Third chapter here, Don't have much to say, just want the page to look beautiful.
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Redemption Of The Unwanted
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Chapter three: Uncovered Future
The dawning sun ascended loftily, dispersing its golden rays and shattering the disconcerting spectacle of myriad unnamed graves sprawling seamlessly from one crest of the hill to the opposite.
Flying to the throne room, I found Zul'jin gazing at the cleared area where the eastern lake once existed, wearing a contemplative expression. Ascending the stairways, I approached him slowly, standing right in front of him, yet he seemingly did not acknowledge my existence at all.
"I want to see the wells, every single one, as thoroughly as possible. You can explain to me how you made this possible while on the way, and I want you to walk with me not as an armoured giant, but as an elf," Zul'jin stated, his gaze fixed on the clearing.
I nodded, acknowledging his request. I did not wish to lie to the people, nor do I want to escalate potential misunderstandings that will allow the people to form false opinions of me.
Releasing my armor, I transformed it into balls of sensing scattered around the town. The remaining material fashioned itself into light orange robes adorned with white and golden decorations. A small golden sun graced the right shoulder, contrasting with an orange sun on the left—a garment fitting for a summer morning. I followed behind Zul'jin as he descended the long stairways of the throne room.
"You know, Jaerel, when I awoke a few hours ago, I was greeted by the screams of elders claiming that the wild god Jaerel had gone mad and was about to drop a mountain on the city. Not to mention my broken home that looked like a couple of bandits entered, broke everything, and left," Zul'jin spoke, his voice betraying no emotion at all.
Zul'jin turned to me, his expression cold as ice. "You may be correct, but that does not mean you can just enter my life like lightning, stirring it and breaking everything that I was proud of, to throw everything at the wall and act like you are the one in the right."
"I am sorry," I apologised, sensing Zul'jin's simmering anger almost explode at my apology, but I did not allow him to talk as I rushed to continue, "For my harshness, but not for my words. I meant everything that I said, for your family's actions may be the cause of the Amani's destruction later on." His anger seemed to wane, and his face returned to impassivity.
"You are arrogant for a person who looks blind," Zul'jin retorted.
"I look like one, unlike another," I responded with a respectful tone.
Zul'jin's fist seemed to rise just a little higher, almost as if he wanted to punch a particular someone.
A smug smile crept onto my face.
Continuing down the stairs, Zul'jin warned, "If you don't wipe that smug look, I will wipe it myself."
"At your command, your majesty," I responded.
We reached the bottom of the throne room and walked to the first well, strategically placed near the throne room in case of a fire. I began explaining everything in detail— the water's placement, how to use the wells, the piping, the materials used, and the function of the pressure system.
I was in the midst of explaining the reasoning behind the placements of the wells when a group of trolls came around to see me with Zul'jin.
"my king, my king the lakes are gone….. an elf! AN ELF! SAVE THE KING FROM THE ASSASSIN!" An elder bellowed.
A barrage of spears came flying at me, attempting to turn me into a pincushion. Abjuring a barrier in front of me, I effortlessly stopped the spears.
"Stop! STOP!" Zul'jin raised his voice at the running warriors, but some trolls remained undeterred. "I ORDERED YOU TO DAMN STOP, YOU BERSERKER!"
The overzealous berserker, convinced he was saving the king, received an enchanted-enhanced fist to the face, rendering him unconscious—an outcome more fitting for subduing a bear than a berserker. However, I was not about to underestimate berserkers and their tenacity.
Almost a hundred warriors were following the two Elders that ran into us.
One of the Elders stepped up, most likely a voodooist or a priest of one of these wild gods, given that his soul was dark enough that even the light was fleeing far from it. "But your majesty, it is an elf within the walls of Zul'Aman. If he is able to run away, it would bring us untold destruction by the high elves," the elder reasoned.
Zul'jin stepped up, "I do understand that high priest Malacrass. This young elf is the loa that came with us yesterday. He is no enemy of ours, for he is a desert elf of a far away land. He is my advisor and bodyguard, and he is the one who provided us with these wells that contain fresh water within, for the entire city," his gaze boring holes into the high priest, daring him to disagree.
"Yes, your majesty," the high priest replied, giving me a disdainful look with no small out of hate.
Zul'jin turned to the warriors, mostly axe throwers. "The lot of you warriors, I need you to go find 75 pieces of at least three stone totems tall with a bucket tied at the end. Can you show them an example, Jaerel?"
Over 100 eyes turned to me simultaneously, each filled with hate, eager to witness my demise. Nevertheless, such animosity could be rectified later on. I conjured a chain made of ice with a bucket at the end and lowered it slowly into the well. As this was the highest well on the hill, it took quite a while to throw the bucket in and extract clear, cool water. Conjuring a cup made of ice, I dipped it into the water, took a drink, and then offered it to the king. Zul'jin sipped the water slowly at first, and before long, he gulped it down as if it were the most refreshing drink ever.
Zul'jin looked at the empty cup and then at me. "Pour me another."
I complied and poured him another drink, and another. Only on the fourth drink did he hand me the cup.
Zul'jin examined the chain and bucket before inquiring, "How many of these can you conjure?"
The conjured ice was weightless, easy to carry, and not particularly cold. If anything, it was highly beautiful, reflecting the light into its many variations.
"As many as you require, your majesty."
Zul'jin pointed at the nearest troll, aside from the two Elders. "You come here." The troll complied obediently, his gaze fixed longingly on the bucket containing the clear water. "Make him a chain and bucket, Jaerel."
Within seconds, a sizable bucket was in the troll's hand, with a long chain slung over his shoulder. "Stay near the well you deposit the bucket near. Don't drop the chain in without holding the other end. Don't allow anybody to enter inside the well. Nobody to defecate within it, no throwing trash in it. Just give a warning to all who come near while teaching them how to use it, and most importantly, this water is for everybody, you included." The axe thrower looked at his king, and when he saw Zul'jin nod, he ran off to the nearest well.
Another axe thrower was brought in, given the same warning and advice, and sent on his way.
This process was repeated 73 more times before Zul'jin began moving in the direction of the nearest well. "Continue explaining how the wells work," Zul'jin demanded.
The two Elders and around 30 warriors followed us, and not long before we reached the first well, we found the newly appointed guardian teaching trolls how to use the well, while people were drinking water as if it were the first drink in their lives.
I added another chain, set up an additional bucket, and offered the Elders some water to drink. We continued on our way, stopping only once to provide Zul'jin with a detailed overview through diagrams drawn in the dirt.
By the 10th well, I had explained everything in a highly detailed manner, withholding only the location of the storage. The inquiries didn't cease, and the once two Elders, now joined by 15 more, began asking me questions. Initially about the wells, and later about my origins and where I came from. Their animosity seemed to significantly diminish the moment I explained that I might not even be from this planet.
By the time we finished our tour of the water wells within the warrior district, each having two chains and two buckets for faster water retrieval, we began discussing troll culture. Tzoxo, who appeared to be the most shocked upon learning that I am an elf, gradually became the most at ease with the matter and spoke endlessly about it.
Only when we reached the once-been-a-bridge did the Elders seem to realise the area they were in, and the first to jump into the clearing was Zul'jin.
I followed him without a second thought, but the Elders and warriors hesitated, fearing that what they were seeing might be an illusion, and they would fall into bloody water, meeting a grim fate.
Zul'jin ignored their hesitation, reaching the middle of the vast clearing. By then, Tzoxo and many of the Elders and warriors had caught up.
"You have done an amazing job, Jaerel. In the place of the Amani tribe, I thank you," Zul'jin's hair and scarf fluttered in the wind, his hands behind his back, and his eyes fixed on the rising sun. "I thank you for showing me a truth I did not know about."
He truly looked like a legendary figure, and his demeanour matched. I hope he truly becomes one.
Zul'jin turned to the Elders, "Here shall be my new house. It shall be built here, closer to my people, easing their ability to petition so as not to feel left out."
Almost all of the Elders were horrified, except Tzoxo whose face showed happiness upon his nephew's new will and patience for politics.
"My king, please, you can't break tradition like this without thought or consultation. That elf is trying to throw our history in the garbage, poisoning you with his ways—the ways that saw our people kicked from our holy land, the same ways that left us humiliated and in such shape in the first place." the frantic elder spoke, his voice panicked, grasping at every point he thought might hold weight.
I was about to step out and defend my tarnished honour, but it seems to be unneeded as Zul'jin was the one who spoke first.
"The same ways that saw us expelled out of our homeland, for over three millennia. we abandoned everything that was within our customs, descending into degeneracy, cannibalism, sacrificial offerings, and pure negligence. We regressed into the worst version of ourselves, with every defeat etched into our consciousness, overshadowing victories, happiness, and our very future. We discarded the essence of what made us trolls, all for a fleeting rush of power, throwing our past, present, and future to the wolves." Zul'jin's figure seemed to radiate light as his soul burned and rose around him, revealing his true emotions to all.
"When was the last time our people have felt the touch of pure water upon their skin? When did the refreshing flow of water trickle down our parched throats? Almost three millennia have passed since the arrival of the elves—three millennia of regression, pain, and hate. We immersed ourselves so deeply in our defeats that our time came and went, three millennia of complete disregard for anything other than weapons. Have we not suffered enough? When was the last time a trading caravan entered our beautiful city? When did trade bring prosperity to our once-beautiful city?" Zul'jin questioned, met only with the silence of the Elders.
Anger flared all along his visage, "HAVE WE NOT HAD ENOUGH, We needed a damn half-blind elf to read the words on the wall, to understand that we don't matter anymore, that we are no more than a nuisance, a bug to be crushed by the other races. My sight was veiled, but Jaerel showed me the truth, revealing to me our clear doomed future. Our vision today is clear, and our future shall be found anew, and we are starting now. Jaerel, step up." Zul'jin ordered me.
I stepped up, bowing to Zul'jin. "Do you have any major plans that require you staying in the city?" Zul'jin asked, his eyes not wavering from the quivering Elders.
"Nothing more than menial tasks that could be done easily enough, my king," I responded. I truly had nothing major planned—maybe find an iron vein, locate a nice spot for a temple of Surael, improve my reputation with the people, and establish myself within the court. Other responsibilities that require aid from the trolls themselves, like house expansion, training blacksmiths, upgrading houses to stone, restarting city maintenance, road expansion, dealing with problematic traditions, presenting Jaddar's plan for the education and work of young trolls, and creating a trade partner, all require a certain level of collaboration and assistance from others.
"By tomorrow morning, you will have gold, arts, crystals, and gems, all supplied by the royal family, to be sold at your discretion in whatever city you see fit. You will bring us seeds, books, clothes, farming equipment, and whatever the Elders seem willing to sell in exchange for the things they desire. This may be discussed further in the council today. Any problems, Jaerel Tonanzuir, my advisor?" Zul'jin concluded his order with a question. If not for me being in front of the Elders, I would have been shaking with happiness; everything is proceeding more smoothly than I could have hoped for. No need to sample seeds from the wild or resort to theft which will curse the seeds with a bad harvest, nor do I have to forge thousands of tools for blacksmiths, farmers, tailors, or any such tasks.
"But, my king, don't you fear that I will just run away with whatever valuables you give me?" I inquired with a voice of concern, for I do appreciate the trust he puts in me, but that does not mean I will allow him to alienate his advisors and elders to such an extent.
Some of the Elders, who were about to voice that same concern, appeared shocked that I would punish myself with doubt and distrust in my own capabilities.
"Hahahaha," the booming laughter of Zul'jin resounded thick and steady. Not until a couple of minutes later did it subside into a small chuckle. "If you do steal it, Jaerel, do please take it as your just due for building this well system. if anything, your response just now reassured me."
Another bark of laughter rose from the crowd of elders, a bit more wheezy and old, came from Tzoxo. "You've got my support too, Jaerel, in this trade. I'll discuss later what I want you to bring, maybe a list written on parchment."
With the weight and guarantees of the king and Tzoxo, the Elders seemed much more at ease, with some even pledging a token amount of money for small items like books on specific topics, alcohol, and food.
Zul'jin and I continued our walk through the clearing, from the eastern section to the western one. I found little reason to be interested in the two barren areas, but the people behind us, and Zul'jin himself, seemed captivated. Zul'jin slowed down every couple of seconds, taking a deep breath, relishing in the cleanliness of the air.
"Jaerel, can we grow anything on these two clearings?" Tzoxo asked at the behest of Malacrass and some other Elders..
"No and yes. Yes, you can grow, though it would just kill the soil more than help it. No, because anything would just grow cursed, plagued, and will be excruciatingly slow to grow. So, I would say wait a couple of years before planting anything at all above these two clearings, as the spirits of earth in these lands are sick and would require time to heal." I answered.
"Jaerel, you did not tell me your people dealt with spirits and their curses," Tzoxo spoke with surprise.
"Well, we do not normally. But the Empire of the Jadd is so big that we stretched from one sea to another, holding almost 10 different races, all with their own specialties and cultures. One of the human cultures lived within a land where the veil between the living and the dead was so thin that the spirits of the dead were able to stay in the land of the living easily. This caused a mass spread of evil spirits, vengeful spirits, cursed spirits, and the like. The people of Bim built their entire civilization around dealing with the spirits—appeasing them, destroying them, utilising them, or sealing them. I may not know enough to beat great spirits, but I do know how to deal with the most common of spirits," I explained.
"Can you see the spirits around us?" It was Malacrass who asked this time, making his doubt apparent.
"I can, and I can see the scorn the spirits treat you with, the curses that they spit on you. The curses that affect you all—curses to see your end sooner. You are hated by your past, scorned by the present, fated to die a painful death. You all are fated to live a life of hardship and at the end, to die without even having the yield of the fields you sowed," I spoke with a voice of doom, making many of the Elders scared. If I knew being a doomseer was so fun, I would have done so more in my younger days. Unfortunately for the people around me, what I was saying was no joke.
"You have burned much of the luck your people meant to have. You burned the good will of the people you meant to hold dear. You have sacrificed your people for your gods for thousands of years, and what they gave you was small boons that changed little and helped even less. I do pity the fools who have seen themselves as servants to cruel gods that only spat upon them. High Priest Malacrass, not even animals worship beings beneath them," I left my words to linger in the air. For the first time since I met Malacrass, I saw that dark shroud along his soul seem to lose its grip.
Zul'jin gave me a side look before continuing on his walk, "how deep have the curses affected my people?" Zul'jin asked as we stepped towards the western district of the city, where many of the workers and lower castes lived.
I looked upon him, then just shook my head, for the effects are so deeply felt that I can trace them back for millennia and more.
Darkness seemed to almost eat Zul'jin's soul whole, emotions of guilt, self-blame, hatred, and anger all grappled together.
I put my hand on his shoulder, "I am here. I will have your back till death eats us whole. Zul'jin you are my friend, and as your friend, I am sure you are on the way to healing your people. Don't beat yourself over some curses, for such things are easily cleansed with a good heart."
Zul'jin's darkening soul shook before a light so bright flared out that it almost made me blind. My eyes couldn't keep away from the beauty of a soul blooming bright, brilliant, beautiful—nothing could truly describe it.
The only reaction I received from Zul'jin over this sudden change of heart was his rough hand atop of my own, "Thank you, Jaerel."
I brought my left hand over my mouth gasping, "who are you? Where did you take Zul'jin? You imposter is doing an awful job acting like him"
Zul'jin's face reddened; I never knew troll faces could turn orange. "Damn prissy knife-ears," but even then, his hand did not leave my own.
I did not say anything this time. I would have hugged him, but I could not, as Zul'jin is still a king, and such a sight would be awfully disrespectful. Still, I did not remove my hand until he felt comfortable enough to let it go on his own.
It was not until we reached the western district that Zul'jin's hand pulled back behind his back.
The walk was peaceful. Every well was checked, every well in the western district held two chains and two buckets. The people seemed to be rejoicing in the water they drank.
We only finished when the afternoon sun rose high. Zul'Aman seemed to lose some of its disgusting darkness, that feeling of walking in a thick jungle blind and deaf, lessening. A light for once seemed to shine at the end of this bloody jingle.
Our walk back greeted us with the laughter of children as they skipped around and played, engaging in games like tag, hide and seek, and playing with the mud and dirt.
It was a beautiful sight to see, heartwarming. "This is your future, your majesty, your future seeds. Plant them upon hard dirt, poor soil, and with little water; they will grow weak and wilt at the first sign of winter," I spoke softly through the wind to Zul'jin.
"The path you would have walked would have taken their fathers, forced their mothers into hardship, to be raised among a broken family, with the pillar gone and the comfort of the family tattered. You would have only broken children, and broken men, a society built around them would see its end sooner than later," I continued.
Zul'jin's face was deeply in thought as his eyes bore into the children. "The mission of a leader is not only to lead and govern the kingdom, but to maintain the ideals of the kingdom, the morals of the kingdom, the pride of the kingdom, and the honour of its people. And we start always from the smallest seeds, for they will be the future of the kingdom. Keep the family safe and maintain its proper structure, give them comfort but raise them rough, be like a father to the people, be the pillar they need. Punish them when they are wrong to imprint the wrongness of it, reward them when they have done well, give them the love and attention they require, raise them with purpose, provide ways for the excellent to excel. A land held by the old is filled with wise men who talk with little action, while a land of the young burns with action, but they are arrogant and hasty, putting little thought into the matter. You, as the leader, need to maintain a balance of excellence, pride, and wisdom. Too much of any would see the land stagnant or burned with a bloody rebellion," I continued.
My spell whined as it died without me feeding it magic.
I watched with bated breath as Zul'jin's scattered light seemed to focus and explode. His spirit was almost overflowing out of him, for the fires of ambition were lit, and Zul'jin was no small dreamer. Zul'jin found his purpose, and all he needed was that small nudge in the proper direction.
Seemingly an emotion even unknown to Zul'jin himself burned out; it was his hope, his hope for himself to be great, to hold himself high to the standard his people saw him as. This hope he held deep within himself flickered out of existence, and in its place grew confidence, pride, and burning ambition, for Zul'jin no longer doubted himself. He established himself as king, maintainer, and defender of the Amani tribe. The easily angered warchief has died, and in his place rose a king truly devoted to a purpose he held sacred.
For the first time since I have met Zul'jin, he released the scarf around his neck, letting his white beard and tusks show to the world.
Zul'jin brought the purple scarf to his lips, kissing it before wrapping it from his shoulder till his hand, and even then some of it still fluttered in the wind. "From today on, you shall not be my shame, but my responsibility, my reminder, my power," Zul'jin whispered to himself, a whisper I was only able to hear thanks to my magic.
Zul'jin walked slowly to the children where he stood above them, watching them silently with a smile upon his face, a soft fatherly look you would not expect to see upon a troll like Zul'jin.
A sight shocking to the many Elders who had not even seen the complete face of Zul'jin, not to mention his smile.
The king sat among the children, indulging them in any demands that came upon him, asking them questions about their living, their smiles of happiness as the legendary king of their city came to play with them. This went on for a little while.
"Don't you see Surael, I am surrounded by great people. I just need to hold their hand, and greatness is no dream." I almost wanted to laugh, to cry and laugh once more as I whispered to myself my old memories, once when the world was small, when I was ignorant of much of the happenstance of it all, when my world was my family. Simpler times.
Zul'jin stood from among the encircling children, and I followed behind him, right on his heel. He was no longer focused on reaching the wells or the throne. He was just walking around the western district, walking aimlessly, getting angrier and angrier upon the sights he now saw. No longer sighing and shaking his head helplessly, nor throwing the blame at the elves. He took responsibility, and he was here to correct it.
Only when he had his fill of burning emotions, filling his heart with the pain and helplessness of his people, did he walk back in the direction of the throne. Zul'jin's steps held a long-forgotten pace, his entire being radiating the aura of charisma of a man who held a purpose, confidence, power, and nobility. A man of greatness.
If before the people focused upon me first when they saw the random elf walking with the king, now the people could not remove their eyes off Zul'jin. Only when he came near did they seem to remember who he was and bow. Even the quibbling elders seemed to enter a trance, a silence descended wherever the king walked.
The walk up to the throne room was treated like a mockery as the eyes of Zul'jin travelled up and down the elders every minute or so, looking at many of them with disdain. The feeling of suffocation was brought down upon all.
After a couple of minutes of walking, we were within the throne room. Some of the Elders had a certain shake within their legs. They were afraid, shivering, guilty of things they knew, and feared what the king saw of them.
We were greeted at the front by ten venerable elders, the most senior of the elders to be exact, so old they can't seem to walk on their own, explaining why they did not accompany us along our long tour of the city, but their confusion was clear upon witnessing the shivering messes, that were some of the Elders.
Zul'jin ignored all, paying respects to none, as he ascended up to his throne.
Zul'jin hands brought themselves upon the skulls on the arm rests of the throne, cracking the first and throwing it at the elders table, "henceforth, sacrificing Trolls is illegal, adherents of Hakkar shall face execution for jeopardising the stability of the Amani tribe."
Placing his hand upon the second, dislodging it and tossing it above the first, "Jaerel Tonanzuir is an elder of the tribe, and my chief advisor. any objections?"
One of the troll's countenance turned in Malacrass's direction, but upon realising Malacrass's complete silence on the matter, he shifted his gaze toward Zul'jin. "Your majesty, you could not ban sacrificial rites; you will be cursed by the Loa. Hakkar the soulflayer, the god of blood, demands sacrifices, or he will cease blessing our warriors, we risk losing his favour." The troll almost bellowed at the end, seemingly more affronted that Zul'jin banned sacrificial rites rather than addressing his impending execution.
Completely disregarding the tirade of the troll, "Daa'kara, escort the priest of Hakkar to his new abode. Marosh, assemble a contingent of axe throwers and ensure the totems of Hakker are entirely removed and incinerated. Loa that offer 'blessings' in exchange for sacrifices are not welcome. Is that understood, elders?"
The faces of the priests of hakkar was a dumbfounded look, before contorting into expressions of fury directed at Malacrass.
"MALACRASS, YOU TRAITOR!" the hakkari priests bellowed as they were being dragged away.
"Clear, my king," all the elders responded while the screams and delirious ramblings of the priests of Hakkar resonated in the background.
Zul'jin rose from his throne, descending down the steps, behind I shadowed. Zul'jin's fiery gaze fixed upon Malacrass, "Malacrass, have anything to say?"
All the elders rose from their seated positions, even the eldest among them could not remain seated with the king standing among them.
Malacrass's previously unfocused gaze cleared for the first time in a long time as he kneeled before Zul'jin, "I wish to resign from my position as the high priest of Zul'Aman."
Shock reverberated throughout the throne room at Malacrass's statement. Even Zul'jin required a moment to comprehend what High Priest Malacrass had just said, "Why do you wish to resign, Malacrass? Are you apprehensive that your execution is imminent? Or is the sky truly falling, and you feel guilty for sacrificing your brethren?" Zul'jin asked.
Malacrass's eyes remained fixed on the ground as he responded, "Not even animals worship beings beneath them, and I have done so for all of my life. I worked myself to the bone for little more then small boons that changed little and helped the people of Zul'Aman even less." Zul'jin's eyes seemed to soften a bit at Malacrass's words.
A sight unfolded in front of me, as Malacrass's darkness seemed to burn a little, little by little, burning away in the sunlight. his soul may still be unclean, to be burdened by his actions forever, but it showed me that he had a chance for redemption—a clear reminder and proof that anyone can embrace the light of Surael through earnest effort.
"Henceforth, you no longer hold the title of high priest, and you shall be lashed ten times for every troll you have sacrificed. if you survive this by tomorrow, I shall see to your fate by then." with a wave of Zul'jin's hand, Daa'kara escorted The compliant Malacrass down the stairs.
Zul'jin's gaze shifted to another elder and another; accusations were pronounced, and gradually, the council chamber lightened as the number of elders dwindled from 35 to less than 15.
"Witch Doctor Tzoxo," Zul'jin called his uncle by name, "For your commendable work and service to this decaying kingdom, you shall shoulder the weight and responsibility of the high priest of Zul'Aman."
In shock, Tzoxo responded, "But, your majesty, I have no experience in the affairs of the Loa and their worship."
Zul'jin nodded at him, "You will learn, as every high priest before you has. You will learn the responsibilities of your role"
Another name was called, and another. The honest individuals with virtuous souls were rewarded and assumed the positions of elders once higher than them.
A purge was executed, and all who opposed the king were consigned to the gallows—punished akin to Malacrass or executed like the priests of Hakkar. Meanwhile, those who remained loyal were duly rewarded.
Zul'jin returned to his throne, and I took my place on his right, while Daa'kara stood on his left.
"Jaerel," Zul'jin called my name.
Descending the stairs until I was on the same level as the Elders, I bowed deeply to the king. "At your command, my king."
"Share with me the plans you have for the city of Zul'Aman," Zul'jin inquired.
I nodded, straightening my back before commencing. "I seek your support to establish a robust method of procuring sustenance for the people of Zul'Aman. This entails the creation of fisheries, farms, orchards, and more—anything to diversify the dietary resources available to our populace. Currently, the food consumption within the western and eastern districts is confined to fruits and whatever meat they can acquire, a situation that merits rectification." I winced at the mention of the meat, sourced at times from their own kind—a repulsive reality that demands alteration.
Zul'jin nodded in agreement, "That can be established easily enough. Anything else you have planned?"
"Education. The city of Zul'Aman appears to be sorely deficient in any skilled professionals. It lacks carpenters, blacksmiths, fletchers, engineers, scholars, officers, and has only a meagre population of lore masters posing as historians. Furthermore, it lacks merchants. My king, I must express my dismay at the absence of these fundamental roles within the city. All of this can be easily fixed by establishing some level of elementary education, it will allow the city to establish these professional classes naturally." my countenance etched with anger and a tinge of despair at the need to establish such basic professions, not to mention the absence of artificers, enchanters, rune smiths, jewellers, magical engineers, and alchemists.
"What do you propose to address this issue?" Zul'jin inquired.
"I recommend dispatching trolls with the ability to read and write to instruct the people of Zul'Aman, especially the children, in literacy. Subsequently, I can oversee the training of the most promising individuals in blacksmithing, carpentry, and engineering. While these are not my areas of expertise, I possess some rudimentary knowledge imparted by my teacher. This will lay the foundation for a specialized workforce in the kingdom, which can gradually expand through apprenticeships and formal schooling." I explained
Zul'jin nodded in agreement before turning to his uncle, "High Priest Tzoxo will oversee the task of teaching the people how to read and write. By the time you return, we should have begun implementing elements of your plan. Anything else to add?"
Running my hand through my hair, I added, "Maintenance, Your Majesty. The entire city is engulfed in moss and greenery, penetrating the walls. The structures are deteriorating, and trash litters the streets. People treat the city like a trash heap. I recommend hiring personnel to cleanse the streets and workers to commence maintenance on the walls and streets under careful supervision to prevent issues arising from negligence and ignorance. It will be a time-consuming process, but, Your Majesty, one must initiate the effort somewhere. If the populace perceives the city as a dump, they will treat it as such."
Zul'jin gave me a sympathetic look, understanding the challenges I was grappling with, "Thanks to the generous wealth provided by the resigning elders, I believe we can commence the maintenance operation immediately. Anything else, Jaerel?" Zul'jin couldn't suppress a small snicker at the mention of the resigning elders, and neither could I.
With a smirk on my lips, I replied, "For the present, these are the most evident and fundamental issues. Yes, Your Majesty, that is all."
"That is satisfactory. Now, as the trading trip is at the forefront of my thoughts, let's deliberate on the plans we have in mind. Daa'kara, bring a map to the Elder's table," the king instructed Daa'kara as he descended again to the Elders' table, once more compelling the elders to stand. Oh, the poor hearts of the elders must be on the verge of a heart attack due to all this stress.
It appears that I am not the only one relishing the sight of the elders, as the twitching lips of Zul'jin revealed. "Please remain seated, Elders, as the discussion will take a considerable amount of time." Fortunately for the elders, Zul'jin was a benevolent king to his people.
"While Daa'kara is bringing the maps, Jaerel, what do you believe Zul'Aman requires most from this trade, what will benefit the kingdom in the long term?" Zul'jin inquired, taking his seat at the head of the table, cleaving the Elders' table in half, with me to his right and Tzoxo to his left.
Seating myself to the right of the king, the Elders followed suit, "I would propose the introduction of blacksmiths, carpenters, builders, and the invitation of guilds into the city, offering them incentives to establish subsidiaries. This may introduce an element of competition, but it can be effectively managed with good governance. These guilds would serve as a stable source of specialists to aid Zul'Aman while simultaneously developing its own cadre of experts, though this is a long-term consideration."
Tzoxo's countenance snapped towards me as if I had uttered words of impending doom, "I comprehend your perspective, Elder Jaerel, desiring a specialist class within the city. However, let us exercise patience and allow the populace to acclimate to your presence first. I am certain that just your proximity to the king has already sent many into shock," Tzoxo responded with a shake of his head.
"I concur with High Priest Tzoxo; rushing matters in Zul'Aman would only breed more animosity among the people. Let us wait before introducing other races into Zul'Aman," another elder concurred with Tzoxo.
Zul'jin's gaze took on a contemplative aspect before nodding in agreement with Tzoxo, "I align with High Priest Tzoxo on this. Hastening the matter now would only deepen resentment among the people. Let us wait some time before welcoming any other race into Zul'Aman."
I nodded as well, realising that my impatience was clouding my judgement. Bringing different races into a xenophobic kingdom could be quite self-destructive. "In terms of equipment—hammers, hoes, fishing rods, baskets, axes, pickaxes—inform me of your expansion plans, and I can identify the necessary equipment. It is more prudent than haphazardly acquiring items without a clear plan for our expansion." I questioned, as buying equipment randomly would be just a huge waste. Setting a clear plan to where we shall expand and the required equipment for such is better than just closing our eyes and buying at random.
Zul'jin stroked his beard while pondering my question, "In my youth, plans were made to establish fishing villages on the eastern and southern shores of our kingdom. Unfortunately, these plans were forgotten as focus shifted back to the war effort. We can utilise the old plans for those fishing villages as a foundation for our expansion. It will streamline the entire process," Zul'jin suggested.
"Fishing equipment—rods, nets, boats, and bait," I enumerated the necessary tools for fishing.
"We can try to establish some farms and orchids too. Some small grain farms, assigned to common people for management. We merely need to supply them with initial seeds and equipment. In return, they provide us with an initial payment of grain. This way, we can establish a stable class of farmers who can sustain themselves without our assistance, ensuring a reliable supply of grain for the people," spoke an Elder, Tug'nin, an old member with whitening black hair and an almost fully white beard, tusks of fearsome size protruding from the sides of his face—a lore master of the tribe.
"We can construct more than one farm and induce competition among the farmers. This would drive prices down, making it more affordable for the people," added another Elder named Jinsha. Among the shorter trolls in the Elder group, he sported a leather hat, dyed red hair, and a black goatee. His tusks were comparatively shorter.
My excitement surged. These Elders were not merely figureheads; They just thought of a good system that could aid the kingdom in its first steps to a better future within seconds. With the right guidance, they could contribute significantly to the kingdom's development.
"They would not need much oversight, only guards to protect from potential elven threats. Since Zul'Aman is the sole troll city nearby, they would be obliged to sell their produce here exclusively," suggested Elder Wosasha, adding to the management of the farmers, the elder's face was covered by a wooden mask, with his ears and his green beard being the only things apparent out of it.
I nodded in agreement and contributed to the discussion, "That is an excellent system, and I would suggest a minor addition. If the land remains unused or undeveloped after a three-year grace period for the owners, it should be reassigned to another landowner committed to developing and producing for Zul'Aman."
"Excellent. Once we ascertain the seed requirements, we can start distributing land accordingly for the use of Zul'Aman. Anything else, Jaerel" Zul'jin nodded with a smile, his satisfaction radiating brightly. Witnessing his Elders collaborate constructively without petty disputes must have brought him immense joy.
"while on the subject of farming, I will seek to acquire sheep and cattle for milk and wool. Apologies, my king, but walking around in a loincloth barely covering any body parts is neither suitable for winter nor effective as armor. Wool for tailors and leather for tanners," I remarked, gesturing to Zul'jin's loincloth.
"I understand your concern, but I don't think it's a priority at the moment. Winter doesn't come to these lands, and armor serves little purpose now that we focus on Zul'Aman's administration rather than warfare," countered Elder Tug'nin, the white-haired member of the council.
"I see this from a different perspective. These garments can ensure a steady income for the kingdom with minimal expenses. Under kingdom management, the revenue generated will facilitate the acceleration of our reforms and progress. It's a simple economic cycle – workers spend their wages on luxuries we supply, circulating money back to us. This keeps the people content, and we, in turn, have the means to pay their wages, fostering continued productivity. For this initiative, I am willing to contribute gems, gold, and more from my family's personal coffers," Jinsha not only addressed Tug'nin's concerns but also offered financial support to realise the plan.
Wosasha affirmed Jinsha's proposal, stating, "They can easily be fed from the waste produced by the grain we sow."
Zul'jin acknowledged Jinsha's commitment, stating, "Then Jinsha's family will be responsible for the sheep and tailors endeavour."
"The equipment and seeds needed for the farms will be covered by me." Tug'nin added, making the table have a more competitive spirit.
"I will provide for the transportation equipment between the fishing town and Zul'Aman, as well as the wages for those making the journey – haulers, guards, and merchants," Wosasha contributed to the collaborative effort.
Other elders joined in, offering financial contributions for equipment, seeds, and support for their respective initiatives. Some even sought pickaxes and hammers to kickstart metal production for the blacksmiths..
"Good, good, my Elders, that's what I wanted to see – your burning will to witness this kingdom rise, for it to shine bright by the words of another. Jaerel, as the funds for the larger projects have been provided, you may use my gold as you see fit to supplement any project you deem necessary or anything that catches your fancy. It is yours to utilise as you will." Zul'jin stood up, pushing his chair aside.
The intense gazes of the Elders fixed heavily upon me. "On the mention of Jaerel, my king, we need an oath, by Jaerel's own God. This represents the entire wealth of the Amani kingdom. As we hold nothing against him and lack the power to enforce our will upon him, we require an oath by his god. He has proven to us that he is a man of honour and vision; nothing more is needed," Tzoxo requested.
Zul'jin's face nearly burned with rage at the audacity of this request. "That is not required, Ja—" Zul'jin began to speak.
Not allowing Zul'jin to continue, I cut him off. "I promise you under the sun, in Surael's name as his chosen, as his dawn, I promise this trade caravan that I will lead will return with everything you requested or my dead body," I affirmed to the surrounding Elders
"You were out of line, Tzoxo" Zul'jin completely ignored my promise.
Tzoxo's head lowered under the accusing gaze of his nephew. "I know, my king, but for this to be a true cooperative endeavour between all of us for the better future of Zul'Aman, we need to trust Jaerel completely, for he will literally have the future of your kingdom in his hands," Tzoxo responded.
I looked at Zul'jin before nodding, "Indeed, my king. If gaining this trust requires a holy promise, it is a small price and the least they deserve as they entrust their gold with me," I added.
Zul'jin's gaze shifted between me and Tzoxo a few times before he spoke, "Of course, you will accept being doubted, Jaerel, but I will not. Your punishment will be addressed later, Tzoxo." Zul'jin glared at both me and Tzoxo.
Taking his eyes off us, he focused on the approaching figure of Daa'kara. "Bring the map here, Daa'kara," Zul'jin gruffed.
"On it, my king," Daa'kara rushed to place the map on the Elders' table before standing behind Zul'jin.
The map was gently laid upon the table, a rather simple representation with Zul'Aman at the centre, encompassing a significant territory. The details were scarce, with the southern region depicting the Kingdom of Lordaeron with their capital to the far west, even more south were lands vaguely marked as Alterac, Stromgrade, and the aerie peak tribe, and to the north, Quel'thalas with Silvermoon City, constructed on the trolls' sacred land.
I could not help raising my brow at the depictions in red around the city icon.
Realising the heated looks and gazes between him and the map, Daa'kara stepped back, admitting, "These are old maps from a couple of decades ago." Daa'Kara spoke sheepishly.
Yeah, I think I realised that.
Tzoxo inspected the maps and then turned his attention to me, asking, "How much weight can you carry with your ability to fly?"
Lifting my eyes from the map to meet Tzoxo's gaze, I replied, "I can lift how much you ever require. Considering our circumstances, I won't even consider trading with the high elves to the north. They would likely send me away or kill me on sight for appearing inside their forest without passing through the first gate. Our only feasible option is to trade with the humans to the south, for anything we might require, from seeds to equipment."
Zul'jin nodded, pointing at the southern mountains on the map. "You see these mountains to the south, Jaerel? Since you can fly and assist others in doing so, we need you to fly over the mountains, finding a path for yourself with the gold and valuables. From there, you can initiate your trade with Northdale village," he indicated the village south of the mountains. "It's a small farming and fishing village called Northdale, where you might be able to exchange some gold and gems for seeds. The trolls accompanying you can traverse the mountainous route to deliver the seeds, initiating our farming operations." Zul'jin concluded his explanation, his eyes holding a contemplative gaze while focused on the map.
Tzoxo regarded me, settling into his chair, "Indeed, and from there, you would be on your own. We can provide little aid, as any trolls seen with you would cause issues with the guards and authorities of Lordaeron," he clarified.
Zul'jin, too relaxed within his chair, as most of the heavy work of the day was cleared, "The most straightforward trade route is through Stratholme, following the northern road. Stratholme, being the second-largest city within Lordaeron, should offer almost anything you might need—from seeds to equipment to magical tomes. If Stratholme doesn't provide everything, head westwards to the capital city, the largest city in Lordaeron," Zul'jin pointed along the southern road and then westward through several villages, eventually indicating above the capital city.
Jinsha added details about the capital, "The capital of Lordaeron, one of the holy lands of the Light faith and cherished by the church. It is the most populous city. The people there are reputed to be religious, honest, and good citizens of Lordaeron. So, trade in general should proceed smoothly.".
"Lordaeron has not experienced wars in a long time, so you would find few men skilled in weaponry, and even fewer with magical abilities. Most mages in the Human kingdoms south of us are taught and centralised under another city called Dalaran," Zul'jin explained. "So, if you have to engage in combat, you'll likely have little reason to be concerned, especially if you can swiftly finish off the troublemakers." Little else was mentioned regarding the prospect of conflict with the humans, an unwanted prospect.
I closed my eyes, contemplating the map. With a wave of my hand, I infused it with magic, bringing the mountains near Zul'Aman to life. The entire map transformed into a vivid, real-world version. A small show of power nothing more.
"I will trek southwards with some trolls to find a path through the mountains. If a path isn't found, I'll leave the trolls at the mountain's base and return to them later," I indicated at the foot of the mountain on the map.
"That is correct," Tzoxo confirmed.
Continuing, I explained, "Next, I'll head to the village called Northdale, trade for whatever they have, and send it back north with the trolls—seeds, hoes, pickaxes, farming equipment, nets, fishing rods, bait, or even knowledge about fishing."
Jinsha looked upon the map while nodding, "We would need anything you may send back, if not to use it, but just to replicate it, we always were able to do that with weapons but never did we try with farming equipment and fishing rods, the start of the operation can be completed by the time you are back, and when you are back with the equipment we would already have a certain level of learned trolls who are able to use the equipment."
"Indeed, when you return, we'll already have learned how to use the equipment and can teach other trolls," Wosasha added.
I nodded at the concerned Jinsha and Wosasha. "That would ease much of the work later on, thank you. After I conclude my trade in Northdale, I'll head west towards the coastal city of Stratholme. If the trade is successful and the money given to me is finished, I'll promptly send the shipments back. If not, I'll continue southwest towards the capital city trading with any villages and traders on the way."
Zul'jin again indicated the southern mountain. "Yes, if the path northwards from Northdale is traversable, we'll send another group of trolls southwards to receive your shipments. Whatever shipment you may have procured.".
"Then I'll ensure the path is easily traversable. After Stratholme, I'll head to the capital to finish with the remaining gold and gems," I concluded, withdrawing my magic from the map, returning it to its once more simple state.
"If there is nothing else, my king, I'd like to leave and prepare. The gold won't collect itself," Tug'nin stated as he left.
"If you'll excuse me, my king, I need to start gathering the personnel for this endeavour," Wosasha followed suit soon after.
"This trade is going to help Zul'Aman to no end, my king. I will make sure of it," Jinsha declared before he too excused himself.
"If you'll excuse me too, my king, I have to prepare to teach the people how to read and write," Tzoxo departed shortly after with a sigh and some grumbling about teaching people who don't even know how to hold a feather correctly.
The throne room now had only four occupants: Marosh, Daa'Kara, Zul'jin, and me.
Zul'jin left his chair slowly as he ascended to his throne, "Marosh you may leave to supervise over the burning, I don't want my people hurt for a measly god Like Hakkar." Zul'jin ordered Marosh.
Marosh did not say anything, but his hesitant steps said more than enough about leaving his king unattended.
Seating himself softly upon his throne, Zul'jin turned his attention to Daa'Kara. "You may go rest, and if you have anything you may require from this trade, bring a small list to me tomorrow. It shall be paid from my gold for whatever you want," Zul'jin said.
Daa'Kara shook his head, "I require nothing, my king, neither rest nor reward. Just your safety. as your champion the best reward you can bestow upon me is another day of work," Daa'Kara countered.
Zul'Jin's yellow eyes focused on Daa'Kara. "This is not a request, Daa'Kara, but an order. You shall bring me a list from your daughter and yourself for whatever she wishes by tomorrow. If you dare not request anything, you will be punished. Now, leave me be, Daa'Kara," Zul'Jin commanded his loyal guard.
Daa'kara bowed deeply, not raising his head till the comforting gaze of his king travelled again to his visage. Still. His steps showed hesitance, unwillingness to leave his king alone, yet he complied and left the throne room.
A serene hush enveloped the throne room as the resplendent light of the dusking sun bathed the regal seat in a captivating orange glow, akin to the gentle touch of cotton, transforming the once blood-stained chamber into a sanctuary of purity and delight.
I ascended the stairs to the throne with deliberate steps, intending to disappear into his shadow as he sought rest from the hectic day.
With his left hand cradling his chin, the purple scarf gracefully cascading from the armrest of the once bloody throne to the ground, Zul'Jin looked the picture of tiredness.
"Jaerel, do you think I am a great king?" His eyes sealed shut, weariness emanating from every fibre of his being, Zul'jin inquired in a voice so subdued that only I could discern it from that distance.
My steps did not waver from their ascent "No."
"Jaerel, do you think I am a good king?" Again he asked, his tiredness only getting thicker.
Once more, I shook my head, slowing my approach to the throne, my initial intention of shadowing Zul'jin now lay abandoned, "No."
Zul'jin's hand trembled, and his countenance almost succumbed under its own weight. "Jaerel, am I a malevolent king?" he implored, seemingly relinquishing the hope for a favourable response.
I advanced until I stood merely a couple of steps in front of Zul'jin, "You pose the wrong question, My liege, for today, you were truly born as a sovereign, today you awoke to your essence, for today, a man of magnificence was born from you, a man whose grandeur effortlessly befits a sovereign, and today this great man showed his greatness, Stand tall, Zul'jin," I declared, my voice assuming a grandeur I did not expect.
The orange light of the dusking sun seemed to intensify, dancing around my form, sharing its splendour and joy, filling me with power.
My emotions surged, revitalising my fading spirit, mending the wounds of my bleeding soul.
I grasped the king's shoulder, urging him to rise, "Once, you were a great king, Zul'jin, but now, greatness is an understatement for you. Your name shall echo far and wide; your name and Zul'Aman's shall be one. For you govern a great people, and you shall stand as the highest among them. For you, brother, greatness is too little." I did not afford him time to process my words as I brought the legendary King of Zul'Aman in a warm brotherly embrace.
He hugged me back, relaxing for the first time since I met him, as if a great weight was lifted from his tired shoulders. the final vestiges of the sunlit dusk, showered over us.
I whispered into his ear, "Zul'jin, greatness is an understatement for you, my brother. Rest now, and awaken tomorrow anew – a man who was once a wellspring of darkness now radiates brilliance, a soul once immersed in darkness purified and cleansed."
I focused the remaining essence of dusking sun into a warm, orange light that trickled slowly into the depths of Zul'jin's soul, "Today, you have died; tomorrow, you shall emerge anew. Let the world resonate with the roar of the Legendary ruler of Zul'Aman; let your adversaries quiver at the mere mention of your name. For you are my brother, and my brethren, transcend mere greatness."
Zul'jin's fatigued spirit ultimately relinquished its grasp on consciousness as he succumbed to unconsciousness, and I gently placed Zul'jin upon my shoulder. Manifesting my wings, I slowly flew out of the throne room.
With measured grace, I glided slowly to the bottom of the throne room and into the isolated house, it was as destroyed and broken as we left it.
I laid Zul'jin upon his bed, a bed fashioned from the hides of wolves and bears.
Leaving him to his sleep, I walked into the middle of the destroyed house, before lying down on the ground.
Bringing a small pillow made out of soft clay, I laid my head upon it. A tiring day filled with hard work, a day filled with good work deserving of a good rest.
Simple note:
If you have anything you want to say to me, you can contact me on my discord account *kenshi_ryiz*. Send me a friends request and I will talk about nearly anything really.