The Other King

Crow- Party

    “This seems like a good one.” I said, standing inside the door. Though this was about the tenth we’ve seen already. So far we liked every single one.”
“Yes, this one does look good.” Autumn said before running to the bed. He hopped on like he’s done in the other rooms. Seems his judgment is on the beds. Though all of them are as perfect as I’ve ever felt in my entire life.
I looked around this room, the bed was to the right with bedside tables on either side. A wardrobe followed next to them in the center of the walls. There was a wide open doorway without the door on the wall in front of me, to the right there was a closed door. To the left was a dining area with a wooden table, silver cut into the wood to make it look fancier. Four tables on either side and two on each end. Another table against the wall had goblets and wine bottles in crazy shapes. Also sets of plates and knives, a few forks and spoons were set next to the plates. I never used silverware, if I do it would be interesting.
I entered the doorway. Amazed with what I saw, I moved to the giant pool bath. The water was steaming heatingly. There was a toilet and faucet in this room as well as a waterhead and a drain on the other side. I put my hand into the hot water, “Autumn.” I called him.
He groaned from the bed but came over. He put his hand in and he looked up at me. “This one’s warm, we’re keeping it.”
“This is a perfect room.” I said, taking my shirt off. With the long days of travel to get here, I was dying for a bath. I was covered in dirt and blood.
I took off my pants and shoes, taking all my belongings to the dining table. My sword and knives made a sound as they clinked together. I eyed my black sword and the black rubble that lined the blade. Memories of my time with Dary ran through my mind, as bad as the training seemed, he helped me. I see him as  a friend, not just as a master.
I heard a knock on the door, I opened it to see a girl holding the rest of our belongings that Kedek held. “What’s the meaning of this? Where did you get these?”
“We took your two dragons to the Dragons Keep behind the palace. They are safe along with all the other dragons in Kimber.” She said, she seemed to be a water nymph, her skin was tinted blue and her hair was full of the dark color. I took Autumn and my belongings back but were also handed two outfits. “These are for the party tonight. You have the day to get ready but my King wanted to get you both settled with a planned outfit.”
“Thank you.” I said, she bowed and hurried off. The hallway was no longer empty, a few maids, butlers and guards filled the space. I closed the door behind me and dropped the heavy clothes onto the bed, looking at them. Mine, I could tell by how long it was, was black with gold lining. The chest pocket had a golden handkerchief. The pants had golden streaks across the pockets and down the sides. They were equipped with a pair of solid black shoes and a sword belt. I looked towards Autumn, his was silver with gold. Instead of the black that took up most of my suit, he was with the whitish color. He had a pair of silver shoes and a belt for his silver sword. Though he also was handed a golden vest, I didn’t get one. Probably because I always wear the leather one I have, the king saw it.
I took our weapons to the table along with the others. I put the suits into the wardrobes though they were empty. Well, my bag had the rest of my clothes I brought from The Other.
I returned to my partner, already naked in the bath. I fell in solemnly, relaxed against the warm waves. Autumn laid with his head back and his clothes, I was afraid he was asleep. “Can we live here forever?”
I thought he was joking but when he looked at me I could tell he was dead serious. “We can’t. We have Tharama, our hut, our life back in The Other.”
“Tharama has his girl, Dary and everything he needs. He doesn’t need us.” I shook my head. “Fine, but this place is so much better. No fighting, no killing, peace. Respect. A king ally, a whole kingdom, what could we possibly have back in The Other that is worthy of our travel?”
I stayed quiet. I don’t even know. The only thing I can think of is Tharama. We left him once, I left him. I let Seevon take him to train even though I know how brutal they can be, I didn’t help him for the better by learning how to fight. I tried to protect him from himself. I can’t just leave him again without him knowing I won’t come back.
“Exactly. Nothing. Crow, this life. You can’t possibly turn this down.” Autumn said.
“I don’t know.” I said, I don’t know what I could do here. Build a life? I never learned how to do that other than to kill to survive.
He left the conversation at that. I slowly walked over to him, the water filled to my shoulders. I kissed his cheek, just happy to be with him. I love seeing him like this, so relaxed and not a threatening thought in his mind. “What is it?” He asked.
“You just seem so peaceful here.” I gently moved the black bangs out of his eyes. He closed them so I wouldn’t poke.
“I’m just happy with you.” He kept his eyes closed, I kissed the top of his head and brought him closer.
The rest of the day we stayed in the room, talking about our lives, about the world and how we didn’t know it was that big. Soon a fire nymph, said to be our butler, knocked on our door and told us the party will be starting soon.
I pulled on my vest and the black overcoat. My shoes felt uncomfortable, my shoes I always wear were flimsy and flexible. These were hard and solid. I grabbed my sword and sheathed it to my belt. I fixed my black hair, looking into a mirror inside the wardrobe’s door. The last time I looked at myself with a proper reflection was when I was a boy. Now the only mirror I have is through the blades of my daggers.
“You look handsome.” Autumn said. “Like a proper prince.” 
“Oh stop.” I said, rolling my eyes. “Stop calling me a prince.”
“Okay, fine.” He said, finally stopping his teasing. “But you do look handsome.” He sheathed his own sword and fixed up his clothes in his mirror.
“So do you. You look hot.” He laughed and went to the door. I followed and looked around but I couldn’t find an identification of the room. We’ll get lost, I know it. The butler who gave us a heads up walked over once he saw we were ready. He was waiting by the door, the maid who
“My lords, please follow me.”  We followed the man to the left, further into the castle. A bunch of creatures and people were dressed in the same formal wear as Autumn and I in the hallway. We moved out of a set of anchored open doors to the outside. There was a giant garden, some flowers I recognized but others were new. There was a giant space in the center that had a path that led to the ballroom. We walked down the stairs to the open space, the smell of pollen and sweets filled the air.
I was handed a goblet of white wine, I’ve never had white. In The Other I could only get red. I sipped on the liquid, pleased with the taste. Autumn was also handed a goblet; he greedily gulped it down. I spotted Jackson in a suit matching mine. He was with a group of people that looked human. Though I kept in mind his warning, I was most likely the only of my kind here aside from Devanar.
He waved and I held up my goblet to do the same. “The parties in there, we’re taking a breather. This is Max and Jerida. They were my friends back when I was a kid.”
“We’re still your friends, Jackson.” The female said. When we made eye contact her eyes changed slightly. The whites are turning back before turning normal again. She gulped and turned away. “We should stay out here for a while. You don’t mind if we steal Jackson away for the night?”
“By all means.” I said, leaving them. “We best stay away from them for a while.” I whispered to Autumn. He nodded in agreement before replacing his empty cup with a full one. There was a Throne-like chair at the end of the ballroom, heightened by a platform. Arlik sat as he laughed with people who came up to him. There was a table off to the side full of presents and gifts to the king in celebration of his shifting. Colest was shaking hands with some people but mostly stayed by his son's side.
I spotted Devanar and Pylah sitting at a wooden table. There was a band in the corner of the room playing sweet slow music, De and Pylah sat near them. Autumn took my hand and guided me in their direction. “Did you guys find a room?”
“The best room ever. The bed was so comfortable I fell asleep immediately.” Pylah said. I raised an eyebrow at her clothing. She wore a silver dress, matching colors with Autumn. She’s never worn anything like this, anything feminine. It’s hard to see this. “The dress fits perfectly, so did Devanar’s suit. Do yours fit you well?”
“Yes, oddly.” Autumn spoke for me. “Maybe a fitting spell?”
“Speaking of, no one wears masks here. Not one. Isn’t that odd?”
“It’s because there’s a mutual trust here. This kingdom is nothing like I’ve seen before.” I said, Pylah nods.
“It’s just so.. Strange.” She sips at a smaller goblet, I spotted her hand laying on a ring.
“Where did you get that?” I reached to take her hand, eyeing the jewel.
“The maid gave it to me, says Arlik, who requested that I wore it. I’m not sure why though.”
“It’s beautiful.” The jewel was red just like Devanar’s suit. His was red and black, his handkerchief was the only gold on him.
“How come you’re the only one wearing red?” I said, patting his arm. The red complimented his dark skin tone, it fitted him well. The necklace he wore was over his vest. This is the first time he’s ever had his relic out on display rather than under his shirt.
“I’m not sure.” He said, looking down before looking at us and the colors we wore. “Maybe we should ask Arlik?”
I looked over but he was preoccupied with his other guests. I heard a conversation off to the side. “It’s been months since the king closed his doors. It’s a miracle to see him happy again.”
“He looks different as an elf. I never imagined to see him in this form.”
“The god, Colest, he’s handsome.” I looked over to see the group, I rolled my eyes.
“My friends!” Arlik announced, gathering everyone’s attention. “As many of you know, I was saved from my curse of never being able to shift. As I call it that  since I longed and envied the body of a person. I have been a beast for too long, here I can be a more fitful ruler and a monster at the same time. You all can come through the palace gates as much as you’d like, just know no one can stay permanently. I do have special guests, those who helped me by summoning my father.” He waved a hand in our direction, I got up from where I sat and walked over to him. Everyone in the spaced out room stared at us. “Crow, leader of his group and shadow-lifter. Autumn, the traveler and a shifter like me. Pylah, also a shifter as well as their protector. And Devanar, the healer with light magic.”
I heard gasps as each of us were announced. “Let us celebrate their welcoming here with this party and many to come. Drinks and food will all be provided, please relax and enjoy the night.” The guests clapped their hands and I watched as five tables were brought out and started to pile with gifts. When I got closer I saw our names on each of the tables. Crow, Pylah, Autumn, Devanar and Jackson.
“Crow was it?” I turned to see a female orc. Her skin was tinted green while her armor was silver. “I am to be your guard from here on out. If you need anything, ask me or your butler.” She pointed to the man who guided us here.
“A personal guard?” She nodded. Her hair was tradisional orc with a mohawk of hair braided and down her back in a vibrant dark green color. The sides of her head were shaved. I saw some accessories of beads and coins in her braided hair. Her armor cut short on her arms showing off her muscles. “Autumn is assigned another female guard. You both will be protected, I swear to you.”
“What should I call you?” I asked her.
“Call me Lyquiwa and your butler Numin. Would you like another drink?”
“Yes please.” I said and handed her my empty cup. Autumn left me, though when I tried to search for him I couldn’t find him. Lyquiwa handed me a full glass, I sipped it. My stomach rumbled so I found myself by the station. I grabbed a platter and filled it with cooked meat and veggies. I piled it up greedily. I found a nice empty table to sit at. The orc kept her distance but she kept a close eye on me. I grabbed a leg with both hands and bit into it. Only after a few bits, Numin came and handed me a piece of cloth.
“For your hands, my lord.” I could tell he was judging my way of eating. So did a few others that were closeby. “Would you like silverware?” I nodded. I continued to eat my food until he returned. I decided to pretend my manners just for the night. I left my now empty platter to Numin, as he requested I give it to him. I wiped my hands on the third piece of cloth he gave me before handing it to him too.
“Crow!” Arlik called. I went to him, stepping out of people's way in the process. Though they moved out of the way anyway, clapping my back or touching my arm as I passed. “How do you like the party?”
“I just finished taking my trip to the food station. Gods, I never tasted anything so delicious before.” I said honestly. “Who are these guests?”
“Most were part of my army when I traveled to Alkan. They deserve to be here. Others are locals and marketers from the streets. I’m an open man, they know to respect me and keep their peace. I left my other kingdom unattended, I’m sorry for the behavior of the others you had to deal with. Savages kill to kill, though warriors have to kill to survive, which I will not have either here. These are your people too, Crow. Now that you’ve come to Honok, you must understand the principles.” Arlik looked to me as I stood in front of him.
“I have no intention of bringing my behavior from The Other to this place. I respect the peace you have and the way things are. The Other was brutal, I don’t wish to have that life again.” I spoke without thinking, what am I saying?
“Good, because I have a proposal for you and your friends. I am loyal to you all, but I could also make use of your loyalty as well. You came here for me, risked your lives. This peaceful Kingdom, its reputation of brutality from before my wishes to my father. I want to change that. All of it. Bring your friends to me and hear me out on what I’m to ask.” I left him to find Autumn and the others. I thought about what he said. Honok was known for brutality? Like The Other? Arlik was not what I imagined, Honok was the opposite of what I thought too.
I walked to De and Pylah as they just finished eating. They handed their plates to their own butler and maid. “Arlik wants to talk to all of us, can you find Jackson?”
“What about?”
“A proposition. I’m not sure exactly, it was confusing.” They nodded and said they’ll go to find Jackson. I finally spotted Autumn, he was in the garden. “Autumn?” He looked up. “What are you doing out here?”
“I needed some air, there were too many people in there.” He loosened the collar of his dress shirt. “There were a lot of gifts for us, I saw.”
“Yeah. There was a lot. I wonder what’s inside of them all.. Did you eat?”
“No, I need to.” He touched a flower, its petals were purple and yellow. “I’m getting kinda tired actually. The wine was fantastic but we’ve been up since last night. Do you mind if I go back to the room?”
“Arlik actually wants to talk to us first. Can you stay awake for a little longer?” He gave me a small smile and followed me back inside. I took his hand, guided him through the crowd. Arlik saw us and stood from his chair, he stepped down from the platform and waited for us to get closer.
“Let’s talk somewhere more private. Father, could you stay out here?” Arlik looked back to the god. He nodded, and Arlik led us to a back room. There was a long table and chairs with high backs. Arlik took the one on the end as we filled in the other chairs. “I wanted to gather you all here to hear me out for my proposal.” He started as we all sat down. I sat next to him with Autumn next to me. Jackson and the others took the other side.
“I know you are not all planning on staying, or at least that’s what I assumed. But if you are to stay, I have offers you all could take.” He paused, almost uncertain by what we’d answer. “Crow, you were a leader to your group. I could use a leader as my second. I have a whole kingdom I’ve abandoned in my dwelling and I could use your help to get things back to how they used to be. Plus with ‘The Other’, as you call it, people coming back to Honok, I could use you. You were one of them, in order for me to gain their respect I need one of their own.” I stopped him there.
“What do you mean they're coming here?” I asked sternly.
“I have no use for The Other. It should've been destroyed when I lost hope my father would come help me, but I kept it. Now that the objects were found and destroyed, I can’t invade the elemental country anymore, that’s just cruel.” A small part of me feels relieved, Tharama will find his way back here. “I want to make peace with all my enemies, they have to understand how it feels to be trapped. You, Autumn and Pylah, you never recovered your memories from being in your free-roamed form. I could help you remember to feel how trapped you most definitely were.” Arlik said, facing them.
“What are you getting at?” I asked. Arlik refaced me.
“I want to use your ability to shift free-roamed skullers. My father probably told you about how I can’t, but even so, I want you to help me help them like how you helped me. By letting The Other down, by leaving too soon to even try, you were gifted by my fathers powers just like me. We’re alike, Crow. You’re not alone.”
“So you want to use me to make an army of shifters?” I said defensively.
“It’s not like that. If it were an army I would be going to war. I want nothing but peace and a safe refuge for those who need it.”
“If The Other come here, they’re nothing but savages like you said. Murders, theifs, people who like violence. My friends and I were alone in that world just trying to get by without getting killed. Tharama, my friend I left behind. He’s training to kill right now as we speak. What do we know of if they kill him on their way here when he can’t protect himself? He came with us on the objects commission, he’s one you are loyal to. You swore, same with Colest. And how will the rest of the kingdom find Honok without knowing anything of this world like we did?”
“Then we help the skullers first. Shift them, make them into a leading army to protect The Other from itself. You, if you take this position, can lead them there and back. Search for your friend while guiding my smaller kingdom here back to Honok. You can lead and train people like your boyfriend, use your power while being my second, you have a power as strong as a god like I do. I’ll hold off on destroying the useless kingdom if you take this. What do you say?”
“It will take forever to shift every single skuller. There’s no population rate, who knows if they’re being created every second of every day. It could take years.”
“More time for your friend with training, yes?”
“What about them?” I referred to Autumn, De, Pylah and Jackson. “You said you had offers for all of us. What are they?”
“Very well. For Autumn and Pylah, you two are the same species as me. Both skuller and elf. Even without the shifting part, we’re all functioning skullers with memory and consciousness. You both could be protectors of Crow, like you were before, but also to me as your king, and to the new shifters since you’re like them. I want to help them all. You know what they’re going through first hand. I’ll need you along with Crow to train them. If Crow accepts my offer he will be by my side most of the time and help lead the kingdom, leaving you to the shifters. Crow can only shift them, but you both can help them with your experience in ways he can’t. Imagine not being who you are now without life. Think about what they’re missing out on, living without a life. Give them purpose rather than just bring free-roamed. So my offer, help lead the to-become shifters and help them start their lives.” Arlik said, he looked sad as if thinking about the sad animals.
I looked at Autumn and he was looking down. The same sad expression was on his face. I want to say the king was telling the truth but so far we’ve just been doing stuff for him and nothing that benefits us but his loyalty. And that’s not even proven yet but his word that can be easily broken. “What’s in it for us?”
“A place to call home and not having to worry about being killed every second of your lives. No more just trying to survive. You can live with purpose and help people. You can have others be loyal to you, this whole place in your name or right. You’ll be royalty, satisfied, I could build a whole statue of you for your loyalty, and have limitless currency across the kingdom.” I could tell he was bribing, maybe because he’s lonely, but the money makes me remember about my chests of coins and golds back in The Other. If it was destroyed they’d be gone. I gulp.
“And for Devanar and Jackson?” I say less forceful for an answer.
“Devanar, the healer of your group. One with light magic in all the kingdom. You’ll be the number one healer to call to. People here don’t have the ability of magic. Elemental, light or dark. They can’t heal themselves and there’s no one with light magic here but you. I would like to give you the offer to be the main healer of all the kingdom. I heard you liked to heal your friends, if you were to stand with me and my rule then you’re held responsible for doing whatever you can to stop illnesses, disease, infection, and whatever it is that can be a threat, with your magic.” I remember Devanar and what he told me about being forced to make healing potions and pallets as a slave in Lylerkry. That was without his magic but it helped him make the ones we used on the task. Being asked to do this again just for the benefits of royalty and the kingdom, I wonder what he’ll consider.
“So far I’m liking all these offers.” Devanar spoke. I was surprised, I wasn’t expecting him to say anything out loud.
“Whatever you all want, you’re helping me by taking up these positions, the least I can do is fulfill what’s left in your greed. But I haven’t finished yet. Jackson,” He turns. “With the new of The Other coming back to us, we can’t have our new magic users all die to fulfill your hunger. I heard what happened back in Delo Village. The twenty-five that were murdered by a ghoul. I will find volunteers to feed you but you must swear you’ll keep track of your species and make sure nothing happens to our guests in time to come. Can you do that?”
“Already done my king.” Jackson said formally. I forgot he already pledged his loyalty.
“For you; Crow, Autumn, Pylah and Devanar. What do you say?” Arlik looked to me, knowing I was the one to give the confirmation on whether we should take up the positions or not.
I look at Autumn. He had a straight face but his eyes gave away what he was thinking. My eyes shifted to Pylah, she sat tall, I could tell whatever I said to Arlik she would respect my decision. I finally looked at Devanar. He liked to feel needed in our group, healing Pylah and Autumn even when they could heal themselves. He tried to heal me numerous times after I learned to control my dark magic. He cared for Tharama with a tiny scratch since he was like me as a mage. Being a healer for an entire Kingdom is something not just anyone can do, but Devanar is Devanar. He’ll find a way, I know he can. And I know this could mean a lot to him, to everyone.
“We’ll do it.” I heard myself say. I looked Arlik straight in his eyes as his joyed smile reached them.
* * *
“So we get to stay then?” Autumn said excitedly.
I inhaled the light breeze outside. We stood on the balcony that the door next to the bath led us. Autumn rested his head on my shoulder as we looked over the city of Kimber. Our room was halfway up a tower, high enough to see plenty. The wall of the crater still seemed too tall to be real, dragons flew the night sky as the suns set. The rest of the party was talking to other guests and drinking more goblets of wine. I sobered down enough for the nymph to bring us back up here to our room. The king's offer still bothers me even though I already accepted it.
“Our positions are going to be the hardest we’ve ever done.” I said, I don’t know how I feel about taking them up yet. I don’t want to regret it but it’s hard not to think about it.
“Our life here is going to be different, Crow. We get to help others like Pylah and I. You’ll be able to lead a cause bigger than ourselves and go back to The Other. He extended the time for us, he’s risking that so then Tharama can have a chance. If you realize you don’t actually want to do this, just try it out for us, for him. I know Tharama means like a brother to you. It’ll be okay, my love.” He kissed my shoulder and I exhaled through my closed eyes.
“I’m going to go wash up. Come in in a bit, okay?” I nodded and watched as he left to go into the bedroom.
I stare back at the city and the lights the street lamps provided. My thoughts overran my vision.
After all of this, almost dying and finding out the truth of the objects, The Other King wants me to stay here and serve him. But not just me, my family as well, all given these jobs that represent us and what we want to do. The old me would’ve laughed in his face and refused. But that person seemed to fade away just like the suns beyond the cliffed wall. This is a new me, looking out for my family once again and for a king I don’t know other than his promises and whether or not they’re true.
This place could be good for me, but I know it's good for Autumn. It makes him happy and it’s the first time I’ve seen him with this kind of happiness and peace. This kingdom will create a new me, and I have to make sacrifices in order to do that. I fear I will not go back to The Other for a long time, but like Autumn said this is bigger than myself. Tharama will have the time he needs to train and I will have the time to make a protected guard to ensure his safety back here as well as give the shifters life. With my ability I can make Autumn and Pylah not alone anymore with just them as shifters.
I have to leave my past behind and everyone that was in it to focus on the now. Tharama, Seevon, and Dary will have to wait in order for me to get to them. Maybe Autumn was right. We could build a life here in Honok and have purpose with the offers the king gave us. I will learn to have more respect for him, though I don’t trust him at all. And the god Colest, his loyalty and friendship. I won’t see him ever again since the nights up and he’s needed back to rule his realm.
Our group has officially split, maybe for the better. I made a personal vow, right then and there. I would forever abandon the mask I always wore and follow my new king.