The Portrait

Finally the time for the audience came. I was not surprised that the dwarves’ leader was quite a young man. After all the king was chosen, the most competent person for the specific time held that position and couldn’t take it for granted. Dwarves society didn't actually have a monarchy, members of the king's family weren’t royals and the crown itself wasn’t hereditary. He smiled like he expected me, which was a bit unusual because he shouldn’t be aware who would be coming to an audience providing fairness.

“I hope you really have something good, Fish Hero.” The chair against him was pointed for me to sit. “Our kingdoms are in a neutral state for now, but wouldn’t it be a nice gesture to give away the person they are chasing after.” The dwarf spread the paper and was comparing it with me for a moment. “The artist is quite talented, the resemblance is extraordinary for that kind of poster. Want to see?”

He was right, it felt almost like I would look at myself in the mirror, but at the same time like I was hit right in the head. My hands just squeezed on my knees and I had to close my eyes for a moment. Why is it happening again? I don’t want to get through all of this again! I tried to breathe deeply to stay in control and just not lose a chance to talk with a king. I looked again at the wanted poster. It wasn’t me, it was just a face I used to disgust myself. I couldn’t stop the laughter, because I realised that this time they actually had a reason to do so, with this face I was a criminal. I needed a moment to calm down, but my reaction must have been somehow enjoyable to the king, because he seemed just relaxed and amused.

“The poster got here a bit faster than you, so I have already got signals that you were seen in the city but also signing for the audience. I personally didn't notice anyone that you are here, I was too curious what you have to offer.” He raised his hands. “However, I can’t vouch for anybody. You know I am not here to order dwarves around.” Shrug of the shoulders, I didn’t expect to meet anyone like that in this position. “Before we get to the point, how long do you use that spell?” He circled my face with his finger. “I don’t give it more than three months until it stops working, at maximum. So that…” The poster was thrown in the air. “wouldn’t be a problem, unless…” His gaze was significant. I won’t hide anything or we are done talking.

“My real face is on the wanted poster too.” I sighted and tore apart the pocket where I kept the mirror with a spell and put it on the table in front of me. “You might not remember me, but I think you might have heard about Eric the fallen hero or and the kingslayer. That’s me.”

I did it and it wasn’t that hard! Saying it aloud was weirdly purifying and relieving, like I heard a thud of the weight falling down from my shoulders. I straightened up right away, I knew and the people I cared that I was innocent. I shouldn’t care about the rest and there was no time for this. The dwarves’ king was looking at me even more curiously than earlier. Weirdly he seemed to believe me.

“Quite a living legend.” He smirked. “It would be easier to talk, knowing who I am actually having conversations with. If you are more comfortable with your decoy, be my guest. If we have time I would like to hear your story, but I don’t think you came here to share it or to look for redemption.”

There was no need to beat around the bush, so I just told the truth, about the great plan and everything else, including what me and Rob decided to do so far. The young king didn’t have a problem believing me, for him it all made quite a sense. He was much more worried about not having more details and time to prepare for the invasion. As a good sign I took that he also was a bit mad, that dwarves didn’t notice earlier that something was going on in the mountains, but that was the part resource-poor so they were not interested in it. But there was one thing that was uncertain for him.

“You said that your friend, who is supposed to warn ogres, is a half-elf right?” I nodded. “Do you really trust him?”

“I do.” I answered without a hesitation.

“So what is the plan? Is there a way to stop it?”

“At the moment, I don’t think so. I mean, even if we would stop the invasion itself before it starts, it’s only a matter of time before they would prepare the next one. And the perspective of living in constant fear of it also doesn’t sound nice enough.”

“But stopping it with a battle also wouldn’t just delay it? Okay, let’s go with a radical way and assume the death of king Ned and the elf's gerousia.” His fingers were tapping rhythmically on the elbow-rest. “I can easily imagine the revenge of the next generation or them just following their elders orders, because that is what they put in their mind since they were young.” The king stopped. “I don’t think we consider such a solution like extermination of the elf kind.”

“We do not.” I confirmed, trying to sound as strongly as I could using my hero authority. “We must try to show them that this time and any other their plans just won’t work.”

“I will do everything in my power to help you.” He reached a hand for me to shake it. “When it all ends, I want to hear your story The Fish Hero.”

Before I left I asked him to reach Svenir’s descendants in Lacusa, because I was too afraid to not have enough time to go back and forth. I had to focus on preparings closer to Terminis.

“Just don’t get caught.” The king winked at me and sighed as loud knocks were heard. The secretary reminded him that another person was waiting and I took more time than the average audience last.