Seeker (The Source Chronicles Book 1) (52 page)

A few shouts of elation, a few cheers, and the assembled crowd muttered among themselves, then were again silent. 

To his own surprise, Cam felt a certain sense of pride in having taking part in the actions that had freed the land of his birth. 

Varlock-Sharron was clearly not done.

“This ground we stand upon now, a sight of many conflicts between Sharron and Medaelia, was once fine, fertile plain.  The River Mendanaria flows near, and provides a source of water for these lands.  But none has wished to settle here, where battle rages every few years.  In honor of the dead on this field, I call all the architects of Sharron and Medaelia, and even of lands beyond our borders, to come forth.  For I decree that a grand city, a place of peace and study, trade and commerce, be built upon this site.”

He let that sink in a moment, then continued.  “The city will also serve another purpose.  The rumors are true, that I wish to merge the Kingdoms of Sharron and Medaelia into one.”  The assembled crowd started to make noise, and Varlock-Sharron raised his hands to silence them, before he went on.  “But this is not a process that can be done quickly, not without a heavy toll on all the people of these lands.  When the time is right, this city will become the Capital of the unified Kingdom that will occupy the place held by the Kingdom of Sharron and Kingdom of Medaelia.”

Voices arose, complaints, cheers, angry mutterings.  Sir Tulock had to bang his staff on the platform nearly a dozen times to restore order.

“This brings up an important point I must needs address.  If I do not rule a single, unified Kingdom, I rule two.  Can one man govern two nations in a just and fair manner, providing equal attention to the people and lands therein?  The answer is a resounding no.  Until the new Capital is ready, and a unified military and bureaucracy is in place, these two lands cannot and should not be ruled by only one man.”

Varlock-Sharron was interrupted by more mutterings, and again Sir Tulock banged his staff for attention.

“There is, therefore, but one choice before me.  I must turn over one of my Kingdoms to another.  I call before me my daughter and heir, Lyrra-Sharron Anduin.”

The Princess arose, and looked at the faces of her officers, and the proud expressions she found there.  She glared momentarily at Cam, who found himself wearing a sheepish expression, having known all along what would be happening here. 

She broke into a smile for her comrades, and moved towards the platform.

Lyrra-Sharron approached her father, bowed, and knelt before him.

“We have not been close as father and daughter,” he began candidly, gesturing to her.  “But I want all here to know just how proud I am of the woman that you have become.”  

Varlock-Sharron spoke up to the assembly.  “For your rebellion against me, I pardon you.  As you have forgiven me my mistakes.  For your most recent actions, for taking my name and claiming the crown of Medaelia therein, I reward you, though that reward, you will find, is often a burden…but one I do not doubt you are capable of bearing.”

Sir Tulock took up a scroll, and handed it to the King.  He read of it, as Lyrra-Sharron remained knelt before him.  “By my decree, as King of Sharron and King of Medaelia, do I, Varlock-Sharron Anduin, on this the First day of Prisatuary of the year five double-ought five, set down the path these lands will take to the future.  On these, the plains of the Vann Region, beside the River Mendanaria, a new city shall be built.” 

He paused, looking up at the crowd.  “Appropriate that this be declared on the first day of the Season of Planting.” 

He returned his eyes to the scroll.  “This city shall be a place of learning, trade, commerce and peace.  This city will also one day serve as the Capital of the united nation that once was the Kingdom of Sharron and the Kingdom of Medaelia.  As my heir to the Crown of Sharron, Lyrra-Sharron Anduin, or her heir, will rule that unified realm, come the time of my death, or my abdication of the Crown of Sharron.”

A mix of reactions ran through the assembled people.  Varlock-Sharron continued.

“I, Varlock-Sharron Anduin, have claimed the Crown of Medaelia by my right as Second Prince of Medaelia.  It is my decision, thus as King of Medaelia, to pass that crown to my daughter and heir, Lyrra-Sharron.”

Cam could only imagine at this point how Lyrra-Sharron was reacting to this unexpected action.

“By the power vested in me, as Ruler of Medaelia, I hereby relinquish the Crown of Medaelia to Lyrra-Sharron Anduin.  Until the day the nations of Sharron and Medaelia are united as one, she shall rule as Queen of Medaelia.  When the time is right, she, or her heir, will rule the United Kingdom born of the Kingdom of Sharron and the Kingdom of Medaelia.”

The pavilion exploded with various shouts and cheers.

He set down the scroll, and stood.  A pair of Guardsmen carried in another throne, and Sir Tulock took up a velvet pillow, upon which rested the Crown of Medaelia.  Lady Marna came forward, and draped a robe of state over Lyrra-Sharron’s shoulders.  Taking up the crown, Varlock-Sharron placed it upon Lyrra-Sharron’s head.  He offered her his hand, and she placed her own upon it, arising proudly.

“I present to you Lyrra-Sharron Anduin, Queen of Medaelia.  All hail the Queen!  Long live the Queen!”

“Long live the Queen!  Long live the Queen!” the assembled crowd responded enthusiastically.

Varlock-Sharron took both of his daughter’s hands, and looked into her eyes.  He reached out to her, and she fell into his arms.  They hugged tightly a moment, before Varlock-Sharron held his daughter at arm’s length.  She smiled, and he grinned back, kissing each of her cheeks.  He gestured, and she sat beside him on the throne of Medaelia.

“Her Majesty, Queen Lyrra-Sharron, calls forth the nobility of Medaelia!” intoned Sir Tulock.

The nobility, one by one, bowed before their new Queen, swearing fealty to her. 

The Falcon Raiders took the break in the general court to talk amongst themselves.

“She got to be Queen after all,” commented Torman bemusedly, holding Neva’s hand.

“I’m not surprised,” remarked Nadav.  “Not the Kingdom she was after, but she’ll rule it well, I am sure.”

“This is a proud moment for her,” said Neva.

“She will serve well,” commented Dak, a sad look upon his face.

“You do realize, my friend, she’s not going to be happy with you if you leave now,” Cam said quietly to Dak.

Dak shook his head.  “She is a Queen.  I am a soldier.  My place in her life cannot be what I would wish of it.”

Cam placed a hand on Dak’s shoulder.  “You love her, Dak.  And clearly she loves you, as well.  She’s an unconventional woman.  Don’t write off your place with her just yet.”

“Why would a Queen want to be with a soldier?” questioned Dak.

Cam chuckled lightly.  “Love ignores rank, far as I can tell.  Stay, Dak Amviir, and wait.”

When the nobles of Medaelia had all sworn fealty to Lyrra-Sharron, she and the King, along with Tulock, were holding a silent conference.  When they were done, Tulock stepped forward, and they each sat back in their thrones.

“Their Majesties, King Varlock-Sharron of Sharron and Queen Lyrra-Sharron of Medaelia, call before them Cam Murtallan.”

Cam stood, finding himself completely unnerved, and walked slowly to the front.  He stepped carefully up to the platform, bowing to each of the royals before him.  He knelt between them.

“I think I hate this part,” remarked Cam under his breath, feeling completely exposed.

“You have done too much here to simply be ignored, Cam Murtallan,” said the King softly, grinning.

“Some things cannot go unsaid,” remarked Lyrra-Sharron quietly, also smirking.

Varlock-Sharron cleared his throat, and spoke up for the benefit of those assembled.  “Cam Murtallan.  Were it not for you, none of this would have transpired as it has.”

Lyrra-Sharron gave a nod of her head towards the King, and continued.  “You have saved Sharron.  You have saved Medaelia.  Your actions saved countless lives on the field of battle.”

Varlock-Sharron took up the narrative once more.  “You put a stop to a terrible slaughter.  In the end, after a long, hard road, you have served this Kingdom and its people, in many more ways than any can truly take into account, a service we can never properly thank you for.”

“You prevented a terrible error of judgment,” took up Lyrra-Sharron. “You prevented a civil war, you helped stop a traitor from destroying the Kingdom, and brought peace between my father and myself.  Your unselfish actions cannot and will not be overlooked.”

“It is known throughout the world that Sorcery is banned in the Kingdom of Sharron,” started Varlock-Sharron.  “But you have shown me that this edict stands for no good reason any longer.  You have shown us all that Sorcery is a tool that can be used to serve the greater good.  Thus, by my decree, I hereby lift the forbiddance of Sorcery in Sharron.  With knowledge of the Crown, Sorcery and all related arts may be practiced in the lands of Sharron.  Only Sorcerous activities practiced without the knowledge of the Crown will be punishable.”

“By my decree,” started Lyrra-Sharron, “I hereby formally allow the practice of Sorcery in Medaelia, with the knowledge of the Crown.  Only practice of Sorcerous acts without said knowledge will result in capture and punishment of any such practitioners.”

The assembled crowd murmured among themselves, a dull roar, until Sir Tulock banged his staff several times to regain their attention, and their silence.

Cam felt a sense of pride at having brought about such a drastic change. 

“But that is not enough,” continued Varlock-Sharron.  “I speak for myself, and for her Majesty, Queen Lyrra-Sharron, on this matter.”

Lyrra-Sharron gestured first to her father, then to Sir Tulock.

Sir Tulock acknowledged her, and addressed Cam.

“Cam Murtallan, by order of King Varlock-Sharron Anduin of Sharron, and Queen Lyrra-Sharron Anduin of Medaelia, you are hereby elevated to the nobility of
both
Kingdoms.”

“So state I, Varlock-Sharron,” said the King.

“So state I, Lyrra-Sharron,” said the Queen.

Cam was rendered speechless.

“The least thanks we can offer you, Lord Cam,” said Varlock-Sharron.

“The least thanks any can offer you,” added Lyrra-Sharron.  “Few will ever fully understand all you have done for the people of both Kingdoms.”

A cheer arose among the assembled, particularly loud from among the Falcon Raiders.

The newly ennobled Lord Cam Murtallan arose, bowing before both heads of state.  They each stood, and each embraced Cam. 

Months earlier, Cam Murtallan, friendless street orphan of the occupied nation of Anaria, had illegally practiced his skill in this nation, and nearly died for that sin.  Now his arte was legal, and his powerful new friends had made him a nobleman.  He had come quite a long way indeed.

“There being no further business, the Court of His Majesty, King Varlock-Sharron Anduin of Sharron, and Her Majesty, Queen Lyrra-Sharron Anduin of Medaelia, is hereby adjourned!” exclaimed Sir Tulock, banging his staff upon the platform.

Chapter 40

The King of Sharron and new Queen of Medaelia sat in state, speaking briefly with any who approached them.  Cam Murtallan was standing once more in his place amongst the rest of the assembly, with the Falcon Raiders.

Dak approached Cam, and offered his hand.

“Congratulations, Lord Cam.”

“Thank you,” was all Cam could say.  Dak embraced him.

“I must leave,” said Dak for Cam’s ears alone.  He held up a hand to stop him from speaking.  “I will address Lyrra-Sharron first.  I’m going to say goodbye.”

“She’s not going to let you go that easily.”

Dak shrugged.  “She will not be able to stop me, either.  This is how it has to be.  Farewell, my friend.  Good luck on your quest.”

Cam could say nothing more, and watched Dak walk away, to stand in the line of people approaching the thrones.

Nadav, Torman and Neva, Andim, Kallan, a few of the others congratulated Cam.  Several of them walked off to join the reception line waiting to offer their support and praise of the new Queen, and the sovereign King.

Members of the Council came to offer best wishes as well.  Lady Marna hugged Cam.  Sir Garvol took his hand, beaming.  The Warlord of Sharron looked even more pleased with himself than usual.

“What has put such an unusually bright smile on your face?” Cam queried, having learned that the sneaky man had a twisted and infectious sense of ironic humor.

“I have just received word that my finest spy escaped Penkira, and that she is safely home,” commented Sir Garvol.  “I’ll have to make His Majesty aware of young Dariana’s role in supplying us with our best data from Wilnar-Medira’s palace.”

“I never thought I’d see sincere emotion from you like this,” chided Cam.

“I never thought I’d see the day Sorcery would be practiced in Sharron again,” remarked Sir Garvol dryly.  “From what I have seen, Cam Murtallan, you are truly quite unique.  I don’t believe there is another noble Sorcerer anywhere else in the world.”

Cam started to chuckle at that.  “I certainly didn’t see this coming.”

“Me neither.  And it’s my job to see such things,” remarked Sir Garvol.

The Generals, Bodrir and Sopirr, both approached Cam, along with other members of their staff.  They all offered congratulations, and thanked Cam for his services.  They all saluted him, before moving on. 

Cam joined the line and waited to speak with the King and new Queen again.  He saw Dak nearly to the front.

The sorcerer also observed Andim and Kallan approaching a large, burly man, who looked like an older, stronger version of Kallan.  Nadav had pointed him out earlier as Garen Val-Sharron, Herald of the Common, and young Kallan’s father.  Cam glanced between them and Dak, hoping for the best tidings for his friends. 

*****

Kallan was nervous as he approached his father.  He turned again to Andim, behind him.

“I don’t know if I can do this, Andim,” said Kallan, again.

“You can do this, son,” replied Andim.  “He’ll be proud of you.”

Garen Val-Sharron’s back was to them, as he was speaking to one of the officers of the Royal Guardsmen.  Soon, they were just behind him.  Kallan, still nervous, made no move.  Andim cleared his throat.

*****

Garen Val-Sharron turned from his conversation with the officer he remembered instructing as recruit long ago, and faced his youngest son.  Even though the Falcon Raiders had been back for days, they still had not had the opportunity to speak.  When he learned of their mission, and Kallan’s place at the new Medaelian Queen’s side, he’d found himself to be proud of the boy.

Garen recognized the man behind his son, Andim Noros, a great swordsman, and former Sergeant of the Guardsmen, back when Garen was still a Guardsman himself.  He’d heard that Andim had been drummed out, supposedly for insubordination.  He also knew the old soldier to be an honorable man, and that the charges had been false, to cover a nobleman’s son’s mistake.  Garen bowed his head to Andim, who did the same in return.

“Son,” Garen said to Kallan.

“Father,” he replied.  He looked terrified. 

Garen Val-Sharron found his eyes wet, and reached for and embraced his son. 

“I’m proud of you, my son.  So very proud.”

Tears welled up in Kallan’s eyes.

Andim simply stood by them, pride for his young protégé clear on his face, smiling at the sweet reunion of father and son.

*****

Queen Lyrra-Sharron sat on her throne, receiving congratulations from nobles of both nations, friends, and others looking to make a good impression on the new monarch.

From time to time she glanced at her father.  Occasionally, she looked out at the assembled crowd.  She saw Cam speaking with the Army Generals and their staff.  Saw Andim watching over Kallan and his father.  Dak was next in the reception line, about to approach Varlock-Sharron.  A Medaelian noble, who introduced himself as Count Mackan Vellig-Groffol, was ahead of him.

“Your Majesty,” the Count intoned, bowing to the Queen now.

“You Excellency,” she replied respectfully.

Lyrra-Sharron half listened as he made promises of allegiance, her attention on Dak, now speaking with her Father.

“Your Majesty,” Dak said, bowing to Varlock-Sharron.

“Dak Amviir,” replied the King.  “For all you have done, I must again thank you.  I know you have not only saved my life, but the life of my daughter.  You are a brave and honorable man, and I am pleased my daughter has chosen such fine company.”

“I thank you for that, your Majesty.”

The Count had awkwardly left Lyrra-Sharron, as she had been ignoring him, going so far as to look at Dak with her father.  The ex-soldier from Ontseer came to her, his face looking grim.

“Your Majesty,” he said, bowing, too formally for her liking.

“Dak Amviir,” she replied.  “We have come a long way, you and I.  When I noticed you, and all you did, and offered to make you second in command of my Falcon Raiders, you refused me.  I pushed, and still you refused.  At last, when it was clear I would not let up, you gave in.  I could have made no better choice than you.  My very life I owe you, more than once, and this debt I will never truly be able to repay.”

Dak appeared pleased, but sad.  “A long way we have come together, indeed.  But you are now a Queen, Lyrra-Sharron, and I am but a simple soldier.  I strayed into Sharron, and found a purpose in you and your Falcon Raiders.  But it is over, now, and I must move on again.”

“After all that has passed between us, Dak, it is not over,” remarked Lyrra-Sharron fiercely.  “I have not given leave for you to go.  I still need you here.”

Dak shook his head.  “You no longer need the likes of me, your Majesty.  Thus I bid you farewell.”

He began to walk away, when Lyrra-Sharron stood, grabbed his arm, turned him to face her.  “Damn you, Dak Amviir!  After Penkira, after all this time, after all we have been through together, you cannot just leave!”

“My only choice is to go,” he muttered, unwilling to look at her face.

Lyrra-Sharron grabbed his other arm, holding him tightly by the wrists.  She forced him to look into her eyes, til she was holding his attention.  “I will not let you go.  Not after all this.  I love you, Dak Amviir.”

Pulling him to her, Lyrra-Sharron kissed Dak.  At first he seemed to resist, then at last gave in.

Lyrra-Sharron released him, and looked again into his eyes.  “You cannot leave me now, Dak.  I love you, and have been through too much to let you go.  I need you here, with me, for all that will lie ahead.  Your love means more to me than any crown I could ever wear.  Stay, Dak Amviir.”

Dak tried to fight it, but her words made him grin.  Lyrra-Sharron pulled him close, kissed him again.  When she released him, his grin returned, broader.

“I will stay a while longer,” he said, uncharacteristically tender.

He then turned, and bowed to Varlock-Sharron, who watched the entire exchange with a knowing, sly grin upon his face.

Dak left the platform, and Lyrra-Sharron returned to her throne.  She looked to her father, who smiled at her.  She returned the smile readily.

Lyrra-Sharron Anduin had never felt so satisfied, or complete, in her entire life.

*****

As Cam stood in the reception line, he observed the exchanges between several of his friends, and various other parties.  He found great satisfaction in the outcome of those that took place between Kallan and his father, and Dak and the new Queen.

Cam watched Dak return to the other Falcon Raiders, speaking with Torman and Neva.  His made no move to take his pack, and had clearly chosen not to leave.  The Sorcerer was glad things seemed to be working out.

At last, Cam came up before the two monarchs for the second time that day.

Cam bowed to them both, unable to stop the grin from spreading across his face.

“Your Majesties,” he said.

“Lord Cam,” acknowledged Varlock-Sharron.

“You have come a long way, Lord Cam,” stated Lyrra-Sharron.

“I suppose I have.  You both stunned me with the title.  It’s not every day you get to be a noble of two countries.”

Lyrra-Sharron started to laugh, as Varlock-Sharron added, “It is the least we could do.  We both owe you a tremendous debt, Cam Murtallan.  It will not be easy to repay.”

“You spared my life, you legalized Sorcery again.  Consider all debts paid in full,” remarked Cam.

“Hardly,” snorted Varlock-Sharron.  “It is not often a man selflessly risks so much.  Hero of prophecy or no, we would not be here now, like this, without your contributions.”

Cam found himself embarrassed.  His newly found humility made the taking of praise far more difficult.  He shook his head, and looked to the Queen of Medaelia.

“What of the Falcon Raiders?” asked Cam of Lyrra-Sharron.

“I believe we need them still, as a special strike force and military unit,” she responded.  “I think I shall leave Dak and Torman in charge of them.”

“What about Andim, Kallan and Nadav?” asked Cam.

“Andim and Kallan were Royal Guardsmen of Sharron, once.  They have been excellent bodyguards.  I think they shall serve me well heading up the new Medaelian Royal Guards.  As to Nadav...I have a very important task for him.  He is now the son of a Baron, and has always been a nobleman.  He was originally trained to be a diplomat, or to work in one of the Council offices.  I shall need, among other things, a Seneschal.  He may not have the experience yet, but I think he will make an excellent choice.”

“Everyone wins, it seems. Bright futures all around,” Cam said lightly.

“What about you, Cam Murtallan?” asked Varlock-Sharron seriously.

Cam wore a knowing grin.  “I am The Seeker of The Source.  I have a destiny to fulfill.”

Varlock-Sharron looked at him thoughtfully.  “Truly.  But do you know where you shall go to continue your search?”

Cam shrugged.  “I hadn’t really considered that yet.”

“I did not think you had had the time to do so,” commented Lyrra-Sharron.  “We have a proposal for you, Lord Cam.”

“I’m listening.”

“We will both grant you full access to the libraries at Penkira and Gara-Sharron,” Varlock-Sharron began.  “I think you will find many texts pilfered from the library at Aldara in Penkira, and if I do say so, I possess one of the finest libraries in the world, including many one-of-a-kind texts and scrolls from before the time of The Falling, and just after.”

“All we ask is that you would serve us both as an advisor and counselor, until such time as you learn all you can of The Source from here, and continue with your quest,” stated Lyrra-Sharron.

Cam considered that.  “I’ve delayed this quest quite a bit already.  Of course, all these things were destined to happen, I’m fairly certain.  But I have to continue to seek out The Source.”

“You still do not know
what
you seek,” pressed Lyrra-Sharron.  “You do not even know where to begin, truly.  The Source remains a total mystery.”

“There is no point in wandering about blind, on a quest to fulfill a prophecy,” took up Varlock-Sharron.  “You know your destiny.  We know your destiny.  When the time is right, you will find The Source.  That cannot be stopped.  Why not take advantage of these fine libraries, and the favor of two powerful monarchs?”

Cam thought about it.  “It might only be a few months.  I cannot say how long it will be until I am drawn away, to continue my quest.  I am destined to find The Source, whatever and wherever it is.”

“So be it,” Lyrra-Sharron conceded.  “We would gladly take your counsel for so long as you may give it.  When the time comes, you will be free to go.”

“With our blessing,” continued Varlock-Sharron.  “And you will always have a home, in Sharron and Medaelia.  You will be welcome, and always be our guest.  You may come and go as you please.  You may fulfill the destiny before you, when you are called to do so.”

Cam took a deep breath as he considered their argument.  The answer came to him with a clarity that left no questions.  He knew without a doubt it was the right decision.