The Elementalist : Next of Kin: The Kothian Chronicles (17 page)

After bumping into several things, Melia finally found her bearings and layback on the mattress, pulling Mikel down on top her. Mikel let his hands run loose around her body, firstly caressing around her breasts before slowly slipping down under her dress. Feeling his heart pounding, he managed to remove his own trousers, albeit rather clumsily, before climbing back on top of Melia and as gently as he could let himself slip inside her.

Chapter 20.

As the first light of day crept through the small window in the room, Mikel lay awake, looking at the young woman in his arms. He afforded a smile at the memory of the previous night's events. The two of them lay in the unused room, with just a couple of blankets that they had found in one of the drawers to cover their modesty and keep them warm. Although after the night they had spent together, keeping warm had not been much of an issue. Without even looking, Mikel knew Shadow had made his own way into the room, and was at that moment lying on the floor at the foot of the bed. He went to close his eyes to go back to sleep only to feel the young girl in his arms move, and her eyes flicker open. After exchanging a smile, Melia moved slightly to give him a kiss, "No regrets?" she asked, "Absolutely none," he replied returning the kiss, before thinking it best they got up.

Maxim and Zack were up early and already dressed and fed, before they headed next door to check on Connor, Tia and Samuel. As they entered the room, they found Aileen sat with the two youngsters reading a book, "Where is Melia?" Zack asked..."Come to think of it...Where was Mikel?" he added realising that he had not seen him either. Maxim just shrugged, "I don't know...I just assumed he had already got up and gone down to breakfast."

"No...Melia never came back last night...So I stayed to watch over the young ones," Aileen said with a warm motherly smile.

"I did tell her I would be okay," Samuel intervened, "But she insisted on staying."

"Probably had too much wine," Maxim suggested, "And decided to crash out somewhere else, although I am not so certain Melia would do something like that."

"Oh well whatever...I don't have time to look for them...Come on we should go down for breakfast," Zack added, knowing he had a long day ahead of him. Despite insisting that Aileen return home to her husband, the elderly lady decided instead to help take the younger members of the group down to the dining hall for something to eat.

On entering the hall, there was very little sign anything had actually taken place the day before. Aside from the Kothian flags still hung up on the walls, the furniture was all back positioned as it was before the coronation. People were sat in their groups chatting quietly whilst eating, and the kitchen staff moved swiftly from table to table carrying about their duties, some placing food out, others clearing away the dirty dishes. Maxim commented on how quickly the room had been put back, but it was clear Zack's mind was on other things.

Maxim had told Zack about the proposal in letting the Icenians teleport his father back home, and although he was not overly keen on the idea, he had accepted it was probably easier for all concerned if he did. Zack hoped that by doing so, he would allow his closest friend the time alone he needed to spend with his newly discovered father.

The group had just left the dining hall when they bumped into Mikel and Melia coming the other way. "Oh here you are?" Zack said looking at both. "You had us worried," Maxim added with a smile. Melia had a rather embarrassed look upon her face, and it was quite easy for both Zack and Maxim to guess what they had been up to. "I am pleased for you both," Zack said after starring at Melia for a few moments. Melia just smiled, a little worried that her actions may have caused Zack some annoyance; yet it was soon apparent the young royal appeared not too bothered.

The moment was interrupted by one of the younger royal guards running toward them. "Your highness...Your presence and that of Lord Maxim is requested by the King immediately," The man said trying to catch his breath. "What is the matter?" Zack asked.

"I do not know Sire, I was only sent to fetch you..."

"No matter, come on then let us see what my cousin wants," Zack added not letting the soldier finish his sentence.

By the time the two friends had followed the guard up the stairs and into the small study room being utilised by the King, the others were already there waiting. Ramon and Danton were sat either side of Katria, whilst Rylan and Darion seemed content just leaning against a wall. Anden was sat behind his father's old desk looking rather anxious, but did afford his advisor and protector a smile as they entered the room. Commander Denny Porter who was stood behind the door as they sat themselves down, ordered the two guards outside for them not to be disturbed under any circumstances, before closing the door.

Anden waited for his commander to do so before beginning. After clearing his throat, sounding and looking a little overwhelmed, he spoke, "There is no easy way of saying this...So...Berxsley has fallen." Ramon stood, "Perhaps if your majesty would like me to explain?" he asked noticing the young king was clearly out of his depth. Anden nodded for him to continue.

Ramon explained to those in the room that during the early hours of the morning one of Katria's birds had returned unexpectedly earlier than she had envisaged. The seer looked over to Katria to check she was all right with him to explain the information that the bird had returned with, or for him to continue. Katria just waved a hand, and after Ramon had pondered a few moments on how best to explain, he resumed.

Apparently, the Bosarian invaders had been encroaching ever nearer the capital over the past few days, and during the early hours of darkness, they had made their move. Using magicians and men already inside the city, they quickly took control of the eastern gatehouse, allowing the enemy to swarm inside the walls. "I'm afraid they hit what few forces remained very swiftly...the government officials were then rounded up, dragged from their homes and executed in the market square," he told his captivated audience.

"Well at least they helped remove the government..." Darion interrupted. All eyes turned his way, "What...surely that is one less enemy to fight?" he added trying to plead his case.

There were one or two scoffing sounds, but Anden spoke up, "No...You know he is right. We cannot stop what has already happened, and what the grumpy old man said is true. The Bosarians have actually helped eliminate one of the forces opposing us."

"Who is he calling a grumpy old man?" Darion whispered over to Rylan.

"You I think."

"Cheeky little..." Darion grumbled not actually saying what he thought of the young king.

Ramon thought a while, and agreed that although it did not happen very often, Darion had actually made a good point. With the government opposing the monarchy all but gone, this was indeed a positive to take from the events. Naturally losing the capital of your nation was usually a sign that a war was lost, only in this instance of course the monarchy had established its stronghold far to the south, in Pitford. Anden stood, "We need to plan to take our capital back," he said before turning to Maxim, "I am afraid to say Max, that you will have to be the spearhead for any such foray," he added. Maxim just shrugged his shoulders; he was becoming used to the fact that his magical abilities meant him being relied upon.

Ramon was quick to point out however, that sending the strongest of their remaining forces so far north, would ultimately leave Pitford vulnerable, should the Bosarians, or the mountain tribes, decide to make another attack. For now, he suggested they make plans on how to retake Berxsley, but could not yet foresee when they could yet carry them out. "I thought you were a seer Ramon," Rylan asked. "I am afraid it does not work like that...I can foresee possible futures...and occasionally I can foretell when something major is going to happen," Ramon tried to explain. "Then we shall make plans," Anden intervened, "Ramon please liaise with Denny about having our magicians work alongside our normal forces; it is time we took a leaf out of the Bosarian's book and have them working together," he announced sounding far more sagely than his tender years would suggest.

Whilst the conversation was going on, Maxim could sense his father approaching along the corridor, heading towards his position. He excused himself, knowing that the man approaching would not be allowed entry into the meeting, so the young elementalist decided to greet him in the corridor instead. "You're out and about early," Joren said smiling as he noticed his son approaching him.

Maxim greeted his father with a hug, albeit a rather awkward one from the parent's perspective, before explaining the reasoning for him being where he was. Joren was not quite sure what to say, aside from checking that his son's friend still required the services of the Icenians to escort his father back. "Yes father...although with the current events, they may decide to go a little later," Maxim replied as the pair walked slowly along the corridor. "Should you not return to your meeting?" Joren enquired, not wanting his son to get into any trouble. Maxim shook his head, "No father I have excused myself...I am not sure I have much to offer to be honest, they are starting to devise plans for retaking Berxsley."

After spending an hour or so just wandering around the keep chatting, Maxim and his father stood watching from atop the outer wall. The chilly winter wind had eased of late, but was still cold enough to make Maxim wish he had put on some warmer clothes. He looked over to his father, wondering how it was that he was not shivering as he was. Surely if Icenia were a much warmer place, as his father had made out, the man should be feeling the cold much worse than he should, but yet here he stood not looking remotely uncomfortable. "Father...do you not feel the cold?" Maxim finally asked, his curiosity finally getting the better of him.

His father smiled at him, "Another use of our magic Max," he said, "I know you have the ability of manipulating the air around us, you have already shown me that much, and from what I hear, you are somewhat familiar with fire." Maxim nodded, and listened as his father explained that by utilising the two together, he surrounded his body with a barrier of warm air, and with a wave of his hand, he included Maxim inside that cocoon of warmth. "This is the kind of thing you would have been taught as a child, once your magic had been brought to the fore. I can teach you if you like?" Joren asked. Maxim smiled, feeling the difference of the warm air around him, was certainly much more comfortable than shivering in the cold. "I would like that very much...thank you," he replied.

The pair watched on, as Zack and his father were each stood beside one of the red robed figures from Icenia. "They will probably be able to travel much further, much more quickly than you and your friend would have done," Joren said trying not to sound to condescending. Maxim just took the remark for what it was, a matter of fact, and not one that sounded boastful. He watched his friend disappear with a flicker of light, off into the distance and then completely out of sight.

After lunch, the pair stayed in the dining hall to chat, despite it now being mostly empty.  The staff from the kitchens continued their work, preparing food for the evening meal, whilst the serving staff went around the room clearing and wiping down all the tables. One of the young ladies doing so came over to ask if they would like a drink, and although Joren had not, Maxim had asked if they might have a pot of tea.

Already knowing that his father held some high position in the way Icenia was run, he enquired whether the nation had an outright leader, such as a king. Joren shook his head, explaining the nation had not had a monarchy ruling them for a very long time. "We have always deemed it better that one man does not have the power to make all the decisions; that is why we have three of us doing so," he explained.

Maxim picked up on those last words immediately, "Three of you...does that mean you are one of the leaders father?" Joren grimaced a little, knowing only too well, where this conversation would lead once more. Just as it always seemed he was getting on well with his son, the subject always appeared to revert to the subject of his refusal, in not helping Kothia in their war. Despite knowing exactly where the conversation was leading, Joren explained that Icenia was governed by three high lords, of which he was indeed one. Each was responsible for a number of lesser Lords, who in turn ruled over allotted towns and villages. The lords and high lords were positions held by families and passed down as a monarchy would be, to the eldest son.

Joren was not then surprised when his son asked the next question, "How is it you will not help us, when you are the one making the decisions?" Maxim snapped the annoyance clear in his voice. Joren held up a placating hand, explaining it was not quite as simple as all that. He told his son that he was bound by law, "All such decisions must be agreed by all three high lords, and to do otherwise would mean breaking the very laws I was sworn to uphold. I am sorry Max, but my nation has lived in peace for many centuries, partly because of the system we have in place." Maxim was clearly not giving up though, and enquired why he could not just help anyway, "Nobody would know," he said almost pleading. Joren smiled slightly, sighing heavily, "I am sorry I can not...Can we please not talk about this again?" he asked, hoping his son would change subject.