The Petty King

By B.E. Scott

Kate and Edwin's deaths cast a cloud over Amor. Lucien has to overcome his grief to settle the final battle with Elgin. The weakness in Dulimore is felt throughout the continent as its new King navigates his forced ascension. Viola trapped in Westfall must find a way home, and Martin's meddling has just begun. What awaits our new Petty King<

• Language: English
• Publisher: B.E. Scott
• Release date: Nov 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088276181

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The Petty King

B.E. Scott

Copyright ©2021 by B.E. Scott

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system—except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper—without permission in writing from the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locations is completely coincidental.

Content warning: Some scenes include violent, graphic, gory content that could upset readers.

Trigger warning: Possible triggers include the mention and description torture, and attempted sexual assault.

Contact the author at [e-mail]

Follow the author at www.goodreads.com/BEScott

Cover design by Alice Briggs of Kingdom Covers.

Map created by Thomas Rey

Edited by Stan Timmons

First Edition

ISBN: 978-1-0882-7618-1

CHAPTER 1

Martin struggled to get his trousers on. His hands trembled in the bitterly cold air. His knees were deep in snow as he struggled to climb to the first palisade.

The use of the latrine was bad, perhaps only second to the hard ground they slept on. He passed by the tents inside the perimeter of the outer stake wall, and then up the main path to the overlooking camp. The mine galleries made him groan with disgust each time he returned. He stared at it, wanting to bash the door down and seal the entire mine with dirt and stone.

It had been nearly a month now and not a single piece of ore had been gathered. The miners from Westfall had yet to arrive due to the siege at Dawnbridge.

Arnold sat next to the campfire, his back toward their tent. He had the haunch of a deer roasting over the flames. He looked dour and miserable. Martin saw him as he approached the fire and washed his hand over his face. He turned away from Arnold to try to calm himself. He brushed the snow from his short black hair in frustration.

Martin sighed deeply and straightened his back, centering himself. Arnold’s whining about Viola for seven days had nearly driven him mad. They left Dawnbridge and picked up a geriatric soldier and six guards barely able to shave.

Martin sat next to Arnold in a huff. He tried to hide his displeasure but he was certain Arnold knew how he felt.

Arnold lifted the spit from the fire, pulling off a piece of meat to taste. What is bothering you, my lord?

Martin gritted his teeth. It has been seven days. This inactivity is insufferable.

Arnold looked down. My failure to protect Viola leaves me in sorrow. I do not…

You ass! Martin stood, screaming. I am sick to death of your constant whining of Viola. You sit on that stool day and night whining, ‘Viola, oh if I had protected her, oh, if only I could have stopped her,’ or my favorite, ‘Why did she abandon me?’ It is completely pathetic!

Arnold calmly put the spit back over the fire. Martin stood shaking in rage, waiting for a response. Arnold’s massive ebony chest rose, released a long sigh, and then…nothing. This only made Martin more incensed. He paced with his arms crossed, thinking of anything to keep from exploding again.

He shook his head to himself. You know, Elias could be dead by now. We have heard nothing. If we were to return, at least we would know.

Arnold sat motionless, as if made of stone. Even his massive braids, woven tight to his head, did not stir in the wind. I believe that is unwise. We have our orders.

Martin held up his clenched fist and scowled. Orders be damned. We are moving at first light. I will not sit in this frozen rat hole another day. I have eaten venison stew, roast venison, smoked venison, and my favorite, fried venison in venison fat. I’d rather eat a thousand stone of fish that eat another bite of venison.

Arnold was stoic as he lifted his plate to eat. I am disappointed you do not like my cooking.

Martin just screamed randomly and flailed his arms. Can you not think beyond orders?

Arnold paused, stared straight ahead, and then tilted his head to Martin. No.

Martin knelt in front of him, pleading, I am ordering you to lift camp and go north with me. I order you as crown prince and quite possibly the king of the marshes.

As you wish. Arnold took a bite of meat. I hope you have a direction for which we can prepare and plan.

Martin waved his hand. Oh no, it will be me and you. Those other fools that came with us can stay here or head back to wherever the hell they came from.

Galebridge, Arnold interrupted.

Whatever, Martin continued. "We will be going to Crosshill to gather information. Then we will be going to Charbel to find my cousin Viola. I have been inspired by your decency and wish to honor you. I will help reclaim our lost honor by freeing your charge."

Arnold turned the meat roasting over the fire, not paying much attention to Martin. How you wish, but be warned, we can hardly pass as travelers.

Martin held up a finger. Well, on our way, we will be getting some native attire, and you will be a twenty-hand- high ogre hedge knight. I shall be your faithful squire.

Arnold took a chunk of meat and dropped it on a plate. He held it out to Martin. You better eat for strength, as so much crap has come from your mouth, I suspect your stomach is empty.

CHAPTER 2

The grunts of a woman could be heard through the doorway; grunts, and the ssh-ssh -ssh sounds of a brush scrubbing. The guards outside looked uneasy as Princess Zara approached. I wish to enter.

The door opened and she went inside, closing the door sharply behind her. Zara smiled at the sight of Viola on her knees, scrubbing the floor. She wiped the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. Gods, there must be a secret to remove blood stains. I have been scrubbing for nearly a day on this.

Vinegar. Samuel said simply, looking over from the bedside where he stood with his tools, working on Lucien.

Viola turned to him, rubbing her clenched jaw with the palm of her hand. You could have said that before letting me grind away on this for hours.

Samuel sighed and reminded her, I was not here for hours. I only just arrived.

Zara smiled as she got down next to Viola where she was still scrubbing. It has faded a lot, I think. You have taken a good layer of the wood off to make it less noticeable.

Viola’s eyes slowly narrowed at Zara. You’re not making this better. Do you have access to the kitchen, maybe get some vinegar?

Zara stood up, smiling. Right, I will be back. Viola continued brushing at the stain as Zara left.

Lucien had been there more than a day. When he arrived, he bled on everything. Viola had been trying to clean the sheets, the floor, and everything else his body had touched when Samuel dragged him into the bed.

Viola, have you been treating Lucien? Samuel asked. He looked with open curiosity at the wound on Lucien’s stomach.

Viola stood up and approached then, looking from Lucien to Samuel. Yes, what is wrong?

Samuel pointed at the horrific stab wound across Lucien’s stomach. See here, it is not healing well. I thought he healed rather quickly. He is stable for a man who should be dead. However, the wound is not making much progress.

Viola shrugged. It has only been a day or so. Give it a week and then I will worry. He is still alive, and who knows what kind of mood he will be when he wakes. He is rather mercurial with his temperament, and his muse, Kate, is in the tomb under the college, so she won’t be helping to control him.

Samuel swallowed, rubbing the nape of his neck. Ah, if he is the violent sort, maybe it’s best I am gone from here when he wakes.

Viola grabbed his arm, keeping him from leaving. I am not bathing him. I cook and treat him day and night, but I will not scrub his nethers. I need you to do that. You are a man and an apothecary. It is your half of this partnership.

Samuel held a sponge in his hand, looking worried.

Viola sighed. He won’t hurt you. When he wakes, he will be weak. I will be able to keep him calm and talkative. He isn’t a wild man or anything.

Samuel nodded and resumed his work.

Zara had retuned and closed the door. She held a bucket and lifted it up to show Viola. Let’s try this.

The two began to scrub and the vinegar did well to fade and strip out the blood. Zara was happy and smiling as they worked. It took an hour or two more of scrubbing to finish getting out the stains.

Zara hugged her when they finished. It is great to be a team again. I only wish Kate was with us.

Viola did not respond to Zara’s comment and just washed her hands in the basin.

Zara washed hers after trying to understand what Viola was feeling. Zara studied her as she washed. My brother says you spend a lot of time in the tomb with Edwin. Do you suffer sadness daily?

Viola held her arms to her chest, looking away from Zara. No, I just have not many places to go. I pick herbs on my walks to and from the tomb. I am lucky to get anything to make potions with.

Viola shifted her eyes side to side before changing the subject. I was wondering if you could take some potions to sell, and get more flasks for me. I need anything they have that holds liquid and has a cap.

Zara smiled, excited. Of course. What do you have?

Viola had four medium flasks in a satchel which she handed to Zara. If you can, get flasks with cork or cover, and a bag or satchel, if there is enough money. Feel free to spend the rest on what you want, or keep it.

Zara laughed, holding up each of the flasks in turn to examine them. How much is each of these worth? What are they?

Twenty-five crowns, but we can take ten for each. You can haggle how you like. They are for digestion. It is a common potion in high demand. Viola went to her mortar and pestle to grind ingredients. Also, if you can get some meat, rabbit, bird, or something like that.

Zara curled her lip. Alright, that is gross, but I will try my best.

Viola leaned in to embrace her and released her with a smile. No worries, it is just something for us to do. If you can’t sell them, or can only get a low price, that is fine also.

Zara smiled awkwardly, finding Viola hard to understand. She took the satchel and left the room.

CHAPTER 3

Zara walked down the hallway to the stairwell, and down the stairwell and into the corridor that led to the courtyard outside, where Prince Henry was waiting for her. Where are you off too?

Zara clutched the satchel tightly to her chest. Nowhere, why do you ask?

Henry studied her, folding his arms. What has Viola been up to? She claims to be in love with Lucien.

Zara nodded, stammering. It is disgusting the two of them together. She kisses and hugs him constantly. If that wasn’t bad enough, she makes sure to give him sponge baths daily.

Henry recoiled with a wince. I had no idea...they were so intimate. I swore that she despised him.

Zara traced her toe in the dirt, averting her eyes before shrugging. That was all an act. Do you think that Viola and I could travel to Gera once? She has not seen any of Westfall.

Henry shook his head. Absolutely not. You know father is obsessed with keeping her here. I even think it would do her some good, but I know he would refuse.

Zara was frustrated with her father, far more than her brother. He was always dismissive of her, and locking Viola away was not right. What point did it serve if she would marry Lucien anyway? Fine, I just thought I would ask. I need to take these potions to the market to sell. Viola wants to make some more soups and things. She wanted me to trade them.

Henry leaned close. She is a witch, isn’t she?

Zara leaned closer to him and whispered confidentially, Yes, and she will shrink your testicles to the size of pebbles if you keep calling her a witch.

Henry pulled away, scowling. He knew the two of them were up to something, and it hurt that they didn’t include him. Since rumors of his marriage to Viola surfaced, her temperament, and mood toward him had been completely different.

Zara smiled as she walked away from him. That was close. She suspected her brother was keeping an eye on the two of them, and it was hard to lie constantly to him. Viola wanted to escape, and Zara planned to help her however she could, so long as she didn’t leave her behind.

There was a very nice apothecary shop in the upper quarter of the city which Zara often visited before Viola arrived. Now she rarely had need of potions anymore. The most common potion she used to get was to lift her spirit, but she no longer needed it; she was more alive than ever. Viola had given her new hope to find a future for herself that was of her own making.

Zara stared through the doorway before entering. Geller, the shopkeeper, was a reedy, elderly man who usually wore a fine robe when he was working the counter in the shop. He must have been at least seventy years of age and appeared very frail.

Zara approached the counter. Good day, Geller; is it possible to sell some potions?

He snapped. No, well, maybe. What potions do you have for sale, and who is the distiller?

Zara smiled. Viola made them. She is very good. They are digestives.

Geller took one of the flasks, opened it, and smelled its contents. He took a small spoon and put it into a bowl he took from under the counter. The liquid pooled nicely and had good uniform color. Zara watched closely as he inspected the liquid.

He looked up at Zara. How much do you want for the four?

Zara bit her lip, not sure how to get the best price, but she wasn’t going to be cheated. Fifty crowns apiece.

Geller smiled, showing his yellowed teeth. Girl, you are terrible at haggling. They are worth twenty-five and maybe I could sell them for fifty, but my customers expect a discount. Surely you can understand that. I do not wish to cheat you. I will offer fifteen apiece for them.

Zara wanted more money, but was afraid to ask for it straight out. She saw several different sizes of ceramic flasks and jugs on the wall. They were marked from two to ten crowns. Zara looked around and spotted a nice flask satchel for sale too. It held eight medium flasks in a honeycomb layout, and had a flap that covered them; it cost fifty crowns.

Zara took a moment. How about some goods in trade and crowns with it?

Geller crossed his arms, nodding. What did you have in mind?

Zara counted the items in her head. I would like several of the flasks, maybe ten, and the jug. Then the flask satchel, all of that plus twenty crowns for the potions? Her heart pounded in her chest, hoping beyond hope that he would accept the deal. She thought it would get her nearly a hundred or more in value for the potions.

Geller looked at the items she mentioned and rubbed his chin. He took down everything she wanted and placed it on the counter. Zara swayed, crossing and uncrossing her arms as he went about collecting the items.

He looked them all over again, then counted a few coins before peering up at her. Fifteen on top and you have a deal.

Zara exhaled in relief. Yes, that is a good deal, I will take it.

Geller smiled and put the flasks into the satchel, then held out the jug and a small purse of coins to her. It is a pleasure, and if you have more, I will be interested. I may not always have crowns, but I can sell on consignment.

Zara took the items, feeling a great wave of relief wash over her. I will tell her. She is a wonderful alchemist. I think you are amazing as well. Thank you again.

Geller chuckled as he took the potions and Zara left the store.

Zara smiled, satisfied with her deal as she walked the street and stood at the gate to the lower quarter. Viola had said to find some meat and the butcher was down the market street, but it was not always safe with the vagrants flooding the city. She paced a moment and the guards turned to her and then to each other, shrugging.

Zara held her breath as she followed the street down. The smell of the smoke and filth in the streets mixed to make an unusual aroma. The butcher shop was well taken care of. This was the shop of the main butcher, Wilkin, who the upper quarter usually requested meat from. His vicinity to the castle made it a short trip, and he also kept a good presentation.

Zara stood at the door, surveying the shop’s interior: there was a counter with large chunks of meat strewn about, and another small table with strips of meat. She approached the woman at the table. Do you have any small cuts of meat, rabbit, chicken, or another bird meat?

The woman sucked her teeth, looking Zara over. Who are you, girly? We don’t trade with women here unless they have their seal.

Zara was shaken by the reception. She took her seal and held it out to the woman. Zara felt nervous as the woman looked it over and handed it back.

The woman stood and pointed to the meat on the small table. Squirrel, unless it’s for the royal chef. He hasn’t been in yet and until he is, we don’t sell the meat to anyone else until after noon.

Zara grimaced and repeated quietly under her breath — squirrel — wondering if that would be good enough for Viola.

Speak up, what did you say? The woman bellowed in an obnoxious blather.

I will take the squirrel, Zara meekly replied.

The woman smiled, showing more empty spaces than teeth. Three crowns per.

Zara handed over the three crowns, and put a chunk of squirrel meat in her satchel.

She quickly turned to leave as the lady called behind her, It was a pleasure, your majesty.

Zara exhaled in her exuberance as she went back up the street to the upper quarter. She was excited that she had acquired the things Viola requested. The good dealings for the potions were a particular accomplishment. When she passed the gate, her pace slowed to enjoy the stroll to the college circle.

She did not expect to get a fair deal, and hoped that Viola would be as excited as she was. It was not normal for her to travel alone and gather items the way Viola did. The closer she came to the castle gate, the more she dreaded it, as if returning to a prison after too brief a taste of freedom.

Viola cannot leave me here. Zara did not want to run away forever, but wanted to learn and live outside the walls. The experience in Crosshill was frightening, but it also was something she could never have seen if she stayed in the castle.

When she was at the gateway to the castle courtyard, she noticed someone in the alley by the college. It was the walkway to the tomb, and it looked like Viola. Zara glanced around quickly and then followed behind, staying hidden along the wall.

Zara stayed far enough behind to not be spotted, but near enough that she could hear the tomb door close and lock as she approached. She moved up to the door and could hear Viola’s muffled words from within as she moved away from the entrance.

Who was she talking too? Zara leaned closer, listening to the sounds but could not make out the words. The voice became louder and louder as Viola must have approached the door. All right, well, I will be back.

Zara turned and ran. She made the corner of the alley before she heard the door close. She tried to calm herself and look composed as she slowed her walk back to the castle in the hope that Viola would catch up to her casually.

Zara’s mind raced, wondering who she was talking to, and why she went to the tomb just for a moment. She could feel the footsteps behind her approach, even though she did not hear them. Suddenly a voice spoke. Were you able to sell the potions?

Zara’s body trembled as she turned to see a smiling Viola. Yes…yes, I was able to.

They stood staring at each other as Zara tried to find the words. Viola narrowed her eyes, looking at Zara. Why are you acting weird? Did something happen?

Zara shook her head quickly. No, I sold the potions. I also was able to get the flasks and meat you asked for. She handed the satchels and the purse with coins to Viola.

Viola held them up, smiling, as she was so happy to have them. You can keep the crowns.

Zara held up her hand. No, it was you work. I’d rather you take them.

Viola laughed and said, All right, if you need some, though, just ask. I am not sure what I would use crowns for here. They won’t let me leave the castle except to go to the tomb.

Zara was silent as they turned back to the castle. They entered the side door by the steward’s office and turned to the adjacent stairwell. Prince Henry was waiting in the hallway above.

Where have you two been? he asked, and crossed his arms.

Zara lifted her chin. I was running errands in the upper quarter.

Viola stared down the hallway opposite from Henry. I was at the tomb. We just happened to meet at the same time.

Henry looked confused. Why would you go to the tomb in mid-day?

Zara looked at Viola, wondering the exact same thing. Viola rolled her eyes. It is one of two places I am allowed to go. Why wouldn’t I go?

Henry shook his head. He narrowed his eyes and watched Viola with a slight frown. She had cut him out of any conversations and he felt completely isolated from Zara and her. Henry blew out a heavy sigh and turned to his sister. You are wanted in the throne room. The king and council would like to speak to you.

Zara did not like what that would entail. They would likely chastise her in the throne room for going to Crosshill, if not for sneaking out with Viola. She held her hands to her chest, looking away from Henry. She nodded weakly.

Henry was frustrated with the meek behavior of his sister. She had to be more forceful to get respect around here. If something were to happen to him, James would marry her off to get rid of her in a moment’s notice. Assuming his father didn’t do it first.

Henry watched her walk to the stairwell and out of view. He turned back to Viola but she just shook her head and stormed into her room. He followed her inside and closed the door.

I want you to leave. Viola gave him a stern look, hands on her hips.

Henry tossed the door open. Bang! We were friendly, now you push me away. I do not want to marry you, but it makes sense, doesn’t it?

Viola backed away, clasping her hands as if in prayer. No, it doesn’t. I’d rather go home to Dawnbridge and live as a spinstress than live here as your queen.

Henry frowned, looking crushed. Am I so horrible?

Viola sighed and paced the room, looking back to him. No, but I don’t want to be queen. I have tasted true freedom and even though the results were awful, I do not want to be sequestered in the castle or be surrounded by guards wherever I go.

Henry sat on the bed, moving Lucien’s feet aside. You think life with Lucien will be any better on that tiny island?

Viola bit her lip, rubbing her forehead. She completely forgot about her faux relationship with Lucien. Well, he is a wildman and is unpredictable. He can do as he pleases and travel anywhere in the blink of an eye. We can at least do things together and no one can stop us.

You are beautiful. I can’t imagine you with him. If that is what you want, that is fine, but you will have to escape the castle very soon. A letter arrived for Lucien. It is from his King Delvin requesting his return. Once he is gone, my father will marry you to me or James. The only bargain he will offer is Zara to marry Lucien for your freedom. Henry took the folded parchment from his pocket and held it out to her.

Viola scowled, examining the seal. It appeared to be unbroken. Lucien won’t read this for days.

Henry stood beside her. Viola was dwarfed by his size. His blonde hair was just long enough to wave as he walked. She took a step back.

Henry took her hand gently. My father knows already, and he will send Lucien by wagon in a day or so. I think right now he is telling Zara the bad news about Lucien and you. There is not much time for you to escape.

CHAPTER 4

Zara stood before the king. The row of councilors along the wall to the left turned her stomach. A bunch of sycophants and wastrels . King William sat on the throne with Zara’s mother, Pricilla, to his left. The steward, John, stood to his right, leaning forward, whispering something i n his ear.

Zara could feel her heart rate increasing the longer she stood alone in the center of the room with all the people around her. The king finally waved his hand to John, then turned his gaze to her. I have been offered alliance by Queen Elena of Elgin.

Zara’s stomach sank and her chest became tight. There would be no deal with Elena that did not cost more than it would ever be worth. Her father was more insane than she could have possibly imagined.

William paused as if expecting a response from Zara. His eyes narrowed as he looked on. She has offered marriage to Henry in exchange for you to marry Baron Rabin.

I would rather die. Zara’s response was so meek and soft that only a few councilors heard. They gasped quietly and whispered to each other.

The council was made up of three women and three men, the vast majority of whom were all related in one way or another to the Queen or King. The most notable of them was the Queen’s sister Judith. She was head of the council and held her hand over her mouth when Zara spoke.

The king rubbed at his beard and tried not to look at his weeping wife. He waited for the room to quiet before speaking. Your sister is too young yet to marry, and the decision has yet to be final. I have been warned that King Harold of the Vale has also been afforded this offer. His son Sven would marry Elena, and Princess Sophia would marry Rabin.

The audience gasped more loudly at this. Zara could now see the fear in the eyes of everyone in the room. An alliance with Elgin and the Vale would lead to the doom of the entire kingdom. She could not think of anything to say. It was painful to imagine a life in Elgin, and her brother would be miserable as well.

King William stood before the room and stepped down from the throne. He looked strained and stressed from the conflicts that had ravaged Westfall in the last year, but he still managed to stand tall in the center of the room. I have made no decision. The letter requesting the return of Crown Prince Lucien back to Elnora is the only action I wish to take. It would be reasonable to return Viola and the bodies at the same time. That way, we are free to move as we wish without further angering our southern neighbors.

Zara felt relieved no decision had been made, but had to escape if Viola was going to leave. There was no future in Westfall until some sort of brokered peace could be found. That would not happen until Elena Elgin was dead.

CHAPTER 5

Martin was excited when he woke that morning. He could not wait to leave this frozen hell and his misery was nearly over. Arnold had already prepared and took a heavy bag of supplies on his back.

Martin carried his satchel under his cloak, and made sure to dress warmly. The snow had continued to fall and they were going to have to walk down to the woods in order to find safe footing. It would be treacherous if the swamps had not frozen over yet.

Arnold stood, the snow collecting in the tight braids on his head. Do you wish to reconsidered?

Martin laughed. No, we leave. We need to see Roger in the lower palisade before we go. I don’t want him panicking that we are gone, old codger that he is.

Arnold lifted the supplies and followed Martin with a grunt as they walked the pathway down to the lower camps. Roger sat near the fire, his heavy cloak over his shoulders. He had two men with him, and the three of them were covered in snow.

Roger shifted and stood when Martin approached. The snow sloughed from his shoulders and he waved his hand for his men to stand as well. Your majesty, what is going on? You are traveling somewhere?

Martin did not mince words. We are going north and then east to Charbel. I plan to make sure Viola is returned before I leave. Your men are to stay here until word arrives on our return.

Roger was stoic. Very well, my lord. I hope you are prepared to journey north. The weather will not get much better ‘til you reach Crosshill.

Martin nodded. We are, and you should be careful here. There is no reason to takes risks. I would move to the upper camp for defense.

Roger nodded and his men