Origin of the 12th

Chapter 3: Unrivaled Brilliance

"Your Majesty, what is your bidding?" Jonathan and I said in unison as we knelt before the king. He had summoned both of us into his presence immediately after we had left the ceiling.

King Nacaan was a kind ruler, more so than perhaps any in the world. He had never condemned anyone to death, nor ever raised his voice. The demeanor with which he ruled Jericho was envied by many a kingdom. His beady eyes twinkled through the mass of silver hair on his face as he looked at us.

"Rise up." he commanded softly. That was our signal that this calling was informal. "It is not fitting for the children of the king to be kneeling at his feet. Come to me, and tell me what is troubling you."

"Father, what has led you to believe that we are troubled?" Jonathan asked as we approached the king.

"The two of you are never on that roof otherwise." King Nacaan replied simply. "I have raised the two of you for many years now. These things become more apparent after that amount of time."

"Your Majesty, it was all my fault." I admitted, knowing that he would not be dissuaded. "I went there after Queshemech denied me access to Jonathan's appointment."

"I have longed for the day that you would be willing to call me 'father' dear Katrina." the king pondered aloud. "I must say that I am quite surprised that Queshemech was able to prevent your entry. How was he able to deny you, who is superior to him in every conceivable manner?"

"He insulted her." Jonathan said, his fists trembling. "They were the worst kind of insults. Really low and cruel."

"Dear Katrina. Insults are merely tools of the foolish to appear less so." King Nacaan said with an even wider smile.

"Your Majesty, I am sorry for being so weak. But is it true that a girl could never be a council member?" I asked, wanting confirmation before revealing my plan.

"It is true that a girl has never been a council member." King Nacaan said. I lowered my head a little. "However it is also true that a girl has never attempted to be a council member. So I see no reason why you could not be the first were there open places."

"Your Majesty, I have an urgent request!" Queshemech yelled as he stumbled into the room. He looked up, saw me, and rushed forward, dropping at my feet in some sort of grotesque bow. "Thank you so much. I was about to be hung when the guards told me that you pardoned me."

"That is because I have something better for you in mind." I said over his groveling of gratitude. "I am going to have a Grand Battle with you over your council spot, and when I win, I will kill you myself."

The moment I announced my intentions, everyone had his own reaction. Jonathan's jaw dropped and he collapsed onto the ground. King Nacaan's eyes widened, but he remained silent. Queshemech however was grinning stupidly.

"You do realize that you are challenging me to a battle of my choosing with our lives on the line, correct?" Queshemech asked, his toad-like face being lit up by his own jubilance.

"Yes." I replied. It didn't matter what form the battle would take. If I were truly destined to do great things like Jonathan predicted, those things would have to start sooner or later, and I would rather it be sooner.

Queshemech smiled maliciously. "Then it is settled. We will have our battle tomorrow at dawn." he announced to the king and his heir, before whispering to me. "Maybe you can spend the last night of your life in prostitution. I have a good friend in that business who would be willing to teach you." With that, he departed, sniggering to himself.