Chapter 27

Phoenix

Sofia Umbridge, the former queen of the Umbridge Kingdom and King John's mother. Sofia was in her seventies; she had short white hair and a light tan; Her eyes were golden brown because of her age. Sofia has a few wrinkles but is still beautiful. She wore a lone Victorian dress.

King John bows to her and greets her. Sofia asks the maid to bring them some tea. She then tells John to sit. Sofia retired from the politics of the Kingdom; she spent her time enjoying the rest of her life. King John thinks about what to ask her.

Sofia stares and waits; she says John looks like his father. King John didn't like that she said that. He asked her how she was doing. Sofia said she was happy and living. She then says that he doesn't visit much. King John apologizes. The maid comes back and pours them a cup of tea. Sofia takes her cup and takes a sip.

"Come, let's hear it; you didn't come just to ask how I am doing; what's on your mind?"

King John takes his time; he then says he is lost. He told her he was having trouble leading his people. Sofia said it is hard to move when you lose a loved one. She tells him that remembering is all they can do. Sofia asks if he wants comfort. King John said he was ready to move forward.

"Annabeth wrote me a letter before her passing; she wants me to move on, and with what is happening, I don't know if I am going to do the right thing; I came to ask for your advice. I want to know how Father ruled."

Sofia takes another sip of her tea; she then chuckles. She looked at a painting of a man with blonde hair and blue eyes; he had a crown and wore fancy clothes. He resembled King John. In another picture, he was with a young woman. She has long blonde hair and brown eyes. On her lap was a young baby boy.

"So, you want to know about your father; you two never saw eye to eye. It's time I told you who he was."

Sofia began by saying King John Umbridge the Fourth was a tempered man. She said he loved him but didn't always show it. He would do what was necessary for the Kingdom. King John didn't believe it. His mother laughs.

Sofia said that the lands were in constant war before he was born. She said that people and races fought over territory. The Umbridge family was already leading a small nation. King John the Third, his grandfather, had trouble keeping peace within the country. Noble bonded together and tried to make their nation.

Sofia mentions the Elven civil war and all the problems it causes between them. King John's grandfather began to expand his nation and punished all who opposed him. This caused more problems and drove people away. Some humans moved west while others left the mainland.

King John the Third began to make deals with nobles and gain an alliance with the Dwarf King then. The nobles that join him gain wealth and power. They also backed the Kingdom and helped take out smaller nations. The Umbridge Kingdom was feared.

An incident that occurred in the Dwarven nation halted its expansion. It was known as the great cloud. Something happened and caused a massive explosion in the Dwarven Kingdom. King John sent aid to their close allies. This helped King John settle.

King John the Third had many children. He had seven children, all male. King John, the Fifth's father, was the sixth child. Sofia said that his father's older brothers died of disease or battle. He didn't know them well because he was born when King John the Third was older.

She said he had one more, and it was his younger brother. King John the Third ensured they would survive to continue their family lineage. He restrained from fighting and focused on raising them. Sofia said he didn't have long.

"I met your father once before I told him, but he didn't remember, and he didn't make much of an impression on me."

Sofia said that when King John the Third died, it caused much commotion. The Old Guard took over until they crowed the heir. When his father turned fifteen, he was crowned and took the throne. Many nobles used the opportunity to cause a gap in social status.

Sofia said she met his father again when she was ten. They were celebrating him, and many nobles were presenting their daughters. She happened to be one of those girls. Sofia said she wasn't interested and just did what her parents said. John laughed and asked her what his father did.

"He was polite to everyone and only greeted us; he wasn't interested then."

Sofia said everything changed years later; She was thirteen when she saw him for the third time. Sofia told John about the house they were in. She said it was her family's summer home. John knew her mother was a noble from the middle class.

Sofia said that she would spend her summer living at home. She had teachers tutor here in various businesses. She said she also learned how to defend herself. Sofia said that one day they got a letter telling her family about tension with another country.

Her father said there was nothing to fear because King John the Fourth would negotiate. It became late, and she was going to bed. That night the sound of fighting woke them up. She looked outside and saw a battle spreading.

She didn't know what was happening and went looking for her father. When she found them, they were talking with a soldier. The soldier said they were chasing a group of beast men. Negotiations failed, and a battle broke out. The enemy was retreating but burning everything along the way.

The soldier asked them to evacuate, but a fireball hit the house. Sofia woke up in the arms of King John. King John ordered his troops to defend them. He looked at Sofia and asked if she was all right. Sofia was confused about what had happened.

King John has them bring his horse, and he gets on. The soldiers help Sofia get on, and they get ready to leave. King John was talking to his soldiers about surrounding the enemy. Sofia looked in horror as her house was burning. She asked about her family.

King John apologized and said that there were only a few survivors. Sofia began to cry, and King John started riding off. Sofia said she did something that made his father angry. She said she realized she was alone but wanted to keep her family name alive.

She asks King John to go back. He refused and said it was dangerous. He said they were still looking for those that remained. Sofia then took it upon herself to get what she wanted. She said she pushed King John off his horse and took it back to the burning house.

"Your father was so mad when I returned; he gave me an ear full afterward."

King John the Fifth laughed again and asked what was so vital that she returned. Sofia took out a pendent; it had her mother and father with her. She said it was the last thing she got from her parents. Sofia said she also retrieved a sword that represented her family name.

Sofia said that when morning came, she heard that King John, his father was about to head back into battle. They found the remaining enemy, and they were held up in a cave. She asked to join but was denied.

"They said no, but it wasn't going to stop me; I followed them to where they were. John gave them an opportunity, but they would rather die. John and his troops got ambushed, but they put up a good fight."

Sofia said she jumped in and helped turn the tables. She fought alongside King John. She was graceful with her wind magic. King John was a master swordsman and used powerful fire magic. Sofia said she fell in love after seeing him show courage. It was different from when she met him all those years.

Sofia and King John went their separate ways. She had to figure out what to do. Her parents were gone, and her family wanted their money. Sofia said that after going through hardship, she got a letter later that year. It was a summons to the castle.

She said she didn't want to go at first but decided to. When she arrived, a royal knight escorted her to the throne room. King John was waiting for her. He asked for her hand. It surprised her; King John talked about her and how he couldn't forget her.

"I was shocked and didn't know what to say; I first told him I would think about it. He then said he would like to get to know me better. I gave him a chance, and months later, we married."

Sofia said that his father wanted peace for his sake when he was born. He stopped expanding and settled on what they had. He also began to make deals with the nobles. Some nobles backed him up, which caused the gap in nobility to be apparent; more fighting ensued.

King John tried to please everyone, but it was hard. This causes him to get angry with his people. Stress was building. Sofia said his father would spend time with him, but the constant battles took him. King John said he didn't remember spending time with him.

He said he only remembered him coming back and leaving for the next battle. Sofia said King John the Fourth knew something was wrong when he collapsed the first time. He didn't want people to find out, so he hid it from them.

"He said that; that's when the vultures come."

Sofia said she wanted to do something, but he had other plans. She told him that his father wanted to leave a kingdom he could easily gain control over. King John didn't know what she meant. She said he was going to give him the power.

"Power, what do you mean by that?"

Sofia said John's father, the king, would hand him a Kingdom he could easily rule if anything happened. King John still didn't understand. Sofia said that all other races were settling and becoming peaceful. The human race was the only one still fighting over control.

"People are greedy and want power; they will follow anyone who can promise them a chance at power."

Sofia told John that his father would end the fighting within the Kingdom. He would make deals and offers to nobles, all to ensure peace. Once peace was achieved, he would tell him how to control everything. King John gets upset; he tells his mother that there is so much corruption under his rule.

King John then asks her why she kept it a secret. Sofia said he was doing a fine job, and there was peace. He didn't need to take control. King John said he messed up and knew people were suffering. He wants to help but doesn't have what it takes.

She calms him down and explains what his father wanted for him. She said King John the Fourth wanted him to take control when needed, not as a king but as a leader. John said that a king was a leader.

"No, A King is just another title; Anyone can be a king. Your father wanted you to become more than that; he wanted you to be a leader."

King John made more deals and caused more problems. Sofia said that he was making trouble for him at this point. John remembers getting into arguments with him. Sofia mentioned that his father sent him to the military. John remembers well.

"That was just another part of his plan; he wanted you to learn how to lead. He also wanted you to get stronger; you both had terrible tempers."

John laughs; Sofia tells him that while he was serving his kingdom, some of his father's secrets were becoming harder to control-his deals with nobles, the church, and even other nations. The stress worsened, and he became ill.

John wanted to know why he didn't tell him. Sofia told him he tried, but there were other matters then. John tries to remember. Sofia reminds him. She told him it was on the night he went and fought for Annabeth.

John remembers coming back and finding out about his father's passing. He asks his mother if he is a terrible son. She tells him they are proud. John was confused by it. Sofia told him that she would send some guards to look for him. She didn't; when she found out where he went.

"I told your father, and he said it was for the best. He had been following your endeavors and was proud of how you were becoming. He knew you placed the people above all. He also knew some nobles wouldn't like it when you ascended."

Sofia said that King John the Fourth passed on with a smile. John did know his father cared for him and felt terrible that he wasn't there. He asks about the plan they thought of. Sofia smiled and told him.

"Your father knew his generals and how some would try to benefit after his death. Under the rules, the previous king's general would keep the king from having full control of the Kingdom; another rule was that nobles with the highest status would have a say in the matter of both parties. They would not be taxed as long as they fund during emergencies."

Sofia told John that his father let certain families expand their territories and gave them exclusive rights to sell within the kingdom. In exchange, they would always support him and his family. They would always agree to what he asks as long as the Old Guard doesn't interfere.

King John thought about it. He always considered how easy it was for them to let him take the royal guards. It never crossed his mind that they never opposed him. The lower nobles were the only ones. King John wanted to know how he could take control.

Sofia said that he lost some influence when Annabeth died. A light magic user was rare. She then said that the High Noble needed a change in status to give him power. King John could think about how he could change that.

"When Annabeth last visited, she told me you would need help. She knew her life was ending; Annabeth wanted to find someone to replace her. I asked her if she was okay leaving you. She said she was ready and would if it meant helping you, speak with Arthur when you return; he would probably have something to tell you."

King John was surprised that Annabeth visited her. Sofia began to talk about all the times she had visited. Whenever he went on long business trips, she would see her. Sofia said she would miss dueling with her. King John is surprised and asks about their duels.

"It's not much of a story, but we often fought; she told me about her adventuring days, and we bonded over fighting. She could never beat me, but I loved her enthusiasm; I see why you fell for her."

King John laughs and agrees with her. Sofia asks about her granddaughter. King John told her he hadn't spoken to her for a while. He said it reminded him of Annabeth. Sofia gets mad at him and tells him to appreciate it.

"Do you know The Phoenix is the Kingdom Crest and not the family one?"

King John was confused. He always believed it was the family crest. Sofia laughed and told him he wasn't paying attention. She told him it didn't just mean rebirth but also will, generation, and strength. It was for the people.

King John begins to look back. He remembered something the older generation said to him. They would gladly fight for him and the kingdom and always mention the phoenix. King John knew what he had to do.

King John thanked her mother and knew what he had to do. He said he would put his father's plan in motion to help his people. Sofia felt proud and told him to be careful. She reminded him that some would try and stop him.

King John had his job cut out for him. He already knew where to start. He hugged his mother and told her he needed to go. Sofia told him he needed to visit more often and bring her granddaughter. King John smiled and told her he will. They spent a few more minutes talking. She mentioned his uncle and how he died because of a disease. King John thought that things would be different with him around.

Sofia walks with him to the door. A carriage was waiting for him. He hugs and kisses her on the cheek. He walks to the carriage and gets on. Sofia walks over and warns him about the church. King John knew all too well what she meant. King John tells the driver to head back home.

In a house somewhere in Hispaniam, Cortez was playing his guitar. He was sitting by a water fountain. He strummed the cords and relaxed. As he played, he thought about King John. He hears a voice calling him. Cortez turned around, and a boy about ten was walking toward him. He was saying something in the Spanish language.

"Dad, hey, Dad; Grampa wants to speak with you."

Cortez is surprised; he tells the boy he is going. He talks with him as they head to another part of the house. When he arrived at the door, he excused himself from his son. He tells him they will talk some more later. Cortez knocks on the door, and a voice tells him to enter.

An older man with gray hair and a mustache sat on a chair. He wore a fancy suit. The man was Cortez's father. Cortez enters and greets his father. His father had this mean expression, but that's what he looked like every time. Cortez asked about his summon. He hands Cortez a letter.

"Philip, I need to tell you something; normally, this would only be told to the head of the house. Many years ago, your grandfather made deals with King John the Fourth. The deal was that he would give our family wealth, and in exchange, we would always support the Umbridge family."

Cortez wasn't sure why he was telling him this. Cortez's father said they were still honoring their deal, but once the king needed his authority, they would give him all their support. Cortez still didn't follow.

"We High Nobles have always been with the King, but a rule prevented the king from having full control. The previous kings said this to keep themselves under control. The Old Guard has the power to oppose some of the king's decisions; King John the Fourth came up with a plan; Lady Sofia said it was time."

Cortez was reading the letter. It was sent by Lady Sofia, King John's mother. She explains that King John was ready to take control. She wants him to compete on their end of the deal. She also mentions sending letters to the other High Nobles.

"What do you mean by ready?"

His father said there would be a substantial change in status. He told Cortez another secret their family holds. He told him about a legend that had been passed down. It told the story of their ancestors. He said they were from another world and came to this world.

"My father told me this just like his father before him. He told me we were conquerors and here to conquer his world; take it as a legend. Our ancestors tried to create our kingdom, but the great Umbridge nations defeated us."

This was the first time Cortez had heard about it. His father told him that their once great army had become a relic of the past. He said to Cortez to resurrect them and support King John. His father hands him a notebook.

"We shall be conquistadores once more; don't worry about your family; show King John that we, the Cortez's, are with him."

Cortez thanks his father and heads out. He calls for a guard and tells him to get his horse ready. Cortez goes over to a room and meets with his wife and son. His wife was a Hispanic beauty. She has long black hair and brown eyes. She is brown skin and slim.

His son was your average ten-year-old. He has black hair and brown eyes. He resembled his mother more. Cortez goes to his wife and tells her what is happening. She was upset but knew how loyal he was. She hugs him and kisses him. Cortez goes over to his son and explains what he needs to do.

"Don't worry, son, your father is strong, and no one can hurt him."

Cortez says goodbye to everyone and gets on his horse. He waves and rides off. His father sees him off. Everything was going too fast; he didn't know what to expect. He remembers a conversation he had with King John the Fourth. He asked him to send his son to the army.

"Philip is too soft to be in the military. My wife, she spoils him. Why would you want someone like him?"

King John was almost at the Kingdom and noticed people living on the edge of the road. It had been some time since he was there. As he got closer, he saw more people trying to enter the Kingdom. The lines were long, and it was cold. He saw families shivering from the cold.

"Driver, I need to stop somewhere first; take me to the cemetery."

King John's carriage passes the kingdom gates and heads to the cemetery. When he arrives, he asks the guards to stand guard. King John walks over to his wife's grave. He takes his time to pick his words. King John apologizes for losing sight of what was important and ignoring their daughter. He then asks her to help him guide the people.

"You told me to move on, but I will never forget you."

King John leaves and heads to a large building. It was a mausoleum; he entered and headed into a large room. He sees many tombstones. He walks to one that says King John the Fourth. He stares at it for a moment. He then tells it he learned about his plan.

"If you knew it was going to be like this, then it means you were a wise king; I always thought of you as selfish and arrogant. Mother told me everything, and I am sorry for what I said. Today I will follow what you stood for and show this nation it has a king."

King John smiles and draws Mana; a stone phoenix statue starts to glow. A magic circle appears, and the figure moves, revealing a secret room. King John enters and heads downstairs. He reaches another room with weapons and pictures. At the center was a fine silk cloak. It looked pristine; King John stared at it.

"I always thought it was just another useless decoration; now I understand why he always wore it."

King John takes it and heads out. He returns to the carriage and tells the guards to release one of the horses. They were confused but did so. King John makes a quick harness and gets on the horse. He puts on the cloak and heads back to the castle.

King John passes some people waiting to get into the kingdom. They recognize him and bow to him. Some people plead and ask for help. As he gets closer move people see him. It causes a big commotion. Guards come and see him. They apologized for the trouble. King John told them it was all right.

"Hail the Phoenix."

An older gentleman said as he bowed. Soon more and more older people say the same thing. King John goes past the gate and enters the city. The people looked depressed, and it was crowded. They soon see him and make way for him. Word spreads of King John in the city.

King John heads towards the castle. A group of older soldiers see him and salute him. They then notice the cloak and bang the ground with their weapons. The younger people didn't know what was happening. An older man tells them the significance of the mantle.

"The Phoenix, the Umbridge Kingdom crest. The Umbridge king has used that cloak since the formation of this nation. It represents rebirth, will, and strength. It is not for his royal Highness but for the people; He wears it to show he cares for us and will do what it takes to take care of us."

King John continued to make his way to the castle. When he got there, Arthur was waiting by the door. He told him he heard large groups of people cheering. People began to chant his name. Arthur then notices the cloak; he bows and tells him he is ready.

King John tells him that he knows about the High Nobles and their deals. He asks to hold a meeting with all nobles. King John also tells Arthur that he needs to talk to him. Arthur smiles and says he will make a fine king. They head inside the castle.

On the mountainside where Master Musashi and Fillan are, Master Musashi sits under the porch. He was staring out at the scenery. A bird made out of Magic swoops down. It gives him a message. Master Musashi looks displeased.

"It looks like everything is going too well; I hope they don't get too overconfident. Humans can be wilder than the beast men; they are fierce foes."

Master Musashi looks and sees Fillan come up the path. Fillan gets to the top of the way and drops a medium-sized boulder. He falls to the ground, tired. Master Musashi gets up and tells him to rest up.