The Horn of Moran - Forman Mark L. Страница 61

As Varson’s army moved forward, Alex acted his part as well as he could. Varson seemed confident that he would be king before the day was over, and he made several promises to Alex and to the rest of the adventurers, including offering to pay whatever price Trion had promised for the return of the Horn and add to it. Alex simply smiled and said Varson was far too generous. When they approached the city of Athanor, Alex leaned toward Varson and spoke in a lowered voice.

“Before we begin, perhaps I should remind the people that the Horn will sound only for the true king,” said Alex.

“Yes, I think that would be best,” agreed Varson. “In fact, you may say that you are there to judge the contest fairly and announce to the people who their true king is.”

“You honor me, my lord. But surely there are others more qualified than I who can judge this competition. I am not from this land, so perhaps someone who lives here should act as judge.”

“You make a good point,” said Varson after some thought. “I will have the captains of my army act as witnesses, and if Trion wishes, the captains of his army as well.”

“An excellent solution, my lord. Then there will be none in Athanor who can doubt the true king.”

“That is correct, my friend,” said Varson with a nod. “After all, I don’t want war any more than you do. I can’t blame Trion’s soldiers for his mistakes after all.”

“You are most wise,” Alex replied.

Varson seemed lost in his thoughts of becoming king, and he didn’t say anything more as the company approached the gates of Athanor. A messenger rode into the city with a request for Trion to met Varson at midday to prove once and for all who was the true king. The rest of the army assembled outside the city walls. The messenger was only gone for a short time before returning with Trion’s answer.

“The fool has accepted,” said Varson, waving the message in front of Alex. “He must actually believe he has a chance.”

“Men will often do foolish things to prove what they believe.”

“Yes, I suppose they will,” said Varson, sounding almost sad. “I wish that Trion would simply accept me as king. I really hate to embarrass him this way.”

“You are kind, my lord. Perhaps Trion will concede the contest once you have blown the Horn.”

“Yes, that would be better than seeing him try hopelessly to sound the Horn. Then at least some of his honor might be saved. You know, he is an honorable man, and he has run the kingdom very well over all.”

Alex did not reply but simply nodded.

As midday approached, Varson’s soldiers set up a large, raised platform so everyone would be able to see Varson and Trion compete with the Horn. Alex commented on what a good idea it was and praised Varson for thinking of it.

At midday the gates of Athanor were opened wide, and Trion and his captains emerged from the city, followed by a large crowd. Even more people gathered on the city walls to watch the competition. Alex was pleased that there would be so many witnesses. No one in all of Athanor would be able to question the true king after today.

Varson and Trion met at the foot of the platform and bowed to each other. Varson’s captains lined up on one side of the platform, while Trion’s captains lined up on the other. Varson then led Trion and Alex onto the platform, looking at the crowds confidently.

“If you will, Master Taylor,” said Varson once the three of them were on top of the platform.

Alex bowed to Varson and then to Trion. He noticed that Trion looked stern, but that his eyes were shining brightly. Trion looked a great deal like Bregnest, and Alex was glad to be able to help him secure his throne.

“People of Athanor,” Alex called loudly. “This competition will be to determine the true king of Athanor. I have been asked to serve as the judge, along with these assembled captains of the armies of Athanor. I have brought with me the legendary Horn of Moran, which will only sound for the true king of this people. I call upon all of you to act as witnesses this day.”

Alex turned to Varson and Trion. He bowed once more to each of them and then produced the Horn of Moran from his magic bag. He held the Horn up and turned in all directions so that all the soldiers and all the people could see it. The bands of true silver flashed like fire in the sunlight, and the watching crowds fell silent.

Then, facing Varson and Trion once more, Alex spoke in a softer tone. “My lords, if you are both prepared, we will proceed.”

“I am prepared,” Varson answered eagerly.

“As am I,” said Trion, still looking stern.

“Which of you will go first?” Alex questioned.

“I will,” Varson answered quickly. “As I have made a claim on the crown, I will go first.”

“As you wish,” Trion replied in a grim tone.

Varson stepped confidently to the front of the platform and stood beside Alex.

“Prince Varson has asked to make his attempt first,” Alex called out loudly.

Alex held out the Horn of Moran to Prince Varson. Varson put it to his mouth and blew until he was red in the face. But no sound came out of the Horn at all. Alex felt a mixture of amusement and pity. When Varson finally quit blowing, he was gasping for air. He looked shocked and completely dumbfounded.

“Prince Varson’s attempt has failed,” Alex called out. “Now King Trion will make his attempt.”

Alex motioned for Trion to come forward. Trion bowed to Alex with just a hint of a smile on his face.

Once again Alex held the Horn steady. Trion took a deep breath and put his mouth to the Horn. As he began to blow, the Horn began to sound a long, loud note, which grew louder and louder. The sound filled Alex with a fierce and overwhelming joy. After the sounding of the Horn, Trion stepped back, his stern look softening.

“King Trion is the true king of Athanor,” Alex proclaimed to the waiting crowds. “Let none here doubt, the Horn of Moran has spoken.”

Turning, Alex bowed and presented the Horn of Moran to Trion, who accepted it with a bow and a quick wink.

Trion turned to look at Varson, who was pale and shaking, looking around as if he didn’t know what to do. As Trion moved toward him, Varson dropped to his knees and begged for forgiveness.

“Forgive me, my lord. I have been a great fool. Kappa convinced me that you were not the true king, and I believed his lies.”

“You have been a great fool,” Trion agreed. “And you have brought your own land to the very edge of war and ruin. Once you had great honor and you served Athanor well. I will remember your years of good service now, as I name your punishment. As punishment for your actions, I confiscate your lands and properties. I take away all your titles and honors. I name you as the lowest servant in the king’s house.”

“Better than I deserve,” said Varson, remaining on his knees. “You have been too kind, my lord.”

“Perhaps so,” said Trion, looking stern. “But I will say this: in time your honor, your titles, and your lands may be restored to you. Of course, much depends on how well you serve Athanor from this day forward.”

“I will serve you as best I can, my king,” Varson replied, looking slightly relieved.

“Now, for the root of all this evil,” said Trion. “Bring Kappa forward that I might proclaim his punishment.”

There was a slight delay, but in a few minutes, two of Varson’s soldiers led a nervous-looking donkey forward. They stood the donkey in front of the raised platform and stepped back.

“What is this?” Trion asked, a stern but slightly confused look on his face.

“Lord Trion,” said Alex, stepping forward. “The soldiers are not trying to fool you. This is, in fact, Kappa. I’m afraid he was attempting to prevent us from returning the Horn of Moran to you. To overcome the difficulties he was putting in our path, I was forced to change him into his present form.”