Chapter 13 (Part IV): Seeds of Discord

Ochsner saw Kaira’s jaw clench, the steel-like muscles underneath tensing as her teeth ground against each other. Thrakaduhl fidgeted like someone who was trying to look at something without actually being seen looking at it.

It was strange enough that the woman looked so much like Kaira; she also sounded like her. It was unnerving to Ochsner; in some ways, the woman seemed less like Kaira’s mother and more like her evil twin. The fact that the two of them hadn’t made eye contact this entire time did nothing to mitigate that perception. Still, the elf woman wasn’t wrong; it was a significant decision, and Azraea hadn’t even discussed it with Ochsner, her regent ad manum and best friend.

“If Lady Vaerla Asterigennithika has something to say, she is invited to approach the throne, and address the Queen directly.”

Vaerla proudly left her place standing next to the man at the side of the room and marched towards the center of the room, to stand before the throne. Like Kaira, of course, she was very tall, but while Kaira often made a habit of slouching a bit to downplay it, Vaerla clearly took pride in her inhuman height. From what Kaira had told Ochsner of her posture lessons as a child, height was an unmistakable mark of elvishness and therefore, in her mother’s mind, it was an unmistakable signal of superiority. Vaerla strode confidently up the steps, and began to set foot on the top level without taking a knee, but Azraea cut her off.

“When I said that you could approach the throne, Lady Asterigennithika, I was not inviting you to sit in my lap.”

Vaerla stopped immediately and stepped back down the step, frowning for a moment, and then breaking into a broad smile, “First, let me formally extend my gratitude to you for your decision to appoint my daughter, Kairumina, as Captain of your Queensguard. I know that you won’t be disappointed, and I’m sure that given time to prove herself, you’ll see that she’s a competent leader. Perhaps, one day, she might even make a fine governor – surely, with a ruling queen on the throne, no one would object to a woman governing the eastern kingdom?”

Thrakaduhl looked uncomfortable, embarrassed. Kaira’s fists clenched as she bit her lip, and Azraea glared at the older woman with smoldering anger. Ochsner was not the most adept conversationalist, but she could see that Vaerla had managed to politely insult all three of them in a matter of seconds.   

“Captain Asterigennithika performed the duties I assigned to her faithfully and with great bravery,” Azraea said, “And has provided me wise counsel in many troubling moments. You have my thanks for raising such a wise, even-minded, and courageous daughter.”

“The Queen is too kind,” Vaerla bowed with false humility, “and please, allow me to also express my gratitude for giving me this moment to stand before you and make my voice heard.”

“You seem able to make your voice heard just fine from anywhere in the room.”

Vaerla’s face betrayed annoyance, but she ignored the jibe, “As we have only just pried our kingdom from the claws of the dragon, Syliva, it seems hasty to hand it over to another power so quickly. I feel that it would be best not to rush into anything of such importance too quickly. It’s something that bears extensive discussion as well as more involvement from… experienced statesmen.”

“Lady Asterigennithika,” Azraea addressed her, “I would like to once again thank you for the reinforcements you provided for the protection of the Kingstown refugees who were attacked in Mudville. Had Gentleman Haorzawa not called for your aide, I’m afraid many innocent lives would have been lost.”

Vaerla curtsied slightly, and smiled, very proud of her contribution, but then Azraea continued, “And I’m sure that your opinion on this matter will be shared by many Caelians. Certainly, history has made it very clear to my generation that it is not in our people’s nature to rush into anything important. After all, our parents, and grandparents, and great grandparents sat by for two hundred years while a dragon slowly ravaged our kingdom. Tell me Lady Asterigennithika, since I’m sure you must remember, how long did Caelia’s experienced statesmen discuss the matter when the dragon arrived before deciding to do nothing at all?”

Ochsner heard Jericho mutter something like, “Not long,” under his breath.

Vaerla glared at Azraea with a sour look, “You would have to ask Marcus,” she said, “I was in Quinox with Kairumina’s father when the dragon arrived.”

The elf man Vaerla had been standing with spoke up from the back of the room, “Then perhaps you could tell us, because I have always been curious, how long did it take you to reject my call for help two hundred years ago? Or were you still considering it when I asked again a couple of weeks ago?”

Vaerla didn’t fully turn to face the man, but glared over her shoulder as she balled her hands into tight fists, a mannerism that was, again, very familiar to Ochsner. “I decided to act when the time was right,” Vaerla said, “when there was a real possibility of defeating the dragon. I had no intention of carelessly tossing away my men’s lives.”

Azraea stood up and stepped towards the woman to address her face to face, “And I can respect that,” she said, “A wise leader must pick her battles. She must fight when she can win, not simply when it benefits her personally. Right now our kingdom is drowning, and Verax’s people are reaching out to us with an open hand. Accepting their offer may be an unpopular decision, but I don’t intend to sacrifice the welfare of my people in order to preserve my popularity.”

“Are you saying you would go through with this, even if you knew that it was against the peoples’ wishes?” Vaerla asked.

“Whether they realize it yet or not, it’s the best thing for them in the long run.”

Vaerla spoke so quietly, Ochsner could barely hear her, “And what gives you the right to make those decisions for us?”

“The right?” Azraea asked quietly, “It is the duty of a Queen to provide the governance her people need, when they are unwilling to provide it for themselves.”

“But who gave you the right to declare yourself queen?” Vaerla asked in hushed but angry tones.

“No one. I walked in and I took the throne because – for one thing – I was here, Lady Asterigennithika. I did something. I took the initiative, and I’m taking it again now. If you want to challenge my decision to join the Gnoman Empire, then challenge my authority, but don’t bother trying to take the throne from me unless you’re prepared to take on all the responsibility that goes with it.”

They stood with their gazes locked for several long seconds before Vaerla finally backed down and stormed back to her place at the edge of the room, “I’ve said what needed to be said.”

“Your opinion has been heard,” Azraea said loudly. “Praetor Vexarius?”

Verax let out a breath. As he later told Ochsner, court intrigue always started sooner than you thought it would, but even so, the bad fruit in that throne room seemed to ripen especially fast. “Thank you, your majesty. As I was about to say, Legate Kaorus will prepare documents for delivery to your regent ad manum,” Verax nodded to Ochsner.

“Excellent,” Azraea said, “But let us save that for tomorrow. I have been cooped up in this castle for too long, and I’m afraid if I stay much longer I’ll grow scales. Captain Asterigennithika, Regent Dragonslayer, we need something that passes for a banquet hall as our current one is filled with gold coins that are still being counted. See what you can do as far as arranging a secure but accessible place for ourselves and the Gnoman dignitaries to break bread with the people in town tonight. I believe at least one night’s celebration is warranted.”

“Yes, your majesty,” Kaira bowed.

“And steward?” Azraea added.

Ochsner struggled to maintain a straight face, as she could guess what was coming next, “Yes, your majesty?”

“See to it that twisty bread is served.” 

Chapter 13 (Part III): A Difficult Occupation

Azraea turned to the two gnomans. While Vinny - actually Verax - was wearing his sharp, fitted uniform, his associate Vidi wore the same clothes he’d had when he fled Kingstown weeks prior. Despite his appearance, Vidi stood with the exact same air of discipline and confidence that Verax did. They waited respectfully at the bottom of the steps leading to her throne, which made them appear exceptionally small. Azraea found that on some level empowering but also somewhat disturbing. She sat down in her throne and gestured to Verax, “Verax Scorpio Vexarius, Legate of the 5^th Dexter Legion and Praetor of the 1^st Sinister Legion,” she used his now fully disclosed rank, “please, approach the throne again.”

 “Your majesty,” He bowed, a perfectly executed, disciplined, clearly well practiced motion, “I apologize for my legate’s appearance. He has come directly from an extended assignment in the east with no opportunity to dress for court. I ordered him to come as he was, because I felt that decorum was less important than punctuality.”

“In this instance I agree, Praetor,” Azraea looked past Verax momentarily, “I thank you for answering my summons, Legate Kaorus, as well as for the assistance you rendered to my kingdom under Praetor Vexarius’ command.”

“I was happy to do so, on both accounts, your majesty,” Vidi said, “And I am glad to see that you are well.”

“Thank you. And, I have already said this to Praetor Vexarius, but I would like to reiterate my gratitude for your empire’s quick response to our need during this time of political instability.”

“Well, we pride ourselves on efficiency, your majesty.”

“Indeed, it seems your people have a unique gift for arriving before anyone knows they need you.”

“Yes, well…” Vidi seemed to take that awkwardly, but Verax simply smirked.

Azraea smiled, “And need you we did. Our kingdom was on the verge of collapse even with the dragon’s use of terror to hold everything together. In our current state an army from a rival nation could easily sweep through and take whatever they wished; the country itself, even.”

“Yes, your majesty, I’m afraid I have to concur,” Verax nodded, “My people stand ready to prevent that though. The safety and security of our neighbors is of paramount concern to the Empress.”

“That is wonderful to hear. So far the Gnoman army has indeed brought stability. And a surprising amount of business. Certainly I’d like to repay her majesty’s kindness. Do either of you have any recommendations?”

Ochsner was not yet a political creature, but she was canny enough to understand the significance of the Gnoman army camped outside the city’s walls. Their country was occupied by a military force that had essentially marched right past whatever defenses still stood at Caelia’s borders. Effectively, they were negotiating Caelia’s surrender to the Gnoman Empire, but Azraea and Verax were discussing it as if she had casually asked for gift suggestions.

“Your majesty,” Verax started, “the Gnoman Empire has succeeded thus far through collaboration and strong leadership. Like any nation, we have friends and we have enemies, but we prefer to have brothers and sisters. The reason I asked that Legate Kaorus come to these proceedings today is so that he may serve as a notarized witness of the Gnoman Empire. As you are aware, I am happy to see our current alliance continue as is, but as an appointed representative of Empress Thessalonika, now witnessed by a notary of the Empire, I would like to formally extend an invitation to your majesty to join the Empire.”

“Ah,” Azraea nodded, “You would have me swear fealty to the Empress then?”

Ochsner saw Verax swallow somewhat anxiously, and Legate Kaorus looked at him nervously. There was a massive army outside the city, but in this room there were two armed swordsmen, an incredibly deadly elf, and a sorcerer. So far, Ochsner had only ever seen Verax and Azraea get along like destined-to-be best-friends-forever; if Ochsner herself hadn’t become so fond of Verax and his countrymen, she might have been jealous. The neutral tone and sudden bluntness of Azraea’s response seemed to have shaken the wagon, however.

Verax pressed on, “Yes your majesty. That is what I would advise. A clear hierarchy keeps the empire strong through turmoil and strife that would tear apart even the strongest of alliances,” he gave the formal line.

“I can imagine that’s true,” Azraea said, “However, in the context of such a great empire, I’m sure many Caelians will be wondering what will happen when the welfare of our one little kingdom and the welfare of Gnoma Magna do not concur. I imagine there will be Caelians wondering whether the Empire would sacrifice the Caelian people for the security or profit of the Empire's founding people.”

Verax didn’t respond immediately, making Ochsner wonder if there was some subtext to the conversation she was ignorant of.

Azraea responded to the pause by adding, “I actually brought these very same concerns to a member of my Queensguard just before the dragon’s death. Didn’t I, Guardsmen Stone?”

Behind Ochsner, Jericho nodded, “Yes your majesty, I recall that conversation well.”

“As you will recall, Guardsmen Stone, is a veteran of the Gnoman Auxiliary Legion, who has served not only under the Gnoman government but alongside citizens from the empire’s member states. Tell me, Guardsmen Stone, now that you have had more time working and fighting alongside Praetor Vexarius, has your opinion on the matter changed since our last conversation?”

“No your majesty,” Jericho said, “As you anticipated, there was some disagreement over how things should be done, but in the end, we all wanted the same thing, and we were able to resolve our differences amicably and respectfully, moving forward with our mission. In my experience, working with the Gnoman Empire and its people is generally the same.”

Ochsner saw Verax break decorum to turn and give Jericho an odd look of surprise and mild confusion.

“Do you have anything to add, Praetor Vexarius?” Azraea asked.

 “To be honest, your majesty…” Verax for once sounded like he was struggling to come up with words, “to be honest, the Empire – like any sovereign nation – will always put its own welfare ahead of its allies. However, it protects its member states as equal parts of itself. Individual states may sometimes have to make sacrifices for the greater whole of the empire, and certainly there are times when people disagree over the necessity and scale of those sacrifices, but it is not the belief of the empire that any state should be exploited for the benefit of another state. My request is that Caelia would be more than just an ally, it would become a part of the Empire itself, and while we are a diverse collection of peoples with our own, varied interests… we look after each other.” He then added, “And I can personally vouch for Empress Thessalonika, and honestly say that her wisdom and character are superior to my own.”

Azraea smiled, her demeanor seeming to warm once again, “Well, I do believe that you are an exceptional judge of character, Praetor Vexarius, and I have not yet become so intoxicated with power that I am unwilling to forfeit a measure of it to someone older and wiser. However, binding the fate of my successors to that of hers does concern me. I have come to appreciate your empire today, but I wonder what it will become tomorrow?”

“As do I,” Verax raised his chin slightly more, “As should any man or woman who loves their country. That’s why the legate and I are here. That’s why I’m asking you to join us. Our empire needs people of good character to keep it strong.”

Azraea sat, looking him in the eye silently for many seconds, and then finally said, “Praetor Vexarius, you are a wonderful liar, but now that I’ve met the real you, I think maybe that honesty does suit you better.”

Ochsner saw Verax calmly let out a withheld breath, “You won’t meet the ‘real’ me until you come visit my family in Tulusa.”

“Ah, then I suppose we will have to join the empire, for the wonderful travel opportunities it offers if nothing else,” Azraea laughed, “We must discuss details of course; currency, taxation, conscription, laws, certainly, but barring any irreconcilable differences, you may know that my answer is yes. And I look forward to meeting the empress personally.”

Verax felt the tension in his spine release as he began to relax, but an aggressive voice from the side of the room interjected itself, “This is a significant decision for her majesty to make unilaterally.”

Ochsner saw Kaira tense; it was her mother.

Chapter 13 (Part II): Pawn to D1

Azraea was clad in a fine dress of pale velvet green – it was clothing well beneath the station she’d claimed, but incredibly flattering to her shape and tone as she stood to greet them. Kaira and Ochsner rushed up the steps to hug her. She calmed them down, promised a detailed recounting later, and gestured for them to stand properly before the throne. As she regained her composure, Ochsner realized they weren’t alone. Many individuals were present who seemed to be observing the proceedings formally.

Ochsner had never met Kaira’s mother, but the woman was unmistakable, standing with an elf man against the wall off to her left. She certainly didn’t have the sort of physical fitness regimen her daughter had, so the older elf woman had a slightly fuller figure, but otherwise she looked almost exactly like Kaira. Well, except for Kaira’s tattoos, various piercings, and patchwork armor, anyway. Kaira’s mother stood with the same poise and grace that came naturally to Kaira, but unlike her daughter, did nothing to hide it. Her slim dark blue and black dress, was embroidered with silver constellations, and sported a strange collar that formed a crescent moon. The design accentuated her height, and despite the dark colors, ensured that she stood out in the crowd.

The man standing with her wore a lighter version of the armor worn by the White Rose soldiers that had followed them into the city. Unlike the soldiers, a white cloak fell over his shoulders in two large panels, with golden, thorny vines embroidered upon them, leading up to large medallions that looked like pearl-colored rose blossoms.

And then there was Vinny – his attire was nowhere near as grand, but more remarkable because Ochsner actually knew him well enough to be jarred by his formal appearance. She’d seen him attired as a merchant undercover and in the dark, chaotically patterned outfit that had concealed him in the Dark Dweller's Forest, but his court attire was very different from either outfit. Vinny’s facial hair had grown out over the past few weeks, but the small man had now shaved and trimmed it down to a thin, sharp mustache with a small, dark triangle on his chin. His hair had likewise grown out, but was now slicked back and tied off into a short pony tail. His uniform consisted of a dark blue jacket with a long back, a red sash above off-white trousers, and knee-high black leather boots. The jacket sported a single medal –polished obsidian over a gold background, representing a largely eclipsed sun. He wore gloves that matched his trousers, and the glove of his left hand sported a visible and elaborately decorated version of the hidden razor he’d taught Azraea to use. His left hip also sported a short sword in a small, thin black scabbard, tied off with gold cord. Right below the sword, held in place by a large piece of black leather he carried a strange contraption with a curved wooden grip and a brass pommel.

Still more surprising to Ochsner was the presence of Jericho Stone, the highway guardsman they’d encountered on the way to Defiance months before. He now stood near the throne, his messy hair tied back and his beard trimmed to match the tidiness of his own, dark purple uniform. In what Ochsner assumed was a significant breach of some code, Jericho wore a few pieces of plate armor on his left arm and shins, and leather armor covering much of his torso and right arm. The polished steel parts were clearly dated from the same period as the ghostly knights on either side of Azraea, though elaborately engraved. At his side he wore a traditional, though elaborately decorated straight sword.   

Azraea stood and addressed her audience, “Ochsner, of Unver, Kairumina Doro Asterigennithika of clan Dhakka, and Thrakaduhl da Tharka of clan Dhakka, were covertly tasked with the mission of slaying the wyrm Syliva, ruiner of kingdoms, and poisoner of wells.”

Ochsner saw Kaira’s mother shift uncomfortably when Azraea added the orcish clan to Kaira’s name. No doubt she was wondering about the circumstances which necessitated that.

“Lady Asterigennithika,” Azraea said, “please, step forward and report your progress to the court.”

Kaira moved up to the top step and then knelt on one knee, quickly adopting the formal tone of the proceedings. Ochsner suspected there may have been some long distance discussion between Azraea and Kaira preparing for this meeting. “The wyrm is dead, your highness. The dwarven weapon at Fort Defiance was restored as planned and thanks to the aid provided by the people of the town of Defiance, and the contingent of Gnoman troops you permitted to stay at the pass, we were able to destroy the target as planned.”

“What steps did you take to confirm the creature’s demise?” Azraea asked.

“After striking the creature down with the weapon and grounding it, Ochsner summoned the scolopendrae to dismember her remains,” Kaira continued, “And they are very thorough, your majesty. We witnessed the skeleton of the creature laid bare in the Dark Dweller’s forest, and left it there to be overtaken by time.”

Ochsner added, “We don’t really know much about dragons, so I was concerned the remains might present some sort of health risk, and felt it best to leave them undisturbed for now.”

Azraea nodded, “For a creature possessed of vanity such as hers, I think an unmarked grave is the most appropriate end we could choose,” she turned to look at a dark haired woman taking record, “Ms. Schroeder, please note that if doubt over the creature’s demise persists, we can have the remains brought to the gates - provided Ochsner determines they are safe - but I will not permit that creature to enter this city again, even in death.” The young woman she spoke to nodded and scribbled down some notes on a wax tablet. “And you’ll want to get a fresh tablet, Catherine; we need to do some shuffling.” The woman nodded and retrieved a board with a layer of blank wax on it.

“Captain Retger Schroeder, please join Lady Asterigennithika before the throne,” Azraea summoned the man forward. Azraea spoke with a degree of regal bearing that surprised Ochsner. Azraea had always been eloquent, but now she seemed like a different person altogether. Schroeder walked up next to Kaira and took a knee next to his former student.

“Let the record note with emphasis that in the past few months Retger Schroeder has not only conducted himself with great bravery, he has shown himself to be of impeccable moral character. Thousands of men, women, and children living in this city owe you their lives, Captain Schroeder. I don’t believe that Caelia will ever be able to express the depth of its gratitude to you.”

Ochsner was surprised to see a single tear running down the older man’s cheek. In plays these sorts of things always seemed so trite, but given the horrific things that they had endured in the preceding weeks, Ochsner could imagine the former magister was on the verge of a cathartic breakdown thinking about everything that had happened. The people at the back of the room might be bored, but for the gray-haired man kneeling before the throne, being told that he was a hero, this was a deeply meaningful moment.

“It is my desire to see that this kingdom remember your heroism of the preceding weeks for many lifetimes to come. However, I find it morbid to erect a statue memorializing someone while they still live, and I have no intention of seeing you perish from anything but extreme old age.”  

“Yes your majesty,” Schroeder’s voice carried a hint of a good-natured chuckle, with a slight sniff as he glanced at the woman taking notes and tried not to tear up any further.

“That being the case,” Azraea continued, “I intend to honor your service with a promotion. To that end, I am creating a new position to be filled solely at the discretion of the sitting monarch of Caelia.” Azraea motioned for him to rise, and beckoned Jericho to step forward with another ornate sword from the dragon’s horde, very similar to the one Jericho wore.

“Henceforth you shall hold the rank of Guard Commander,” Azraea explained, holding the fine sword before her, “In that role, you will be the guardian of guardians, and the watcher of watchmen. It will be your responsibility to advocate for the wellbeing of Caelia’s law enforcement officers, and to supervise investigations of misconduct.”

“Respectfully, your highness, what will that entail?” Schroeder asked.

“Hopefully,” Azraea smiled, “More paperwork and less combat.”

Schroeder accepted the sword. “I serve at the queen’s pleasure, your majesty, but I’m still in good fighting shape,” Schroeder said as he gracefully handled the fine blade.

“You’ve proven that to be the case over the past couple of weeks, Commander. I've watched you work for days without sleep, and personally seen you walk away from two fights that should more than likely have been the end of you. But a man has only so many hours in a day, and only so much luck in his life. For your health and for the wellbeing of your family, who would otherwise be robbed of your company, I cannot in good conscience retain your services in such a physically demanding position.”

“Yes your majesty,” Schroeder smiled with pride but looked relieved. Recent events had clearly been taking a toll on the man.

“Replenishing the ranks of the Kingstown City Guard and appointing a new acting captain to the KCG will be left to your discretion once this meeting concludes. The Queensguard, however, reserves two individuals for its own ranks; Kairumina Doro Asterigennithika and Jericho Stone.” Azraea motioned for Kaira to stand next to Schroeder, “Kairumina Doro Asterigennithika will henceforth serve as Captain of the Queensguard.”

Kaira looked startled by the appointment, but Azraea ignored her reaction.

“The current state of our law enforcement services is quite poor, and civil unrest is ongoing. Coordinating our response to that will largely fall on Commander Schroeder’s shoulders, but as Kingstown is the seat of Caelia’s government, I feel that all matters pertaining to its security and defense are of relevance to the Queensguard as well as the KCG, and of course, when I travel my Queensguard will need to be able to work with the guardsmen throughout the kingdom. That being the case, I imagine you two will be working together quite a lot. I realize that because Captain Asterigennithika was once one of your students, and likely a difficult one at that,” Azraea smiled, “you might be uncomfortable working with her to the extent that your respective duties will require. I will in no way begrudge you the choice to decline the position as Guard Commander, and retire honorably with pension.”

“No your majesty; it’s a privilege to continue to serve, and it will be an honor to serve alongside Captain Asterigennithika.”

“Excellent,” Azraea laid a hand on Kaira’s shoulder, “And no, you don’t get the same option. I’ve conscripted you.”

Kaira smiled, “So long as I’m still paid…”

“You’ll both have some hard work ahead of you,” Azraea continued, “Furthermore, what remains of Caelia’s military leadership will convene next week to discuss the steps which need to be taken to relieve our Gnoman allies of the responsibility of maintaining our kingdom’s peace and security. At that meeting, I also intend to discuss the establishment of a new military academy and a standing force that rewards men and women of good character for their service. I have appointed both of you to law enforcement positions because I do not wish to disrupt the chain of command within what remains of our military by placing you there, but I expect both of you to advise me in those discussions. I want to ensure we never come to this point of fragility and corruption again.”

“Yes your majesty,” Kaira and Schroeder nodded.

Azraea turned to Thrakaduhl and motioned him forward as the others stepped back down. Thrakaduhl stepped up and knelt. The courtly posture seemed to come more naturally to the orc than any of the others present. He bent his knee and bowed his head with the grace of a fairy tale prince.

“Thrakaduhl da Tharka, I wish to commend you for your valor in challenging the tyrant Syliva, and for your skillful and selfless defense of the people of Defiance. I intend to appoint regional governors to see to it that the needs of the people outside of our cities are better attended to from now on. Would you accept a position as governor of the northeastern kingdom?”

“I would your majesty.”

“Good,” Azraea bid him to rise, “You should know that the people of Defiance have the support and good will of the entire kingdom, and the sacrifices they made in combating the dragon have been made well known. Tonight you should rest, assured that your people will not be abandoned in their time of need.”

“Yes, your majesty,” the orc smiled as he stepped back down next to Kaira.

Azraea motioned Ochsner up to kneel before her, “I have been told that not only did the weapon you command strike the dragon from the air, it was your command of the scolopendrae swarm that ended her life. Do you affirm this to be true?”

Ochsner looked somewhat uncomfortable with the sudden attention, but answered, “Yes ma’am, that is true.”

“Then according to the traditions of your people, and as sovereign ruler of this kingdom, I give you your name – henceforth you shall be Ochsner Dragonslayer.”

Ochsner smiled, a bit smugly, “Nice.” Her parents would lose their minds when they heard that.

“And I appoint you regent ad manum of my kingdom.”

Ochsner went pale and froze, “What?”

“Ochsner, dear,” apparently unconcerned with how unqueenly it might seem to those watching, Azraea knelt while pulling Ochsner up to her feet, so that they could look each other in the eye, “Our adventures have shown us all that you have not only an amazingly wide repertoire of skills and knowledge but a gift for problem solving. What’s more, I have heard that in your time with the Gnomans at the citadel, you demonstrated exemplary leadership and diplomacy. Because of this, I am appointing you to serve as my second. This means you will be my frequent advisor and, perhaps more importantly, when I am not present to perform the duties of queen, your decisions will carry the weight of my throne. There will be times when I cannot attend to all of the duties of my station and during those times you will be de facto leader of our country. Do you accept this charge?”

Ochsner was frozen on the edge of an anxiety attack; she didn’t feel remotely prepared for this sort of responsibility. Kaira broke from her military composure to give Ochsner a moment to pull herself together, “Why does she get a choice?”

“Because the first time I take a night off,” Azraea explained, “She would have the authority to appoint a replacement for herself. Probably you. And no one wants that, do they?” Azraea looked back to her smaller friend, “Ochsner, we need you to do this. I need you to.”

Ochsner regained her composure, “Yes ma’am, I’m ready to serve.”

Azraea squeezed her small friend's shoulder affectionately, and then stood back up before the throne.

“Ochsner Dragonslayer, I appoint you steward of my kingdom. I will have many duties for you, but to start with, seek out whatever surviving members of the university you can. I will be restoring the king’s council but replacing many of the seats with chairs and departments like we had at the college. I need your advice on organizing those departments, and recommendations for the appointments.”

Ochsner’s eyes widened at the daunting scale of the proposed task, “Yes ma’am.”

“I need the dragon’s hoard dealt with as soon as possible,” Azraea continued, “I need cultural historians as well as jewelers and other craftsmen to identify and appraise as much as possible before we decide its fate. Items of historical significance should be preserved, and items of purely economic value should be added to our treasury.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Additionally, I require engineers to prioritize and plan work that needs to be done in the kingdom. They are to start in the eastern kingdom by rebuilding the town of Defiance, from which we will oversee the safe and responsible recovery of the knowledge contained within the dwarven citadel. While there are certainly a number of other maintenance tasks which need immediate solutions, it is my hope that what we learn from the citadel may help us make some longer lasting improvements to the kingdom.”

“Yes ma’am.” That was a task Ochsner certainly looked forward to more than the job of reorganizing Caelia's bureaucracy. 

“Furthermore, while the dragon sat upon an unfathomable pile of wealth, I understand that the crown I wear carries with it significant foreign debts. I will need maesters of coin to help plan our expenditures internally and externally, and to reform our tax laws.”

“Yes ma’am,” Ochsner nodded.

“And also, I need the castle staffed, so you and Captain Asterigennithika will need to collaborate on getting that done.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“And it’s your majesty when we’re in the presence of others,” Azraea smiled.

“Yes your majesty!” Ochsner’s face reddened with slight embarrassment.

“Finally, given that your singular power in the governance of our kingdom will be second only to mine, you will be extended the protection of the Queensguard. Captain Asterigennithika, since my succession to the throne, guardsman Jericho Stone has served faithfully as my personal bodyguard. Having been quite impressed with his competence, dedication, discretion, and wisdom, I am formally requesting that you appoint Jericho Stone to be chief guard of the regent ad manum’s personal security force.”

The inefficiency of the request surprised Ochsner as much as the specific nature of it, but Kaira didn’t seem to blink at it.

“Guardsman Stone,” Kaira said, “Please step forward.”

Jericho stepped up to her sharply and stood at attention,

“As Captain of the Queensguard I appoint you chief guard of the regent ad manum’s personal security force. Henceforth you will be responsible for the steward’s safety, and attend to her security, placing her welfare and safety before your own. Do you accept the appointment?”

“Yes captain, I accept the appointment.”

“And you understand that if you let anything happen to Ochsner I will cut your head off with a dull knife?”

“Yes captain.”

Ochsner felt a mixture of vague alarm and concern – the necessity for personal security hadn’t been on her mind when she was considering whether to accept the position – but Azraea simply patted her on the shoulder and directed her to step aside with Kaira and the others. Stone immediately moved to stand just behind her shoulder, immediately assuming his role as her protector.

Chapter 13 (Part I): The Queen is Dead. Long Live the Queen.

A crown is symbolic of the weight of the responsibilities a ruler bears. Some satirists criticized Queen Azraea for never adopting a ‘proper’ (in other words, ridiculously over-sized) crown, and implied it was because she never really took her title seriously. They called her a princess, playing the part of a queen. I think, though, that had any one of them been brave enough to meet her in person, they would have seen more strength in her eyes than any crown could show you.

-          From the memoirs of Retger Schroeder, (briefly) Captain of the Queensguard.

Azraea had asked her friends to stay at the citadel for a while after the dragon was slain, in order to do what they could to aid the people of Defiance in salvaging their town. The people had remained safe in the mountain with their most valuable possessions, but the dragon’s fire had left many homeless, and destroyed many of their belongings. Ultimately, most of the town would simply have to be rebuilt from scratch. It would be a costly endeavor but Azraea had not been concerned about that; her concerns rested primarily with the welfare of the displaced people in the meantime. She had summoned Thrakaduhl to the capital along with the others in order to discuss an appropriate response and the town’s ultimate future.

Eventually, Ochsner, Kaira, and Thrakaduhl rode towards Kingstown, with Vidi and Azraea’s dog, Cu Sith, following in a cart. The rest of Vinny’s troops remained at the pass under Vicki's command. Azraea didn’t necessarily like the Gnomans having complete control over such an important strategic asset but it was distinctly possible that the Quinox nations bordering Caelia to the north might get grabby after the dragon’s death, and she’d come to feel that it was better that the citadel be in Gnoman hands than in the hands of total strangers. She might have sent her own troops to secure it but, at this point, she did not yet have an army she trusted any more than she did the Gnoman Empire.

As they traveled, our heroes found the countryside alive with activity. Sparked by news from the west meeting news from the east, rumors were now spreading like wildfire. Also, a few wildfires were spreading like rumors, but fortunately not too many.

People now passed word that the dragon had been slain and that there was a new queen in Kingstown, and accounts of how that had all happened varied greatly. The most prevalent version was that Azraea had simply shamed the dragon so greatly in front of the city’s people that it had flown off and never returned. Ochsner’s favorite version, though, was the Monarchists’ version, which claimed that the queen was a descendant of an ancient bloodline, and when she sat upon the throne in Kingstown it had automatically caused the dragon to explode. Another version was that the new queen had given the dragon a piece of her mind to chew on, the dragon had choked upon it, and exploded herself. That version was Kaira’s favorite, simply because it attempted to seamlessly and nonsensically blend metaphor with reality. Thrakaduhl was not content with any of the options, so at each stop he invented a new version to pass on, intending to see what stuck. Ochsner accused him of performing some form of bizarre social experiment, but he insisted he simply fancied himself a story-teller, and that he did not believe the spirit of his art should be compromised by technical details like accuracy or consistency.

When they came into the greater Kingstown area, it was teeming with activity. The city looked like it was under siege. It was buttoned up, gates closed and bridges up, with bright fires burning on the castle parapets. The walls were surrounded by an enormous military encampment. Said encampment, however, was filled with locals going to and fro among the tents, trading freely with the small Gnoman soldiers who themselves bustled about on various errands.

Their approach was spotted by a Gnoman patrol that rode to meet them on the back of a large canine that looked like a heavy-built, short-furred wolf hound. Vidi gave some sort of hand sign or salute before the most senior of the soldiers rode over to him, blocking the others’ view of the conversation that followed.

The man became very excited, “Praetor Vexarius will be glad to hear your travelling companions have finally arrived.”

 “Lead on then, sergeant,” Vidi said, “And round up some fanfare. These people have earned a bit of a display.”

“Sir, yes sir!” The sergeant performed his task well – before long they were proceeding down the road with three Gnoman cavalrymen on each side, each of them carrying brilliant banners with colorful symbols and Gnoman writing. At first it was slightly humorous because even on foot Thrakaduhl and Kaira would have dwarfed the Gnomans and their riding hounds, but all along the road, as they passed, Gnoman soldiers would stop what they were doing, turn, and salute, first with a hand to their brow and then with an extended fist, uttering something they couldn’t make out. Ochsner finally asked what they were saying and Vidi explained that the first part was a simple salute for a senior agent of the empire, himself, and the second part was a special salute for honored friends of the empire: them.

Ochsner looked back and noticed that they were being followed – a mixed lot of troops had joined in the procession, creating an informal – if quite small – parade. Caelia Highway Guard followed closest behind, and behind them were two sets of elves walking next to each other – half of them in stunning white and gold armor, and half of them in obsidian black and silver.

“Who are they?” Ochsner prodded Kaira.

“Oh, because they’re elves I must know them, right?”

Ochsner glared at her silently, and Kaira relented. “The ones in white are soldiers of the White Rose – the Haorzawa family. The ones in the black are soldiers of the Star Born.”

“What family is the Star Born?”

“Asterigennithika!” Thrakaduhl laughed.

“Yeah, yeah, very funny. Hope you’re ready to meet my mother,” Kaira said. Thrakaduhl became deathly silent and his skin color seemed to fade slightly.   

By the time they reached the gate it had been cleared of traffic for their approach. More guards – this time Kingstown City Guard and actual infantrymen from Caelia’s military replaced the gnoman guards at the gate, and led them the rest of the way.

Ochsner expected the city to look like it had just suffered through a terrible war but that was only partly true. Everywhere she looked, she could see clear damage from weeks of sporadic violence both before and after the dragon’s death but right now the city was alive with activity. People were out in the streets cleaning and repairing everything in sight. Some people stopped and watched them go by, arguing over something. Ochsner eventually realized that some of them thought they recognized Kaira from Azraea’s first tangle with the dragon in the market and others were speculating as to whether Thrakaduhl was the orc hero of the east.

Kaira’s friend and former teacher, Schroeder came down the street on horseback in regalia that distinguished him as the commander of the cityguard with two of his men following him. He enthusiastically greeted Kaira and her friends, and then finally introduced himself to Vidi, “You are Legate Kaorus, I presume?”

“Indeed; I am here on behalf of the Gnoman Empress, to help officiate the Gnoman Empire’s recognition of your queen’s title, and to negotiate your state’s entrance into the Gnoman Empire.” This caught Ochsner by surprise – both that the empire would so readily accept her rule and then ask her to forfeit it, but Schroeder reacted as if that were the expected response, smiled, and led them up to the castle. The gates swung open, the portcullis rose, and it was quickly apparent why things were being kept so secure.

The courtyard was filled with gold statues, sculptures, and other large items, with workers crating and labelling them. A vast amount of wealth simply sat out in the open.

“Pardon our progress,” Schroeder said, “It was rather difficult to get the castle cleaned and aired out with all of that gold in there, so we’ve had to spread it about and the queen’s very particular about seeing that every piece of it be documented before we do anything with it.”

Cu Sith suddenly perked up at a familiar smell, and launched off of Vidi’s cart, running full tilt into the castle. The rest of the party dismounted more slowly, leaving their horses to the castle guard, and walked down a hallway to the throne room. The walls were stacked with crates, bins, and lockers filled with more gold, and guarding the treasure were knights in full plate armor who snapped to attention as they passed. The slits in their helmets, which should have revealed human eyes, instead let out the faint green glow of ancient spirits.

The throne room was filled with more gold, and at the center of it, Azraea waited for them upon the ancient golden throne of their kingdom. She was flanked on either side by two more ethereal knights, one of whom she’d apparently been talking with as she scratched Cu Sith behind the ears. The dog had taken up residence next to the throne as if he was born to sit there, and it looked as if the ghostly knight had found that amusing.