John Marco - The Eyes of a God

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Book Information:

Genre: Fantasy

Author: John Marco

Title: The Eyes of a God

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Notes:

Scanned by JASC

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The Eyes of a

God

John Marco

Barely twenty-seven, he still had a soldier's lust for life. Were it up to him, he would never make peace

with Reec. That way, Lüria would always need him.

But it wasn't up to him. Akeela ruled Lüria now, and this was a matter he had decided alone. If war

was Lukien's calling, then peace was Akeela's. Lukien glanced at his king and was pleased to be with

him. If a trap did lay ahead of him, he would welcome death at the side of such a good man.

smiled as if nothing could sour his mood. "Put your suspicions away, Lukien. Nothing will go wrong."

Lukien nodded, because everything Akeela said was true. He was seldom wrong, this new king of

Lüria, and that's why his people adored him. It was why they called him "Akeela the Good." And it was

why men like Lukien and the other Royal Chargers followed him, even into the heart of Reec. Lukien

settled into his saddle, trying for some of Akeela's abundant confidence. Behind them, the cavalry rode at

attention, unnerved by the sight of Hes. The Bronze Knight stole a backward glance at his men. Behind

the standard bearer he saw Lieutenant Trager. Unlike his underlings, Trager showed no trace of fear, but

his silence belied his anxiety. Lukien leaned toward Akeela.

'Trager seems… uneasy."

Akeela put up a hand. "Not today, please."

'You should have left him at home. He'll disrupt things."

'He won't," said Akeela. "You're just trying to irritate him. Stop it now."

Like many of the Chargers, Trager hadn't wanted to come to Reec. Behind Akeela's back he had

secretly sneered at the notion of peace, sure that King Karis would snub the offer. Yet here they were,

on the road to the Reecian capital, invited guests of the king. For Lukien, who had battled the Reecians

since graduating war college, it seemed a miracle. Akeela was right to be proud. He had done something

his dead father had never dared dream. If the meeting went well—if they weren't riding stupidly into a

trap—then years of bloodshed might end and Lukien's Royal Chargers could at last sheath their swords.

The decades of war had made them hard and suspicious, but the light in Akeela's eyes had convinced

them that peace was in fact possible. Like Lukien, they quested for Akeela's dream.

Lukien knew his world was about to change irrevocably. Under Akeela, they all faced an uncertain

future. Even if it was one of peace, it would still not be perfect for the Bronze Knight. Lukien was still a

young man, and peerless with a sword. He had earned his reputation the hard way. War was his life, his

best and truest calling. Without war he would change, and the idea chafed him. To sit at home with a dog

at his feet simply didn't interest High in a tower of Castle Hes, Princess Cassandra of Reec cocked an

eyebrow toward the window, marveling at the soldiers approaching her home. It was nearly dusk but she

could see them faintly in the dimming light; their silver armor, their well-bred horses, their blue flag stirring

listlessly on a pole. They were very many, much more than she had expected. She wiped the mist from

the glass, spying the front of the column. Akeela would be there, leading his men, as brave as the stories

said.

'Come away from the window, Cassandra," the girl implored. Jancis was nervous, and her voice

quavered a little. The handmaiden had laid out Cassandra's dress and continued fussing with it, smoothing

out wrinkles that weren't there.

'They're coming," said Cassandra.

'You'll see them soon enough. Come on, Cass, we must dress you."

'Come here, Jancis, look at them."

With a sigh Jancis did as her lady asked, going to the window to stand beside Cassandra. The

princess, still in her undergarments, stepped aside so Jancis could see.

'Look, at the front. The two riding alone."

Jancis nodded. "Uh-huh," she said dully.

'Do you see them?"

'Barely."

'Do you think Akeela's at the front?"

'Probably," said Jancis. The handmaiden frowned. "I suppose that brute Lukien is with him."

'I suppose," agreed Cassandra sourly. No one had wanted her father to allow the Bronze Knight into

Reec, but Karis had in sisted, for King Akeela would not come without him. "I bet he's an

arrogant-looking bastard, too."

'Too far away to tell." Jancis bit her lip. "Hmm, I wonder what Akeela looks like. I can't wait to see

him."

Cassandra's curiousity spiked. She went back to the window, nudging Jancis aside. Akeela was much

too far away to see, and that frustrated her. It frustrated her, too, that she'd been obsessing over his

appearance. He was a great man coming to Reec, with a great offer, and that should have been enough

for her. But Cassandra knew she was special, and had long dreamed of a special husband. It was a

childish thing, she supposed, but the dream was still with her. Cassandra thought it very strange that no

one knew what Akeela looked like, or had faced him in battle. Most princes were warriors, but not this

one. He let his infamous knight make war for him, while he himself stayed safe behind castle walls. Was

he a coward then? Cassandra didn't think so. It took courage for a Lürian to ride into Reec.

'He's a mystery," Cassandra purred. The idea intrigued her. She moved away from the window and

drifted toward her bed, an oak four-poster with ruffled sheets and perfumed pillows. The dress Jancis

had made for her lay across the mattress, looking pristine and beautiful, the perfect garment for

seduction. The princess looked down at her smock-clad body. She was seventeen and had filled out

nicely. She knew this from the way the men at court looked at her, and she loved to play games with

them. But Akeela was a king. Surely he had been with many women, and would judge her critically. A

touch of inadequacy—something Cassandra rarely felt—began to tug at her. She had accepted her

father's request to marry the Lürian gladly, because she was tired of Hes and loved the idea of being a

queen. But she had made sure that she supported her father's plan with just enough restraint to keep her

modesty. However, that had been a month ago, and now Akeela was at her doorstep. Worse, the Lürian

king didn't even know what her father had planned.

More than anything, Cassandra wanted this peace to work. She had seen the disbelief in her father's

eyes when Akeela's message had arrived, imploring a summit. Her father had never seemed so happy, or

so grave. To make this peace he would do anything, even give her away. Cassandra pretended to care

for her father's sake, but to be away from Hes—away from the shadows of so many sisters—was her

fondest dream. And to be a queen! Which of her sisters could say that yet?

'We should dress you now," said Jancis, "before they get here. Your father may want you to greet

them."

Cassandra nodded but said nothing. Jancis picked up on her silence and shot her a questioning look.

'How are you feeling?" Jancis whispered.

Cassandra groaned. She didn't want anyone finding out about her pains, not today when she was so

close to leaving. "You promised you wouldn't speak of that today."

'You're all right then?"

'Yes, and keep your voice down." Instinctively Cassandra looked toward the closed door, hoping no

one was outside. "I'm fine. I haven't felt the pain for days."

'I don't believe you," replied Jancis. "I heard you this morning. If you're feeling fine, why were you

vomiting?"

'Oh, you're such a witch sometimes!" snapped Cassandra. "Stop ear-wigging on me." She sat down

on the edge of the bed, knowing she couldn't escape her friend. The sickness had come upon her a week

ago, and had gotten worse before it had gotten better. Now it came in fits, a burning pain in her stomach

that made her retch and sometimes turned her water red. She didn't know what it was, and truly didn't

care to find out. She only knew that if her father discovered it, her marriage—her chance at

greatness—would vanish. "It hurts sometimes when I eat, and that's all," she admitted. "I was nervous at

breakfast. It's made me a little sick." She looked up. "Don't worry, Jancis. And don't you dare say a

word to anyone."

The girl remained troubled. "I'm afraid for you, Cass. You should let Danette look at you, at least.

She won't tell anyone, and maybe she can give you something for the cramps."

'Danette has a mouth as wide as the Kryss. I can't tell her anything, and neither can you. And besides,

you make it sound like my moon blood, which it's not. What's that old midwife going to do for me?" hind

her, leaving Cassandra to stare blankly at her father. The ruler of Reec took a step forward, his eyes

revealing an inner sadness. Cassandra had expected the visit, and had dreaded it.

'You've seen them from your window?" asked her father. His voice was soft. With her, it was always

soft.

'Yes. That's why I must dress."

Karis shook his head. "No, not yet. I'll be meeting with them when they arrive, but briefly. Akeela will

be tired, too tired for even you to seduce him." His eyes traced over his daughter. "I want him to be as

impressed as I am when he sees you."

'Then I won't be meeting him now?" asked Cassandra.

'Tonight," said the king, "after they've rested. When we dine, you'll meet him."

The princess drooped. She had waited so long to meet her new husband, and couldn't bear more

delays. But she didn't argue with her father. Instead she let out a dramatic sigh, going back to the bedside

and sitting down.

'I wanted to talk to you before tonight," said Karis. He sat down next to her on the bed, then picked

up her hand and placed it in his own. His skin was rough against her petal-soft fingers. But his eyes were

soft and affectionate.

'A father shouldn't have favorites, I know," he said. "But I'll tell you something now, Cassandra. I've

loved you best of all."

'I know," said Cassandra. "You don't have to say so, Father."

'I want you to understand why I'm doing this," he said. "You do understand, yes?"

'For peace," Cassandra replied. It was what her father wanted to hear. "For the good of Reec."

'And everyone in it, including all your sisters and their children. And even for my own good." Karis

squeezed her hand. "This is a great favor, daughter. Perhaps I'm selfish to ask it. So let me give you one

last chance to refuse me. If you don't wish to marry this Lürian, say so now, before I make the offer."

Cassandra squirmed. Her father didn't know how she really felt, because she hid it so well. "You

would think less of me if I refused now, Father."

'Never. I could never think less of you." He looked deep into "I don't know," Jancis confessed.

"That's why I'm worried. Maybe you'll need a real physician. Maybe—"

'Jancis, stop," bade Cassandra. She help up one finger, the way she always did when Jancis rambled.

"That's enough. You promised to keep quiet about it, and I expect you to do so. Now…" She stood up

and tucked her long hair behind her ears. "Let's dress me."

Jancis was about to take the garment from the bed when a knock came at the door. Dressed only in

her undertunic, Cassandra jumped at the intrusion, wrapping her arms about herself. "Who is it?" she

asked.

'Your father, girl. Open up."

As expected, the king had come to fetch her. Cassandra replied, "I'm not dressed yet, Father."

A laugh came from behind the door. "I bathed you myself and know every inch of you. You're going

to show modesty now? Fetch a robe and open the door."

Jancis hurried a dressing robe out of the wardrobe and hustled Cassandra into it. As the princess tied

the garment's belt around her waist, Jancis opened the door. King Karis stood alone in the threshold. His

pepper-black beard was split with a wide grin, and his body was swathed in crimson velvet, kingly attire

for the meeting to come. He wore all his rings today, great gem-stones that twinkled in the torchlight, and

when he saw his youngest daughter across the room he beamed. Jancis had brushed Cassandra's hair till

it shone and had carefully painted her face and nails. Even in her plain dressing robe, Cassandra was

beautiful.

'Daughter, you look lovely," said the king. He stepped into the room. Jancis curtsied and kept her

eyes averted. Karis hardly noticed her. He was taken by the vision of his daughter, which always filled

Cassandra with pride.

'Father?" she asked innocently. "What is it?"

Karis turned to Jancis. "Would you leave us, please? I need to talk with my daughter."

'Talk? But Father, we're dressing."

'Jancis, go," said the king. The handmaiden didn't wait to be asked again. Quickly she left the room

and closed the door be her eyes. "The truth, Cassandra. There'll be no going back for you, not once the

offer is made. And life in Lüria will be hard for you." "Not so hard, probably."

Karis chuckled. "Ah, you don't know yet, daughter. You think only of being a queen. But we don't

know this man, not nearly as well as we should. He may breed you like a bitch, one pup after another.

Lürian men can be brutal."

'He is kind," said Cassandra. "You said so yourself. Only a kind man would offer peace, you said."

'True," admitted Karis, reminded of his words. "But it won't be a fairy tale. You know that, don't

you?"

'Father, what is this?" Cassandra asked, laughing. "Now you don't want me to marry him?"

Karis' face was firm. "I want you to be sure of your decision, because it is your decision, not mine. I

have no greater gift to give this king than you, Cassandra, but you are no slave. Say no to me now, and

there will be no harm to it. I'll find another way to seal the peace."

For a moment, Cassandra almost told her father the truth. She almost confessed her great desire to

leave her city and country behind, to finally be her own woman and not just one of Karis' daughters. But

she didn't tell her father that, because it would have broken his heart.

'You said that Akeela is special," Cassandra reminded him, "and that any woman would be lucky to

be his queen. I believe that it is so, Father."

Karis studied her with a grin. "You parse words like a barrister, Cassandra. Don't do this thing just to

spare my feelings."

'Father, I am Reecian," said Cassandra. "If Akeela will have me, then I will marry him, because I love

you and I love our land."

It wasn't really a lie, and it made her father's face shine. Karis patted his daughter's hand and said,

"You're special to me. You always will be. And you will always be my daughter, even when you are a

queen." The king rose from the bed, straightening his stunning tunic. "Rest for now. Tonight, when the

banquet begins, I will send for you. You will dance for King Akeela, and he will fall in love with you."

Cassandra smiled. Since she had blossomed into womanhood, every man seemed to love her. It gave

her power, the taste of which was sweet.

When her father left the chamber, Cassandra rose from the bed and went back to the window.

Outside, she could see Akee-la's little army, now just outside the city gates.

he Reecian capital rose in a splendid arc before them. Lukien had never been so close to the city

before, and as he rode beside Akeela, nearing the tall iron gates, he marveled at the simple, natural

architecture and the grace of his enemies. Hes wasn't like Koth, Lüria's capital. It was smaller and had

fewer tall towers, so that light fell easily on its white and brown cement, giving it a shimmering

appearance. As the sun dipped down, the city came alive with candles, blinking in the round windows

and lending the place an orange sheen. Lukien slowed his column as they neared the city gates. The

dentate portals were opened wide in welcome. Beyond them, mounted soldiers sat at attention, their

swords sheathed and their shoulders rigid. A procession of Reecian citizens stretched out behind them,

disappearing down the avenues and watching the newcomers in silent awe. Lukien heard music, the

brassy parade tunes the Reecians favored. An uneasiness grew in his stomach. Despite the obvious

welcome Hes was giving Akeela, the Bronze Knight cringed inwardly. In the five years since becoming a

full-ranked Royal Charger, he had clashed with these people dozens of times.

'You see?" said Akeela. "They welcome us. As I told you they would."

The king rode a bit faster toward the waiting city. Lukien spurred his horse to keep up.

'Slowly, Akeela," he warned. He brought his chestnut charger to a trot beside his king, steering the

beast toward its brother to block its stride. "Let me go first."

Akeela relented, checking his eagerness. He brought his horse to a halt. The winding column behind

him stopped. Lukien waved his lieutenants forward, and Trager and Breck trotted out of the mass.

'We'll go first," he told the pair. "The king will follow."

Breck nodded his red head. Trager's face didn't change. The two rode beside each other but behind

Lukien, ready to lead their king and his procession into the city. As he turned back toward Hes, Lukien

noticed a group of well-dressed nobles at the gate's threshold. Karis' counselors wore red and gold

tunics and uneasy smiles on their bearded faces. One of them, taller and more regal than the others, stood

a pace ahead of his companions, a black cape around his shoulders and sword at his side. The smile on

his face twisted when he noticed Lukien coming toward him, and soon the contagion spread through the

others. The soldiers along the avenue cocked their helmeted heads; a murmur rippled through the

crowds.

The Bronze Knight had come.

Lukien squared his shoulders. He was Akeela's herald, and that meant he needed to be fearless. His

armored horse snorted its disdain, and Lukien rode across the threshold of Hes, into the midst of his

enemies. The music grew as the musicians lining the avenues strummed their guitars and blew into their

horns, and the red flags of Reec were everywhere, hanging down from apartment windows and held aloft

by proud teenagers. Yet to Lukien's surprise the Lürian flag was displayed too, held by a Reecian honor

guard resplendent in crimson tunics and white gloves. As Lukien approached the nobles just inside the

city, the foursome bowed deeply, putting their hands over their hearts and lowering their eyes to the

cobblestones. They did not lift themselves until Lukien's shadow fell upon them.

'I am Lukien of Lüria," he declared. "Herald of King Akeela and Captain of his Royal Chargers."

The four noblemen raised their eyes to Lukien. The tall one's smile was inscrutable.

'Welcome," he said. He spread his arms wide, looking past Lukien to where Akeela waited behind

Trager and Breck. "I am Earl Linuk of Glain. On behalf of King Karis and all of Reec, I welcome you."

'Thank you," said Lukien. He remembered the name Linuk, sure that he had faced the Reecian in

combat before. As Earl of Glain, Linuk ruled one of Reec's largest territories and was one of Karis'

closest advisors. Akeela had expected him at the meeting, but his presence distracted Lukien

nonetheless. Hurriedly he spun his horse around to reveal his king. Trager and Breck parted, and Akeela

rode forward. Again the four noblemen bowed, honoring the young ruler.

'My lord Akeela," said Linuk. His voice rang with awe. "This is a great honor for us. We welcome

you to Hes, and grant you all our city has to offer."

Akeela looked regal atop his horse, and his expression warmed with good humor. "Earl Linuk, the

honor is mine. Rise, please."

The earl did as Akeela commanded, and Akeela surveyed the soldiers and citizenry that had gathered

to meet him. Except for the music the huge crowd was remarkably quiet. Even the children hanging out of

the nearby windows were silent. Akeela cleared his throat, then raised a hand to them all, just as he had

practiced. He declared, "Thank you all for this warm welcome. I am truly glad to be here, and to be

honored by you. This will be a great day, a great moment in history for both our nations."

And with that, the crowd erupted. The people clapped and the children shouted, and the musicians

played louder to compete with the clamor. Earl Linuk and his fellow nobles beamed at Akeela, looking

relieved. Lukien felt a sudden calm. If this was a trap, it was ridiculously elaborate. He glanced back at

his friend Breck, who gave him a wink, then at Trager, who simply looked disbelieving. The

second-in-command of the Royal Chargers spun around toward his men, signaling them to enter the city,

and slowly the column of horses came forward, led by a wooden wagon covered with a white tarpaulin

and flanked by four armored chargers. As the wagon rolled forward, Akeela pointed at it.

'We bring gifts for your king, Earl Linuk," he said. "May we present ourselves to him?"

The earl nodded. "King Karis awaits you at his castle, my lord," he said, then gestured toward the

center of the city. There, °n a hill of green lawns and fruit trees, stood Castle Hes, a twin-towered citadel

of gray stone slicing across the sky. The castle dominated the capital, throwing its two shadows down

upon the baroque city. The main road from the gate seemed to lead directly to the castle, and the entire

way was lined with onlookers and more of the ubiquitous musicians.

'It's been a long ride," said Akeela, "and I would like to meet your king as soon as possible. I think

our gifts will please him, as will our news."

'The king wants nothing more than to speak with you, my lord, I assure you," said Linuk. "If you'll

follow us, you will see him presently."

'Then lead on, Earl," chirped Akeela.

Linuk and his courtiers turned and went to their horses, a group of brawny beasts with crimson

blankets waiting at the side of the avenue. At the earl's command the Reecian soldiers prepared to fall in

line behind the Lürians. Akeela brought his horse forward, waving to the eager crowds. Lukien hurried

alongside his king, followed directly by Trager, Breck, the wagonload of gifts, and the forty Royal

Chargers accompanying them. The gates closed silently behind them, and Castle Hes beckoned them

forward. Lukien looked about, spying the Reecians lining the street. All met his eyes with a distinct scorn.

Though they loved Akeela, apparently, they hated his herald. The knight leaned toward Akeela.

'You were right," he confessed. "Look at them. They adore you."

'They adore the thought of peace," said Akeela, his lips barely moving as he continued to smile and

wave. "They are as weary of war as we are."

'We?" chuckled Lukien. "You, perhaps."

'All right then, me," said Akeela. "You're not king, Lukien. If you were, you'd feel differently."

Lukien decided not to ruin the moment. Of all the Chargers, only he himself craved war, because it

defined him and because he knew nothing else. He said, "I'm happy for you, Akeela. I'm happy you're

right."

'Be happy for Lüria," said Akeela. They were passing a crowd of young children, all boys, all excited

and pointing at them. "Look there, you see those boys? They would have all grown up to be Reecian

soldiers, with nothing more to look forward to than war. But they can have a future now. They won't

have to face you on the battlefield."

Akeela's logic was flawless and cruel, and it made Lukien stiffen.

'As I said, I'm glad you were right."

The two rode in silence for minutes afterward, Akeela enjoying the crowds, Lukien enduring their

stares. Earl Linuk and his party had brought them to the very edge of the castle hill, to another open gate

leading to the outer ward of the citadel. Here, the crowds of citizens thinned, replaced by more soldiers

and servants of the king. Stableboys and milkmaids had gathered in the yard, and the wide portcullis of

Castle Hes had been raised, bidding them enter. The long columns of horsemen snaked into the ward,

where Linuk and his men dismounted, handing their steeds off to waiting grooms. Akeela glanced up at

the two towers, impressed by them. They were suitably grand, and the lichens climbing up their walls

made them look ancient. Now that the sun was nearly down, the palace was lit with braziers. Grim-faced

guards with feathers in their helms flanked the portcullis. Lukien waited for Linuk to fetch them. He

dismounted, along with Trager and Breck.

Earl Linuk stepped forward and carefully took Akeela's reins. "My lord, if you'll come with me, I'll

take you to King Karis. He's in his throne room, waiting for you."

Akeela dismounted, eager to follow the earl. "Will, see to the wagon, will you?"

Lieutenant Trager said, "Yes, my lord," and went to work. Like Lukien, he had known Akeela for

years, and hated being ordered about. But he always did as ordered, and with Breck's help pulled back

the tarpaulin from the wagon. Atop the wagon's bed was an iron chest with stout rivets and a padlock.

Akeela gestured to it, asking Linuk if he could bring it with him to the throne room. The earl agreed

without hesitation, but when Linuk called some of his men forward to carry it, Akeela said, "Don't bother,

Earl. My lieutenants will see to it," then followed the earl through the portcullis. Lukien hurried after him.

'Breck, Trager," he ordered, "bring it along. The rest of you, stay behind."

Quickly he caught up with Akeela, falling in step behind him. The earl's men surrounded them, talking

idly about how pleased they were to have Akeela in Reec. The young king nodded and smiled, well

suited to his first diplomatic mission. Lukien was proud of him, the way an older brother would be proud

of a younger sibling. They had talked about this moment for months, and all the while Akeela had fretted

about the task. Yet the new king seemed every bit as polished as his late father.

The halls of Castle Hes were marvelous. High ceilings swallowed them, decorated with mosaics of

colored marble and gilded glass. Huge windows revealed the night outside as it came alive with stars, and

glowing torches stood like sentries along the walls. The stableboys and milkmaids had gone, and now

only well-dressed nobles greeted them, bowing to Akeela as he passed. Lukien caught the eye of a

comely noblewoman just in time to see her snicker. He sighed and looked away. Just ahead a pair of

carved oak doors hung open on iron hinges.

'The throne room," said Linuk. He paused outside the chamber, stepping aside and gesturing for

Akeela to enter. Akeela took a breath, then turned toward Lukien, giving his champion a nervous smile.

Lukien encouraged him with a wink. Then, with Akeela leading the way, the two Lürians stepped inside.

The throne room spread out before them, high and barrel-vaulted, with stout iron chandeliers and

grand tapestries and a formidable dais at its far end. On the dais was a throne of ebony, with carved

runes through its form and feet like the paws of a lion. Perched on the throne, his eyes as hard as

diamonds, was King Karis of Reec. Akeela and Lukien took careful steps toward him, not averting their

gaze. Karis' face was emotionless. He studied the pair dispassionately, barely twitching his ringed fingers.

Two more Reecians, dressed similarly to Linuk, stood on the dais beside him. Lukien guessed they were

Raxor, the king's war minister, and Arnod, the Reecian treasurer. Raxor was the king's brother, and the

family resemblance was striking. To Lukien's eye, they could have been twins. Not so with Arnod, who

was much shorter than Raxor and fair-haired. Both advisors were quiet as Akeela approached, waiting

for their king to speak first. An anxious silence filled the chamber.

Then, unexpectedly, Akeela dropped to one knee before the Reecian king. He bowed his head, put

an arm across his knee as if being knighted, and said, "Great King of Reec, I am Akeela of Lüria. By

accepting me into your home, you honor me."

Lukien couldn't believe the sight, nor could Karis. From the way the Reecian's eyebrows lifted, he

seemed stunned by the greeting. Noticing that Lukien was still standing, Akeela casually reached out for

his hand and gently dragged him downward. Reluctantly, Lukien joined in the bow, keeping his eyes on

Karis. The King of Reec looked first at his advisors, then back at Akeela.

'King Akeela," he said finally, "Thank you."

Akeela and Lukien rose. The young king offered his host one of his warm smiles, which the Reecian

did not return. Karis merely studied them. Thinking the stillness of the chamber would suffocate him,

Lukien nudged Akeela to say something. But the king remained silent.

'You're very young," said Karis."My advisors tell me you are twenty-four years old. Is that so?"

'Your advisors are accurate, King Karis," said Akeela. "I am twenty-four."

'How many years have Reec and Lüria been at war?" pressed Karis. His tone was featureless, neither

threatening nor mild. "Do you know?"

'Since before I was born, my lord," replied Akeela. "For twenty-eight years, since the battle of

Awalak."

'That's right," sighed Karis. "A very long time, your whole lifetime and more. So tell me then why a

scholar like yourself is so anxious to end a war his father loved, so soon after taking his place."

Insulted, Lukien stepped forward. "You presume a great deal, King Karis," he said. "King Balak

never loved war. To say so is to slander him."

'Lukien," said Akeela, taking his shoulder. "Be easy."

King Karis rose from his throne. For the first time, anger flashed in his eyes. "You are the Bronze

Knight," he declared. "Butcher. I should warn you to be silent, Lukien of Lüria. You are not so welcome

here as your king."

Lukien wanted to speak but Akeela's insistent grip on his shoulder stopped him. Akeela stepped

forward, saying, "Lukien is my champion, my lord. I go nowhere without him, and you've already agreed

to let him accompany me."

'Yes," said Karis. "I did agree, because I wanted to speak with you, King Akeela, and to hear your

offer." His eyes went to Lukien. "But I warn you, Bronze Knight—I tolerate you only for the comfort of

your king."

Akeela said calmly, "And I should warn you, King Karis, that Lukien was as close to King Balak as a

son. Speaking against my father will invite his ire. And mine."

Karis grunted suspiciously. "You are brothers, then?"

'Of a kind," replied Akeela.

'All right, then," agreed Karis. "We are here to talk peace, after all."

Before Akeela could respond, a clamor sounded in the doorway. Lukien turned to see Trager, Breck,

and four others of their brigade toting the iron box. Earl Linuk was before them, smiling at his king.

'My lord, forgive me, but King Akeela has brought this for you."

Karis looked perplexed, and also strangely pleased. He stepped down from his dais just as the

sweating men dropped the chest to the floor with a thud.

'What is it?" Karis asked.

'Gifts," said Akeela brightly. "From Lüria to you, King Karis. I think you'll like what we've brought

you. In fact, I have something very special to give you."

Lukien bristled, realizing what Akeela meant. But Karis seemed intrigued. Instantly he had lost his

dispassion toward Akeela, and now seemed to share the young man's exuberance. Raxor and Arnod

gathered near him as he peered at the box. To Lukien, they looked like a bunch of children waiting for

Akeela to open a toy chest. Then, as if he'd suddenly come to his senses, Raxor put out a hand.

'Wait, my lord," he told Karis. His eyelids narrowed on Akeela. "Tell us first what is in there."

'Raxor…"

'Brother, it could be dangerous," advised the war minister.

'I'm sorry to say this in front of our guests, but they are Lürians, after all."

The king flushed. "Forgive my brother, King Akeela. He means no offense, I assure you."

Akeela produced a shiny silver key from beneath his cape. "I promise you, my lord, there is no

danger in the box. Only good things. May I proceed?"

'Of course," said Karis, ignoring his brother's concern. He stepped closer to the box in a show of

goodwill. Raxor stood beside him, but Arnod kept back a pace. Curiosity got the better of Earl Linuk,

who came to stand next to his king, and as Akeela clicked open the padlock and tilted open the iron lid,

the faces of the Reecians took on an amber glow, bathed in the reflected glow of the contents. Nearly

everything in the box was gold; coins and candelabras and carving knives, rings and plates and picture

frames, all shimmering in the chest. It was more than a fortune, more than a king's ransom, and it made

Karis' jaw drop. The Reecian king hovered over the box, dumbfounded. Akeela swelled proudly.

'For the people of Reec," he said. "From the people of Lüria. There's something in here from nearly

every citizen of Koth, my lord. These are not only valuables from my own coffers, but from farmers and

blacksmiths, even from my own soldiers, here." He gestured to Lukien, who himself had tossed a

gold-hilted dagger into the chest.

Karis could barely speak. "They did this for you?" he asked.

'They did this for peace," said Akeela. "Not for me."

'My king is modest," said Lukien. "They would not have done this for any other ruler, not even his

father."

King Karis shook his head in disbelief. "In Lüria they call you Akeela the Good," he said. "I know

this. And now I know why."

'It is the people of Lüria that are good, my lord. I asked them to contribute and they did so willingly."

Akeela brightened. "But that's not all. Look closer at the chest, my lord."

Puzzled, Karis did as asked, staring into the box and its lustrous contents. "Yes?"

'That bunch of cloth. Pick it up."

Laying atop the golden heap was a piece of blue linen,

wrapped securely around a hidden item. Karis reached out and plucked it from the pile, holding it

carefully.

'What is it?" he asked.

'Go ahead, unwrap it," urged Akeela. Lukien cringed. Like Trager, he had dreaded this moment. It

was the one thing he and his lieutenant agreed upon. He watched Karis peel the blue linen back until its

contents was revealed—a little crystal bottle filled with clear liquid. Karis held it up to the light. His

advisors gathered around to see it.

'Forgive me, King Akeela," said Karis, "but your gift is…

baffling."

'That's water from the river Kryss," said Akeela. His voice quavered, and Lukien knew he was

nervous. After this, there could be no going back. "It's yours, my lord."

Karis looked at him, not quite understanding, or not daring to believe.

'My lord, you said it yourself," said Akeela. "Since before I was born, Reec and Lüria have battled,

and all because of a river. We've always thought the Kryss was ours, and you've always thought it

belonged to you. I don't know how many people have died for that bloody stream; I don't think anyone

could count. But I'm king now, and I won't let it go on." He shrugged, and for a moment he looked more

like a boy than a monarch. "The river Kryss is yours. If you'll allow Lüria free trade on the western side,

we will quarrel with you over it no more."

King Karis of Reec blinked, mute with surprise. He didn't move, but merely stared at Akeela with his

mouth open. "Fate above," said Linuk. "Do you mean this?" "Everything my king says is the truth," said

Lukien. "Akeela the Good does not lie."

'You would give us the Kryss?" asked Raxor. The war minister seemed dazed. "Just like that?"

'No," said Akeela sharply. "Not just like that. For peace, and peace only. That's the price for these

gifts. You may keep all this gold, but if you break this pact there will be bloodshed again. And I'm

gambling that none of us wants that. Do you want war,

King Karis?"

Still Karis didn't reply. Clutching the bottle of river water, he climbed back to his throne, seating

himself. Lukien knew Akeela's gift had astonished him. After nearly thirty years of war, the Kryss was

suddenly his, and now he didn't know what to do with it.

'Do you know the cards of Noor, King Akeela?" he asked.

Akeela nodded. In Lüria, fortune cards were common, just like all other arcane trappings. "I know of

them, but that is all." he replied.

'When your father died, I read the cards," said Karis. "I wanted to know what kind of man was

succeeding him. The cards told me that you were a man of peace. It was the first time I thought they

were lying to me. Now it seems the cards have shamed me. I should have listened."

Akeela stepped toward the throne. "We have an agreement, then?"

Karis gave a huge grin. "Oh, young king, we have so much more than that. We have peace, for the

first time in my memory. You have made an old man very happy."

The Reecians in the room cheered, and Akeela and Breck joined them. Even Lukien grinned. Akeela

clapped the shoulder of Earl Linuk, then embraced Raxor and Arnod in turn. Finally, he climbed onto the

dais to take Karis' hand, but Karis rose instead, took Akeela's hand in his own, and placed a gentle kiss

on it.

'Tonight we will celebrate," he declared. "There will be music and we will feast. All your men must

attend, and we will show you how Reecians celebrate!"

'Thank you, my lord," said Akeela. To Lukien, he looked gigantically relieved. "Then we will see you

tonight. And if you have rooms for us, we would be grateful. 'Twas a long road from Lüria."

'Rooms are already prepared for you," said Karis. "Earl Linuk will escort you, and my servants will

see to your needs. Rest well for tonight, King Akeela. You are not the only one with gifts."

Akeela squinted at him. "My lord?"

Karis laughed and released his hand. "You'll see what I mean. For now, just rest and enjoy my

home."

what he needed to survive or working for pennies in the slave-like conditions of smithies. By eleven he

was emaciated from this grueling life, but by thirteen he was becoming a man, and life in the smithies had

strengthened his body and hardened his heart. Then, at fourteen, he had met Akeela.

Akeela, who was three years younger than Lukien, had been touring the Lürian capital with some of

his father's advisors. A contingent of guards had accompanied them, but Akeela, curious about things

even then, had wandered off to explore on his own, blundering into the alleys Lukien called home. It

hadn't taken long for the roughs in the area to find the well dressed stranger. Even for his age Akeela was

short, but he had defended himself against the youths that had robbed him, swearing when Lukien found

him that he'd bloodied the noses of two of them. Of course it was Akeela who was truly bloody.

Thoroughly drubbed by the boys, Akeela needed help finding his way back to his royal guardians. And

when they had located the guards and gotten Akeela safely into his carriage, the boy-prince had told his

protectors not to go looking for the youths that had robbed him, because they were poor and knew no

better.

In all the years since then, Lukien had never forgotten that moment. Had he been the victim, he would

have tracked the rabble down and killed them, but not so this forgiving youngster. Instead, Akeela had

insisted that Lukien return to the castle with them, to get some clean clothing and a good meal, and to

meet his father, the king. There, the young Lukien was greeted as a hero for helping the prince, and King

Balak had practically adopted him. He hadn't left the castle since; as he had never left Akeela's side,

because the young prince needed him.

But Lukien always remembered the hard-won lessons of the street, and he had never forgiven his

drunken father for leaving him, nor his mother for dying. Those were burdens he carried [th him

everywhere, even onto the battlefield, and it was an unfortunate enemy indeed who came upon the

Bronze Knight and his unwieldy emotions. In Koth's castle he had grown to manhood, had studied in the

Lürian war college, and graduated the top of his class. He had become the paragon of a horse A .keela

had been given chambers in the south tower of Castle Hes, overlooking the city and its vast marketplace.

They were well appointed rooms, fit for a royal visitor, furnished lavishly with silk and tapestries. A

cavernous collection of hallways connected the rooms, so that Akeela not only had a bed chamber, but

also a dressing room and a separate room for bathing. A huge bed of iron and brass decorated with

plush pillows had been prepared for him, along with a platter of fresh breads and cheeses. Earl Linuk,

who had escorted Akeela to the rooms, had told him to rest and make ready for the banquet being

prepared for him. Linuk had seen to Akeela personally, while Karis' servants tended to the other Lürians,

finding them rooms on lower floors. Linuk had not expected Lukien to insist on sharing the rooms with

Akeela. Cordially, Linuk explained that he had prepared a nearby room for the king's "bodyguard," but

Lukien had ignored him, choosing instead to remain with Akeela.

John Marco - The Eyes of a God

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