Alana Q: The Chronicles of Mattias

By Douglas Roff

About The Book

 

In the sixth book of the Chronicles of Mattias Series, Mattias Denson, King of the Seven Realms, is once again confronted with new characters and adversaries looking to attack his kingdoms, this time through new unconquered territory. New figures emerge as the invaders are unmasked; the invaders have no love for the colonists along the coast of the eastern Mar, or for the rule of law under the Covenant.

They are slavers and ruthless conquerors looking for gold and Lesti inventory. 

Pagan, immortal and Lesti leaders send representatives to Mattias Denson, who now occupies New Nimbus, once the domain of Lord Seth and his son Prince Xerxes. They have left the Kir Oasis and have traveled west in search of Old Nimbus, the kingdom in the clouds. 

Mattias is soon inundated with new people and their stories of who they are, what they want, and what they want from him. But are they true to anything beyond themselves, and can these leaders be trusted? Problems develop in the far west as well as the far east; his family and his armies are fragmented and unsteady.

Alana Q introduces new peoples and characters to the mythology and lore of the Chronicles series which began with The King of the Northern Fells. As the world of Mattias Denson and his wives grows and matures, so too does Mattias as he faces his world burdened by the tasks given him by the gods and challenged by his military and family.

New challenges are as frequent as are the betrayals and new characters who pose them. 

Two armies approach.

What will happen to the Seven Realms when the tsunami of evil finally hits?

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Douglas Roff
• Release date: Jun 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215394748

Douglas Roff

Douglas Roff is a retired corporate executive. He has lived around the world working in various capacities for government and industry.  Doug has written twenty-seven novels to date, mostly in the paranormal and fantasy genres, but not exclusively.  He currently resides in Latin America, speaks Spanish, and is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada.  

Book preview

Prologue

The Seven Realms were unsettled. Not by the sword of conquerors, nor by the might of foreign adversaries, or by warlock magic. It was the one thing that could destroy kingdoms and bring down empires; it could end a good king’s reign, or elevate pure malevolence. It never attacked; instead, it grew like a pestilence from within, often, in the beginning, unseen, unheard, and unnoticed.

This was the situation in the Seven Realms after an uneasy calm settled over their world in the east and west. As time went by, and the ramifications of past behaviors burst out into the open, both internal dissension and the threat of civil unrest began to eat away at the kingdom and its king.

Mattias Denson, King of Frijia and the master of the Seven Realms, was now a changed man; a darker man that his mates no longer recognized. Though Mattias tried to gather the strength to forgive his women one more time, he could not. After months of watching the camp at Nimbus descend into bitter rancor, Inga Sigursdottir, his sole remaining principal wife, had had enough. She returned to Kir, taking her children and those of Mattias' former mates with her.

The other women stayed, believing that eventually Mattias would overcome his anger and forgive them as he always had in the past. But rather than relenting and falling into old habits, Mattias reacted in precisely the opposite direction. One by one he moved his former wives out of his tent, and into their own. The parties were steadily drifting apart while everyone else stood by helplessly as Mattias ignored them and went about his daily schedule.

He still had the children over every night, his one connection to a happier past, though the camp as a whole now dreaded seeing him in one of his moods. New figures rose to the top of his new order, those whose loyalty had never been in question and those Lesti from the old days who still remembered what had once been. This was war, and they understood what Mattias was doing. Not only did they not disagree with the new Mattias, they relished serving under him.

Finally, thought Mattias, he was surrounded by veterans who understood military order and chain of command.

Over time, Mattias began relaxing around his old family; he still saw them every day, at least those who were still around. He wasn’t angry with them anymore; that was settled. He was as kind and thoughtful in camp as ever, but he had fits of black depression in which no one could temper his ill mood.

Around this Mattias no one wanted to be.

The military was restructured to accommodate Mattias' new personality, with assignments given out weeks in advance, and the general staff enlarged and specialized to perform flawlessly if Mattias was not available. Nonetheless, day by day, the new system was implemented, with more and more centralization of function focused on the general staff, along with decentralized silos carrying out multiple functions.

Along with the organizational overhaul came a new crop of leadership at every level of government throughout the Seven Realms. The changes were not just limited to the military; it was a new overall merit-based system that placed competent leadership as governors or administrators in key positions of authority in each realm, from the top down. Nepotism was forbidden; corruption or misuse of authority were closely monitored and suppressed. Mattias had never directed his energy and attention to civil administration, but with family now sidelined and his attention largely focused on wars on two fronts, it was long past due. The rollout had been rocky, but a year later, the bugs were being worked out during what had become a relative calm.

There was now one governor and a ruling council of senior elected officials in each realm directly responsible to Mattias. Titles of marque and nobility were finally eliminated, including his own title as king. He was now no more than Lord Mattias of Kir, though his authority remained that of a king, and he had morphed into an absolute autocrat.

His family used the term dictator, but that was far from accurate.

The old way of doing things was changing as were his relationships with his people. In some ways he was less approachable than before, but in the most significant ways, nothing had changed. He made time for everyone in camp as always, but his time was more constrained than in the past. The children in camp still slept in his tent and heard stories after evening meal, but his own children were nowhere near the war in the east, nor were their mothers. The ex-wives drifted in and out of the eastern camp, eventually going back to Dar Galan or Kir; Mariella and Gabriella were reposted to Frijia and Boria, respectively, as administrators under Lesti governors.

Believing that they had not had any part of the previous problems, and had long served honorably in the past, both sisters were unhappy to serve under anyone, Lesti or not. As a result, they informed Mattias that he should look to his Lesti Governors for reports, not them. Gabriella never went to Boria as scheduled; she stopped in Tor Luz with her sister and remained there. When Mattias inquired, they said they were busy moms and had children to mind.

If you have something to say to us, your most loyal servants, then come to Tor Luz and say it. Otherwise, leave us alone.

Miseria was eventually reposted back to the Southern Kingdom as an administrator, while Eimear was sent back to Dar Galan in the same capacity.

Eir was lost and adrift with no military role, and no administrative duties. She mourned her past along with Lady Emmie who was saddened by her own choices, as well as those of her sisters. She accepted her part in the past, but was considering returning to the Estate with her father as all that had been happy was now cold and lonely. The Estate had emptied out of Lesti, Bjerne and the Mountain women, so Lord Encanto, Emmie’s demi-god immortal father, was considering leaving the mountain Estate and returning to his spirit existence.

He waited for his daughter to decide where she would go, and if she came home, whether they would leave together and go back to their former life.

Given that the entire family was scattered and unhappy, Eir decided that she had to do something, and decided it was time to confront Mattias. Either he would employ her martial skills, or she would leave for the closest war she could find and sign on as a mercenary. She initially considered joining Ronja and her army, but with the relationship between Mattias and Ronja in tatters, she knew that would only be seen as a worse betrayal than before.

Ronja was facing a date with the gallows, along with her rebel generals and much of the rebel army. Aurelius was stuck on the frontier of Terra Mixtum watching for warlock incursions, or warlocks fleeing the war. He had the occasional meet up with his sister, though relations were cool, and trust no longer existed between them. Aurelius had been badly bitten by Ronja’s comments about his leadership skills, temperament, and willingness to do anything to win in war. She considered herself the only leader worthy of leading the army, and had solidified her relationship with the Velociptaurians and Valorians, the renegade Bjerne, and the Lesti who had deserted Mattias' army in favor of hers.

They all assumed the same thing; that when the war in the west was over, Mattias would then permit them to return home and all would be forgiven. That was never going to be. Aurelius was given the responsibility of sending Mattias' parchments banishing them from the Seven Realms and explaining precisely what he would do to each and every one of them who crossed back into his territory. He gave no credit for past service or any other consideration. Those Lesti who left children behind would never see them again.

You are guilty; your children are not.

The coldness, the absolute indifference to others that Mattias had never shown before, was suddenly front and center. If the realms were to be governed by the rule of law, under the Covenant and as decreed by the gods, then sacrifices for the future needed to be made. To Mattias, it meant he would sacrifice his entire family if the gods so decreed that they be sacrificed.

Eir made the march east with Lady Emmie to discuss matters with Mattias. Something had to change; they realized papa was no longer their papa, at least he wasn’t the same old Mattias. They really never seriously considered joining Ronja, at least Emmie didn’t; Eir was still undecided. Eir considered that if Mattias wouldn’t use her, perhaps her niece would, or she would go elsewhere.

Emmie spoke to Eir.

Sister, you need to rethink this whole matter. What we did before has burned bridges behind us, and was arrogant. But what you are contemplating now is more than just going to war; it is sedition against papa. He has sentenced Ronja to the gallows; is that to be your fate too? Be angry with Mattias; we all are. But think through whether we can still support him even if he does not seek or need our help. The wives have not been abandoned; they have been reassigned.

"We've all been demoted like small children. We’re a laughing stock. I will not tolerate this affront and will not try to serve Mattias anyway if my military service is unwanted. I will go wherever I am needed; apparently, I am not needed here."

Does that mean serving the traitor Ronja and her rebel army?

TAt least they are doing something; we are not. Even Aurelius sits on the frontier with nothing to do.

He sits on the frontier guarding the borders so papa can prosecute a far more serious war in the east. He cannot rely on the rebel army; they could be defeated and overrun; if that happens his western flank is exposed. Aurelius will have his hands full in that case. The Velociptaurians and Valorians are mostly all gone. Many Bjerne have gone rogue. What do you expect papa to do?

I am his wife; I expect better treatment.

Inga has accepted her role. She lives in Kir with her children ... and yours. Maybe you should return to Kir and help her.

"I am a warrior, not a hausfrau. I thought she was too. Her choices are hers, mine are mine. I will not sit idly by while the wars go on, doing nothing, and growing old. I cannot abide this situation or Mattias. He will do something, or I will. I’m going to see him. Are you coming?"

I’ll take us there, but you’re on your own once we see papa. I will do whatever I can to convince him to take us back, but if he doesn’t, I’ll still keep trying. The other wives have accepted their fates for now. The wars will be over one day, and then he’ll need to deal with his children and their moms.

He’s lost his senses. He’s out of control.

Still the same old Eir, I see.

What does that mean?

Still running away thinking you could always come back. You still accept no responsibility for the decisions you make; you still blame papa for your mistakes believing you need always to be forgiven immediately and your transgressions forgotten just as quickly.

You sound like Inga. I have no idea what she’s doing. She wanted papa all to herself until you all came back crying. Now I don’t understand her; I have no idea what she wants.

She wants everyone to be forgiven and for things to be like they once were. We all want that.

Exactly. If so, why is papa doing what he’s doing then? He asked Inga once how she would govern any differently than him. She had no answer, not because there wasn’t one, but because she didn’t want to give him an honest answer.

"You skip over your own conduct as if it weren’t relevant. Perhaps papa bears some responsibility for being too tolerant and forgiving; that does not excuse your behavior, however. Seriously, Eir. Why would papa want to take you back, and if he did, why would he ever trust you again? It makes no sense. You make no sense."

Do as you wish, Emmie. I guess we’re all out for ourselves now. Do what you must. Let’s go see Mattias and resolve these matters.

Emmie was sad; sad for her friends, sad for herself, and sad for what had once been, but what was no more. She would journey east to visit Mattias, but she knew things were only bound to get worse. She had previously spoken to Mattias about the situation with Eir, and relations were left in tatters. Eir being Eir, she thought her departure, or threat of departure, would punish Mattias who would then do anything to get her back.

Eir thought that, believed that.

Mattias did not.

Nor did anyone else.

It was afternoon and Mattias was alone in his study thinking. When he wasn’t occupied in thought, he was reading reports, or looking at maps trying to understand the topography of the eastern kingdoms and the New Colonies. He was clear on most locations and peoples, and intelligence was slowly filtering in identifying who was friend, who was foe, and who was too xenophobic to bother with.

Word had reached him that the Old Toranjian expeditionary force had landed, not in the Port of PuroMar, but further down the southern coast in the territories of the Wildmen, barbarian savages who wanted allegiance with none, and wanted only to exchange slaves for gold as they had for many generations. Their terrain was dense jungle, crisscrossed with lakes and streams making entry into their lands difficult and treacherous. No one had ever tamed them, and none had even tried in centuries. They were native inhabitants who tolerated the New Colonies only because they had no idea how to rid themselves of the invaders. The territories of the New Colonies had once belonged to the Wildmen, but they had been displaced when the colonists decided that the natural harbor of PuroMar was a good spot for commerce.

None of the news about the Toranji landing nor the tales of the Wildmen came from Mattias' scouts, who still had great difficulty slipping in and out of cities unnoticed, and had long given up trying. Instead, they patrolled the plains and pathways to every city and outpost stopping travelers to gain what little information they had. Most were simple merchants plying their trade, but columns of slaves were always halted, the slavers put to death, and the slaves brought back to Nimbus.

The best intelligence, as it turned out, came from Lady Miriam and her mother Alana Q. Mattias had originally invited the pair to remain with him in his tent, in separate quarters, but as the days went by, with Mattias' frustration growing, they stepped in to offer their assistance. At first, they just stayed in his tent watching him go about his daily routine, not saying anything, but actively helping with the children at night. Miriam was always a tender heart, Alana less so, and vastly more impatient. In his quiet moments, he often spoke to the queen, gradually enjoying her company more and more. Miriam was very quiet most days, saying little, but gradually taking a greater interest in his method of governing the unruly Seven Realms. She began asking questions, and he, in response, began answering them. Soon, whether it was a matter of urgency, or just long-term planning, Mattias engaged with the queen and her daughter, taking them into his confidence. While the Lesti noticed the rise of the immortal pair in the life of their Lord, none saw them as a threat. The Lesti were, instead, concerned that Mattias was not being properly cared for.

One day, when Mattias was visiting the lower camp, several Lesti who usually attended Mattias approached Princess Miriam and Queen Alana, as they were now known. The Lesti had not pleasured with the immortals, not that the immortals would have objected, it was just that the two immortals thought Mattias wanted them in camp only as observers. Clearly that was the initial understanding between the three, but as the immortal pair began taking on more general responsibilities in Mattias' tent, the Lesti thought it was time to expand the scope of their own duties. As they were unfamiliar with immortal culture, they weren’t sure how the pair would react to their concerns and proposals.

They decided to plunge in, asking for their help.

It was Morona who headed the delegation, which included Peri, Celeste and Triana. Whenever Morona was involved, everyone top to bottom in any camp understood that her only concern ever was for the well-being of her Lord. She was always somewhere near him these days, and even Peri had begun keeping an eye on Mattias. His bouts of dark days and dark moods seemed to be easing with the increased attention paid to him by Miriam and Alana. He was still stern and troubled, but he barked less frequently, and every faction noted the calming of his spirit when the immortals were in residence. He was still distant, except with the children, who seemed to be his only outlet of joy.

Miriam and Alana noticed the same thing, and never missed an evening meal or a story time, and always assisted putting the children to bed. As had been the case with Miriam during her first stay in camp, Alana Q, the Queen of the Mountain Refuge, had never conceived of spending so much time with children. In her world, there was no need. And although she didn't always know what to say or do with the little ones at first, she soon accepted that she was a role model of sorts for the little ones whose mums were often out on patrol, or busy with daily duties. The very young girls often clung to Alana and followed her around as if a children's entourage.

At first, Alana found this annoying, wanting to come and go at will and unnoticed, but the children tied her down, demanding Mosh, or stories, or both. Alana was disarmed by her own growing weakness to be surrounded by the little girls, feeling that their need filled a hole in her own life, something immortals never felt.

Alana felt she was needed and important. There were young minds, young children who needed her every day, to dry their tears, listen to their fears, to mend scrapes and cuts, and kiss them when they were scared. Alana watched everything Mattias did with children, how he let them be themselves, silly and giggly and, well, just kids. He was patient and never had she ever heard him raise his voice to any child; to warriors and others he could be a martinet, a tough task master, but every evening he was in his tent, leading the squad of children from the mess tent to his tent. By early evening, the children were worn out from their day and ready for story time and then bed. Mattias retired, night after night, alone to his own bed. It was true, though both Alana and Miriam found it hard to believe, but Mattias truly did not seek attention; attention only ever sought him. At night, but not every night, they heard Lesti maidens sneaking into his bedroom to spend time with papa. It was not always for intimacy, for pleasures. Just as often, if not most of the time, it was a young warrior who needed his arms around her, listening to her hopes and fears, drying her tears and reassuring the girls that everything would work out, and he loved them very much.

It wasn’t just children who needed a hug. Even Lesti generals slipped in just to sleep in his bed for the joy of greeting him in the morning. He never took anything that was not his to possess, and pretty soon the immortals, both of them, came to see Mattias as something different, something unique in the mortal world.

They had once seen him as just another warlord mortal, probably up to his eyeballs in gold and greed, slaving to make ends meet, and thoroughly untrustworthy. If there was an apt description of how they thought of him now, it was as papa. They had thought it was a meaningless descriptor given to him because he was king; it was instead a term that everyone used to honor Mattias whose heart truly was as big as the man. He was the man anyone could approach as if the head of a family. Papa.

When Morona and the Lesti delegation arrived one afternoon to see the immortal women, Miriam and Alana were surprised. They were cordial with the women, of course; Miriam worked in the bakery each morning, sometimes with her mother. But there was a wall of formality that arose in the beginning that was only now slowly coming down.

Morona thought the time had come to dismantle what was left of that wall, brick by brick. The women sat down in the map room to talk. Morona was designated to speak for the group.

As you ladies know, those of us here love our papa more than anything in this world. We have been with him from the beginning, and have always done his will. We love him; he is in all manner and respects our papa, our father figure. He is that and more to the children, and to many warriors who were raised at Kir in his tent, and have only ever known him as anything other than their father, though in only some cases was that actually true.

She paused.

But papa has always had his wives, his women around to, uh, care for his needs. As you know he is a very sweet man when he is being himself, but when he isn’t, he is, well, quite a handful. He is stressed every day with competing demands with few pleasures to enjoy. He is separated from the women he loved, and we don’t know what he’s feeling about them anymore, as none are currently in residence. We worry about his health.

You think he’s sick? We hadn’t noticed. He seems very robust.

He is; his physical health is not in issue. It is his other health issues about which we are concerned, and with which we cannot help. Not because we don’t want to help, but because we are ... Lesti.

Miriam understood right away.

Morona continued, "Mattias has not had full pleasures in a very long time, and he does not ask for them; they usually find him. This part of his life was always managed for him before; now there is no one. We think this is bad for his health and his mood. We’ve noticed that just being around the two of you has seemed to have had a positive effect on his moods and dark moments. We want to ask you whether you might have some ideas about how to correct this imbalance. He listens to you and laughs with you. You and the children bring him joy. We thought a long time ago that he would ask you to leave, but here you are still. I know you have other duties, and often relax with papa to hear him out; we were wondering if you might have any other ideas how to assist papa. Something personal; something more intimate."

Alana asked, What exactly do you want from us?

You live in his tent and you help him in the evening with the children. Can you not find a way to help papa manage his other needs? Not to pleasure papa, unless of course you wanted to, but just to do whatever you can to manage things for others who are not willing to approach papa in the mood he’s in these days. His moods don’t seem to bother you as it does the rest of us. And, he listens to you.

I will help, said Miriam right away. "If he allows me to. But you need to have this same conversation with him, and let him know that we will help."

We will? said Alana. "I’m not sure what I can do. It seems tawdry to me, and I’m not interested in any of his other needs."

Mother. Really?

It’s unseemly; I’m immortal. He is not.

"Then why are you still here, mother? I can handle things just as easily, and I like it here. I was here when things were happier; I’m here now that they’re not. I can help, and I want to help. Papa has been good to us, to me, and I don’t mind organizing for his needs."

Miriam! You will never be able to explain this to the women of court. You, with a mortal?

"Mother, don’t be such a prude. If you love life with your diversions back home so much, that’s where you should be. But you’re not; you’re here and just as curious as I am. Stop being so silly. It’s no shame to admit he’s a good man who seeks only to serve the gods. He has taken us in, though he doesn't know why we’re here. He makes you laugh, and I see your sideways glances. You’re among women here, Lesti women who are not embarrassed about discussing pleasures. No one asked you to get naked."

Alana said nothing.

Miriam turned to the four Lesti.

When papa returns from the other camp, have a talk with him. If he says yes, I will bake in the morning and cook in the evening. Leave it to me. We’ll get him right as rain in no time. Leave it all to me.

You’re sure?

I’m positive. I’ll need help, of course, so put together a list, but I have a list of my own. Immortal maidens who are dying to meet this beast of a mortal. They’ve seen him and wish to visit. They are delightful ladies of court with nothing to do. They want to meet the man who makes children laugh, and who holds them when they’re scared. Immortals need hugs too. We just never get them.

A voice boomed out as someone was heard entering the tent.

Who’s there?

Papa, Is that you?

Of course, it is.

He stepped into the map room.

Oh, he said, I can see I’m in trouble for something.

Morona smiled her sweetest smile.

No papa, just the opposite. We were just saying how much we love you.

"Alana too? I find that hard to believe. She’s an immortal, you know, and a queen to boot, you know. Very regal."

If you have a minute, we’d like to talk.

I’m here. Let’s talk.

Now, papa, listen very carefully to what we’re asking. It’s all good.

Better than your Mosh?

Hardly, but very, very close.

Chapter 1

Earlier

Not long after Aurelius had his blow up with Ronja and she went off with her rebel factions, Mattias was faced with the prospect of hunting down his own daughter and bringing her to final accountability. He delayed long, wanting to gather the courage to do what had to be done, though not wanting to have anything to do with it. He spoke to Aurelius several times to be absolutely clear on what Ronja had said and done, and whether he now had any contact with her.

"No, father, no meaningful contact. I’m at a loss to explain her behavior and though I mean no disrespect to Auntie Eir, Ronja listens way too much to her. You should check to see who Ronja has contacted; I suspect Auntie Eir and Auntie Eimear, but I have no knowledge that either has actually spoken to my sister. What do you intend to do?"

I intend to ask for her an explanation, then tell her to cease operations, then come home to face trial. Her conduct cannot go unpunished; it’s already having a negative effect here in the east. News has spread that she has defied my orders and broken off to fight warlocks with the Velociptaurians and Valorians who have since fled their mountain aeries in Dar Galan and their queen. Auntie Eimear has returned to me, as has Auntie Eir though I have not accepted them back as family.

Why father?

They left, then when things didn’t work out, they decided to return wanting things to be as they had been before. I’m afraid it’s too late for that now. I don’t think I can rely on them any more than I can rely on your sister.

What will you do with my sister?

Put her on trial, then hang her if convicted. I’ve had enough of Ronja, and this insurrection of hers has drained resources I need. I have hundreds of thousands of warlocks here in the east, possibly as many as two million. Then she pulls this stunt? I need the avians, now mostly missing. She’s out of control, and must be reined in, even if just to maintain discipline. I never conceived this was even possible, certainly not from her. I don’t know what’s gotten into her. I just don’t understand.

Nor I, father. What would you like me to do?

Nothing. I’ll speak to Eimear and Eir, and see what they know. But I expect they’ll not tell me anything useful. If that happens, I will remove all their powers. After I speak to Ronja, I will remove hers too.

You know that Lady Emmie can restore powers if she chooses too.

If she does, I will deal with her separately. I’m at a loss, son. Your mother first, now all this. I’ve done something wrong; I just don’t know what it is.

Mattias spoke to his ex-wives, and hearing nothing but pushback, immediately removed their powers, then proceeded to do the same for all those who had them save for a few specific Lesti, Aurelius and Inga. He spoke to Lady Emmie, who had an interesting take on matters.

Emmie said, Papa, I know you’ve removed her powers, but fair warning, I intend to give her new powers. This is a gift from me, and does not concern your situation with her. I hope you understand that one is not connected to the other.

"I’m sorry, but I do not see it that way at all. I see it as an immortal interfering in mortal matters that do not concern her. She had powers because of me. Now you intervene? You know this will be reported to your father, and will mean you are persona non grata in the Seven Realms."

There is nothing you can do. If you’re threatening me, it will do no good.

I am telling you there will be consequences that affect all of us who live in my domains. If I cannot punish you for this, I will punish anyone you come in contact with. I will prohibit contact on pain of death. If you think I won’t carry out that threat, you are mistaken. I tire of this constant pushback. I’ve said my piece, now you can decide what to do. If you give Eir powers, or any of the ex-wives, we will no longer be friends, and I will banish everyone who even speaks a word to you. You will not be making this any better for anyone. You are warned.

Mattias contacted Lord Encanto who had nothing to say.

Emmie restored Eir to her powers, as she did for Ronja. When Mattias found out, he went insane.

Mattias called Ronja.

Papa, how nice. I wasn’t expecting a call from you. What’s up?

You act like nothing has happened, as though things were back to normal. They are not, daughter, and you are the reason why.

I don’t know what you mean, papa.

Really, this is how you speak to me?

It’s the way I always speak to you, papa. What’s on your mind?

You disobeyed a direct order. You threatened your brother. You encouraged sedition with the Bjerne, the Velociptaurians and Valorians; they have all left to support you.

So? You don’t need them. You have all the Lesti and Bjerne you need. I have comparatively few.

I have two million warlocks hidden here in the east.

I was unaware of that. Apologies.

Apologies? That’s what you have to say?

At this point, it’s about all I can say.

You need to break off hostilities, return command to your brother, and ride to Kir.

Why would I do that?

To face charges of treason and sedition. Perhaps a military tribunal will understand you better than me. I don’t understand you at all.

Well, I understand you well enough to know I must decline your invitation. I shall remain here in the west, and push on. You do understand that I’m protecting your flank.

You’re doing no such thing. You’ve made my situation worse. The warlocks in Brujon were not coming east, but I’m pressing to meet and fight two million warlocks and a pagan army coming to fight me.

You should have shared this sooner. There’s nothing I can do now.

Is Lord Mammoth with you?

He is.

Thane, Ala, and Tissot?

All here.

You’ve signed their death warrants. And your own, and all your troops. You had better break off the attack, or I’ll come for you. And if I do, none of you will ever return east.

My powers were lost; now they’re back. There’s nothing you can do to me. Threaten all you like; it will not change a thing.

You do understand I can kill you and all your treasonous allies right now.

No, you can’t. Even you’re not that powerful. If you were, I would have been too.

Then go find your generals and Lord Mammoth. I just killed them all.

Mattias signed off while Ronja went to see her general staff in the war tent.

They were all dead, along with all the Bjerne and Lesti warriors.

Ronja was now all alone and in full panic.

After Emmie spoke to Lady Eir, and they decided to speak to Mattias, the pair were scheduled to depart the following day. Mattias sent out a warning to all who had been given powers that he had taken away, but were restored by Emmie. He knew they could communicate, so his message was brief.

The rebellious Bjerne are dead, including Lord Mammoth. I have also killed Generals Ala, Thane, and Tissot for mounting an insurrection along with most of their troops in the west. While I have not addressed the situation with Ronja yet, I will give her a few days to decide to return to Kir on her own. If she doesn’t, I will execute her. If I find any who collaborated with her, the sentence is death. If Emmie has restored powers to any who were relieved of them, you too are sentenced to death. I warned Emmie; she’s an arrogant immortal who flouted her power to me. She dared, I delivered. You have a week to depart the Seven Realms, Rus-land and Terra Mixtum. Leave and don’t return. Take your fellow conspirators with you.

Mattias signed off.

Ronja disappeared with her avian allies and the few Lesti who remained alive, heading north through the scorched remains of Mord, then deep into the Northern Mountains. Most of the remaining Lesti, upon being told of the conversation with Mattias, promptly left camp and went to Terra Mixtum to hide out, hoping to escape Mattias' wrath.

They did not succeed.

Emmie and Eir along with Eimear and several others immediately departed for the Estate, where they knew they would be safe. When they arrived, they did not anticipate the reception they got. Lord Encanto had been told of matters in the mortal world, and was furious himself. Defying the gods was simply foolish, and Emmie, for one, knew better.

Father, what have we done wrong? I don’t understand. I helped my mortal friends. So what? We are not bound by mortal decisions, no matter who the mortals are, and whether or not they are blessed. I fail to see what makes you so angry.

We are not bound by mortal promises, but the mortals are. And you aided them knowing they were oath breakers, all of them. Ronja defied her father, the king. She usurped his authority and invited insurrection. How could you have been so stupid as to defy Mattias, the beloved of the gods? And you aided Ronja, who now is alone hiding in the caves of the northern forests.

She is with her Velociptaurian and Valorian armies. She’ll be fine, and if she’s made it that far north, she’ll be safe for now.

Her avian armies are gone, flown west in the mountains to escape certain death. Ronja is presently in a cave wondering how it all came crashing down around her so fast. She never understood just how powerful her father is. Now she does.

Father, we must bring her here; we cannot abandon her.

Really? I must help an oath breaker? No, and no. If you want to help her, go find her and then keep traveling west. Mattias will not pursue Ronja, but he may pursue you.

Me? Hardly. What can he do to me?

He can kill you, that’s what. Whenever these betrayals occur, and Mattias cleaves to his mission, the gods make him stronger to meet the challenges. You are a challenge. Mattias will not come here, but he will find you if you leave.

Encanto paused.

And Lady Eir must leave too. I cannot shelter her under the circumstances, or Lady Eimear either. They must leave; you may stay.

I will not abandon my friends. I put them in danger; I will see this through.

I will show you the way to Ronja. If you return, I will be gone. I now understand that it was foolish to get involved with mortals. I now repent my ignorance, and am truly sorry for this, daughter. My curiosity got the best of me, but arrogance and hubris got the best of you. I am sorry to inform you that the gods are angry, and I cannot be sure what they now intend for you. I only know that your conduct has been noted. The mortals will be dealt with by Mattias, or not. You are another story.

With that, and without even a goodbye, the three women were swept away to the cave where Ronja had lit a fire and was shivering in the cold.

When she saw the three, she ran to them in tears.

Ronja said, I want to go home. I want to go back to Kir and start over again. I am so sorry for what I’ve done. I’m alone; so many are dead, and the avians abandoned me after their generals were killed. Everyone’s gone and papa hates me. He said if I came home, he would put me on trial, then hang me. I never wanted to hurt him; I just wanted to defeat the warlocks.

Eir looked at Ronja, shaking her head.

We all made mistakes, none of ours worse than any others. Papa has let us go if we don’t go home. I still have some powers given by Emmie, and some that papa didn’t take away. I’m guessing you may still have some too.

Eimear and Ronja nodded, feeling that they had some defenses but not all they once had.

I wish I could stay, said Emmie. But I am summoned. If I see you again, I will be mortal. And if I do, I would ask you to let me travel with you. I don’t know how to survive in this world on my own. If you still can Raven with papa, ask him to restore more of your powers. He is very angry, but he’s not cruel. He gave you a way out; now, you must take it. Speak to him; he will help you as long as you’re leaving, I’m sure of it. Goodbye.

In an instant, she was gone.

She was not recalled, however, by the gods who could have cared less what she did. She was brought back to the Estate by her father who was departing the mortal world and returning to the immortal realms.

We have tasted mortal pleasures, and I will have fond memories of my adventures, but I grow weary of the conflict and foolishness they possess. Time to go home to our own kind.

Agreed father. It was a pleasant vacation, but certainly not one of our best. I will not miss them. They are inconstant and undependable. I began to tire of them not long ago. Things have worked out for us though.

Father and daughter left, but the gods were not amused.

They were made mortal then returned to the mountains of Terra Mixtum. They were never heard from again.

Mattias was in his study reading one afternoon when Miriam suddenly appeared out of nowhere with her mother. They were smartly dressed and looking very fetching in their outfits; Miriam and Alana were now getting along better after the events with Gwillim and Maeve. They had not completely settled their differences with prior issues of veracity and dissembling, nor with the arrogance of immortals, but Mattias had come to accept them as allies, though likely not friends. The pair settled into camp life and did their work along with everyone else. They made an attempt to be friendlier with Mattias, and helpful, but he still didn’t trust them. However, they quartered in his tent and attended storytelling in the evening with the children,

There was détente.

Mattias paused, looking to have a closer inspection.

Ladies, how nice of you to visit. You look lovely, I must say. How may I help you?

Papa, it’s not how you can help us, but how we can help you, said Miriam.

Sounds intriguing. What do you think I need help with?

It’s not just us, papa. It’s the entire camp. We’ve been visited by the Lesti closest to you ...

You mean Morona ...

Among others, papa. And they all had the same observation.

Tell me.

Papa, they’re worried about you. About your health.

I’m fit as a fiddle and twice as strong. My health should not be a concern.

"Yes, papa, that part of your health is not a concern, but that’s not the part we’re talking about."

What other part of health is there?

"There’s your mental wellness; the physical side of ... having company. Company that you no longer seem to wish for or desire. Your wives are gone, Inga is back in Kir, Miseria is ... wherever she is these days, and you’re here alone, by yourself. The girls, the Lesti who love you the most, are worried. The Lesti maidens are worried. They see you in one of your ... moods, and sometimes they don’t know whether to try to comfort you, or to run away and hide. They miss their papa, and they want you back."

I see. And so they came to you?

"Papa, they want someone to speak for them. They don’t completely understand what you’re going through. They just know they want to help. If that means leaving you alone, they’ll do that. But they don’t think it’s healthy for you to always be alone."

I’m never alone.

"What you mean is there are always people around you, but if you are keeping things inside you, not sharing your burdens, then you are alone. I don’t want that. Mother doesn’t either. The Lesti want us to ... do something, to get you back in the swing of things and to have someone you can confide in. Someone to talk to."

Like you?

I would volunteer. So would mother. So would every Lesti in camp, along with Morona. But they think it’s an intrusion, and that the support should come from someone closer to you. But if your wives are absent, maybe someone else can step in. It could be me. If you let me.

I’m not sure what you want to do for me. Exactly.

Do you want a parchment with details, or just to trust me to arrange things?

Arrange things? Like what?

"Company. Distraction. Pleasures. You’ve ignored your women and their needs too. You should not be so selfish. The Lesti girls just want to fuss over their papa like before. To know everything is right with your worlds. They want to be close to you again. Even Inga, who wants only you, understood that the Lesti have rights to you as decreed by the gods. You say you serve the gods; if so, you need to fulfill your part of the bargain. You need a schedule. I can help. So can mother."

A social secretary?

I don’t know what that is, but if you ask, I will do my part to make sure everyone, including you, is happy and back on track. You’ve been too long absent from the lives of the women who hold you dearest to them, and they miss you. We only want what’s best for you.

The Lesti are rising up?

They will storm this tent and take what’s theirs if you don’t relent and open your heart. They miss you, papa. And they’re afraid of your anger and moods. They don’t understand why whatever is affecting you should affect them too. They just want their papa back.

I didn’t realize that so many were upset. I never ...

You don’t have to feel alone, with the weight of the world on just your shoulders. That’s there, and it will be so for a very long time. But there should be as much joy every day as there is responsibility. If you accept their offer, things can get back to normal. If you let them.

And what do I need to do?

Nothing, papa. Leave it up to me, and to mother. We’ll do everything and make a schedule. We’ll need to work with you closely, of course.

Of course.

And we’ll need to examine your ... library. And maybe do a little exploration of our own. Research only. We would never seek to take advantage. Still, your full and complete cooperation will be essential for us to completely understand your needs, wants and predilections. We need to match needs with needs. I’m sure you’ll agree.

I guess. You’re being very cryptic. What do you really want me to do?

Let me visit your mind and ... see what’s there. Mother too.

And, what’s your part in this? And your mother?

We will keep your schedule, and we may pencil in play dates of our own. Me first, of course. I’m in charge and mother is just curious; she still thinks that we’re oil and water with you. I’ll go first and assess, then we can begin. We can start whenever you have time. Like right now.

I’m reading reports.

I’ve already read them all; I’ll transfer them to you when we join minds.

It would save time.

It would.

And I could use the help.

You’re inundated; buried. We can help dig you out.

It would free up my schedule somewhat.

The girls would be so happy, papa. Your sacrifice would be appreciated by all.

I would need to find a way to compensate you, and your mother.

I’m sure we can work things out. We’re very eager to begin our new duties.

"How do we start, assuming that we start?"

Let us explore. All you need to do is relax, and lie down. We’ll do the rest.

You know your way around ... the inside of my head.

Papa, we’re immortals, and as arrogant as you think we are, we know how to do our work. I’m sure you realize that we have skills too.

Mind skills?

Yes, papa, those too. Now, step right this way. Therapy starts now.

That’s my bedroom you’re taking me to.

Yes, papa. It’s where we begin. Don’t be afraid, we’ll be very gentle.

I trust you. Don’t ...

Mattias lay down and fell into a deep sleep. The pair then entered Mattias' mind and roamed around for hours. They visited his erotic rooms and his life story. Then, when they had gathered everything that they needed, they left his mind and re-materialized.

Papa, we need to do some emergency therapy.

We do?

Yes, papa. Me first, then mother. You are very out of balance in all key zones.

I am?

Luckily, I caught the infirmity in time. Now, papa, get undressed and come to bed. We have work to do. It’s practically an emergency.

Chapter 2

The expeditionary army from Old Toranji arrived on the shores of the New Colonies not at the Port of PuroMar, where they were expected, but further down the coast in the territory of the Wildmen of the Illysian Tribes. There was no real reason for the landing there; no one was organized to oppose the landing anywhere else along the coast, and the force was not large enough to threaten any of the existing kingdoms or the local populations.

There were rumors circulating in PuroMar that the warlocks were already allied with the Toranji invaders, and in control of most of the territory along the Mar coast north of the Port. The territory along the Mar south of the Port, called Salvaje by its inhabitants, was lightly populated, posing no threat to anyone. Still, the small army did not want to attract attention to itself, especially the Frijian army in Nimbus.

A smaller army than expected, consisting of only ten thousand warriors, complete with horses, supplies, arms and gold, quickly sought out and made contact with the Wildmen who could provide local intelligence on the nearby kingdoms. The Wildmen had long been independent and fierce, staying in their enclosed villages and trading goods and slaves in all the local kingdoms. They traded for gold, the only thing of value that they trusted. They had long been dependent on the New Colonies to buy extra food supplies, weapons and tools; to buy anything in the New Colonies, they needed gold. Hence slaving.

But slaving was becoming more and more difficult for the Wildmen as Lesti villages began to hollow out after too many slave raids. Then, when Mattias Denson arrived in New Nimbus, many Lesti started to leave their own lands in Salvaje for the safety and security he provided along the lowland plains.

The Wildman way of life had declined with the defeat of the Ancient Empire, the decline of New Nimbus, and the arrival of the Frijian army. The Wildmen hated Mattias Denson and would work hard to see him dead. The long anticipated arrival of the light Toranji advance guard was encouraging.

Most Lesti in the Salvaje had heard of Mattias and the Kir Oasis, and the rise of the Lesti as educated and formidable warriors. When they arrived in the lower camp outside New Nimbus and saw first-hand that the rumors were not just rumors, but in fact true, they begged the Lesti commanders on the Nimbus plains to