A Spoiled Rule

Chapter 31

They quickly realized that there was an issue with their plan to escape Mettiam's monster: the underwater palace was not very big. In fact, the only exit was through the main hall, which was where the beast's roar could be heard the loudest. Jackson was prepared to face it, but Liam knew better. Mettiam's inventions did not have flesh. No matter how great Jackson's skill was of throwing knives, it would not be able to defeat the beast. Coulím was not in any condition to face it, either. He had to lean on Gína just to walk. So, they stood paralyzed in front of the little storage room, praying that the beast would not come near.
Their prayers were not answered in the way that they'd hoped.
Liam saw the beast's massive claw scrape against the floor as it neared. Its claws were made of sharpened rock, carved to represent the claws of a cat. It poked its head around a corner, and Liam saw fangs of granite. Some were sharp, others were broken off or missing. Its eyes were hollow cockers, and wires stuck out of its head, which were made of twisted crossbars. It clearly was not finished. Its back legs were limp and partially made as it dragged itself down the hall. A long tail thinned out into a train of wires. It made a horrific noise as it moved, rock scraping against rock.
Jackson readied his knife, but Liam laid a hand on the man's shoulder. He couldn't bring himself to speak. He'd never heard of such a monster. There were always rumors of beasts being made by the rogue inventor in Dínam, but an actual living beast, now facing Liam, seemed unimaginable.
From within the palace, screams continued, but no one came down their hall.
"What do we do?" whispered Stephen.
The beast with no eyes let out a roar and whipped its tail, tearing a chunk out of the wall.
Liam eyed the wires sticking out of the beast. They were its veins, like flesh between thick plates of armor. It was their only hope at stopping this beast. "The wires," he whispered to Jackson. "That's where we attack."
A loud grinding sound filled the air, but it did not come from the beast. Rather, it came from behind it. A heavy stone gate was being rolled down, blocking the exit to the hall. Liam watched, helpless, as they were blocked off from the exit.
The beast whipped its tail, and it smashed against the wall. Cracks snaked up to the ceiling, and drops of water started to leak through.
"Keep it away from Coulím!" Liam ordered. He took off running. Because of the beast's size, he knew he could gain an advantage closer to it, however risky it may prove to be. The beast took a step, and Liam rolled to the side to avoid it. Aches flared in his bones, but he kept going. He grabbed onto a cluster of wires protruding from the beast's ribs and pulled.
The beast roared, and it twisted so violently that it pulled Liam to the floor. Jackson appeared near the beast's front. The beast surged forward, and something heavy smacked into Liam's head. For a moment, his vision disappeared. His thoughts went blank. He still felt the cold ground beneath him, and he focused on that. He heard the scraping of metal and the beast's metallic roar. Slowly, his vision returned. He blinked numerous times, as if it'd help him see more quickly. Stephen, Gína and Coulím were being pushed backed to the end of the hall. Jackson was trying to get near him, but the beast's massive jaw was disrupting his path. Instinctively, Liam ducked his head and rolled over onto his back. He was partially beneath the beast's belly. Loose wires dangled above him. He reached out and grabbed onto them. Before the beast could react, he pulled on the wires and stabbed his knife into its belly. He scrambled out of the way as the beast roared and thrashed around. Jackson wasn't so lucky. He had just managed to maneuver around the beast's maw when its tail smacked into his chest, sending him flying backward, at the feet of Coulím.
Liam knew his stab wasn't enough. He needed to aim for the head, like the zombies. He pressed himself against the wall and spotted his target. The beast's temples were open, wires were exposed.
Jackson must've seen this, too. On his knees, he threw his knife. With unthinkable speed, it lodged itself into the beast's eye. His aim had been off, which worried Liam. The guard's aim was never off.
The beast roared again, and Liam ducked as its tail soared above him. He then readied his knife. The beast turned its head, and Liam threw the blade. He watched as it soared into the beast's temple. Immediately the beast's front legs collapsed. It gave out a high-pitched roar, its tail moving sluggishly. He waited until the tail ceased to scrape the floor, and no noise came from the beast.
With adrenaline coursing through his veins, he stepped around the beast and made for Jackson, who was still on his knees. Every breath he took seemed to come with pain, his face twisting.
Stephen saw Liam nearing, and he began to examine Jackson. Gína was still lending a strong arm to Coulím, whose eyes were glazed, but he was still standing.
"One or two broken ribs," said Stephen.
Jackson waved him off. "I'm alright," he said, looking to Liam. "I only need to catch my breath."
"I know it hurts, but it is important you try to breathe as normal as possible," said Stephen. "Otherwise, you may do more damage in the long run."
Jackson glared at the doctor.
"Where is Harvey?" Liam asked, looking imploringly at Jackson.
"He left," said Jackson. "He said he had a bad feeling. I could not stop him. I'm very sorry, my king."
"Stephen," said Gína, "Do you have gauze?"
Stephen was already pulling it out of his coat pocket. "What for?"
"For Coulím," said Gína as she unraveled it. Coulím stood limp, as if in a trance. "It helps him with the hallucinations." She wrapped it around Coulím's head, covering his eyes.
Just then, a rumbling sounded from the end of the hall. It sounded like the gate was opening. Liam turned and clenched his fists, waiting for another beast to enter. His knife was still embedded in the temple of the one lying before him. The gate stopped, but no beast entered. He waited expectantly another moment, but nothing came.
From within the palace, a voice rang out: "Come out, King of Harksgold! I have your thief!"
It was Oliver's voice.
Jackson muttered indecipherably beneath his breath.
Liam stepped forward and grabbed his knife from the monster's head. He hid it beneath his shirt and took a breath. He turned to Gína. "I would like Coulím to be there when we present the document, but if it is too much-"
"I can do it," said Coulím in a monotonous voice, with his blindfold on.
Liam nodded, more to reassure himself. "Very well." He made a quick hand gesture to Jackson, telling him to hide himself. Then, he started slowly down the hall. He took his time, his senses hyper-alert. He could hear some scuffle going on, and Oliver muttering orders. As he turned the corner, he saw Oliver standing in the center of the main hall, just before the throne. Two guards were holding Theo by his hair. In his fist, he held a crown made of pearls.
"There you are," said Oliver. His face was dark with greed and pride. "Tell me, how does sneaking out of your bounds help your case?"
As Liam stepped into the hall, he noticed that the front doors were wide open, a wall of water at its threshold. "Are you inviting the public to my trial?"
Oliver frowned. "Of course not. They would not want to hear it, anyways. They all know that you are no longer a king."
"Take it off!" yelled a voice from behind.
"Who's back there?" asked Oliver.
Liam turned. First, he saw Stephen tread lightly out into the hall, his hands nervously clasped together. Then, he saw Coulím walk out beside Gína. He was not wearing the gauze around his head, and he walked stiffly without Gína's aid, though she remained close to him. His eyes were fixed on Oliver, but his stare reminded Liam of someone who was seeing something else.
"C-Coulím!" exclaimed Oliver, his eyes wide. "You're alive!"
Theo oddly began to laugh. Oliver glared at the guards, and one of them punched Theo in his gut. He doubled over, wheezing.
"You are in my palace," said Coulím.
Oliver shifted nervously. "Mettiam made me his second."
"I defeated Mettiam in battle," retorted Coulím. He remained unnervingly still, his gaze unwavering.
Liam noticed that there were others huddled near the columns lining the hall, watching silently. They looked like regular people, in clothes stitched with seaweed and cloth for shoes or no shoes at all. They must have drifted in. "Why are the doors open?" asked Liam. He felt he was missing something.
"You two!" ordered Oliver, gesturing at a man and a woman. "Close the doors!"
The two hurried over and began pushing at the heavy doors.
"This ragged thief opened them as he tried to escape," said Oliver, his nose wrinkled. "How he could open those doors on his own is beyond my understanding." He turned to the onlookers at the edges of the hall. "You all are not permitted here!"
"You may want to close those doors before something else comes inside," said Theo. The guards punched him again, and he bent over, dropping the pearl crown.
"I am king," said Coulím, pulling from his pocket the folded paper he'd written on.
Liam noticed the crowd's behavior was strange. There was a considerable distance between many and two, who leaned against each other.
Oliver smiled. "Your documents are useless."
One of the pair suddenly fell to the ground, and the people nearest cried out in alarm.
Liam took that as his opportunity to make things right. "You've been leading the people to die!" He spoke loudly, sure that everyone inside the hall could hear. He pointed at the person on the ground. "They're sick because they only have fish to eat, and the fish is infected!"
"Nonsense!" said Oliver. "I've been eating the fish myself!"
"You lie," said Coulím.
"The man I was placed in a cell with died because of it!" said Liam. "I am sure of it! He's still there!"
Some of the crowd began crying.
Theo started to laugh.
"Stop laughing!" Oliver demanded. He marched over to the two who were trying to close the doors. "What's the matter?"
"The hinge on this one is missing!" said the woman trying to close it.
Liam recognized that voice. He narrowed his eyes. The woman looked like Prima. The man at the other door had to be Gresham. He was a little taller, had the same dark hair and broad shoulders.
Oliver didn't recognize them. He turned around, furious.
Suddenly, with amazing speed, a massive fish barreled through the wall of water. It collapsed onto the floor, right where Oliver was standing. He was crushed beneath its massive scales. The fish flopped and writhed on the floor, splashing pools of water everywhere. People cried, many started running.
"Veelam," said Theo.
The fish stopped struggling, and its eyes turned very pale. It lie there motionless on the floor, with Oliver somewhere beneath it.
The hall stood in heavy silence. Women tried to hold in their sobs. Guards stood frozen, unsure of whether to run to the fish or kneel before Coulím. Theo was still being held back, but he looked much happier. He was fighting his fingers and glancing at Liam. Liam realized that a ring was on Theo's finger. Everyone was distracted by the horror of what just happened. This must have been part of Theo's crazy heist. Liam took the ring from him and ran his finger over the crest. It was still partially wet. Coulím unfolded the decree he'd written, and before the shock of what had happened could wane, Liam pressed the stamp firmly to the bottom of the paper.
Theo took from his pocket and threw two large hinges. Gresham and Prima caught them and began reattaching them to the doors.
Just then, the one fallen citizen took a loud, ragged breath, and twisted around. They stumbled to their feet and began running at them. The second person beside them began to do the same.
Jackson emerged, seemingly from the air, and stopped the attack. He relieved the two citizens from their suffering in a subtle way, so that they fell quickly but were guided to the ground. The crowd in the hall was startled, but at the same time, there was a sigh of relief, for he plague had momentarily been thwarted.
Coulím took a step forward, holding the paper high. "My people!" he said loudly. There was no weakness in his voice, and he seemed completely unfazed by what had just happened. "I know there have been concerns about my health. But I stand before you today to show you that this plague won't prohibit me from keeping you safe!"
At that, a cheer arose. As Gresham and Prima closed the doors, still more people entered. Their eyes skipped right over the dead fish on the ground and they saw Coulím, and they started cheering.
Coulím continued, "My childhood was in Dínam, and though we have been separated, some of us forced to live in hiding, this day marks the beginning of restoration!"
Another cheer. Liam couldn't help but beam for the man.
"This document," he held it high, "has been written and signed by both the King of Harksgold and I, the rightful King of Dínam. It states that in accordance with the past kings of Dínam, before the tyrant inventor, I was and am the rightful heir to the throne. It is a sign of our peaceful cooperation together." Coulím lowered the paper and took a step forward. His gaze was suddenly fierce. "Should anyone come forward and try to undermine my rule or get rid of me, as they did my father, this document will prevent them from taking control. At any rate, the King of Harksgold will vouch for me. I trust him, and you all shall do the same."
The people cheered, their voices deafening inside the palace. Liam looked down and gazed at the ring on his finger. If his parents could see him, they'd be proud. If only he could've shown them that he'd grown to be a good king. He may have been young and unorthodox, and he realized he may have a tendency to put himself in danger for the greater good, which he'd have to work on. But for once, the plague was not on his mind. He knew he could live with it.
Coulím turned away from the people. "I must find a room."
Liam looked at the nearest guard. "Where is the nearest private space?"
"Right this way," said the guard, hurrying off. He brought them behind the throne, where there was a single door. It opened into a meeting space that reminded Liam of the one in his own palace, except the round table was made of stone and dotted with glittering blue gems. Additionally, niches carved into the walls gave way to blue orbs of light, and the chairs were embedded with pearl rather than gold. The entire floor was made of turtle shells.
Jackson had entered the room. His jaw was clenched with the struggle to find breaths, though he stood in a guard's stance. Though he didn't gaze at the other guard who had escorted them there, Liam could feel that Jackson was hesitant.
"You may stand guard outside," said Coulím, pulling back a seat.
Liam nodded toward Jackson. "Secure the hall. Try to keep it orderly."
Jackson nodded, and together, the guards left, closing the door behind them.
Coulím sat down, his chest deflating. He laid his head back and closed his eyes.
Liam sat there for a moment, failing to pry his eyes from Coulím. He was growing more pale by the minute. His eyelids were heavy. Liam realized with a painful pang in his chest that he had probably looked just as sick when he'd first met Coulím.
"Gína said you only just woke," said Liam softly.
Coulím closed his eyes and nodded his head. "She was guarding me from a beast that was approaching."
"Is the refugee camp okay?" Liam asked, afraid of the answer.
Coulím nodded again. "It never came inside." He took a deep breath. "The people deterred it." Coulím leaned his elbows on the table. "Liam, about the document, I am not... I am not fit to rule." His voice shook as he spoke. "I am not of sound mind."
Liam sighed. "I believe you are everything that the people-Dínam-needs. They love you!" He sat back in the chair. He finally had the confidence he needed to be there for others, not only to have others there for him. "I understand you're sick."
"I want to tell you, but I... I don't know if I can handle even that." Coulím shook his head, his face full of pain.
"No one has been through what you are going through," said Liam. "You don't need to tell me what it is. I wouldn't expect you to be ruling at this point. That's why I put my stamp on it. You have me, Gína, Stephen, the guards, of whom we will make sure they are loyal. You have food for the people, and we've found that Prima can be quite good at construction. Theo can help with the planning."
Coulím smiled faintly, his eyes glossy as he stared at Liam. "You should be king of Dínam."
"Nonsense," said Liam quietly. "Coulím, you should know that I didn't step into your role when you were asleep. The only reason why I came down here was to check on you and stop Oliver, whose very presence here was my fault. We have an agreement, remember? I won't ever be king of Dínam as long as you're here. I wouldn't want to be."
Coulím nodded, but he said no more. His eyes drifted aimlessly along the table.
Liam's own mind began to drift. He remembered the poor citizens-turned-zombies that ran at them only a few moments ago. Coulím hadn't wavered. Liam remembered the sight of the man, blindfolded against invisible horrors. Liam would never get that image out of his head. Sitting now with Coulím, he felt it was a good time to ask what was on his mind. "Were you not afraid of the zombies?"
Coulím's eyes widened, and his breaths hitched in his throat. "I do not know what this is, Liam. More than anything, I'm frightened. I do not have anyone to be with me."
"It's very frightening," Liam agreed. "But do not let the fear convince you you're alone. If my family illness has taught me anything, it's that fear will do more damage than anything."
Just then, the door opened. Gína and Stephen came inside, and Liam could see Gresham and Prima waiting politely outside. Jackson closed the door to give them some privacy.
Both the doctors went to their patients. Liam dismissed Stephen as he began to fuss over him. "Stephen, truly, I am alright."
"Regardless, I would not be a good doctor if I didn't check on you," said Stephen. Then, he added, "Your Highness."
Liam winced. "Did I speak too formally?"
Stephen shook his head. "Not at all. In fact, it was a nice reminder."
"Reminder?" asked Liam.
Stephen straightened and shrugged his shoulders. "You are not just a friend. You are a king. In all the panic, I feel some of us may have forgotten that, and I apologize."
"No need," dismissed Liam. "But I forgive you."
Stephen laughed. Liam welcomed the noise.
The door opened again. Harvey stood there, his hands clasped awkwardly in front of him, as if he didn't know what to do without his hat. "I secured a ride back to Harksgold," he said quietly.
Liam stood, taking a deep breath. He needed to address Harvey's disappearance but did not want to hurt the man. It was tough, but Liam knew he could not shy away from his duty. "I appreciate that. Harvey, if you had, at the very least, told me that you were going to leave, I may have appreciated it more."
The captain blushed. "My apologies, Your Highness. I had a bad feeling, and..."
"I trust your feeling. You are forgiven."
Coulím stood, leaning on the table for support. "I believe farewells are in order."
"Only for now," said Liam. "We will see each other soon enough."
Coulím straightened and took a deep breath. "I still remember dreaming about meeting a king of Harksgold. I'm glad it was you."
"And I'm glad you found me," said Liam. "You'll get better, Coulím."
"I know," said Coulím. He held out his hand, and Liam shook it. He turned and left the room. Despite a heavy heart, his steps were light.
Prima had been arguing with Theo, but when she saw Liam, her conversation halted. Her eyes widened and she gave Liam a sudden and unexpected hug. "You're alright!" She pulled away from him. "You look different."
"Do I?" said Liam.
Prima tilted her head. "I don't think you're taller... It's your eyes."
"Well," said Liam, "I have been given new strength."
"By who?" asked Prima.
Gresham cleared his throat. "I suggest we leave soon. People are beginning to stare."
Liam frowned. Indeed, the people in the hall were casting glances at him. "I agree. Harvey, what is the best route?"
"The ship lies directly overhead," he said. "I feel we shouldn't wait much longer."
Liam nodded. "Very well. Is everyone ready?"
There came some nods. Theo kicked at the ground.
They started for the doors. As they walked, Prima hurried beside him and spoke in a lowered voice. "The exterior of the safe house is complete. I hope you will be happy."
"Of course I will be," said Liam. "I already am."
Prima glanced at Theo, who was in front of them. "Are you not mad at him?"
"For what?"
Prima shrugged. "He is the reason why you are down here."
Liam frowned. "That isn't so. But no matter. Theo has brought me back my ring."
"Thorne," said Theo. "I like that one the best."
Prima scoffed, but she didn't say anything.
Thorne stopped at the front doors, glancing over his shoulder. "I hope I don't get punished for that ring. I don't think they wanted me to steal it back. Too risky."
Liam raised his eyebrows. "Too risky? How interesting."
"Liam," said Stephen beside him. "Your Highness, there is something you should know before we reach land."
Liam paused. He glanced at each of them, suddenly realizing that they were indeed keeping something from him. It was in the way that Prima behaved antsy, how Gresham would not meet his eyes. Liam was ashamed he hadn't noticed sooner. Perhaps it was his hunger preventing him from seeing. "What is it?"
Stephen glanced at the others, but when it came apparent that they wouldn't speak, he said, "We found more people."
An unnatural chill ran down Liam's spine. He had thought most of his kingdom had died in the horrible management of the plague. If others were alive... His thoughts turned to Lucas.
Stephen continued, "We haven't met them. Christopher saw them in the distance when he was picking up food."
"From which direction did they come?" asked Liam.
"Chroal."
Liam set his jaw. Nothing good ever came out of Chroal to meet him, but he knew that as king, he had to believe in the benefit of the doubt. "Very well."
Stephen frowned. "Very well?"
"Stephen," said Liam, placing a friendly hand on the man's shoulder. "We have ghosts, a captain, Dínes, and the best doctor in the world, and a protector looking out for us. We are best equipped to handle whatever may come our way. And I am king, and I am not blind to these things."
"Humble," commented Prima.
Liam smiled. "It is about time that we acknowledge who we are. Of course, to do it truthfully. Now, is everyone ready?"