Skullsdoom: Izz of Zia, #2

By Tom Icon

The larger-than-life saga continues in Tom Icon's thrilling second

part epic of  Izz of Zia  where fantasy and reality collide. Venture

into a world where profound mysteries are so deep their existence

are denied by most. Betrayal from within threatens to destroy a

blissful world that has lived in peace for a thousand years.

Empowered by the Dark Side Baddlock the Wicked Warlock Wizard,

the king's once most trusted adviser betrays the empire from with-

in. Baddlock recruits Dandork the King's once most loyal servant

to abduct Princess Zuree to be sacrificed upon the Altar of desecration

at the zenith of the thousand year cycle of the approaching

global alignment.    

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tom Icon
• Release date: Oct 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393727255

Book preview

Izz of Zia

Copyright © 2015 by Tom Icon. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, descriptions, entities, and incidents included in the story are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, events, and entities is entirely coincidental.

Published by TomArtCom 902 Delrey Drive, College Station, Texas 88745 USA

izzofzia.com

Book design copyright © 2017 by TomArtCom All rights reserved.

Front and back cover illustrated by Tom Icon.

Photographer Cory Dobson

Cover design by Tom Icon

Interior design by Tom Icon

Published in the United States of America

ISBN: 978-0-9987089-2-8

Fiction / Action & Adventure

Fiction / Romance / Fantasy

To my two daughters, Cheyenne and Shawnee, who inspired this series from its inception.

CONTENT

Introduction 7

1. The Beguilement  12

2. The Letter 41

3. The Deep 58

4. The Ascension 79

5. The Dance 112

6. The Ensnaring 146

7. The Betrayal 168

8. The Foretelling  186

9.The Conjuring 209

10.  Seer and the Seeke 216

11. Ebony Forest 241

12. The Warning Tree 262

13. The Wolf’s Lair  280 14 The Watchers   300

15. Wastelands of Woe  307

16. Dawn of War  318

NCE UPON A TIME, LONG, long ago, there was a kingdom of Edawn It was a kingdom outside of time as we know it, in a parallel universe not of this world. It is the era of the Noble Kings, established in the First Age of the first millennia, in the year 111, in the days of Ozzdon Emperor of Xylenia, on the planet Zia.

It was written that in the age of the first Noble King, Mozar the Conqueror, there was an explosion of new knowledge among the children of the flesh. At the center of this expansion was a group of the most intellectual minds, who were known as the Enlightened Ones, led by the Grand Wizard Iwazz. Their cause was devoted to an unceasing endeavor to answer the perplexing questions that the universe entices every soul to ask. The greatest thinkers of their time began their quest for the meaning of life with noble intentions. But like most men who are wise in their own high regard, they slowly took a dark turn, making the wrong use of their perception and knowledge, drawing their own conclusions of reality. They intermingled half truths with evil thoughts for far too long, and somewhere along the way, they took the wrong turn and sank into a perpetual sinkhole. The workers of evil corrupted logic itself, so much so they made the truth seem like intellectual and ethical dim wittedness. Somewhere along their lost path, they concluded that the whole of creation—the sun, the moon, and the stars, the beauty of the seasons, the trees and their incredible variety of delicious fruits, with their flowers, the birds, the animal kingdoms—all happened by random chance. They reasoned among themselves that the whole of existence had come from nothingness, created by nothing, and thus they concluded that they had only themselves to answer to. Therefore, they rationalized that they were subject to no rules, no restraints, and no set of laws beyond doing whatever pleased them.

In their zest to discover the nothingness from whence they wanted to believe they came from, they probed behind the veil of the natural. Those that strayed off unwittingly unlocked the mysteries of ancient pathways between their world and a parallel supernatural underworld trespassing into the darkness to become part of that darkness. They splintered the existing order of reality along bizarre new patterns, bridging highways into ominous dark, chaotic dimensions. This corrupted power only served to embolden them to unleash the growing darkness within themselves, believing that they ruled over it. But in their drunkenness for power, it was the darkness that called the tune that the would be god puppets danced to. The minds of flesh were so wholly dominated by false beliefs that reason itself seemed like illogical foolishness and moral degradation. And quickly, the darkness bred within them and became a force beyond their control. From this new rule arose the Dark Priests, men enshrouded in darkness. Men who were given over entirely to the dark rituals dredged from the collective consciousness of pure evil. Before long, their demonic masters were demanding the sacrifice of their children's blood. And Soon they became drunk with the blood of the innocent. They corrupted anyone who ruled then brought them under their yoke, and a civilization of good moral standing was plunged into deepening darkness. They willed to make a paradise of Zia they christened the Order of the New Sunrise. But instead of the paradise, they promised the inhabitants of Zia; they only succeeded in making it a doorway into hell, devastating the fate of an entire people. And the masses of humanity only suffered poverty and enslavement.

The Dark Priests were responsible for offenses so disgusting that they became monsters too depraved to be tolerated. When opposition grew among those who refused to be enslaved by evil men; the secret brotherhood of Black Magicians, cleverly argued away or discredited anyone who threatened their beliefs.

The minds of the Enlightened were so completely controlled by their delusion that their own lust for power enslaved them. They had everything—vast wealth, unrestricted rule, and ultimate power—yet they wanted more, much more. They wanted immortality. Soon they became even more treacherous, interested only in deposing those in honorable authority who openly opposed them for their cleverly spun lies. Their strength and riches grew as they attempted to become the sole masters of Zia. The oppressor’s only law was that there was no law beyond following their selfish lust. Their twisted hope led them to surrender their souls to the dark side so that they, at any cost, might arise to tower over a new throne of universal empire in which they would appoint themselves gods.

The one book that brought forth good tiding and guidance for daily life from within its pages was the Great Book of Wisdom. Eventually, this divinely inspired book was collectively covered up and forbidden until only hushed whispers of its existence remained. They refuted the existence of a Divine Maker that they might convince the mind of flesh kind to turn away from their inward divinity and turn to the Enlightened for direction. In their arrogance, the so called Enlightened appointed themselves gods and exalted themselves above all other men. They created the secret ideals of their reality. They urged their spiritual leaders and their minions to conceal the obvious truth underneath the dredges of falsehood, blasphemy, and myth.

It was fortunate for the world of Zia that King Mozar had been born into the world at that place and time. Mozar, whose mind had not been rotted by the greatest lie ever told, sought truth and wisdom in solitary pilgrimage. Being a firm believer, he concluded that the Creator had not given him his senses, reason, and intelligence only to abandon their use to seducing spirits outside of sound logic. In his withdrawn isolation, through deep meditation and supplication, he sought knowledge from his Maker. It is written that Mozar humbled himself, and in his fervent quest within an explosion of light and power, he found his way to the fountain of truth. Whether in body or spirit, he knew not. Mozar embraced a reality beyond his mind; he made indirect contact with the Infinite Mind. Not much is known of the encounter, only that Mozar was given twelve crowns to conqueror and rule.

Led by Mozar, the Noble Kings went forth, in the name of the Twelve Crowns, slaying those who willed to rule through evil. There came a final battle between the conflicting powers. After a long and costly war, the heirs of the Creator crushed and disbanded the evil order, changing the course of history. For this Mozar earned a place in history forever, known to all proceeding generations as Mozar the Conqueror.

Most of the written records of the Dark Priest's blasphemous work and all their writings had been confiscated and destroyed when the evil realm fell. Any practice of this forbidden knowledge was outlawed and prohibited under penalty of death.

There were those of the secret cult, so thoroughly corrupted by the wickedness that they refused to turn away from the darkness. Sometimes one can be fooled into thinking that things that cannot be might be. Those who refused to renounce their wayward ways were driven into Noragore’s deepest caverns where evil does not sleep; there they were entombed alive. It was said that their screams can still be heard echoing through the valleys in the dead of night.

It was written that there, their souls would remain lost throughout eternity. Selfish greed was their god, and it has become humankind’s worst of diseases. For the afflicted, there would never be enough wealth, supremacy, or power to fill their empty hearts. In the end, their dreams will be unfulfilled, their names forgotten and no longer spoken, blotted out from the records of the book of life. They will eternally anguish because they did not set their desires on life’s true riches: love, joy, and happiness. Their only reward will be to join the ranks of ruinous souls, neither living nor dead, eternally lost. 

And thus began the Golden Dawning of the Noble Kings, and here is where our story continues.

estlessness grew among the citizens of Edawn for not having seen their beloved king for the longest time. And the frustration of the Inner Council deepened with each ensuing day that dragged on. The noble’s hope for their king was faltering. Still, the profound loyalty the people of the land held for their beloved king provoked the Inner Council to attempt one last time to locate and reclaim the crown that would restore their king to his rightful power. The call went out throughout the empire. It was the largest gathering under one roof in the history of the kingdom. The Halls of Law were filled, yet people kept trying to squeeze in while the overflowing crowd filled the streets outside. The long list of influential delegates and dignitaries in attendance included all the kings of Xylenia along with their scribes. The wisest and most powerful nobility of all the royal council from every sector of the empire came together. Many others arrived and quickly coagulated into small clusters of like minded groups. Ammiz, with the aid of his staff, made his way quietly through the crowd almost unnoticed. Baddlock was, of course, in attendance, accompanied by Tigbone, his entourage of one. Even Izz had left his table project to stand next to his uncle Lott among the crowd, secretly hoping to catch a glimpse of the princess. The assembly was called to order. Dandork, the master at arms, the now self appointed keeper of the law raised his two arms, quieting the overflowing crowd. As he gazed out over the crowds of people concentrated into the grand hall, he began his oration.

My fellow Xylenians, we are gathered here today to address the tragic fact that the crown of our ancient fathers has been lost at sea.

Someone from the middle of the crowd yelled, Where is our king? Others joined in.

Dandork quickly answered, The king has sent his apologies for not being able to attend. He has, however, authorized me to act in his stead. There was an unanimous swelling of sentimental murmuring from the crowd, which prompted Dandork to sputter. I say to you today, my esteemed countrymen, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, together we will find our way. Is there anyone among you that can offer this assembly an answer, a suggestion, a solution? Several heated conversations broke out.

Had the crown been lost forever? All the wisest men in the empire had thus far not been able to deliver the answer to that. They were like fatherless children that had lost their way. The body has only one head, one soul, and the people had only one king. Without him, they felt helpless as they even began to lose faith in themselves.

Sensing the weakness of the powers that were, Baddlock knew that this opportunity was too good to pass up. This was his chance to make his move. He had been secretly negotiating with Darkon, assuring the Norticlan that their revenge for Ozzdon’s crimes against his people was at hand. The king’s failing mind is proof that I deserve to rule this infernal empire, he thought to himself, as an evil smile stretched from ear to ear across his thin bony face.

Izz, for no apparent reason, looked over the sea of faces with a questioning expression pasted on his own. Baddlock slowly rose from his seat. Dandork’s eyes shifted over to the wizard with a fixed knowing gaze. Every eye in the room turned to watch in utter silence as Baddlock in his full flowing robe walked to the elevated platform. Baddlock was a true theatrical genius; he could play any crowd right down to each tear or facial gesture. He was the last person in the world, absolutely the last, that Izz wanted to see standing before the council. Apprehension ripped like a surging tide through his guts for what reason he yet knew not. Izz thought to himself. This is not going to be good. There was something evil brewing behind Baddlock’s menacing eyes. His expression was disgustingly gloating.

Izz could not possibly have prepared himself for what was about to unfold. He felt a sickening feeling rising from the pit of his bowels. Baddlock turned his bony rigid shoulders, looked upon Izz, and gritted his yellow crooked teeth in a wolfish grin. Izz’s fists clenched, and his eyes riveted on Baddlock’s every move. With all the strength within his willpower, he held his anger down. Instead, he stood back and became rigid with anxiety. Baddlock knew that Izz represented a substantial obstacle between him and his ultimate conquest. The carpenter was the only one in the kingdom, except that old geezer, Ammiz, whom he despite his best efforts, could not deceive. And this was the opportunity he had waited for, the moment he had patiently and ever so carefully plotted out had arrived. The next part of his plan was falling into place even better than he had hoped. He had his presentation ready, point by deceptive point. With Zandor and Kondor gone to Ziyontopia, he was sure Ammiz would pose no significant problem. Most kings throughout Xylenia had heard of his eccentricities and thought him to be off balance at any rate. As an added precaution, he had bribed a few select court officials. For the lust of gain, they willfully sold their loyalty. This was the opportune moment to be rid of the wretched carpenter once and for all. This time his doom is sealed for sure, he thought.

Reaching the podium, Baddlock faced his audience and gave a courtly bow. He then raised his head proudly. His mouth peculiarly twisted as if he was just on the verge of laughter. Dandork, who sat at the table of the Inner Council, wore the same leering smile on his face. Tigbone stood silent, glimpsing away, seemingly impervious to anything happening around him. With a long, thin finger, Baddlock removed a knotted strand of hair from his wrinkled face. He drew his lips back from his teeth, opened his mouth, and as Izz might have expected, he spewed out his venomous accusations.

As you all know, I ever stand ready to serve you, my noble countrymen. Therefore it is my duty, however troublesome, to inform my brothers—he paused for effect as was his habit— that once again the carpenter, Izz, has been making outrageous claims. A sinister look came over him as he publicly accused Izz. The carpenter has been heard boasting that he brought the tree down when no one else could. He played to an audience that was by now desperate for any resolution. Mesmerized and filled with suspense, they hung on his every word as he continued, Now, of all things, he has claimed that he alone can recover the royal crown—of all things. Every word came out sounding as if it had been rehearsed just for this performance. An abrupt hush fell on the room. Those that knew and had come to love Izz mumbled uneasily, sparking angry whispers and questioning grumbles, which increased in unruliness with each repeated contradiction.

Izz had suffered one injurious indignity after another at the hands of Baddlock. As it was, he had not gotten over Baddlock’s first sacrilegious accusations, and now he had to endure these blasphemous lies. He stood motionless; only his eyes widened with disbelief. It took all of his willpower to keep him from running up to Baddlock and snapping his neck like a dry twig, then taking his head and squashing it like an overripe melon between his hands.

Here, we go again. For the second time, false accusations have been brought against me by the same tyrants. Surely no one will believe this charlatan, not this time, Izz thought out loud. But little did Izz know that prominent men Baddlock had bribed were spread throughout, stirring the cauldron of deceitfulness against Izz among the crowd. Intermingling in one twisted thread of guilt and shame, they whispered malicious rumors of Izz’s disloyalty to the king in every ear of every susceptible fool.

Izz had been biding his time waiting, anticipating precisely the best moment to respond. He tried keeping his temper under control, trying to compose a response in his mind, something persuasive. But all at once, Izz’s anger overflowed. Izz stood forward and shouted, Wicked Warlock Wizard, the prince of lies is your lord!

Rage bolted across Baddlock’s face, and he shot Izz a poisonous look that told Izz that he wished he could strangle the life out of him then and there. The congregation all fell silent. Of course, I have witnesses. Baddlock smiled cruelly. His eyes were glaring at Izz, blazing with demonic hate. A parade of false witnesses came and went like puppets on a stage. Some gave contradicting statements, others made no sense at all, but yet the charade of accusers continued.

A judge that had not been corrupted spoke out, The accused has the right to verify or refute his accusers.

Unable to remain silent, Ammiz rose in question, stepping forth from the obscure sea of faces. He stood in defense of the truth, meeting the despicable wizard on his own ground. What need do we have of any more of your bogus witnesses?

Baddlock rose from his seat, staring down at the troublesome seer and lashed out. How dare you interrupt these proceedings. You have no reason, nor authority here, the wizard spoke to the seer in the harshest possible manner.

A voice of a man was heard protesting from the rear of the room. Izz’s uncle Lott, unable to hold his tongue, stood. He was extremely uneasy about speaking up in front of everyone, but he was concerned enough for his nephew Izz to do it, come what may.

I do not, as a rule, say much, and I am nervous to be standing up here now, but as most of you know, I have lived in Edawn for over fifty harvest moons, and you all know what kind of man I am. I have always strived to deal with all of you honestly and forthright. I have aimed always to be a good neighbor and a good example. I tell you here and now that Izz is honest and good. He is as fine a man as any of you could hope ever to find. I know many others feel the same way too. Lott disputed as an ominous rumbling of agreement ran through the hall.

An esteemed elder judge rose and addressed the assembly, The accused carpenter’s defense has a ring of legitimacy.

Erupting sentiments of outrage endangered the peace and good order of the assemblage, indicating that the whole place was about to rise in a riotous protest of disagreement. It was apparent the wizard’s power over his flock was losing its magic. Dandork rose, throwing an appealing look over the attesting crowd.

This matter is of great common interest and controversy. I, for one, do not enjoy this any more than you do. But accusations have been made—Dandork stretched his open hand toward Baddlock—by one of our noblest members in good standing. Moreover, I, as the keeper of the law, must see this matter to its conclusion, one way or another. I now see that we may never become one mind of agreement on this matter, so I suggest that we take a vote by stone if there are no objections from the Inner Counsel.

No one challenged his suggested solution; however, Ammiz raised his heavy eyebrows just knowing that Dandork had become Baddlock’s puppet. He only wished he had some concrete proof. Ammiz knew the law. He knew that a vote cast by stone meant that if the accused was found guilty, the condemned would be taken outside the kingdom walls and stoned until dead. It was an outdated edict still on the books, and Ammiz was more than sure that Baddlock would twist and turn the law onto an end the council would be obligated to uphold. Stones were handed out to the members of the Inner Council, one white and one black. Black meant blameworthy, and white meant innocent of all charges. Each member voted in strict secrecy.

Meanwhile, Izz was trying to come to grips with what was unfolding. He did not know whether to be confident, hopeful, or worried or what. He stared at the ceiling in search of an answer, finding no explanation, his eyes moved between his uncle, Lott, and Ammiz. Then his eyes shifted back to Baddlock and Dandork. There was no way for him not to notice the mutual matching broad grin of self congratulation they exchanged. The votes were cast and collected. A group of Baddlock’s bootlickers stood in a tight cluster at one corner of the room, counting the ballots and talking in hush voices. The baron in charge of the count seemed to jerk a little at Dandork’s impatient question: Have you reached a tally?

At long last, the official tally keeper, bowing low with respect, presented the tabulated vote to Dandork. The counter gave Dandork a slight nod that knowingly spoke against the truth. It was Baddlock’s gold that turned him against what was right and what was wrong. Dandork produced a tight grin of satisfaction as he called Izz to step forward before the Inner Council.

Carpenter Izz of Zollerzon, you have been found guilty of making unbelievable claims that you must now prove to be true or suffer the consequence.

Ammiz’s ability to control the undercurrents of his righteous indignation was proving to be more difficult with each passing moment until the dam of frustration broke forth, and the seer felt anger rise in his throat.

BADDLOCK! You have overstepped your bounds this time! Your accusations are an outrageous breach of the law. When did you forsake the truth for treason?

Baddlock’s anger flared. His eyes fixed murderously on Ammiz. How dare you repeatedly interrupt the proceedings of this noble assembly.

My dear, dear Baddlock, you used to be a man of honor, a man that could be trusted. When did your heart rot from the inside out? You bring dishonor upon us all! The seer delivered a sharp rebuke to the pompous self imposed overlord.

Ammiz the Seer. h,is pronunciation of Ammiz’s name and title were disrespectful. You poor senile imbecile, I am merely administrating the justice of law and order.

Ammiz felt his jaw muscles bunch in anger and felt his ears heating up as he clenched his fists, and his voice turned forceful and bitter. You speak treason. There has never been a more ridiculous, boldfaced violation of law and justice than here and now!

The clash was cataclysmic. Baddlock shot Ammiz a glance like poisoned arrows as a shocked rumble of uncontrolled allegations erupted with the threat of an uprising in its wake. Baddlock’s smile grew cruel. He hated Ammiz with deep hatred and did not attempt to mask his disdain. At this point, it was all a matter of retaining dominance. Baddlock called to Dandork, Arrest this man! He has taken flight of his senses and must be protected against himself.

By whose command? the seer defiantly rebuked as he pinned Baddlock with an icy stare.

Dandork gave Pongo, the head guard, a sharp nod. And as Pongo approached to apprehend Ammiz, the seer held his hand up, stopping Pongo in his tracks by an unseen power. Then Ammiz turned his attention back to Baddlock and in a harsh tone said, With whom do you think you are contending with a feeble old man who has one foot in the grave? No, you are dealing with truth, a truth which is more powerful than you and will triumph over you.

The two faced each other. How marked the contrast! The seer: straightforward, modest, unyielding, standing with the force of truthfulness on his side. Baddlock: pompous, arrogant, haughty, and puffed up with himself.

Ammiz was the first of the two men to speak, There is an old expression in this realm, over my cold dead body.

Would you like to put that on the table at this time? Baddlock responded with an ultimate challenge as he clapped a hand to his side for a dagger that was not there.

Ammiz did not as much as bat an eyelid. Baddlock’s eyes narrowed to slits. Ammiz’s eyes stared him down with blistering gray orbs of scorn, or was it pity? Baddlock suddenly seemed incapacitated as he attempted to avoid the seer’s piercing eyes. The overcrowded assembly present had the opportunity to contrast and judge the integrity of the two cornerstones for themselves. Suddenly, suspicion began to fasten itself upon Baddlock. As the hall threatened to explode into a full blown uprising, Dandork signaled the towering court guards in Baddlock’s pocket to help keep things peaceful by vigorously removing those who dared to express their disapproval. The majority of those in attendance were filled with indignation at the audacity of Baddlock and his hired henchmen. With the king bewitched by his own mind, Zandor and Kondor gone, and with Baddlock’s goons everywhere, Ammiz recognized the hopelessness of the immediate situation. He pursed his lips in condemnation of such recklessness and said nothing more. Ammiz forced his body to remain relaxed. His face was an unreadable mask. He did not alter the neutral expression he usually put on when he was furious. His mouth was fixed in a taut, thin line. Ammiz turned a dangerous corner and walked hastily, angrily, to the main exit door. Both out of fear and respect, Ammiz the Seer was allowed to walk out on his own. After a long pause as he left the Halls of Law, he spoke in a low tone, Mark my words, Baddlock. Soon you will pay for your treason. I swear to you this day.

Everyone, including the nobles who did not agree with the verdict, was removed from the Hall of Law. If only Zandor and Kondor had not been away, this would have never been allowed. Lott raised such a ruckus that he had to be forcefully removed. Dandork raised his two arms, bringing the remaining crowd back into order.

My honorable fellow Edawnians, we are not unthinking barbarians. Lies that spread false hope must be penalized swiftly, or they will grow and fester into a malignant epidemic of frustrating despair.

Too many things were looking questionable. But hopelessness had pushed the nobles to the edge of short sightedness. Some blundered in reasoning. Others lapsed into intellectual failure. By now, everyone still in attendance was too utterly desperate, too recklessly determined to believe anything that might mean the recovery of the crown and the return of their beloved Emperor-King. Besides, Dandork commanded the arm guard and held the authority to act with lethal force and ask questions later. It was as if the critical importance of one man had dropped off the edge of the world, and that was the blunt, final judgment the Inner Council was intimidated into making. Izz could see by the look on the faces around the room that they had all made up their minds, and Baddlock and Dandork were looking at him like two wolves eyeing a helpless lamb. The Inner Council was held in the palm of Dandork’s hand, and Dandork was held in the palm of Baddlock, and Baddlock was held fast in the palm of the most in depth evil. The whole enclosed space seemed to darken into a deepening shade of gloom.

Standing in the shadows unseen by anyone, Zuree had been listening from around the corner of the connecting corridor. She shook her head in disbelief to what she had just heard. How could men of such higher learning believe without question what these two scoundrels were saying? Tears started to form at the edges of her eyes. She found herself wring her hands and wishing with all her heart that she could say something, do something, but the Inner Council was reserved for men. As soon as she had become aware and because it concerned Izz, she had insisted that she be allowed to attend this tribunal, but she had been denied.

The Inner Council judges sat on their benches, looking down their noses at Izz. The iron faced judges debated with the Wicked Warlock Wizard for a moment. They seemingly had never smiled in their lives, and if they ever did might crack their cheeks from ear to ear. Izz could practically hear them thinking of his demise. All Izz could manage to mumble over and over was, This is impossible. This is not happening.

Dandork then approached the podium. He briefly glanced at Baddlock and gave him a reassuring nod. Izz’s eyes were riveted on the men who held his fate in their hands. Hoping for the best but expecting the worst, Izz listened to Dandork say, Izz of Zollerzon, your guilt has been officially declared by the highest court in the empire and now it falls on me to hand down the sentence for your offense. It is the determination of this royal court, on behalf of the king, that, Izz, you did say, according to the reliable testimony of our honored witnesses, that you could retrieve the royal crown. Therefore, you will be given from sunrise to sunset tomorrow to recover the king’s crown and present it to this court. If you fail to do so, you will be taken outside of the gates of Edawn and stoned till you are dead.

For a moment, an eerie hush, absolute and unbroken, seemed to surge and suck the breath out of the room. It appeared that the very air itself would fracture and crumble away under the strain. Finally, the astonished crowd that remained reacted. While those that had voted against Izz sat in cold silence, most members hissed their disenchantment, openly expressing their excited indignation and divided opinion. Dandork darted a nervous look at Baddlock for a moment. Izz sucked in a shallow breath and hopelessly tried to compose himself as a strangulated spell gripped his spirit and tightened around his imploding heart. Izz’s lower lip began to tremble as he felt more and more forsaken. He groped awkwardly for some words to say in his defense. He opened his mouth to speak but remained mute. His words were stuck in his throat and would not move to his lips. The expression on his face was one of desperation. All he could manage was, Why...this is madness! He could barely think, so totally overwhelmed was he by all that had ensued. An irrevocable decision had been made, and there was nothing he could do about it. Suddenly, Izz saw the princess as she stepped into view for the first time, standing at the end of the corridor. His confidence exploded in his chest and flooded his soul like a ray of hope in a gathering storm. Izz’s tension for the moment was relieved, uplifting his mood considerably.

She had listened to Izz’s trial from the shadows from the beginning. Strengthened by her presence, Izz stood straight with his head held high, hiding the fact that inside, he was trembling with uncertainty and fear. The flickering flame of confidence in Izz’s heart suddenly came alive, and his mouth opened, wanting to speak. Solely intent on impressing Zuree, he attempted to appear fearless. He tried to laugh, but it rang hollow. Foolishly wanting Zuree to be proud of him, he thrust his jaw brazenly as far forward as it would go. For a fleeting moment, he thought better to suppress what he was about to say. He locked his teeth and buttoned his lips together, but they both came undone. Then his foolish pride found boisterous utterance so that anyone at the farthest corner of the room was sure to hear, Izz drawled, My boat sails with the tide. His strut was every bit as arrogant as his remark. And I will—recover the king’s crown. He snapped his mouth shut, profoundly regretting the words, even before they were barely out of his mouth.

Uncle Lott wondered if he should worry about his nephew’s sanity or swell with pride as he witnessed Izz’s bravery, steadfastness, and self assurance. Baddlock from the other side of the hall whispered to Dandork, out of the side of his mouth, The fool condemns himself with his own mouth. And their grins grew ever wider.

While trying to climb back off the limb, he had crawled out on; his words found his disobedient tongue and utterance seemed once again to be drawn from