Mark of the Fool

Chapter 612: Leaving in the Face of Storms

This weather isnt what I would have expected in Generasi. Im truly surprised. King Aksuma shook his head, watching the outdoors through a window lashed by rain. People travel to this land for its beautiful sunny skies, not gloomy pelting rains.

Outside, the world was wracked by wind and driving rain.

Thunder boomed in the distance.

Through the torrent of rain stretching beyond the horizon, lightning flashed, striking the Prinean Sea.

Flower beds bursting with blooms that had hours before stood tall, now drooped in the dirt, weighed down by the deluge. Puddles swirled along the courtyard as the rain streamed against glass, wood and stone, sounding like erratic war drums. Even the Tekish royal guardsdisciplined and stronglooked dejected as they maintained their duty on the villas walls.

Fortunately for them, that duty would soon end.

I know why the sky has opened so intensely, Khalik said from across the room. It weeps because you and mother will soon depart Generasi. It is as heartbroken to see you go as I am.

My mighty oak flower, arent the weather wizards releasing the rains from the spells that held them away during the Games? Sinope asked. That is what you said happened last year.

The prince winced. Sinope

What? She cocked her head at him.

Queen Ishtar, standing near a wardrobe, burst out laughing at her sons cringing as her battalion of servants piled luggageincluding plenty of souvenirsin the centre of the entrance hall, Nice try, son, she said. You are too kind for your own goodperhaps try friendly lies that are at least a little believable next time.

Well someone just got told, Thundar grinned, sitting at a table piled with treats and snacking on a sugar-coated strawberry. Uh, your majestiesare you sure its okay for me to be eating in here just before you leave? I dont wanna leave you with a mess.

One would normally ask that question before making the mess. Isolde gave his sugar spattered placemat an icy glare.

Shut up, Isolde, he rolled his eyes.

It is of no consequence. King Aksuma finally turned from the window. Some of the staff will remain here to take care of clean up and other loose ends. They will return home tomorrow, leaving the villa cleaner than when we found it. After all, thats the best way to be a guest.

He smiled, looking at the group seated at the table. Khalik, Sinope, Alex, Theresa, Selina, Claygon,Thundar and Isolde were all there to say their good-byes. Claygon was standing at a tall window, watching as rain coursed down the glass. Brutus was curled up behind Theresas chair, his bone-sheathed tail swishing back and forth as he slept, while Najyah stood on a jewel studded percha gift the king had brought her from Tekezashby the window he was standing at.

Aksuma had been feeding her like it was her last meal.

And the others were being treated similarly.

Earlier, when they arrived to Khaliks parents farewell, a feast was waiting for them, soon followed by endless trays of snacks that kept appearing while they waited for the king and queens servants to finish packing for their departure.

Alex felt like hed eaten enough for ten, but it seemed whenever he tried to politely refuse any more food, another servant would arrive with a tray.

When Isolde had then tried to decline the seemingly endless platters of food, pleading that she didnt wish to burden them further, King Aksuma simply waved away her concerns.

Are you sure you dont want to come back with us for a time? the king asked his son. You are on summer holiday, after all. Why not return home for a week or four? You are greatly missed at court, you know.

Khalik shook his head. My place is here, father. I have things that I must get to. Affairs to arrange, and spells to practise. Besides, I know you only want to see Najyah for longerand you likely only want to spend more time with Brutus.

The king threw a look at the cerberus, curiosity burning in his eyes. Can I not simply want to spend more time with my son? Is that so difficult to believe? he scoffed. But, of course, your friends would be welcome as well, including Theresa and Brutus.

I knew it! the prince threw up his hands.

Oh, calm yourself, son, you know how your father is, Queen Ishtar said. But he is correct: you are all welcome to visit Tekezash. In fact, I insist on it. As soon as you can, I want to see you and host you as you have so graciously hosted us in your realm.

It wasa pleasure to meet you Claygon said.

Yes, and indeed a rare pleasure to meet you too, Claygon, King Aksuma smiled. It was a pleasure to meet all of you, though our time together was too short, and I am sorry we could not have spent more time together. The Games were delightful, but you must join us in Tekezash when there is more time to just socialise.

He looked at Alex and Theresa. We should hunt together. I am sure you would find hunting in my kingdom thrilling.

And before we speak too much about further trips, my husband and I wish to offer you our warmest congratulations, the queen said. You two make a lovely couple. When is the wedding, my dears?

Alex glanced at Khalik, his expression saying: You told them?

Khaliks smile simply said: Why would I not?

We havent decided yet. Theresa took Alexs hand. There is a lot we have to do, still, and Alex is still a student. Were thinking of waiting until after he graduates.

And not long after either, Alex squeezed her hand.

She looked into his eyes, a dreamy grin crossing her face.

Ugh, if you two are going to be this gross all the time, I want to move out, Selina said.

Oh please, youre going to be disgusting to be around when you get your first crush, Thundar said. Trust me: Ive got a lot of younger cousins. They all lost their heads as soon as they got a boyfriend or girlfriend.

No, thats not going to be me, Selina insisted.

Ten gold says it is. Thundar grinned.

Thundar, dont teach children to gamble. Isolde shot a look at him. Even if you will win.

Hey! Selina said.

Queen Ishtars laugh was knowing. Young love is its own fire, my child. Youll learn that soon enough.

No, Im going to be sensible and normal and not gross if I fall in love. Selina raised her chin.

Mhm, King Aksuma said, feeding another bite to Najyah. Well, you will find out sooner or later.

Your majesties. Tiz swept into the room, bowing deeply. The last of your luggage is packed and Roba has arrived. Everything is ready for your departure whenever you wish.

Thank you, Tiz, Queen Ishtar said, her expression sad as she looked first at her son, then at her husband. Well, Aki, do you think its time?

If I wait any longer, Ill simply convince myself to stay, the king said, patting Najyah on her head before stepping away. And the work waiting at home will be more of a mountain, than I have no doubt, it is now.

The king and queen of Tekezash approached the stacks of luggage in the centre of the chamber as their guests rose from the table.

Come for a hug, my son, Queen Isthar said. And you too, Sinope.

The dryad and the prince hugged the queen and king tightly as Roba the teleportation wizard and their honour guard entered the room.

You have two weddings to look forward to now. The king clapped a hand on Khalik's broad shoulder. Make sure you tell us what your plans are after your engagement has passed. You must come home so we can throw you a ceremony to end all ceremonies.

We will speak more about the details later, father, Khalik laughed. Be well and take care of Najyahs mother.

I always do.

The eagle flew from across the room to land on her masters shoulder, nuzzling up to the king one final time.

As the others formed a half circle around the royal family, Selina stepped forward.

Um, she started, looking at Queen Ishtar.

What is it, my child? Khaliks mother asked.

Um, I just wanted to thank you for telling me everything you did and showing me all that you did. Imhappier now, she said, her voice was confident. And I hope I can see you again.

Of course, you are my sons friend and a fellow fire-kissed child. We will meet again. Hopefully sooner, rather than later, the queen said gently. Have carefor yourself and listen to your brother. He seems to be a sensible wizard.

Ill take care of her, your majesty, and thank you for showing her something that I never could have, Alex bowed his head.

Please, it was my pleasure. I just hope to see you all again soon.

You will have to come back, Khalik said. It is unfortunate that Baelin was not here this time. He has been incredibly busy lately.

Oh? King Aksuma raised an eyebrow. And you know the chancellor well? I thought he was a professor of yours?

He is more of a mentor to all of us, especially Alex. The prince gestured to his friend. It is too bad you could not have met him on this visit: he is one of the most interesting people you could ever meet, and I guarantee that.

I am sure he is quite busy, a man like that, and our visit was not announced in advance, Queen Ishtar said.

Still, I think he wouldve liked to have met you, Alex said. But the timing was bad. Hes been travelling all over the place, and Im not sure when were going to be seeing him again regularly.

Well, perhaps he will be free next time we return, the king said. Now, I do understand that you all live lives of danger, but, such is the path of magic, and we know this well.

But for the sake of yourselves and us, take care. The queen took her husbands hand. Especially you, Khalik and Sinope. You will both be in our prayers and spirits.

Be well mother and father, Khalik and Sinope bowed.

May the summer flowers be sweet to you, the dryad said.

And to you, as well, the king replied. Eat well and be well. You may stay in the villa as long as you like until the servants depart.

He glanced out the window.

Take shelter. The storm seems like it is only going to get worse.

Indeed. Farewell for now, until we meet again, the queen turned to the nearby who stood nearby. Roba?

Of course, your majesties, Roba bowed.

He began to cast a spell.

Alex could feel teleportation magic building.

Farewell, Queen Ishtar said.

Farewell, King Aksuma said.

Goodbye, mother and father! Khalik waved.

And then Roba finished his spell.

In a heartbeat, Khaliks parents vanished.

Tiz stepped into the empty space in the centre of the entrance hall. You may stay here and wait out the weather while we go about our duties. If you need anything, simply ask.

We will, Tiz, Khalik said, offering Sinope a seat at the table before sitting down himself.

The servant bowed, then left the room.

Thundar crossed his arms, looking through the window.

Well, we might be here for a while, the minotaur grunted. That storm doesnt look like itll be letting up any time soon. Can you teleport us all the way back to your place, Alex?

Well, I can travel even farther than I could during the Grand Battle, but all the way back to the city? No, not yet, Alex admitted, pulling out Selina and Theresas chairs. But, Im working on it. Its getting easier to make longer jumps. Soon, maybe in a week or so, I should be able to reach the city from here with the way things are going.

A marvellously convenient power, Isolde said. Has anyone been asking you questions? You raised quite the commotion during our battle.

Oh yeah, lots of people have been asking me how I did what I did. Alex crossed his arms. I just said I was developing some new magic, which is true, and that I wouldnt be talking about it for a while.

Thats good, Thundar said. I was scared they were going to accuse us of cheating.

Wasnt a fifth-tier spell. Alex shrugged. So no problem there.

Good! Itll be amazing when you can teleport us really far, Selina said. We could see so many things, just like the Traveller did.

Yeah, we could, couldnt we? Alex said. We should be doing that, one day.

When do you think well be able to?

The Thameish wizard thought about it, looking out at the storm. I cant say for sure, but Ive got faith itll sooner than later.

Selina watched the storm as well.

She touched the Travellers symbol around her neck. Then I have faith too.

In Thameland, under a clear sky, Merzhin the Saint stared at his symbol of Uldar. The white hand of his god seemed to blaze bright in the sliver of morning light peeking through his tent flap.

Hed been staring at it for a good hour now.

But he had neither felt divine revelation.

Or heard his god speak.

At last, he sighed.

I must follow your will, he said. At all times. And I have put this off for too long. Do not worry, my God. I will do what must be done.

With those words, he left his tent.

And the Saint of Uldar went in search of Carey London.

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