Chapter 33

Rectified


The superior man has three things in which he delights, and to be ruler over the kingdom is not one of them. -Mencius, by Mencius


As the crowds finally left the Amphitheatre, Kiormund found his mother waiting for him right by the exit.

"Did you have a good time with the ferrets?" she asked, her arms crossed as she stood like a statue.

Kiormund nodded. "I wouldn't have expected a ferret to enjoy the Nagru play, but apparently they did."

"I didn't really expect Father to savour most of it either, but you know him. He's not the most predictable of beasts. Where is your friend?"

"I think Egil went to talk to the wolf who played Nagru. He had to follow his father, but I came back to find you, like we agreed on."

"You're a good pup," said Lorelei, nodding as she stepped towards Kiormund. "I– I would probably have left my own mother alone for hours were I in your shoes, but that part of me has been put aside as adulthood swallowed me whole."

"I don't know if I have such a part, Mother," replied Kiormund.

"Your stay at Redwall has been a good influence on you, I suppose," said Lorelei, shaking her head and smiling. "But I've got a feeling that you're going to become a bit more headstrong, stubborn, and willing to get your way across, like every other otter your age I've laid my eyes on."

Her reply stopped Kiormund in his tracks. "Really? You think so?"

"I've been there." The short otter turned to face her son. "As time passes you'll start to be a pain in my tail… though I doubt you'll be as annoying a pup as I have been to your grandparents. Unless you had an army with you… but I have doubts either of us would stoop that low."

"Those of the same blood must stay together," recalled Kiormund. "We're family and nothing can change that."

"That's what worries me at times, pup."

"Oh?"

"You know what had happened to every pair of Streambattle brothers since the first Erlend, right? None of them killed each other, but disunity has been the order of the day for the last century, and I have no desire to have this state continue with you and Sigurd, or Corrado, or anybeast who shares your blood."

"What will you do then?

"I'll place you under my official tutelage, for another decade or so. Nobeast could set your claws into my flesh as long as I am alive."

"You have to realise," said Kiormund, "that what you said was not the most reassuring thing in the world."

Lorelei snorted as she decided not to grace her son with a direct answer. "If you say so. Hurry up – I've got beasts for you to meet."


When Kiormund arrived in Castle Gystra, Lorelei was quick to shunt him into the bathhouse. The otter gave himself a quick scrub before the castle attendants told him to lie on a couch while they applied a comb to his oily pelt.

"You're like a different otter now," said Lorelei as she threw a set of recently dried clothes to her son. "Put these on."

"I still feel the same…" replied Kiormund as he gave his new attire a good look. It was a white tunic with a black wolf embroidered to its right, flanked on the other side by a red fox – the sigils of Kaldos and Helskerland.

"Do you like what I got for you? I sent for the Draper's Guild in the city, and they rushed this out. It wasn't cheap, but I think it's worth making a good impression on other otters. Remember the Graillards to the South?"

"Which branch of them?" asked the younger otter, fitting the tunic across his torso. "There are three of them, right?"

"There were three," replied Lorelei, waving a claw in front of her son's face. "But the senior branch is extinct in the male line, which leaves merely two. I think you've met members of both, which means it's more of a reunion than a first impression, but I'm quite sure you've forgotten all about the Komessoi."

"I've heard of them… I think?"

"The youngest branch, relatively pro-Laskarine, have been a headache to Father for a few decades… and they've got two daughters."

"The twins." mused Kiormund.

"Precisely. And neither of them are married."

The implication was clear. "Are they here?"

"No, but their parents are… but don't worry about rule and battle. They just want to see if you're trustworthy and if you'll be a good husband to one of their pups. Nothing concrete will happen immediately after – not until Valeria or Eudokia finish their studies and can come to meet you. They love their pups a bit too much to rush into things, so just be yourself."

"I wish my parents could say the same," mumbled Kiormund.

"Hm?"

"I could have still been in Redwall, Mother, and I would have been fortunate to be there… but here I am, tired after so much travelling and having to present myself to beasts I haven't met in a decade."

"Alright. So you're backing out?"

"I'm not. I'm just complaining."

"We can speak about this later then," said Lorelei, pointing at a door to the right. "You can walk away whenever you want, though I'm sure they'dl love to speak with such a bright young otter."

Kiormund nodded before twisting the doorknob and walking into the room.

"You must be little Kio!" chirped a shrill voice. The otter turned to face another two of his kind, seated at a small table, which held a few slices of oranges.

"Ryksa, you're scaring him," said the older male, reaching for his goblet of red wine and taking a brisk sip. "Let the pup introduce himself. I'm Theodore, son of Aymeri, Lord of Phaleon."

Remembering his lessons on how to behave in front of his seniors, Kiormund tucked his arm in front of his stomach before bowing. "I am Kiordan, son of Lord Erlend Streambattle and Princess Lorelei of Garlesca, chosen Lord of Helskerland."

"Ooh, very well-behaved," cooed Ryksa. "Ryksa Highwind, daughter of Lord Misko of Presztyn. I think I'm one of your grandmother's cousins? First once removed?"

"Second once removed," chimed in her husband.

"Second. Apologies." The lady shot her husband a sharp grin. "Using both Otharnic and Laskarine titles can be such a pain. Can you imagine changing your name depending on which piece of soil your boots are on?"

"Let's move on." Theodore gestured Kiormund to the table.

"Has your mother told you anything about why we're here?" asked Ryksa.

"She has."

"Good, let's move on. Would you like an orange?"

Kiormund nodded before he reached for a slice under Theodore's watchful eye. "How has Gystra been treating you so far?"

"The city is a marvellous place," said Ryksa, munching on a slice of her own. "Your uncle and great-uncle transformed this little fishing port into a great city that could challenge even the great Kalopolis."

"Not that it'll win or any–."

An elbow to the torso was all the indication Theodore needed to stop speaking. "Back home, we only have one city, and it is a bit small."

The older otterlord nodded. "Valence is a rugged land dotted with mountains and fortresses, not a lot of governance occurred there, not even the return of a king could solve the problems that plague this land of ours."

Kiordan scratched his head as he found the orange in his mouth had lost its taste. "Then… do you think my grandfather–"

"He is a great and admirable otter," answered Theodore. "He just needs to pay a bit of attention to his most neglected realm."

"We turned to the Laskarines for attention, but who knows what goes on in a lynx's head?" asked Ryksa, wondering to herself. "No, what we need is somebeast we can trust, somebeast we can bring into the family."

Silence gripped the room until Kiormund swallowed his orange, taking care not to choke on the sour juice. "And that's me."

Theodore nodded. "Either you or one of your cousins, but if Blebarr and Finnrun–"

"Blerun," corrected his wife. "And Finnbarr."

"Yes, those two. If they were wed to our daughters, your grandfather would suspect us of treachery, and we'd be finished."

"We need somebeast we can trust to make sure this line of the Graillards doesn't meet a bloody end." said Ryksa. "Our loyalty may be questioned from time to time, but traitors we are not."

"If what you say is true then I could marry one of your daughters," said Kiormund. "Can I choose?"

"After they choose, of course. Valo and Eudo are going to give you a look first, but you'll be fine." Theodore chuckled. "You've got noble blood on both sides of the family, you're a kind and polite otter, and I don't think they'll dislike how you look. You've got your father's face, after all."

Noticing the bewilderment on Kiormund's visage, Ryksa shrugged. "That was supposed to be a compliment, Kio. I can call you that, right?"

"You may, Lady Ryksa."

"See?" said Theodore. "He respects us – a bit more than what could be said for the twins." He turned to Kiormund. "I've got no doubt you'll be a good influence on them."

"Well, the one he marries at least." Ryksa got up from her seat and curtsied. "Thank you for being there for us."

Kiormund stood up straight and repeated the gesture. "It was a pleasure to converse with you two as well."

"You don't have to tell your grandfather about this – we'll tell him ourselves once the plan progresses a bit further." Theodore winked at the door. "You can go now – take a couple more slices if you want to – we've brought a crate of them from home."

Kiormund was sure Lorelei was not expecting him to emerge from the room, with his mouth full of oranges and a smile on his face. Her expression returned to her serious, tense one as she asked her son if things went well.

"They did," he replied, thinking of future days when he'd be breathing the fresh air of Valentian Mountains, being cared for by Theodore and Ryksa and whichever ottermaid he would marry, with both his mother and father far, far away from him. "You need not worry about things."


Over the next few hours, Kiormund never realised just how packed the castle was. There were the usual castle staff (who managed to ignore the otter's greetings), but once and again there were beasts who he was sure he had never met beforepaw.

As the otter made his way through the candle-lit limestone passages, passing by old tapestries and new paintings, he spared a few glances towards the beasts who were to stay with him throughout the entire conference. There was a sturdy mouse who gave Kiormund a wide berth. There was a turquoise-clad rat with an inquisitive, almost predatory look. There was a pair of bickering foxes, whose argument Kiormund was not interested in hearing. Finally there was Egil, leaning against a wall at the end of the long corridor.

"I was worried to hear your mother took you back a bit earlier than expected," said the ferret, rubbing two of his claws together. "What did she do to you?"

"She took me to see a couple of otters, from Valence." Kiormund's whiskers bristled. "It's to do with marriage and inheritance and a bunch of otter stuff."

"Ooh? Have you met an ottermaid? Both otter families from the mountains I know have daughters, but I don't really know how they look."

"No, actually. But Lord Theodore has two daughters, a pair of twins, so I think I can choose. Are you familiar with them?"

"Not really. It's not like in the stories, where every notable damsel is renowned throughout the land for her radiant beauty."

"I noticed, I noticed!" huffed Kiormund, scratching his head. "But you've talked to more females than I have – you've been with more of them too."

"Ooh, the mighty Lord Kio requires my advice?" asked Egil, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.

"Well… yeah," answered the otter, feeling his cheeks heat up. "And can you not call me that? It's quite embarrassing."

"Fine, fine."

"And judging by what I know of you, you know more about what not to do than what you should."

"You know what?" mused Egil. "You have a point. I've been paired up with three throughout all the seasons, and only one of them enjoyed my presence before we parted ways."

"Huh? Was that Adosinda?"

"No, not the stoat, she was too needy even for me. It was… Mondana I believe?"

"Who?"

"You haven't heard of her, you were in Redwall!"

"Oh right."

"Anyway, the first thing you have to do is to stop worrying about being yourself."

"Why?"

"Because every 'yourself' is different with each different beast you talk to, of course! You can't really say you talk to your mother or father the same way you talk to me."

"That's very true… so should I put on a front?"

Egil waved a claw at his friend as he shook his head. "This is not recommended. Makes you stressed, you see. If you like her you'll mix well, like wine and water."

"And if I don't?"

"Not a lot you can do about it. 'Tis best you move on to another. It's not like a little alliance between otter houses would justify mutual disdain and hatred for the rest of your lives."

"Well, it could be an important alliance!" protested the otter, waving his paws.

"Kio, Kio, Kio!" The ferret tapped Kiormund on the nose. "You have to remember at least one thing before you stress yourself out about marriage."

"What's that?"

"You're too related to everybeast important to marry them! If anything, pretty ottermaids should be throwing themselves at your footpaws, asking you to spend night after night with you!"

Kiormund gulped as he stared at Egil for what felt like forever. "That doesn't feel particularly comforting, Egil."

"Huh." The ferret crossed his arms. "The point is that you'll be fine. You've got other things to worry about."

The otter's head dipped downward as thoughts of the future began to overwhelm his mind once more. "So I do…"


Lamont's cooks had not prepared their feast yet, so supper was a muted affair, yet it only took bread, fish and a stew made with mixed vegetables to leave Kiormund's belly sated. However, when the otter bade Egil farewell and opened the door to his own room he found Lord Erlend standing within, a scowl on his face.

"What are you doing here, Father?" asked Kiormund.

"I'll be taking you to the docks, and Bragi will take you to Revesvakt."

Kiormund felt his jaw fall slack. "Revesvakt? Already?"

"I'll have you properly invested as lord without a ceremony, once this is all over."

"But…" The young otter dipped his head, his mind trying to form the right words to say. "It– well– Mother–"

Erlend rubbed the side of his head. "I don't trust you with a single one of those vipers in Gystra, Kio. It's a Southswarder city, and everybeast inside wants you to do their bidding. Your mother, your grandfather, your uncle… none of them bear the best of intentions."

Kiormund frowned. "And you do?"

"No, but at least I'm honest about my inadequacies…" The Lord of Kaldos attempted a wry smile. "And once you're across the sea I'll be out of your fur, which is something that cannot be said for the other three."

"And you think Helskerland would be safer," muttered Kiormund.

"I have faith in Bragi that he will serve our best interests, and Lady Stenna should not be too hard to contend with."

"So you've told me."

"So I have. Now go – you're too old to be carried to the docks, and I've already packed your belongings while you were busy."

For a few long moments the two otters stared into each other's green eyes before Erlend relented, his grey fur bristling with rare emotion. Guilt, thought Kiormund. Something I never thought I'd see from him.

"Did you think I wanted this duty?" asked the younger otter, struggling to contain a sudden surge of fury. "Do you think everybeast wants to rule like you do? Do you think I can handle everything you and Mother can throw at me?"

There was no response.

"Fine," said Kiormund, taking a deep breath. "I'll do what you say one last time."

Nodding briskly, Erlend turned around. "I'll give you a while to change yourself then."

Everything that happened after the door slammed shut was a blur, as Kiormund scrambled into his travelling clothes. The road to the docks was clear to the young otter – the walls had to be avoided as they were crawling with Lamont's patrols, but there were paths through the suburbs below which approached one of the side docks, and his father must know which ones to take to get him next to the sea.

"What next then?" Kiormund asked himself. "Who will take me where I am to go? Do I… do I have somebeast to guide me?

As the lordling opened the door to the balcony, the jet-black sky came into view, under the auspices of the moon on high. Fires from the hearths of Gystra blazed, their smoke towering up into the heavens to challenge the warmth of the absent sun.

No doubt the populace was enjoying themselves, with weeks and weeks or even months of festivities planned ahead, likely paid from Lamont's purse. They need not worry about me, the beasts in the cities. I'll always be above them no matter how much I try to approach them… Would anybeast at all care about me?

He stared at the skies once more, at the stars set above all beasts, and wondered if they were as lonely as he was.

Lonely indeed, mused Veil, shaking his head. Just like a lord should be.


A/N: Poor Kio...

So yeah, your favourite protagonist will be put on a bus while other storylines get wrapped up. Well, put on a ship, but whatever. We'll get Margane next turn.

I hope the non-Kio characters are able to entertain you as well - Lorelei is most fun to write when she's trying to express positive emotions... and we finally get a little depth with Erlend. The Komessoi are minor characters and should be treated accordingly, but I hope I did a good job with them too.

But anyway, it's perhaps a good place to say goodbye to Kiormund, while I say goodbye to one continent and return home. Do send some feedback over please!