Reign of Madness (Revised Edition) (15 page)

“Hmm, that is an interesting hypothesis,” Rezkin said with a
nod. “Although, most would probably cry treason for such an accusation against
the king. Also, I do not believe that assassination of the crown prince is
typically viewed as an act worthy of a Sheyalin. You may be on to something,
though, except that there is fault in your logic. King Caydean did not bequeath
this blade to me,” he said as he slowly slid Kingslayer from its sheath. He
held the liquid silver blade out to the side allowing the lamplight to dance
among the silver and blue swirls. He reached across with his left hand and
slowly slid Bladesunder from the other scabbard, holding it out to his other
side as he said, “Nor did he bequeath to me this blade.”

Lieutenant Drascon gave a start. Not only did this Lord
Rezkin carry
two
Sheyalins, which was unheard of, he also all but
admitted they did not rightfully belong to him. Drascon’s head swung around to
gauge his captain’s reaction. Captain Jimson studied the blades appreciatively
but otherwise seemed unconcerned. The lieutenant turned his head to look at the
mage, and he, too, was unruffled.

Kai’s eyes widened and shifted back and forth between the
two Sheyalin blades before returning to meet the cold blue eyes of his captor.
“You carry two Sheyalins. You are not the rightful Bearer, then?”

“I did not say
that
,” Rezkin replied. “I only stated
that
Caydean
did not give them to me. My blades were bequeathed by King
Bordran.”

“Impossible,” Kai argued. “I would have known about it. Show
me your papers.”

“I do not believe you are in a position to make demands at
the moment,
Kai Coroleus
,” Rezkin remarked, “but I will make you a deal.
You were King Bordran’s man, so you say. I will show you my papers, and when
you are satisfied that I was, indeed, granted the honor of Sword Bearer by
right under order of King Bordran, then you will answer all of my questions
truthfully and thoroughly.”

Kai studied Rezkin’s stark looks. The strong jaw, broad
shoulders and larger than average build were imposing, but the inky black hair,
pale skin and startling blue eyes were what kept his attention. Kai nodded once
and replied, “If you can prove that, then I will grant unto you the loyalty I
once bestowed upon a worthy king.”

As Rezkin retrieved the small metal tube and removed the
cap, he said, “I do not ask for your loyalty, only answers.”

Rezkin passed the vital parchment to the man who accepted it
with reverence. Kai’s eyes followed the flowing script, which ended far too
quickly. His head darted up. “Where is the definition of authority?” he asked
quickly.

Rezkin simply grinned.

Kai looked over the parchment carefully, turning it in
various positions before the light as though looking for some trick. “Mage, can
you say that this has not been tampered with? The name was written by a
different hand, and pertinent information is missing.”

Wesson was surprised when he found himself chuckling. “You
would believe
me
if I told you it was not? Knowing I am in this man’s
service?”

Kai looked at the young mage with calculating eyes. “By Mage
Oath, I would.” Wesson rolled his eyes. An oath sworn under a mage’s power was
binding and could have disastrous consequences, if the mage was even capable of
overcoming the compulsion to comply with the oath in the first place.
Unfortunately, a Mage Oath could only be sworn under one’s
own
power, so
only a mage could issue one, and they were not transferrable to mundanes.

Wesson darted a glance at Rezkin who waved the man forward.
In truth, Rezkin was also interested in what the young mage had to say. Wesson
took the parchment from the prisoner and examined it carefully. He was not so
much looking at the content of the certificate, as impressive as it was, but at
the enchantments woven into the document. Possibly more enchantments were woven
into this small document than he had ever seen in a single item.

He released a low whistle and muttered, “This
is
impressive.”

“Well?” Kai huffed.

Wesson ignored the impatient man and turned to peer at
Rezkin’s blades. “May I?” he asked, motioning to the swords.

Rezkin nodded and laid them both on the bed side-by-side.
Wesson knelt down and leaned in closely, careful not to touch either. He had
never seen the enchantments on a Sheyalin before. They were unlike anything he
had studied, but he was able to work his way through them, even if he would
never be able to duplicate the process. Next, he stood and approached Rezkin.
He was so focused on the enchantments that he completely missed the signs that
Rezkin might not welcome his proximity. He studied the subtle energy that
surrounded the warrior but could not sense into his being. Finally, Wesson
stepped back and nodded.

Rezkin felt a tingle of mage power as Wesson stated, “By my
Oath of Power, I certify that these documents are legitimate and have not been
tampered with in any way beyond the original intent of the signatory, who I can
also guarantee was, in fact, King Bordran.”

“Can you explain the different script?” Kai asked in awe.
Rezkin allowed the question. He wanted to know, too.

“Well, yes. The name was added by a different hand at a
later date…about twenty years, in fact,” Wesson replied.

“What?” Kai exclaimed. Rezkin frowned. That would mean the
certificate had been signed around the time of Rezkin’s birth. It was inconceivable
that the king would bequeath two Sheyalin blades to an infant.

“So, there is no guarantee the blades were intended for
me
?”
Rezkin asked. All eyes turned to the Sword Bearer with curiosity. They were all
thinking the same thing.
Did Rezkin really not know how he came to bear the
Sheyalins
?

“Oh, no!” Wesson stated emphatically. “They were definitely
intended for you. There is no possible way anyone else could have bonded with
them.”

“What?” Rezkin asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. “What
do you mean,
bonded
?”

The mage’s eyes surveyed the room before returning to
Rezkin. “Perhaps you would prefer to speak of this in private?”

Rezkin cocked his head in contemplation. Of all present,
Lieutenant Drascon was of most concern. Rezkin did not know exactly where the
man’s loyalties stood. Rezkin met the lieutenant’s eyes as he spoke. “I believe
I have little to worry about from those present. Anyone hoping to leave this
room will swear an oath of secrecy, and anyone breaking said oath will suffer painfully
before I end him.”

Lieutenant Drascon swallowed tightly and nodded his head in
understanding. Rezkin turned his eyes back to Kai who wore a small, proud grin.
Rezkin cocked a questioning brow at the older man. Kai simply shrugged. The
young Sword Bearer nodded to the journeyman to continue his explanation. Jimson
felt honored and humbled that Rezkin placed such trust in him. Rezkin had not
even looked to him for agreement.

“Oh, well, the certificate was composed about twenty years
ago. The name of the recipient was left blank, but an enchantment was laid up
on it to allow only for the name of the intended recipient to be recorded. Even
though a name was not provided, the document
knew
who was the intended
recipient.”

The young mage looked around to see that everyone was
following and then continued. “A name is only one way of identifying a person.
A skilled mage can create an enchantment that identifies a person by his or her
aura. Unlike many names, an aura is unique to each individual. You may have heard
of wards that are designed to only allow a certain individual or group of
individuals to pass through. Those wards use this method of
aura reading
,
as it is called. Your aura, Rezkin, was recorded in the document even though
the space for the name was left blank. I do not know if all Certificates of
Authority are constructed in such a way, but it is much more reliable than
using a given name.”

Wesson glanced at Rezkin’s swords and added, “Interestingly,
your aura was also recorded into an enchantment woven into each of your swords.
They recognized you when you claimed them for the first time, which we refer to
as
bonding
with an enchanted object. If anyone but you attempts to wield
them, he or she will experience some very negative effects, possibly even
death. It is a most ingenious and intricate destructive magic. I should very
much like to study it more, if you would permit.”

“Why would the name be left blank?” Captain Jimson inquired,
breaking his silence.

Wesson shrugged, “Perhaps the name was not known or it was
intentionally left blank to keep the identity of the recipient hidden for a
time.”

“Or both,” Kai remarked cryptically. “There is also the
matter of the missing statement of authority.”

“Oh, it is not just the written authority that is missing,”
Wesson replied.

“What do you mean?” Rezkin asked.

“What do you know of the…
management
…of the Sheyalin
blades?” Wesson asked.

“Once they are bequeathed, they are the property of the
recipient for life. When the Sword Bearer dies, the blades must be returned to
the king,” Rezkin answered.

“Yes, that is true. Each blade is riddled with enchantments.
These are very intricate and subtle, which means they are well hidden. I could
sense the enchantments when we first met, but only because of my strong natural
affinity for destructive magic, of which most of those enchantments are
composed.”

“You could sense my blades with your magic?” Rezkin asked
with concern. It would not do for him to be walking around with two beacons
strapped to his hips.

“Like I said, it is only because I am particularly sensitive
to that kind of magic. Plus, I could only sense it when you were very close
– within a few feet, and I could not tell what kind of enchantments they
were or how strong. You could have been wearing an enchanted broach, as far as
most mages could tell. I recognized it as destructive magic, so I assumed it
was on one of your weapons; but as far as I knew, you could have had a kitchen
knife enchanted to never dull.”

Waving his hand, Wesson said, “Anyway, back to your original
question. Sheyalin blades are also bonded to the reigning king – all of
them. While the swords and authority cannot ever be retracted during a bearer’s
lifetime, that does not mean the king completely loses track of them. He can
use the bond he shares with the blades to track them.” Rezkin froze, suddenly
very aware of the dangers of carrying the traceable Sheyalin blades –
double-edged sword indeed.

The mage continued, “It is a way for the king to keep an eye
on his Sword Bearers – to make sure they do not need
handling
.
Bearing a Sheyalin is not a free ticket. If you misbehave, it means your life.
Most people to do not realize the commitment a Sword Bearer makes. It also
enables the king to locate the blades when a bearer dies.”

“What does this have to do with the missing statement of
authority?” Rezkin grumbled. He was increasingly uncomfortable with the whole
scenario. He did not like the idea of the king tracking him, particularly since
he did not know if the man was an enemy.

“I was getting to that,” Wesson chided. “
Your
swords
are also missing the bond with the king. They are only bonded to
you
.
King Bordran granted you the full authority of a Sword Bearer of Ashai without
any of the limitations. While you are expected to serve the good of the
kingdom, you are autonomous in your authority and are in no way beholden to the
crown.”

“Who could have removed the bond enchantment? The King’s
mage?” Rezkin asked.

“Oh, no. That particular enchantment was tied to the king
and was designed in such a way that it would have been passed to his first
direct blood descendant upon his passing. Only King Bordran could have removed
the enchantment,” Wesson explained.

“King Bordran was a mage?” Rezkin asked with surprise.
Nothing in his studies had ever indicated that the king had mage power.

“Yes, of course. Perhaps it is little known among the
general populace, but it is a well-known fact among mages. All of the direct
royal bloodline have been mages,” the journeyman replied.

Rezkin’s shoulders relaxed. “Good, then you are saying I
cannot be tracked through the bond with my swords.”

“Yes, that is correct,” Wesson replied.

“What he is saying is that you could sit down right here and
declare this inn to be the center of your new kingdom,” Captain Jimson huffed.
Rezkin did not seem to recognize the significance of the declaration.

“Or you could just claim Ashai,” Kai mused. “Of course, you
would have to get past the guards, and the strikers, and the army,” he said as
he nodded his head toward the two soldiers in the room. Both men looked
extremely uncomfortable. Drascon’s eyes kept darting to Jimson, looking for
some sign of action.

Rezkin frowned. “What use have I for a kingdom?” he growled.

Kai barked a deep laugh and shook his head. He studied the
young man one more time before he tilted forward in his chair and slid to his
knees on the wooden floor. His hands were empty, since he had no sword, so he
fisted his hand over his heart and lowered his eyes. With resolve he intoned,
“Under the watchful gaze of the Maker and before the eyes of two officers of
the Army of Ashai and a battle mage, I, Zankai Colguerun Tresdian, do hereby
swear honor and fealty to Rezkin, my liege, my lord, my king. By my blade I
will protect and serve him as my king. Let this oath be binding above and
beyond all previous oaths, so let my loyalty be known.”

Everyone stared at the kneeling man with wide eyes, mouths
agape. It was no simple oath of fealty given a liege lord. Kai had claimed
Rezkin as his king. It meant that the man was no longer a citizen of Ashai,
unless Rezkin claimed Ashai as his own. Kai now belonged to Rezkin’s
nonexistent kingdom. He had defected, a crime of treason punishable by death,
unless Rezkin, as the man’s new ruler, could provide sanctuary. Since Rezkin
had no kingdom, sanctuary was an unlikely luxury.

Lieutenant Drascon suddenly turned to the mage and
exclaimed, “Are you sure you healed his head right? The man has gone mad.” The
soldier looked around the room at the others and said, “Those of us present
know what injuries the man has suffered this night, but others may not be so
understanding when he speaks such words of
treason
.” He glared at Kai to
make his point.

Rezkin cocked his head thoughtfully. Lieutenant Drascon was
giving the man the opportunity to retract his words. Many men in his position,
perhaps most, would have simply arrested Kai or even cut the man down for such
an offense. Rezkin was still unsure of Drascon, but at least the man seemed to
have some compassion. Or, perhaps he was simply loath to act when no one else
in the room was willing to do so.

Wesson scratched his head thoughtfully and shook his head in
disagreement. “No, there is no treason here. Rezkin was essentially granted the
Right of Rule
within Ashai. He was only subject to Bordran’s authority;
but with these documents and enchantments, that subjugation was not passed on
to Bordran’s successor. In fact, some might even claim that Rezkin is
rightfully Bordran’s successor. These documents
could
be interpreted as
proof that Rezkin was named Bordran’s heir. Rezkin has as much right and
authority to claim property and vassals as does King Caydean, more if Rezkin is
recognized as the true heir. Of course, this is only pertinent if he has the
power to
enforce
his authority. As it is, King Caydean has the might of
the army backing him, and even a Sword Bearer cannot take on an army.”

Drascon’s jaw dropped. “So, you are saying that Lord Rezkin
has the right to claim the throne?”

The young mage’s eyes lost focus as he retreated into his
mind. “Well, some
could
claim that Rezkin already holds the throne,
legally, if not literally.” He scratched his head again and then spread his
hands as he said, “It could be argued that Rezkin is rightfully king to all of
us and Caydean is the usurper.” Wesson blinked and then looked up at the
horrified faces of the two soldiers. “I am just saying it
could
be
interpreted that way. I doubt many would really believe or accept it unless he
or she was already inclined to disregard King Caydean. It is a technicality.”

All attention turned to Rezkin whose eyes rested on the man
at his feet. He and Kai were still in the midst of an oath binding, and neither
could speak or deviate until the ceremony was finished. Rezkin had to either
accept the man and grant him his protection and sanctuary, or he had to deny
him, at which point the soldiers would be beholden to demand Kai’s death for
treason.

Rezkin looked to his friend, Jimson. The man was frowning in
disapproval, but he said nothing. Rezkin’s primary purpose was to honor and
protect his friends. He did not want vassals, and he certainly did not intend
to claim the kingdom. The entire conversation had gotten out of hand. Just
because someone
could
do something did not mean he wanted to or that he
would.

The young warrior clenched his jaw and then gritted out,
“Zankai Colguerun Tresdian, I, Rezkin, do hereby accept your oath of fealty and
your blade in service to me. In return, I offer you protection and sanctuary,
in so far as I am capable of providing. You may rise.”

Kai looked up with a scruffy, toothy grin. He pushed up to
his feet, groaning slightly. He was as fit as any man could be at his age, but
the hard floor did nothing good for his aging knees. Once on his feet, he
performed a deep, courtly bow and said, “Your majesty, I am at your service.”

Rezkin frowned and grumbled, “You will not do that. And, you
will not call me
your majesty
. I am Rezkin. You will also not speak of
this to anyone. I have no need or want of vassals, and I certainly have no
intention of claiming any throne. I only accepted your oath because, if I had
not, these two would have your head.” This last he said as he motioned toward
the disgruntled soldiers. Kai barked out a deep belly laugh. Rezkin asked, “Why
did you swear such an oath?”

The older man grinned broadly and said, “Several reasons,
really. I have been taking your measure. The way you claimed me from that mob
and the sadistic magistrate said much about your character. I know you want
information because of what I am, but I think you would have done it regardless
of who was lying there on the ground. The duke’s son said as much, anyway. He
seems to hold your values in high regard, even if he does not actually practice
many of them. Also, you had me healed, and I gather it was no easy feat to
convince
that
particular little healer to help. An interrogation does
not require a healthy prisoner and certainly not one who is fed so well.”

With a smirk Kai said, “You are either a man of high
standards or a great manipulator, but I have a sense that you are a bit of
both. That leads me to the third reason, which I think you already understand.
I was King Bordran’s man, and if he found you worthy of such power and
authority, then I will accept his judgment. King Bordran knew his sons. He
lived long enough to see them as men. If Bordran thought the kingdom needed one
such as you, then I am inclined to believe it. Finally, this is the kind of
miraculous opportunity about which one such as me only dreams. This allows me
to legally and honorably get out from beneath the thumb of that tyrannous,
backstabbing, dishonorable sociopath, Caydean.”

Drascon stepped forward gripping his hilt, “You will not
speak ill of the king!”

Kai barked out a laugh and replied, “He is not
my
king. I can speak of him any way I please.” He grinned wide, showing all of his
teeth.

The lieutenant glanced uncertainly at Rezkin and then at his
captain. Captain Jimson’s eyes were glued to the floor, but he felt the
lieutenant’s questioning stare. He simply shook his head. Drascon scowled and
looked back at Kai. “You are in
his
kingdom, and you will speak of him
with respect.”

“
NO
, I am in King Rezkin’s kingdom, and Caydean does
not deserve my respect,” Kai countered.

“
King Rezkin
?” Drascon gasped in exasperation. “The
man does not even
claim
it for his own!” he exclaimed as he waved a hand
in Rezkin’s direction.

“He does not need to,” Kai replied. “It is his
responsibility.”

Rezkin cocked his head in thought. Was it his
responsibility? The power and authority had been granted by King Bordran, and
Rezkin had essentially accepted the honor when he claimed the swords. Did King
Bordran intend for Rezkin to claim the kingdom from his own son?

“How is it his
responsibility
?” Drascon questioned.

“Ah, actually, he may be correct,” Wesson interrupted. All
eyes turned to the young mage. “Um, as a Sword Bearer, Rezkin is bound by the
wishes and intent of the king who bequeathed to him the swords.
If
it
was Bordran’s intent for Rezkin to claim the throne, then Rezkin has a
responsibility to do so. But, that may not have been Bordran’s intent, so we
cannot say at this point.”

Kai rocked back on his feet with a satisfied grin. “
I
say it
was
his intent, and you cannot prove otherwise,” he remarked.

“
I
think you are enjoying this too much,
Kai
Colguerun
,” Captain Jimson said as he finally decided to share his
thoughts. More than the talk of kings and power, his concern for his friend was
overwhelming. “Is it your intent to get Rezkin killed? If anyone of power were
to hear of this, Rezkin would be at the top of the king’s hit list. Do you
think King Caydean will stand idly by while another lives with equal right to
the throne?”

The Captain glanced around at the room’s occupants and
continued. “We have all heard the rumors. People claim the king is paranoid as
it is, and that is why the prince went
missing
. People say the king
feared his younger brother would make a play for the throne by the same manner
people speculate Caydean claimed the throne from his father. Prince Thresson
did not even have the right to claim the throne from his brother unless the
king died. You are saying Rezkin has the right to call himself king right now.
What do you think Caydean will do when he hears of it?”

“Do you think he will hear of it from me?” Kai questioned.
“Of everyone here, I would most concern myself with your lieutenant. He seems
most loyal to your king.”

“Of course I am loyal. I am a soldier of Ashai. Do you think
loyalty can be tossed around so easily? If you do, then yours means little,”
Drascon retorted.

“Do not speak to me of loyalty,” Kai spat with vehemence. “I
was ever loyal to the king. I would have done anything – given anything
– to carry out his will. But, Caydean killed him to usurp his throne. He
just could not wait to claim the power for his own.”

“What do you know of the king’s business? You have no proof
of your accusations,” Drascon argued.

“I know because I was
there
,” Kai gritted out through
clenched teeth. “I was in the palace that night. I was the first to respond to
the call and the first to find Bordran dead. Caydean was there, as well. He did
not even make an effort to hide his glee and satisfaction. Caydean had always
been cruel to his brother, but after Bordran’s death no one could stop him from
focusing all his demented attention on the prince.
I
know because
I
was given orders to carry out some of his sick schemes. That is what led me
here.” The gruff man sighed as though all of his energy had just fled. He sunk
back into the chair and buried his head in his hands.

“What happened, Kai?” Rezkin prompted.

The man looked up at his new liege and replied, “I could not
do it, anymore. Prince Thresson was a decent young man. He was a bit shy and
too timid for a prince, but I suppose it served him well when they were younger
and Thresson could avoid notice. The prince did not deserve his brother’s ire,
and he certainly did not deserve to suffer at his hands – at
my
hands.
Eventually, something happened, and it was just too much. I left. I took a
horse and supplies, and I simply left. I abandoned my post. I abandoned my
prince.”

Staring off into nothing, Kai continued, “I spent my days
contemplating a solution. How could I help Prince Thresson? What could I do?
Any actions I might take would be considered treason, an act against the king.
Well, a couple of months ago, when I heard the prince went
missing
, it
broke me. I should never have left him. If I had been there, I might have
caught on to whatever scheme had been concocted, maybe even been given the
orders to carry it out myself. I could have spirited the prince away –
hidden him somewhere safe. But, no, I was out here in the woods stewing in my
own misery.

“After that, I fell into the bottle and really did not care
to get out. I knew the king would send someone after me eventually. It was only
a matter of time before I paid for my failures. But, then, tonight happened. I
was sitting in the tavern drinking as usual. I got up to relieve myself when I
heard sobbing coming from a back storage room. I followed the sound to find a
girl, no more than thirteen or fourteen years old, crying and bleeding on the
floor. The girl told me that piece of scum, Preson Quey, had raped her. She was
the kind of innocent girl that would have no reason to lie about such a thing.
I knew she spoke truth.”

“So you went to kill him?” Captain Jimson accused.

“No, I wanted to, I did, but that was not my intent. I was
so furious that I immediately went to confront him. That was my first mistake.
I should have sobered up first. Anyway, I told that bastard that I was taking
him into custody, and he was going to be tried in Port Manai where his father’s
influence could not help him. Well, I was so drunk I did not notice the guards
coming up behind me. Before I even knew what hit me, I was lying on the ground
getting my guts pulverized while that sniveling wretch stood back and laughed.

“When Preson thought I was as good as dead, he came over
with this fancy dagger in his hand. It was one of those with jewels and gold
like a lady might wear with a gown on an outing. I guess he wanted to do the
honors himself. Just as he leaned down to slice open my throat, I gathered my
strength and plunged my dagger into his chest. I was actually just lucky it hit
his heart, because I was not really cognizant enough to aim at the time.”

“By what right do you take a man into custody?” Captain
Jimson inquired.

“Have you not figured it out, yet, Captain? Rezkin, here,
knew the moment he saw me, although I still do not know exactly what
he
is – besides my king, of course,” Kai finished with a grin.

Jimson sighed, “Kai, just state it for the record.”

“Very well. I am a striker, formerly in the service of the
false King Caydean,” Kai replied with another grin.

“Wait.
You
are a striker?” Drascon asked with
disbelief. The lieutenant immediately jerked to attention and saluted the
striker.

“Drascon, you no longer have to salute the man. He is no
longer in service of the king. He is now a vassal of whatever Rezkin’s
kingdom
is called,” Jimson remarked facetiously.