Mark of the Fool

Chapter 574: The Royals

As Alex spent more time with Hannahs power, he also found that his senses for teleportation magic grew ever sharper.

Where he could feel when someone was using teleportation spells before, and guess roughly where they would appear, now, he could also sense where they were coming from.

He felt waves of heat drifting from the middle of the courtyard as if a window had been opened leading from a much hotter place. Vague floral scents, aromas of spices, incense and sea water tickled his nostrils, and the image of a grand room somewhere distant briefly flashed in his vision.

He sensed that the teleportation magic originated from somewhere far south, andwith more practisehe might even be able to guess how far away an origin point was.

The magic peaked and something drew closer, travelling across the planes.

Nine figures suddenly materialised in the courtyard.

The first was a tall and lanky wizard suffused in teleportation magic, he was accompanied by eight guards. Striking white dreadlocks flowed down narrow shoulders, bushy brows protruded from a smooth forehead, and his snow white robes nearly matched his locks. Only the colour of his slippers stood in bold contrast to his garb and hairdeep golden and sparklingas they hovered above the earth while the wizard floated a few inches above it.

Teleportation magic flared again as he muttered the words of his spell and vanished, leaving the guards behind.

Without hesitating and with practised discipline, the warriors spread out, moving to establish a perimeter around the centre of the courtyard. These were large men and women, who moved with the smoothness of graceful fighters. Alex felt mana emanating from each piece of armour and weaponry they carried, some wielded long polearms that looked to be a cross between a knife-edged spear, and a wizards staff.

These guards were likely the king and queens battle mages, and beside them stood warriors whose armour bore the holy symbols of Tekezashs pantheon.

War priests.

Alex let out a low whistle. Since coming to Generasi, hed seen more warriors, war mages, and warrior priests than the average Thamelander would ever see in their entire life, but he still marvelled at how impressive and intimidating these royal protectors looked.

It wasnt surprising that the finest security accompanied the monarchs, and proof of that came when the wizard appeared and disappeared four more times, transporting a total of forty elite warriors to the courtyard. They joined the other guards, spreading out, taking strategic positions until they formed a ring of enchanted steel and death. They watched Khaliks group approaching, remaining as still as statues.

In their midst, the teleporter drew a deep breath, his voice booming. Heralding their majesties, King Aksuma Behr-Medr and Queen Ishtar Behr-Medr!

He abruptly vanished.

Here we go, Khalik whispered, drawing himself up to his full height.

Alex imagined what the princes parents might look like. Would his father simply be a larger, older version of Khalik, impossibly more muscular and imposing? He could imagine that his mother must be a beauty: a queen that one read or heard about in fairy tales and bards tales, where queens and princesses were always the most beautiful woman in the world.

The teleportation magic flared again, interrupting Alexs thoughts, and the objects of his imaginings appeared in the courtyard a heartbeat later, flanking the wizardand completely surprising the young Thameish wizard.

Both were tall and leanwhich hed presumed that they would be considering Khaliks heightwith the princes mother being as tall as Isolde and having a willowy build, while his father nearly matched Khaliks height. But thats where the physical similarities ended. Unlike his son, King Aksuma didnt look like he spent too much time, if any, sculpting his body. He was a thin man who looked like hed be far more at home handling books, than heavy weights.

Their physiques had already shattered Alexs preconceived ideas, but their clothing then dashed any notions hed conjured in his mind of how the monarchs would be dressed. In his imaginationthe king and queenwere wearing clothing of spun gold, with gems dripping from every inch of fabric. Hed also thought theyd have golden crowns on their heads that were so big, thatwell, theyd probably snap the necks of anyone wearing them.

The king and queen were actually dressed far more plainly. While platinum bracers encircled their forearms, their clothing was muted and spun from fabrics like linen or cotton, not gold threads. At first glance, they looked like the sort of garb that any traveller would wear, but a closer look showed something more; their clothes were tailored with precision, with better detailing than the custom tailored clothing Baelin or the city counsellors who frequented his bakery, wore.

Selina gasped softly, interrupting his train of thought.

He followed her gaze to Queen Ishtar, focusing on her face. A long scar ran from the left side of her chin, stretching all the way down her neck.

It looked like a burn.

Thats odd, he thought. The kind of healing miracles that any king or queen would have access to could easily fix a scar like that. Maybe she wants to keep itI wonder why?

Before he could dwell further, prince Khalik stepped forward and bowed, giving his parents the same salute the servants had given him. Isolde curtsied deeply, and the othersas though pulled from a trancebowed and curtsied in deference. King Aksuma and Queen Ishtar! the royal guards shouted in unison. Long may they reign!

My son. It is so good to see you. Queen Isthar stepped forward, her smile lighting up her face. Alex found himself mentally apologising to the bards who kept calling every queen the most beautiful woman in the world; because when Khaliks mother smiled, it was like the sun had come out.

And it has been too long. She pulled her son from his bow, wrapping him in a tight hug and kissing his forehead. Much, much too long.

It has, mother. Khalik hugged her back. Indeed it has.

King Aksuma clapped a hand on his sons shoulder. The first words out of his mouth were: Have you been feeding Najyah well?

With a wry smile, Khalik emerged from his mothers hug. Najyah would not have it any other way, father.

The queen rolled her eyes. Truly, Akkie? You ask about the bird before you greet your own son properly?

Look at him. He squeezed Khaliks shoulder. The man is an ox: I can see he is eating well. So I ask about Najyah, and now that I know, we can go back home and away from this icy weather, as far as I am concerned, the king joked, wrapping himself in his cloak and shuddering. It has been some time since I have ventured so far north. I had actually forgotten how devilishly cold the gods made these climes.

Alexs eyebrows rose. I wonder what hed think of the weather in Thameland.

With respect, father. Khalik glanced up at Najyah, who was flying toward them as though all the world depended on her arrival. You are spoiled, and you have ruined Najyah as well. Remember that I will have to deal with her gluttonous nature when you depart. You do not make life easy for me.

And I also spoil Sembrouthes' familiar, and when he is wed, I will do the same to his children. King Aksuma smiled proudly. And when I am finished ruining your elder brothers heirs, I will do the same to you when you are wed and have children of your own, as is my right as king and grandfather.

For a moment, an uncomfortable look passed over Khaliks face, but his father didnt seem to notice; he was too busy smiling up at a certain diving eagle.

The queen however, was watching Khalik closely, and raised an eyebrow.

As though punctuating the kings point, Najyah fluttered from the sky and landed on Khaliks shoulder, nuzzling her head in the kings waiting hand. The scowl of dismay on the princes face was so obvious, that Alex almost burst out laughing.

See this? Khalik gestured to his familiar. Here she is, using me as a perch while she nuzzles you.

Because she misses me, King Aksuma said proudly, reaching into his belt pouch and feeding Najyah bits of meat. And you are built like a mountain, so she might as well use you as a perch instead of breaking one of my poor shoulders.

Aha! So you admit that she can become overly round, like she was on her way to being before we left home! Khalik gestured to the bird. ThenI beg of youfather, please dont spoil her while you are here.

I cannot promise you anything.

Khalik. Queen Ishtars gaze had shifted from her son to the group behind him. Did you remove your manners from your memory to make room for your many lessons in magic? Introduce us to your friends!

Apologies, mother, I was trying to stop father from ruining my familiar. The prince gestured to his companions. These are the members of my cabalAlex Roth, Thundar, Son of Gulbiff; Lady Isolde von Anmutand my friends Selina Roth, Claygon, Theresa Lu and her protector, Brutus.

Again, Alex and his companions bowed, with Isolde, Theresa and Selina curtseying; the young noblewoman had reminded everyoneexcept Khalik, of coursehow to properly bow and curtsey to royalty.

King Aksuma took in all of Khaliks friendsand then immediately shifted his attention to Brutus. By the gods, this is a most handsome beast. Absolutely fabulous! He kneeled downmuch to Najyahs protestsand offered him some of her meat. The eagle protested even louder.

He glanced at Theresa. May I?

She cleared her throat. Er, yes, your majesty.

The cerberus gave the familiar a look that Alex thought seemed to taunt her, then immediately padded over to the king as though theyd been best friends all their lives.

With a touch of bitterness, Alex remembered how long it had taken the hound to even give him the time of day.

He and Najyah exchanged a look.

Thank you, your majesty, I think hes fabulous too, the huntress bowed her head.

Yes indeed: I can see he is well loved and well cared for. He looked at Theresa closely. Would he happen to be your familiar.

She shifted her weight. No, your Majesty.

Alex looked away, concentrating on keeping his face blank.

Ah, a pity. King Aksuma turned back to Brutus.

The queen sighed. I apologise for my husband: keeping and taming beasts is something between a hobby and an obsession with him. He has no less than three familiars back home.

Who I did not bring, he said defensively, petting two of the cerberus heads. I would not divide my attention from Najyah that way since I have not seen her for so long. He smiled up at the eagle. Your mother is well, by the way.

Najyah made a soft, cooing sound.

Khalik made a choking noise. Again? Did you come to visit me, or Najyah, father?

Why not both? the king said innocently. A king must love all of his people: can he not love his son, and his sons familiar? I watched you both grow up, after all.

The queen rolled her eyes, giving Khaliks friends another apologetic look. I swear, he can be serious. I swear it.

Animal husbandry is a fine hobby, your majesties, Isolde said.

No, do not say that, it will go to his head, which will make it much too swollen for his crown, the queen said.

Alex wasnt sure if laughing at the kings head was grounds for beheading, so he simply smiled.

Yeah, your m-majesties, I uh, wellI Stammered a tongue-tied Thundar.

Oh my, the queen laughed. Well arent you positively adorable?

Beneath his fur, Alex was sure Thundar had turned redder than a cranberry.

Mercifullyfor the minotaurthe queen shifted her attention, looking down at Selina. She gave the young girl another sunny smile. Well, I can see, here is one with a spark. If I remember correctly, Roth has a Rhinenean origin, meaning red. Like flowers or flame or the sun. Selina, I believe, has something to do with the heavens, brightness, and serenity. You have a beautiful name, my child. Like a heavenly flame.

Selina stammered. T-thanks, your majesty, she quickly looked down.

Alex inwardly cringed.

Khalik looked stricken, talking fast. Let us go inside, shall we? The day is cold.

Yes, that is an excellent idea! King Aksuma said, drawing his cloak tighter around himself.

The queen looked at Selina for a long moment. Come, let us go in. I have a great need to know all the things you have been up to, Khalik. As well as news of the upcoming Games of Roal.

Her eyes finally left Selina as everyone followed the royals inside.

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