Chapter Text
In harrows entire life he could count on one hand the number of times he felt fear or nervousness. Even facing down thunder himself he felt fearless by comparison. Yet this was another kind of fear he felt as he did all he could to stay his nerves as today was the big day.
He stood alone in a place that he considered his staging room. It was small with but a small table and a few chairs and a window on the one side, while a fire burned on the other. Two doors sat on each wall, one leading to a hall that led deeper into the castle. While the others lead directly into the throne room. The floor was the same stone as was used in the throne room while the walls wear warm red color giving the room a calming homey feeling.
He often used the room when stealing himself for a speech or needed to collect himself before starting a meeting. Often going over matters and counter matters in such cases. Waiting till he was ready or till opeli lost patience with him. The room being his calm before the storm. And a storm it was.
“Sigh, stay calm, don’t panic…. You're only going to introduce rayla to the kingdom and try to not cause a revolt.” he said to himself dryly as he paced about the room. The weight of the situation started to get to him. “You only have to keep rayla’s heritage a secret and provent a civil war. It’s just like when you helped end the last great war your father and grandfather started.” he muttered reminding himself trying and failing to stay calm.
Harrow paused in step before letting out another loud sigh of defeat, his shoulders slouching. “Who am I kidding?” he asked him, bringing a hand up to rub his temple. “I haven't slept since the messengers were sent, sarai is as nervous as a bag of scared kittens. And poor rayla is going to be horrified when she sees how many people will be there. And I shudder to think of how callum will react after nearly being thrown out.”. Listing off every way things could go wrong almost wishing he didn’t get out of bed this day.
Walking over to the window leaning on the wall looking out into the courtyard below. Watching, seeing as various people gathered young and old. all headed inside for the announcement that would take place ere long if opeli and amaya had any say he knew . He even saw a few carriages pull in the courtyard likely carrying his kingdoms various dukes, duchess, and other assorted lesser nobles and lords.
“Hmmm?” he hummed as something caught his eye, a new carriage rolling in under him past the window and out of sight. While only visible for a few seconds he saw it long enough to know it was different from the others. “A forgen diplomat perhaps? Strange I don’t remember opeli saying anything about foreigners visiting. '' he rubbed his chin with his free hand, slight concern building within him remembering the last time forgeners came to his lands.
Feelinging the room becoming stuffy he creaked the window open letting in the cold winters air. The cold felt good on his skin taking a deep breath of the crips cool immediately soothing his nerves. Staying by the window watching the people as they come. Reminding himself why they were here and what he needed to do.
Closing his eyes letting old memories of his father and grandfather return. The bitter reminders of their failures souring his mind grimacing at the thought of all the harm they had wrought. “Just remember you are trying to be a good king to your people, trying to make up for the wrongs they committed. You are trying to make a better future for all in kotalis, both human and elf.”.
His words did little to still the vortex inside his heart, but it affirmed his resolve. Pushing off the wall, closing the window once more and walking back into the room. “Pull yourself together. You need to relax. Have faith in rayla and your people.” smacking his cheeks as he said so to pull himself together. “I need to believe everything will work out or i’ll be too nervous to help anyone. Much less rayla.”.
The thought of the girl he and his wife took in put a smile on his face. “Its been just over three months and already she has grown so much from when she arrived. I’m sure she will be just as beautiful as sarai when she is older. And I have no doubt that she will be as adept in the way of the sword and spear. Sarai and amaya both will see to that.” he said with a laugh. The thought of his adopted daughter fighting alongside his wife and sister in law warming his heart.
‘it will be many moons before she was ready for that. And it would be likely many more before she even learned to control her own abilities. But I know she will learn in time, and I will be there every step of the way. I will love her, and confide for her, care and raise her as my own. I owe her parents that much’
His anxiety while not got had lessened after his silent declaration allowing him to think over his words once more. Rehearsing the lines that opeli helped him make and had repeated in private in the last few day’s. As he began to reverse his words for the third time as he waited for his wife and children.
“Knock, Knock, Knock!” The sound echoing through the room disturbing his thoughts.
“Hmmm? Is it time to start?” he hummed out turning to look at the door leading to the halls beyond. “Come in.”. No sooner he called out did the head of callum pop through the creaked door.
Seeing his sons face his smile brightened “callum! please come in. come in.” he called out to him. Callum lingered for a moment looking unsure of himself before eventually stepping into the room. Once he shut the door he bowed politely being carful not to make eye contact with him doing his best to be at attention.
Harrow had to resist a frown upon seeing this. Even before his wifes apparent death the boy had always been resistant to get close to him. The boy seemed to almost want to keep him at arm's length. It almost seemed like he was afraid of him. He knew it was not true and suspected it had something to do with it.
‘I wish he would confide in me more. I know I am not his real father. I just wish I could help.’ he thought sadly. Watching as the boy walked further into the room trying his best to remain respectful. Forcing his smile to not waver as he looked to the boy hiding his feelings. ‘I know I should be proud he treats me with such respect. But I wish he would just treat me like his father.’ his heart saddened by the reality that was his son greaf.
Doing his best to hide it, harrow opened his arms, his smile barely wavering welcoming for a hug. “It’s good to see you on time callum. And and so handsomely dressed your mother must be proud.” the words cheerful and jubilant as he spoke.
And he was honest in his words as he looked over his adopted son. More a smart red dressed jacket similar to his own in the royal gold and red colors. A high leather collar with gold trim closing around his neck. Red dress pants with golden trim decorating his legs with a pair of shining leather boots. His hair to was shining and slicked back perfectly groomed for the occasion.
Yet as he stood their callum did not approach or even look interested. Instead he stood there with a nervous expression as he said “thank you your majesty.” in almost a whisper sounding afraid. Disappointed he let his arms fall to his side. ‘Be patient let him come to you.’ harrow reminded himself.
“You are most welcome callum.” he replied as cheerfully as he could hoping to be callum more at ease. “Now may I ask wear your mother and rayla are?” he asked, changing the subject as he took a seat inviting callum to join him with a gentle wave of his hand.
This time callum accepted his invitation joining him at the table before literally climbing the chair due to its height compared to him. Harrow had to resist the urge to aid him so as to not make him feel uncomfortable. ‘Remember he may not want your help, let him be independent. You don’t want to make him uncomfortable.” he reminded himself bitterly wishing he was about to more openly share his love and affection.
Grunting as he climbed the chair, Callum finally spoke, “Mom is helping rayla with her new dress.” He answered, his voice somewhat strained. “She said….. To tell you they will be ready soon.” he added pausing for only a moment as he sat himself on the chair. His appearance slightly ruffled now do the height of the chair.
Harrow said nothing in regards to callums looks instead only nodding in recognition speaking pleasantly. “I understand I am sure this must be difficult for her having never worn anything quite so fanciful. I am sure they will be along soon enough though.” brushing off callums words. ‘I know my wife perfectly…. I know her a little too well. I know she won’t let rayla leave till she looks perfect.’ he reassured himself.
Leaning forward on the table making his appearance a bit smaller and folding his hands in front of him. Once more smiling making his poster relaxed doing everything he could think of to make his appearance as friendly as possible. “So tell me callum how are you feeling are you ready for the big day your sister becomes a princess?” he asked, hoping to prob him to get him into talking. He had done this before but with no success, but he was determined to have a normal conversation with his son, and maybe one day be called his father.
For many long minutes their one sided conversation went on. Harrow doing most of the talking trying his best to get his son to participate with little success. The conversation being interrupted eventually by the sound of the door opening once more.
Both callum and harrow turned to see who it was. Watching as the door opened inwards to reveal sarai standing in the doorway as she stepped into the room. Her red and gold robe with long knee high boots and pants flawless in the light. With the polished crown upon her head replacing the one that was lost wearing it for the first time since the old one was lost. Immediately harrow got up, his smile widening upon seeing his queen. “Sarai I trust that…. Wait wear’s rayla.” he began to say stopping midway realizing they wear one short as sarai stood before them.
Sarai did not answer however instead simply smirked at them. Then without a word turned around to look back into the hall “Come on rayla. Don’t be embarrassed you look wonderful.” sarai said making harrow raise a brow while callums on curiosity made him leave his chair.
After a few seconds of waiting they heard the light patter of feet in the hall drawing closer. For a few moments callum held his breath wondering what would happen. While harrow watched on in curiosity as to what the big deal was. They were not left waiting long though as moments later rayla entered the room wearing her new dress while her face was almost purple with a blush.
She wore a red dress in the same colors as the others a flawless deer red that went down to her shins. They wear what appeared to be stockings underneath in a deep ash color much like sarais pants. Her feet wear adorned with dress slippers fit for a princess that fit perfectly upon her feet. Her arms wear concord in like sleeves that went to her hands each one barring a simple glove. The gloves themselves seemed to bare five fingers despite rayla having only four ande seemed to move with her flexing, a gift from harrow. Her hair was styled and braided in a style similar to sarai’s in the back with the hair upon her brow pulled to ether side. With the final touch being a large ribbon uptop her head wear her horns peaked out over her hair.
Her lavender eyes looked down and away in clear embarrassment at being staired at as all eyes wear upon her. Her hands fidgeting with the hem of her dress while she let out quite wiens. It was clear to any who saw her she was uncomfortable.
Yet callum saw none of this as he gasped as he stared at rayla in shock. “Rayla is so pretty.” he said out loud before he could stop himself. And all at once her face went from sorta purple to deep violet her ears which now lay mostly hidden under hair and ribbot even began to change color.
Sarai had to hold her stomach and swallow a laugh and a tease as she sent a knowing look to harrow. While harrow himself was stunned hearing such a confession. Within the span of a few moments his face exploded in a deep crimson. “I’m sorry!” He cried out in embarrassment causing sarai to finally lose it and start laughing.
As sarai laughed both callum and rayla looked away, burying their faces unwilling to gaze upon one another. Harrow at this looked upon sarai with disapproval at her reaction to their children. Which despite her laughter she at least had the decency to look guilty for.
“S-s-sorry… their just so.” she uttered unable to finishing having to bite her knuckle to stop her laughing fit. But it was clear she still found the situation far too humorous the way her eyes wear alight with joy. Making it clear she was thinking of callum and rayla together to all present
Harrow had to suppress a sigh as he rubbed his temple annoyed by his wife and her antics. “Sarai I am going to get the meeting started before opeli loses patience with me.” he began to say, getting sarai’s attention. His gaze untrusting as he as tried to look innocent “In the meantime do trying to not embarrass them any more so rayla will turn back to a more human color. This scheme will work if she looks human.” he reminded her coldly unamused by his wife's behavior.
Instead of speaking sarai just nodded her hand still in her mouth unspeaking. Rolling his eyes turning away towards the door leading out to the thrown room bracing himself for what was to come. Only stopping to look back on his wife and children in exasperation. “ please just make sure they are ready when I send for you.” she said as he opened the door.
As the door opened he was still in disbelief about his wife, ‘why did I agree to marry her?’ he sometimes wondered in moments like these. But in the small fleeting moment he also knew his answer, ‘Because this is the family I never had growing up.’ he realized fondly. Despite everything, moments like these wear ones he would look back on fondly when his children grow up and living their own lives without him.
As he stepped out into the throne room he was silently thankful for being blessed with such a good family.
The throne room was abuzz with activity as the people chattered amongst themselves. With many towns folk, merchants , leaders, soldiers and lords withing the large open hall. With many people even towns folk coming from many miles around to hear the kings words
Ever since the apparent death of his wife, King harrow made few public appearances. And had not invited people to come into his hall to listen or be listened to in just as long. To lost in his greaf many romour said to due so and only in the months leading up to thunders demise did he start making public appearances again.
So when word spread that king harrow was opening his hall for all to hear from him and to make a proclamation all took notice. From the wealthiest lord to even the common folk came from far and wide to hear what he had to say. All eager to hear him for the first time in just over a year.
With the only disruption being the elitist complaining about the common folk and other classes being present. Only to be reminded that all wear welcome to attend by order of the king. Leaving them to talk amongst themselves while looking down upon whom they viewed as lesser.
Most suspected that king harrow was going to go into more detail about his time in xedia, and about his queen. While others wondered about the rumors surrounding lord virens seeming disappearance since returning. Though on the lips of all was the rumour that their was a new child calling the castle home.
The rumor mill was in full swing with many claiming sarai was an imposter and the child was out of wedlock, to harrow kidnapping. With each rumor and story since word got loose being stranger then the last. Some even thought she was a queen of duren who harrow had captured. Yet as ironic as it was the truth of the situation was far stranger, and far more tragic.
As the door opened and Harrow stepped out a hush fell over the room. Looking upon the rooms occupants as he did so regarding them all with a proud and regal appearance. But also kind as he looked to the room as if regarding his family. He walked with grace and dignity towards his throne wearing opeli stood upon one side and amaya and gren upon the other. He greeted both pleasantly with sort greetings before turning his attention once more to the room.
Standing before the room many, especially any foregen powers present would assume he would sit upon his throne. Sit and regard his subjects as most kings and queens did from their throne. Like his grandfather did.
Yet he did not instead stepping down from wear his throne was flanked by amaya who followed him down with gren at her heels. Mummers began to whisper about the room, many of the common folk speaking in joy at how the king they remember had returned. While others were flabbergasted at he a king was standing at the same level as lesser folk.
For a time he was quite as he regarded his people looking upon them collecting his thoughts. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, holding it, then letting it out with a sigh at last opening his eyes. Finally he was ready to speak.
“For nearly a year now as I am sure all the kingdoms are aware, a famine claimed durin and threatened to destroy the kingdome.” he began slowly the room going deathly still as he spoke, as the air once more began to change. All eyes in the room wear now upon him as his words. All the while he read the rooms mood as he chose his next words, “had the kingdom fallen the pentarchy would not only loose a kingdom, but many would try to stake their claims upon the ruined remains. And the kingdoms would have doublessly been embroiled in another great war.” his words somber and heavy. The very thought sent memories of the last great war into his mind.
Immediately the room grew colder as many of the people began to murmur amongst themselves. The meaning being lost to none with many of the older generation having lived through it. Though their wear some along the room harrow could see that had resentful gazes, some wealthy merchants and lords who would revil in another war. Ether for self profit or to make kotalis what it once was before he took the throne.
He was unafraid at their evil glares and scheming eyes as he continued, “to prevent this we enacted a plan that claimed the lives of several of our team, and seemingly three queens. Resulting in me neglecting my duties and my people when I thought sarai to be lost.” guilt lacing his words in remembrance of how far he had fallen.
“So.” he began raising an open hand up, “in foolish retaliation I with aid struck down the tyrant dragon ending his cruel culling of our people.” he explained his hands animated as he spoke as if to illustrate the tale.
The mood of the room shifted once more as people recognized this feat. the word of the tyrant dragons death having spread throughout the pentarchy like wildfire. The sight of so many people being almost excited, a few even sneering at the mention of the dragon's death brought a frown to his face.
While his death would end so many problems for their people and send a warning to all other dragons to stay away… for a time it would not end their problems. ‘How quickly they turn to violence instead of finding peaceful solutions. Blood for blood is no way to live.’ he thought sadly. ‘When will people, elves and dragons ever learn to look past pointless prejudice?’ he dared to wonder, and to an extent he was afraid of the answer.
Yet he shook his head lightly at the thought “no you all have heard that tale and did not come here to see speak of what you already know.” he said once more drawing the crowed. swapping his hand in front of him as he spoke. “You came hoping to receive answers to the rumors that have been abundant as of late.” he said answering the unasked question.
While no one said anything he could almost feel a collective nod radiating off them. “In that case I should start by explaining lord virens absence. And the other rumours” adding an extra serious edge to his words.
He was silent for a time as he remembered the words he and opeli had gone over before. Folding his arms in front of him letting out a quiet groan. The bitter memories of the spire coming to him stronger than before reminding him of the haunting sight.
Letting out a breath he had unknowingly been holding looking away from the crowd. “When thunder had fallen.” he began, breaking the silence once more startling the crowd. “When the tyrant dragon fell lord viren took off towards the spire. Our battle won and over, yet he continued on. While I was too weak to follow unable to stop him and leave.”
“When I recovered enough to follow it was already too late. Viren had already climb the spire forcing me to pursue him. As I climbed I expected to run into fallen guards, viren himself or a battle between both the former. Even as I reached the top I heard and saw no sign of guard or viren anywhere.”
He paused a moment in his story raising a hand to rub his brow as he tried to purge the horrid memories so he could think. the room as he paused now completely under his spell with his words. Turning slightly to spare a glance to amaya, gren and opeli they all too wear completely enthralled and they had already heard the story many more times.
He began to walk slowly to once side of the room to help bleed off some of his nerves to maintain composure as he continued his tale. “Instead all I saw was blast holes, cleaved and shattered stone, along with scorch marks. No elves, no armour, no bone.” he said lowering his hand and turning to look upon the crowd. A large number of people seemed to pick up on what he was implying with a number of people going pale or even green at the thought.
But instead of stalling he pushed on with his story only pusing to turn to walk in the other direction. “When I went inside it was as if the place was deserted. Despite the fact that this was the dragon kings equivalent to a throne and castle and had signs of life. All who remained wear gone.” he said seriously pusing in step to once more. Turning to look at the crowed as the gazed upon him in a bucay of emotions “None passed me, no one left the spire when viren arrive at it.” he added in a deathly serious voice.
As he said this he could almost swear he felt the temperature in the room drop, and even hear a faint gulping sound from somewhere.
He closed his eyes once more as the room looked upon him his fist visibly balling and changing color visibly shaking. Harrow could practically feel it as the people around him staired shock at their king's anger. His mind replaying the events to him in real time as he told his tale. He even placed his other hand upon his other to steady it to try and calm himself.
Eventually his hand stilled but did not release his fist his rage to great now. Opening his eyes taking a shaky breath as he looked up towards the sun in the window. “When I finally caught up lord viren had just just struck down two elven guards. With not a trace of them remaining. They wear less than dust.” he finally said as he felt air suck suck from the room.
A few people let out shocked gasps and the sound of a person leaving sounding as though they would be sick. Others simply looked away grimacing at the thought. Though some seemed to almost relishing the idea their faces sickening him as he looked upon them, remembering their faces so he could strip them of power later.
Despite the obvious discomfort in the room he pushed on with his story unyielding. “I do not care what your feelings on elves or dragons are, but kotalis dose not condone such brutal treatment.” he said, anger dripping from his lips as he turned to face the crowd. “Let me make this clear. Fighting on the field of battle, in self defense, or stopping something like the tyrant dragon whose crimes are uncountable is one thing. But actively seeking out and brutally murdering every man woman and child within the dragon's nest is unacceptable!” he shouted. Bringing his right hand up and swung it from his left shoulder down to his right side in a violent swing as he spoke.
Stepping forward a single step as the room's occupants stepped back at his advance. “Not all of those elves were guards, many of them were non combatants, cooks, cleaners, and others. Their wear even children living within the dragons keep. And he callously cut down each one with his dark magic! He cut down civilians and innocent bystanders not combatants or criminals but civilians!” he cried out his words echoing through the hall over the crowd.
He watched as the room became tense, obvious fear in some of their eyes, either from his display or the meaning behind his words, it was hard to say. But it was clear that many of them were afraid, their fear evident in their eyes. He could feel his heart rate soar like a bird in rage and spite towards his old friend and had to will himself calm to not explode in front of his guests.
Taking only a moment to breathe to calm himself from his fury as he said his next lines with an almost deathly calm to his words. “When I saw my friend's face I was horrified. It was looking upon the face of a dead man. His eyes pitch black, skin looking rotten filled with black blooded veins, hands looked bony like a skeleton, the rage I saw in his eyes….” he said pausing looking away feeling the bile rise once more in his throat.
Placing the back of his left hand to his lips taking a moment to breath so he wouldn't be sick. “The...man I saw…. was no longer my friend…. He was…. It was as if he was consumed….. by dark magic…. He attack sarai…. and…. had we not ganged up on him…. would have even attacked me…. Also so in his mind….. he could kill another elf….., which in truth…. was my queen…., still weak and wounded from her ordeal.” forced to speak through gritted teeth. While some would think he was acting he was genuinely sickened by the the memory of what became of his old friend.
Taking a moment he surveyed the room once more noticing the rooms over all sway being in his favor. With only the more elite and war loving or greed soaked persons looking upon him in disapproval. With most looking upon him in shock and horror at his confession.
A frown forming on his face ‘I just need to go a little more’ he realized in disgust. Finally coming to terms with the fact he was playing with his peoples feelings like his grandfather and father had done to get what he wanted. The though of treating his own people like a game of emotions sickening him more then even virens gastly face.
For a long minute no one spoke allowing him a chance to recover. Fighting away the bile in his throat that threatened to escape him lowering his arm. Turning around and beginning a slow walk towards amaya, gren and opili.
He walked with more of a slouch he knew his steps far less regal as it took everything he had to keep himself together. ‘Just a bit longer, you can do it.’ he reminded himself, ‘just a bit more, you can do it.’ silently encouraging himself. Though this encouragement befel deaf ears as it was not working.
Instead as he once more stood between his fellow he took an extra moment to collect as much of himself as he could. Turning as slowly as possible, the world felt much colder and empty as the presence of his oldest friend was no longer there. Facing his people once more looking upon them taking in their haunted looks, sympathetic glances, the angry glares or disgusted sneers, he took them all in for strengths, to will himself to be a better king for his people.
Raising a hand he silenced the people's words. An unrestrained sigh as he braced himself for the final and most fabricated part of his tale. “These actions however pale in comparison to what I and my wife were forced to bare witness to.” words sad and heavy a lump beginning to form. Many curious eyes looking upon him with renewed interest, and worry.
Placing his hands behind his back before speaking clutching his hands together in a double fist. “When we made for home we came upon a family on the way. A mother, a father and a single child. I do not to this day know what possessed him to do this…. but viren destroyed both husband and wife before anyone could stop him. Simply for standing in his way” his words echoing through the hall to the shock of all. “The entire time he preached that it was necessary for the greater good.” he spat in disgust.
Lookup raising a hand to the crowd in front of him clutching it in fist. “He left nothing, not even ashes to bury. All simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time and disagreeing with him while doing their job.” he said pausing for a moment as he felt a furry building within his body beginning to tremble. “All the while their daughter was forced to watch on helpless to do anything!” he shouted. Casting his hand to the side as though throwing something away.
This last statement set the room in his favor with many looking appalled by the idea. Even many of the more elitist seemed disgusted by the story of what viren had done. Having said nothing about rayla’s parents being elves, it was easy for the room to assume viren attacked humans.
The reaction pleased harrow but also disgusted him that he had to lie to his people. Something that he promised he would never do when he took the crown. And while opeli insisted he was doing no such thing only bending the truth and leaving out details. To him it was as good as lying to his peoples faces. Yet the deed he knew was done and could not be taken back.
His heart was heavy as he did his duty to his people. “It is why I have decided and with the full support of the council to strip viren of all titles and privileges, and he is to remain imprisoned until such time as an appropriate punishment is decided. As a regular tryel for such a many would be unwise.”.
His words were met with little resistance as was expected of someone who threatened to attack the king, on what they assumed to be free people. He could see the faces of some of virens suppliers and supporters looking displeased but that was to be expected.
Yet he knew what he said next would be less accepted. “Furthermore I and the council after many months of discussions have agreed to ban the use of dark magic in kotalis from this moment forward.”
The moment the words left his lips the room erupted into chaos as much of the elitist military commanders, lords and more made loud and angry protests. It was to the point that harrow could not even tell their words appart sounding more akin to a flock of squabbling birds. Several such people made several steps forward making the guards nervous readying their weapons in recognition of the danger and the crowd drew near.
“BANG! BANG! BANG!” the loud ear ringing clanging of metal rocked the room making all the go silent.
Harrow clutching his ears as amaya banged her shield upon the ground. The loud clangs of metal shattering the roars and yelles of protest into silence as the guards rallied behind her. The whole science making it clear that no further outbursts and open threats would be tolerated.
As the crow calmed down some harrow sent a knowing and thankful glance to amaya reminding himself to thank her later for her efforts. ‘I wish I could have a full brigade of amaya’s’ he thought hopefully. Knowing that if had an army of amaya’s that crime in his kingdome would be non existent.
Clearing his throat drawing the attention of the room to himself once more. “As I was saying. After virens actions I had archivists go into the records of past dark mages and their behavior. Records that I will allow any detractor to read should they desire it.” he explained tactfully. “As such I and the council have decided to ban its use at it has now proven far to much of a liability in light of recent events.”.
Despite the silence he could tell their was much disagreement he could read it on their faces. Kotalis was one of the first kingdoms to heavily use dark magic in the war’s with the elves.
Not only that but dark magic was used in many fascists of life from agriculture, to medicine in some parts of the kingdome. As such it was ingrained into their very society, and more than that there were well over a hundred dark mages of varying skill throughout the kingdom who would not give up quietly.
Yet as virens disloyalty proved as well as further analysis of old kotalian records of past dark mages it was too much of a wild card. While some dark mages turned out fine as the records showed, ether through restraint or incomplete documentation was unclear. But more then half of them showed sighs of mental instability and even insanity once they started reaching their middle ages and beyond.
The risk dark magic posed to its users and to those around them was far to great to allow any more. Even if it meant risking a revolt the long term costs of dark magic far out weighed any short term gains.
Though the kingdom was ready for that, the army was on standby near the various towns and wearing dark magic was tough. They had placed embargoes on specific products used to create dark magic to deprive mages of ingredients. And placed temporary restrictions to certain areas to prevent dark mages from gathering in large groups unnoticed. Everything was going to plan so far.
The biggest thing going in his favor though was he only placed a ban on dark magic, nothing else or other forms of magic. All practitioners who gave it up would not be punished or anything by his decree. So long as they gave up dark magic alone they could go about their lives unopposed.
And yet he could not help but feel responsible for it all. “I have failed you all.” he said aloud for all to hear.
The now felt like a vacuum once more as even opeli and amaya stared at him stunned as he went off script. He was supposed to introduce rayla now, but instead all the emotions that had built up within him began to seep out.
“I have failed you. I have failed my kingdome and her people. I let my missiry cripple me, let my trust blind me into letting a madman make my decisions for me. I allowed viren to do terrible things and all but run the country while I wallow in grief and did nothing. I let him use my emotions as he got me to do things he wanted me to do that benefited only him. And I allowed him to not only go on a massacre, but also kill an innocent family from bitterness and spite. I let all this happen when I am supposed to protect you. I all but lied to you for I failed in my promise.” he confessed feeling tears at the corners of his eyes.
“I have failed you as your king, I am supposed to put the safety and well fair of my subjects first. And yet all I did was watch as a man I once called my friend turned into a monster corrupted by the very magic he sought.” Looking down and away his body all but going limp wear he stood bowing his head in shame.
His body shaking as he stood “I am a flawed man a young man…. A foolish man.” he confessed breathlessly. “I believed I could change my kingdome after my grandfather nearly tore it apart………. And yet I let someone who I thought was my friend slaughter an innocent family.” he finally said a single tear falling from his face shocking all present.
Looking up gazing upon his subjects from his elevated position his gaze weak and somber, mournful. “I can not promise I can protect you all again, I won’t. I am a flawed man who can not keep such a promis….” he admitted regretfully.
There was a long pause as he seemed to think about his next words as he seemed to regain his regality as he found his voice. “But from this day forward if you the people will still have me as your king I will promise to make amends for my failures. I can not promise I will succeed, but I will not abide to let my kingdom falter again while I stand idle.” he declared valiantly.
At first he felt good for finally confessing to all his pent up emotions. Only to be replaced by panic as he realized all he had said as he looked to the shocked faces of his people staring back at him. As he looked upon them he could see their shocked faces, completely in disbelief to what he had just done. He swallowed hard in nerves and fear wondering what would happen after his outburst afraid of what would happen.
For a time the all wear quite to the point one could hear a pin drop if you listened carefully. The silence making him panic inside as he began to sweat terribly, his body shaking slightly in fear. his thoughts going to his children in fright at what he had done. He dare not even look at to opeli or amaya. The fear of their deadly gaze shut his eyes in resignation of what was to come. His only thought being ‘i've doomed my family.’ as he waited for the inevitable chaos.
Yet the first sounds that emanated was not cries of protest but applause. Soon followed by another, and another and soon most of the room was applauding him and crying his name. “The noble redeeming king, harrow the just, the tyrant slayer.” and many more names he was called as the cheers continued.
Opening his eyes, Harrow saw a sight that made his heart swell. His people cheered him on and called his name pleading for him to be there for their kingdom. He now had to fight tears of joy as his people continued their chant honored to feel his people's warmth and compassion. ‘Even in spite of everything my people have it in their hearts to forgive me. I truly am a blessed man’ he thought fondly.
Soon however opeli stepped forward giving him a knowing smile which he returned knowing he would hear from her later. Then she clapped twice before raising a hand to single for the people to be silent.
Once the room became quite he turned to opeli, “Send for them please.” he commanded. To which she nodded, “of course.” she answered before leaving his side. With this he faced his people once more ready to make his final announcement.
Taking a moment to breathe to ease his still trembling heart clearing his throat of the lump in it. “I have one last thing I must make known.” he declared. “As I have mentioned viren slayed a young girl's parents. A tragedy that I regrettably allowed to occur.” his down more downcast as he spoke. “To amend this and as my first act to make up for my failures I and my wife have decided to take the child in and raise her as our own.” he declared at last.
The room once more became abuzz with shocked faces and surprised words as the words left his lips. Yet he remained unphased, “I could not protect her family in an event I deeply regret. And one that opened my eyes to virens corruption. Now….” He said pusing as the sound of a door opening rang in his ears.
Turning he saw his opeli stepping out of the staging room her usual look about her as she held the door open. Not a moment later sarai stepped out, sending a wave into the room as many even now could still not believe their eyes. Murmurs of the rumors being true flooding the air.
He then watched as she was followed by callum who held her hand as he walked out. While it was not spoken loudly he could hear the dark whispers, words like mongrel, cur, a disposable child, royal slave son, and many worse. Such hateful made his blood boiled as people treated his son like nothing more than a lesser being. He may have been born out of marriage but he was still a person and now his son to him. Yet he relented for now remembering the faces of all those who spoke against him.
Yet when a familiar fearful lavender eyed face stepped out the while room seemed to collectively pause. Holding onto sarai’s free hand as her slippered feet echoed into the room. The girl's face and body were largely hidden by sarai as she stayed behind the queen. It was clear she was scared, likely having never seen so many people in one place before.
While it was clear she was reluctant, Sarai began to lead and callum on rayla on towards him. With callum offering his own support watching as he whispered to rayla in encouragement. The entire time the room watched with interest as the group moved all eyes on her.
“As I was saying. To help make amends for my failings we will be caring for young rayla. This is my way of making things right for a promis I helped cause.
Ere long the three wear standing at his side wish callum on his and sarais right while rayla stood in between them. His wife being careful to avoid the sun seeping in through the windows keeping her in the shade.
He noticed her worried expression, the uncertainty in her eyes almost palatable at this distance. She was afraid, her eyes wide and dancing about the room. Harrow was afraid she may turn invisible as she still had no control over her powers. With their only safety net being it was a new moon and in the middle of the afternoon to prevent an accident.
There was much talk amongst the crowd as many people looked upon the poor girl like cattle at the market. Rayla clearly doing her best to stay strong but it was clear to him that she was scared of being surrounded by so many humans. Many of the people looking upon the poor girl with sympathetic gazes muttering to themselves.
“The poor girl she is so young.”
“I never did like that man I knew he would do something like this, I just knew it.”
“The weak king taking in another stray mut to be his pet. The man is a disgrace.”
“She is no older then my son… to do such to a girl of her age….”
“This is why the kingdome has fallen so he he invites in weakness.”
“Rayla such a pretty name I wonder wear is forms?”
“First he thinks he can ban dark magic and now he thinks he can take in any stray he wants. Who does he think he is fooling is he trying to lead us to extinction.”
“Such a waste of money next the king will take in every orphan he finds while he is at it.”
“That poor girl looks so scared why would anyone do such a thing to her.”
Harrow listened to all their words taking them in, grateful to the thoughtful ones, and disappointed in the hateful few. And sad that so many people even after seeing rayla could not see past the old ways, or senseless greed.
Many of those present began to move drawing closer to gain a better look from common to elite though few wear brazen enough to draw too close with amaya armed and at the ready, while guards stand about the room to defend them.
Harrow held up his hand stopping their advance as the guards and amay advance in kind. “While I appreciate your enthusiasm I would appreciate it if you would give the girl time. She has been through much in the last few months, so please give her time and make her hear feel welcome. And with patience she may one day be a person capable of changing this kingdom for the better.” his words warm and heartfelt, joyful even as he smiled raising both hands to the air.
Within seconds the room was once more opened in applause, cheers and words of encouragement. This time thought it was not for harrow, but for rayla. As all of harrows supporters in the crowed welcomed the girl. All expressing interest in what she will become in future day’s.
Yet for rayla herself it was a terrible sight as she held on to sarai even tighter then before. So many people looking at her, so many humans staring at her like she was a moon paw cub. Many of them calling her name and clapping. It was all too much, too loud, too many people.
Yet worst of all as she look into the crowed no matter wear she looked she always saw the face of the scary man. It was like he was everywhere as she saw the same look he had on so many in the crowed making her want to cower in fear. more then that she felt a scnes of dread as they used the same word as was in the book she read. "princess rayla, princess, rayla they called and cheered. making her afraid as she realized that she was now the very same thing as the girls in her human books, a girl that every bad human and dragon seemed to covet.
Despite her feelings or fears or the feelings of those around her one thing was certain. She was now officially the elvin princess of kotalis. After after this day she would no long be just rayla she was now princess rayla. First ward daughter of the royal family.