Lights of agramont trilo.., p.30
Lights of Agramont Trilogy, page 30
“Why not? Cailen must pay for this.”
“It’s not a big deal. I’m just a little scratched up.”
“It is a big deal.”
Kriv pushes Serilom’s hand away. “I learned my lesson back in Agareth. If someone hurts you, you move on and forget about it. The last thing I want to happen with this is for Cailen to be reprimanded then turn his rage at me. I don’t want to be hurt again and Cierson doesn’t need its leaders fighting. Cailen is a good commander who knows what he’s doing. If he were removed from his position, then the men he commands and the forces of Cierson would suffer. When that happens, the civilians would be left defenseless on land. Not every attack will come by sea. I need Cailen’s expertise just as much as he needs me which is why he didn’t do more to me. It’s also why I’m going to let it pass.”
“Is Lynn okay?” Serilom asks.
“She’s fine. After the other day, I told the inn keeper to not let Cailen or anyone but me near her room.”
“You have to at least say something.”
“What would I say?” Kriv asks. “You don’t seem to realize the true repercussions that would have. If you haven’t noticed, our relationship isn’t regarded very highly around here. If I told them why Cailen attacked me, then the zealous self-righteous citizens would rally behind him and both you and I would be in real danger. Let Cailen do what he needs to do. Once he has tired of this, he will move to something else that he feels the need to let his opinion be known about through brutality.”
“What if this goes farther next time and you are seriously hurt?”
“He won’t do that, I’m certain.” Kriv says as he brushes dirt from his uniform pants.
“That may be a risk you are willing to take, but I vowed to protect you and I refuse to sit in silence while your life is in danger. Your life is my life and I will protect it as if I am the one under attack. If something happens to you because I did not act, then I won’t be able to live with myself. You have been degraded and pushed around for far too long. It’s high time someone takes a stand for you. I will be the one to do that if you are too much of a coward to do it yourself.”
“What do you plan to do? If you so much as look at him wrong, they can clap you in irons and you’ll face the gallows again.”
Serilom devises a cruel plan to get his point across. He stands and holds out his hand. “Come outside with me for a minute.”
“Where are we going?” Kriv asks.
“Just follow me.”
Kriv hesitates but gives in and takes Serilom’s hand. “Let me get my gun.”
“No, you won’t need it. We’re going right outside. I want to show you something.”
“Okay … thank you for being understanding about all of this.”
They walk down the hallway and through the front door. Serilom leads Kriv out into the courtyard. The sun is just now starting to set so there is plenty of time for him to let Kriv know how he truly feels.
Kriv turns to Serilom. “What do you have to show me?”
“This!” His fist flies into Kriv’s face.
He stumbles backwards. “Serilom, what are you doing?”
“You will listen to me even if I have to beat it into you.”
Kriv holds his face. “You are making a scene.”
“I don’t care. Let them watch us fight.”
“I’m not going to fight you, Serilom.”
“Then prepare to be beaten again. Why don’t you just lie down for me so I can have my way with you like Cailen did?”
Kriv holds up his hands. “I’m warning you, don’t do this.”
“What? Is the little bard too scared to fight on the land?”
“That’s it.” Kriv’s magic spreads up his arms, air in one hand and water in the other.
“Oh, I’m so sacred of your little bursts of air. What can that do?”
He sends a wall of air at Serilom that knocks him from his feet. “That.”
Serilom brushes himself off as he stands. “Fine. You know, I’ve always secretly wanted to kick your ass and wipe that flashy smile from your face.”
“What? This smile?” Kriv grins and sends another wave of air at Serilom.
He tries to catch his breath from hitting the ground so hard. “Would you stop that? Do something else.”
“You don’t really want me to do something else. I don’t feel like having to clean up your blood from the streets.”
“Cocky bastard.” Serilom spits at him.
“Oh wait, I’m the admiral. I can have someone else clean up your blood so prepare to bleed, Orrentius.” He raises his hands in the air and dark clouds form and sparks of electricity jump out.
Serilom now starts to question his decisions. He rolls out of the way just as a bolt of lightning strikes where he had been kneeling. The following crack of thunder is accompanied by Kriv’s frightening laughter. He dodges another and scrambles to his feet. Where did this come from? This much more powerful than what Kriv used when they rescued Niv. This is the entire sky.
“What’s wrong, Orrentius? You didn’t think I couldn’t control the weather, did you? Of course I can. You like water. How about some rain?”
The rain blows in sheets and blinds Serilom as he tries to use his magic to control the raindrops, but they are too fast and there are too many. He shields his eyes and tries to dash out of it, but it continues. Then, just as he thinks it can’t get worse, the rain begins to freeze in the cold air. The ice pellets bounce off his skin and it dies down enough that he can see Kriv’s smiling face.
By now, they have drawn a crowd into the streets. Someone calls for the guards and Serilom knows he has to do something before they arrive. He takes his chance while Kriv is distracted. He races towards him and pushes him to the ground. Kriv kicks at him, but he manages to pin him down and sit on his chest. His fists fly at Kriv’s face until Kriv closes his eyes and is still. Serilom knows he’s in trouble.
The wave of energy causes the citizens to scream as Serilom is thrown back. Kriv is breathing hard as he wipes the blood from his face. “I am going to kill you, Orrentius.” He stands and raises his hands again. Tiny ice crystals form between Kriv’s hands. When he claps his hands together, they shatter and speed towards Serilom.
Serilom cries out as the razor sharp shards of ice tear through his cloak and slice his arms.
“For a mage, you don’t fight with your magic very well. You might want to dodge.” Kriv says as another bolt of lightning strikes inches from Serilom’s face.
Serilom is stunned and blinded as he falls to ground. His vision begins to return as guards run towards him.
Kriv picks up his hat and points at Serilom. “Arrest this man. He assaulted me.”
The guards take Serilom’s arms and secure shackles around his wrists. “What? Are you joking? Kriv! Kriv, don’t do this.”
“It’s Admiral Tide-Storm.”
“Admiral Tide-Storm, please. I’m sorry.”
“Criminals must be punished and you are a criminal, Orrentius. You overstepped a boundary that you never should have crossed. If your goal was to piss me off then you did a good job. Take him away.” Kriv orders.
They drag Serilom off as he kicks at them and struggles against their grasp. “Kriv, I swear I’m going to kill you. They were right, they were all right. You are insane. Kriv? Admiral!”
Kriv calls after him. “Death threats won’t help you now. Be a good boy and they might give you a blanket tonight. Play nice with the rats.”
*
Hours pass as Serilom sits in the cell and shivers. Tide-Storm … that bastard. How could he do this? The cell is completely dark and no torches line the walls. Serilom can’t see anything except the vague outline of things in the night. His head is pounding and the icy air isn’t helping. What’s worse is he is soaked. Kriv could have at least let him dry off before he sent him here. Right now he bets Admiral Tide-Storm is warm in his room and having a nice laugh about his victory.
A door slides open and the soft light of a lantern fills the hallway. Light footsteps move down the hall and stop in front of the cell door. Kriv holds up the lantern and gives a small smile. “Have you calmed down now?”
Serilom jumps up and grabs onto the bars. “You had me arrested. What the hell?”
“I’ll take that as a no.”
“So what, are you going to leave me in here?”
Kriv shrugs. “I can leave you in here for as long as I want to. When I get you out, the first thing we are going to do is take you to Tilidus and find out why your rage is uncontrollable. You have been growing more and more emotionally unstable. There has been so much anger in you since we arrived in this reality.”
“I am angry because the love of my life won’t let me protect him.”
“Serilom, I can’t have my position and the safety of innocent lives to be put at risk because you feel the need to defend me. I appreciate your dedication, but I can handle myself.”
“Like you did earlier today?” Serilom asks.
He sighs and pulls out the keys. “I promise that if things get worse, I will say something. Happy?”
“Now let me out of here.”
“What do you say?” Kriv smiles.
“Damn it, Kriv. That power has gotten into your head.”
“Come on, you can say it.”
He stomps his foot. “Please let me out.”
“Please who?”
Serilom rolls his eyes. “Please let me out, most benevolent and handsome Admiral Tide-Storm.”
“Better. We need to work on your sad attempts at flattery.”
*
Commander Cailen is waiting for them outside. “Have a lover’s quarrel, Tide-Storm? What happened to your face? Looks like someone taught you a lesson. I think I still have some of your blood on my fingers.”
“Enjoy your trophy.” Kriv pushes past him.
“Why are you going? I’m not done with you.”
“Well, I’m done with you.”
Cailen’s fist hits Kriv in the back of the head and he falls face down in the street.
Serilom jumps at the Commander with fists flying. He lands a few blows before Cailen kicks him in the stomach and he drops to one knee.
“Enough!”
Serilom looks up to see all four of the Honored.
Cailen wipes the blood from his hand. “By the Honored, it’s the Honored.”
“Touch either of my mages again and you will feel the full force of our power.” Tilidus’s voice is filled with anger as his eyes land on Kriv. “Serilom, help Kriv up and do what Garonwon asks.”
Before Serilom can get to Kriv, Cailen grabs him from behind and throws him into the wall. Over Cailen’s shoulder, Serilom sees Ravier storming towards them.
Ravier jumps up and sends his foot flying into Cailen’s face. He falls and struggles to stand. Ravier pushes him up against the wall. “How does it feel?” He punches him in the face. “Hit me back. I dare you.” Fire leaps up in Ravier’s hands.
“My fight isn’t with you, Honored One. Do not protect these heathens.”
“I can’t stand either one of them, but I don’t go around beating people half to death just because I don’t like them. Save that passion for the battlefield. Bloodshed amongst the ranks is unacceptable and I’m sure King Adolphis would have something to say about it. Maybe next time, I’ll hold you down and let Serilom take his anger out on you.”
“Orrentius can’t touch me without being hanged.”
“Oh yah? Well I can.” He unleashes a flurry of hits and then throws Cailen to the ground. Once he pins Cailen down, Ravier’s magic flares up again. “I could burn the flesh from your pudgy face in less time than it would take you to beg for mercy.”
“Ravier, enough.” Garonwon orders as he helps Kriv to his feet. “You know what? We’re going to put an end to this right now.”
*
King Adolphis stands from his throne and points at the door. “What is the meaning of this intrusion? Oh, I apologize. Enter. The Honored are always welcome in my throne room.”
“Go on.” Ievas pushes Kriv towards the middle of the room as Ravier drags Cailen in as well.
King Adolphis studies Kriv’s injuries. “Admiral Tide-Storm, what happened?”
Tilidus points his cane at Cailen. “He was attacked by Commander Cailen.”
“I will not have conflict between you two.” King Adolphis’s face is stern as he paces in front of Kriv and Cailen. “Cierson needs unity and protection not uncertainty and fighting. How dare you lay a hand on my admiral? Commander Cailen, if you have something to say on your behalf, I suggest you speak up now.”
“Do you know about your admiral? Do you know how he is promoting a way of life that has long been condemned because it is wrong and perverse? He is a heathen and unworthy of his title. We can’t trust a man who goes against the teachings of The Creator and who has no morals.”
King Adolphis holds out his hand. “Tell me, what has Tide-Storm done that compromises his ability to command my ships? What has he done that makes him unable to follow and give orders? Please enlighten me.”
“Tide-Storm is having sexual relations with that Orrentius man.”
King Adolphis stares at them and the room falls silent. Serilom’s heart is racing in his chest and he clasps his hands together to keep from visibly shaking. Kriv looks down at the floor and he blushes with embarrassment.
The king stands and crosses his arms. “Admiral, is this true?”
Kriv’s face turns red as he whispers. “Yes.”
“I see. Admiral, do you know that this kind of relationship is forbidden under Cierson law?”
Kriv twists the edge of his hat in his hands. “Yes.”
Serilom grabs the edge of the bench. Kriv knew? He has been risking his position and everything he has accomplished for him? Serilom had no idea it was a law. If his heart had been racing before, now it feels like it is going to explode.
“Defying the laws of the country you have sworn to serve and protect is punishable by death in cases like this. Do you understand? I am the king and I must uphold the laws and edicts of this great country so I have to do what the law dictates.”
Commander Cailen grins darkly.
“What are smiling about, Commander?” King Adolphis asks. “If I remember correctly, assault and attempted murder are crimes as well.”
Cailen’s grin vanishes.
“Now, I apologize that this has come this far, Admiral. Laws must be obeyed and the punishments for deviating from those laws must be carried out. Laws provide boundaries and order in a country. I am the king and my word is final.”
Kriv sighs and holds his face in hand.
“It is for this reason that I am able to amend or do away with any law that I feel does not serve to protect my country.” He walks over the table and flips through the pages of the large old book until he finds the one he is looking for. He runs his finger down the page and takes the paper in his fingers. With one quick tear, he rips it from the book and crumples it up. “Law amended.”
Is he joking? Those laws look to have been written hundreds of years ago. Someone behind them gasps.
“Admiral Tide-Storm, has your relationship ever come between you and your duties to Cierson?” The king asks.
“No, your majesty.”
“Commander Cailen, your need for vigilante justice and defense of your beliefs are admirable. I commend you for upholding your convictions. However, blind persecution of people who disagree with you is only a sign of hubris and narcissism. Worse yet, physically harming someone who I have personally appointed to a position is detestable. What the admiral did was against the law. Yes, it goes against the teachings in the temples and it is not something I personally agree with. But that does not give you or anyone else the right to pass judgment and take matters into your own hands. Now, since you are so adamant about enforcing justice, shall we view your crimes? Forgive me for what I’m about to say because it goes against what the priests teach, but it needs to be said. In my opinion, what you did to Admiral Tide-Storm and Orrentius far surpasses the severity of his transgression. I personally couldn’t care less what my admiral does in his private time as long as he is able to carry out what is needed of him. From what I have seen, he is the best and most dedicated officer Cierson has ever had the pleasure of knowing. I refuse to allow anyone to bring harm to him, especially someone of equal rank who should be working with him for the sake of the kingdom.”
“Your majesty, this is absurd. You are throwing out an entire law just to protect him? Next thing you know, all of Cierson will be drunkards, whores, and rapists. The Creator will strike us down for abandoning his teachings.”
“Commander, that is enough out of you. The law has already been amended. As for your crimes, they cannot be overlooked.”
Kriv looks up and takes a step forward. “Your majesty, if I may speak, I would like to say something.”
“Go ahead.”
“There is no reason to continue this vicious cycle of violence. Despite what has happened, I harbor no ill feelings towards Commander Cailen and offer only peace and forgiveness. Allow us to mend this troubled start to our working together.”
King Adolphis rubs his hands together and looks at them for a minute. “If you are willing to look the other way and dismiss any charges against Commander Cailen, then that is your decision. I will honor that decision. If there is nothing else, I trust that the Honored can tend to anything else that arises.” He turns and leaves the room.
Something changes in Cailen. He stares at Kriv and watches him closely with some combination of awe, respect, and confusion spread across his face.
Kriv replaces his hat and the crowd parts for him as he walks out the door. Serilom runs after him and takes his arm. They are quiet as they walk through the streets until someone calls for them.
“Admiral, a word?”
Kriv looks behind him. Cailen. “Yes?”
“Why in The Creator’s name did you stand up for me after what I’ve done to you?”
“Sometimes violence and revenge aren’t the only course a river can take. When there are rapids, it is often best to avoid them rather than plunging over the edge.”
“It’s not a big deal. I’m just a little scratched up.”
“It is a big deal.”
Kriv pushes Serilom’s hand away. “I learned my lesson back in Agareth. If someone hurts you, you move on and forget about it. The last thing I want to happen with this is for Cailen to be reprimanded then turn his rage at me. I don’t want to be hurt again and Cierson doesn’t need its leaders fighting. Cailen is a good commander who knows what he’s doing. If he were removed from his position, then the men he commands and the forces of Cierson would suffer. When that happens, the civilians would be left defenseless on land. Not every attack will come by sea. I need Cailen’s expertise just as much as he needs me which is why he didn’t do more to me. It’s also why I’m going to let it pass.”
“Is Lynn okay?” Serilom asks.
“She’s fine. After the other day, I told the inn keeper to not let Cailen or anyone but me near her room.”
“You have to at least say something.”
“What would I say?” Kriv asks. “You don’t seem to realize the true repercussions that would have. If you haven’t noticed, our relationship isn’t regarded very highly around here. If I told them why Cailen attacked me, then the zealous self-righteous citizens would rally behind him and both you and I would be in real danger. Let Cailen do what he needs to do. Once he has tired of this, he will move to something else that he feels the need to let his opinion be known about through brutality.”
“What if this goes farther next time and you are seriously hurt?”
“He won’t do that, I’m certain.” Kriv says as he brushes dirt from his uniform pants.
“That may be a risk you are willing to take, but I vowed to protect you and I refuse to sit in silence while your life is in danger. Your life is my life and I will protect it as if I am the one under attack. If something happens to you because I did not act, then I won’t be able to live with myself. You have been degraded and pushed around for far too long. It’s high time someone takes a stand for you. I will be the one to do that if you are too much of a coward to do it yourself.”
“What do you plan to do? If you so much as look at him wrong, they can clap you in irons and you’ll face the gallows again.”
Serilom devises a cruel plan to get his point across. He stands and holds out his hand. “Come outside with me for a minute.”
“Where are we going?” Kriv asks.
“Just follow me.”
Kriv hesitates but gives in and takes Serilom’s hand. “Let me get my gun.”
“No, you won’t need it. We’re going right outside. I want to show you something.”
“Okay … thank you for being understanding about all of this.”
They walk down the hallway and through the front door. Serilom leads Kriv out into the courtyard. The sun is just now starting to set so there is plenty of time for him to let Kriv know how he truly feels.
Kriv turns to Serilom. “What do you have to show me?”
“This!” His fist flies into Kriv’s face.
He stumbles backwards. “Serilom, what are you doing?”
“You will listen to me even if I have to beat it into you.”
Kriv holds his face. “You are making a scene.”
“I don’t care. Let them watch us fight.”
“I’m not going to fight you, Serilom.”
“Then prepare to be beaten again. Why don’t you just lie down for me so I can have my way with you like Cailen did?”
Kriv holds up his hands. “I’m warning you, don’t do this.”
“What? Is the little bard too scared to fight on the land?”
“That’s it.” Kriv’s magic spreads up his arms, air in one hand and water in the other.
“Oh, I’m so sacred of your little bursts of air. What can that do?”
He sends a wall of air at Serilom that knocks him from his feet. “That.”
Serilom brushes himself off as he stands. “Fine. You know, I’ve always secretly wanted to kick your ass and wipe that flashy smile from your face.”
“What? This smile?” Kriv grins and sends another wave of air at Serilom.
He tries to catch his breath from hitting the ground so hard. “Would you stop that? Do something else.”
“You don’t really want me to do something else. I don’t feel like having to clean up your blood from the streets.”
“Cocky bastard.” Serilom spits at him.
“Oh wait, I’m the admiral. I can have someone else clean up your blood so prepare to bleed, Orrentius.” He raises his hands in the air and dark clouds form and sparks of electricity jump out.
Serilom now starts to question his decisions. He rolls out of the way just as a bolt of lightning strikes where he had been kneeling. The following crack of thunder is accompanied by Kriv’s frightening laughter. He dodges another and scrambles to his feet. Where did this come from? This much more powerful than what Kriv used when they rescued Niv. This is the entire sky.
“What’s wrong, Orrentius? You didn’t think I couldn’t control the weather, did you? Of course I can. You like water. How about some rain?”
The rain blows in sheets and blinds Serilom as he tries to use his magic to control the raindrops, but they are too fast and there are too many. He shields his eyes and tries to dash out of it, but it continues. Then, just as he thinks it can’t get worse, the rain begins to freeze in the cold air. The ice pellets bounce off his skin and it dies down enough that he can see Kriv’s smiling face.
By now, they have drawn a crowd into the streets. Someone calls for the guards and Serilom knows he has to do something before they arrive. He takes his chance while Kriv is distracted. He races towards him and pushes him to the ground. Kriv kicks at him, but he manages to pin him down and sit on his chest. His fists fly at Kriv’s face until Kriv closes his eyes and is still. Serilom knows he’s in trouble.
The wave of energy causes the citizens to scream as Serilom is thrown back. Kriv is breathing hard as he wipes the blood from his face. “I am going to kill you, Orrentius.” He stands and raises his hands again. Tiny ice crystals form between Kriv’s hands. When he claps his hands together, they shatter and speed towards Serilom.
Serilom cries out as the razor sharp shards of ice tear through his cloak and slice his arms.
“For a mage, you don’t fight with your magic very well. You might want to dodge.” Kriv says as another bolt of lightning strikes inches from Serilom’s face.
Serilom is stunned and blinded as he falls to ground. His vision begins to return as guards run towards him.
Kriv picks up his hat and points at Serilom. “Arrest this man. He assaulted me.”
The guards take Serilom’s arms and secure shackles around his wrists. “What? Are you joking? Kriv! Kriv, don’t do this.”
“It’s Admiral Tide-Storm.”
“Admiral Tide-Storm, please. I’m sorry.”
“Criminals must be punished and you are a criminal, Orrentius. You overstepped a boundary that you never should have crossed. If your goal was to piss me off then you did a good job. Take him away.” Kriv orders.
They drag Serilom off as he kicks at them and struggles against their grasp. “Kriv, I swear I’m going to kill you. They were right, they were all right. You are insane. Kriv? Admiral!”
Kriv calls after him. “Death threats won’t help you now. Be a good boy and they might give you a blanket tonight. Play nice with the rats.”
*
Hours pass as Serilom sits in the cell and shivers. Tide-Storm … that bastard. How could he do this? The cell is completely dark and no torches line the walls. Serilom can’t see anything except the vague outline of things in the night. His head is pounding and the icy air isn’t helping. What’s worse is he is soaked. Kriv could have at least let him dry off before he sent him here. Right now he bets Admiral Tide-Storm is warm in his room and having a nice laugh about his victory.
A door slides open and the soft light of a lantern fills the hallway. Light footsteps move down the hall and stop in front of the cell door. Kriv holds up the lantern and gives a small smile. “Have you calmed down now?”
Serilom jumps up and grabs onto the bars. “You had me arrested. What the hell?”
“I’ll take that as a no.”
“So what, are you going to leave me in here?”
Kriv shrugs. “I can leave you in here for as long as I want to. When I get you out, the first thing we are going to do is take you to Tilidus and find out why your rage is uncontrollable. You have been growing more and more emotionally unstable. There has been so much anger in you since we arrived in this reality.”
“I am angry because the love of my life won’t let me protect him.”
“Serilom, I can’t have my position and the safety of innocent lives to be put at risk because you feel the need to defend me. I appreciate your dedication, but I can handle myself.”
“Like you did earlier today?” Serilom asks.
He sighs and pulls out the keys. “I promise that if things get worse, I will say something. Happy?”
“Now let me out of here.”
“What do you say?” Kriv smiles.
“Damn it, Kriv. That power has gotten into your head.”
“Come on, you can say it.”
He stomps his foot. “Please let me out.”
“Please who?”
Serilom rolls his eyes. “Please let me out, most benevolent and handsome Admiral Tide-Storm.”
“Better. We need to work on your sad attempts at flattery.”
*
Commander Cailen is waiting for them outside. “Have a lover’s quarrel, Tide-Storm? What happened to your face? Looks like someone taught you a lesson. I think I still have some of your blood on my fingers.”
“Enjoy your trophy.” Kriv pushes past him.
“Why are you going? I’m not done with you.”
“Well, I’m done with you.”
Cailen’s fist hits Kriv in the back of the head and he falls face down in the street.
Serilom jumps at the Commander with fists flying. He lands a few blows before Cailen kicks him in the stomach and he drops to one knee.
“Enough!”
Serilom looks up to see all four of the Honored.
Cailen wipes the blood from his hand. “By the Honored, it’s the Honored.”
“Touch either of my mages again and you will feel the full force of our power.” Tilidus’s voice is filled with anger as his eyes land on Kriv. “Serilom, help Kriv up and do what Garonwon asks.”
Before Serilom can get to Kriv, Cailen grabs him from behind and throws him into the wall. Over Cailen’s shoulder, Serilom sees Ravier storming towards them.
Ravier jumps up and sends his foot flying into Cailen’s face. He falls and struggles to stand. Ravier pushes him up against the wall. “How does it feel?” He punches him in the face. “Hit me back. I dare you.” Fire leaps up in Ravier’s hands.
“My fight isn’t with you, Honored One. Do not protect these heathens.”
“I can’t stand either one of them, but I don’t go around beating people half to death just because I don’t like them. Save that passion for the battlefield. Bloodshed amongst the ranks is unacceptable and I’m sure King Adolphis would have something to say about it. Maybe next time, I’ll hold you down and let Serilom take his anger out on you.”
“Orrentius can’t touch me without being hanged.”
“Oh yah? Well I can.” He unleashes a flurry of hits and then throws Cailen to the ground. Once he pins Cailen down, Ravier’s magic flares up again. “I could burn the flesh from your pudgy face in less time than it would take you to beg for mercy.”
“Ravier, enough.” Garonwon orders as he helps Kriv to his feet. “You know what? We’re going to put an end to this right now.”
*
King Adolphis stands from his throne and points at the door. “What is the meaning of this intrusion? Oh, I apologize. Enter. The Honored are always welcome in my throne room.”
“Go on.” Ievas pushes Kriv towards the middle of the room as Ravier drags Cailen in as well.
King Adolphis studies Kriv’s injuries. “Admiral Tide-Storm, what happened?”
Tilidus points his cane at Cailen. “He was attacked by Commander Cailen.”
“I will not have conflict between you two.” King Adolphis’s face is stern as he paces in front of Kriv and Cailen. “Cierson needs unity and protection not uncertainty and fighting. How dare you lay a hand on my admiral? Commander Cailen, if you have something to say on your behalf, I suggest you speak up now.”
“Do you know about your admiral? Do you know how he is promoting a way of life that has long been condemned because it is wrong and perverse? He is a heathen and unworthy of his title. We can’t trust a man who goes against the teachings of The Creator and who has no morals.”
King Adolphis holds out his hand. “Tell me, what has Tide-Storm done that compromises his ability to command my ships? What has he done that makes him unable to follow and give orders? Please enlighten me.”
“Tide-Storm is having sexual relations with that Orrentius man.”
King Adolphis stares at them and the room falls silent. Serilom’s heart is racing in his chest and he clasps his hands together to keep from visibly shaking. Kriv looks down at the floor and he blushes with embarrassment.
The king stands and crosses his arms. “Admiral, is this true?”
Kriv’s face turns red as he whispers. “Yes.”
“I see. Admiral, do you know that this kind of relationship is forbidden under Cierson law?”
Kriv twists the edge of his hat in his hands. “Yes.”
Serilom grabs the edge of the bench. Kriv knew? He has been risking his position and everything he has accomplished for him? Serilom had no idea it was a law. If his heart had been racing before, now it feels like it is going to explode.
“Defying the laws of the country you have sworn to serve and protect is punishable by death in cases like this. Do you understand? I am the king and I must uphold the laws and edicts of this great country so I have to do what the law dictates.”
Commander Cailen grins darkly.
“What are smiling about, Commander?” King Adolphis asks. “If I remember correctly, assault and attempted murder are crimes as well.”
Cailen’s grin vanishes.
“Now, I apologize that this has come this far, Admiral. Laws must be obeyed and the punishments for deviating from those laws must be carried out. Laws provide boundaries and order in a country. I am the king and my word is final.”
Kriv sighs and holds his face in hand.
“It is for this reason that I am able to amend or do away with any law that I feel does not serve to protect my country.” He walks over the table and flips through the pages of the large old book until he finds the one he is looking for. He runs his finger down the page and takes the paper in his fingers. With one quick tear, he rips it from the book and crumples it up. “Law amended.”
Is he joking? Those laws look to have been written hundreds of years ago. Someone behind them gasps.
“Admiral Tide-Storm, has your relationship ever come between you and your duties to Cierson?” The king asks.
“No, your majesty.”
“Commander Cailen, your need for vigilante justice and defense of your beliefs are admirable. I commend you for upholding your convictions. However, blind persecution of people who disagree with you is only a sign of hubris and narcissism. Worse yet, physically harming someone who I have personally appointed to a position is detestable. What the admiral did was against the law. Yes, it goes against the teachings in the temples and it is not something I personally agree with. But that does not give you or anyone else the right to pass judgment and take matters into your own hands. Now, since you are so adamant about enforcing justice, shall we view your crimes? Forgive me for what I’m about to say because it goes against what the priests teach, but it needs to be said. In my opinion, what you did to Admiral Tide-Storm and Orrentius far surpasses the severity of his transgression. I personally couldn’t care less what my admiral does in his private time as long as he is able to carry out what is needed of him. From what I have seen, he is the best and most dedicated officer Cierson has ever had the pleasure of knowing. I refuse to allow anyone to bring harm to him, especially someone of equal rank who should be working with him for the sake of the kingdom.”
“Your majesty, this is absurd. You are throwing out an entire law just to protect him? Next thing you know, all of Cierson will be drunkards, whores, and rapists. The Creator will strike us down for abandoning his teachings.”
“Commander, that is enough out of you. The law has already been amended. As for your crimes, they cannot be overlooked.”
Kriv looks up and takes a step forward. “Your majesty, if I may speak, I would like to say something.”
“Go ahead.”
“There is no reason to continue this vicious cycle of violence. Despite what has happened, I harbor no ill feelings towards Commander Cailen and offer only peace and forgiveness. Allow us to mend this troubled start to our working together.”
King Adolphis rubs his hands together and looks at them for a minute. “If you are willing to look the other way and dismiss any charges against Commander Cailen, then that is your decision. I will honor that decision. If there is nothing else, I trust that the Honored can tend to anything else that arises.” He turns and leaves the room.
Something changes in Cailen. He stares at Kriv and watches him closely with some combination of awe, respect, and confusion spread across his face.
Kriv replaces his hat and the crowd parts for him as he walks out the door. Serilom runs after him and takes his arm. They are quiet as they walk through the streets until someone calls for them.
“Admiral, a word?”
Kriv looks behind him. Cailen. “Yes?”
“Why in The Creator’s name did you stand up for me after what I’ve done to you?”
“Sometimes violence and revenge aren’t the only course a river can take. When there are rapids, it is often best to avoid them rather than plunging over the edge.”
