RE: Monarch

I studied the canopy of dark green leaves for some time before I found what I was looking for. An old tree, full of gnarled branches and bark that felt brittle to the touch. More importantly, it stood taller than any that surrounded it.

Lord Erebus trailed behind me, doubt clouding his features. “The Everwood spans a great distance, your grace. It seems incredibly unlikely that the panther has stayed close by. Even if it ventured a minimal distance, the canopy is thick.”

I ignored the warning. “One must venture to gain, Lord Erebus. And I’m not in the practice of breaking my promises. The least I can do is try.”

Lord Erebus fell silent.

I released three sparks onto the tall tree’s trunk. They caught fire immediately, but I clamped down with my magic and kept them small, rotating the sparks in opposite circles, blackening the trunk just above the roots, so it wouldn’t spread down onto the grass and require constant management. Then, I allowed the flames to creep up the full length of the tree and spread, creating a tower of flame that cast the camp in an eerie light.

Lord Erebus looked behind us with a bland expression. “We have an audience, your grace.”

Most of the camp had been pointedly ignoring me. Now a few people had wandered over. There were a handful of mages that were staring at the fire curiously, but mostly, I saw fear in their expressions.

I raised my voice. “This flame keeps the beasts of the forest at bay. It will not spread, nor will it harm you.”

No one moved.

Shrugging, I turned my back to them and sat cross-legged next to the burning tree. Lord Erebus sat beside me. Despite his elaborate attire, he didn’t call for his servants to place down blankets or cushions for him. Every so often, an adjacent leaf or branch from another tree would catch fire, and I had to call on my mana to snuff it out.

In the interim, Vogrin returned to his place in the amulet.

“Anything from Thaddeus?” I asked.

“The man is absurdly careful.” Vogrin sounded exhausted. “When he returned to the tent, he began to write one of several letters. Long letters. All of them were encrypted, and he had a magical paperweight that checked for augury and scanned for extra-planar presences.”

“Were you detected?”

”I’ve been doing this for centuries before you were born. Of course I wasn’t detected.” Vogrin snapped. “I also memorized the letters. While I recognize the framework of the encryption, it will require some time to generate the keyword necessary to decrypt the missives.”

Part of me chafed at the idea of having to wait, but Vogrin had done an excellent job.

“Hopefully, we’ll have an idea of what he intends before he passes them off.”

“The encampment is not so large that he would be able to send a messenger unnoticed. He will likely bide his time until we return to the city proper. Now, as I’m completely drained, I’m going to rest.”

“Well done, Vogrin.”

A few people had joined us by the firelight while I was talking to Vogrin. They still frequently looked over at the tree nervously from time to time, but seemed to have accepted my previous explanation.

Lord Erebus was staring through his spyglass into the dark, though I had to imagine between the darkness of the forest and the violet blaze of the tree, he probably couldn’t see much.

I voiced a random thought. “What should I name him?”

The spyglass tumbled out of Erebus’ hands. He stared at me, aghast. “Five years, and you haven’t given it any thought?”

I shifted uncomfortably. “I’ve been a little busy. And in my defense, I didn’t realize how significant it was. But if it’s one of the last, it seems as if the name should mean something.”

“Well,” Erebus leaned back on his arms. “There are a few that crop up in legend. Pearltooth notoriously never found a human hunter he considered worthy, though countless tried. Bazal, who felled many invaders, when the orc ships landed on our shores. And of course, our figurehead, the king of the panthers.

“King?”

“A majestic creature. One capable of bringing others of his kind to heel with nothing more than a glare and snarl—why are you looking at me like that?”

My boyish grin grew wider. “Tell me the name.”

Erebus’ expression grew tired. “Do you have any idea how many animals in my house share the same damn moniker—I was a fool to mention it. ”

“Come now—“ I fell silent. Not at any particular sound, but the utter lack of it. The Everwood, normally rife with hooting owls and the shuffling of small things darting through bushes was completely silent.

Behind the veil of violet flame, a paw stepped out of the darkness. And another. Two golden eyes stared out at me as the panther stepped out into the clearing.

It was larger than I remembered. Smaller than a horse, but only just. There were a series of scars across its forehead that must have come from something vaguely reptilian. Its head came up to my chest.

“Gods.” Lord Erebus whispered.

I walked towards it, my feet rustling through the dew speckled grass. It took a step backward, sniffing the air tentatively.

That’s right. I had changed a lot since my first passage through the Everwood..

“You followed my instructions.” I said, careful not to make any sudden movements.

The panther growled, then looked away.

I stifled a chuckle. “Sorry it took so long. I don’t think either of us knew what we were signing up for.”

It gave me a long-suffering look and huffed.

“Still, you kept your side of the bargain. Time to keep mine.” I glanced back at Erebus. “The panther King. What was his name?”

“Kerai.” Lord Erebus answered, this time without argument. He was still staring wide-eyed at the new arrival.

“Kerai.” I rolled the word around as I spoke it, getting a feel for it and observing the panther’s posture for a reaction. “Does this name please you?”

Kerai roared.

I quenched the fire.

Hours later, the hue of darkness still hung around the camp, though we were approaching morning. I was mildly worried at the reaction of bringing a wild animal in. As it happened, there was little to be concerned about. They seemed to regard the animal with the same barely withheld concern as they held towards my presence. Which was good for Kerai, though mildly irritating in the general realization that they considered me a barely restrained, wild animal.

Lord Erebus’ disposition towards me had changed. He had an air of excitability about him now. He slipped a small envelope of gray, granulated herb into my hand.

“Daelon Fern.” He said, by way of explanation. His eyes twinkled. “I’d intended to use it as bait, but that’s no longer necessary.”

I dipped a finger in. The herb appeared freshly ground and carried a pungent scent. I gave him a dubious look. “Daelon Fern. Like… what they give to house cats?”

Lord Erebus scowled. “Those tinctures are frequently spiked with opiates by hackwitted alchemists, so, no, your grace. This is of the highest quality. It will soothe the animal’s anxiety in an unfamiliar setting and stimulate its mind—oh, hello.”

Kerai had sauntered to my side and began to sniff at Erebus’ hand. Erebus dropped into a crouch. “It’s a pleasure to have you with us.” He didn’t attempt to pet the animal or advance on it out of turn—he’d been markedly reserved ever since Kerai appeared from the darkness of the Everwood—he simply let the panther observe his presence, and acknowledged the attention.

I knew of his house, though less than I would have liked. They were reliable allies when called but otherwise kept to themselves, and were considered somewhat eclectic. It presented an opportunity I couldn’t afford to ignore.

“In truth, Lord Erebus, Kerai’s arrival could not be better timed. I find myself with few friends of late.” I stroked the panther’s fur gently, memories of drunkenly regaling it with my history in the orchard outside Kholis prominent in my mind. Kerai purred at the attention. “I’ve never had a pet—” Lord Erebus’s eyebrows furrowed deeply, and I hastened to the point. “—let alone taken on the care of an intelligent animal of such distinction.”

Erebus relaxed, looking somewhat sheepish. “With respect, my prince. I’m relieved you’re taking this seriously.”

“There are many horses in the royal stables, and while I’ve bonded with several, there has always been a stablehand present to support my efforts in the background.”

Lord Erebus stiffened.

“If you’d be willing to guide me in caring for the avatar for your house, you’d find me eternally grateful.” I said, careful to make the distinction between guidance and caregiver. In practice, this was something of a gambit, one which, I hoped, wasn’t overplaying my hand. I needed allies in Whitefall. While we undoubtedly held the most power, House Valen was fractious at the best of times. Bernard Erebus seemed like a strong candidate. He was the most level-headed of my father’s bannerlords, and considering his house’s strong tendency to lean on indentured servitude rather than slaves, not likely to hold a grudge for my father’s recent actions.

“You honor me.” He finally said.

“The honor is mine.”

“My loyalty lies with the current king.”

“Of course.”

“But there is inherent value in an ally you choose, rather than one of necessity.” Erebus looked at me meaningfully, and my estimation of him rose. He was craftier than he appeared. “I would not be opposed to strengthening our association early. However…” he glanced at the panther.

“Yes?” I prompted.

“Once the call to arms has ended and my men have recovered from the journey, I intend to lead an expedition into the everwood.”

“Ah. Unlikely that there would be just one abyssal panther. You intend to find more.”

“And if I did happen to locate a female of prominent stock…” Erebus trailed off meaningfully.

I snorted at the implication. Then I rubbed at the fur at the base of the panther’s head, and spoke to him directly. “What do you say, old friend? If Lord Erebus finds a nice lady panther for you to dance with, think there’s kittens in your future?”

Kerai nuzzled my leg with a low purr.

“Pretty sure that’s a yes.” I gave Erebus an approving nod. “And I have no objection to that proposal.”

***

I left Kerai with Lord Erebus, who was delighted to provide accommodations for the animal. As I made my way through the camp, I noticed thefresh dew coating the grass, though the sun had still not risen. I wasn’t sure what time it was, but it had to be close to morning. I watched as a raccoon waddled into camp, scuttling between the spokes of the wagon. Beyond the camp, on a nearby cliffside, a wolf howled.

“Prince Cairn.” Maya’s cool, accented voice immediately drew me out of my reverie. I turned with a friendly smile, only to find she was not alone. One of the noble ladies from the fireside earlier accompanied her. She was short of stature, wearing a gaudy, perfectly tailored pink dress that would have been the centerpiece of any ballroom, but was oddly improper here. Her long brown hair was a calculated mess of curls that must have been hells to achieve on the road.

“Emissary Maya.”

Maya turned to the side, inclining her arm in practiced introduction. “There’s someone who wishes to meet you.”

The girl gave me a shy smile that immediately set my nerves on edge and bent in a deep curtsy. “Melody, of House Vasemoux. It’s lovely to meet you, my lord.”

House Vasemoux. A hazy image of a fox projected itself in my mind, but little else, apart from the feeling that it was a small house of little significance.

I returned a shallow bow. “Forgive me, my lady, I’ve been away for some time—”

Maya expertly cut in. “Lady Melody has been regaling me with tales of her house’s mercantile savvy. Imports and exports of their designs and products have been successful in the Panthanian market, which speaks for itself. Their fashions set trends for multiple continents, and they’ve recently been working with demi-human advocates to create lines for several races, with plans to expand for more.”

“Fashions.” The word escaped my lips before I could suppress it. Melody’s cheeks immediately reddened.

Melody stammered, a slight bumpkin lilt filtering into her accent. “Emissary Maya has told me of the role you’ve played in guiding Uskar’s new direction. Given that you’ll be returning after some time, I wished to offer my house’s wholehearted support.”

“I imagine I’ll need an entirely new wardrobe.” I mused. “Thank you, my lady. I’ll call on you soon.”

Sensing the dismissal, lady Melody curtsied awkwardly, and scurried away with flushed cheeks.

Once she was out of earshot, Maya spoke. “Beautifully handled, your grace.”

I looked back at the wagon spokes. “You know, that’s the third raccoon that’s just sauntered into the camp.”

“I’d thought the time on your own might dampen your diplomatic prowess, but it’s a relief to be proven wrong.”

“One I could understand. They’re brazen by nature, but three?”

“Providence smiled on me enough that I found the one noble connected to a considerably wealthy house that was willing to approach you, endured her inane chattering, and made an introduction—”

“Even two would be reasonable.”

“And you managed to both insult and dismiss her in less than a minute. She wanted—”

Failing to cap my growing ire, I rounded on Maya. “I know exactly what she wanted. Hard to miss, given the hundreds of noble women who have thrown themselves at me with the same doe-eyed expression.”

Maya’s expression hardened. “So you were fully aware, and ignoring my efforts was an informed decision.”

“Putting aside the revenant in the room because clearly, neither of us are ready to talk about it, you literally just threw the first noble lady who would talk to you in my general direction.” I said incredulously. This was not how I imagined my first one-on-one conversation with Maya going. Not even close.

Maya leaned in, furious. “You think I sat in her carriage accidentally? That she chose to share a fire with me by happenstance? No matter how deeply you look down your nose at their occupation, House Vasemoux was towards the top of a very short list. They’re a cornerstone in the Uskarrian economy. They’re progressive compared to the rest of the nobles, most of whom are still reeling at the idea of empty slave collars. And their only viable suitress is a kind soul.”

“Marrying a human would be pointless.” I hissed, looking around to make sure no one was in earshot. “It took five years to lock down an alliance with your people. Marrying, or even entertaining an engagement, spends political capital I may need later to solidify an alliance if there’s no other course.”

Maya’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t have to marry Lady Melody. Just be friendly, string her along, exploit her connections and house, then discard her when she no longer of use. Or after you find a way to weaponize her grief.”

The words cut deeper than any sword. I took a half-step back. “Is that—is that what you think of me?”

A painful silence followed. Maya looked away first, and I followed her lead. Yet another raccoon was waddling into the camp. This one awkwardly clambered up onto the wagon that housed the armory and wandered in, searching for food.

“Why do I get the sense this political marriage will end up being with an elf?” Maya gave me a sidelong glance.

I snorted. “Because you’ve grown profoundly cynical in my absence.”

Maya made a nondescript grunt.

I crossed my arms and sighed. “In truth, I care little. Elf, dwarf, hell, even a pixie if the situation calls for it.”

“Any port in a storm?” Maya chuckled. “Though I hesitate to imagine the mechanics of how that would work with a pixie.”

“Any alliance that places us in the best possible position against the adversary. Preferably a queen who has little interest in me other than that of a political nature.” I hesitated, before deciding to voice the rest. “So I can have a life with the person I love. Assuming she even wants that, anymore.”

“Oh.” Maya studied the ground. Her tail twitched from side to side, eventually wrapping around her wrist. “You may want to reconsider.”

I felt myself deflate. “Is that so.”

“I’m not—” Maya checked behind her, and lowered her voice. “I’m not sure the King fully understands the political ramifications of what he’s done. He is accustomed to taking decisive, often extreme action, and having others fall in line purely from fear of reprisal. It’s effective, only because the ultimate outcome tends to shower the nobility with greater rewards than they’d attain in the off-chance they’d successfully rebelled.”

“But now he’s hit them in their coffers, with little reward to speak of.” I mused. She’d reached the same concern I had.

Maya leaned in and whispered in my ear. “From my short time among their wives, I can say with certainty that the nobility is angry, Cairn. Dangerously so. There’s open talk of sedition. As cavalier as your father appears, Whitefall is on the brink of civil war.”

My chest ached and it was obvious why. Despite the grimness of the topic, I’d missed this. Maya always managed to provide a fresh perspective, and had the uncanny ability to point out blindspots that I’d either been too harried to see, or completely missed. On some level, I’d thought she’d turned to the diplomatic core as an avenue of running away, building distance from the sadistic version of herself that wielded the demon-flame to obliterate my home and family in her first life. Maybe it was, but it was clear that she held great promise as a politician.

I bowed to her. “My apologies. I was overly hasty in my response. What would you advise?”

“Assuming you can’t find another path towards resolving the tensions? Reconsider marrying a human noble.” Maya said easily, with a practiced tone that conveyed she’d thought on this for some time. “A marriage to a powerful house would solidify your hold, and reassure the human public that while things are changing, there is still some semblance of the normalcy they’re accustomed to.”

I winced. “That doesn’t feel right. Bending to the people’s whims and relinquishing a valuable asset, simply because they’re too backwards to know better.”

“Refusal to compromise is what led to this state of affairs.” Maya shrugged. “And no, it’s not right. It’s politics.”

“Would you…”

Have dinner with me. Tell me about your experiences in the Enclave after I disappeared. Let me show you around the secret places of my home, the small gems that glitter in a wasteland of snow?

“Would you advise me again on this matter? When we have more time.” I finished, leaving everything else unspoken.

“Of course.” Maya said. “If you agree to make amends for the insult you dealt to Lady Melody. Even if you hold no interest in her as a suitress, I’ve already detailed her house’s potential value.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’ll make nice. Right now, even. Where’d she go?”

Maya pointed. “Third wagon on the left, where I suspect she’s balling into a silken pillow, cursing the name of the infernal who tricked her into making a fool of herself. Your grace.”

I started making my way passed the mobile armory, looking at up at the sky as I went.

Will the blasted sun ever rise?

Thaddeus nearly tackled me. Perspiration dripped from his forehead as he clung to my arm. “Pardon my intrusion, prince. But your father is missing.”

“What?” I asked. I must have raised my voice because Maya turned around and began to walk towards us. On the mountain across the valley, the wolves began a chorus of howls. From the sound of it, there were more of them. I grabbed Thaddeus by the damp fabric that clung to his neck. “What happened?”

The rangers scouting behind us disappeared nearly a day ago, shortly after we departed the enclave. Several among the guards have also gone missing, before and after that.”

“And you’re just telling me this, now?” It was all I could do not to shake him until his teeth rattled.

Thaddeus looked more unsettled than I’d ever seen him. “I informed the King before you arrived in camp. Desertion on the road is common. Disgruntled soldiers often use mobilization as an opportunity to part ways. But never the rangers. When the rangers vanished, I went straight to him. He…”

“Spit it out.” I hissed.

“He swore me to secrecy. And now he’s left camp without an escort.”

“Of course he did, dammit. How long—” I trailed off, eyes trailing to the mountain overlooking the valley. Among dozens of wolves, a lone figure stood. He was bare-chested and thin, almost emaciated, wearing what appeared to be an animal pelt on his head. Both his long arms stretched skyward, a crooked staff held between them.

Utterly motionless.

Around us, the sky darkened. The hair on the back of my neck prickled. I spoke quietly, tamping down on my fear. “There’s no cover. Rouse the soldiers. We need to use the carriages as barricades—” Halfway through my sentence, the mobile armory exploded.

The first detonation knocked us flat. I barely managed to raise an aegis before several detonations cracked in a deafening cacophony, barraging the shield with wood and metal shrapnel.

A chorus of screams cut through the ringing in my ears.

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