The Exile Son: Two Kings

The Mistshade pulled the Wavebreaker through the waters by several long, thick ropes. No one from the crew of the Mistshade wanted to sail their prize after the night of its capture. Although they sailed for Muldah in victory, the crew remained in a somber, quiet mood.

Surgeon had been able to keep Albesh alive. “He’s going to be horribly scarred and without an eye. But he’ll live.”

“Damn it!” Kharune punched the wall of the room, leaving a large crack in the wood.

This had been the first time Thame saw Kharune lose his jovial mood.

Surgeon placed a hand on his captain’s shoulder. “I suppose I’m going to have to take a look at that hand now.”

Kharune shook his head. “Fret not, Surgeon,” Kharune wiggled his fingers. “It’s just going to be a nasty bruise.”

Surgeon managed a small smile. He motioned to the door. “Get some rest you two. Albesh needs it as well.”

Kharune left without saying a word. Thame followed soon after. As he left for his hammock, he overheard two men from the crew talking. “What happened on that ship, it wasn’t natural. I'd rather just burn the ship and find another to bring back to Muldah,” The first man said.

The second man nodded in agreement. “The sooner we get rid of it, the better.”

Thame felt a pang of guilt. If it wasn’t for me pushing for Kharune to make good on our deal, then Besh wouldn’t have lost his eye. We would never have faced those creatures. As Thame came to the deck, he found Kharune leaning over the railing as he stared at the Wavebreaker. Thame moved to join him.

Kharune wiped his eyes. “I know what ya thinking, Thame. I had thought the same thing. Don’t blame yourself for what happened. If it had been normal men on that ship none of this would have happened.”

Thame took a slow deep breath before asking the question that had been gnawing at his mind. “What were those monsters, Kharune? There’s nothing of their like from my homeland.”

The cool wind of the night chilled the pair. “We have many legends in the lands of the east, and I assure you that all of them are based in truth. I fear the man I knew as Gethinias became one of those legends.”

Thame leaned in closer to Kharune. “And what legend is that?”

“He had become one of the deathless. Through unholy rituals they forsake their soul for immortality and abilities far beyond what a normal man can attain.”

“The man had died when Besh stabbed him through the heart. Whatever he had become didn’t save him from his fate.”

Kharune scratched his chin. “Then we should be thankful. It is said one needs to remove the head of a deathless, drive a stake through its heart and burn the body to truly kill it.”

Thame nodded. He did not want to think about having to go through that process whilst having to worry about the swarm of monsters Gethinias had at his command. “How do you suppose he came about becoming a deathless.”

“Who can truly say,” Kharune shrugged. “An old book, a benefactor, or something else? I believe, it is perhaps best to bury these events and forget they happened.”

Thame considered telling Kharune about what Gethinias told him before Albesh killed him but decided that he would prefer to forget the night. “Well then, how long until we reach Muldah?” Thame asked, hoping to change the subject.

“Two, maybe three weeks if the wind is favorable.”

“What will happen when we get there?”

Kharune faced Thame and gave him a rueful smile. “I will kill my brother.”

“I see.” Thame tapped on the railing. “Is there any chance you could convince him to aid me instead? You’ve nearly lost your son, because of our deal, I don’t want you to lose a brother for it.”

“In order to help you I must become king of Muldah. I will challenge my brother to a duel for the throne as is my right as a member of the ruling family, Besides, justified or not, he exiled me. I want to kill him.”

“Oh.”

“Do not worry yourself, Thame,” Kharune reached into his pocket. “Hold out your hand,”

Thame did as he was instructed. Kharune pressed Thame’s signet ring into his hand. “I think it’s about time I returned this to you.”

“Have I earned it?” Thame asked.

“I’m returning to my home after nineteen long years. You’ve more than earned ya trinket back. Now it’s time we get you on the way back to yours.”

Thame gripped the ring tight. He smiled. “Thank you,” he hugged Kharune.

Kharune returned the young man's tight embrace. “It’s getting late, little man. Go and get ya rest. You’re going to be picking up Albesh’s work while he recovers.”

“Aye, sir.”

***

Albesh recovered over the next three weeks watching Thame work. “Can’t you let me do something to help?” he asked.

Thame shook his head as he swabbed the deck. “No, no I won’t,” he grinned when he saw the sour look Albesh gave him.

“You’re a little bastard, Thame. I can mop a deck.”

“You can barely drink without knocking over your cup. You need to get used to only having one eye,” Thame pointed to his own left eye.

Albesh groaned. “This is bullshit! I can barely feed myself, walk, I won’t even be able to win a fight.”

Thame stopped his work. He was silent as he felt Albesh’s stare. Thame met his gaze. “You’re going to have to overcome it. It’s not going to be easy, far from it. But, if there’s one person who can do it, it’s you, Besh.”

Albesh grinned. “Not going to sugarcoat it are you?”

“What kind of friend would I be if I did?”

Albesh barked a laugh. “You’re terrible at cheering your friends up.”

Thame chuckled. “I’d rather be honest instead of setting you up for disappointment.”

“Well thank you for that."

Thame turned his gaze up to the clouds lazily wafting through the sky above them. “How long until we arrive at Muldah?”

“Two, maybe three days.”

Thame leaned on his mop and turned his gaze to Albesh. “Have you ever met your uncle?”

Albesh shook his head. “Only heard stories from my father. Always looked up to his older brother. Apparently, my father lost those ships and men trying to impress my uncle. The exile wounded my father deeply. He resents his brother as much as he loves him.”

“He seems set on killing him,” Thame said.

“Then he will be cut down. My father is the best swordsman I’ve ever seen. When he sets himself against anyone with a blade in his hand they die.”

Thame sighed. “Still, brothers should not draw one another’s blood. It will only lead to pain.”

“How would you know this? Brothers would have little need to fight over anything in those fancy palaces of yours with whatever they want at their beck and call, no?”

“Those palaces come with power, Besh. It’s brought more than one pair of siblings to killing each other. My family nearly met its end several times,” Thame raised his left hand, his signet ring rested on his index finger. “We made this to avoid that happening ever again.”

Albesh cocked his head. “How does a piece of jewelry prevent siblings from killing each other?”

“It chooses the rightful king or queen. Even if one sibling killed the other, they would never be the legitimate ruler and would be opposed in all things.”

“That is one way to keep the peace.”

Thame smiled. “Indeed.”

“How come you were driven out of your home then if it’s so magical?” Albesh asked.

“The ring curses illegitimate rulers, not ensures a successful reign,” Thame stared at the ring. Though that would make life much easier.

***

The last three days of their journey passed in peace. As the city of Muldah came into view eight ships flying the flag of Muldah encircled the Mistshade. Thame eyed the ships, then turned his gaze to Kharune and found the man grinning. Kharune cleared his throat. “Greetings my old friends! It has been a long time, no?”

A captain from the ship to their left called out, “What are you doing here Kharune? You understand returning means death.”

“Ah, but you know I could return if I brought a ship to repay my debt to the city I would be permitted to return. I see that you have eyes so please, take notice of the mighty Wavebreaker - flagship of Nelia.”

“Fine, you may enter the city, but if king Rhana isn’t satisfied it’ll mean losing your head.”

Kharune laughed. “I think he will find this ship to be quite satisfying, little captain.”

The man scowled at Kharune. Then began barking orders to his crew and the other ships, “Escort him to the harbor with his prize.”

They sailed into the center of the harbor and dropped anchor. They waited, encircled by eight ships, bowmen waited for the order to draw their arrows. A ninth ship approached from the wharf. Thame’s eyes widened as he watched the wooden behemoth lumber towards them. The sails of the ship were dyed gold, the flag of Muldah flew above - a purple falcon on a black background. There was a large, dark-skinned man wrapped in silks at the front of the ship with his arms folded. There was a hard look in his eye. Thame followed his gaze to Kharune who met it with a shit eating grin. Thame looked back to the man. So, this is Kharune’s brother. He looks even larger than Kharune.

The ship slid next to the Mistshade and came to a slow, heavy stop. Ropes were tied between the ships, and a wide plank was dropped.

The large man stomped his way onto the the Mistshade. A cutlass and a stiletto dagger hung at either side of his waist. He stopped in front of Kharune. “So, little brother, what do you bring to pay back your debt to me?”

Kharune raised a finger. “Now Rhana, don’t you mean my debt to our people?”

Rhana rubbed his temple. “Spare me, Kharune, I want to know what you’ve brought. I don’t want to have to kill my brother.”

“Why the pride of Nelia herself. The Wavebreaker,” Kharune motioned to the ship behind him.

Rhana eyed the ship. A small smirk grew on Rhana’s face. “I’d recognized that ship anywhere.” A look of relief spread across the man’s face. “You’ve earned your place back within the city, little brother.” Rhana gripped Kharune in a tight hug. “I knew you’d be able to do it.”

“Of course, I was.”

Rhana released his embrace and turned to Muldah. “We’ve much to celebrate and much to plan. The seas are filled with treasure for us to take.”

Kharune frowned. “I wouldn’t be so hasty, brother.”

Rhana turned and blinked. “What do you mean?”

“I haven’t come back just to serve under you. I’ve a promise to keep.”

“Promise?”

Kharune pointed to Thame. “I am to help this one reclaim his homeland. Unless you wish to help him, I have to challenge you for the crown.”

Rhana shook his head. “It is not my place to make good on your agreements,” Rhana eyed Thame. “Why keep your promise to this foreign brat anyway? He’s no man of Muldah.”

“A captain is only as good as his word. You taught me that.”

“I will not promise the might of Muldah to a stranger. As your king I command you to turn away from this course you’ve taken.”

Thame stepped between the two. “Please, I am the prince of Aegarn, if you help me take my homeland back then I will be in your debt. If I can avoid bloodshed between family members I will.”

Rhana spat. “This is not a matter for a pup who decided to play at sea to speak on,” he shoved Thame out of his way. “You will respect me as your elder brother and your king.

”

Kharune fell silent for a moment. He took a deep breath and exhaled. Kharune looked deep into his brother’s eyes. “You will not be my king for long.”

“Fine. Then you have returned just to die,” Rhana walked back to his ship. “Come aboard and face me.”

Kharune, followed by Thame and Albesh, stepped onto the plank. “I hope you haven’t forgotten that I was always the better duelist.”

Rhana snorted. “I haven’t forgotten. While I turned to ruling, you continued playing with your sword.”

“Such was my privilege. Tell me, do ya still use that poison of yours?”

“What kind of a pirate king would I be if I didn’t.”

“I suppose I should end it quickly then.” Kharune turned to Thame and Albesh. “You two should find a place to enjoy the show.”

Albesh grabbed his father’s shoulder. “Don’t get yourself killed.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

The younger pair made their way to the to the helm of the ship. Kharune and Rhana took their places opposite to each other at the center of the ship. Thame leaned towards Albesh, “Do you know anything about this poison they were talking about?”

“Apparently my uncle has experience with poisons and medicines. He made a poison that he coats his blade with, it only takes one cut to kill. It has a distinct smell that betrays it’s presence and its origin, the blood poppy.”

“Blood poppy?”

The color drained from Albesh’s face. “From what Surgeon taught me, it is lethal alone but easy to counteract. What makes blood poppy-based poisons dangerous is how easy it is to mix new variants.”

The knuckles of Thame’s hands whitened as he curled tightened his grip on the railing in front of him. He watched the two men draw their blades. A tart aroma washed over the deck. Thame’s nostrils felt as if they were being bitten by dozens of tiny serpents. Kharune and Rana took slow, precise steps towards each other. Rhana was the first to attack. He moved with a sudden, surprising speed. Kharune kicked him in the groin and stepped back to keep some distance between himself and his brother.

Rhana snarled. “Still fighting dirty.”

Kharune shrugged. “What kind of a pirate would I be if I didn’t.”

Rhana roared as he lunged at his little brother. Kharune danced around him and delivered three quick, small, cuts to Rhana.

The angry behemoth that was king Rhana turned and unleashed a flurry of strikes with his poisoned blade.

Kharune read his attacks and continued to retreat, making his brother chase him around the deck whilst landing small cuts and knicks when he could.

Albesh shook his head. “My father’s toying with him. He’s overconfident.”

Thame gave a slow nod and muttered, “Kharune should have delivered a serious wound or even killed his brother.”

Kharune continued to dance around and strike his brother, “You are still slow and clumsy. It seems one can be born too large.”

Rhana stabbed at Kharune. Kharune grabbed his wrist and slashed Rhana’s belly. Kharune watched his older brother’s entrails fall out onto the deck alongside his blade. Thame let out a sigh of relief as Rhana fell to his knees.

Kharune knelt beside his brother. “When I was a boy, I would always watch you practice and fight. You were the one person I wanted to beat. The only one who’s respect I wanted. But you never once watched me fight, even when I was hailed as a great warrior.” Kharune place a hand on Rhana’s shoulder. “Do you have any last words, brother?”

Rhana groaned as he held his innards with his sword hand. He muttered something inaudible. Kharune leaned in. “Worry about your own last words, Kharune.” Rhana stabbed Kharune between his sixth and seventh ribs with his stiletto knife before Kharune could react.

Kharune gasped as the poisoned blade pierced his lung. He stabbed his sword into Rhana’s chest and twisted before pulling it free, killing his brother.

“Father, no!” Albesh lept over the railing, leaving Thame behind.

A chill ran through Thame’s blood. Kharune collapsed to the deck. Kharune, why. Why did you let your guard down?

Albesh cried out, “Thame, help! Get Surgeon. Get, anyone.”

Kharune grabbed Albesh, he fought for each breath he took. “There’s nothing they can do.” Kharune winced as the pain shot through him. “It’s starting to spread throughout my body.”

Thame quickly join the pair. “Kharune. I’m sorry-”

“Don’t be, little man. I was careless, and now I live my last seconds as a king,” Kharune turned his gaze to Albesh. “I think in a few moments you will be king, eh?” Kharune gave the pair a weak grin.

Tears welled in Albesh’s eyes and fell onto his father’s shirt. “A kingship at what cost. It will bring little comfort.”

Kharune’s words were a whisper, “Keep my promise to Thame, Albesh. Stay together, have each other’s backs no matter what. That is where you will find your comfort.”

Albesh nodded, “I will. We will.”

Thame wiped his tears into his sleeve. “It’s a promise.”

Kharune smiled and closed his eyes. “You’re going to be a great leader, Besh.”