The Elementalist : Next of Kin: The Kothian Chronicles (9 page)

Katria called out for help, which quickly arrived in the form of two soldiers standing no more than a few yards away. "Quickly...we need a healer," she shouted in panic. How could this happen now, after all they had been through. The battle was all but over, Oran had held firm and defeated the enemy, only to be hit by a stray bolt. Katria watched on as the body of the king was carried down to the keep yard, where a healer was rushing through the small crowd gathering. Even though the healer had not yet looked at the King, Katria knew it was not going to be good news.

Chapter 11.

With the last of the enemy either having fled or vanquished, Ramon and the others made their way through the opened gates of the inner wall. Those soldiers on foot, following behind from Denley were making their way up the road toward the main gates. The bodies of the enemy dead were starting to be piled up ready for burning, whilst those from Kothia were placed on carts ready for burial.

Ramon was greeted by a tearful looking Katria, who took him by the arm to pull him to one side, "Oran has fallen," she said clearly still shocked. Ramon felt numb as the words hit him, "He's dead?" he asked just to confirm he had heard and understood correctly. Katria nodded sadly, and Ramon felt the hurt of losing a good friend, a man he respected and a man that had done so much for people like him. "I should be the one to tell Tiana and the children," he said softly, not really looking forward to the task ahead.

Zack and Mikel helped Maxim back to their old room, when the knock came at the door. A tearful looking Ramon stood at the door, "I need you to come with me please Zack. Your uncle has fallen and Tiana is understandably not taking it well, as the closest family member, I need you to explain to Anden what will be needed from him." Zack was not sure what to say, news his uncle was dead was a shock, and Ramon was already lining Anden up to take the throne.

Ramon must have sensed Zack's thoughts, "I know you may think I am being a little heartless Zack, but Anden needs to take his father's place as soon as possible. If the nation remains leaderless, what little cohesion we have left will fall apart." Zack nodded, he knew exactly what Ramon meant, yes, they had won a great victory, but that did not mean the fighting was over. The nation was still divided with itself, and without a king, the government would be the only leadership for the people to chose. Anden though was still a child, and although he was next in line, Zack was unsure as to whether people would follow a boy they barely knew. Despite all his reservations, he knew what he needed to do, and why Ramon wanted him to do it.

Zack turned to his friends, before relaying the news Ramon had just given him. Naturally, both Mikel and Maxim were both as shocked as he was, the latter of whom tried to get up, "I'll be fine Max...I need to go see Anden, I'll be back in a while, you should rest," he added before slowly turning for the door.

News that the king had fallen, spread quickly around Pitford, and although the people returning to their homes had been saved, they felt little reason to be jubilant. Not only had they lost their king, but also many of their friends and neighbours. The Kothians may have had their victory, but it had not come without a heavy price in lives.

The clean up needed to start almost immediately, and although many of the homes between the inner and outer walls had gone undamaged, there had been a number that had; mindlessly torched for no reason other than to cause damage. As well as the hundreds of bodies that were being removed, some of them little more than blackened carcases courtesy of Maxim, there were also the large breeches in the outer wall to repair. The enemy were still out there, and in large numbers, so many of the soldiers and guards would have little time to rest, before returning to their usual duties.

As the magicians all returned to the rooms they had called home since their arrival at Pitford, it soon became apparent just how many young lives had been lost. Where once there had been two or three young magicians to some rooms, there were now some bereft of any students at all. The small haven Ramon had created for them had ultimately achieved its goal, and although Kothia still remained undefeated, its very existence hung in the balance. For them to continue their fight they needed a leader to unite the people, and with Oran now gone, it would be left to his thirteen-year-old son to do just that. 

By evening, Pitford was once more as secure as it could be, with the breeches temporarily filled with piles of rubble, and the walls patrolled by the tired over worked soldiers. Several large fires burned outside the outer wall, as the bodies of the enemy were unceremoniously piled high and set alight, the flames crackling and dancing high into the night sky.

Connor was reunited with Maxim, and although the young elementalist had absolutely no idea what he was going to do with his new friend, it was his responsibility to look after him for now. Mikel was similarly lumbered with Tia, and Melia was left with Samuel, after Ramon had told them in no uncertain terms, he had far too much to do without worrying about Bosarian refugees. As a result, Melia at least was given a now vacant room next to the boys, so Samuel and Tia could be close together.

Zack had spent much of the afternoon and evening with his aunt and cousins, mainly in part with Anden. Ramon had tasked him with the job of explaining to the young prince what would now be expected of him. Tiana, his aunt had become so upset the healers had been forced to sedate her, and as such, she was now resting. The young princess Frena was clearly confused as to what had and was still going on. The death of her father had been explained as best they could to her, and although she had wept a flood of tears at the news, Zack was uncertain that she was fully aware her father was never coming back.

Anden had kept a brave face, and although there had been a few tears, the boy, only a few years younger than Zack, had remained calm. Ramon's instructions, although might have sounded uncaring, were to make sure the prince understood what was expected of him. A new king would have to crowned and in power within the next few days, and Anden needed to be ready. Despite the prince being bought up on the understanding he would one day be king, it was quickly apparent he was not ready to become one.

Anden had always been a happy child, and having such a privileged lifestyle, had ultimately left him with a certain naivety as to what life was actually like for others.  Zack had no time for niceties and told his younger cousin straight, that he needed to put the child behind him, and become a man. No more would he be able to wander off and play when he felt like it, or throw a strop because he could not have his own way. Zack was only too aware the general public would not follow a child king, that could not appreciate or understand, just how tough life actually was. They needed to show Anden off as a sympathetic, caring young man, who worked for the good of the people, not a spoiled brat who threw a strop every time somebody disagreed with him.

Zack as a young royal had been well schooled, in not only reading and writing, but also how government worked, or at least how it should work. Oran's sudden death had left him with a huge task; although one, he was strangely finding he was looking forward too. After leaving Anden to rest, Zack needed to seek out Ramon, and after strolling down the corridor a few yards, he realised he had not eaten. The ensuing battle between his will and his rumbling belly was quickly over as he picked up the pace and headed for the dining hall first.

After grabbing a few slices of ham and wedging it between two slices of bread, he jogged back up the steps towards Ramon's study. With half of his supper gone and a mouthful of food being chewed, he knocked on the door. Ramon shouted for him to enter which he duly did, as he took another bite.

It was immediately clear the seer was troubled by the events of late, and Zack noticed how drained and tired the man looked. He had gone there to discuss Anden and a few ideas he had thought of to help him. "Why don't we discuss it in the morning Ramon," Zack suggested not even bothering to sit himself down. He watched then as the man nodded wearily, "If you don't mind," he said rather weakly. Although Zack was also worn out, he felt a certain buzz, and excitement about how he could help, but he also knew the man before him was about to keel over from exhaustion, "Go to bed Ramon...be fresh and we can have an early start tomorrow."

Having made sure Ramon was actually going to retire for the evening, and not carry on working after he left, Zack made his own back to his room. On entering, he was surprised to see more people in there than he had expected. Melia was sat beside Mikel on one bed, and Maxim was sat beside Samuel on another, whilst Tia and Connor were happily playing near the fireplace with Shadow. "Oh hello," he said feeling a little disappointed he could not sit and talk with his friends.

Maxim was first to look up and gave his friend a smile, "Hi Zack, how did you get on?" he asked.

Zack shrugged, "Tiana is naturally upset, as is Frena, although I'm not sure she fully understands. Anden seems to be holding up...but we'll see how he is tomorrow when it hits home the enormity of what is happening to him."

"I'm sorry to hear about your loss," Samuel said, the first words Zack had actually heard him speak.

"Thank you Samuel, I hope you are feeling better," he replied.

The young Bosarian nodded, "Much better, Melia thinks I should make a full recovery," he added with a grin.

Zack was genuinely pleased for him, although left the conversation at that, as he sat down on the only vacant bed. Maxim then went on to explain that Samuel was a teleporter just like Zack, and although the young royal pretended to show an interest, he was not particularly bothered. Melia then piped up that she and their new friends were all sharing the room next door, and Zack noticed she was looking to him for a positive reaction. He gave her a warm-hearted smile, and thought having her just a few yards away was a comforting thought. He knew he needed his friends close, now so more than ever, although having earlier sent a message to his father, a part of him wished he was back home with his family.

Zack sat, almost ignoring the others in the room, and placed his head in his hands. The past week or two had certainly been traumatic, and he felt as if it was all finally getting the better of him. He was not sure how long he had sat like that, before he felt a comforting arm placed around his shoulders. "Are you okay Zack?" He heard Maxim say. He looked up with teary eyes, at the young man beside him, and nodded, "I'll be fine thanks Max."

"You know we are all here for you...If you need us to do anything," Melia added to the conversation as she walked over and sat the other side of him.

Mikel picked Tia up and carried her toward the door, and although the young girl was not overly happy about leaving his side, only being in the next room did placate her somewhat. The fact Melia was staying in there with her also helped matters, and having her new friend Connor and her brother Samuel as well, made it all seem bit of an adventure. Maxim was glad Connor had blended in so well, although the youngster still insisted on calling him Sir, and referring to him as his Master, something Maxim was keen to put a stop too.

With the younger members all gone to the next room, along with Melia, it was once more just the three lads, the way it had been since their arrival. As to what the future now held for each of them, none were quite certain. Mikel could still carry on his lessons with Katria, although he was unsure as to when she would be available for them. The elderly lady was currently being used to send her birds here, there and everywhere to scout the area or send messages.

Zack was not sure of the part he would be expected to play now Anden was taking the throne, although he would quite like to learn a few tricks Danton had displayed during their travels. Maxim had realised he was also now a bit of a conundrum. With his powers coming to the fore, did he really need Darion to instruct him? In truth, he was technically far more powerful than the man tutoring him.

Chapter 12.

Despite the early hour, Zack was sat in Ramon's office, it was barely light outside, and many of the occupants of Pitford were still asleep. The young royal had made a list of possible ideas to help Anden's rise to the throne of Kothia as easy as possible. With the ruling government of the nation completely opposed to the monarchy, they would have to make up something similar to help the crown prince rule. Fortunately, Ramon thought Zack's idea was a splendid one.

It was clear a good night's rest had helped Ramon, and the seer appeared at least to be back to his usual self. Having made a list of his own, the two ran through the others thoughts, before agreeing what needed to be done. First thing before anything else could move forward was to arrange a funeral for the dead king, and Ramon had set two days time for it to take place. The day after Anden would have to be crowned, and then Zack's plan of a High Council could be put in place.

The plan was to have regular meetings and discussions, with the High Council being made up of various heads of departments. Ramon would reside as head of the magical element, Commander Denny Porter as the highest ranked officer would oversee all military matters. Ramon tapped his fingers, as Zack explained each position, "I think Danton should be on the council as head of magic...I think I will have my hands full looking after the day to day running of this place." Zack paused, "I do think you should be on the council Ramon," he said, "People respect your opinions."

There was a short pause, as Ramon considered the words, "Fine...I'll sit on the council, as long as you do Zack." The young royal was a little surprised at the suggestion, "I'm not sure what I can offer," he eventually replied. Ramon smiled, "I think you could sit aside Anden as his Royal Advisor. It is already quite clear to me that your knowledge in how things work would come in use, and he needs someone he knows and trusts close by." Zack shrugged, if Ramon thought him good enough for the position then he would gladly take up the role.

There were still a few roles that Ramon would have to find people to fill, as Zack added another couple of positions. They would need someone trustworthy to keep track of the Royal purse and the treasury, to which Ramon added another. "We need Anden protected," he said before pausing a while not sure whether he should say the next part, "What do you think to Darion as Anden's personal guard." Zack nearly spat out the tea he was sipping, before composing himself and placing the cup back down on to the saucer. "Sorry Ramon, but you cannot be serious...surely?" he eventually replied. Ramon grimaced, knowing it was probably not his best idea, but had not been able to come up with a better alternative. "The man may be ...a little annoying...maybe even sometimes rude, but he is the most powerful fighter we have. You must admit, I can think of no one better qualified for the job."

Zack picked his cup back up and took another sip of his drink, whilst deep in thought. The answer to the problem was much simpler than he had realised, although Ramon was correct in the fact that Darion was indeed a great fighter, with magical skills second to none...except perhaps one. "Ramon what do you think to Darion having a position alongside Danton. You know to teach us younger magicians the best ways to use our skills in a battle situation." He held a pause whilst he let the Seer think about his suggestion, before adding the next part. "Surely the most powerful magician should indeed be asked to keep Anden safe from harm...That would surely be Maxim."

The young royal and Ramon stared at each other for a few moments, "I had thought of him Zack, but discounted him on the basis he loses control to easily." Zack immediately jumped to the defence of his friend, "No Ramon...Something has changed. I mean since his kidnapping and his return...I don't know what." Ramon held his hand up to his chin, pondering deep in thought, "Now you mention it, he did not need you to calm him when he helped out at Denley...or come to mention it when he did likewise yesterday when he used the whole wall of flame thing," he added waving his hand as if giving a visualisation.

Ramon slapped his hand down on the table, not in an aggressive manner, but one that gave the impression he had made an important decision. "Right you are...Darion can work with Danton...Maxim can be the Royal Protector...providing he wants to of course," Ramon added. Zack smiled, he was quite certain Maxim would only be too pleased to accept such an important role.

With the roles and personnel sorted out for the High Council, the pair moved on to the fact they needed to arrange Oran's funeral. As a rule, kings who had passed away were buried in a crypt below the streets of Berxsley. As doing so was currently out of the question, Ramon suggested they bury Oran's body in the small garden at the back of the keep, and marking the spot with a marble headstone. Zack nodded thinking it a good idea, as Ramon continued on at pace.  Once the funeral arrangements were sorted, they moved onto the coronation of their new king; the location, what time, who should be allowed, the feast afterwards had clearly all been thought out in every detail by Ramon.

Just as Zack was beginning to think they had finished and covered everything, he was about to stand to leave. He needed to ask Maxim about taking the role as Anden's Protector, as well as tell the others about his meeting with Ramon. "What about your father Zack? He will not thank you for missing his brother's funeral or indeed his nephew's coronation." Zack sighed; he had longed to see his family again, especially in these trying times. "How can he get here in less than two days?" he asked. Ramon smiled, "I think you have an answer to that and are familiar with the person who might be able to help you."

"Maxim!" Zack said thinking aloud, bringing a smile to his face, "I need to go...Thank you Ramon...I'll be back before you know it," he said with a certain excitement. Ramon grinned and waved his hand towards the door, as if to say go on then.

Zack walked quickly down the corridor, almost breaking into a jog as the thought he could see his family in just a few hours time was now firmly planted in his mind. He stopped suddenly, as another less appealing thought popped into his head. If he were indeed going to teleport his father to Pitford, then he would also need Darion's help, just as they had done when rescuing Oran. Despite that not very pleasant consideration, he set off with a skip and a spring in his step and headed for his room.

As he was about to push the door open, he paused when he realised they already had company. He could already hear Connor and Tia playing around inside, and he sighed at the prospect of having to talk over their noise. On entering, the youngsters looked up briefly before carrying on the game they were playing with Shadow. The wolf was pretending to crouch and sneak up behind them, before jumping up in front, which Tia especially found hilariously funny. Mikel was sat up contently watching them, and who, Zack noticed, was still in his nightshirt.  He then turned to where his friend Maxim was sat at the table, talking to the lad known as Samuel, who looked up to see who was stood at the door.

Zack smiled and walked over to join them, squeezing in alongside Maxim. "Can I talk with you in private?" he asked as his friend cast him a smile. Maxim nodded and immediately went to stand, "Shall we walk?" he gestured to Zack who was still just making himself comfortable.  As Maxim stood, Samuel waved a hand, "I'll speak to you again later?" the young Bosarian asked. Maxim nodded, "Yes Sam, if you don't mind waiting twenty minutes, we can all go down to get some breakfast."

Zack stood and realised even in the few hours he had missed with his friends, he was already missing out on them forging new friendships. He felt a certain jealousy as he watched Maxim give a wave back to Samuel, and suddenly had an unpleasant thought. If Maxim no longer needed him at hand to calm him down, would their close friendship be under threat, especially as it was already evidently clear Maxim and Samuel were getting along so well.

The two walked slowly, as Zack started by explaining his meeting with Ramon, and the plans they had decided to implement.  Maxim seemed to show an interest as he explained, although Zack held off the main points until the end. He stopped, and Maxim did likewise, with a look of confusion as to why they had stopped walking. "You wish to ask something of me?" The young elementalist asked almost sensing his friend was holding something back. Zack gave a wry smile, before explaining he had volunteered Maxim for the role of Royal Protector, before waiting for a response. Although Maxim was unsure what a Royal Protector actually did, if Zack thought him suitable then he had little option but to accept. "Of course I will...I would be honoured...what exactly will I have to do?" Zack chuckled, before explaining he would basically have to be at the king's side during any public meeting or events, and if anything untoward happened, it would be up to Maxim to protect him.

Once that was explained in detail, Maxim expected them to continue their walk, although he could sense Zack had something else to ask. "I wondered if you might help me visit my father...today. I think he would appreciate being brought back for the funeral...oh and the coronation when that takes place," Zack said speaking a little more quickly than he usually did. Maxim shrugged his shoulders, clearly not seeing it as a problem, "Sure, when shall we go?" Zack grimaced, "Well I think we will need Darion as well...Only I'm not quite sure how to ask." Maxim came up with the answer almost immediately, "Perhaps Samuel can help...I think he'll be well enough to do it," he said pleased with his suggestion.

Zack grimaced just a little, "Hmm... I'm not sure he is powerful enough Max...besides which, I am certain we do not have time to teach him how to link." Maxim however was of quite the opposite opinion. "Come on Zack, let us go get some breakfast and then I'll explain to Sam how it all works...I think as long as we take our time we will be fine." Zack realised Maxim was probably right, and having Samuel aid them rather than Darion, would at least make the journey free from the stream of snide remarks that were usually aimed at him.

After returning to their room, the whole group headed the short distance down the corridor toward the dining hall. Zack had already been up several hours, and was feeling absolutely famished, having not had time to eat anything before his early morning meeting with Ramon. Shadow followed dutifully behind the others, always alert, always watchful of anybody that passed them by.

They found the dining hall mostly bereft of people, aside from a few students thinly spread around the large room seemingly content to eat their breakfast in peace and quiet. As this was the first time Connor, Tia and Samuel had actually used the facility, the younger ones at least appeared excited for the new concept. Mikel for one however was disappointed there was no choice of food as the young lady serving them gave them a very limited menu. With everything that had gone on, the breakfast contained either porridge or toast, with black tea or water to drink. Even Shadow, who was usually given a large slab of fresh red meat, had to settle for bowls of scraps. "No wonder everyone in here seems to have lost the will to live," Mikel commented as he picked a spoonful of thick porridge up letting it drop back into the bowl.

Zack listened in, as Maxim, sat beside Samuel, and explained in detail what they intended to do. Samuel although still clearly affected by the injuries that had almost taken his life, had made excellent progress, although Zack still doubted the young Bosarian's ability to help with what he needed. Maxim was clearly convinced however, and as such, Zack was left with no choice but to go with it, although whatever he thought, having Samuel still had to be a better option than having to endure Darion.

Once breakfast was done, Zack went and packed a few items for their trip, whilst leaving Maxim and Samuel together to practice linking. Connor appeared content enough to remain behind with Mikel and Melia, and seemed happy enough to be left playing with Tia and Shadow, who appeared to lap up the attention the youngsters gave him.

After walking from the keep, through the gates in the inner wall, and out into the town, they could see the clear up operation was in full swing. Hundreds of people were out in the streets clearing away the mess left behind. Although the majority of the bodies had been removed the previous evening, there were still discarded weapons and supplies lying around the place. It was Samuel who noticed the cobbled stones upon which they walked, freshly stained with the blood of the fallen. Zack looked down as it was pointed down out to him, and winced at the thought he was stood on the very same spot, someone had died upon just a day earlier.

Once they were through the outer gates, heavily guarded but open, they stood staring off in to the distance. Maxim stood in the middle, and took Zack's hand first, before turning to Samuel and encapsulating his fingers around his. "Okay Zack when you are ready. You are in control, just allow Samuel a little time to focus," Maxim said feeling the both of his friends connecting to the fine trickle of power he was sending them. Zack nodded, and looked over to Samuel as if to ask if he was ready, and the young Bosarian nodded to the affirmative.