Chapter 15
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Within three years the story of the tragic love between an Ork and a Trogolodite had reached even the Republic of Darokin. It was a beautifully tragic story, but it did not resolve the differences between Orks and Trogolodites. Many of the Orks near the Republic had tenuous relations with the bordering principalities, they hoped for allies with them if war became inevitable. Although most of Darokin looked down on the Orks, they did not want the Trogolodites to gain more territory. They feared the day when Faerun came marching towards their land. In theory all three kingdoms, Darokin, Mystera, and Faerun were all bound by the same oath, to prevent Gorgos from ever returning to ravage the land. But that oath had been made by five men six thousand years ago. Now, with Mystera still struggling to rebuild, the only major powers were Faerun and Darokin. But if one were to try and conquer the other, they would have to cross the wasteland of Mystera. This woud cause them to lose soldiers along the way, and wear down the ones who did survive. This buffer prevented the two sides from active war, it did not help their relations. Darokin city ruled the rest of the kingdom, which was divided into twelve main city states. They had much autonomy, some experimented with democracy, others were theocratic dictatorships. The high king's main purpose was to protect their Gorgostone, he also settled disputes between the various Principalities and tried to avoid war between them when possible. The current high king was Corwyn Mauntea. But he was old, and dying. Now he had to choose his successor. Someone who would marry his daughter Margaret and rule Darokin when he died. Each of the twelve principalities was expected to send a prince to vie for the hand of Margaret. In some cases the prince was part of a royal family, in others it was an elected position. Some held other titles, like Magistrate or Chancellor. In any event, it seemed they were all interested in becoming the next high king. One prince was Linton, from the city state of Athenos. He was of royal blood, he seemed arrogant. Another "Prince" was the leader of a religious order known as the Church of Darokin. He was known by his title, Asterius. Their holy book regarded the Orks and Trogolodites as cursed, allegedly they were descended from the army who originally summoned Gorgos. Asterius and his church provided order, if not freedom, to their people. Another of the twelve princes who came was Liam, from the state of Akorros. He was older than the others, and he came with an Ork bodyguard. Akorros was on the border with Mystera, and they had surprisingly good relations with the Orks. In most of the principalities, Orks and Trogolodites had trouble intergrating, the few who tried often became thieves and prostitutes. Akorros was perhaps the only place in Darokin where Orks and "humans" peacefully coexisted. Liam showed the high king all the courtesy and bowed for him.
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Liam: Thank you for having me in your court, my king.
High King: I had thought that your son was coming.
Liam: My son died of the fever, three months ago.
High King: I am truley sorry for your loss.
Liam: Thank you.
High King: But do you really expect me to give my daughter's hand in marriage to a man, barely a decade younger than myself?
Liam: I trust your judgement my king. If you choose to give your daughter's hand to another prince, I will accept your decision. But I come here for a second reason. We have all heard the rumors of Orks, Trogolodites, and Harpers searching Mystera for the other three Gorgostones. I hope to persuade the other princes that we must unite, set aside our petty squabbles and join together against Faerun.
High King: I too see the neccessity of us all uniting. By all means, try and convince the other princes of this.
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Once all the princes had arrived, a great feast was held. The best foods, the most talented musicians. It was a grand affair, but all the princes were nervous. Each man knew this was likely the only chance they would ever have of becoming high king. So each prince put their best face forward. Asterius tried to subtly bring down one of his rivals.
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Asterius: Tell me Linton, is it true that Athenos still has legalized dueling?
Linton: Yes, if two people have a feud with each other, they can fight it out among themselves, rather than bring their houses into it.
Asterius: I heard of one of your princes, his own sons would fight him to the death, each one failed. He would have a son, raise him, care for him, and then kill him in a duel. And then he'd have another son and the whole thing would start again.
Linton: You make it sound more chaotic than it was. Yes, we've had parents and children fight in duels, but I know of none who had one son at a time.
Asterius: Yes, why not at least have a few spares in case you actually win.
Linton: Is it anymore honorable than two nobles having a quarell, forcing their subjects and their servants to fight and die for them. In Athenos we know people will always have quarells, why not let them fight openly. There is one tragedy, well known in our land. Two female land owners, they had a feud. I do not know the specific cause of the feud, but it had been building for years. Finally, they agreed to fight a duel, their own daughters had to watch, they were 11 at the time. Both women fatally wounded each other and died later. The daughters grew up, each one wanting to avenge her own mother. Five years later, at 16, they fought their own duel. One killed the other, thus ending the feud once and for all.
Liam: I have to admit, it might be more honorable than dragging their servants and subjects into the feud. Wars and battles make better stories than they do memories.
Asterius: It's not just about individual feuds, I hear it's even a sport. People pay to see duellists fight and die.
Linton: We have our own way of dealing with poverty, and it does help to prevent overpopulation.
High King: What do you think of dueling Liam?
Liam: I admit, perhaps there is something to be said for allowing individuals to fight rather than bringing their servants, or their gangs, into the conflict. But to make it a sport, to have people cheer as one person kills another, that is barbaric.
High King: Interesting point.
Asterius: Indeed. It is interesting for Liam to have an Ork here, and yet accuse others of barbarism.
Liam: My kingdom has good relations with the Orks. The Goffs are the most civilized of any Ork tribe.
High King: How did you get them to accept your rule Liam?
Liam: 20 years ago, when I was much younger man, Akorros needed this land. There were five Ork tribes, including the Goffs. It was unusual for the five tribes to unite, but they saw us as a common enemy. With them united, we had an equal number of soldiers. I knew however that the Goffs were the outcasts, they were at war with the other Ork tribes far more often than they were at war with any city state of Darokin. I reasoned with the Goff leaders, convinced them to ally with us. I also promised that, under my rule, any Goff held as a slave by the other four tribes would be freed. Thus the Goffs switched sides, which convinced three of the other Ork tribes to surrender. The last tribe refused, and as a result have been third class citizens at best. But the Goffs have been first class citizens of the new government.
Asterius: Orks as first class citizens, you know what the holy book says about the,?
Liam: That they were from the army that originally summonned Gorgos, and were punished for it.
Asterius: That is why Mystera is a wasteland.
Liam: In the first place, the holy book also says that the people of Faerun were from the army that summoned Gorgos, they seem to be doing okay. Second, their holy books claim we were descended from the army that summoned Gorgos.
Asterius: That is a blasphemous lie.
Liam: Maybe. In any event it was six thousand years ago. My concern is today, in making certain that we are united against any threat, whether it be Trogolodite or Faerun.
High King: You have valid points. In these times, perhaps it is better to be practical than to adhere too closely to the holy books.
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The next day the princes observed as people came to petition the high king for various grievances. If one of these men were to become high king, it was important for them to see how he governed. One man was a landowner, had been having a dispute with his neighbor. The neighbor was also coming, but would not be arriving for another day. The high king interrupted this land owner, justice required him to wait until the other man arrived so that he might hear both sides. The last case of the day involved two farmers. One farmer's cattle destroyed the fence seperating their land, and damaged this other farmer's trees. He claimed the trees were damaged beyond repair, the other farmer claimed the trees were not that badly damaged. At this point the high king decided to end proceedings and seek the counsel of the twelve princes.
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High King: What do you think of this case Linton?
Linton: I feel you should just order some compensation. They have wasted enough of your valuable time my king, no need to give any more thought to such trivial feuds between peasants.
High King: Asterius, your view?
Asterius: You have heard all the relevant facts, I can help you devise an appropriate compensation.
High King: Liam?
Liam: We have not seen the trees, we do not know whether they are damaged beyond repair. I suggest delaying the specific competition until your representative examines the trees.
High King: Would you go there personally to examine the trees?
Liam: If you choose me as your representative on this matter.
High King: You are now my representative. Leave tomorrow with these men, and determine what compensation is just.
Liam: Yes my king.
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Liam left the next morning with the two farmers, and was able to determine that some of the trees were indeed damaged beyond repair, others could heal. He determined appropriate compensation and returned to the high king. He arrived at the castle in the middle of the night, two days after leaving. Upon his return he was immediately attacked by Linton. Linton seemed intoxicated, he knew he would never be chosen as the next high king, and decided to eliminate his rivals. Liam's Ork bodyguard defended him, but before he could deliver the decisive blow Linton was killed. He was stabbed by Asterius, and Linton died before he could say a word.
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Asterius: Are you okay my friend?
Liam: I'm alive. Why did he try to kill me?
Asterius: Whie you were gone we had the stag hunt. Linton tried to appear masculine to impress the high king, but he proved himself a coward, and he whined about a very minor injury. He knew his chances of becoming high king were slim, and he got drunk. I supposse he was desperate enough to try and murder some of his rivals.
Liam: Has he killed anyone else?
Asterius: I am not certain, we should return to the castle.
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It was past midnight, most of the castle was asleep. But the soldiers informed Liam that the king wished to see him upon his arrival. Liam brought Asterius with him, to inform the king what had happened.
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High King: Linton is dead?
Asterius: He attacked Liam without provocation and attempted to murder him. I was able to come to his aid and save him.
High King: It's a pity we cannot question him now.
Asterius: I am sorry my king, but it was all I could do to protect Liam.
High King: Why would he try to kill him?
Liam: I do not know. Perhaps he was desperate, he was definitely drunk.
High King: Indeed, he had already proven himself unworthy of being my successor. The question is what to do about Athenos. Linton was a fool and a braggard, but I do not want war with his kingdom.
Liam: Perhaps we could say it was bandits. They wanted to hold him for ransom, but things got out of hand.
Asterius: I am not sure deception is the best policy.
High King: Do you wish your kingdom to be at war with Athenos. You were after all the one who killed him.
Asterius: Very well my king, I will trust your judgement.
High King: Good. Now I wish to speak with Liam alone. You other two are dismissed.
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Asterius and the Ork bodyguard left them alone.
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High King: Do you trust Asterius?
Liam: He saved my life.
High King: I doubt Linton could have killed you and your bodyguard. Although perhaps Asterius hoped you would die. Then he could have stepped in and eliminated Linton, killing two of his rivals. But when it became clear that Linton would lose, all he could do was earn your trust.
Liam: I had not considered that. Still, unless I see evidence of this, I will give Asterius the benefit of the doubt.
High King: Very well. At any rate, I need your help with something. I cannot marry my daughter to a man more than twice her age.
Liam: I understand my king.
High King: But you are right about the need for Darokin to be united. Tomorrow night I will make my announcement. But first, I will ask each prince to swear an oath. To support whomever I choose, and to help defend this land in case Mystera or Faerun invade. Some might hesitate, if so I want you to be the first to swear this oath.
Liam: And every other prince will swear it because they will be worried about being excluded if they don't.
High King: Indeed. In this way, we can truley unite Darokin.
Liam: I will do this my king.
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The next night there was a great feast. Princess Margaret was not here, none of the princes had yet seen her. She had to remain hidden, pure. The high king said a few words as tribute to Linton, who had been unexpectedly killed by bandits. Some were suspicious of this, but said nothing.
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High King: My friends, tonight is an historic occasion. I will name one of you eleven to marry my daughter, and eventually to succeed me as high king of Darokin. I have made my decision, but I need one more thing, from all of you. I need you to each to swear an oath, that you will support whomever I choose as my successor. That you will fight for him, should Darokin be invaded. Anyone who does not swear this oath will be ineligible from marrying my daughter.
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Ten of the princes hesitated, they didn't want to be subordinate to any of these other princes, but they also feared being excluded. Liam was the first to stand up and say "I swear to support the new high king, and to fight for him in case of invasion." Asterius was the next to stand up and swear this oath. Then the other nine all came into line. Each one knew if he didn't swear the oath, he would lose any hope of becoming high king, at least this way he had some chance. Once all eleven had sworn the oath, the king made his announcement.
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High King: Very well. Now, as to who shall succeed me, who I trust to govern Darokin wisely, I choose Liam.
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Liam was perhaps the most surprised of all of them. It seemed that the high king had been testing him, seeing if he would swear the oath even if he had no hope of becoming high king himself. That, and his style of governance, convinced the high king that Liam would make a worthy successor.