The LEVELER King ✔

BOOK 2: CHAPTER 3

Idrus submerged yet again. He wasn't sure where he was, but the warm water surrounding him was well-needed. He felt somehow he'd earned it.

Swimming through the marsh had been one of his favorite pastimes when he was young. Returning home covered in dirt and muck from head to toe to his fathers' and mothers' chagrin was even better.

This water was soothing and upon opening his eyes to find it clear and blue, he realized where he was. He was in the city. He was home, but he was alone. That also meant Sessel was about.

He decided to swim up, an easy enough endeavor. Once he broke through into the hollowed out black room illuminated only by the pool of water, he screeched.

"I'm coming, I'm coming, my lord. Calm yourself."

Sessel was one of the few Levelers who refused to leave her second stage even after the wars ended. Idrus reminded her again and again that Earthers were leaving, and there would be no need for diplomacy. Still, Sessel remained in her second stage, a long robe guarding her body most days.

Her jet-black hair, streaked with silver, was her most noticeable feature. It was always braided, streaks of red and yellow woven in. It was a very gaudy way to carry oneself, but it was Sessel's way, and no one dared oppose her, even after Idrus's first parents' passing. Sessel was all that remained of the three of them.

Dragging himself from the pool, Idrus turned onto his back and crashed to the stone floor.

"Why was I put in?" Idrus asked.

Sessel was careful as she shuffled around him, gathering up moss to pat him dry.

"You were filthy. And you had an awful stench to you. When they brought you here, you were still part way through the change. The solvent did the rest."

Idrus sprawled on the stone, relaxing. "That time was difficult."

"Daga, we must talk," Sessel said.

It was never a good sign when she got sentimental enough to use her ranking as second mother so boldly.

"What is it, Sessel?"

"It? It is the Summoner you've returned with. The Summoner for which you are shortening your very life by going through the cycles unprompted and unprovoked. That is what it is. You cannot carry on like this."

Idrus had long suspected this conversation would come.

"Everyone's uneasy. We are having rains in the season of heat. We had no plans for such a time. What if we run out of food before the rains pass?"

"It is but rain. It will last a few more days. Nothing more." He said it casually but prayed it wouldn't affect Nala's pending births. "It is but rain," he repeated.

But it had lasted the entire week's travel from the caves. Instead of the pregnant females preening in the sun, they'd cowered together in the wet marsh home. Males had to fetch leaves to cover Nala up. Bringing her back had been no easy charge. Idrus understood the unease.

"And then to bring on a cycle at will for no reason..." Sessel began.

"I know what you are asking, Sessel and there is no danger. Should I run out of life, simply allow another king's selection."

Sessel didn't answer for some time. Finally, she said, "But what will become of me, Daga? If the king is not directly from your blood, I'll be cast out. I am on my last cycle as well."

Idrus took off his face plate when he said, "Then let us make the selection anew. Is that enough? It will secure your function." He was sure to leave out his plan to select one of Nala's offspring for king. His hearts thumped with pride at the prospect. But as the king's selection was no easy feat, he'd have to find a way around the bloodshed to come.