Chapter 61:

Epilogue

Necessary Patricide


“TO KING FULCHER!” Boris shouted, raising a mug high. The adventurers - who had heroically done nothing during the entire conflict - cheered and clattered their ales together in celebration. After some time rebuilding, the festivities had begun. Most of the Corvidrop army had returned to Corvidrop with the body of Corvidrop, declaring a week of mourning for their fallen lord. The armies of King Mnguni had remained in The Capital, cleaning the streets and repairing destroyed structures.

One of the first declarations of King Fulcher was to pardon the defenders of the Capital, and free them from any burdens of Dilyniant’s tyranny. Several of the Sire’s laws were repealed, including the law allowing slavery within the kingdoms. A unit of volunteer fighters were preparing to march north, to fulfill Fulcher’s promise to Schon and rid her home of bandits and brigands. Emissaries were dispatched to the distant colonies in the North and East, calling for ambassadors to be sent to the Capital to arrange for the freedom of the conquered territories. A messenger was sent ahead of the Corvidrop escort to fetch Stella, but they had not yet arrived back at the Capital. Such a delay was expected though, and Fulcher was not concerned by it. He sat at a long table within the streets of the Capital as the stars dotted the sky and the bonfires roared. Music from the citizenry played along the street as the victors of the battle engorged themselves on a grand feast to celebrate the crowning of the new King.

Akaj danced and celebrated, climbing a bonfire and surfing the licking flames to the entertainment of those around him.

King Mnguni sat on a smaller chair to the right of Fulcher at the head of the table, clapping along with the music. Fulcher noticed a new vial of golden sand hanging from the King’s neck, but decided it best to ask about it later. The Chronomancer sat just beside the Ubuk King, sitting silently with his hood up as he observed the feast.

Vardia seemed to be enjoying the numerous food options, but his joy grew as a light touch prodded his shoulder. He turned to find Schon emerging from the darkness, still dressed in the white robes used by those recovering from sickness as the Cathedral. She sat next to him gleefully and leaned close, prodding him for another one of his stories.

At her side was Gwyn, crowned the new Matron Mother of the Capital. Lowering herself to the bench next to Schon carefully, she stole glances at the new King. When he caught her wandering eyes she glanced away and pursed her lips, poorly hiding the red that filled her cheeks.

The moment was interrupted by Arrow, who dropped a slobbery stick in Fulcher’s lap. Fulcher glanced over and jumped slightly at the glowing eye of Ravage, the rest of the raptor perfectly blending in with the inky darkness of night. He smiled and threw the stick, Arrow barking loudly as he and Ravage sprinted off into the darkness after it.

Fulcher sighed and relaxed against his seat, staring up at the stars above. He never thought he could meaningfully change the world around him. Yet he had done so, with perseverance, and a kind heart.



It had been years since she was ripped from her room and pulled away from the comforts of family. As the rain fell, the young woman glared up at the walls of the Capital. Large cannons lined the keep, weapons of terror that the invader had created to keep the kind of change he enacted from happening to him. As she stared up at the grey sky she heard the pounding of footsteps. Ducking into an alley, she peered around the corner as a unit of Capital guards rushed past, each holding a long wooden rifle. She stowed the knives she had prepared back into her belt, sneaking down the alley until a poster caught her eye.

The poster was that of King Fulcher, drawn by a local artist to capture his aging visage. The girl scowled and ripped the grinning poster down, tearing it to pieces. After everything he had done, the last thing she wanted to see was his smile. Stella cast one last glare up at the castle as the rain strengthened.

“I’ll see you soon, pretender… and I’ll find out exactly what happened to my brother.”

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