Birthright
by Steve Lazarowitz
Oft times a single event may alter forever the course of the future. That's how it had been for me. An event and a tale, whispered over the course of many hours through the bars in a dungeon door. I was young, no more than seventeen and thought I knew it all.
I had been a guard for High Lord Elvior for two years. I performed to the best of my ability at all times, hoping to rise through the ranks. I took every abuse from the Captain and smiled, for that was the way to advancement. Perhaps that is why I was assigned that most singular prisoner.
I did not expect trouble, nor did any arise. Not even a stronger man could breach the stout iron door that barred him from all but the most meager light and this man did not seem that powerful. He was tall, almost gaunt, as if he'd already spent half a lifetime incarcerated. His thinning hair, long in the back, had more than a touch of gray in it and looked as if it had never seen a comb. His eyes contained a profound sadness that reached into me. In spite of that bit of empathy, I followed orders and kept my distance.
It was a mystery, all right. Here I was, an extra precaution on a man that seemed to pose no threat. As one of the newer guards, I was assigned to midnight detail, the darkest, most horrible hours imaginable to be alone in the stone corridors of a dungeon. As the hours passed, I began to concoct stories to explain his presence, none of which made my job any easier. I don't know which was worse, the boredom or the fear.
At odd intervals I looked in on my charge, just to pass the time. He seemed perfectly at ease. Once he even looked at me and smiled. I retreated several steps. I didn't know what powers this man might possess and I wasn't at all anxious to find out.
For the rest of the night I kept my distance, until just before dawn, when my replacement arrived.
It was with great pride that I walked through the halls of Castle Kelrak, the ancestral home of the Kelrak clan. It was an honor to serve such a noble people and I was a part of it. I wondered if other guards in other castles felt that way about their own liege-lords.
I returned to the quarters that I shared with three other guards. They were already about their tasks, thus the room was empty. I undressed, lowered myself onto my pallet and fell into a deep sleep that lasted many hours.
When next I returned to my post in the subterranean passages of Castle Kelrak, I vowed I would not again allow dread to rule me. Several times I looked through the three bars in the door's tiny window, but only an hour or so before dawn did the prisoner take notice. Then he smiled again. The reaction still unnerved me. Perhaps he was envisioning what he'd do to me should he escape. I was about to turn away, when he spoke.
"You seem young for this job."
Had he said anything else, I might have followed orders and maintained my silence, but I bridled under what I assumed to be an insult. "I've been at it long enough, old man."
"Old man? I take it, they haven't told you who I am. Well, no matter. You're too young to understand anyway."
Too young! I would have shouted at him, but for fear of being heard. Before I could speak, he continued.
"What are you boy, fifteen? Sixteen? How old were you when the Qelth were finally routed?"
I knew about the Qelth invasion, of course. Everyone did. It began some twenty years ago. No one knew where they came from, but suddenly they were everywhere, taking what they wanted from who they wanted. The war was a bloody mess that lasted a decade, but at the end of that time, what was left of the Qelth boarded what was left of their ships and vanished into the same sea from which they'd arrived.
"I was seven. My father fought against them. He died a short time after the war." I thought then about my father and how much I missed him. I had never forgotten the stories he told, even after all this time.
"What's your name?"
"Errol. And I'm not as young as you seem to think."
The prisoner rose and moved toward me. I almost backed away, but forced myself to hold my ground. I had no reason to fear this man.
"Let me tell you a story. Perhaps it will help speed the hours. For me, it will be a welcome distraction. For you, well, I can't imagine standing out there each night is all that exciting either."
I knew I wasn't supposed to talk with him, but in truth, the hours did drag and I didn't see how harm could come of it. I was still debating when he began to speak, obviously mistaking silence for assent.
"Each spring, King Thermick and all of the Lords gather together to hunt the great white stags that descend from the mountains into the Forest of Yareel. The ritual is supposed to remind us of the Qelth invasion. I also fought in that war. For years after, whenever I closed my eyes, all I could see were rivers of blood flowing from mountains of corpses. It was a nasty business."
He paused and I shuddered. It is one thing to know history, yet another to survive it. His next question caught me off guard. "Tell me boy, can you name one good thing about the war?"
Did any war have some kind of hidden benefit? If so, I could think of none. Still, I didn't want this stranger to think I had no answer. "We won. If there is anything else to be grateful for, no one ever mentioned it to me."
"Fairly spoken. I was however, not speaking of the actual melee, but rather the effect it had on the Kingdom of Heralyn. Before the invasion, we were a collection of individual territories, barely worthy of the title, kingdom. The Lords were more interested in filling their own purses than supporting any great or noble cause. The Qelth drew us together."
I wanted to rebel against his words. The Kelrak clan was an ancient and honorable lineage. Yet I could still recall my father sitting at the kitchen table, opposite his brother. "Lord Thermick has his hands full, he does. I tell you, never has a fairer man walked among us. And the other Lords don't see it. They resist and plot and play their games, but it is all for naught, I tell you. This Thermick is better than that. It'll take more than the greed of a noble to break this one's momentum." My uncle seemed share my father's respect for the upstart Lord, which was odd. They'd never agreed on anything else.
The prisoner seemed to be waiting for some kind of response. "Go on."
"For years now, the Hunt has seen more than a little dissension. The King grows older and many of the Lords have begun to behave like buzzards, waiting only for Thermick to pass on, before they swoop down and pick at his remains. When we gathered for this year's Hunt, the tension was a taut bowstring, ready to let fly."
"You were there?"
"I was."
I couldn't picture it. Nothing about this man bespoke an association with royalty. I said nothing to indicate my doubt. After all, the story was, if nothing else, entertaining. "What happened?"
"King Thermick was there, along with his man Andrac. You've heard of him, yes?
I could only barely remember Lord Andrac, who was High Lord Elvior's son. He would have been heir to the Kelrak throne and fortune had he stayed. Instead, after the war, he chose to serve King Thermick, thus turning his back on his rightful inheritance. The family still snickers whenever Andrac's name is mentioned, but my father had kinder words for the High Lord's son. I believe he admired Andrac's choice, though I could never understand why. "Of course, I know of him."
"You should. He is one of the great Lords of the Kelrak clan, even if he did surrender his birthright. Of course, all the others were there too. Your own High Lord Elvior, High Lord Tharlic, even Lady Alondra was present. They were a splendid group, I must say, each garbed as befit his station. At first events proceeded much as always. The Lords vied for position, the most powerful assuming their places closest to the King. Lady Alondra was one of those, as always, trying to charm him into a profitable union.
"Only Andrac, perhaps because he felt secure in his position, shifted through the ranks, exchanging news and stories with men he hadn't seen in a year. All of the old animosities were present, as well as some new ones. Lords Alnor and Hegeman were still not speaking from words they'd exchanged during last year's Hunt. And the Lords of the smaller domains were even more vocal than their more established counterparts. Only by lunch time, did the dust begin to settle."
"What happened then?"
"During the noon meal, just when everyone was beginning to relax, King Thermick rose to make a speech. This in itself was not unusual. He did so every year. You could almost hear the boredom. After all, everyone already knew about the Qelth invasion, which was invariably what Thermick would end up recounting. This year however, he had a surprise."
The prisoner wrapped the fingers of his right hand around one of the bars as he spoke. His eyes took on a faraway look, as if he were remembering. Perhaps he really had been there. I leaned closer to hear his words.
"He thanked the Lords for coming and said that by the end of this year's Hunt, he would announce his choice for successor to the throne. For just an instant, the woods were so quiet you could hear the trees growing. Then thirty Lords all started speaking at once. If anyone did see a stag after that, they didn't mention it."
I was so involved in the story, I almost didn't hear the sound of boots on stone. I moved away from the cell door just in time. Toric, my replacement, rounded the bend. "So how is he?"
"What matter? He isn't going anywhere, if that's what you mean."
"So I gathered. Long night?"
"You can't imagine. And I don't understand the point of standing here. Did Elvior think he might break the door down?"
Toric looked at me strangely. "I think not. I would imagine his Lordship is somewhat more concerned with an attempted rescue."
I was stunned. Such an eventuality had never occurred to me. The very possibility lent validity to the prisoner's tale. "He doesn't look like he's worth the effort."
Toric chuckled. "I suppose not at that."
That was the last we spoke of the matter. We clasped hands and I returned to my quarters. Once again, my companions were out. I undressed and lowered myself into bed, but did not immediately find sleep. The prisoner's tale kept returning unbidden to my mind. When I finally did close my eyes, my rest was encumbered by dreams that I could not remember upon waking.
I awoke late in the afternoon, somewhat before dinner was served and just in time for the news. Lord Andrac was returning home. I wondered at the coincidence of it. The High Lord's son had not been this way in many years and his appearance now, at a time when a nameless prisoner had brought him up, was most intriguing.
It wasn't long after I heard the tidings that I was summoned to the Captain's office. The Captain of the Guard was a large man, who would have been imposing without the extra bulk. He only barely glanced up as I entered.
"Lord Andrac, I'm certain you've heard, is coming to sup with us. You are to be present in the dining hall an hour before dinner, until midnight when you will take your shift in the dungeon."
"Yes, Sir." Under other circumstances, I would have been unhappy about having to work a double shift. However, in view of the fact that the dinner conversation might yield some clue as to the identity of the rather odd man I'd been guarding, I rather looked forward to it.
The Captain did not again raise his head and after a few moments, I realized I'd been dismissed. I turned and made my way back to my quarters, where I dressed in my ceremonials. After all, one couldn't enter the presence of High Lord Elvior in standard garb, especially before a visitor. I polished my breastplate to a fine golden sheen. My halberd, which always seemed heavier than I remembered, was also spotless. I have always loved the look of the weapon, though I did not look forward to an evening of holding it erect.
I shaved, dressed and made my way to the dining hall. Several other guards were already there, speculating on what it all meant. After listening to their conversation, I knew they knew less than I, which was a pity. I didn't know anything. Perhaps when I went below at midnight, the prisoner would resume his tale.
The next hour or so was more than dull. After a few minutes, the guards grew tired of guessing what might be afoot and turned the talk to women. As I had never had one, I had little to offer to the conversation. My silence was almost like an admission of guilt, but I did not join them. Instead I thought about Lord Andrac.
He could have had it all and instead ended up a lackey for the King. Why? And why had my father so respected his decision? Why were so many so loyal to King Thermick? I had heard the story many times. How had a minor Lord managed to draw together a dozen separate territories that were in constant turmoil? Certainly not by force.
High Lord Elvior and his retinue entered then, and there was no more time for reflection. There was much ado about who was sitting where and what everyone was drinking. The guards all took up positions along the walls. My own was relatively close to where the High Lord sat. The women were all breathtaking, obviously having gone to great lengths to look so for Elvior's son. It was only then I wondered if he were just visiting or if he'd come home to stay.
Suddenly, all eyes turned toward the door and I had my answer. The chamberlain turned to announce the guest. "May I present into the presence of High Lord Elvior, in the name of King Thermick, Sir Andrac of Heralyn." There were several gasps. There was no reference at all to his relationship with the Kelrak clan. It was an error in etiquette Elvior was not likely to forgive.
The expression on Lord Andrac's face was grave as he entered and crossed the hall to his reserved place at the table just to the right of the High Lord. He wasn't a large man, but he was imposing in his own way, by right of intensity alone. His ring mail was even more burnished than my armor and his weapon, somewhat less ceremonial. I was surprised he wore his sword in the presence of the High Lord though as a representative of the King, I suppose he had the right.
I have to say I was disappointed by the dinner conversation. There was no mention of the King, the Hunt or succession. By the time I left to make my way to the dungeon, all I had learned was that Lord Andrac was here as a representative of the King and would be staying indefinitely.
I stopped back at my quarters only long enough to shed my armor, before resuming my post underground. As soon as I arrived, I looked in on him. The old man was asleep. Though I wanted to hear the end of the tale, I did not rouse him. I don't know why. Perhaps there was something about the man that I liked.
Several hours into my shift, I heard him stir. I walked to the door and looked through the bars. He was just coming to his feet. He looked even thinner and weaker than I remembered. Though I was not responsible for his captivity, I felt a pang of remorse. I reminded myself that I still didn't know what crimes he may have committed.
I cleared my throat and he turned. It may have taken him a moment to recognize me as the same guard from the night before. When he did, he ambled to the door. "Hello, my friend. How goes it with you tonight?"
"I'm well."
"What time is it?"
"Some hours before dawn." When he did not immediately respond, I spoke.
"I was hoping you would continue your story."
"There's not much more to tell."
"The King told the Lords he was going to choose a successor. Who did he pick?"
"He didn't. The Hunt, which usually runs a week, was interrupted on the third day by a large group dressed as brigands."
"There must have been a great many for them to dare an assault on nobility."
"They were great in number, but these were no ordinary thieves. I suppose they reminded me in some small way of the Qelth. They were suddenly there, they took what they wanted and were gone."
"What did they take?"
The prisoner paused for a long time, before replying. "King Thermick."
That was the end of the story. In the middle of this year's Hunt, a group of costumed mercenaries fell upon the nobles and took the King. No wonder Andrac had looked so grim. I had a thousand questions, but didn't get to ask any of them. Footsteps in the darkness reached my ears. I backed away from the cell door.
"Who's there?" I placed a hand on the hilt of my sword.
"Relax, Errol. It's only me. I was sent to relieve you."
Sure enough, as soon as those words were spoken Toric came into view. "The Captain wanted me down here. He said you worked long enough."
I must admit, I was surprised. My well-being had never before been of great concern to him. I could not ask Toric to leave without raising suspicion, so for the time being, my questions would remain unanswered.
I returned once again to my quarters, though this time, the others were all asleep. I undressed quickly, a task that would have been impossible had I not earlier removed my armor. I stretched out on my pallet and closed my eyes, but sleep would not come.
King Thermick had been taken. What a horrible tragedy for the Kingdom of Heralyn. What would happen now? What was Andrac doing here? Suddenly as I lay there, an odd thought began to form. What if my prisoner was the King?
I almost laughed then. How could that small, thin, retched looking man be the legend that was King Thermick? By some accounts he'd practically won the war on his own. Still, the Qelth invasion had started before I was born. King Thermick would be an older man by now. How old? If he was the King, why was he in our dungeon? I turned on my side and tried to force the thoughts from my mind. It was hopeless. There would be no sleep, until I knew the truth. And there was only one way I could be certain.
I rose slowly and dressed as quietly as possible. I did not want to wake the others. I needn't have worried. They could have slept through the Qelth invasion. Once in the hall, I made my way to the guest wing. Even though I hadn't been told which room Lord Andrac would be given, I'd worked long enough at the palace to make an educated guess. Nor was I wrong. I knew it as soon as I saw the guard standing in the hallway, before Andrac's door. There was no mistake. He was not to leave his room, unless High Lord Elvior knew about it.
As soon as he saw me, Trelen straightened up. As one of the more experienced guards, he seemed put off about having to work midnights. I didn't have to strain myself to figure what I would say to him. "The Captain sent me. He says you can take the rest of the night off."
I knew from his smile he wouldn't question me. He was too important to work this shift and I wasn't. He bade me good night and was gone before I could reply. I waited several minutes, before knocking at the door.
When I received no reply, I knocked again. I suppose I should have thought it out better. If the prisoner in the dungeon was not the King and if Lord Andrac reported my actions, I would be severely reprimanded. I almost left it alone then. Perhaps I would have, if the door hadn't opened, revealing a bleary eyed servant of the King.
"Forgive me, my Lord. I did not mean to wake you, but it is imperative we speak."
He opened the door wider and motioned for me to enter. I was uncomfortable about leaving the post unattended. If another guard passed and noticed, it would be bad, though perhaps not as bad if they caught me here. I entered quickly at the thought and he shut the door. The point of his blade was against my neck, before I realized he was holding it.
"I suggest you make this worth my while."
It had never occurred to me that Lord Andrac might fear for his life in the castle of his own father. It seemed that many things had until then escaped my suspicion. "There is a prisoner, my Lord. In the dungeon. I've been guarding him for the last two nights."
I didn't want to continue, for fear of being wrong.
Lord Andrac removed the point of his sword from my neck, but did not lower it. "Describe him."
I did. At last, he sheathed his blade and turned away. "Why are you telling me this? Don't you know that it's treason against your Lord?"
I suppose, had I thought about it, I would have realized. "Is that any worse than treason against my King?" And there it was. I had said it.
"What makes you think that unfortunate soul might be his Most Royal Majesty?"
"He told me what happened at this year's Hunt, though he never actually said who he was."
"I must be certain. The wrong move now could have dire consequences." He paused then, if as considering his choice of words. When he spoke again, I understood why. "If it is the King, can I count on you to back me?"
My eyes widened in surprise. I hadn't thought ahead to this moment, nor had I ever dreamed about being faced with this choice. Which loyalty was more important? Serving my Lord or serving my King. I suppose I'd already make that choice. I nodded once. He placed a hand on my shoulder. "Ask the prisoner this. How would he feel about marrying the Lady Alondra? Bring me his answer and I will know." I couldn't imagine what he was looking for, but I nodded once more and opened the door. I heard him bolt it behind me.
It was still well before dawn and the palace corridors were nearly deserted. I moved swiftly, wondering how badly I'd complicated my life. I wasn't even certain whether or not I wanted the prisoner to be King Thermick, but I had to know the truth.
When I came around the corner, Toric stood ready. When he recognized me, he looked surprised. "What are you doing here?"
I walked to the cell door and looked in. The man who might be King was awake. "I came to ask the prisoner a question." Toric looked more than slightly puzzled. I continued before he could say anything. "How would you feel about marrying the Lady Alondra?"
For a second, I wasn't certain he heard me. Then he burst into such a fit of laughter, I was certain he'd lost his mind. I hoped this would mean something to Lord Andrac. Toric watched me, waiting I suppose, for an explanation. I shrugged. "I just had to know." Then I was gone, moving rapidly through the hallways, leaving behind a confused and pensive colleague.
As I neared the guest corridor, I slowed, hoping no one had discovered the post uncovered. It seemed quiet when I arrived. I knocked. Lord Andrac opened the door. I entered and he closed it behind me.
"What was his answer?"
"Well, he didn't actually say anything. All he did was laugh."
"That would be the King. He'd had that exact same reaction several years back when I'd first brought it up. Unfortunately, short of starting a war, there is only one option open to me. I want you to stay with me until morning. Then we will request an audience with High Lord Elvior. You understand that after this is over, you will not be welcome here."
I swallowed. "Yes my Lord, I do."
"Then why?"
Why indeed? I suppose until that moment, I didn't really know. "My father fought for King Thermick during the Qelth invasion. I am certain he wouldn't rest easy if I betrayed that loyalty."
Lord Andrac's eyes softened for the first time since he'd returned. "I understand exactly."
"I wish I did. Why would High Lord Elvior abduct the King?"
"King Thermick has no heir. Up until this year's Hunt, the Lords all assumed that when he died, the Throne of Heralyn would be vacant. High Lord Elvior was in a perfect position to capitalize on that situation. And he was smart enough to know that he was not going to be chosen as successor."
I finished the story for him. "So by removing the King from the equation, he stood to benefit a great deal. Why didn't he just kill him?"
"Too many people knew he was behind it. All of the mercenaries, for example. If he killed the King and word did get out, he had nothing with which to bargain. If he had the King hostage, however, it would give him some amount of leverage. Not that he expected it to come to that. My father is a very careful man."
Having spent a lifetime believing High Lord Elvior to be honorable, it was difficult for me to accept Lord Andrac's words as fact. I remained in his room until shortly after dawn. By the time his request for an audience had been granted, I was no longer certain of the honor or nobility of the Kelrak clan.
As I strode down the corridor a step behind Lord Andrac, I wondered what I had gotten myself into. Had I known what he was going to do I might have never agreed, but there was no turning back now. I sincerely hoped I hadn't made a mistake.
I'd been in the throne room before, but only in the capacity of a guard. It is far more impressive when you are the center of attention as you stride down the aisle toward the throne. Lord Elvior was there as well as his advisors. Several other nobles were also present, though many looked as if they had only just awakened.
After entering, I stepped to the side and allowed Lord Andrac to walk down the aisle alone. It was his audience. To the others, it looked as if I had entered just behind him. There was nothing to suggest my change of allegiance.
Andrac knelt before the throne until Elvior bade him rise. "My Lord, I thank you for the privilege of this audience."
Elvior smiled, though there was no humor in it. "A servant of the King deserves no less."
"I am not here as a servant of the King, but as your son. I am here to claim my birthright."
There was a stunned silence throughout the hall, but Lord Andrac was not yet finished. "Furthermore, I wish to challenge you to a trial of arms for succession."
High Lord Elvior came to his feet. "What!" The low murmur from the sidelines grew into a rumble.
"It is a proper request, my Lord. I am still the heir and have the right to a challenge at arms. The terms are as usual. If I win, I take the throne; if I lose, my life is yours."
I have to admit it was an audacious act, but also a stupid one. I did not know how good he was with a blade, but Elvior's champion was a master. "You are a fool."
"Perhaps, but the challenge still stands."
Elvior took his throne. "I will not permit it."
"On what grounds?"
"You have no second."
"That is your only objection?"
"Without a second, there can be no guarantee of fair play. You know the rules of the duel as well as I. You should. I taught them to you. The law is clear on the matter. A duel may only be held in the presence of both seconds."
"Very well. Then I will name my second. Errol, step forward."
For a moment, the court held its breath and stared at the door. Even those that did know my name, did not assume that I was the man being called forth. There was a stunned silence as I stepped forward to stand behind what was apparently my new Lord.
"My God, Andrac. He's only a boy."
Andrac did not look at me. "Errol, how long have you been a guard, in High Lord Elvior's employ?"
My throat was impossibly dry. "Two years, my Lord."
"Is it your practice to guard your palace with children?"
Elvior had had enough. He rose and glared at me, then at his son. "Very well. You shall have your duel, today at noon in the west yard. We will put an end to this matter once and for all. When it is done, I will see both your heads on a pike."
With those words, High Lord Elvior descended the carpeted steps that led to the throne and exited into his private chambers. The spectators broke up into smaller groups to discuss an event that would be talked about for at least the next century. Lord Andrac turned toward me. "That went well."
I stared at him.
"Come. We have little time and I need to teach you what it takes to be a second." I followed him from the room, not daring to speak. As I passed, guards that I had once thought of as friends, turned from me and stepped back. I kept my eyes forward until we entered the corridor outside. I knew only one thing. If Andrac lost this battle, I was finished.
For the next two hours, Andrac tried to teach me what most people took a fortnight to learn. The most important role of a second, one for which I did not feel qualified, was to make certain that the battle was a fair one. Any hint of treachery would be enough to call it off.
I tried to pay attention and for the most part succeeded, though I knew I would never remember all of it. Also there was the constant distraction of fear. Ulreth, the High Lord's champion, was a mountain of a man who had never been beaten in single combat and while Lord Andrac had fought in the Qelth invasion, that had been ten years ago. The odds did not seem to be in our favor.
Noon came all too soon. As we walked toward the west yard, I tried to remember everything Andrac told me. I knew that once the battle began, I couldn't physically interfere, though I could shout advice or encouragement. I watched him as he strode confidently before me. What was it about such men that made their sacrifices look so trivial? As for myself, I was scared to death.
The courtyard was already crowded by the time we arrived. It seemed that everyone wanted a good seat for the carnage. As a second, I was right there in the thick of it. What I wouldn't have given for a seat in the last row.
Ulreth was there already, huge almost beyond belief. The muscles in his neck and arms bulged and he wielded his longer blade in a single massive fist, where I would have needed two arms just to lift it.
Andrac entered the center of the yard and drew his much shorter double-sided blade. He performed a sweeping bow, as if this were a mere exercise, rather than a match to the death. I held my breath as the two men faced each other. The High Lord rose. "For the throne."
Both men bowed and then fell into position. It wasn't much of a match, not that I really expected it to be. Ulreth moved like a man in his own home, his movements too fluid for a figure that large. From the first moments, Andrac was on the defensive, dodging, backing away and returning again to attempt a thrust or swipe. Each of his attacks were met with steel. I had thought he'd be better.
For what seemed like a very long time, Andrac only barely managed to avoid disaster. I will say that he was fast, but you can only dodge destiny for so long. At first I watched in silence, but as time passed, I began to shout encouragement. Nearby, the Captain of the Guard looked at me and smiled. The gesture did not reassure me.
At one point Andrac fell and had to roll to get away. He would not be able to stand the onslaught much longer. He was breathing heavily and sweat ran down his face. I tried to think of what to do, though as a second, I was honor bound not to interfere. And then I had it.
I ran from the courtyard as fast as I could, hoping to return before the inevitable conclusion. A few people noticed, but most were too intent on the match to care. I ran as fast as I could, stopping only to take the keys from the guard's station at the top of the dungeon. Not surprisingly, it was deserted. No one wanted to miss the duel.
I took the stairs two at a time. When I arrived at the cell, I was surprised to find the guard in place. Oh well. I was too deeply involved to back out now.
"Hold it."
I stopped and tried to control my breathing. "You're wanted upstairs. Ulreth lost the contest."
He looked at me in disbelief. I moved closer. "If you don't believe me, go check."
He looked down the corridor and then back at me. "If you're lying…"
I hit him. It was a nasty blow to the face with the iron key ring. He'd live, but he'd be in pain for a while. I didn't even have the time to feel bad, though I knew I probably would later. I unlocked the door and swung it open. The King was sitting cross-legged on the floor. He looked up at me and smiled. "Good tidings, my friend?"
"I'm afraid not your highness. Sir Andrac is here. At this very moment, he is engaged in mortal combat with the High Lord's champion."
King Thermick jumped to his feet. "Lead the way."
I did. I was surprised that the King was able to keep up with me. I didn't have to slow even once. As we approached the courtyard, the sound of metal on metal reassured me that the fight was not yet done. I prayed for the first time in years. King Thermick passed me and shouted something I couldn't hear over the din of the crowd. Then he ran right into the middle of the fray.
I cursed and followed, the King's safety my only thought. Ulreth turned momentarily toward the commotion. It was all Andrac needed. Somehow he managed to insert his blade between the ribs of the High Lord's Champion. I'm not certain which of the combatants had a more astonished look on his face. Ulreth turned toward his opponent, looked down at his stomach and then raised his sword high into the air. He threw back his head and screamed in rage. Then he looked at Andrac and attacked.
I moved between them. Those watching later told me I did so intentionally, though I don't remember making the decision. I do remember watching his advance with the sort of dread one might feel after their carriage had rolled off a cliff, but they had not yet hit bottom. I stared into the face of death without flinching. Andrac was not the only one who could be brave.
When the impact came, I felt myself leave the ground. Had he hit me with his blade, instead of his body, I'd have died then. I've never felt a blow like it, either before or since, but the impact slowed the warrior just long enough for Andrac to finish him. At once, High Lord Elvior was on his feet. "Foul! The second interfered."
I was only barely conscious, but somehow I managed to make my way to my feet. I found myself leaning on Andrac. "Not so, Elvior." It was the King who spoke. "You are a traitor to the Kingdom of Heralyn. You have broken the peace of the Kingdom to further your own quest for power. I must say, I am not surprised. Still, you know the penalty for treason."
High Lord Elvior fell silent. Several of the bystanders recognized the King now and few would leap to their master's defense. Andrac, still holding me, spoke. "I have won the trial at arms and now claim my place as the High Lord of the Kelraks. Those who will swear to me now will not be held responsible for Lord Elvior's actions."
There was only the slightest hesitation before the mob surged forward, kneeling before the new High Lord. I stepped away. The High Lord had better things to do than to support a guard. Lord Elvior looked at the crowd and then gave into the inevitable. At first I thought he intended to swear fealty to Andrac as well. Then he leaned forward, removed a dagger from one of the guard's scabbards and plunged it into his own chest. King Thermick ran to him, but there was nothing to be done. Elvior had chosen to die before his subjects, rather than suffer the penalty for treason. I think in his place, I'd have done the same.
I took a step or two toward the body, then collapsed on the cobblestone floor of the courtyard.
When I later awoke, I was not in my own room, but in one of the beds of the guest wing. It was many days before I again felt myself. Both the King and High Lord Andrac visited me daily and I became something of a hero for a time. Even the Captain of the Guard had nothing but kind words for me.
Three days later, I was feeling well enough to walk around. I needed to build my strength if I were to attend High Lord Andrac's coronation later that week. I spent a lot of time thinking about all that had transpired. I had been fortunate in many ways.
The coronation was a spectacular event and for once I was a guest. I drank and ate and mingled with people who a week earlier wouldn't have even acknowledged my existence. I felt my eyes fill with tears as they lowered the crown on High Lord Andrac's brow.
King Thermick was the first to step forward and congratulate him. Then he turned to address the crowd. "My dear people. I'm afraid that I'm growing too old for this sort of thing. I have lived my entire life for the Kingdom of Heralyn, and I love it more than any of you will ever know, but it has come time to move on. Before I go however, I have one last duty to perform. High Lord Andrac."
Andrac knelt before his King. "In all the years of my reign, you have time and again proved your wisdom, courage and, above all, loyalty. Therefore, as of now, I pass the royal scepter to you, if you will have it. Ladies and Lords of the Kelrak clan, I give you King Andrac the First."
There was much screaming and celebrating after that, but it was not over. King Andrac lifted Thermick in a bear hug and kissed his cheek. Tears of joy rolled down his face. For a long time, he was too emotional to speak. When his voice finally returned it was hoarse, though whether that was from shouting or emotion, I could not tell. "You can stay here my friend, for as long as you wish. You will always be welcome at Castle Kelrak."
But King Thermick, or rather Lord Thermick was already shaking his head. "I thank you for that, but I want to travel. I want to see the country. I want to experience the land I've fought for in the years before my death."
"Very well. Then there is only one matter left to handle, before the celebration begins. Errol, please step forth."
All eyes turned to me. I lowered my goblet and stared. I had no idea what would happen next. I approached the throne and knelt. King Andrac rose and walked down the stairs until he stood before me. I kept my eyes on the ground. "My dear Errol. Were it not for you, who knows what might have been. We, that is King Thermick and myself, are forever indebted to you. Therefore, my first act as King, will be to grant you a barony. You will have land and honor for what you have done. It is the least I can do."
I tried to speak, but words had deserted me. I looked up at him, tears in my eyes. Then I looked at the King. "Your highness," I said at last, "I appreciate the gesture, but I am no Lord. Let me choose another reward."
No one was more stunned by my words than I. Andrac bade me rise. "What is it you wish?"
I looked at Thermick. "You've lost a servant, my Lord. Will you take another? You can't just go off into the wilderness alone."
There were several gasps from the crowd. I wasn't certain I understood the decision myself, but I knew King Andrac did. For the rest of the evening, for the last time in my life, I acted and was treated as a Lord, but I was not yet ready for such a life. I had too much to learn first. The next morning, my Lord Thermick and I set out from King Andrac's castle and rode north.
Though a decade has since past, I have never regretted that decision, for my father had been right. King Thermick was the fairest man that had ever walked among us. After his death, several years ago, I returned to Castle Kelrak and took my rightful place among the palace guard. After all, King Andrac was getting on in his years and needed a man like me to look after him.
Copyright © Steve Lazarowitz ~ All Rights Reserved~