King Relam raised his hands for silence and an expectant hush fell over those assembled. The king smiled tiredly, and looked out across the sea of faces.
“It has been a trying year,” he began. “My father’s death, followed by a bloody war. Hardly the way a new king wants to begin his rule.
“But, thanks especially to the efforts of a particular few, we have come through this war and are now stronger than ever before!”
The people cheered wildly, and it was some time before order was restored.
“Many men gave their lives in defense of this country,” Relam continued. “Many died who should have lived. We clung to peace and shut our eyes and we paid the price with this war. That is a mistake we will not make again.”
A slightly confused and decidedly hesitant round of applause followed, with many of the listeners conferring with their neighbors to determine the meaning behind the king’s words.
“But more of that later,” Relam said. “It is time to recognize our heroes. Lord Janis Kurkan, step forward.”
Muttering swept through the crowd. Khollo heard the word ‘warmongering’ whispered by several. He grimaced in disgust at their ignorance.
Janis emerged from the crowd, ascended the dais slowly, and knelt before Relam. The young king rested his hands on Janis’ shoulders.
“Lord Kurkan, you have the most humble apologies of the realm. We are forever in your debt for your service in this war and for your . . . aggressive vigilance as lord of the West Bank. As a result of your heroism, I confer on you the position of Royal Military Advisor, so that your concerns on military matters may never fall on deaf ears again. And, as the master of the only surviving settlement of the Renlor Basin, I name you lord over all of its lands. Rule them well.”
The crowd applauded politely, but, truth be told, they were still unsure of what to make of the new advisor. He was something of a rebel in their eyes, difficult to control, obeying no law but his own. It would take time for the effect of the warmongering rumors to wear off.
Janis rose, bowed, and retreated to a position behind the king. Relam smiled and held up a hand for silence again.
“Next, cadets Sermas and Hern.”
The two cadets elicited a buzz of conversation as they ascended to the dais. They were young, younger than most had expected, and many were wondering where the two-meter tall broadsword-wielding heroes they had expected were. Khollo grinned as the cadets knelt before the king, heads bowed.
Relam drew his ceremonial sword. “Through your service and prowess in battle, you have earned that which you have sought since you first decided to become cadets.” He raised his sword and tapped each cadet on each shoulder and on his bowed head. “Rise, Sermas and Hern, knights of the Sthan Kingdom. If you so wish, you may join my personal guard.”
The crowd exploded with noisy celebration as the two cadets rose and bowed gratefully to King Relam, beaming with happiness. Khollo smiled and applauded as well, glad that his friends had realized their dreams at last. They had more than earned it, in his unbiased opinion.
“There is one last matter to be dealt with,” King Relam announced. “Khollo and Kanin, please step forward and join me.”
The crowd smartly made a path for Khollo and Kanin. The whispering started up again immediately. Khollo heard bits and snatches as he moved towards the dais.
“Barbaric that one . . . who wears armor like that?”
“Look at the size of that beast!”
“D’you think it ever breathes fire on accident?”
“What do you think the king will do with ‘em?”
“I’ve heard the boy breathes fire just like the dragon does!”
“Don’t be a fool, humans can’t breathe fire! But I have heard that he can talk to his dragon same way I talk to you.”
Finally, they were standing before King Relam. Khollo bowed respectfully, but Kanin merely studied the king intently. Dragons were not fond of bowing to tiny beings such as humans.
“Khollo and Kanin,” Relam began softly. “I owe you more than any man has ever owed the Keepers. You saved my kingdom, my people, and me. Without you, all would be ashes and the vertaga would have won.”
“But as I understand it, I have no hold on you, and can offer no position or power to you within this kingdom. You are meant to exist beyond the arm of the Sthan, to remain apart, and so you will.”
Khollo inclined his head gravely. He knew that this was difficult for Relam, to let them go.
“So, that means I can only give you two things,” Relam continued. “First, my blessing. I hope you will both live long and fulfilling lives, wherever that takes you.”
“Thank you, King Relam,” Khollo said softly.
Relam nodded. “Second, I give you my fealty.” He bowed deeply. “The Sthan Kingdom will serve the Order of Keepers once more, in return for your continued protection and guidance.” He straightened, smiling. “Go, Khollo, Master Keeper, and Kanin, Leader of Dragons. Rebuild your Order so that peace may stretch the width and breadth of this world once more.”
The crowd was stunned for a moment, unsure what any of what Relam said had meant. One thing was clear to them. The king had just placed Khollo in a position of authority even greater than his own, an outrageous reward even for the vanquisher of the vertaga. Then, one man in the crowd bowed, then another, then a cluster of peasants around them. Then a thin man in florid robes, who was standing behind the king. Khollo glanced at him in
