UL1 - Book 10 - Chapter 13

Four bells rang out from each corner of the city in perfect unison. The sound was a call to every human and elf to make their way to the central plaza of Sunreach. Each citizen moved with purpose, excitement showing in their walk and faces as they moved as one, prepared to meet the pair who had created them.

Max Hoste stood on a stone platform he had created using his magic. It was black, standing out against the normal brown and tan stone often found within the city.  He was dressed in simple clothes, a pair of brown leather pants, and a baker's shirt. In his right arm, Miranna cooed, wrapped in a green cloth, clutching at his finger. Beside him, Tanila stood, gold hair perfectly braided, her eyes watching those who gathered, coming into the massive section of the inner circle of the city.  Her robes were white, accented with silver and gold. Both had chosen to dress down a little, not wanting to be gods who flaunted their power at every moment.

Bodies were pressed against each other, sitting on the stone benches of the colosseum he had created.  Four different openings led inside and the crowd continued to pack every possible spot to hear and see what was to come.

“Ready?” Max asked, kissing his daughter on her forehead before turning to his wife.

Tanial nodded and repeated his action, arm wrapped around him as they stood there together.

“Citizens of Sunreach!” Jazzjak cried out, his voice reaching every corner of the open-air building they were gathered in. “Gather close, open your ears and quiet your minds. Today we shall hear from your Mother and Father, the two who chose to give you life!”

Max rolled his eyes as the place went silent.

“Behold, Miranna, Tanila, and Max Hoste!”

Applause came and a few cried out muffins or sweet bread. Laughter was the response to the budding argument over what was better.

Holding up a hand, Max waited for the din of noise to fade.

I got it.

Bob used wind magic, moving the clouds that had been summoned above, a stream of light illuminating where Max and Tanila stood. He shifted Miranna against his chest, gold eyes looking up at him.

“I never wanted to be a ruler,” Max said. “My wife, she was born to rule. A princess of her people, trained in the art of it since the day she was born. All I wanted to be was a baker, making muffins or perhaps some sweet bread.”

A few chuckles echoed around the crowd as his joke hit home.

“But for whatever reason I was given a skill and forced to become a fighter. And a fighter is what I became. Not for glory or power for myself. Not to be the strongest so that I could rule with an iron fist. I fought so that I could protect the ones that I love.”

“We defeated the tower and earned this right and we want to pass that chance on to you. To seek power for good. To do what is right. Not to care what your neighbor looks like or from which god they come. Look around those in this place, see that there are young, middle-aged, old and really old.”

Laughter was his reply as those gathered turned and saw what he had pointed out.

Tanila took a step forward, her hand silencing the people.

“I didn’t want to rule. I saw firsthand what those who seek power only for themselves bring. And that is death. We will not be those gods and those who rule our people will answer to us if they ever desire such things.”

She motioned and Edward Farren came from a side entrance, his appearance bringing cheers and applause. King or not, he was dressed just like Max. Simple pants, a simple shirt and a sword on his hip. He moved with confidence, nodding and waving at those who called his name, coming to stand before them both.

“King Edward Farren,” Tanila said. “My husband chose you. He gave you his bloodline. You passed the test of what a king should be. For that, I give you your crown.”

She moved down steps that appeared as Max used his magic, coming to stand before the young man, his brown eyes looking up at her.

“Before all those gathered, I ask this. Do you, Edward Farren, swear upon your own life to always put the people of this city before your own desires?”

Her voice echoed in the silence of the place, a heartbeat or two passing when it seemed no one was breathing, waiting ot hear his reply.

“I so swear.”

Applause and cheers came again, creating an ear-deafening noise and causing Miranna to fidget in her father’s arms.

Tanila nodded, giving him a moment in the honor that had been offered and silenced the crowds with a single gesture.

“Then I give you your crown.”

She summoned it from her dimensional storage and held it in two hands before her.

“The crown is made of gold, a precious metal. The material chosen is like your people. It is a reminder that they are the treasure you protect.  There is a band of slender leaves and vines that is a symbol for the elves you will nurture as you lead. Woven around the vines is a simple strand of tempered steel. It is plain and unadorned, honoring the resilience of man. Two races that might become three, all bound together under your watch.

A river pearl has been set in each corner, guiding you to protect every part of your kingdom and not just where you live. The clear water of the river these pearls came is a reminder to keep your mind free of things that can cloud it. Lastly, this diamond sits within the bezel. Every light that touches it is absorbed. You too should hear all ideas, no matter the source and weight if they are worthy of implementing.”

Having spoken, she put the crown upon his head.

“Rise, King Edward.”

He stood, bowing once and then turned to his people.

Some clapped, but most sat there in silence. Another ring began to form about twenty yards away. It was the same black stone Max was standing on, and Edward moved to stand on it.

“There are many rings to this city. Each of you have a place,” Max said, handing his daughter to Tanila as he moved to the edge of their platform. “Each has a job to do to make this kingdom the best it can be. Some will become craftsmen, others will become mages. Still more will become fighters, seeking to keep us safe from what will threaten our lives. Greater still are those who become parents. Raise your children, love each other, and teach them about the importance of love.”

A small silver pillar rose before him. Max waited for his wife to arrive where he stood, both of them placing their hands on it at the same time.

Magic flowed from the pillar and a silver ring rose from the stone Edward was standing on.

Edicts of the Twin Ring.

Every race is welcome and will work side by side.

We craft for the many, helping those in need whenever we can.

Those with strength, shield those who are weak. Blades are used only in defense.

No child sleeps without a roof or a meal. The temple will fill its pantries before spending on costly decorations.

If a decree protects power before people, every citizen may challenge it before their gods.

They glowed gently in the air, readable by all who were gathered.

“I will not make you swear to obey these rules because those who do not will find themselves cast out. Some might say that is unkind, but I will not tolerate those who take advantage of others while my eye is upon this kingdom.”

Max’s words carried a force that washed over everyone, his magic combined with the breath of his lips.

“In the coming days we will work with you and among you,” Tanlia said. “We will help prepare you for what must be done.”

Both of them turned to face each other, placing their daughter so that she was secure in their arms.

“Our promise to you, upon our daughter is this,” Max said. “We shall aid when we can, teach when the moment is possible and defend this place with our dying breath.”

Miranna stirred and let out a small cry which made those gathered chuckle.

“You have heard the words of your Mother and Father,” Jazzjak declared. “They have bound themselves to you without requiring you to do so to them. Prove your love to them and each other by how you live.”

The rabbit clapped his soft paws and the silver ring descended, melding with the black stone, words now etched upon it.

“Return to your homes, find the gift that has been provided and rest. Tomorrow begins a new day!” Jazzjak shouted.

As the people made their way out, Max and Tanila moved to where Edward stood, studying the words in the stone he was standing upon.

“This is a day I shall never forget,” the young man said. “Even though you told me of how this would go, seeing the very words you have declared as the foundation I stand upon… it makes all this so much more.”

Max handed his daughter to Tanila and came to stand before the new king. He held out a hand.

As they shook, he smiled.

“Fear not, Edward. I have many more gifts to give, but this one is unique.”

An eyebrow raised as Jazzjak bound forward.

“It’s ready,” the herald declared.

Max summoned the spark, sensing the DP that the rabbit had spent on his behalf, missing.

A glowing ball of light rest in both hands and he offered it the one who would rule their kingdom.

“Take this. Crush it. Let this spark ignite your heart and may it fill your being with warmth. Know it will strengthen you and help to prepare you for what is to come.”

Edward’s hands didn’t tremble as the orb of light was placed in his hands. He studied it for a moment, and then it shattered.

Tiny yellow balls of light swirled around him, hundreds of ones like swarming fireflies. For a few seconds, his being was that of a glowing figure as they landed on him. And then the light pulsed once, and the King took a deep breath.

“I… Thank you,” Edward said, bowing low. “I shall do everything I can to honor that which I’ve been tasked with and promised.”

Max nodded and smiled, clasping his hand on the young man's shoulder.

“I know. Now go. Tomorrow is a new day and there will be much to accomplish.”

As the kingdom's king made his way out, Jazzjak approached the trio, fidgeting slightly.

“I something wrong?” Tanila asked.

“No… it’s… all of this,” the vorpal bunny admitted, waving his hand in the air. “I’ve watched five different kingdoms give birth to races that most would never expect to be able to work together. Perhaps you can sense it, but your demon is forging a trail I do not think his kind has ever been upon. If he can manage to accomplish this…”

Their helper’s voice faded off as he shrugged.

“And the rest?” Max asked.

“Your dwarven friends are a funny pair, yet they understand their call to their people. Many dwarves have become gods. Yet from the time I have lived, I’m not sure I have ever seen some embody it so well. Cordellia is hard to read. I can sense in her a lingering pain. At first she hesitated to do a few things but you all walked beside her and she seemed to push whatever was holding her back away.  She loves each of the lives she has born and I see a true sense of care.”

Jazzjak sighed, his left ear flopping over.

“Most gods… or I should say the ones I have been under, rarely care for their kind like I see you all do. Even Rakonath is a mystery. A dragon god… There are few of them and for one his age to be so is a sign of things to come. He and his kind will always be bound to their father. He even spoke his name without fear… not something I imagined a dragon ever doing. Rakonath mentioned you… how you are and…”

The rabbit sniffed, his pink nose fidgeting, a tear forming in each eye. He lowered his head, staring at the ground.

Max moved, bending down and gently put a hand on the rabbit’s arm. 

“Hey, what’s going on in there?”

“You treat me with kindness… not tolerance, not disdain, or like trash. I have endured much under gods who saw me as nothing more than a tool. Since the day you came and we spoke you have been firm but fair. You and the others might have made me afraid at first as you teased and joked, but now I see it is how you show love… something I haven’t… felt in over 80,000 years.”

Max shifted, pulling a chair out and motioning to his wife who took it. He then sat on the ground, legs crossed and patted the stone before him.

“Sit, Jazzjak. We’re here and we’re listening.”