The Mage Wars

King of Gaerwn

"We are in agreement?" I ask, looking for confirmation. My uncles and father nod.

Good. For some reason, I thought it would be hard to agree on one person. I was right. For an hour, my uncles argued over Lord Zarrak and Lord Castor. It was draining, and now I need a nap, dinner, and a hug from someone not in this room.

"Does anyone have the energy to talk about Tressa?"

"No, but we can if everyone is willing," I state, resting my elbow on the table. With a sigh, I slouch forward and rest my head in my hands.

That hug and nap will have to wait. Too bad. I was looking forward to resting my mind.

"Hand me a piece of paper," Father nods to Kaelen.

My brother slides an empty piece of paper out and hands it to Father. Our father pulls a quill out of thin air and begins writing. He then asks what we would like for dinner.

Altairs gods. He's sending for dinner. Thank the spirits. I'm so hungry I could eat the table. Once my uncles and brother finish blurting out their answers, I give my order.

For some reason, I've been craving breakfast. Specifically, Father's Cook's waffles with cream, fruit and walnuts. It's a beautiful melody in your mouth.

Father shakes his head and smiles. He quickly writes it down and sends off the paper with a flick of his magic.

Half an hour later, our food arrived with three jugs of wine. The food is set down, and what surprises me is what Father ordered—the waffles with cream, fruit and walnuts.

Father catches my eye and smirks. Father like daughter, and that I am.

"Now, onto business." Father's eyes steel over as he picks up his first bite. This is nasty business Tressa forced us into.

The next day, the hours slowly tick by. When it's time for me to change for dinner, I'm exhausted. But I ready myself for the announcement—a quick change of my dress and crown.

With one last look in the mirror, I grab the paper from my desk. This will change the fate of Gaerwn. I hope the chosen Lord is ready.

After today, the civil war should end. On one side, those who seek to demolish the nobles and knight new nobles to rule the kingdom. Then there is the other side. The side that wishes to retain its power.

For the last two years, Lord Zarrak has travelled from Gaerwn to Vanora over twenty times—most times to aid the ruling lords.

Once, he went to quell a conflict between Lord Dante and the faction that wishes to knight new nobles. It went well. Thank the spirits.

Lord Zarrak is well-liked by the people of Gaerwn. Lady Josslyn was ecstatic when he returned and thankfully unharmed.

At the doors to the throne room, Father waits for me. He holds out his arm, a sweet gesture between family. And a show of faith. Vanora and Vespera are united in their decision. I clutch the paper closer to my chest and take my Father's offered arm.

The doors swing wide open, revealing the decorated throne room. Red banners bearing the family crest hang by every window. Yellow and red flowers adorn the windowsills.

Long tables have been brought in for the attending nobles to sit at. On the dias Father's round table. A new one to replace the one Uncle Ignatius broke two years ago.

All eyes turn to Father and me. "Thank you all for your patience. Dinner will be served first then we will announce the King."

Standing around father's new round table are my uncles, brothers, mother, cousin and Galen. They smile at us with reverence and pride.

Gathered around a table below the dias, the lords from Gaerwn nod and bow as we pass by. A few of them look anxious. It is a natural emotion to experience when about to receive life-changing news.

One even looks calm, but none appear overly confident—a good thing in my books.

Once Father and I take our seats, dinner begins. Servants filter in and out of the throne room. Even Father's "secret" door, the one behind his throne, is in use. Mother does not seem to be fazed by its use. I suppose Father may have told her about it...unless she already knew about it. 

After dinner has been finished and we are all puttering around with wine in our glasses my Father calls for attention.

Uncle Ignatius, who starts us off. He motions for the Lords to stand. "Tonight, we decide the fate of Gaerwn."

"One of you will be crowned King." Uncle Hadriel continues the small speech we wrote earlier in the day. We even practiced a few times, leaving out the king's name. It was better to be safe than sorry.

"You've all fought valiantly these past few days, but one of you fought harder and earned the right to call himself King," Father says, nodding to each lord. They deserve respect—even Lord Kyler.

"Queen Everest. Who among these fine Lords is to be crowned King of Gaerwn?" Uncle Aveyard asks, passing the attention to me.

All eyes turn to me. I know the name by heart. I've said it day after day for the past two years. I've seen them people-watch for hours before dinner. He has made many people proud. His parents may not be alive to see this, but his new family is beaming with pride.

"After Hours of careful consideration, the new King of Gaerwn is Lord Zarrak," I say, making eye contact with Lord Zarrak.

My high captain's eyebrows shoot up. He was not expecting that.

No one is faster to react than my cousin. Lady Josslyn leaps to her feet and hugs her husband. "Oh, my spirits! Zarrak! You're going to be King!"

Lord Zarrak takes his wife's face in his hands. He smiles brightly at her. "And you, my Queen,"

"I'm glad he's to be King and not Lord Kyler," I tell Galen.

Galen laughs. It seems everyone was unsurprised that Lord Kyler did not make King. I even overhear Sharrn and Liron thank the spirits that they do not have to deal with him.

Kaelen strides over to the happy couple and asks Lord Zarrak if he and Josslyn will accompany us back to Vanora before they head for Gaerwn.

Lady Josslyn and Lord Zarrak think over the question before giving a perfect answer. "We will. After a few days, we will then head to Gaerwn. As long as you allow us."

Lord Zarrak looks to me for approval. How can I say no? He's a wonderful male, and I'd hate to be the one to tell Breccan. My cousin adores Lord Zarrak. They became thick as thrives soon after they met.

"You are welcome in Vanora for as long as you wish." I smile at my cousin and her husband.

Lord Zarrak thanks me with an appreciative nod. Quietly, I tell him well done and that he deserves this.