In the last month of summer, with the heat weighing everything down in its inescapable presence, King Zachary and Queen Estora once again began to hold public audiences open to anyone who cared to listen. The Councilors argued long and hard against the move. It would be too easy for another member of the Second Empire to gain the palace grounds with murder in mind. There was a queen to worry about now as well, one who was not known for being able to defend herself. The king and queen neatly disposed of those particular arguments. Protection, after all, was the responsibility of the Weapons. All of those men and women grimly agreed that one too many things had happened on their watch recently and none were predisposed to let any other incidents mar their reputation. Both monarchs had four Weapons at all times with them even in their apartment.
Some of the other arguments against resuming the audiences were more subtle and harder to refute. To make matters worse, these arguments lent life to some of the wilder rumors flying through the castle. It was common knowledge in the queen's solar (when she was not present, of course) that all magic was based off of death magic. It was no wonder that so many Green Riders died young, with such a wicked heritage. Sir Karigan was trying to renounce their evil and was fighting for her life. The Weapons watched over her to make sure that Captain Mapstone could not sneak in and cast a spell over her to make her into a slave of the necromancer. Another rumor held that Karigan was protecting Sacor City and when she died, the groundmites would descend in force upon the city. There were even a few who – very quietly – spread the word that Estora was a Second Empire witch and had somehow ensorcelled the king to her will. Pretty soon, she would turn over the entire country to Mornhavon.
The more time went by, the more ridiculous the rumors got and nothing that anyone could say managed to curb them. Eventually, King Zachary began to ignore anything not said in his immediate presence and used the argument that resuming public audiences would be the best way to let people see the truth for themselves. Captain Mapstone added that accessibility to their leaders and open communication had always been among the strengths of the Sacoridian people and that argument helped to sway the rest in reluctant favor of the idea.
The debates were not helped by the lack of trusted advisers. King Zachary cast a jaundiced eye over any advice or argument offered even from Captain Mapstone. It would take a long time for anyone new to gain the king's trust after the betrayal of his old advisers.
The first day of the new public audiences was a strain on everybody. The people of Sacor City were hesitant to approach the castle after the previous brutal response by the soldiers. Only a mere handful of people braved the castle grounds to approach their king and queen. Zachary made a point of being open and appearing very healthy. Estora had never sat through the public audiences with the king before, so contented herself with warm smiles and encouraging nods. The few decisions they were asked to make were handled easily and fairly and seemed to be reasonably popular by the recipients. The Weapons were quite visible and made no attempts to disguise their close scrutiny of anyone present.
The second day was even harder than the first. Word had spread from the previous day's attendants that the audience was no ruse. Hordes of people swarmed the castle grounds, most of whom simply wanted to see that King Zachary lived and was well and that Queen Estora was really the queen and as beautiful as everyone claimed. Since all of these things were true, it was an easy matter to shuffle people in and out of the throne room all day long. By the time dusk fell and the great doors were firmly shut against any newcomers, everyone was exhausted from the effort of appearing healthy, happy and tireless.
Zachary just sat in his throne for a long moment, thoughts clearly somewhere else. At length, he took a deep breath and looked over at Estora. "Are you well, my lady?" he asked courteously. His queen was looking rather limp after the influx of clamoring people. This was not a bad way to be introduced to their people, all things considered. There was no real urgency behind the crowd other than to see them and that was simply done. Once Mornhavon made his move, things would become much more complicated.
Estora smiled at him. "I am fine, Zachary," she said gently. "A little bit tired, perhaps, but I will get used to it." His approving look made her feel warm and accomplished. She was used to being in court, of course, but it was a little bit different to know that people depended on her decisions as a final authority. It surprised her, how much she craved his approval. She thought about that as she let him help her up, then shrugged it aside. It was only natural. He was her husband and the king and she loved him. Of course she wanted his approval. If he approved of her, it would be easier for him to love her. She gave him a serene smile, one she reserved only for him. Surely it was just a matter of time.
The third day of audiences was the worst yet. The throne room was packed with people from the city and nearby countryside, all of them clamoring for some reassurance about the rumors flying around so profligately. Zachary smoothed his beard absently as he processed some of the newer rumors he had not heard yet. He particularly liked the one about Karigan protecting the city, although he had no idea how anyone knew she was back in the city. It was true, of course, albeit not quite the way rumor painted it. He remembered the last time the throne room had been this full of people. The wild magic from Blackveil Forest was flaring up as it traveled into Sacoridia from the breach and people were afraid of the strange events. That time, Karigan had come up with a way to get everyone's attention so that he could take command again. This time, she was lost to him and to everyone else, lying in a deep sleep that no one could wake her from.
He wanted each and every subject to feel like his or her concerns were being addressed, but unlike that last memorable audience, there were no specific problems for him to answer to. For the most part, people just wanted reassurance that their world was not falling apart around them. They had been deeply shaken at his near death and then his soldiers' refusal to let them express their concerns. Zachary was deeply moved by the genuine care for him that he felt from the crowd. He let them gather until the Weapons started to move closer and then stood. The dais ensured that everyone could see him, even at the back of the hall.
"Citizens of Sacoridia!" he announced into the abrupt silence. "It has been a difficult summer for all of us, myself included. I cannot begin to thank you enough for your prayers and well-wishes as I have recovered from my wound. The queen and I are grateful." He touched Estora's hand briefly, to remind the crowd that they did have a queen now as well as a king. "Many rumors have been going around. Some of these are patently ridiculous and have no basis in truth whatsoever. Some have some grain of truth, however, and I would like to discuss these with you. Even now, there are criers at each major square in Sacor City to tell your fellow citizens what I am telling you now."
King Zachary stood tall and proud in front of his throne, the late morning light slanting in through the slit windows just enough to highlight his amber hair. His eyes gleamed with intensity as he spoke to his people. He reminded them about the origins of the Long War and Mornhavon's eventual defeat. He mentioned the Clan Wars and how Clan Hillander's eventual ascension to the throne brought the provinces even closer together and more profitable. The revelation that Mornhavon's followers persisted in Sacoridia throughout the centuries caused a wave of consternation to travel through the crowd. It was hard for them to believe that their neighbor might be an enemy and they might never know it until it was too late.
"Now Mornhavon's evil spirit has returned to wreak more havoc on our lands and attempt to subjugate us once again. We may not have the same powers of magic that we once used to defeat him, but we still have our spirit. Our soldiers are strong and well-trained. The will and determination for freedom that once lived within First Rider Lil Ambriodhe lives still in each and every Green Rider today and they have labored tirelessly to bring information and help fix the D'Yer Wall, our primary defense. Several of them were sent to Blackveil Forest to gather information and have only recently returned with important news that Mornhavon is on the move.
We also have the same strong allies we had during the Long War. Rhovan will not fall under Mornhavon's rule without a fight and they have pledged us fighting men and supplies. The Under Kingdoms will send their warriors and scouts."
Zachary drew a deep breath and looked over the crowd below him. He tried to catch each and every eye, if only for a brief second. "Most importantly, our ancient alliance with the Eletians has been reforged. Prince Jametari has pledged his warriors and healers to our mutual cause. The Eletians still have access to the magic we have shunned and will use it to help counter Mornhavon." The low murmuring of the crowd broke out into shouts. The king patiently let it start to subside before holding up his hands for silence. "I know many of you fear magic, especially after the events of last year, but please believe me when I say we must have it to stand a chance against Mornhavon. The Eletians have agreed to aid us in this, as they did a thousand years ago.
"People of Sacoridia, we are at war once again! If we do not prevail against Mornhavon and the Second Empire, everything we have built will be gone and we will be nothing but slaves. We must work together to preserve our country. Can we count on each other to do this?" The shouts from before paled in comparison to the roar that rose up and echoed in the rafters. After a few closing remarks, Zachary closed the audience and people started to shuffle out of the throne room, each one seemingly afire with determination.
"Well, that went remarkably well," said Captain Mapstone drily, folding her arms together against her chest. "I know I have been advocating that you let the people know what is going on with Mornhavon and the Second Empire, but I don't think that is quite what I had in mind." She quirked an eyebrow in Estora's direction. The queen sat stiffly and silently, the encouraging smile she had kept in place during Zachary's speech melted away entirely.
"Yes, why not warn us, Zachary?" the queen asked, her voice as stiff as her posture. Why not warn me? is what Captain Mapstone heard underneath the question and winced minutely. She had hoped that the king would resign himself to his marriage quickly now that he had ratified it, but apparently that was in vain. Now she could only hope that they would address any open disagreements in private and not where someone could get information to use against them later.
Zachary was too polished a ruler not to hear the resentment simmering in Estora's voice. "Forgive me, my dear, but by the time the Eletian ambassador made his presence known, you were with your mother and younger sisters. It was the first time you had to yourself since the marriage and I did not wish to interrupt you." His gaze rested on her, sure and steady. "I did not mean to insult you."
For a moment, it was as if Laren and the other councilors were not present. Zachary and Estora looked deep into each other's eyes and at length the queen nodded minutely. "I appreciate the thought, Zachary, but perhaps for something this momentous you might let me know in the future if possible." She let a small smile ease the stiff strain of her expression. "It is difficult to sit here and be supportive when I am as surprised as the miller down the street." He touched her hand again and the queen let the matter drop.
Zachary rose and paced back and forth a little bit, one hand smoothing his beard. "The Eletians are so strange. Unlike last time, they did not just barge in. I am unsure if that is because of our increased security or because of heightened sensitivity to our ways after the last couple of encounters. Their ambassador is Telagioth. He is also accompanied by Ealdaen and Lhean – all were members of the Blackveil expedition. They have consented to stay within the castle along with their retinue." He ignored the murmur of surprise. "They also brought several healers. One of them, named Somial, wishes to examine Rider Sir G'ladheon. Something about her needing a 'true healing', he said."
Fastion shrugged. He was acting in an honorary advisory capacity when he was off-duty. "I doubt that the Eletians presented themselves in a 'normal' fashion due to security concerns," he said. "In my opinion, they could easily breach our defenses if they wished it, even if not for long."
"I concur," agreed Captain Mapstone. "I believe they are attempting a genuine alliance, based off of what I have heard so far. I would like to be included in the next meeting that includes them, Sire, so that I may verify that to the best of my ability." She fingered the golden brooch on her lapel; the meaning was lost on none present. "As for Somial, I remember him from the story Karigan told when she first arrived at the castle," a faint grin tugged at the corners of her mouth. "He was the Eletian that healed her of the poisonous burns from that monstrous centipede creature. And I remember that Lynx had mentioned the necessity of a 'true healing' for her arm during his report."
"He cannot hurt her any worse than she already is," Fastion said. His face maintained its stone-like facade, but Captain Mapstone wondered at the glint in his eye, quickly suppressed.
"Perhaps we should seek the agreement of Karigan's father before we make any rash decisions on her behalf," Estora interjected coolly. "She does not belong to us, after all, no matter how much we might wish otherwise."
Zachary gave his wife a tight smile, as the others sat in shocked silence. Estora rose from her throne and descended the five steps to speak to one of the Weapons at the base of the dais. Ellen nodded and walked swiftly to the throne room doors, where a small crowd was still milling. It did not take her long to work her way through the press of people and return with a man following her. Estora returned to her throne and nodded to the man. "Clan Chief G'ladheon asked for a formal audience earlier today. I had initially declined it, but I see now the wisdom in letting him speak. If Sacoridia truly is going to war, we cannot afford to offend our wealthiest and most powerful merchants."
Captain Mapstone's heart sank as she recognized the unmistakable features of Stevic G'ladheon. This cannot possibly end well, she thought to herself. For just a moment, she entertained the thought of sinking underneath her seat and avoiding this encounter. But...no. If Karigan could face Blackveil, she could face the woman's father with a straight face. Karigan had volunteered, after all.
"Chief G'ladheon," she greeted, with a small nod.
The Clan Chief's eyes met hers with minimal courtesy. They were cold and hard. This was not the genial merchant she had so often exchanged pleasantries with. This was the Clan Chief of a prominent Sacoridian clan and he was not happy with what he saw.
"Rider Captain Mapstone," he greeted curtly in return. His attention quickly turned to King Zachary and Queen Estora and he made the requisite deep bow, holding it until the king motioned for him to rise to his feet.
"Your Majesties, I thank you for your time during this revealed crisis affecting our country," he said. Stevic G'ladheon might despise nobility, but no one had ever claimed he did not know the proper forms for dealing with them. Captain Mapstone was impressed despite previous evidence of such self-possession.
"What can we do for you, Clan Chief?" As always, Estora's voice was warm and kind.
"First of all, you can tell me what you have done to my daughter," he snapped, "and why she was sent to such an evil place as Blackveil Forest." He nearly quivered from the effort of keeping his words polite.
Something in his angry posture spoke to Zachary, because his stiff demeanor gradually softened until he was leaning forward and looking with compassion into the man's eyes. "Sir Rider G'ladheon had the best possible skills for completing the assignment and returning alive, Chief G'ladheon," he said calmly. "In the end, she volunteered to go, even after she was aware of the risks involved."
"Karigan is barely grown!" her father shouted. "How can she have the best skills for a dangerous mission?"
"Nonetheless, it is true. The Weapons themselves have vouched for her, as has her previous record completing difficult assignments."
"And now?" Stevic refused to back down, staring up at his king defiantly.
"Now she lays gravely injured in our Menders' Wing after providing us with information we desperately needed from Blackveil. We are uncertain exactly what has happened to her as there are some events that only she was witness to. She has not awakened to tell us of them since her initial sketchy report." Stevic's face shaded to an angry red, but the king continued without waiting for the man to speak. "She traveled to Blackveil Forest with Eletians, some of whom also survived and are here now asking permission to heal her with their magic. My queen rightfully reminded me just now that Rider Sir G'ladheon is not mine, no matter how faithfully she has served the realm. It is your place to accept or deny their offer, Chief G'ladheon." Zachary's voice broke slightly and his hand clenched tightly around the arm of his throne. Captain Mapstone wanted to comfort him, but did not dare in the middle of the confrontation.
For a long moment, Stevic continued to stare angrily at the king. Eventually, his shoulders slumped in resignation and he let go of his visible temper. "Karigan always will do whatever she wants," he murmured, not quite under his breath. "And the Menders cannot do anything?" he pleaded.
Zachary shook he head silently.
Stevic stood rigid as he took that in and then loosed a deep breath. "Very well then," the words were a whisper. "I have no love of them, but the Eletians have my permission to heal my daughter, if it can be done."
The king stood and walked down the steps of the dais to clasp the Clan Chief's shoulder firmly. He said something too low for anyone on the dais to hear and then returned to helped his wife stand. "Shall we go find the Eletians?" Stevic joined them with a heavy heart and pointedly ignored every attempt Laren Mapstone made to get his attention. I fear he will not soon forgive me, she thought with a heavy heart. I'm sorry, Stevic.