticism. "But is it much of a test if he already knows what he's being tested on?"

"Then call it a formality like. I've seen enough to call myself impressed."

He blinked. "Oh… Well… All right then."

Evan got shakily to his feet. "Let me know when youer ready, sunshine."

He wiped his face with a sleeve and sniffed. "I'm… I'm ready."

"Righty'o. Take youer seats then, you lot. Youer not allowed to interfere."

"Good luck, Evan!" Tani cheered.

Once they had all taken their seats, the Overseer spoke again. "THE KINGMAKER HAS SPOKEN. EVAN PETTIWHISKER OF THE HOUSE OF TILDRUM, THOU WILT NOW BE GIVEN A SECOND CHANCE TO PROVE THYSELF. TAKE UP THY SWORD AND VANQUISH THE FOE BEFORE THEE."

Evan called forth his sword and stood ready. The brutish foe he had glimpsed earlier took shape and solidified. It was a beast with black and red fur and to Roland resembled an ape with large horns protruding from the sides of its head. Thogg gave a great roar and beat his chest before leaping at Evan. Evan rolled out of the way and struck while him was regaining his feat. Thogg howled in anger and sent Evan flying with a great sweep of his arm.

"Evan!" Aranella yelped, hands flying to the sides of her face in alarm.

Evan had to roll out of the way of another leaping attack but gained his feet as he did. He struck Thogg again. Again Thogg howled, but Evan ducked under his sweeping arm and struck him twice more in rapid succession. And so the battle went on. Everytime Thogg would strike him with a new attack, he would learn and dodge it the next time. Roland, Aranella and Tani watched it all unfold with tense anticipation until eventually Thogg reached the end of his limit.

"EVAN PETTIWHISKER OF THE HOUSE OF TILDRUM, THOU HAST BESTED THY FOE IN COMBAT AND SO HATH PASSED THE TEST OF STRENGTH. WHETHER TO SPARE HIM OR TAKE HIS LIFE, THOU MUST CHOOSE."

Evan pointed his sword at the beast. "Yield," he commanded. "I will spare your life." Thogg bowed his head in submission and Evan dismissed his sword as Thogg dissolved, his purpose now fulfilled.

"EVAN PETTIWHISKER OF THE HOUSE OF TILDRUM, THOU HAST CHOSEN MERCY AND SO HATH PASSED THE TEST OF COMPASSION."

"You did it!" Tani declared, jumping into the air in jubilation.

"Well done, Evan," Aranella cheered.

"Great job, kiddo," Roland said with a smile. But it faltered when he realised exactly what he'd said. Kiddo? I only ever call Will that…

The Overseer appeared before them. "THOU HAST PROVED THYSELF WORTHY, A KINGMAKER SHALT BE THINE."

"All right." He looked to the others. "Time to meet this Kingmaker." They nodded in agreement and turned back. A brilliant blue light burst forth from the obsidian orb and they all watched in awe as a glowing pattern weaved itself beneath their feet. A giant golden orb with a flower-like pattern took shape above them. It burst, spraying droplets of gold and blue light and revealing a second but far smaller golden orb within. They squinted at it. Something appeared to be inside but it was far too small to discern exactly what. It popped and the voice from before screeched. "What the heck am I doing up hyur?!" Before a small yellow and red thing slammed into the ground making them all jump. It hopped onto its feet and announced. "Tada!" As it threw out its tiny hands.

Everyone stared at it. "Are you… my Kingmaker?" Evan asked cautiously.

"That I am, sunshine!" The red and yellow thing replied brightly, as he smugly placed his hands on his hips. "Name's Lofty."

"Nice to meet you, Lofty. I'm Evan." He gestured to his companions in turn as introduced them. "And this is Roland, Aranella and Tani."

"Lovely to meet you too and all that. But… I have some questions for you."

Evan looked puzzled and he tilted his head to one side as he asked. "Questions?"

"That's right," Lofty nodded. "You introduced youerself as Evan Pettiwhisker of the House of Tildrum. By House of Tildrum, you mean, the House of Tildrum, Royal Family of Ding Dong Dell?"

"Oh. Yes." He nodded. "I do, I… hope that isn't going a be problem?"

"Well, I'm curious. If you're hyur, then. Am I wrong in assuming that something's happened to Ding Dong Dell?"

Evan dropped his gaze. "No… You aren't."

"The mice instigated a coup," Aranella explained. "And they drove Evan out of the Kingdom in order to seize power for themselves. I'm afraid the House of Mausinger is now the Royal Family of Ding Dong Dell."

Lofty nodded slowly. "I see. So… youer homeless then, aren't you?"

"Yes, that's right," Evan replied sadly.

"And that's why you want to become a king, eh? To make youerself a new home?"

He nodded. "Yes it is. But… but more than that," he clenched his fists and his expression became one of determination, "I want to make a place where everyone can be happy… where no-one," he shook his head for emphasis, "will have to fight or… or hurt each other ever again!"

"Do you now?" Lofty broke out in a grin then went from ear to ear – if he had ears, and he once again smugly placed his hands on his hips. "Then you have my permission to rule over a realm of youer very own!"

"Uh, that's nice," said Tani. "But is it just me, or aren't Kingmakers supposed to be… well…" she gestured, "bigger?" She folded her arms as she continued. "No offence but you don't look like you could protect a small hut let alone an entire kingdom."

"Cor!" Lofty objected as he stepped back and threw up his tiny hands in offence. "Stab me in the heart why don't you?" His hands returned to his hips. "I'll have you know I can look very grand indeed when I've a mind to! Course I can't right now." He looked around at the four of them and spread his hands to take them all in. "Cos this is all we've got, en't it?"

"The more citizens believe in their King, Tani, the more powerful the Kingmaker," Aranella explained.

"So, what?" She frowned then raised an eyebrow in questioning. "You mean he'll get bigger when you get more people?"

"That's right," she nodded.

"And if you're right, Tani," Roland added, gesturing towards her. "We'll be getting a major influx of citizens real soon."

"The more the merrier!" Lofty declared. He turned to Evan. "Righto! It's time to make our bond official. You got anything on you we can use to swear a pact over? It'll become a sacred treasure of our kingdom," he gestured disparagingly, "so don't go giving me any weapons all caked with monster blood or anything like that, you hear?"

"Oh, of course." He produced the Mark of Kings. "I have this. It's been in my family for generations and was-"

"No, no, no," Lofty replied waving his hand dismissively. "I don't want some other Kingmaker's hand-me-down. Give me something else."

"Oh… Um… Well…" He searched his armsband.

Lofty folded his arms and tapped his foot impatiently, his expression becoming one of tedium. "Come on, come on, mun. I haven't got all day."

"Oh?" Roland teased. "Is there somewhere you need to be?"

"It's a figure of speech!"

"Ah!" Evan exclaimed. He pulled out the old wand. "What about this?"

"Well I never!" Lofty exclaimed, becoming very interested indeed. "How'd you get youer hands on this?"

"It was given to me by a higgledy called Runcible."

"Was it now? Then I'll be asking him the same question."

Evan looked puzzled. "Is it important?"

"You remember the story in the Trial of Knowledge, yeah?"

He nodded. "I do-oh, Nella." He went wide-eyed with remembrance and looked to Aranella. "The Trial of Knowledge had a wonderful story-"

But Lofty cut in, gesturing dismissively. "Yes, yes, you can tell her later, like. Anyway this is that wand."

"What?" He looked at the wand again. "But…" It didn't look like the wand in the Trial at all. And hadn't Aranella said that the wand had seemed familiar to her somehow?

"It's lost much of its power, see. But it's the same one make no mistake."

"So the story was real?"

Lofty grinned and replied cryptically. "You'll see."

"Does this mean you'll accept it?" Aranella asked.

"I will!" He nodded. "Hold up the royal wand," he gestured, "and let's make our bond!" Evan held up the old wand. "Now concentrate. And reach out with youer heart." Evan closed his eyes and threads of gold began to wind around the wand. "There's beautiful! Righto. My turn." Lofty closed his eyes and a small red orb formed between his hands. Threads of red began to spiral out from the orb and reached for Evan's. In a flash they were joined and for a brief moment some kind of symbol or insignia appeared, but it was so brief that neither Roland, Tani or Aranella could discern what it was. "And that's us joined forever!" He declared. "I now pronounce us King and Kingmaker. May the kingsbond that now binds us remain thick and lustrous, till death do us part."

"Thick and lustrous, eh?" Tani repeated with a smirk.

"Don't you start. The more citizens-"

"The stronger the kingsbond, I know."

"Then we'd better start building our kingdom right away!" Evan declared.

"That's the spirit, mun!" Lofty agreed. Then he cursed. "Flip! I almost forgot. I've got something else for you too."

Evan blinked at him in surprise. "Something… for me?"

"That's right, mun!" He pulled out a small green bottle with a heart shaped stopper. A black cord was tied around its neck. "Here you are," he held it up. "Youer going to be needing this."

Evan took the bottle with some confusion. "Oh. Thanks. Umm." He turned it in his hand as he examined it. "What is it? Some kind of… bottle?"

"It's a locket actually. For containing pieces of heart. I'm not a wizard like, so I don't know the spells that go with it sadly," he shrugged apologetically. "But hopefully we'll find someone who does." Then he gestured dismissively. "But that's something to worry about later."

"All right…"

"So what does a kingsbond actually feel like?" Tani asked.

"Well it's…" Evan paused to find the words. "Father described it as being like a comforting warmth within his heart. And he was right. I know it's there," he placed a hand on his heart, "but it… it feels like it belongs there. Like it always has been."

"Curious," Roland remarked.

"So can you like, hear each other's thoughts now or something?" Tani asked.

"No chance of that, mun," Lofty replied. "It's a bond of souls, not a bond of minds. Think of it as being more like a conduit, see. If a ruler is doing well like, they have the support and favour of the people. They have their belief. That belief gets channeled through the ruler via the kingsbond and becomes power. Magic power. The more people who believe, the stronger the kingsbond, the more power the Kingmaker has at their disposal. And that's a kingsbond."

"So it's like a one way deal?" Roland stated more than asked.

He shrugged. "More or less. We can send some of that power back through the kingsbond to boost the power of the ruler too. And, we can get an idea of how the other's feeling but that requires focusing on the kingsbond real hard like. Oh, and Evan?"

"Y-yes, Lofty?"

"If we become separated for any reason, and you need me in a hurry, you can call for me through the kingsbond."

"Right," he nodded. "But… how do I do that?"

"You just think real hard and reach out. It'll be more like yanking on the kingsbond than actually calling for me, so it's strictly for emergencies only mun. You got that?"

"I do," he confirmed with a nod.

Lofty beamed. "Tidy!"

"All right, we've done what we came here to do," said Roland. "Let's get back to the Sky Pirates' Base."

A/N: Oh I'm sorry. Did you think I was done making Evan suffer? :)

Also like, I know telepathic communication between ruler and kingmaker is a popular headcanon, but there's no evidence of it in game, nor is it one I've ever subscribed too, and in my opinion also kind of breaks the game a little. So there'll be none of that in here. :p