What Kings Inherit

    Sean’s gaze tracked the man’s white suit as it moved away towards their arranged meeting place at the tree line. Once he was sure the figure was out of earshot he rounded on Corvane, who was perched on the tabletop.

    “How could you not warn me about this! Even where I’m from we know better than to make deals with fairies, and we don’t even think they’re real!”

    The raven, somehow, had the good grace to look abashed. “I’m sorry, Successor, I didn’t think the pact would still be in effect following my death.”

    “Oh, don’t even get me started on that, Corvane.” Sean held a hand to his forehead, closing his eyes. “I knew you were a king of Aiane, but I didn’t think you were the king of Aiane. When were you going to tell me you founded the nation I’m trying to rebuild?”

    “When the time was right, I would have informed you of my past.” Corvane answered, beginning to sound a bit defensive. “I believed it would put too much pressure on a new king, such as yourself, if I revealed my prior position too early.”

    Sean pointed out to the white figure waiting for them in the shade of a large oak. “Well now I’m bound to honor your alliance – with a power that scares everyone but me shitless, I might add – and I have no idea what kind the task is. This whole thing better be worth the risk, or I’m calling on the Goddesses to send me a new advisor.”

    “You have no idea what I sacrificed to put this pact into place, boy.” Corvane spat out the last word like a curse, his usual decorum shattering. “You should be thanking me for placing you in a position to benefit from the price I paid. The Fair Folk are powerful beyond mortal ken, even the Ladies tread carefully when they come to call.”

    “Gents,” Flick interrupted the pair’s exchange, her voice dry, “I might suggest having this discussion later. The villagers are starting to stare.”

    Some of the residents, who had begun to emerge from their homes once the all clear signal had been rung, were indeed looking in their direction. Sean also saw that Alma and the smith, Colin, were making their way towards the gate from deeper in the village.

    Sean looked at Corvane, trying to keep his voice low. “We’ll continue this later once we’ve done what we’ve agreed to. I’m going to expect a full accounting of this pact of yours, Advisor.”

    “As you wish, Successor.” The Raven replied.

    Alma and Colin ambled up to the group, dumping a set of packs and gear onto the table next to them.

    “Your Highness, we’ve gathered provisions for your journey as requested. You weren’t sure exactly how long you’d be away, so I stuffed your packs as best I could.” Alma said, her voice a little uncertain. “They’re quite heavy. Are you sure you don’t want a few of the village lads to accompany you? A man of your stature ought not be expected to act as his own pack mule.”

    Sean shook his head, the woman’s concern bringing a smile to his face despite the circumstances. “Thank you, Alma, but no. We aren’t going far and I’m told there will be attendants to assist us when we get there.”

    His smile turned brittle as he thought about how the man in white had looked at Ryan. He suspected it would also be incredibly dangerous for any of the villagers to accompany them on this trip. Sean knew there might be a time when he had to accept putting his subjects in harm’s way, but this wasn’t it.

    Colin moved to a bundle on the table, withdrawing a spear from the cloth and handing it to Sean.

    “As you requested, Your Majesty, the simplest spear I had in storage. It’s got a sturdy ash shaft, and the spearhead is hammered iron – nothing fancy, but it’ll do the job right if you stick them with the sharp end. There’s a butt-plate on it so you can use it like a walking stick as you travel.”

    Sean hefted the spear in his hand, examining it for straightness and balance. Finding nothing at fault, he thanked Colin for the gift.

    He’d asked the smith for a spear because it fit the skills he’d already assimilated. Greenbough and its neighbors had mostly volunteer guard forces that hadn’t seen much combat beyond rousting vagrants and killing pests, but that still put them miles ahead of him. He’d need to actually train his body to keep up with them, but at least he wouldn’t make a complete fool of himself in a fight.

    Colin moved back to the bundle and took out a short, bronze blade. He offered it hilt first to Flick, who took it from him.

    “Begging your pardon, Miss Flick, but the guard haven’t carried bronze weapons since before my own master’s day. I took the liberty of sharpening up an old sword I use as a display piece. It was part of my grandmother’s dowry, but it’s still in good shape and I can vouch for the cut.”

    Flick made her own assessment of the blade as Colin moved back to the table and retrieved a belt and scabbard. With her permission, he tightened it around her waist, ensuring it was positioned for easy access.

    Sean moved over to Flick and leaned in. She’d seemed to settle some now that the initial negotiations had concluded, but he could tell that she was still on edge.

    “You know you don’t have to follow me into this…whatever it is that Corvane’s gotten me into.”

    The woman shook her head. “I won’t lie, lad, the idea of going with that man makes my skin crawl, but that’s all the more reason I should do it. I wouldn’t be much of a companion if I left you to walk into danger alone, after all.”

    Sean chuckled, remaining unconvinced but deciding to let the issue lie. If Flick was set on coming, he’d be thankful for the company and the counsel.

    With their gear settled, the pair hefted up their packs. Alma hadn’t been lying, the backpacks were absolutely stuffed and Sean’s was heavy on his shoulders. Corvane flew over and added his own weight as the group made its way out of the gate.

    “Successor,” he said, returned to his usual business-like manner, “we must make this excursion quick. Legends say that time flows differently in the Otherworld. If that is true, there is no telling how much we will lose if we tarry there.”

    “Trust me,” Sean replied, “I have no intention of staying any longer than I have to. We’ll get in, do the task you signed us up for, and get out.”

    The group settled into an uncomfortable silence as they moved towards the meeting place. Sean could see the man in white waiting for them, the forest behind him seeming so much darker in contrast.