Kared's Children - Chapter 11

Morgan was in the kitchen. "I heard that!"

Raven and Karec grinned.

"Actually, I’ve begun to realize how important it is to know our history," Raven said. "Since the mage got here."

"The mage?"

"Benjamin," Morgan said, bringing in more goblets. Pewter, like the plates, they obviously had seen much use. "They call him that."

Karec looked at Raven. "He is?"

Raven shrugged.

Morgan handed his elder brother the goblets. "We’ve forgotten much. Including magery. We need to remember what we’ve learned from our experiences."

"As much as anyone, I understand that," Karec said.

"Everyone on the Council understands that," Morgan said.

"Except the fat one," Raven said.

"Degellion-" Karec shook his head.

Down the stairs came loud thumping; Gerald and Benjamin entered the room. "Where’s breakfast?" Gerald thundered. "The King demands breakfast!"

"Not very king-like, your Highness," Raven said.

Gerald waved an arm. "Off with his head!"

"Quite king-like, I would think," Benjamin said.

Gerald waved his arm again. "Give that vassal a lackey."

"You’re so disgustingly sincere," Raven complained to Benjamin.

"You!" Gerald said, indicating Raven. "I would’ve thought your head would’ve been off by now."

Raven bowed. "My apologies, your Highness. I shall lop it off myself forthwith."

Gerald shrugged and grinned at Karec. "Vassals aren’t what they used to be."

"You seem in high spirits today, your Highness," Karec said.

"Uh oh," Gerald said. "Don’t take it seriously. Too seriously." He looked at Morgan. "So I’m the King. You don’t have to mean it too much."

"You were the one who came in yapping about it," Raven said.

"In battle, one theory goes," Morgan said, "It’s better for the King not to wear his royal armor. It reveals to the enemy who he is."

"Excellent point!" Gerald took a goblet from Karec. "I’ll be that sort of King."

Raven watched Benjamin seat himself at the table. "Is this one of the characteristics of mages? You’re constantly hungry?"

Benjamin folded his hands across his lap. "The use of magic does demand energy. But since no food is present yet, how hungry I am doesn’t seem too relevant."

"It’s relevant to me," Gerald said, sitting next to the mage.

"What that a joke?" Raven asked Benjamin.

"Food! Food!" Gerald demanded. "Where is everyone?"

Piskin came in from the kitchen carrying a platter of griddle cakes. "Everyone’s busy preparing your Majesty’s breakfast."

"Shaerden and Nartho have been holed up with our records in the den all night," Raven said.

Piskin set the platter on the table, then sat. "You’d better enjoy these," he said to no one in particular, "Or Dox will whomp us."

Raven reached for a few. "Has anyone noticed how solemn Dox has gotten since Gerald was recognized as King?"

"He’s always been solemn," Piskin said, reaching too.

Raven grinned. "Oh yeah."

Shaerden entered, carrying pitchers of juice. "Good morning, everyone. Karec. Morgan." He set the pitchers on the table. "Help yourselves. Piskin will eat everything otherwise."

"It’s not Piskin; it’s the mage," Piskin said.

Benjamin’s plate was piled high with griddle cakes.

Shaerden smiled at him. "Dox is making more."

Nartho entered, carrying biscuits. "Morning all. Dox says Piskin should bring out the chicken."