Chapter 50 King Theon the VI
King Theon the VI
The king paced with purpose through the grand halls, his footsteps echoing against the polished floors. Each step carried an air of impatience, resonating with the weight of his royal presence. His cloak billowed behind him as he ascended the regal staircase, emphasizing his haste.
Slamming through the ornate double doors of the war room, he pushed them open with a resolute hand. The room had maps, scattered battle plans, books on the walls, and a sizeable, elongated table. The candlelight flickered, casting a warm glow adding an aura of solemnity to the space.
Two of the four individuals standing around the table bowed their heads as he entered. All of them spoke “Your Grace” simultaneously.
The king, Theon, looked around and saw his first-in-command, Commander Latimer, standing by his chair, with Officer Cross beside him.
“This meeting has been long overdue.” He spoke, crossing the room and sitting in the chair at the end of the table. “Officer Cross.” He waved him forward. “I want to thank you for your service personally. The information you provided regarding Miss. Rothwen has been beneficial.”
“It is my pleasure, Your Grace. Thank you for entrusting me with such a task.” Officer Cross bowed his head. His dreads tied in a knot behind his head fell over his shoulder. “It truly was Commander Latimer that set everything into motion. I am only sorry I could not stop her before…”
Theon waved his hand, leaning back into the chair. “You are merely human in a world of Magic and gods. What would you have done?” A backhanded comment, but he cared little.
“I’ve asked you all here, General Olaniyan of the Order, Commander Rhain Eirwyn of my Eagles.
” One of two females sitting at the table, a full-blooded Elf with striking features, bowed her head towards him.
“Officer Cross, my first Commander of the White Cloaks, Latimer, and”— his eyes narrowed on the first—“Elder Fae, Jaakobai Lazuli.” He trained his eyes on the female beside him.
“The Goddess of War has graced us with her presence.” In human form, the woman had hair that fell to the floor, its blonde color striking against her pale skin.
“Your Grace,” Jaakobai said with a slight bow.
The goddess did not speak, just stared at him.
“We all have a problem here, and I will be frank, I am at a loss at whose fault it is.” He leaned back. “The only reason the gods would grace us here would be due to some involvement of your kind.”
“While I am here with peaceful intentions, do not test my resolve.” She spoke, her eyes bearing down on him.
Theon only laughed, his eyes moving to the Fae. “Elder Fae, words cannot express this kingdom’s gratitude for your involvement in the war. You saved countless lives with your heroism.”
Jaakobai bowed his head. “It was the least we could do. My son, who is now missing, helped Thall kill my grandfather Helio, giving him the Magic to summon and control the army we fought to destroy.” He was clearly upset, the expression on his face burdened with the new title of Elder Fae.
“He also was involved with the girl who killed my father, with whatever power she has.”
Theon shook his head. “I am truly sorry for your loss.”
Jaakobai only bowed his head.
“My son.” Commander Rhain Eirwyn spoke next. “Do we have any news?” Her question was directed towards the goddess.
“He has not moved on; I am not sure what that means. He was dead last I saw both him and the girl.”
Staying impossibly straight, she sat back.
Theon continued, “I have promised pardon for him if he were to have made it through with your loyalty during this difficult time.”
“That creature seduced him,” she hissed through her teeth and immediately returned to a stoic position. “My apologies, Your Grace, I am out of my headspace here.”
“We all are.” General Olaniyan placed his hand over the Commander’s, and she pulled it away instantly.
Jaakobai cleared his throat, drawing the attention back to him. “My army is at the ready to seek her out and destroy her.”
The king nodded but looked at the goddess. “Tell me what she is.”
With resolve, she clicked her tongue. “She was mistakenly given the gods power, along with that of Death’s Light. She holds half the power that Rah did nearly seven thousand years ago.” She stood from the table, looking at Jaakobai. “You will not be able to kill her.”
“Was it Death that she unleashed on our people?” It was the Commander of his Eagles that spoke.
There was a brief pause before she spoke. “No.”
Moving away from the table, she turned her back to them. “I must get back; a trial is pending my return.”
The king narrowed his eyes at her. “We cannot allow her to walk free. What happened with the treaty of gods and mortals: No treading on our lands, and we do not set free against Parádeisos?”
She shot him a warning glance. “We do not take kindly to your threats. We are dealing with the problem on our side. You will do well to remember that she, once human, stood before you asking for help. If you had taken her claims more seriously, things may have turned out differently.” Turning her head away, she placed her hand in the air, and a portal opened.
“Now that she has…” The goddess spoke, but cut herself off.
“She has what?” It was Commander Latimer who spoke, surprising the king.
“I have said too much. Do not summon me again.” Then she was gone, as if she hadn’t been there just moments before.
He cursed, throwing his arms up in exasperation.
“Women...” The General and Elder Fae chuckled, but he was surprised that Officer Cross and Commander Latimer did not join in.
“Officer Cross, though I find it peculiar, you are fortunate to prefer the company of men. Women are too emotional.” Laughter erupted from the men in the room—all besides Cross and Latimer.
“Lighten up, you two. It’s fine to have a laugh with your king. ”
Turning his attention to Jaakobai, he asked, “Do you know what Thall was after? Miss. Rothwen mentioned that he was after something that could only be obtained with your grandfather’s Magic.”
Jaakobai shrugged his shoulders and looked up at him. “He believed that you have the Book of Vespera.”
“Why in the hell would I have that cursed book?” He laughed, his stomach smacking against the table.
“Your Grace, I meant no disrespect. He believed the book to be here in the Keep.” Jaakobai paused, looking around the table, then back to him. “We all know about the book, so I will spare a history lesson—”
Clearing his throat was the General. “Maybe a small reminder would do us well.”
Theon would have been remiss if he had admitted to not knowing about the Book of Vespera, so he was grateful for the General’s lack of knowledge.
“Of course, the Book of Vespera, along with its sister Aurora, was created by Rah during the Reshaping. Vespera accounts for the before, whereas Aurora recites the future.”
Visibly taken aback, Theon sat forward. “The future?”
Jaakobai nodded. “Vespera was thought to have been sealed in Howl, but I can confirm we have never seen it.”
It was Commander Rhain Eirwyn who asked, “And Aurora?”
“Is said to be in Ilkiz, which I do believe is where our little princess is headed,” Jaakobai said with a pleased smile.
Theon cursed, smacking his hands against the table. “That witch will destroy us all.” His eyes shot to Jaakobai, then. “Send your army; do what you must to bring her back for her justice. Or simply, her death.”
Jaakobai was standing then, ready to leave, when Commander Latimer spoke again.
“Your Grace.” He was down on one knee, his face hidden. “Allow me to retrieve the girl.”
The Fae laughed without humor. “What will you do, mere human, ask her nicely to come for her justice?” The mockery in his tone caused both Latimer and Cross to shift, their armor creaking in response.
Theon shot a look that was not to be trifled with. Even though Jaakobai had not only his Magic, but that of his father and grandfather, he was still king; Jaakobai would learn his place.
“She has taken a liking to me, and I believe I can sway her to return for… trial. We can turn the tides and trap her if I convince her to prove her innocence. It will also give you time to find a way to kill her.” He looked at the king then.
“Give me time, and I will bring her to you, Your Grace, whole, or just her head.”
That made the king smile. “Jaakobai, be prepared for my summoning. I trust Commander Latimer with my life, and this kingdom. He will bring me the girl.”
He looked at both Officer Cross and Commander Latimer. “You both will leave immediately.”
“With respect, Your Grace. Officer Cross should stay by your side. I will send correspondence to him, informing you of my progress.” Commander Latimer had always been loyal to him, proving he had made the right choice in selecting him to be by his side.
Once again, the king’s smile widened. “Let the hunt begin.”