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Previous Chapter: ENDLESS Chapter 73: One Talk

Next Chapter: ENDLESS Chapter 75: Proposal

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CHAPTER 74: RESOLVE

“I’m off then.” Malia had stepped out of the room.

“We’ll be here.” Gorken had patted her back.

The princess’ face had lit up instantly, the strides that would lead her to her mother had gained vigor. Effortlessly and habitually, Malia made Gorken feel like he mattered: she listened to his words, she sought his advice, she reacted to his every gesture with earnest emotion; that was enough to trick him into thinking his presence had an effect on the world, that his being there meant something. Having Malia by his side was enough to give him purpose, even though he knew it shouldn’t have been. I can’t let her carry that weight for me.

It was that drive that had brought him to the current conversation with his trusted companions, as they waited for Malia’s return in their shared chamber.

“It was while we cooperated with the Eirian troops that it became evident,” Aldous was explaining, “we were never soldiers. We are fighters, survivors, but next to their army… their discipline, their tactics, their equipment, their training… we couldn’t compare. Now that the rebellion has nothing to rebel against, most people just want to get a life: a roof over their heads, a family, a piece of land. When I left the north the Council of Elders was already considering turning the remaining forces into some kind of militia under their direct command. I didn’t feel like I had a place there anymore.”

“I have no interest in being a personal bodyguard to a geezer.” Bayard added.

“I wish I didn’t agree, but I do.” Gorken removed a stray lock of hair from his face, “The Council only needed me to be a symbol, the strong warrior that proved humans could fight against immortals. I didn’t seek to be more than that, but now… Upon our return what would we fight against? The Council’s political enemies? Our former allies who may protest the new order? The best I can think of is offering our swords to Lyra and Rose, should they need them… but they already have the support of both the Eirian clan and the members of the rebellion. I never was a leader, but now I can’t even pretend to be one.”

“Boss, you’re our leader.” Aldous corrected him, “We’ll follow you no matter what. That hasn’t changed.”

“True.” Bayard concurred, “Though I’ll follow you more enthusiastically if Hedera is also with us.”

“What a pity she didn’t hear you say that.” Aldous snickered as he glanced toward the balcony where the twins were basking in the sun. It was Licorice’s turn to care for the golden diamond they had brought from the opalescent cave, the gem that had endured once the demon king had evaporated. The gem that would one day become the heart of the next dragon. Hedera was relishing the sunlight by lying lazily on the marble floor of the terrace while her sister warmly cradled the draconic jewel.

Gorken sighed, “I can’t chastise you. I’m on a shamefully similar mindset. But I need to make up my mind on what my goal will be before I consult Malia about it. I cannot keep depending on her for objectives. Kadem’s sacrifice left me feeling physically stronger than ever before. I should put that to good use.”

“We lose nothing by asking her what her plan for the future is.” The redhead shrugged, “If she’s got a good idea what’s the harm in aiding her? Things are usually simpler than the problems we conjure up inside our heads. And anything beats going north to become a council dog.”

Gorken’s reply was obscured by the sound of the door opening; Malia had returned in a radiant mood, eager to talk about her mother and the conversations they’d had, excited to gush about the sweets they had devoured together and relieved by Clarissa’s giving nature. She had perplexingly strung together tales about her father and a bizarre defense of the superiority of milk over tea, when her passionate demeanor shifted to subdued emotion, “So… I asked for my mother’s advice and, there’s something I’d like to tell you guys. Do you- do you think you’d be interested in-”

It was Malia’s turn to be interrupted by the creaking of the wooden gate. To everyone’s surprise, Queen Frida walked into the room with the assured determination of those who know they can abstain from knocking. Her dignified, nimble pace was queerly reminiscent of a child about to throw a tantrum, “Good, you’re here.”

Frida wasted no time picking the most comfortable armchair in the room and claiming it for herself, “Dear niece, our healers’ reports of your condition were so dire at first that I dreaded the worst, and then suddenly they were so positive I was baffled. It is excellent to see you in good health. I’ll make sure to carve the silver sorceress, Kadem, into the annals of Eirian memory. It is the least I can do. It was my intention to come see you immediately, but your mother beat me to it.” The queen shook her head irritably, “Not only that, but she raided our kitchens and forced me to wait until the next batch of almond pastries was out of the oven, in my own castle! Can you believe she took all of them? If that wasn’t enough, I was also forced to bear her incessant bragging about what a magnificent daughter she has, after she came back from the Moon Gardens just now. I refuse to suffer Clarissa’s abuse in silence.”

“And yet you’re grateful to have your intolerable sister by your side.” Licorice declared softly; both she and Hedera had left the balcony at the queen’s arrival. “I assure you that’s not an affliction exclusive to humanity, Your Highness.”

Hedera raised a questioning eyebrow, and Frida Eirian smiled.

“Actually…” Malia decided to speak up. Gorken had witnessed the inward debate that had led her to it; the princess had darted her eyes back and forth between her aunt and her friends, unsure and then determined, “You came at a good time, aunt Frida. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

“As long as you don’t gloat about my little sister, I’m all ears.”

Malia took a deep breath, “I’d like to request your support in creating a military branch in charge of exploration. The spell that kept us isolated for centuries is no more. It wouldn’t be surprising if out of the blue ships from lands we can’t remember started reaching our shores, now that the curse that deleted will power is no longer a barrier. What little records we have of relationships with outside nations are outdated legends at best. I think we should take matters into our own hands and send envoys to scout the territories around us, seeking information on what threats there might be, as well as possible alliances with nearby kingdoms. If you approve the proposal, then… I volunteer to be in charge of the first expedition. A small group of well-trained emissaries would suffice, so, if feasible…” Malia’s voice got smaller, “…I would request those present to comprise my squad: Gorken, Aldous, Bayard, Hedera and Licorice.”

Malia’s rehearsed, coherent proposal ended with her looking at the floor with expectant nervousness, her cheeks that deep shade of pink that made it hard for Gorken to resist hugging her. He marveled at how, unknowingly, her idea of what she wanted to do had provided them all with a pathway to the future. That made it even harder to resist wrapping his arms around her, but then and there, he managed.

“That suits our needs.” Licorice was quick to reply, “We vowed to care for the dragon’s heart, so we should keep Terra’s deranged roots away from it. Travelling around until she returns to the soil is a convenient solution.”

“Exactly.” Hedera grinned, hugging the golden stone against her chest, “This little one deserves to see the outside world.”

“Are you still able to use your magic?” Frida interjected.

“Yes.” Malia said promptly, “Both my body and my magic are in peak condition. Kadem… really gave us everything she had, and more.”

The southern queen nodded, “Under normal circumstances, it would be madness to send a member of the royal family to explore uncharted lands. But if you’ll have two ancient demons with you, well, that does make a difference. I won’t deny how beneficial it would be for me to send you as a representative of our island kingdom. You’re of my blood, and I won’t have to part with any of my generals if I send you, General Malia. Yes, you heard me.” Frida reacted instantly to Malia’s shock, “You earned the title, after everything you did. If anything, going from heir to the northern throne to General is a demotion, but since you seem allergic to the idea of ruling and the northern monarchy is no more anyway, I’d say it’s a good compromise. Your three friends will also be rewarded, but I have yet to discuss with my counselors what rank would be appropriate; they can’t be Generals if they aren’t magicians, after all. Captains? Lieutenants? Advisers? We’ll see. You boys have until we settle on your status to decide whether or not you’ll be joining my niece’s capricious expedition.”

“We don’t need time to decide.” Gorken said. He stood in front of Malia, held her head in his hands and kissed her forehead. Aldous and Bayard chuckled wittingly. Malia’s pale face acquired the rich color of the garden’s red tulips; somehow, her expression was even more joyous than the jubilant flowers dancing to the breeze.

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You can also follow ENDLESS on TWITTER !

Previous Chapter: ENDLESS Chapter 73: One Talk

Next Chapter: ENDLESS Chapter 75: Proposal

All Chapters HERE .

Watch the Trailer: ENDLESS Trailer

CHAPTER 74: RESOLVE

“I’m off then.” Malia had stepped out of the room.

“We’ll be here.” Gorken had patted her back.

The princess’ face had lit up instantly, the strides that would lead her to her mother had gained vigor. Effortlessly and habitually, Malia made Gorken feel like he mattered: she listened to his words, she sought his advice, she reacted to his every gesture with earnest emotion; that was enough to trick him into thinking his presence had an effect on the world, that his being there meant something. Having Malia by his side was enough to give him purpose, even though he knew it shouldn’t have been. I can’t let her carry that weight for me.

It was that drive that had brought him to the current conversation with his trusted companions, as they waited for Malia’s return in their shared chamber.

“It was while we cooperated with the Eirian troops that it became evident,” Aldous was explaining, “we were never soldiers. We are fighters, survivors, but next to their army… their discipline, their tactics, their equipment, their training… we couldn’t compare. Now that the rebellion has nothing to rebel against, most people just want to get a life: a roof over their heads, a family, a piece of land. When I left the north the Council of Elders was already considering turning the remaining forces into some kind of militia under their direct command. I didn’t feel like I had a place there anymore.”

“I have no interest in being a personal bodyguard to a geezer.” Bayard added.

“I wish I didn’t agree, but I do.” Gorken removed a stray lock of hair from his face, “The Council only needed me to be a symbol, the strong warrior that proved humans could fight against immortals. I didn’t seek to be more than that, but now… Upon our return what would we fight against? The Council’s political enemies? Our former allies who may protest the new order? The best I can think of is offering our swords to Lyra and Rose, should they need them… but they already have the support of both the Eirian clan and the members of the rebellion. I never was a leader, but now I can’t even pretend to be one.”

“Boss, you’re our leader.” Aldous corrected him, “We’ll follow you no matter what. That hasn’t changed.”

“True.” Bayard concurred, “Though I’ll follow you more enthusiastically if Hedera is also with us.”

“What a pity she didn’t hear you say that.” Aldous snickered as he glanced toward the balcony where the twins were basking in the sun. It was Licorice’s turn to care for the golden diamond they had brought from the opalescent cave, the gem that had endured once the demon king had evaporated. The gem that would one day become the heart of the next dragon. Hedera was relishing the sunlight by lying lazily on the marble floor of the terrace while her sister warmly cradled the draconic jewel.

Gorken sighed, “I can’t chastise you. I’m on a shamefully similar mindset. But I need to make up my mind on what my goal will be before I consult Malia about it. I cannot keep depending on her for objectives. Kadem’s sacrifice left me feeling physically stronger than ever before. I should put that to good use.”

“We lose nothing by asking her what her plan for the future is.” The redhead shrugged, “If she’s got a good idea what’s the harm in aiding her? Things are usually simpler than the problems we conjure up inside our heads. And anything beats going north to become a council dog.”

Gorken’s reply was obscured by the sound of the door opening; Malia had returned in a radiant mood, eager to talk about her mother and the conversations they’d had, excited to gush about the sweets they had devoured together and relieved by Clarissa’s giving nature. She had perplexingly strung together tales about her father and a bizarre defense of the superiority of milk over tea, when her passionate demeanor shifted to subdued emotion, “So… I asked for my mother’s advice and, there’s something I’d like to tell you guys. Do you- do you think you’d be interested in-”

It was Malia’s turn to be interrupted by the creaking of the wooden gate. To everyone’s surprise, Queen Frida walked into the room with the assured determination of those who know they can abstain from knocking. Her dignified, nimble pace was queerly reminiscent of a child about to throw a tantrum, “Good, you’re here.”

Frida wasted no time picking the most comfortable armchair in the room and claiming it for herself, “Dear niece, our healers’ reports of your condition were so dire at first that I dreaded the worst, and then suddenly they were so positive I was baffled. It is excellent to see you in good health. I’ll make sure to carve the silver sorceress, Kadem, into the annals of Eirian memory. It is the least I can do. It was my intention to come see you immediately, but your mother beat me to it.” The queen shook her head irritably, “Not only that, but she raided our kitchens and forced me to wait until the next batch of almond pastries was out of the oven, in my own castle! Can you believe she took all of them? If that wasn’t enough, I was also forced to bear her incessant bragging about what a magnificent daughter she has, after she came back from the Moon Gardens just now. I refuse to suffer Clarissa’s abuse in silence.”

“And yet you’re grateful to have your intolerable sister by your side.” Licorice declared softly; both she and Hedera had left the balcony at the queen’s arrival. “I assure you that’s not an affliction exclusive to humanity, Your Highness.”

Hedera raised a questioning eyebrow, and Frida Eirian smiled.

“Actually…” Malia decided to speak up. Gorken had witnessed the inward debate that had led her to it; the princess had darted her eyes back and forth between her aunt and her friends, unsure and then determined, “You came at a good time, aunt Frida. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

“As long as you don’t gloat about my little sister, I’m all ears.”

Malia took a deep breath, “I’d like to request your support in creating a military branch in charge of exploration. The spell that kept us isolated for centuries is no more. It wouldn’t be surprising if out of the blue ships from lands we can’t remember started reaching our shores, now that the curse that deleted will power is no longer a barrier. What little records we have of relationships with outside nations are outdated legends at best. I think we should take matters into our own hands and send envoys to scout the territories around us, seeking information on what threats there might be, as well as possible alliances with nearby kingdoms. If you approve the proposal, then… I volunteer to be in charge of the first expedition. A small group of well-trained emissaries would suffice, so, if feasible…” Malia’s voice got smaller, “…I would request those present to comprise my squad: Gorken, Aldous, Bayard, Hedera and Licorice.”

Malia’s rehearsed, coherent proposal ended with her looking at the floor with expectant nervousness, her cheeks that deep shade of pink that made it hard for Gorken to resist hugging her. He marveled at how, unknowingly, her idea of what she wanted to do had provided them all with a pathway to the future. That made it even harder to resist wrapping his arms around her, but then and there, he managed.

“That suits our needs.” Licorice was quick to reply, “We vowed to care for the dragon’s heart, so we should keep Terra’s deranged roots away from it. Travelling around until she returns to the soil is a convenient solution.”

“Exactly.” Hedera grinned, hugging the golden stone against her chest, “This little one deserves to see the outside world.”

“Are you still able to use your magic?” Frida interjected.

“Yes.” Malia said promptly, “Both my body and my magic are in peak condition. Kadem… really gave us everything she had, and more.”

The southern queen nodded, “Under normal circumstances, it would be madness to send a member of the royal family to explore uncharted lands. But if you’ll have two ancient demons with you, well, that does make a difference. I won’t deny how beneficial it would be for me to send you as a representative of our island kingdom. You’re of my blood, and I won’t have to part with any of my generals if I send you, General Malia. Yes, you heard me.” Frida reacted instantly to Malia’s shock, “You earned the title, after everything you did. If anything, going from heir to the northern throne to General is a demotion, but since you seem allergic to the idea of ruling and the northern monarchy is no more anyway, I’d say it’s a good compromise. Your three friends will also be rewarded, but I have yet to discuss with my counselors what rank would be appropriate; they can’t be Generals if they aren’t magicians, after all. Captains? Lieutenants? Advisers? We’ll see. You boys have until we settle on your status to decide whether or not you’ll be joining my niece’s capricious expedition.”

“We don’t need time to decide.” Gorken said. He stood in front of Malia, held her head in his hands and kissed her forehead. Aldous and Bayard chuckled wittingly. Malia’s pale face acquired the rich color of the garden’s red tulips; somehow, her expression was even more joyous than the jubilant flowers dancing to the breeze.