The King's Remorse

White Tent Sea 2.0

So that's what that lead Guard was talking about. Luke, whoever or whatever that is, is the ultimate Soldier. But I wish I knew more. More, so I could try to do something about it. I don't like not knowing. If I don't know, I can't make a good, informed decision.

The rest of the day proceeds uneventfully. Clap sticks close to my side, never wandering far. 

Seneca and Icarus remain attached at the hip, murmuring to each other softly as their eyes flicker about, and they keep their distance from people. Their voices are quiet, leaving me wondering what it could be that they're talking about.

xxxx

The next day, I find myself standing in the crowd near the Earth Tree. Early in the morning, Guard and Soldiers roused everyone and sent them toward the Earth Tree. Now, a Guard, presumably a lead Guard, is making his way onto a raised platform with a scroll in his hand. After beginning to unroll the scroll, he barks a sharp order for everyone to be silent, and the chattering ceases immediately.

"My Sovereign, His Excellency, His Honor, His Highest of all Highnesses, King Garonda XIV has a message he wished me to deliver. It is my greatest honor that I have been bestowed this opportunity, and I will not let My Sovereign, His Excellency, His Honor, His Highest of all Highnesses, King Garonda XIV down."

Oh, no, is all I can think.

The lead Guard begins to read from the scroll.

First, it's just repeating how King Garonda XIV is the King of Ragdon, how he's the rightful King, how every wish of his must come true, and how respect for him must always be given, that any disrespect, no matter the form, is punishable by death upon sight.

But then things take a turn.

The Lead Guard adds that the rest of the speech was written by King Garonda XIV and was intended to be him addressing the people living in the White Tent Sea. Oh, no, I repeat in my head.

"It has come to my attention that large portions of the White Tent Sea remain in pieces from the horrific attacks committed by Wolf and Dove and their allies, including Phoenix, Ky, and Arcane. While I have vowed to destroy them, my current focus is on repairing the White Tent Sea. The Sea will be rebuilt bigger and better than before. No more shall there be small, cramped tents. No more shall there be tents collapsing and killing innocent people. No more shall there be hunger and tattered clothes. By the time the White Tent Sea is complete, it will be something no one has seen before."

Oh, no, is all I can think. Did that really just happen? Did the lead Guard repeat King Garonda XIV's words that he wishes to rebuild the White Tent Sea? No, no, no. This can't be good if that's true.

Murmurs fill the crowd. Some are wondering if it's really true. Some are breathing sighs of relief; the White Tent Sea and Ragdon are saved. Some are grumbling softly under their breaths about how this is just the King's latest trick, but they are few in numbers. Others are just silently thinking.

The lead Guard stands on the stage, rolling up the scroll. His face remains neutral as he scans the crowd and assesses their reaction, to report back to King Garonda XIV. Someone in the crowd surges forward, a look of fury taking over their face. After a quick motion of the lead Guard's hand, two other Guard weave through the crowd and swiftly take the person away without making a scene. I doubt many noticed what had happened.

I remain near the Earth Tree for a while after the crowd has dispersed. Shock is really the only thing I can feel. If King Garonda XIV really was going to rebuild the White Tent Sea, I don't know what's going to happen. Based on the reaction of the crowd, King Garonda XIV would probably win people over. I don't know how many.