The Iron Forest: Ancestor's Legacy

Armor clinked as Prince Shunlin walked between a pair of palace guards. The King summoned him with armed men—the loyal elite, sworn to the crown’s service. He knew what awaited him beyond the king’s chamber door. Not just his fate, but the fate of all Chotukhan. The attack on Saratan angered his father despite being necessary to secure the lands to the southwest and replenish much needed workers.

The hall creaked with the opening of the chamber door. Viceroy Angul and General Balon stood aside at attention, giving a slight nod at his presence. Inside, paced the king. He wore no crown or elegant robe, but a simple cotton tunic.

“You sent for me, Father?”

“Don’t call me that! Not now!” The king’s face turned red with rage. He glared at the Viceroy who immediately stepped forward.

“We understand that a Chotukhan army sacked Saratan,” Angul said. “General Balon has admitted you gave the orders. Is that true?”

“It is.”

“Why?”

Shunlin smirked. “Just as you said, we needed workers in the field. Besides, a union between the Shankur and Kutassa would leave our southern lands open to attack. I gave the order to solve a problem.”

“You gave an order that caused a war. Our fortifications to the south and west are being attacked by the Shankur as we speak. We had to pull back and hold our defenses in Tashimur.”

Shunlin chuckled. “I’m glad you could work things out. Is that all?”

“Not quite,” snapped his father. “What do you have to say about this?” He gestured to a pair of guards. They entered; each holding a chain bound to a man in tattered red robes. It was hard to see in the dim candlelight, but the long, thin mustache made it clear: The Chotukhan captured Master Gihlan.

“Congratulations?”

It was a nonchalant response, but Shunlin knew the laws and consequences brought about by King Akutu. Crimes against Gaia, to include devotion to Abaddon, could justify punishment by death. He had little concern about seeing the headman’s axe or ending his days in an iron cage for crows to feast on his bones. He knew the masses witnessing a member of the royal family getting executed would show weakness and provide an excuse to revolt.

What bothered him the most was all this happened too soon. He still needed to free the Destroyers in Khalati and wake Abaddon with his armies at hand. Not to mention, find the key.

The king addressed the guards. “Take this wizard back to his cell. I want to speak with my son alone.” He waited for the guards to lift the old man to his feet. After departing the chamber, he commanded the general and his men, “Leave us.”

They bowed, leaving him and his father in a room where a few oil lamps fought against the nighttime darkness. A moment of awkward silence prevailed before Shunlin spoke. “Father, I can explain.”

“No! You cannot!” the king shouted, returning to his pacing. “My son, the heir of the Chotukhan crown, found conspiring against Mother Gaia herself. And then you go attack the Kutassan and start a war. Do you realize what you’ve done? The slightest whisper of your faith to Abaddon will create descent and weaken the throne.”

Shunlin shook his head. “You have that wrong. The throne is already weak.” His head snapped sideways with a strike. He rubbed his reddening cheek but continued, unphased. “Our Chotukhan armies are strong, but it is nothing more than a deception. The Shankur have fighting will, and coupled with the Shainxu, they can destroy us and all we have. They just haven’t realized it yet. Abaddon would make a powerful ally, and with his machines, we could rule with no disorder or chaos.” He paused for a second. “Without Gaia.”

King Akutu gaped. “Your belief in an alliance with the sleeping god is misguided, let alone the ability to control him. If you wake Abaddon, all he will bring is destruction and death.” He turned toward the window to glance at the city below. “I have no other heir to pass down the crown, which brings me to a difficult place.”

A snap of the king’s fingers brought several men in royal armor through the chamber entry, followed by General Balon. They surrounded Shunlin, but kept their weapons sheathed. He glanced at each one; men sworn to serve the king without question until—death.

His father folded his arms. “I have given you the realm, but you’ve chosen to throw it all away. You will not be king.”

Shunlin held back the anger building inside. “Then who, might I ask, will my birthright fall to?”

“Viceroy Angul will wear the crown as king regent until an heir that is both Chotukhan and Shainxu can be placed on the throne.”

“What?” he shouted. “You can’t deny me my birthright. It is against our laws!”

“Laws that are subject to change as the situation sees fit,” King Akutu snapped. “It has been unanimously decided that you are a liability and a threat.” He motioned the guards closer. “As for Lady Karmera, Viceroy Angul will oversee her execution upon tomorrow’s first light. Her head will adorn the gates as a reminder to those who oppose the mother god.”

Shunlin boiled with rage even as he grinned. “Father, it is I who has been brought into a difficult place. For many winters, I have waited to accept the crown, but now I am forced to take it.”

“What are you talking about?”

There was no answer, only a gesture to the men that surrounded them.

Swords, sliding from their scabbards, with spears aimed now toward the king. The old monarch’s angry gaze turned fearful and desperate.

Shunlin moved closer. “The age of Gaia has ended. Men shall rule the world without being told how and when. After Abaddon finishes what he started, I will rule the lands under a single crown and spread our people beyond the Outlands—forever.”

He embraced his father, covering his nose and mouth. The old man flailed, clawing. His screams were muffled by Shunlin’s tunic.

He held on, squeezing tight. “Shh,” he soothed as his father’s struggles grew weaker. “Before you die, I want you to know I love you and will honor you.”

King Akutu slid to the floor.

Prince Shunlin stood over his father, breathing hard. He glanced at the general who saluted him. “Tell Viceroy Angul the king has succumbed to age and ailment. Place him in his bed so the clergy can prepare him for his transition to the next world.”

“It will be done, my king.”

*****

Shouts and commands rang throughout the palace as priests, and guards scurried to prepare for the funeral. For over thirty winters, the fires that burned high above the temple were extinguished. It was a symbol of the king’s reign and life as the ruler of the Chotukhan people. The darkness that ensued put the city and temple in a state of morning.

For four days, King Akutu lied on a slab of stone, guarded by soldiers in black beneath a banner of white that bordered a black crow with outstretched wings.

Men and women crowded in the streets and courtyard for the last chance to see their deceased monarch. They marched in single file up the temple steps, weeping with heads held low.

A pyre was built atop the former king’s black brazier. With the beating of drums, priests and soldiers carried the body up wooden stairs and placed it on a bed of white cloth. There, the king awaited to pass his rule to the heir apparent.

Shunlin climbed the temple steps with the city of Gathal, watching in anticipation. Not once did he recall his father’s smile. Even in death, the old man carried an eternal scowl. You were a great king and served the Chotukhan well, but our people have need for a new, more powerful leader. One who will rule all the tribes forever.

Lady Karmera joined him at the pyre and stood by his side, holding a torch. At his signal, she held it for him to take, which he used to consume the king with fire for his journey to the next world and the start of a new reign.

The fire started with a small flame and grew as it slowly crept up the wood, bathing the prince in its heat. Only the heir can light the fire that symbolized the passing of the crown.

He wasted no time to leave his father to his fiery grave. Now it’s time to get my crown. Shunlin headed toward the throne room where there sat his chair adorned with crows of black iron. Behind it hung a banner of black with a white talon, as if ready to snatch its prey—a new banner for a new king.

He sat, waiting…

Soon, priests crowded around him as nobles filled the hall, waiting to anoint the king. They were led by Lady Karmera, holding a steel crown, adorned with gold, onyx, and moonstones. She placed it on his head and bowed. “My king.”

He looked upon the crowd of Chotukhan. At his gaze, they knelt as one.

Lady Karmera shouted, “A new king is crowned! May the gods bless the king!”

He relished the chant as his people echoed back the words.

A hundred eyes watched him sitting atop the throne with the priestess at his side, both loyal advisers and servants alike. He rubbed the cold cast bird, wondering if the kings from ancient stories had felt the same rush of power at their anointment. Did they feel strong, like a lion among sheep, or were the hundred eyes watching him, nothing more than predators, sizing their prey?

Among the crowd of white and black was a woman wearing robes of red with flowing brown hair; Lady Tani. Tears glistened in streaks down her face. At her side stood Viceroy Angul. Seeing the two reminded him of the arrangement his father made with the Shainxu—an arrangement that no longer carried any weight. I cannot wait for this.

The viceroy took a step forward and addressed the crowd and crown like he had for decades. “King Shunlin, considering recent monarchical change, we should discuss the matter of continuing the royal lineage. Without an heir apparent, the crown can be torn into chaos. If in the unlikely event, you could not reign.”

Shunlin scowled at Lady Tani, whose expression twisted. He found some satisfaction at her disposition before he spoke. “Your presence at Gathal is no longer needed, my lady. You are to return to the Iron Forest—back to the Shainxu.”

He waved to a pair of guards. They reached for the noble woman but clutched nothing but air. Her holographic image twitched as the crowd gasped.

“This is an outrage!” she seethed. “King Akutu’s death does not annul the agreement between our people. You play a dangerous game, your Highness.”

Shunlin laughed. “Oh, but it does. If the Shainxu object to my decision, then they are welcome to come to Gathal and discuss it with sword and shield.”

The crowd mumbled in awe as her image faded and dissipated into a glittering cloud. Even the guards took a step back in fear of the magic.

“Damn Shainxu wizardry,” Shunlin commented lightly before his gaze shifted to Viceroy Angul. “Your service to the crown has also ended.”

The old man scowled. “And whom shall my duties pass on to?”

“Lady Karmera will act as my right hand.”

“A priestess? Your Grace, Lady Karmera, is a capable woman, but you can’t expect her to make sound decisions on affairs of the kingdom.” He stepped forward, standing straighter with confidence. “I have served your father as viceroy for more winters than I can count, long before you came into this world. Nobody in this realm can serve you better as your right hand.”

First day as king and my decisions have been questioned twice. It’s time to put a stop to this charade and let the world know who I am.

Shunlin glanced at Lady Karmera, seeing her calm smile. “Very well. I will keep you as my right hand.”

Viceroy Angul bowed. “Thank you, your grace.”

“But only your right hand,” Shunlin amended, gesturing to the general.

A pair of white cloaked guards held the old man at the shoulders, keeping him still while Lady Karmera gripped his shriveled liver-spotted right hand.

“My lord, I beg you. Please, in the name of your father!”

“My father is dead. I am the king now.” He waved a hand that sent General Balon’s sword across the viceroy’s right arm, just above the wrist.

“If anyone wishes to question my decision, speak now while my general’s sword still has a sharp edge.” He scanned the blank faces, staring back, ignoring the screaming in the background. Not bothering to see who left, he turned his attention to the group of priests nearby. “Gaia no longer has a place in Gathal, or any land ruled by the Chotukhan. You served her well, as I’m sure you will serve Abaddon and spread the word of his greatness.”

He glowered at the many nobles and courtiers that shifted with nerves. To him, despite their station, they were all his peasants and subject to his every command. His face turned calm once the wailing of Angul ceased. “Now, that is taken care of. Let us proceed.” His focus turned to a servant girl, pouring wine in his goblet. With a gentle two fingered pinch of her chin, he inspected her face, admiring what he saw. “I have important matters to attend to.”

An hour passed as lords and ladies approached him. Some paid homage while others presented some issue that needed attending. King Shunlin leaned against the iron crows in boredom, letting Lady Karmera and her new courtiers handle the more mundane tasks. Several more hands were severed at the cost of thievery, and two men were sent to the market square for a quick, public beheading.

The line of patrons broke, allowing the priestess to announce the court’s end: “I understand your issues are important, but the king needs his rest. It has been a long day for us all.”

With that, the nobles and courtiers filed out the throne room, leaving the king and the priestess alone at the dais. He gestured to the mighty general that was following his guards and captains out the chamber.

“Not you, General Balon. Stay with me for a moment.”

The big man bowed. “I am at your service, my king.”

“No doubt.” Shunlin frowned, waiting for the last man to leave the throne room. “Where do your loyalties lie?”

“With the Chotukhan.”

“And are you willing to do what it takes for the good of our people. Even if it means sacrificing your men?”

“There will be more.”

“Good.” Shunlin said, glancing at Lady Karmera.

She strolled to the general, swiping a bloodied hand across his polished plate armor and down to his arms. “The Shankur still holds the key we need to wake Abaddon. We feel it may be in the possession of Chief Baju. Take whatever army you need and get us the key. Destroy them if you have to. Let nothing and no one get in the way,”

He bowed. “Yes, my priestess.” He saluted, turned, and marched off, leaving Shunlin and the priestess alone.

The quiet chamber had a slight echo of cheers through the leaded glass windows from the people’s celebration of the new monarch happening outside.

King Shunlin looked at his priestess who appeared lost in thought. “Something bothering you?”

She snapped out of her trance and smiled. “I have a gift for you.”

“A gift?”

“A tribute to the new king.” She gestured for him to follow her out the side entrance.

The castle seemed emptier than normal. Most of the servants and nobles were busy, preparing for a feast to welcome the new king. She led him to a door, one of many scattered along the resident’s halls. The room beyond was empty and dark, with no windows to provide light from the day’s sun. A single candle illuminated a woman in black acolyte robes, kneeling in silence. Her face, half-hidden beneath a black cotton hood, appeared white against the room’s darkness.

“Is this my gift?” King Shunlin asked.

“It is.”

“Who is she?”

The priestess smiled. “A slave girl—a nameless nobody.” She pulled away the hood to reveal her face. Dark hair, straight and long, poured down the back of her cloak. The priestess inspected the girl who kept a blank stare forward—never moving or adverting her eyes.

His breath caught. A single second and a flash of her beauty sent his heart racing. Her features were soft but appeared strong, like a statue, chiseled by the finest sculptor.

“I took special care with this one’s lessons. She has proved herself as a strong maiden… pure and fit for a king. Chosen by Abaddon himself to be your queen.”

He knelt, leaning in close to her. She smelled of wild roses and juniper. He smiled. “What’s your name?”

“My lord?” Her eyes twitched as if not understanding, but the way her brows scrunched with indecision made him curious.

“Your name? What should I call you?”

“Me? I… I am nobody… nothing.”

“I fail to agree. A woman as beautiful as you should have a name.” It was true. He witnessed beauty before, but this one went far beyond his expectations.

She knelt there, still as a statue, not like the other servants, that often shook with nerves. He could tell she lacked the fear they had and gained the strength they didn’t. “Your grace may call me anything that pleases. Until then, I am just a daughter of Abaddon and servant of the Chotukhan and have no name.”

The king nodded.

Lady Karmera brought him his queen.