Ch 29: Crown's Creed

Koda sat among the vast collection of tomes and scrolls in the library of the Verdant Academy. Books of ancient histories, lore, and magical theories piled up like a miniature fortress around the young elven prince. His familiar slept peacefully at his feet. His once broken hand had nearly fully healed. Koda noted that this must have been a side effect of working with the Magi.

"You know, there isn't really anything about the origins of the Mage Council here, Wildeye," Koda whispered to the wolf, not really expecting a response of any sort from her. He continued his train of thought all the same, "I mean, there is a vague description here and there of how the council was formed, but most of these stories are just accounts of the Arcana War that discuss the council's role in it. All of it is also clearly biased towards the mages." Wildeye opened a single eyelid and arched her brow, clearly a little annoyed by the interruption from her afternoon nap, "But there isn't really anything here that tells me who the first mages were or how they gained access to the Magi."

"That is because they don't want to teach that the first mages stole from Nashoon!" a familiar voice cut through the solitude of the library.

Xile hobbled into the massive gallery of tomes, gripping his gnarled staff tightly. He looked around at the thousands of ancient books, with disgust scrawled across his aged face. He had always revealed the notion of confining knowledge to boring books and delicate scrolls. The forest was where all knowledge was meant to be kept, not some man-made structure.

"Grandchild, Tull told me this is where I would find you," Xile spoke with a heavy rasp. He was growing older and any youthful energy he managed to hold on to was fleeting.

"Grandfather! This is a most welcome surprise! What are you doing here?" Koda asked, pushing the stacks of books out of his way. Wildeye sprung to life and leapt up to lick the elder.

Xile patted the wolf on the head, whispering in an ancient wolven tongue to calm her down, "My son is dead. Nashoon's forest may be timeless, but alas, the world around it still withers. I've come to pay my respects and to take you back home."

Koda sighed with a grim expression on his face, "I can't."

Wildeye circled around Xile, and whined at Koda.

"Your wolf knows it's time to leave this place behind. Come, we will mourn your father and continue your training together. We've lost far too much time."

Koda lowered his head. Being the Arcane Guardian had always been his future, his destiny. However, ever since he left the safety of the forest and came to be a part of his father's world, life had made new plans for him. He was becoming a mage, and more importantly, he was to be a king, "I can't go with you."

Xile limped closer to his grandchild. He fidgeted with the fine threads of Koda's green mage robes. He pursed his lips, eying Koda with disappointment, "You can't or you won't?"

Koda lifted his head to meet his grandfather's gaze, "I am to become the mage king of Long Whisper. My people need me here. I won't…"

Xile sneered, "A mage! Such a vile thing to be; mages are the complete opposite of everything I raised you to be. How can you do this to me, Koda? And a king? King of what? These elves do not need a king, they need no leader. They need the forest and their traditions. You are lost, my grandchild, but I am here to lead you back to Nashoon. Now forget these foolish and childish dreams and come home!"

"The mages are good for this world. They have taught me the things you refused to teach me! The Magi needs to be explored and used for the good of the people. It needs to be shared, not hidden!"

Xile shook his head and scowled, "You need to be retaught, Grandchild. Those mages have corrupted you. Now come, child, enough with your silly games."

"Everyone wants me to be pulled their way, but never had I realized the responsibilities that were truly put before me. Grandfather, more than ever, the people of this land look for a leader. They willingly chose to leave the old ways behind because as you said, the outside world isn't timeless. Everything changes. This includes the Magi. I chose to become a mage to learn how to better protect my people, and I will become their king to better lead them.

My parents sought to create more than a new legacy. They had a vision of the united tribes. One banner for one united people. My father died a martyr for this cause and I will not allow his sacrifice to be in vain," Koda knelt to hug Wildeye, "I'm sorry girl, but our fates are no longer intertwined."

Xile looked baffled, "What of your responsibilities as Arcane Guardian? Who is to take my place?"

Koda shook his head and spread his arms out, spinning around, "Grandfather, you already left Nashoon. Travel the lands. There is more to the world than just Dawnedge."

Xile turned and walked away in complete frustration. Once at the doorway he called for Wildeye, "Come, Wildeye. Your pack will be overjoyed to see you again."

Wildeye slowly walked forth, but halted to look at Koda. Her eye flared before she trotted back to the side of her companion.

Xile nodded in approval, "Take care of him. He makes foolish decisions, so he'll need you to protect him."

***

Within the court of Lost Dawns gathered all the nobles of the eight tribes dressed in their finest clothes. They lined up in two columns lowering their heads in elegant bows to their prince as he walked slowly by. His blue furred familiar strode by his side, decorated with fine jewelry. Wildeye had a bracelet on her right leg, and a gold and silver linked collar draped around her neck.

Koda wore finely threaded deep purple and green robes. A golden silk cape hung from his left shoulder. He bore the amulet of his late father that marked him as Dawnedge royalty. On his back was sheathed an ornate sword, encrusted with various rare gems.

As Koda reached the throne, he sat down and placed the sword across his lap. Tull delicately picked up the ornate wooden crown from the throne and hovered it like a halo just above Koda's head. It was carved from the Elder Tree. High priests had inscribed an ancient angelic prayer in the wood with golden runes that read:

Eternally I will serve my kingdom

Eternally I am a student of life

Eternally I will seek your wisdom

Eternally I will avoid all strife

Koda closed his eyes, grasping at a fleeting memory of himself on the bank of a pond reading a book of ancient tales with his wolf lying beside him. He opened his eyes to recite his oath.

"Ruens be my witness as I wear this crown,

Protecting the smallest farm to the largest town,

Bestow upon me your perception and foresight,

And forever I will represent the Lost Dawn's light."

An ovation swept the room as Tull placed the crown of Long Whisper on Koda's head. A new king had risen.

***

King Koda paced in his study, listening to a new report on his fledgling project.

"My King, as predicted, the people have signed up in droves for your new military. The people are tired of being victims and wish to take a more active role in protecting the land that they love."

"What of the White Cloaks?" Koda asked frankly.

Tull unfolded a letter from Marcus, "The Long Whisper division of the Guard of the White Cloaks will be dissolved. Only a few White Cloaks will remain to act as drill instructors for the new military. Guild Master Marcus Newsun will personally lend his skills and knowledge as both a military adviser and lead instructor."

Koda nodded, pacing the around the tribal council table, "Any news of the Black Rabbits, particularly the ones responsible for my father's murder?"

"Our wolf riders haven't returned, no doubt they were slain or have lost the trail," Tull said, with a low voice.

Koda nodded, slightly vexed by the lack of information, "Tull, how do they get their recruits?"

"According to our Black Rabbit informant, they recruit from small towns and villages in exchange for protecting those towns. We never had enough White Cloaks to protect those areas, so they have had an easy time recruiting."

"Make sure to send our newest soldiers to protect any community from which the Black Rabbits might pull recruits. I hate to sound cruel, but if we can't catch them, we'll starve them." Koda said, disgusted by the image of starving an animal.

Tull nodded and grinned, "As you say, my King."