The Trials of Boy Kings by M J Sewall

Author:M J Sewall [Sewall, M J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Creativia
Published: 2015-08-24T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21: Brenddel's Story

“Can I steer?” asked King Asa.

“You can do anything you like, you are the king,” said Brenddel as he handed the wheel to Asa. “Here. You need to be gentle with it, but firm at the same time. This ship has a lot of power, but it turns very easily. Do you see?”

Asa took the wheel of the airship. He turned to the right and the entire ship moved.

Asa said, “Whoa. Here, you… you take the wheel back.”

But Brenddel just put his hands over Asa's to steady the ship. “Just like this, my king. That's better. Just keep it steady,” said Brenddel as he removed his hands. The ship held steady with the young king in control.

“I can't believe I'm really doing this!” said Asa.

“I can't believe that you convinced Trunculin to allow you to go. I know you are the king, but we both know how things really are.”

“True. Thanks, Brenddel. You are the only one that's honest with me,” said Asa. “I didn't have to do much to talk him into it. I think Trunculin was glad to get rid of me once I signed the treaty. Maybe he hopes I die in battle. I think he only wanted me for the speech and that quick meeting in front of the crowds with TrTorrin.”

“Which was very good. You're certainly growing into your kingship, even though your formal training has been interrupted.”

“It seems like it's never going to get a proper start. Do all kings start this way? With crazy things happening all the time?” asked Asa.

Brenddel actually laughed. Asa had never heard this before. “Since you became king, things have been decidedly not normal.”

“It's really true that Gordon's alive? And he was taken by this Mantuan guy?”

“Yes, my king,” Brenddel said rushing forward again. “But you have to keep it steady. Like this. Yes, Gordon and Mantuan are alive.”

Asa steered for another moment. Brenddel could sense that he wanted to ask a question, but hesitated. Finally he said, “Are we going to kill them?”

“Mantuan, yes. Others, only if we have to. We will take as many prisoners as we can, including Gordon. But Mantuan will not come back alive, my king. That is certain,” replied Brenddel, losing his smile.

Asa asked, “So, it's true that Mantuan killed the king? The one that made the slaves work at the gas fields? I heard about it from one of my teachers. He didn't seem to want to talk about it.”

“No,” Brenddel replied, “I killed the king.”

Asa jerked the ship again and he stabilized it quickly, but Brenddel called the pilot back over so they could talk somewhere more private.

“You killed the king? But you're a good man. Why would you do that?”

“Thank you for saying that, my king. That means, in your service so far, I have conducted myself honorably. But I am not a good man. I'm a man who gets things done. The king had to die.”

“I don't understand. Why?”

“Mantuan was the firstman of the kingdom and King Daymer was loved by all the people.

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