“You have been given a precious opportunity, Leif. I suggest you make the most of it.”

  Leif had sufficiently fed himself but exhaustion from dueling, jumping, and using his magic was like a stone tied around his neck. He forced his eyelids up, his shoulders back, and his spine straight.

  “How did you come to be in his service? Are you not originally Penthan?”

  Vigo was quiet for a moment as they moved through the palace towards Harald’s study. “My family were among the aristocracy in Penth. They were landowners with a good living. I wanted more. I wanted to rise to the aristocracy of the most powerful nation on the continent. To have the strength and power to be worthy of the Danarian king and his ilk, though he wasn’t king when I first knew him. It was like a fire inside of me. I endeavored to make myself worthy of Harald’s attention and his court. Subsequently, I became worthy of the affections of his daughter; one of his diamond’s. Soon to be my diamond.”

  “Yes, but you’re a wizard. One of the few left and from what I’ve seen…a particularly accomplished one. Your magic alone gives you more power than Harald will ever have.”

  Vigo laughed, “Harald is more of a wizard than you or even I. He has forged the world into his own vision with nothing but his will. He built a continent-wide enterprise and made himself a king, with nothing but the force of his spirit, after being left for dead. He bows only to his own vision. It is far easier to destroy than to build, yet with all my power, have I built a fraction of what he has? Could I have? Could you? Harald is the man, the king, I am proud to serve. Because of what he has done. Because of the force of his vitality and spirit. Because he is ruthless to his enemies. Because his vision and his mission are exceptional. Because he is the father of my bride and I have come to love him as a father and friend. Because I have much to learn and he is my mentor. To follow such a man, I am not just grateful, I am delighted.”

  They stopped before two large wooden doors.

  “Mages used to say they were the conduit for the world’s energy. Well if we’re the stream then Harald is the river. Energy flows into the world through him when most are simply riding the current.”

  Vigo lifted and released the large heavy ring on the door. It clanged loudly against the mounted plate. Harald’s voice from inside instructed them to enter.

  Like everything he’d seen since arriving in Danaria, from the people, to the architecture, to the gardens, Harald’s study was a work of art. A plush and elaborate rug covered the floor. Shelves of books lined the walls with small but intricate statues of men and women interspersed. A large painting of the royal family, Harald, Arja, and their seven children, was mounted opposite a massive desk of dark wood. Harald stood looking out over his kingdom. From here he could see the gardens, the grounds, the city, the port and its colossal statue, and the forest to the southwest. A thin stream of water flowed gently across one wall and of course, a large fireplace kept the room warm and comfortable.

  Harald came to embrace Vigo. “My friend, it’s good to have you back.”

  “A pleasure to be back, your majesty.”

  Harald motioned for them to sit. “What news?”

  Vigo inhaled deeply and began, “Penth is lost. Their treasure and their blood given over. They didn’t realize what was happening until it was too late. You were right. Many of the fools in the Penthan aristocracy still hold out hope that things will improve. They are blind. I’ve convinced my family to relocate to their estates in Kolo. My hope is that now they’re out, they will stop being stubborn fools and will gain a more realistic perspective.”

  “There is a place for them in this court as soon as they do.”

  Vigo nodded in thanks. “The Bakken’s are not our friends.”

  Harald smiled and shook his head. He looked into the fire. “Things have been strange with them ever since Boe died. Magnus seems okay despite his mother. He has my pity for that at least.”

  “Magnus, specifically, was named as the one who sent assassins after Leif.”

  Harald leaned forward in his chair as Vigo retold of their journey, the attacks, and Leif’s knowledge of Maedelund.

  When Vigo finished. Harald rose and again stood before the great window. “Leif, what do you know of Maedelund’s finances?”

  Leif was surprised by the question, “Your majesty, I make no claim to have intimate knowledge of the Maedish crown’s wealth or treasury. My aunt and cousin do not make that information public. Maedelund’s primary exports are agricultural and textiles, mainly cotton. We import primarily spices and other textiles as far as I know. Our fishing industry is robust and the construction of the new royal palace has contributed significantly to the local markets.”

  “And wine of course. You export a fair amount of wine.”

  Leif nodded. “Yes, your majesty.”

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “The transportation of nearly every commodity across the Kilden takes place on one or more of my ships. If I told you the considerable wealth on display by the Maedish royals does not seem appropriate given their trading volumes, would that surprise you?”

  Leif hesitated. The question surprised and confused him. “Your majesty, I’m afraid I have no insights to share however much I wish I did. I am loyal to my country but my first loyalty is to my family. To my house. The depth of my knowledge resides there. I cannot be of much help regarding the royal finances because I am simply not privy to them.”

  “Good. And how is your training with Vigo going?”

  “It is difficult, sir. I owe Vigo my life several times over. He expects much and is stingy with praise but I have learned a vast amount in my short time with him. I would add that I had not expected to be here when I set out on my journey but now that I’m here, I am eternally grateful that luck has brought me to your kingdom. Danaria is a marvel, your majesty and I fear I will never adequately express my appreciation for your hospitality.”

  “Good.” Harald studied him for a moment. Leif felt that he was in a cage, being observed by creatures who were far superior to him. He was about to speak, to find something else to say and break the uncomfortable silence when Harald beat him to it. “Leif, please step outside for a moment.”

  Slightly bewildered, Leif stepped out and closed the door behind him. He walked down the hall a short distance towards a glass window which looked out over the lawn and the gardens. They were just as stunning from above as from within.

  He didn’t know what to make of his conversation with Harald. He felt like a fool and didn’t know why. He hoped he didn’t earn himself a lecture from Vigo for not knowing the right answers but he couldn’t think of anything he would have changed.

  His thoughts drifted to home. His father wasted away in a cell beneath the palace. His mother and sisters needed him for the managing of the estate. Yet here he stood, countries away, enjoying the luxury and comfort and hospitality of the house of Erling. He was ashamed he enjoyed it so much and his responsibilities weighed all the heavier on him. He urgently needed to finish his training so he could return home.

  His breath caught when his gaze fell upon the fair and elegant figure of Karalee walking alongside her unicorn. She wore a sturdy cloak against the cool air and her smile warmed him despite the distance between them. A heavy darkness cut through his chest when he saw Magnus walking alongside her. Anger and resentment welled up inside him. He found himself calculating whether or not he could hurl a stone from a nearby balcony and strike Magnus without hitting Karalee. He needed to make his own time with her. Perhaps Magnus and Isabella would depart following the wedding and the problem would solve itself.

  Just then she glanced up at him. Oh bloody hell! In a panic he turned and rushed back but not before she raised her hand to wave at him.

  ***

  Vigo felt a pleasant weariness in his legs and back from the morning’s exertions. He took a deep breath and continued his conversation with Harald now that Leif was out of earshot. “Given the situation with Magnus, and Isabella, I was concerned when I learned Karalee has been spending much of her time with the Maedish Prince."

  Harald seemed lost in thought as he stared out the window over his kingdom until finally he responded, “On the surface he seems like a good match for her, if somewhat dull. He’s a prince from a powerful and friendly kingdom. And he’s the son of my late friend, though his mother is like burning cinders in my eyes and ears. He is also a wizard and adding magical blood to my bloodline is an attractive prospect to me, as you know. From what I’ve seen he carries himself like a gentleman although he seems to become his mother’s child when she is present. Perhaps, if his father were still alive, she wouldn’t have spoiled him. Perhaps he could have been worthy of my daughter.

  “Removing everyone with a claim to your throne doesn't leave you with many friends. At the same time, I find myself respecting the…ruthlessness of it. I’d bet a fortune all this is driven by Isabella. Unfortunately for Magnus, the whole thing gives me a rather unsavory feeling about him.”

  Vigo leaned forward, “And if they make a move on Leif while they’re here?”

  “Leif is under the protection of my hospitality. If they tried anything I would bring their kingdom to its knees as they well know. You don’t hassle a man’s dinner guests. Something is going on in that kingdom besides removing extended family members.”

  “I suppose I won’t kill them then. I could insult Isabella, that’s easy enough to do given her shape, and force Magnus into a duel. I don’t believe Isabella will stay after I decapitate her son.” Vigo seemed giddy.

  Harald scoffed, then seemed to consider. “No. I invited them. I wanted them here to see what I could learn. Magnus will never marry my daughter. However, there is…another benefit to keeping them here for a time. Leif is also from a good family, within striking distance of a throne. He is also a wizard.”

  It was a notion Vigo had been weighing in his own mind, but he did not say so, “You want Leif to pursue Karalee? Leif is not a crown prince and is not yet as powerful as Magnus. Not nearly.”

  “I want him to win her, if he can become worthy. He is immature and self-conscious. Some competition will accelerate his maturity and will drive him to improve as a wizard. I may be able to help in my own way.” Harald stepped closer to the window and looked out over the city, the colossus, and the great port.

  “It will be difficult, from what I’ve seen, to change Karalee’s mind away from Magnus.”

  “Have no fear of that. Though I would prefer for her to be happy, my daughter will ultimately marry the man I choose. She knows her duty to this family. When the time comes, she will listen to her father.”

  ***

  The door reopened and Leif reentered the study. Exhaustion from the morning was wearing him down but he tried not to let it show on his face or posture. He was disgruntled after seeing Magnus with Karalee.

  “Leif, I have a small project I'm working on. I wish to chronicle certain events from my life but my mind works better when I don’t have to write at the same time. I've had difficulty finding someone I can trust to help me. You have come to us at the behest of my friend, my soon to be son in law, and so I will assume your backbone is present and relatively robust. I trust Vigo and he has placed his faith in you. Can you write?”

  The request surprised him, “Yes, your majesty, I can write adequately. I intend to write a letter to my mother later this morning. I would be happy to assist you as a small show of gratitude for your hospitality.”

  “Good, meet me here in my study at this same time each day. I’ll have the materials for you.”