“Oh, dear. Oh, dear. Oh, dear. This will simply NOT do at all! Whatever is that lackadaisical seamstress thinking??” These human women got so worked up about their clothes’ appearance, they appeared frightened and ghastly themselves, Eldren noted as he filled his sharp-toothed mouth with more leftover leg of….something that was on the latest platter of food the guards and servants brought. He sat on Mordred’s bed, getting it stained from the food. The covers and sheets had already been changed since they slept in this room the previous night. Mordred snored. Eldren protested but gave in and did the same.
Full meal, cool Palace room, servants at their beck and call. New clothes. Baths drawn. Yes, the goblin mused. I could get used to this. Until the humans revealed their trap. His suspicions were an old habit like sitting on Mordred’s bed making a mess with breakfast, waiting for him to get in trouble over it. That was another problem that Eldren had with these humans in particular. They were so ambitious about picking up after them that he couldn’t find anything to blame on the big ox. He tossed away the leg bone, narrowly missing the tray before one of the nervous women moved it to catch the remains. Without a word, she moved out the door and down to wherever they went.
“Eldren, what was that for?” Mordred stood next to him, fists on his hips.
“Mother-henning is not your strong suit.”
It was Mordred’s turn to roll his eyes. He picked up the newly laundered and altered clothes and started changing. “Are you getting dressed yet? We meet the Empress in a candlemark.”
Eldren looked himself over. “No, I’m already dressed.” He said, with grease stains from the meat and drops of mead on his travel-worn shirt. He sucked at his fingers, getting all of that wonderful taste that he could before one of those nervous guards came in and did it for him. “Humans are disgusting.”
“So are goblins.”
“Alright, fancy-boy. I’ll get changed. Don’t get your skirt in an uproar.” Eldren moved off the bed, a definite outline of meat grease, melted butter and mead where he spent the morning. He started to grab his gifted clothes but Mordred slapped his hand, and pointed to the bathing room and the water pump to wash himself off. “You really have gotten some nerve since you got to be all buddy-buddy with the Empress.”
“Enough! Enough!” It was the loudest he had heard Mordred shout without turning into his bear-self. “And don’t tell me that you were just joking. I’ve had enough jokes! Eldren, I don’t know what’s happening. I don’t know why the Empress has summoned us here, I don’t know why a ghost that probably helped cause the Heavenly Rebellion paid us a visit. All that I know is….our Empress called us here. We’re treated like royalty ourselves despite acting like rude animals…. Okay, in your terms, FRIEND, you’ve got free room and food, a bath, which you could still use again, nicer clothes than you’ve seen in a long time and a room in THE PALACE OF THE EMPRESS. Understand?”
Eldren paused. He almost told his long-time young friend that he was forced here. But he knew that was wrong. He was along for the free ride. Mordred was right. He just now realized as well that Mordred was not the child that he rescued from slavery many years ago. He was a little on the dim side, but he was probably smarter than most humans older than him.
He stepped in front of the young Denoan, “Okay. You’re right. I’ve been a purple ass. I’m on royal ground and I need to act like it. I’ll go get ready and see you in a few moments.”
Mordred watched him step away, taking the pile of clothes he was given and walk to the changing room. He couldn’t believe what he just saw and heard. He’s never known Eldren to be this polite, calm and reasonable before. Time to be worried. Mordred followed the guards’ motion to go to the other changing room, bathing room to clean up and get dressed for the royal meeting. Some servant or something or whatever began to scrub Mordred’s broad back, but he shook his head no and took the soap and brush. No matter where he was, he didn’t feel right about having things done for him. He now found royalty even stranger than he thought. He still considered Eldren’s change of tone and action. Something wasn’t right. He was Mordred’s friend, mentor, merchant partner for…some years now. He was invited with him to this reception of the Empress, so it’s not like he’s dead weight.
He finished up quickly, dried himself off, and began dressing, shoes included. Why was everything so snug? He ate well yesterday and this morning, but he couldn’t have gotten fat already. Eldren ate more than him, but he was still skinny. No telling with goblins. He stepped out, saw a tall mirror. An actual body-height mirror. He saw one once at a traveling fair that he and Eldren set up near. It looked like some ornery wizard cast a spell over Mordred, shape-shifting his body in lumps and sticks. This one was nicer. Showed just how snug his finery was. Showing off…more than he was used to. This was the Palace, after all. He knocked on the other changing and bathing room door. “Eldren? Did you dissolve after getting all of the dirt off of you?”
No answer. Curiouser and curiouser, like a scroll writer that Mordred read once. “Eldren?” Before he could knock, the door popped open and there appeared the cleanest, the least grumpiest form of Eldren he had seen yet.
“Close your mouth, Mordred. That’s not a pretty sight to bring to Her Majesty.” He didn’t make eye contact, he straightened his doublet, brushed off his puffed-up looking sleeves, and tried not to look overly uncomfortable in this silk. He was glad Eldren wasn’t making eye contact. He would miss Mordred’s face turning bright red, giving it his best effort to keep from exploding with laughter.
“Yes, my liege.” was all he could express without folding over in half.
“Mordred?”
“Yes, my liege?”
“Shut up.”
“Of course, my Lord. My most sincere apologies, my Lord.”
Eldren gave one of his typical sighs. Mordred knew everything was going to be okay now.
Even with the gold and green dressed guards and Noblemen and Ladies waiting to escort them to Her Royal Presence.
“Your Majesty. The two outsiders are prepared and on their way.”
“Thank you, Yesel.” Marlina said aloud, but didn’t look at him. That, he knew, was his cue to leave. She knew they were and what they were doing. The Stone told Her everything. With all that Aa’l’iatia told Her through the Stone, she knew what was going on in Her own Palace, the whisperings of the Nobles, Dukes, Her suitors arranged for her and any army’s potential attacks.
She waited until She heard Yesel shut the ornate, brass and iron-clad door for real to rise with the Stone instead of hiding it, pretending she was touching up what little make-up she wore. The Stone was darker than the oldest obsidian known, jet-black, but with a light inside of it. “What do I say to them?” It was mostly flat, oval, and took up both of Her hands, fingers included as She held it to the level of her face. Smooth to Her touch, but it felt like it should be sparking like tiny lightning bolts to her Royal Flesh. The slender, pale face of Aa’l’iatia shown in its brightly dark surface, large eyes meeting Hers, even as Marlina moved around the room as if talking to a bodily presence there in her dressing room. She had gained a reputation for talking to Herself, but She didn’t care. She was the Empress of The Land, after all. Royalty was supposed to be odd, off-kilter. Who was She to alter tradition?
“Don’t reveal that you know, child. This will undo everything.” The mouth on that elven face barely moved. Lately, the voice from it formed in Marlina’s mind more than from the barely noticeable mouth on the warm stone in her palms.
“I know. I just….wish that I…”
“Knew how to be an Empress? That, you have already been demonstrating.”
Now and again, She swore that Her guardian and advisor had a noticeable sense of humor.
“Go. Receive your guests. We shall speak soon. You are Loved, child.” The face in the stone surface matched the warmth of the Stones’ feel despite it being a dark rock. She didn’t know what, much less who, Aa’l’iatia was, but she had always been kind and supportive, besides a powerful ally. “Your overcoat needs adjustment. Here.”
Marlina felt the front-piece of Her gown move slightly. This was something new. She knew that she had the potential to move matter, but this was definitely new. “Thank you.” was all that left her mouth before moving to the Great Hall. She reached for the heavy oaken and wrought-metal door, and saw it open for Her. Before She could pronounce her guardian’s name, Yesel poked his head around the stone doorframe, the large door continuing to swing inward.
“We are ready, Your Majesty.” For once, She was glad to see his mousy face and overly-concerned demeanor.
“Yes, Yesel. Thank you. I am, as well.”
Aa’l’iatia stood behind one of the many portraits hanging in the stone hall, eyes blending with one of the former Kings, moving to watch the procession. She knew of the boy’s tie to Ta’majra. This must be dealt with.
“Is your ghost buddy around?”
“So far, nothing creepy. Just you.” Mordred replied with a harsh whisper, leaning down toward Eldren. The torch lights cast moving shadows over them and the entourage of guards, Nobles, Ladies-in-waiting, walking quicker now toward a set of dark wooden doors. A dragon on each, claws on what looked like door handles. Before anyone in the party touched the handles, they turned on their own, with movement from the dragons’ arms themselves. Or so it appeared. The doors swung open wide with a grinding or a growling. The detail in the dragons’ imagery left much to the imagination.
The Royal Chamber was Royal in size and openness. No dark, dreary looking castle hall like they’ve seen in some “lesser” kingdoms. This was the Court of the Empress Herself. Ruler of the Land. The floor around the Quartz Throne was large. The Nobles and Ladies chattered away while they were in the spooky portrait covered hall leading to this Chamber. One thing that Mordred, at least, caught was that the Chamber was used for Royal Dances and Presentations as well as meetings with dignitaries from other Lands. The effect overwhelmed even a jaded goblin such as Eldren. Mordred could hear his neck pop from looking up at the vaulted jade-green ceilings, stained glass that were probably old when the Heavenly Rebellion happened. Mordred decided that he should pay more attention when the Nobles were lecturing them. Eldren couldn’t be relied on to listen unless there were jewels, gold or some other treasure to bargain for or just steal. On cue, one of the goblins’ ears twitched his way and back again, looking around for the same.
“Your Royal Eminence, Your Graciousness, The Ruler of the Land……Empress….Marlina the Only!!” The one known as the Visier, the Advisor bowed deeply, shouting this out. The vision in gold, blues and purple sat upright, holding up the circlet on her dark red-blonde hair, braided with gold silk, jewels blended in. She was not as radiant as some more…common….folk like Mordred and Eldren might have thought, but she looked amazing. Powerful, but not dangerous. The Visier, and gathered Nobles and others behind them gestured for them to kneel and bow their faces down….NOW… Mordred did so, but only taking his wide eyes away from Her at the last minute. Even Eldren dropped to one skinny knee, his near-bald pate facing Her.
“Rise, my guests! Face me.” Even Her words showed Her pleasure. Coming down the steps from the throne, the gown moved with her, not dragged along with her. Her ring jeweled hands motioned for the gathered party to rise, a great smile on Her face as She made Her way toward Mordred. Her head moved to the side now and again while keeping eye contact with him, as if Her ear was picking up something.
“Mordred, is it? Welcome. You and I have something to discuss, but first….” She clapped her slender strong hands twice “....we dine! Yesel!”
“This place runs like a clock, boy.” was all Eldren got out as thick, long tables came out of what seemed to be nowhere. Or by magic? No. But then again, they’ve spoken with ghosts, received this audience with the Empress without Her ever heard of them and almost set their guest room on fire with a magic sword that Mordred seemed to be bonded with.
The smell of meats, stews, wine and mead, breads that they’ve never heard or began filling their nostrils and mouths as soon as the kitchen staff showed them their chairs. Large, ornate, very old also. Uncomfortable, but the sight and smell of the food before them made them forget that their backsides hurt.
“Great and Holy Gods in the Opened Heavens…..” The Empress intoned quickly. Even just as Eldren reached to rip off a leg off of….something.. “We do not deserve your blessing for this great bounty due to our wicked ancestors rebelling against you, but we do thank you for these many gifts granted to us. May we endeavor to redeem ourselves in your Eyes!” She clapped three times and sat down. The Feasting began in earnest.
The whole affair was very informal, with a lot of chatting between the Ladies, Nobles, and even the kitchen staff and servers engaging in subjects. Some even asking the Empress questions and even laughing together at shared jokes or observations. Mordred chowed down heartily, trying to answer what inquiries that he could with his mouth full. He got the impression that some of the Nobles…and more than a few of the Ladies….were teasing him, knowing he couldn’t talk with his mouth full.
“How does this day find you gentlemen?” Mordred and Eldren were seated almost directly in front of the Empress. A local custom, probably. So they heard Her question clearly.
“Filling!” Eldren answered with a raised glass of wine, splashing a little on his plateful of feast. Some of the gathered laughed and more than a few raised their own mugs or glasses using just their fingers on thin glass stems. The Empress even nodded to him, raising Her own chalice, but returned her attention to Mordred. He ate, drank some, but spoke little.
“And you, dear Mordred? Did you find your day filling as well? Filled with much vision, fiery illumination and spirited visitation?”
The Noblewoman next to the Empress covered her mouth quickly, pretending to stop an unwelcome sneeze. The snort proved otherwise.
“Umm. I have been….finding….the Palace most…illuminating, your Majesty.” Mordred began to sweat. Not from the strong mead he was appreciating, either. Eldren joined the Noblewoman in making Mordred even more embarrassed, but true to character, he didn’t cover his mouth. He gave a trademark guffaw, pieces of roasted meat flying. If the Empress was offended, She didn’t say.
The Empress nodded to one side and Mordred and Eldren only heard Her voice, all other noise and voices drowned in nothing. A blank noise like their ears were covered. “We have much to discuss, you and I…..Knight. Just make sure not to embarrass yourself into bear form” She winked and the polite, correct conversation resumed after another Royal Nod. They looked at each other before Eldren shrugged and resumed his second feast of the day.
The conversation was over Mordred’s head. Who said what to whom, how much money would be gained by taxing this, or that, what was considered sooooo lower-class now, how to prevent an uprising that was rumored somewhere he never heard of. He smiled, nodded. Wringing his hands and shifting in his ornate seat, he wished that he could change to his bear-form, and fight some other were-beast, or just he and another arena champion, trading sword swings. Beyond his discomfort, he noticed the Empress didn’t take part in most of the tittering conversations, polite but almost nasty in tone. She did seem to be aware of it all as well as something else. Something near her. He decided to concentrate on the hearty meal in front of him instead. Let them chatter like cats before they hunt down birds their size, Mordred was hungry. At one point, looking up from his foraging, he saw the Empress look in his direction. No grin, no fiery eyes. Just an examination. The examination wasn’t returned. There was too much going on both at the table and in his mind.
The Empress rose, her delicate hands on the thick table. Just as delicate silverware was dropped or placed aside quickly, glasses or mugs were hurriedly put down and all rose as well, taking either deep bows, or curtseys. “This meal is over. Please return to either your duties or to your chambers.” The others responded with either another set of bows, curtseys, and “Yes, your Majesty! Good evening, your Majesty!” and a hurried exit. Mordred saw the custom and started to copy it, motioning Eldren to do the same, but one of those delicate hands came up, palm toward him and then to the goblin as he continued to gnaw on what was in his mouth.
Servants quickly appeared from seemingly nowhere and began collecting, cleaning, moving tables, chairs, rugs to put everything back into its proper order. While this whirl of activity was taking place, Her Royal Highness used that hand that stopped Mordred and Eldren and showed them the wall behind where Her throne was anchored to the marble floor. Mordred watched as their host, the Empress, was about to walk into the painted wall, to merge with the winged horses and helmeted and armed riders in the clouds, to join them in the Heavenly Battle. Mordred jumped to her apparent aid before he felt a large hand shove him back from Her Presence. “You’re such a dear. But I’ve been a Royal Majesty here for a number of years. I know where my secret chamber is. She winked at the large young human while he felt the front of his tunic, questioning himself. Eldren snorted in laughter at his friend’s confusion.
A seam began forming in the previously seamless wall along with a door handle that looked older than the Palace they stood in. She pushed this new opening in, holding it open. “Well? I’m Royalty and we don’t have all day, in case you haven’t heard the rumors.” Her wide eyes showed a serious humor as she waved a long finger to whatever they were being invited into. “You don’t need to become your were-bear. I’ll keep you safe.” Eldren laughed and leaped at the opening. She again motioned to Mordred to get in.
He shrugged and followed his friend inside. The lanterns and candles lit up before the expected door slam behind the Empress. They saw her take off Her crown and loosen Her shoes as well. The flames brought plenty of light, but there seemed to them a glow that could not be credited to them. There was enough to read by. Which was good because of the scrolls and books surrounding them all.
“I suppose you’re wondering why I’ve called you all here tonight.” Eldren and Mordred both exchanged confusion. “My apologies. I saw that remark in a book from a traveler that claimed it came from another dimension. I thought it rather amusing.”
“Sorry if I didn’t laugh, your Majesty. I’m still feeling overwhelmed by all of this.”
Empress Marlina approached Mordred, looking up at him though there were only a few inches in height differences between them. “Dear boy. Don’t apologize. All will be revealed soon.” Her lips broadened, creasing Her Royal face, highlighting those wide hazel eyes. “Now come here.” She didn’t motion with Her hand, Her voice seemed to be command enough. Where She led them was an open floored space with a desk, and a bench facing the center of the room. In the clear center on the floor were scratches, showing someone had marked this fine wood floor many times. Traces of runes and arcane symbols remained, even hints of chalk, ash and on the ceiling above them, soot from lanterns long ago gone in the room. Mordred followed their Majesty and sat on the bench on the command of “Sit.” Mordred wrung his hands, praying that the were-bear wouldn’t make a spontaneous entrance while Eldren crossed his legs, twiddling his clawed thumbs, looking around. By habit, considering what can be sold, traded…
“I WILL know if something has gone missing here, dear goblin.” Eldren slowed down his twitching leg and folded his arms over his chest. “And if I don’t find out myself, there are other….persons….that can inform me.”
“Now. To the business at hand. Mordred, take hold of your stone sword.”
“Your Majesty, I once again apologize, I did not know you required it of me…..”
“You didn’t. Because you already brought it with you.”
Mordred stood up, felt a weight at his side that had become familiar these last few years. He didn’t have any intention of bringing a weapon to a Royal Command Audience, but here it was. She saw his eyes widening, large hands shaking, sweat growing on his brow, mouth trying desperately to form words. “I have my ways to make sure you brought it with you AND to make sure you weren’t conscious of its presence at dinner and of course, making sure no one else saw it.”
“How come you didn’t just vanish it from our room, reappear it on him, or float it down here to him and all that sorcererousy mumbo jumbo?”
“Because, my dear goblin, I cannot touch it. For the same reason you cannot.”
Mordred saw something happen twice tonight that he and very few living beings witnessed. Somebody shut up Eldren. What would have made the young human guffaw, he just ignored. Both his curiosity and nervousness peaked now. “Eldren. Enough. Your Majesty, what would you have of me? Please?”
“It’s more what you would have of me, Mordred. Or rather….Ta'Majra. SIR Ta'Majra. Last Knight/King of the Old Realm of Darstrim.” To their shock, Empress Marlina bowed before them both.
“Darstrim?”
“Yes, goblin. That was the name of the Union of Kingdoms before the Heavenly Rebellion that cost so many souls, so much devastation.” The Holy Empress drooped her head and looked away at the one sole window in this hidden space. Her thin, veined hand went to Her Face. The two summoned here glanced at each other. They both had a vague idea of what happened with the Heavenly Rebellion, but they didn’t realize how much of an impact that it had on living beings today.
“Now. The reason that you were brought here.” She turned quickly, no sign at all of any trauma or sadness, no Royal Tears on her alabaster face. “You, Mordred, were handed some armor. Armor that belonged to a Knight/King of long ago. Same as your weapon at your side. You have a talent that seems to come from Him. You gain knowledge of how to use weapons, armor merely by touching them. Memories come flooding back to you….”
Standing up, Mordred grabbed the sword handle by reflex. Images, sounds, feels came to him, even wounds that he gained despite that scaled armor and flaming sword. His horse taking even more grave wounds from axes, scythes from riders hideous and evil in look and nature even under worn-thin cloaks. Mockeries of Royal Brands, consecrated warriors turned to bring whatever curse they were under across the Land. It was up to Ta'M….
Mordred felt himself shoved back a few steps, the sword dropping from his large hand, stone on stone. He staggered on his feet, but felt something cool and tender touching his sweating forehead. His wavering legs suddenly found the strength to stand still again, his breath came back to his lungs and his eyesight cleared of the bloody memories and tension of battle. Seeing Her Hand on his forehead, partially covering his face, he backed up on his own, his broad back to the warm stone wall. Eldren sat still, looking down, clawed hands gripping the couch, short legs swinging.
“Ta'Majra was a Knight/King of the times when sorcery and magic were used equally with great fighting skills. Most soldiers were trained in both, of course, they excelled at one talent or another.” Empress Marlina took the sweating young human by the arm, escorting him back to the bench next to his mentor and friend. Again, Her touch was cooling, soothing. She had to be using magic Herself or perhaps somebody else… She continued uninterrupted. “The Eight Emerald Kings were heralded Knights as well. They were each former trusted guards of the Sorcerer/Emperor Ro’Chela. Ta’majra was an elven name given to him by the Sorcerer/Emperor Himself on his Knighthood. It was an old elven name, which made sense since Ro’Chela was an elf himself.
“What’s with the Emerald Knights? Were they shiny, green and heavy?” Eldren lifted his head up to say at last. Mordred stopped waiting for somebody to lop the goblins’ head off with those remarks. He’s been alive too long for Mordred to worry about. The Empress actually laughed.
“No, little clawed one. Emeralds were once considered Drops of the Goddess’s Blood. Each of the Knight/Kings had a polished piece on their breastplates. To show their devotion. To show that the Sorcerer/Emperor will not succeed in his horrible ambitions.
“Ambitions?”
“To overthrow the gods and take the source of divine magic for themselves.”
Eldren and Empress Marlina turned toward Mordred who was donning the rest of the armor that he was given to hold. “A despicable evil act, indeed, your Majesty.”
“Mordred? Ta'Majra?”
“The latter is correct, your Ladyship.” Mordred’s body stood before them shining bright with the ancient forged metals in the colors of gold, green and red. The words leaving his mouth were of a different accent, a different tone than even Eldren had heard before.
Mordred/Ta’Majra flexed his metal-gloved fist and adjusted the teardrop, or blood-drop shaped emerald on his breastplate. Feeling the comfort in his armor, Ta'Majra stood tall and faced them, fists on his hip-plates. “Whatever is the matter, my Queen? Has Ro’Chela returned?” With that last name, he grabbed the stone sword at his hip, flames beginning to ignite.
“Do you…understand….where you are…?” Empress Marlina and Eldren walked around the young human now “...or who you are?”
“I beg your forgiveness, my Lady, I do not understand your line of questioning. I am, and always shall be your faithful husband, Knight and King, defender of the Kingdoms United. Do you need to lie down, my Queen?” Shall I call for your attendants?”
“No. No. Not at all, my faithful husband. I was merely overcome by the sight of you in your armor. I forgot how fetching you are in it.”
“Thank you, my Lady. I……What is that?!?!” The stone sword pointed at Eldren inflamed immediately, responding to Mordred/Ta’majra’s intent to run him through.
“Stop! Stop! He is….an ally from a lesser kingdom to the west, merely here as an attache. A representative of his people giving me an update on conditions there.”
“By the heavenly gates, he is most repugnant! I surely thought him a creature of the fire elves.” With no apology, the sword was replaced in the scabbard.
“Ta’Majra, you are not needed on the front. Take off that armor and relax. I shall bring you up to date on the war front from here. Your companions are not going into battle yet.”
“Oh, my wife, my Queen.” Mordred/Ta’Majra’s gloved hand traced Marlina’s defined jaw and cheekbone. “I…..Yes. You are correct. I am not needed with my companions today.” Those same hands began unlocking the gauntlets, breastplate, arm coverings, leggings and boots while keeping eye contact with Marlina most of the time. After the last piece of the ancient, beautiful metal plating was shoved aside, Mordred’s eyes rolled and he dropped to his butt on the floor, panting.
“What happened? I just picked up that armor glove and then I’m here.”
“Did She tell you to pick it up and put it on???”
“No. Not you, Majesty. Somebody else did.”