Rise to Rule (Book 2 of the Rule Series)

By James Sybrant

The epic story continues in the land of Thuilkin, as Selwyn and his companions embark on a journey to reclaim the kingdom of Zarail. Vileheart, an evil wizard, and his hordes of minions have taken it over as their own. However, Selwyn is the rightful heir and can’t marry the woman he loves until he has a kingdom to go with his title. Join Selwyn and his companions as they leave the safety of Stonehaven and travel the depths of Kingdom Tunnel, through The Swamp of Sorrows, and across Cracked Earth Forest, to the awaiting battle. Dragons clash in aerial combat, while on the ground; swords cleave flesh from humans and monsters alike. Will good win over evil or will they be forced back, defeated and broken, with fewer friends?

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Sybrant
• Release date: May 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301247714

James Sybrant

James R. Sybrant resides in Northwest Arkansas, where he was born and raised. He is the author of My Universe: A Collection of Short Stories: Volumes 1 & 2, Right to Rule (Book 1 of the Rule Series), Rise to Rule (Book 2 of the Rule Series), Return to Rule (Book 3 of the Rule Series), and Rebirth of Rule (Book 4 of the Rule Series). He has read science fiction and fantasy stories for decades, and has been writing for almost as long. He is also a photographer and has worked for the local paper for twenty years.

Book preview

Rise to Rule

Book 2 of

The Rule series

James R. Sybrant

Copyright 2013 James R. Sybrant

All rights reserved.

Cover art James R. Sybrant

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Dedicated to

All my family and friends

for encouraging me.

Thank you all.

Chapter 1

Welcome back home Lord William. It’s good to see you. We’ve missed you while you’ve been away. He was welcomed by a gate guard. He had been in service to Stonehaven for as long as William could remember, but he could never remember his name. It had been many months since anyone had seen Lord William. They had no idea he had gone to Zarail to discover whether Prince Ladon’s story was true. As a result of that journey he had no idea that Prince Ladon had risen to the throne, and married Princess Rowena of Seahold. He also didn’t know that King Ladon was now dead. Killed by Selwyn, a friend to the royal house of Seahold, in order to free Rowena from the dungeon where Ladon had hidden her away. However, he was now back in Stonehaven and was about to learn all about it.

Thank you. It’s good to be home. He was afraid to ask but needed to know. How are the king and queen?

I’m sorry to have to be the one to tell you. The king and queen died shortly after Prince Tyrian was laid to rest. It was the same sleeping sickness that took Prince Tyrian and Master Edwin. This was quite a shock to William.

Who was named heir to the throne? He thought he already knew, but hoped he was wrong.

Prince Ladon ascended to the throne. The guard had a grim look on his face that didn’t set well with William.

Please, I’ve been away for so long. Can you tell me what’s transpired since Prince Ladon was crowned? The guard was happy to fill him in on all the developments, including that they were now at peace with Seahold. He told him how Ladon married Princess Rowena from Seahold, and that Ladon was, in fact, a dragon. And that Prince Rylan and Selwyn, a farm boy, along with Osric, Prince Rylan’s trainer, killed the dragon. He also told him that Rowena assumed the throne.

This can’t stand! I am the rightful heir to the throne! He couldn’t believe this madness. I must speak to the royal advisors immediately!

Yes, sir, I believe they’re in session as we speak. The guard was glad to see Lord William back at the castle, but he didn’t want to deal with him when he was angry.

Do you know if the false queen is with them? William was getting more upset the longer he thought about it.

She’s with her mother this morning. They went to the shops.

Good, I won’t have to worry about her interrupting me while I give the advisors my opinion of the situation. The guard held the gate open for him, and William stormed in. He was going straight to the council chamber. When he went by the throne room, he noticed it had been sealed up. If that was a part of the story, he hadn’t heard it. He burst into the council chambers road-ragged and smelling bad. He thought that would impress upon them his seriousness.

Lord William, you’ve returned at last! We feared the worst. At least one of the generals sounded relieved to see him.

By the sound of it, I’m a little too late. I can’t believe this travesty has been allowed to continue. How can you leave a foreigner on the throne? She may have married Ladon when he was king, but when it was revealed he was a dragon; she should have been removed at once. The room had fallen silent when he had entered, but now it was abuzz with whispers.

Please let me explain. One of the advisors stepped forward. We left her on the throne for stability. We lost so many rulers in a very short time we couldn’t lose another. She wanted to abdicate, but we asked her to stay until your return, or until Lord Robert passed his trial of rulership. William gave him a look of surprise. Robert was an old man. There was no way he would pass the trial. I know what you’re thinking, but we really did expect you to return, at least some of us did. Have no fear, Lord Robert still lives. We gave him six months for you to return, and that was five months ago.

Well, I’m back now. So get that woman off the throne! His anger had now switched from Rowena to the men who asked her to stay.

But what about your trial of rulership, wouldn’t it be best to leave her on the throne until you pass?

I passed my test years ago! Back when Prince Layton failed his test, and Prince Tyrian was still in training. King Fraden named me as heir just in case Tyrian failed his as well, or if something happened to him before Tyrian was old enough to rule.

Yes, of course, how could I have forgotten? I will inform Queen Rowena myself. She will be relieved to hear you’re back.

Thank you, but please don’t call her queen. I know she is the princess of Seahold, but she is not the queen of Stonehaven, and I’ll tell her myself tonight at dinner. I think it would be good to get to know the woman that’s been ruling the kingdom. I guess it’s not her fault she was put in this position. I probably should thank her for agreeing to wait till my return before relinquishing the throne. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. I think it would be a kind gesture that will go far to keep the peace. He calmed down and was thinking more clearly.

As you wish, sir.

If you will all excuse me. I think I’ll get cleaned up and get ready for dinner. I’d like to be presentable when I meet the Royals from Seahold. He was usually a clean-shaven man with short hair, but after being in the wild for months, he now had long hair and an equally long beard. He had his own rooms in the castle since his estate was more than half-a-day ride away. So there was no need to worry about finding something to wear to dinner. He turned to leave before he remembered the throne room. I was wondering if you could tell me why the throne room is sealed up.

It’s Ladon’s tomb. He was such a large dragon that we thought it best to seal him in. Plus the throne room had been defiled by him and his spilt blood.

I guess that was a good idea, but where is the throne to reside now?

A new throne room is under construction. In the meantime, the chapel has been converted to conduct any courtly business.

Very well, we’ll discuss the matter of my coronation in the near future, good day gentlemen. He left them, so he could shave, bathe, and have the clothes he was wearing burnt in the nearest fireplace. After that he would have to visit the royal tomb to pay his respect to his former king and queen.

*****

Rowena and her mother, Queen Radella, were spending the day together visiting the local dress shops. Since she lost so much weight in the dungeon none of her dresses fit properly. She could have had the royal seamstress of Stonehaven make her new dresses, but she didn’t like using her power for personal gain. She was just here until they crowned a new ruler and really didn’t want the people to get used to doing things for her. That would make the transition to their new ruler that much harder.

Her mother always did like to shop for new dresses. That gave her the perfect excuse to spend more time with her daughter. She felt bad about asking her to marry Ladon just to forge peace between the two kingdoms. However, when she found out that Ladon had been a dragon, in the form of a human, she was devastated. She had apologized many times since coming to Stonehaven, but nothing she said or did seem to be enough to her. At least, she and Selwyn had a chance for a future together. She had always known her daughter had liked him, but he was a commoner, and they could never be together. Then they found out that Selwyn was really the prince of Zarail. King Wayland told them they couldn’t wed until he regained the kingdom, which had fallen to monsters, but if she had her say they would be married even if he failed.

Selwyn, who had been trained in fighting by Arden, the first mate on the Seahold flagship, Sea Talon, was now being trained by Master Osric, Seahold’s royal weapons instructor. Tiernan, a friend they made in the eastern land, was helping as well, much to the despair of Osric. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Tiernan, but he thought it best to teach Selwyn by himself. That way, he wasn’t overwhelmed with all that was being asked of him. Seahold long ago pledged to help Selwyn’s family reclaim the throne of Zarail. Since they were at war with Stonehaven, they were unable to fulfill that pledge until the war to end, and now that day has come. Without knowing what they would be facing when they arrive at Zarail, Master Keyon added Selwyn as a student. Master Keyon, a beast master, has knowledge of all manner of monsters and has been teaching Prince Rylan, Rowena’s younger brother and Selwyn’s friend. He was happy to have another student he could pass his knowledge on to; it didn’t matter to Keyon if he were royalty or not. It had been many years since he had a pupil, and loved having someone to teach again. He had taught his nephew, Tiernan, many years back, but he left for adventure long before he was fully trained. They had all been out in the woods for training and were due back.

Rowena wanted to pick a dress just for Selwyn. She knew his favorite color was blue and looked for a shade that matched the clothes Rylan had given him. She even had a servant go to his rooms and lay it out for him. She didn’t want to take the chance of showing up for dinner and have him wearing something else. She found what she was looking for, along with three others that would match some of Selwyn’s other clothes.

Good afternoon your majesties, the gate guard said when they returned to the castle. I thought you might like to know that Lord William has returned. The guard had no way of knowing that William had wanted to surprise them at dinner when he told them this.

Oh, that is wonderful news! Rowena had been here longer than she wanted to be, and was anxious to get off the throne. Has the cook been informed?

I’m afraid I don’t know, majesty, replied the guard.

Thank you for letting us know. I’ll be sure to inform the kitchen myself. After Rowena put her new dresses away she went straight to the kitchen to inform them of Lord William’s return.

Lord William has returned? No one has told me. What am I to do? I’ve already started cooking, and none of the dishes are his favorite. The head cook looked like she would faint.

I’m sure everything will be fine. I have no doubt he’ll understand, Rowena said reassuringly.

Oh, I do hope so. She bowed to Rowena and went off to check her pots and pans to make sure everything was cooking properly. Rowena left the cook to her duty and went to get dressed for the evening.

*****

I hope Selwyn and the others get back on time, Rowena said to her mother when they met in the sitting room.

I thought I heard them tramping down the hall a short time ago.

Oh, I just had a thought. What if Lord William doesn’t know what has happened? What if he’s expecting the old king and queen? What will he do? She was in a panic.

Calm down, Rowena, I’m sure he knows, but I’ll find out. Radella hated to see her daughter like this. She waved over a servant who came at once. Do you know the guard at the gate, the older man, not the younger?

Yes, your majesty.

Would you get him for me? Radella, like her daughter, didn’t like to abuse her power. She was born to a royal family, but was kidnapped when she was a girl, and sold into slavery. So she had a good idea what the servants go through, and that was why she asked instead of ordered.

Yes, your majesty. Off he went, and Radella turned back to her daughter.

I think if anyone knows, he will. Rowena sat wringing her hands. A few minutes went by before the servant returned with the older guard in tow.

Were you on duty at the gate when Lord William returned? Radella asked.

Yes, your majesty, he said timidly.

Do you know if he was informed of Queen Rowena’s rule? Rowena blushed at this. She still wasn’t used to being called queen.

Yes, your majesty. He asked me what had happened since he had left, and I told him everything that I knew. He cringed back as if he were expecting to be hit.

Thank you. You may go. Radella waved them away, but the guard stayed for a moment.

Did I do anything wrong, your majesty? He was standing with his head down looking like a scolded school boy.

No, not at all, now please, leave us. She caught a small smile cross his face as he turned and left. See, nothing to worry about.

I’m glad to hear it. I know if the roles were reversed, I’d hate to walk into something like this without knowing anything. She sat back with relief.

I do hope your father is getting dressed for dinner. Since we’ve been here he has taken to being a little too casual.

Well, he is on vacation. His first ever, I might add. Now that the war has ended he can finally relax.

I know, but tonight is not the night to relax. Lord William is going to be king of Stonehaven, and we need to be respectful in his home. Perhaps I should check on him. He may not know Lord William is back.

You may be right. You go check on him, and I’ll check on Selwyn. We should have time before dinner is served. She knew if Selwyn was going to be king of Zarail, he would need allies. It would be a shame if he had an enemy before a kingdom.

Alright, let’s go. When Radella reached their rooms, she found Wayland was indeed dressing appropriately. He learned of Lord Williams return the same way she and Rowena had.

When Rowena reached Selwyn’s rooms, she knocked and then turned her back to the door. She didn’t know if he would be decent or not and wanted to avoid a repeat of what happened on his birthday. She had gone to the farmhouse where he lived with his father, early in the morning. When she arrived, Selwyn was still asleep, but Edred was awake and asked her to wait with him and have coffee. When Selwyn did wake he walked out of his room in only his underwear. They were both shocked and appalled, but they soon recovered and have never spoken of it.

Who is it? He asked from within the room.

It’s Rowena. The door opened a crack.

What can I do for you? he asked in a smooth voice.

I wanted to make sure you know Lord William, is back and that you wore the clothes set out for you, she answered back in a soft voice.

Yes, I heard. Thank you for having my clothes picked out. It was a small gesture, but it said a lot.

You’re welcome. When you’re ready I’ll be in the sitting room.

I’ll see you there. He closed the door, and she went back to wait for him. When she got there her mother and father were sitting, talking.

Where are the others? she asked when she didn’t see Rylan or their friends.

We thought it best to keep it royalty tonight seeing as it is Lord William’s first night back. I’d hate to overwhelm him with too many strangers. Edred and Rylan will be joining us in a bit. Her father informed her. And where is Selwyn?

He’ll be here in a minute. He was still getting dressed. She didn’t know why but she suddenly blushed. It was something about the way her parents were looking at her. So what were you two talking about before I interrupted? She was hoping to deflect the subject of Selwyn, so she wouldn’t blush once again.

I was just telling your mother, now that the days are getting warm once more; it’s time to move out to Zarail. Edred, Selwyn, Rylan, Osric, Arden, Tiernan, Valeris, Conrad, and even Thryth, will be in the group. Thryth Broadback is a dwarf from The Great Barrier Mountains. He accidentally tunneled into Rowena’s cell in the dungeon, because, unlike his kin, he gets lost underground. She sent him to tell her father of her imprisonment. When he left she told him to travel aboveground so he wouldn’t get lost. As it turned out, he discovered he had a fear of open spaces. However, after many months of working with his new friends, he has learned to overcome that fear.

As will I, Rowena said. This brought a gasp from Radella and a look of shock from Wayland.

No! Her mother shouted.

I don’t think so! Her father shouted at the same time.

I think when I was married off to another kingdom; you lost your say in what I can and can’t do. She didn’t say this in a mean way; she was just stating the truth. I have been acting as queen of Stonehaven for many months now. I think it’s time I see the world, and help Selwyn win his kingdom while I’m there.

We didn’t force you to marry Ladon, and it’s far too dangerous for you out in the wilderness. Rowena was his only daughter, and he didn’t want her in harm’s way.

I’m sorry; you’re right; you didn’t force me to marry him, but I’ll be with men you trust as well as Rylan. And two of those men have slain a dragon, so I think you know I couldn’t be with a better group of people.

Your right, but you’re my little girl. I would hate to think of what I would do if something happened to you. Wayland admitted defeat. She was old enough to make her own decisions and there was little he could do to stop her.

I guess I can accept it, but I don’t have to like it, Radella added.

Before Rowena could say another word Selwyn came in. She couldn’t help but notice his sword, Gytha Cynric, was hanging from his hip. The sword was a gift from his father on his sixteenth birthday. It was crafted by the elves three hundred years before as the royal sword of Zarail.

Oh, no, you take that right back to your rooms! she said pointing at his sword.

But I always wear my sword. You know that, he said in defense.

I do, but not tonight. You may give Lord William the wrong idea.

I’m sorry to say it, but she’s right my boy, Wayland agreed.

Alright. He turned and left.

Hurry! Rowena yelled at his back.

They’re already acting like a married couple, Radella said to Wayland.

Mother! Rowena scolded while she turned red again. Her parents laughed at that.

Dinner is served, came a voice from the doorway.

What about Selwyn? Rowena asked.

Here I am, he called from behind the servant. I hurried like you told me to. That made Wayland and Radella laughed that much harder. What? he asked Rowena with confusion.

Nothing, my parents are just being silly.

When they reached the dining hall, Lord William was standing by the fire place, waiting for them. They were all royalty, or about to be, so no one bowed. Selwyn started to out of habit, but Rowena stopped him. They did, however, all nod their heads to him in recognition. Before being seated, they went to him for introductions.

Good evening. You must be Lord William. Wayland offered his hand. William took it.

That I am, and you must be King Wayland of Seahold, he said with a slight bow.

This is my wife, Queen Radella, he said as he offered her hand. William took it and gave it a gentle kiss. This is our daughter, Rowena.

Ah, yes, I think you left out ‘Queen’ in your introduction. He took her hand as well. He turned it over and kissed her wrist. She blushed and Selwyn’s face also went red, but his was from anger, not embarrassment.

This is Prince Selwyn of Zarail, he said this as Rylan came sneaking up behind them.

Oh, really, I find that hard to believe. You see, that was what Ladon claimed as well, and you all know how that turned out. Plus that is where I just returned from. The whole kingdom is overran by monsters. So you’ll have to understand if I don’t believe you.

He is the prince of Zarail. My father’s historians have the proof, Rylan said from behind Selwyn. William raised an eyebrow inquisitively.

This is our son, Rylan.

The kingdom may be in ruins now, but we’re going to reclaim it, Rylan finished.

Speaking of reclaiming, I was hoping we could talk about the crown of Stonehaven. William didn’t like to be indelicate, but it was as good a time as any to bring it up.

It’s yours, Rowena replied without thinking about it.

Well, thank you. That was easy. I didn’t know if you were willing to return it or not. After all, why rule one kingdom when you can have two? he said this last part looking at Wayland.

I find it hard enough running one kingdom, and I wouldn’t want to risk losing peace. We’ve been at war far too long for that, Wayland replied to the veiled accusation.

I agree completely, but we can discuss these matters later. Now let’s eat before our dinner gets cold. William didn’t want to start an argument. He just wanted to know if they were sincere about giving the crown to the rightful heir, and if he could trust them. If he were to retrieve Ladon’s treasure, he would need their help.

They all took their place at the table, and they were served an assortment of meats and vegetables. Edred came in and apologized for being late. After he was seated the conversation started back up.

Lord William was just telling us about his trip to Zarail, Wayland informed Edred.

Did you really make it to Zarail? Edred asked.

I did. It wasn’t an easy journey either. There were monsters at every turn. I’m not sure I would have made it if I weren’t alone, and the terrain made it a rough trek as well. He took a bite out of a turkey leg and washed it down before he went on.

I came across a swamp that went on for days in every direction. There were snakes everywhere I looked, and it was hard to find dry land to camp on. Sometimes it would be late into the night before I could find a place to set up camp so, I could get dry. He took another bite, washed it down, and then took another bite. They were all staring at him, anxiously waiting for him to continue.

Once I was out of the swamp, I came to a dense forest where the underbrush was hiding cracks in the ground. I avoided hurting myself too badly on the first day. But then my foot found a crack that was much wider and deeper than others I came across earlier. Again, he paused to take a bite and wash it down.

My leg was wedged up past my knee, and my ankle was badly twisted. There were scrapes up and down both sides of my leg between the top of my boot to the top of my knee. The worst part though was the insects. They were stinging and biting while I rocked back and forth trying to get free. He was enjoying keeping them in suspense. He took a slow, long draw on his drink. Then he picked up the turkey leg and took a couple of bites out of it.

This is really excellent, he said before taking another drink. It’s been too long since I last had a good meal.

I tried to pull myself up out of the crack using my upper-body strength, but I couldn’t get enough leverage. I looked around and found a limb from a nearby tree. I tried to use it to make room for my leg to squeeze out of by prying one way, and then the other, but it broke off. The only thing I could think to do was use my sword to dig my way out. It took me the rest of the day to manage it, and when I was finally free, the sun was setting. That was when I heard the growl coming from behind me. He took a long, slow drink.

It turned out only to be a hungry dog. He wasn’t even wild. After I fed him, and set up camp, he shared my fire for the rest of the night. It was the day after that when I got close enough to see the castle was in ruins. I was still miles away, but I could see from where I was hidden that it was overran with monsters. He ate a couple more bites of his dinner and had a few drinks. When he didn’t continue they decided that he was through with his tale.

What kind of monsters are you talking about? Edred asked.

There were the usual: orcs, ogres, trolls, and goblins, but there were also a few giants and unless my mind was playing tricks, skeletons. It was as if someone had plucked them from the grave and set them in motion. At hearing this Radella and Rowena shuddered at the same time. Perhaps we can discuss this further when we’re not in mixed company, William said to Edred.

I believe you may be right.

Yes, please, Radella said. She was looking a little pale, and had set her fork down.

Very well, after dinner we can continue in the billiard room, William suggested.

Sounds good to me, Edred said. The rest of the dinner was finished with light conversation. Even Radella picked her fork back up and ate a little more. When they were done the ladies retired to the drawing room while the men retired to the billiard room.

More happened to me in the swamp that wasn’t appropriate to discuss in front of the women, William started.

Please, do tell, Wayland prodded.

When I was about halfway through the swamp, I found a hut. Although now I think, I was led to it, you see, there was a beautiful, young woman living in that hut. Only it wasn’t a beautiful young woman after all, but a witch. This brought a look of surprise to all the men. They had all heard rumors, but none believed they really existed.

When I first found the hut, I was tired and hungry. I hadn’t been able to find anything except snakes to eat, and as I said before, it was hard to find dry ground to sleep on. When she opened the door, I thought I must have died, she was that beautiful. She took me in, fed me, and gave me a place to sleep. After a couple of days, I wanted nothing more than to stay with her. She had been slipping small amounts of a love potion into my food and drink. After the first night, she began sharing her bed with me as man and wife do. This brought a smirk to Selwyn’s and Rylan’s face.

How did you escape? Edred asked.

It wasn’t easy but I caught a glimpse of her without her glamour spell when she thought I was sleeping. She was the most hideous thing I have ever seen. Even so, when I saw her with the glamour spell, once again I forgot about her ugliness for a moment, but only a moment. I think it was my love of Stonehaven, and my need for the truth about Ladon, that helped break her hold over me. When she brought me, food and drink a short time later I threw them in her face. That made her lose concentration, and the glamour spell was lost. All her gruesome features came into horrifying focus breaking her hold on me completely. Before she could gather herself, to put another spell on me, I fled out the door. The last I heard of her was a blood-curdling scream. He drank down the flagon of mead he had been holding.

You poor man, Wayland said, patting him on the shoulder.

The point is she’s still there. If you don’t mind going farther north or south, that would be the way to go.

We will be leaving from here, so we could go north for a little while and then head west, Edred suggested.

Gentlemen, thank you for an enjoyable evening, but I think it’s time for me to retire. I look forward to getting to know you all better. William was road-weary and looking forward to a night in a real bed.

Thank you for being a generous host. We’ll see you in the morning, Wayland said. After he left they all decided they too would turn in for the night. They had had a long week of training and could all use a good night’s sleep. And if they were going to Zarail, they would need to know everything William had to tell.

Chapter 2

Good morning all, Arden said as he entered the kitchen of the castle. They were still leery about eating with William, so they all gathered at the table in the kitchen, everyone except Wayland, Radella, Rowena, and Edred. They believed it was necessary to be formal with William.

Morning, Selwyn yawned in greeting.

So how did dinner with Lord William go last night? Arden asked Selwyn and Rylan.

It went well, Rylan replied.

That’s good, do you think he’ll be willing to help take back Zarail?

I think if we spend a little more time with him, he will be, Selwyn answered.

Then why are you two in here with the commoners, and not out there getting to know him better?

I didn’t really feel like being formal this morning. Since being far from Seahold Rylan had grown accustomed to being away from his royal duties. He knew it would come to an end all too soon and wanted to be unshackled from the throne all long as he could.

That’s good because I don’t either, William announced as he entered the kitchen. Mind if I join you?

Not at all. Valeris gestured to an empty chair.

I hope you’re not insulted. Rylan felt really bad at that moment.

Oh, no, I understand completely. Sometimes you want to drop the formalities and relax. And to be honest, I think if we’re going to be at peace, we should just be ourselves. It’ll make things much easier on all of us. William made a good point.

I agree, but I think my father may have other ideas. Having peace after such a long time was important to Wayland, so he believed the formalities should stand above all else. Sealing a deal with a hand shake was good and well, but it wouldn’t stand up after a generation or two.

I’m not so sure, Osric chimed in. I’ve known him to let loose from time to time.

You’ll have to tell me about one of those times. Rylan couldn’t imagine his father letting loose. True he had been more relaxed as of late, but he hadn’t seen him let loose in the way that Arden and Tiernan were likely to.

I have an estate half a day’s ride from here. Once we take care of this business with the crown we should go for a visit. We’ll all be able to relax and get to know each other. Perhaps we could even go on a fox hunt, William suggested.

That sounds like a splendid idea; I haven’t been on a hunt since I was Rylan’s age. Osric was excited at the idea of being involved in the sport of kings.

It’s settled then. After my coronation, we will all go to my estate for a relaxing getaway, but for now I guess I should go join your parents. I wouldn’t want to be a bad host. He stood up, and everyone followed his lead. That’s not necessary, please, sit back down and enjoy your breakfast. I’ll see you all later. After he left the kitchen the conversation continued.

Well, he does seem friendly. Arden observed.

Yes, he does. I just hope it’s not a ploy. Having all the royal family of Seahold, as well as Zarail, out in the country, would be a good chance to rid himself of them, and gain two more kingdoms in return. Osric was always thinking about tactics.

That’s some pretty dark thinking, but I don’t think that’s his intention. Arden didn’t want to think the worst of their new host and potential ally, and he did seem like a nice man.

We’ll just have to keep our guard up, just in case, Valeris added. While they continued their discussion, William arrived in the dining hall.

Good morning, William said in greeting to his guests when he entered the dining hall.

Good morning, Lord William, Rowena replied.

Please, call me William.

As you wish.

We were beginning to think you weren’t going to join us, Radella admitted.

I just stopped in the kitchen to say hello to Rylan and the others.

Oh? Wayland was curious as to what was said.

Yes, I invited them, and all of you as well, to my estate in the country. After my coronation is completed. Which is something I’d like to discuss with you. He took his seat at the head of the table. "I want all of you there. I don’t know what you had planned,