Silica and I spoke for roughly an hour. Her story wasn't a happy one, the first ten years of her life was at an orphanage within Rembrant. Her eyes and ears made her a pariah. After the age of 14, she was forced to leave. There weren't many avenues for a young uneducated peasant girl to support herself, so she turned to whoring. She was trained for a few months by a madam and sold her maiden head at 15, apparently some men paid for the opportunity to deflower a woman, and a half elf went for gold. Her childhood was filled with mockery, abuse and the rejection that being a hybrid created.

  Apparently, some drunk noble didn’t want to pay for her services. Things got violent and she put a dagger in his eye. Of course, she ran the same night and took up banditry. Natural elven agility made picking up the sword simple. She robbed transports for years and eventually joined a gang which she promptly betrayed for coin. Her entire life was crime and death. I didn't really care that she was a murderer. I've killed hundreds more than she ever did, and most didn't really deserve it. Even now I felt little to no guilt, so who was I to judge?

  Eventually, her crimes caught up with her and she stowed away on a random ship and landed on Moriah. Of course, she went back to her old ways and was close to getting caught. She fled the capitol and joined Jallen and his band of misfits rather early on. These people became something of a found family.

  Only after her story ended did I understand what she wanted: Acceptance. At every turn she was rejected from society; the elves would rather her dead and humans are naturally xenophobic. She isn't going to be my blade in the dark as I desired. But she can be something equally useful.

  “You know what's funny, the worst part of my life wasn't the whoring or killing.” Silica said, brushing away an errant leaf that fell on her lap.

  I was surprised and it showed on my face, “Really? What was?”

  “It's when I tried to get work that wasn't whoring, everyone said no, even when I had talent. These ears and eyes have been a curse.”

  “That is how people are, they distrust and despise the alien and unfamiliar.”

  Silica scoffed at what I consider sage words, “What?” I asked.

  “You speak as if you’re a wizened elder when you’re younger than I am.”

  “I don't have any memory, so for all you know I'm old enough to be your grandfather.” I joked.

  “I may not have magic, but I can tell an elf’s age. You’re young”

  I shrugged and we remained silent for a few minutes. It wasn't awkward by any means, just pause in a conversation as we both considered things.

  “Can I ask you to be truthful? You claim you never break your word. I will ask you to swear you will answer truthfully or not at all.” Silica said.

  “Very well I swear to it.” I agreed immediately.

  She nodded, then asked her question, “How much of your story is true?”

  It was a simple question, but I was starting to understand Silica, so I knew what she really wanted. Silica needed an answer she could understand and even sympathize with. Furthermore, it needs to be tailored to her kind of thinking. Not once did she voice guilt or regret for the lives she had taken.

  After thirty seconds of silence I answered, “The broad strokes are true, once my tale spreads far enough you will learn of it yourself. But of course, some details were changed, timelines maneuvered, and motivations were altered, to make me seem more heroic, but both you and I know there is no such thing in this world. For example, I could have prevented John's death at the hands of the bandits, but….”

  She cut me off mid-sentence and finished my thought, “You weren't very powerful then, if you healed him, Sarah would have noticed something was off. It was potentially dangerous.”

  Sharing small secrets, I found, was a good way to build trust. The onus will be on her to break it. It also gives the illusion of an advantage to her. If she revealed this, then she proved herself to be unreliable and not worth further trust. Her invasion of my privacy was instigated by me, but just because a man leaves his door unlocked doesn't make the thief not guilty. I will give her a second chance.

  “Essentially yes. There is more, far more, but all will come in time.”

  She shrugged, relaxing, “I can’t say I’m surprised; you played on my emotions rather well I never even considered why you left your bags behind.”

  “I figured something like that would happen, that's why I wasn't really angry.”

  “It was a test then?” she asked.

  “Not necessarily, I was just fishing, someone had to be interested in what was in my bag. To my surprise no one did until you.”

  “Jallen was rather cross with me.” Silica mumbled.

  “He’s an honorable man, but honor only goes so far. In this world no one has perfectly noble intentions. Everyone has some selfishness, better to find out now instead of meeting some disaster later.”

  Silica nodded along as I spoke. A good part of any relationship is having common beliefs and hers were transparent.

  “If I become some loyal retainer, when will I know everything?” Silica asked.

  “When I am king.”

  “And what can you offer me for such loyalty?” She sounded serious.

  “A title.” I said simply.

  She laughed, clearly not expecting such an answer. “And what would that be?”

  “What do you think of Solar Knight?”

  ~

  A few days passed like this in relative peace. I talked with Jallen and Cassia. showed magic to the children and healed the sick. In my short time with the motley rebellion their lives were improved all the while Silica watched how I acted around them. I was in the forest hunting with Loresse, she taught me how to walk without sound. How to avoid branches arrant roots and leaves. I took her flying several times. I wasn't exactly sure if someone could become addicted to flying but she was somewhere close to it.

  Now we stood over a boar as the dwarven woman skinned and prepared it for travel back to the small camp site. She gave me a stern stare, preparing herself to ask something.

  “Moon.” She said, drawing my attention. I gave her a raised eyebrow in return.

  “I’ll be blunt with you; we dwarves have no use for human maneuvering. Elf you may be, but you act like a human. I ask a question, and you answer truthfully, with no double meaning and no lies or don’t answer at all. That’s our way.”

  I nodded, then she continued. “Can you truly make more ridable wyverns.”

  “Yes, it is a simple process.”

  “Could you grant me one of my own?”

  I already knew where this was going, “Yes.”

  “What can I offer to get one for myself?” she said simply.

  “Before I answer, may I ask a question?” Loresse nodded, “Why do you want a wyvern?”

  “Is it not clear that I wish to fly. It is the ultimate freedom, but I can see that isn't enough. We dwarves are bound to the earth; most of us never leave our underground kingdom believing that the surface dwellers are lesser. But now that I have the taste of freedom. I want it all the more.”

  I nodded, liking her reason. Straightforward self-interest is always reliable.

  “My price is simple. ill not play the game of double meaning and half-truths with you. The more I have spent on this island the more I have begun to realize what I can accomplish. For that I need people who I can trust. So that is my price. For this gift you must offer me your loyalty,”

  “What’d you mean exactly?”

  “Do you have any loyalty to anyone within the Dwarven Sovereignty? Anyone you have pledged yourself to? Anyone, who if you were to swear allegiance with me would cause you to break your oaths with other individuals?”

  Her brow furrowed, contemplating.

  “Technically all dwarven children are sworn in service to our king. If I swear to another then I would be labeled an apostate and I would be killed if I entered dwarven lands,”

  “Well now you know the price?”

  “Why do you even want my loyalty?”

  I shrugged, “You have seen my abilities so ask yourself. What could I accomplish if I controlled an entire kingdom? DO you think it would be difficult for me to conquer this island?”

  She took in a deep breath her eyes widening in shock as she realized that I wasn’t joking.

  “With your power you could, but holding it would be a problem. You would need…” She paused. Then her eyes widened with surprise.

  “You didn't run into us by accident.” she said, brokering no counterargument.

  “No, I didn't, so let me ask you. Can you offer such loyalty?”

  She took in a deep breath, “What would I be? A servant? A vassal?”

  “A kingdom needs protectors. And what better protector than a knight.”

  She laughed half in mockery, “You’d make me a knight.”

  I shook my head, “Not just a knight. A knight of my kingdom. A solar knight. A knight of the sun.”

  “What would I need to do If I accepted?”

  “Simple, kill my enemies, secure my lands and embody the greatest qualities of both me and my kingdom. I could make the island the envy of the world. Its knights will certainly have to match my prestige. Additionally, I don't intend to take the island alone, but the entire ocean will be my territory.”

  She openly laughed, “You can't secure that much ocean without a massive fleet. But if you had…..”

  “Yes, I would rule the skies. How much could I accomplish with ten solar knights?” I asked.

  “I see.” She said, not giving anything away.

  “What do you intend to have the solar knight be beyond killing,”

  “Many knights exist in this world; the role is largely ceremonial. My Solar knight would be an extension of my will, answerable only to me. My kingdom will be a representation of myself. So, it must have the greatest knights to ever walk the earth. The solar knights will each receive a wyvern, probably around a fifth the size of Baelathor. The best enchanted armor and weapons that I can make. And of course, the access of my unique magic,” I finished watching as she absorbed my words.

  “The rest won’t be pleased that you lied to em,” she said.

  “Perhaps they will be upset, perhaps some will leave. Even a handful of people loyal to me is worth it,”

  She looked up at the sky, her mind whirling with thoughts.

  “That is my offer Loresse.”

  “May I think about it? Forswearing my oath to my king is no simple matter,”

  I nodded and left her to her thoughts. I wasn't sure if she would turn out to be loyal in the end but there are some risks I have to take. Betrayals will happen. I only have to have contingencies to minimize the damage. Still, I felt that she would swear for me in the end. Things were going smoothly, and, in a few days, it might be time to make my pitch to Jallen. Depending on the loyalty of the rest they might have already informed him of my intentions. I f they then that proves that I don’t have their loyalty. Not surprising, since I’ve only been interacting with them for a few days. I'll give it a week then, and use that time embed myself so deeply that they would morn me leaving

  If they haven't told Jallen, then their self-interest won out. While that was my preferred reaction. I would have to grow that self-interest into true devotion. For now, I'll take a lesson from Madame Gardenia and embed their ambitions and aspirations with my own. I’ll trim away those who are in it just for themselves or those who aren't as loyal as I would like. Even if I have to kill them to do it.

  Another three days passed like this. Silica and Loresse have yet to swear to me. And I could feel the tension in the camp. Whispers were spread that thanks to my ears I could pick up. Some were questioning why I was still there. While others were questioning why Jallen refused to ask for my help since anyone with sense would realize that I had the power to take this kingdom.

  I got side glances from Cassia as she spoke to the older women, speaking about how wonderful my abilities were. I got some mildly disdainful glances from Ben as I interacted with Lira. She had become rather fanatical towards me. This only amplified as I healed her completely and at her request healed all the damage done from birthing a child. She was more ecstatic that I could give her assurance that her daughter was healthy. All she had to do was bring little Benny over and I would place a finger on her forehead, and I could with certainty inform her of her health. It pleased me when at the protest of her husband she decided to name her child Benny.

  At this point everyone was in good health. There was fresh water available for both cooking and cleaning. And I used telekinesis to clear away all the rubble from the collapsed tower to allow for more room within the small courtyard. I amused the children to no end as I would have them sit on large wooden planks and levitate them a foot off the ground. As they grew more comfortable almost all the humans and most of the children have been on Baelethor at least once. By now I knew everyone by name and my alienness of being an elf amongst humans was being forgotten. I even started a small garden that was growing a few dozen pea plants. The speed at which I was able to grow the plant astonished them.

  In a few more days the peas should be ready to pick and added to the night’s stew. My magic, while impressive, did not invoke such a reaction. I stood in front of my small garden while a few of the older women, Cassia and Lira looked on in awe.

  “And you say this can be done on a large scale,” Cassia asked in surprise.

  “Not quite as fast since these have gotten my personal attention but tripling or quadrupling the growth rate on a large scale is well within my abilities. Not to mention these plants are more resistant to diseases and pests,” I said confidently.

  “What would you even do with so much food, you usually have to harvest every week or so. But you're telling me we would have to harvest almost daily during the growing season.” Another woman asked.

  “No, these plants are hardy enough to be harvested even during the off season. Not to mention they would grow larger and produce more peas per pod than normal," I corrected.

  “What would you even do with so much food?” Cassia asked.

  I took a moment to pretend as if I had never thought about it before, “Well, considering such a large influx of food would drive down prices, feeding the people would be rather simple. So, most would have to be sold abroad, probably to Jubani and the rest of the eastern kingdoms. What does Moriah lack in terms of resources,”

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  “Copper and iron.” A woman added. “Spices, salt, pepper, those are always expensive.” a decrepit woman added.

  “Sugar and honey. The damn traders always ask for an arm and a leg.” Another added.

  “Precisely, Jubani is rich in these products so trade would be a priority. More farms, more harvests, more workers tending fields, many jobs to go around. Men will pick up trade and transport as a profession. This cycle of trade, production, consumption, imports, and exports is how a proper economy is built.”

  The women nodded along as if I was a sage, but in truth they likely never thought about how an economy works beyond their daily needs. I was in their good graces and had at least secured them in my camp. Now all that was left was the few warriors in the camp.

  ~

  I stood on the beach watching Devon drill his men through various sword forms. I had been watching him silently inspecting what would be the beginnings of my fighting force. They were rather pathetic really. I shook my head as they went through various sword forms pantomiming, parrying and blocking. They were clearly just doing this to pass the time. There was no motivation or enthusiasm in any of them. Eventually the training session ended, and they wondered off.

  “You have opinions Moon?” Devon asked inquisitively.

  “They leave much to be desired.” I had no reason to spare him the truth.

  “And what would you do differently, since my abilities are so lacking?”

  I shrugged, “Their armor and weapons are poorly kept, half of them are rusted. They are undisciplined, unmotivated and lacking any unit cohesion.”

  He sighed accepting my words as truth, “How can they be, they have nothing to fight for and most don't even have families,”

  “I suppose, but what they truly lack is a goal,” Devon raised an eyebrow. So, I continued, “It's a rather simple thing really. They’re like the living dead; each day that passes are the same, with no destination. If they cannot come up with one, then one must be given.”

  “What is your goal then?” He asked.

  “I have many goals. Finding out who I am is one. Learning more magic is another. Either way I always have something to get me out of bed in the morning, metaphorically speaking.”

  “What goal can I offer them then? Since you seem to fail to notice the state of things. They have all buried friends, wives, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons. What can you offer a man who has seen all that he loves burned to ash in the wind.” I met Devon’s grey eyes. And took a long moment, considering how I should answer. In those moments when I couldn't come up with something suitable, I went with the truth.

  “Perhaps, nothing. Perhaps vengeance. But in truth, vengeance is an unsatisfying meal. Perhaps you can give them someone to follow and make something as simple as mastering sword play the goal. Train them with such intensity that they don't have time to wallow in despair. During this time with some luck, they can find something else to live for. Another wife, new friendships, new loved ones. No matter how deep the shadows of the night; the sun will always rise again to drive the darkness away. So maybe all they need is just a small ember of hope.” Devon was silent. His face, a stone mask. I didn't know much about the man beyond that every member of his family was dead. We stood silent for a hand full of minutes before I left him to contemplate my words. I wanted this man on my side since I'm sure the men would follow.

  One week later.

  I was flying high in the sky scouting the southern islands. They were around a hundred miles south of Moriah. The 14 islands were home to 14 clans of Shormen, a people whose entire culture was built on raiding ships in the Yruga Ocean. They fought amongst themselves constantly. But for what they lacked in proper government and farmland they made up for in martial and naval skill. Their Longships were small compared to the massive galleons of the empire, but they were fast, faster than any other ship I had seen. Not to mention their warriors spirit as they call it. They were willing to fight and die to the last man or woman to defend their island.

  They had no cities, just large clusters of wooden huts in villages. No standing fortification or properly structured fleets. I was still debating if they had to be exterminated or annexed into my own kingdom. The islands, while small, some barely even 50 miles across, were beautiful, with gorgeous white sandy beaches and lush jungles.

  I would have the islands but how to go about getting them was still a debate for me. My time with the remnants of the rebellion was decent. Everyone was healed and my pea garden was producing enough food for almost everyone to go to bed with full stomach. I underestimated how fast I could grow produce. Constant exposure to living ether had caused the plants to grow three times the height of a normal pea plant and produce many more pods. There were now a dedicated group of women to pick and pluck the peas daily. With genetic modification, proper pruning and better fertilizer than food scraps. I could probably further increase the production. On a large scale the produce would be staggering. But that would have to wait until I have a kingdom to build.

  I had purposely made this journey last a day just so the humans would understand what it would be like for them when I’m gone. Can’t have them taking my presence for granted after all. A few begged me to not leave yet but I need to foster dependency for the moment. And it's not like spending the entire day on the back of Baelathor wasn't enjoyable.

  There were a few other islands in the ocean, but they didn’t have any significant population to speak of. I had built trust and was sure that there were at least a dozen people who would follow me. It was a start, so now, either I would be approached when I returned, or I would be forced to be the one approaching. I didn't just visit the island though I went back to Vendalia to the closest coastal city I could find and, in my hood and cloak, bought some supplies. Several bottles of wine, cheeses, hardtack, dried meat, salt, and a small sack of hard candies for the children. It took several trips to the random village, but I managed to fill Baelathor’s saddle bags with food.

  ~

  Eventually I landed on the shores near where the watchtower was, and Stone came dashing out of the forest to greet me. “Yes, Yes, I missed you too.” I said to the large grey horse. He had grown a few inches and was as spry as a young stallion. Silica came walking out of the woods with a serious expression.

  “Moon! We have been waiting," she said with clear relief. Her expression was exactly what I wanted to see.

  “Hello Silica, you seem tense,” She still hasn't given me a proper oath of loyalty.

  “We wish to speak with you,” Silica said. I assume by ‘we’ she meant what passed for leadership amongst them.

  “Lead the way,” My anticipation was rising. Hopefully all my work won’t be for naught.

  The camp was empty, a first I had seen. I was concerned that they were attacked while I was gone but there was no blood or signs of struggle. The cookfire was still lit and everyone’s belongings were still there. So, they probably had someone watching for my arrival and emptied the camp for this conversation.

  Strange, but perhaps they were preparing for the worst. Or maybe if I didn't like what they had to say and chose violence no one else would be caught in the crossfire. Silica led me to the center of the camp where Jallen, Loresse, Cassia, and Devon were.

  “Greetings Moon,” Jallen said with solemnity.

  “Jallen,” I responded, taking in their expressions. Some awkward silence passed before Cassia spoke.

  “I’m sure you know what we want to talk about,” Cassia said. I gave her a silent nod in return, offering them little.

  Loresse sniffed and blurted out, “So you want to take Moriah for yourself.”

  “Yes, I’ve decided I will.”

  “Why?” Cassia asked.

  How should I respond? Altruism? No, that wouldn't work. Perhaps I should just go for honesty. Let them look beneath the surface of my mask. They need to know what they are signing up for.

  “I suppose I could say, it is for justice. Or some other altruistic reason but it is for my own ambition. I feel for your suffering and the others in this camp, but I had decided long before ever meeting any of you that this Island would be mine.”

  As expected, I got a few disapproving stares form Cassia, Jallen and Devon. Silica and Loresse of course knew more than the others.

  “You say this so boldly, yet you want us to trust you.” Devon said.

  I shook my head. I suppose I should stroke their egos a bit, “I have walked amongst you. Shared meals with you. I would not offer you such disrespect as to lie and offer an altruistic motivation that would suit you,” He remained silent considering my words.

  “Then how are you any different than any other power-hungry individual who wants a crown on his head,” Cassia asked.

  “I am not. A delusion most people have is that the most trustworthy person to have power is someone who doesn't want it. This is nonsense.”

  Devon shook his head, clearly my words were counter to his own beliefs, “Explain your thoughts.” he commanded.

  “Simple, can you think of a single successful leader that adheres to the noble ideals you find to be of value. Can you think of one who is perfectly honorable, honest, who’s motivations are completely in the service of the people and not themselves,” He didn't respond so I continued.

  “The only thing that matters in a leader is competence, not their motivation or ideals. A leader must jealously guard their power against those who would see them undone. A leader must always seek to increase their power and standing.”

  “King Moriah would agree with you?” Jallen said coldly.

  “So would Dutchess, Hearthaven, who managed to increase her status from baroness. Now her dutchy is thriving, the roads are safe, trade is up and running. Even Wigmore, a barony that has been in decline for years is now having a turnaround. Why do you think she lowered taxes, offered low interest loans to businesses, built new roads, doubled patrols, strengthened her courts and established free trade, non-aggression and mutual defense treaties with her neighbors?”

  “Why did she do this if not for the people?” Jallen asked.

  “That is effective leadership Jallen. But what I didn't tell you was that she was the one who impoverished the surrounding baronies. Prompting them to attack her, which gave her the opportunity to annex the surrounding baronies, petition for a change in titles, and install her own people in positions of power. Now instead of 4 baronies fighting against each other she rules all. And she will jealously guard her acquired power, because in the end she did it for herself she said as much to me. Now how does one guard against being deposed? A strong army, the elimination of corruption and dissidents. Also, the people need to be placated so what do they need to remain loyal?” I stayed silent, my eyes flicking between each of them.

  “Strong courts, actually have justice and trust in their leadership. Actual men of honor who can guard the weak and punish the corrupt.” Jallen said.

  Then I looked to Cassia, after a few moments she realized I wanted her to answer, “Food, work and shelter. A man with consistent work, good pay, a full stomach, and a warm dry bed is not a man you can motivate to take up arms in rebellion,”

  Devon started speaking, “You need good men and women at your back, motivated to fight. Give them proper arms, armor, training, and fill their minds with motivation that they will be making a difference and that the blood they spill will bring about a bright future.”

  I smiled slyly then looked at Silica and Loresse, “These are good and honorable ways to keep safety, security, and prosperity of a country. But it's missing something.”

  Silica spoke first, “Honor is good and all. But sometimes a blade in the dark is what you need. No witness, no courts. You need eyes and ears in every tavern and in every back alley and street. Every whore house and gambling hall. Many who the laws find it difficult to bind are as destructive to a country as a plague. It's best to get rid of them without any the wiser.”

  Loresse spoke finally, “Sometimes a blade in the dark is too subtle, sometimes you need to march up to someone and end them for all to see. To remind both your allies and enemies that for all your good works, you hold all the power, and they will die if you command it.”

  I smiled. Each of them had a quality that I found useful and with just a few well-placed words I was able to get them thinking about what roles they would have in my rule. I was getting close, just a bit more.

  “So, the question is Moon, are you that person or are you just another despot?” Jallen asked.

  I smiled, unslung my caring case and assembled eclipse. There was a wave of fear from them that pleased me. I stood in front of them. My brilliant white clothes were slightly dirty from not being cleaned but they still shone wonderfully in the sun.

  “What do you see when you look at me?” I asked.

  There was a moment of silence, “Just say what you think even if you think it could offend me.”

  Loresse spoke first, “Too pretty, if I didn't know you, I would think you're a softly little elf.”

  Jallen was next, “Arrogant and also intelligent; I see your words were well chosen.”

  Silica spoke, “Self-Serving and ambitious. Willing to lie and manipulate to get what you want.”

  “Powerful, this power gives you confidence to act how you please.” Cassia added.

  “Narcissism and a lack of honor or pride, but there is kindness beneath it or perhaps the mask you wear is so great that it fools me even now,” Devon said.

  I nodded as they voiced their thoughts.

  “You are all correct to varying degrees. I am what I am. An elf that believes he shines as bright as the sun in fact Solaris means sun. Now what kind of kingdom would that elf build. That is what you are asking. Very well let me tell you.”

  I caught their eyes, took a deep breath and began.

  “This island is a diamond in the rough, an unpolished gem. Your soil is fertile, you share no borders with anyone. The only means of attacking is by sea and with my wyvern such a thing would be impossible. But it's not just that, my ego will not allow me to simply build any kingdom. It must be the envy of the world. Everyone who visits my kingdom must be in awe of their surroundings. ‘It's cleanliness, architecture, the wealth, health and wellness of its citizens from the lowest peasant to the highest lord should turn men green with envy. Kings, Queens, Dukes, and duchesses who visit my kingdom will return home and look at their own lands with disappointment, since their home will never hold a candle to the majesty of Solaria,”

  My words hung in the air for a moment before Loresse asked, “Do you really think you can do it? And what role would we play?”

  “Yes, I have been preparing for some time and have given it considerable thought. I didn’t amass incredible wealth, a massive amount of magical knowledge and connections with the most powerful people in Vendalia for no reason,”

  “I see it now. The time spent at Allissia’s court, learning as many spells as possible, bargaining for the secrets of enchanting. It’s all for this. Your ambition,” Jallen said sounding both amazed and disappointed.

  “Answer Loresses’s other question, what would be our roll?” Devon said.

  “I am powerful, incredibly wealthy and intelligent. But I am only one elf. I can only be at one place at a time,”

  Silica nodded, “Makes sense, anyone in power needs people in key places to support them,”

  I shrugged, “Your roles would vary; generals, knights, guard captains, it depends,”

  “But would it not be better for someone like Jallen to take the throne, it will be a hard pill to swallow for your everyday peasant to bow to an elf.” Devon said. It was rather bold of him to say so in front of me.

  Jallen shook his head, “Even if it would be easier for people to accept. I don't want the throne, I just want the people of Moriah to live good lives,”

  Loresse sniffed,” let's be real here. Moon is going to do this with or without us. At least if were a part of it he wouldn't be spilling too much blood in the process. And since Jallen and Cassia are well known, that can ease people’s acceptance.”

  Cassia sighed, “I suppose you are right we would add some legitimacy,”

  “We have only known each other for a week and a half, and it will take time for true loyalty and trust to bloom within us. But Loresse is right. I will do this with or without your help.” I couldn't make them think I needed them too much.

  “I accept. You will have my oath, but it must be done in private,” Loresse said. Shocking everyone.

  “You would accept this risk?” I asked.

  “The Sovereignty is far away. But the one thing we dwarves bow to is power. Each dwarven king must prove that he has the metal to keep the throne, lest he be dethroned. Swearing to one of the most powerful mages in the world. A king that controls the entire Yruga ocean, and turning up on the back of a wyvern sporting enchanted steel armor would actually increase my status. Power is power after all,” she shrugged casually. I rather like her straight forwardness.

  “Very well then Moon, I’m not long for this world, but if you can save the kingdom and give it hope you will have my loyalty.” Cassia said.

  Jallen sighed and looked at Devon. A silent conversation seemed to have happened then both men nodded.

  Devon looked me dead in the eyes and said, “I still don't trust your words, but I have no other choice. I will offer you my sword and follow you along this path hoping that you are as you appear to be,”

  Jallen looked surprised and Devon then he spoke, “I want justice Moon. justice for all those who have suffered under the rule of King Moriah and his ilk. As Devon said I still don’t trust you, but you are the only chance we have left. I can only hope that you do as you said.”

  My eyes flicked to Silica, “I will take the title of Solar Knight and all you promised. Give me that and you will find I can be indispensable to your rule.” Silica got puzzled stares as she finished speaking. Apparently, she didn’t mention the solar knights.

  I nodded, “I thank you all, and will endeavor to meet your expectations, but I will make something clear. When I accept your oath. I will be your king and will act as such and expect proper respect. I'm not completely arrogant but how you act around me will affect how others act.”

  “We understand that much,” Jallen said as if it was obvious.

  “Very well. Another thing. I am a unique mage. And as my loyal retainers you will have full access to my abilities. For example, old injuries, cosmetic changes, and physical enchantment are simple things for me.”

  I turned to Cassia, “You say you don’t have long, but Cassia, age is a medical condition. Give me an hour and I can make you as healthy as you were at 40. Give me a week and no one would ever suspect that you were more than twenty-five summers. And yes, I can enhance your magical power. You could even have children again if you wished,”

  Cassia’s eyes bulged as she considered the proposition.

  “I suppose I do have a few old injuries that never healed right,” Jallen mumbled.

  “What about the wyverns?” Loresse asked. She was really fixating on them.

  “I intend to create an Order called Solar Knights or Knights of the Sun. It's a working title. They would defend my kingdom on the backs of wyverns perhaps a fifth of Baelathor’s size. They would be my most loyal and trusted retainers since such a power is not to be given lightly. They they're not native to Moriah but they can be purchased,” I explained for everyone else’s convenience.

  “Were getting off track, how exactly would we take the capitol, have only 8 fighters. Probably another 30 if we train all the women,” Devon said.

  “Let’s save that for a strategy meeting, after all, I will have to announce this to everyone,” I said.

  “How will we do it.” Silica asked.

  “Simple, I will give a speech and ask those who wish to become a part of the kingdom I plan to build to kneel and swear their oaths of allegiance. After that we can begin training volunteers. By the way, I assume you led them somewhere far enough in case this somehow went south.”

  Devon nodded, “I wouldn’t want to risk their lives in the worst case,” His eyes were looking at me for a reaction.

  I just shrugged, “Good thinking; caution is always necessary when dealing with the unknown.”

  There was some surprise in his eyes before it disappeared. “Let's gather em then. I hope you have a good speech, cause this is going to be a tough sell” Loresse said jokingly.

  “I’ve been preparing, but even if ten only people accept. I will consider it a smashing success,”

  “Before we do, I need to give you my oath in private,” Loresse said.

  “We'll head out and get the rest. It shouldn't take more than half an hour,” Jallen said.

  Soon enough I was left alone with Loresse while the rest headed off into the woods.

  “Let’s get this done then, just accept the oath however you see fit,” Loresse said. She stood in front of me then took a knee and removed a glove.

  “I Loresse of house Dumarn, third of her name. In full conscience hereby reject all my oaths and loyalties to both king, crown, and family,” then she reached for a knife on her waist. On the back of her hand was a crest that was branded to her skin, it was old, likely done very early in her life. I couldn’t read the script nor make out the animal, but it did look vaguely like a mountain goat. She drew the knife across the crest causing the blood to flow.

  “I Loresse of house Dumarn, third of her name. In full conscience; by salt and stone; by ash and wind; swear my loyalty in service to Moon Solaris first of his name. I will protect his house and hearth. His desires are my desires, his commands are my will. I am his hands and feet; eyes and ears. I will live, so long as he allows it and will die, if he commands it.”

  I was mildly shocked at the oath; it was far more than I had expected. I really need to brush up on dwarven culture. She paused, meeting my eyes, waiting for me to accept.

  “I moon Solaris First of his name in full conscience Hereby accept the oath of Loresse of house Dumarn, third of her name and the responsibility this entails. So long as our oath remains intact, she will be welcomed to my house and hearth. So long as trust rains between us she will fly amongst the sky carrying my will on wings of her own."

  She smiled almost prettily and handed me the knife. I pantomimed crossing the wound and she nodded. So, I dragged the knife across the back of her hand, finishing the bloody cross.

  That was certainly some oath.

  One down, a few hundred thousand to go.