Dawn of Dusk

Lamercal, Borrial and Chamber came down the gangway and were greeted by Lemmal and Lymar and her chaperon. Borrial greeted her first and then turned to her brother.

“Well your majesty, you are looking well after receiving your kingdom in such an unexpected manner, I just wish that I had been able to do more for your father. I still wake up in terror every time I dream about it. I still have that dream about once per week.”

“Well your highness, there is no reason that you should. You went above and beyond the call of duty in trying to save him. I will always be in your debt for trying to save him when it was nearly impossible to begin with. Kaymar, we are pleased to have you here with us, your grace and beauty almost make me forget that this is a solemn occasion and make me want to have the band strike up a tune so I could ask you to dance.”

“Your majesty is too kind. I am sure that there are many pretty faces that would be more than happy to dance with his majesty.”

“This highness is true, but there is none other that I would rather dance with. I hope that after the period of mourning, that you will do me the honor, King Lamercal of letting me discuss your plans for your daughter.”

“By all means yes, I would be delighted to discuss this with you whenever you feel the time is appropriate.”

“I have carriages waiting, if I am not too presumptuous, I have arranged for you, King Lamercal and Princess Kaymar to ride with me, and for Prince Borrial to ride with Princess Lymar and her escort.”

“That will work for me, and I’m sure that my son and daughter will find the accommodations acceptable. Thank you your majesty.”

They entered the carriages and began the trip back to the castle. Lamercal watched as his daughter and the king who was his closest ally, looked at each other longingly. He noticed Borrial saw as well; but, he didn’t seem very happy about it.

“Have you had a chance to speak with Vistyral since his arrival?”

“Well, yes, but, I wasn’t very pleased with what he had to say.”

“What did he have to say, your majesty?”

“Well, if it just says between the three of us...”

Lamercal and Kaymar nodded their agreement.

“Well Vistyral came in and told me some nonsense that he was engaged to Mirtar of Artermador and that Borrial might well be out to have me assassinated. I took it for the fact that he had been with the Elves too long. I understand that he has been adopted into the race of the Elves; is this true?”

“Yes he has been adopted into King Landif’s family.”

“Well for the sake of our old friendship, I’ll not say anything to Borrial, but I wanted you to know that Vistyral may not be quite as loyal as you might think.”

“King Lemmal, let me tell you something. I trust Vistyral with every fiber of my soul. There is not a spiteful or scheming bone in his body. In fact, just between you and me, I wish that I could say that about Borrial but I can’t. If Vistyral felt that strongly that he would come out and warn you that your life might be in danger, my advice would be to take heed.”

“But...”

“No buts! Your father was my good friend. You were once my squire, and it was your duty to protect my life.

I am not saying that Borrial will try and have you killed. If you received a warning from Vistyral that your life may be in danger, then you should give it as much attention as you would have if the warning was on my life all those years ago when you were my squire and take the same precautions for yourself that you would have insisted upon for me. Remember, you command the largest fleet of military ships in the world. In the wrong hands, or in untrained hands, they could be a great cause of concern for every country in the world except maybe the giants.”

“Fair enough King Lamercal, I will take good care of myself.”

“That is wise. Now, I am sure that you would rather speak with my daughter and I am a sick old man who has come to mourn the loss of his best friend so please feel free to ignore me for the present.”

*****

“Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses, and other Nobles here today, we have gathered here to honor one of the most honorable kings that have lived upon this world in recorded history. He was born almost fifty years ago son of...”

Borrial listened as Mon Treel gave the eulogy which politically should be at least forty minutes and probably closer to an hour. He looked over at Kremoral, his agitation was increasing, and Borrial expected him to try something at any time. Borrial had insisted that his ceremonial dagger be strapped to his side.

“...Married his wife the princess of Cathermania and remained her faithful husband until his death. He cemented further the bond of friendship between Fulsimter and Karrondor forged by his father. His fist born son, Lemmal became squire to King Lamercal and watched over him for almost three years. His diplomacy was extraordinary, I remember one time...”

Kremoral stood and shouted, “Father, I have failed you! I do not deserve to continue to live after you asked me to watch over you and protect you while in Karrondor.”

He pulled his dagger from his sheath and said, “With this act I come to stand by your side as you are judged by the Gods of Karron, if they find you lacking, I will pay their price!”

He plunged the dagger deeply into his chest. Blood began gushing out the wound; it was obvious to all that he had pierced his heart. He fell to the floor and landed on his knife driving it even deeper into his chest.

Some women screamed and others fainted. Lemmal ran to his brother and turned him over. He was already dead Lemmal closed his eyes and looked up to Lamercal.

Lamercal had tears in his eyes and had collapsed into his chair. Borrial had his head down and his body was shaking as if he were crying. Vistyral was shaking his head sadly, Lemmal wondered if Borrial had anything to do with this.