Brian Kittrell - The Immortals of Myrdwyer

“Indeed. Advise the king that we have brought his long-awaited heroes: Laedron Telpist, Marac Reven, and Brice Warren.”

“And Valyrie Pembry,” Laedron said before the steward turned away.

“I’m no heroine, Lae.”

“You deserve just as much recognition as the rest of us. You worked with us to defeat Andolis, and we would’ve never known about Myrdwyer without your book.”

The steward returned after a while, then gestured for them to follow. “This way. His Majesty will see you now.”

A few halls and a staircase later, Laedron and his party sat in what seemed to be a lounge of some sort. “What is this place?”

“The king’s receiving room,” Victor said.

“I would have thought he would be on the throne when we met him. A bit strange to meet a king in such a manner, is it not?”

“You’ve been listening to too many fairy tales. The throne room is for formal audiences with His Majesty.”

“This isn’t a formal affair?”

“Since we were brought here, I suppose not. He must want to meet you without the watchful eyes of his advisors, nobles, and all the rest.” Victor, as if he were at home and unafraid to help himself, held up a hand to one of the servants holding a large jug. The servant approached, poured him a cup of what appeared to be wine, and handed it to him.

Laedron heard a deep voice, then the king and another man entered the room. Nothing like what I imagined. Pants, a shirt, and an overcoat? I pictured him in flowing robes, scepter in hand, and a crown fixed atop his head. He stood with the others, except Victor, whose back was to the door.

The king asked, “Is the wine to your liking, Victor?”

Coughing on his drink and nearly spilling it, Victor shot up from his chair. “Your Highness, I-”

“I jest,” King Xavier said, offering his hand to Victor.

Victor kissed it, then smiled. “Sire, I would like to present your subjects, recently returned from afar.”

One by one, Victor stated the names of Laedron’s companions, and in turn, they kissed the king’s ring and bowed. Lastly, Laedron did the same when Xavier came to him.

“All of you are so young.” The king eyed them. “From what they tell me of your deeds, I expected an army of seasoned soldiers. Please, sit with me a while.”

Laedron sat like a dog obeying the command of its master. “Thank you, Your Highness.” It’s as if my body obeys before I realize it, he thought, astonished.

“Tell me, Sorcerer, of your experiences.”

What kinds of things would a king want to know? Skip the boring parts. “When we arrived in Pilgrim’s Rest, we set upon a plan to go after Gustav. One companion was captured and another…” He paused briefly, preferring not to tell about Brice’s resurrection. “…seriously wounded. Vicar Jurgen and I went to the cathedral to face Gustav, and I ended up dropping a chandelier on his head.”

“My advisors tell me that Gustav was the priest who perpetrated the attack on our magic academy. When I learned of his death, this grieving father was given the pleasure of knowing that justice had been done, that his son’s killer had not gone unpunished. When I was told that he was actually a Zyvdredi master, his death-and his actions-meant even more, frightening me while also giving me even more delight.”

“I, too, shared those feelings, Sire, for he killed my teacher and many of my contemporaries.”

“Go on, Sorcerer. What of Tristan?”

“We all had a part to play in his demise, Your Highness. Valyrie went with Vicar Jurgen to the consulship to attack his policies and find out where the vicars’ loyalties lay. Brice assisted the order knights in Azura with a number of tasks meant to help us, and Marac and I joined the militia.”

“What purpose did joining the militia serve?” the king asked.

“Several, Your Majesty. First and foremost, we wanted to be available if Jurgen and Valyrie needed help. Second, we used the position to learn of any strange happenings, and the information we discovered was invaluable.”

“What sort of information?”

“We discovered the presence of Zyvdredi assassins lurking the streets, and we found out Andolis’s true family name: Kivesh.” Laedron cleared his throat, the mere mention of the name sending chills down his skin. “The militia allowed us a unique vantage point from which to observe the city, and we ended up gaining an ally in Dalton Greathis, the militia commander, who aided us in restoring rightful rule to the country.”

“What happened afterward?”

“Afterward, Your Highness?”

The king clasped his hands together. “You were gone from Sorbia for nearly two weeks after that, according to Victor. What, pray tell, did you do during all that time?”

The question caught Laedron completely off guard. “I-” His mouth dried, and he searched for a suitable answer. Do I lie? What can I say? Think. Quickly! “We-”

The king sat patiently through the silence.

Finally, Laedron answered, “We traveled to Lasoron.”

“Lasoron? What did you do there?”

“I cannot say.”

Victor leaned toward Laedron. “Do not anger the king. Answer truthfully.”

“I did.”

“I mean, answer his question.”

“You know,” Xavier said, waving his hand at Victor, “there are things that a king must know to rule his country, things that he could never reveal to anyone. Just as this sorcerer knows nothing of the secrets I hold, I may never fully understand the workings of magic. I have one question for you, Sorcerer, which pertains to your dealings in Lasoron, and I expect an honest answer.”

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“Of everything you witnessed whilst traveling in that land, did you come upon anything that would threaten our country?”

Laedron thought long and hard about the things that had happened, then responded, “No, Highness. I can think of nothing that would directly endanger Sorbia.”

“Good.” The king gestured at the other man who had entered with him. “Kelrick, bring the decree.”

Kelrick approached and unfurled a scroll. “By order of His Majesty King Xavier II, the knights responsible for the defeat of the persons commonly known as Andolis and Gustav Drakkar, enemies of the people of Sorbia and the Knights of the Shimmering Dawn, shall be granted the following rewards.”

Laedron raised his hand. “You need not give us anything, Your Highness. We’ve returned safe, and that is reward enough.”

“Do you mean to insult me, Sorcerer?”

“N-no, Sire.”

“Then accept the gifts.”

Laedron nodded, and the king motioned for Kelrick to proceed.

“For Victor Altruis, His Highness grants the right to reestablish a training academy to be known as the College of Mages for the pursuit of magical studies. Although it is customary for the Circle to choose such, he is also elevated to the status of Archmage until such a time as the Circle is capable of selecting its own.”

“For Marquis Meklan Draive, His Highness elevates his title to duke and names him Protector of the North.” I never even knew he was a titled noble, and he’s elevated to the highest rank in the land?

Meklan leaned forward. “Sire, is that not the position of your own brother?”

“Indeed, but he has been brought to the capital to aid me here. You shall pick up the banner and carry it forward.”

“As you desire, Highness.”

“For Laedron Telpist, Marac Reven, and Brice Warren, all shall be knighted and issued as true Knights of the Shimmering Dawn, their lands and titles to carry henceforth to their descendants, and they may demand the address of ‘Sir.’ By request of His Majesty, Laedron Telpist will, when asked, aid the Archmage of the College of Mages in reforming the Circle.”