The King’s Quest

The howling wind through the trees tousled my hair. I shivered, pulling my cloak tight around my body, though I wasn’t sure if I was shivering from the cold, or out of fear. Why was it always me that the king put in this position? I, the sorceress of his kingdom, and yet, I was the one who ever saw true danger. True fear. I gritted my teeth in anger, imagining my king in his plush, red throne, donned with gold and jewels I was tasked in retrieving, with little recognition for my efforts.

Before I could dwell on this any further, a distant, yet familiar rumble broke my train of thought. I stopped, glancing around at the golden, sunset glazed treetops. It would be a sight to behold, for sure, had I not been preoccupied with more pressing matters. I sighed and quietly sat on a fallen log. The sound meant I was close. Dragons guarded nearby caverns, alert and ready to defend the hidden treasures within.

“I need a plan,” I said to myself, quietly. I, of course, knew of spells to subdue them quickly, but there was a dozen of them, and only one of me. I may have had power, but I certainly wasn’t that good. I closed my eyes, tapping my fingertips on my temple, as if to transfer a thought to my brain. A rustle pierced through whatever thoughts I had like glass, shattering them into billions of shards, scattering to the deepest corners of my mind.

 “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” A hand stretched out before me. “Are you lost?”

I took his hand, and with a strong grip, I was pulled to my feet. I didn’t even look at him. “No, but I appreciate the concern,” I replied coldly. “I’m here to complete a mission. I was unaware of other forest lurkers.”

He let out a hearty laugh. “Oh, no, I’m no lurker, ma’am.” I could feel his eyes on me, but I still hadn’t looked at his face. Finally, I gave in. Piercing green eyes against otherwise dark features returned my gaze. He had long, brown hair, halfway pulled back into a bun, the rest hugging his shoulders. His eyes seemed to intrigue me, because they were much different than I would have expected.

“You’re a sorcerer,” I observed, to which he nodded.

“I am.” He smiled back at me. “And based on your crimson eyes, you are as well.”

I also nodded. “Yes. That’s why I’m here.” I stood proudly, as if I were talking to my king. Always the one to make myself feel important in a moment when I felt small and weak, rather than mighty as the power I constantly felt coursing through my veins.

He grinned, amused by my attempts. “You’re here for what’s in the cavern?”

Once again, I nodded, my gaze never leaving him. I couldn’t tell if I could trust him. He seemed to be a friendly local? I found myself skeptical of him. “Yes, so if you’ll excuse me, I have a mission to carry out.”

He stepped aside, extending his arm as if to have me go ahead. I saw it as an attempt to make me feel even smaller. “Please. Don’t let me stop you.”

I was surprised. What was he doing? The air had become thick with newfound tension that wasn’t there moments earlier. I realized that I was the problem here. “I’m sorry. I’m used to conversating with the king, and he isn’t as friendly as you are.” I lowered my head, surrendering my defense. The tense air drifted with the wind, and we began to walk. He led me to the cavern, and to my amazement, the dragons moved out of the way for him.

“How did you…?” I stepped back, watching them, to which he laughed softly.

“I know them. This is part of my kingdom. They work for our royal family.”

I tilted my head, confused. “You speak of them as if they are friends, or employees, rather than animals.”

“But they are my friends,” he protested, shaking a tree beside him. Some fruit fell to the ground, and one of the dragons bowed their head toward us, quickly picking up all the fruit in one swift bite. The man affectionately stroked the dragon’s muzzle. I smiled at this interaction. These beasts really were like pets, friends to the people here. I realized this kingdom was nothing like mine. It felt more like a home. A place of peace.

He led me into the cavern without incident, and we sat together, talking about our kingdoms, surrounded by mountains of gold and stones of various, vibrant colors. He was surprised to learn about how horribly I was treated. I enjoyed hearing about his family and kingdom.

“I want to run away,” I blurted out. “This place is much nicer than mine.” I pursed my lips, looking at the rocky ground around us, instantly regretting my forward interjection.

He frowned. “If you aren’t happy, you aren’t happy,” he said slowly.

However, my overworking mind had hatched a plan. I urgently stood up. “I have an idea. Give me a few days.”

With that, I left him, without another word of explanation or without any of the goods I set out to retrieve for my king. I rushed back through the thick forest to my castle, ignoring the dark skies, using my own intuition to get back home. I was more determined than ever to change my predicament with the king, while benefitting other kingdoms.

          That determination became a tad shaky as I approached the throne room. I knew what was coming. Still, I stood my ground. With shaky hands and a racing, pounding heart, I approached him.

          “Elora. Always a pleasure.” I could almost feel his sarcasm. “I assume you have my gems?”

          I shook my head. “I have something better, my lord.”

          He raised an eyebrow. “Defiance?

          I scowled. “Sir, it’s a plan for surrounding kingdoms that could, in turn, allow you to be quite fruitful in your search for endless gold and gems.” I sounded as cold as I felt, but I held my head high. I wasn’t going to back down or fear this man.

          He smirked like something straight out of a villain origin story, the turning point before they become the most feared person in the whole storyline. I rolled my eyes in response. Bad idea. To this, he stood up, pounding his fist on the golden arm of his throne. “You dare give me such attitude?”

          I nodded. My heart pounded harder, but I didn’t let him break me. “Yes, Sir. I’m tired of us being an isolated kingdom. Surrounding kingdoms would be happy to trade goods and be allies. You have chosen this path, and I’m asking you to change it.”

          Unexpectedly, he sat back down. “Begone.” His voice was calm, but stern. I took it as a win. He could have reacted with far more anger than he did. If he wanted me to leave, I would do just that. Without another word, I left those chambers and retreated to my own, crossing my fingers and praying to the powers that be that my attempt had worked.

          The next morning, I was awakened with a jolt. The king stood before me, hovering over my heavy eyes. I sat straight up, nearly bumping heads with him in the process. “Sir! W-what are you doing here?”

          “You view me as a menace. A horrible, awful ruler.” He began to pace, not answering my question. “Do you not?”

          I meekly nodded ‘yes’ in response.

          He sighed. “I see.” He sunk hard into a chair in the opposite end of the room. “And so, you want me to change my ways, be more patient, kind, willing to work with other kings and their kingdoms?”

          “Yes, Sir.” My voice shook. I felt so vulnerable and cornered. I had no idea what he was planning. As if to shake off my fears, I shook my head quickly, then continued, “I believe this is what your people need. It’s not good for them to fear you like they do. They need mercy. They need kindness.”

          He smiled. It was a genuine smile, as if he was pleased with what I was saying. “I admire your honesty, Elora. And since you were so kind and patient in your request, not to mention standing your ground despite your fears, I will oblige.” He stood. “Come now, let’s see what we can do.”

          I couldn’t believe what I was hearing at all. This was not the same king I knew. Something changed. Was that because of me? I nodded as he left, swiftly getting ready to join him in his new efforts.

          And thus, with some help from a mere sorceress, kingdoms were joined, and my king seemed to be happier than I had ever seen him.