The Wintershall Tales

It was with his agreement with Martyn in mind that Fortitude retreated to his chambers in Archesia later that day. 

He went to the window of his room and drew the curtains – plunging the room into semi-darkness.  He then called out to Merrin. 

Several minutes passed, then the air in front of him shimmered, and Merrin appeared.  She was floating several inches above the ground and her body was sheathed in a writhing cloak of dark twisting matter.  She regarded Fortitude with her usual fervent and slightly unhinged stare. 

“Beastlord,” she said happily.  “Ooh this is nice.” 

“Good to see you too,” he said and meant it.  “So how’s it all going?”

“Good Beastlord,” she replied.  A look of curious uncertainty flickered across her face.  “Though I almost destroyed the world three times yesterday and only just prevented a twisting mass of shambling horrors from visiting this morning.”  She shrugged apologetically.  “But that’s much better than what happened the day before last.”  She then frowned thoughtfully.  “Oh and then this morning there was the little incident with the writhing chaos that is the dark elder god Az’aal…” She shrugged.  “But I can’t see anyone missing that town anyway.  Apart from that, it’s all going well.  Mostly everyone’s still alive and virtually all the gods and other worlds are still there.”

Fortitude felt a twinge of dismay at Merrin’s catalogue of disasters but he said nothing.  “And how’s it all going getting the vortex under control?”

Merrin nodded enthusiastically.  “It’s still a problem, but I’ve got it mostly right.  I spent a lot of the last few weeks wondering how on earth Zaahl ever did it when he only had a fraction of my natural aptitude.  I discovered the other day that he didn’t – he just inherited the runes that kept the vortex from destabilising from Elric before him and Elric probably inherited in turn from whomever he replaced.  I destroyed the runes when I opened the silver box.  Since I worked that out I feel a lot better now about the little disasters that have been happening everywhere.”

“So have you got it under control now?” Fortitude demanded.

“Mostly,” Merrin replied.  “I’ve worked out that I can use runes to set up automatic collectors that harvest souls drifting through the vortex.  It just takes a few every hour and the vortex basically stabilises itself.”  She beamed at Fortitude.  “Good huh?”  She looked inordinately pleased with herself.  “Now I’ve got time to play with my powers and experiment with how the universe works.”

Fortitude wondered whose souls were being harvested, then decided it was better he did not know.  The thought of Merrin experimenting with the universe also filled him with dread.

“So Beastlord,” Merrin began.  “How can I serve you?”

“A couple of things,” Fortitude answered.  “First, the red moon.  Do you now have the power to stabilise it?”

Merrin looked surprised and considered the question carefully.  “I suppose so, Beastlord,” she said.  “The mountain is full of power…”  Her eyes defocused as she pondered the challenge.  “It would be a perfect opportunity to see if I can project a wall of manipulative force without ripping this world apart or burning up all the air.”  She clicked her fingers triumphantly.  “Ooh, that’s going to be fun,” she said happily.

Fortitude felt a sick feeling in his stomach.  “Surely there’s another way?”

“I don’t think so,” Merrin replied.  “Is there anything else, Beastlord?”

Fortitude composed his thoughts.  “Yes,” he said.  “I need to know that the gate between Gavin and Saxonburg will remain open so I can continue to rule it from here.  I may also need to transport the Dierdrakin from the seven villages to Archesia.  They are going to look at relocating there and Martyn Darkling may serve as First Councillor there for you.”

“No problems,” Merrin said.  “You will rule Archesia and Gavin and I’ll make sure no one bothers you.”  A happy smile crossed her face.  “The white wolves will help you.”  She nodded hopefully.  “Aren’t they great?  Those little doggies will follow you everywhere and will help you whenever they can.”

Fortitude laughed.  “Thanks Merrin,” he said.  “They were certainly a surprise – but a useful one.”

“My pleasure,” she replied properly.

“So does that mean you will keep the gates open?”

“Yes,” Merrin replied.  “The great gate between Saxonburg and Gavin will last as long as you or your descendants rule in my name.  Anyone and anything will be able to travel safely through it.  As for the Dierdrakin…” She paused and gave a fond smile.  “I like them.  Tell them they just need to step into any gate and I will transport them to their new homes in Archesia.”  She hesitated a moment.  “You might want to tell them to wait a couple of days though.  I still haven’t quite got the altitude controls right yet on gates.”

“I will,” Fortitude replied.  “And thanks.”

Merrin frowned and stared away into space.  “Umm, I must be going,” she said abruptly.  There’s been a hideous fire in Taiking and I’ve got souls to harvest.  Boy, it never stops round here…” 

With that she faded from sight and was gone.

***

Late that same afternoon a messenger rode into Saxonburg wearing the royal colours of Bayonnar.  He presented Fortitude with a letter from the King.  Fortitude opened it in his chamber and read it carefully.

My dear Fortitude,

My congratulations on the taking of Archesia.  You may not be aware but we have now concluded formal peace arrangements with the Han on most favourable terms.  The destruction of the Han army at Tsi-Nan, the death of their High Councillors, the death of Ghin-zhu, the ascension of Merrin, and the complete destruction of twenty thousand of their troops by my armies at St Stephens have all contributed to leaving the Han thoroughly defeated and demoralised.  In addition, there are reports that the goblins have sacked a large part of central Han creating panic and disorder.

The new Han High Minister, Ding-sai has negotiated a peace treaty with us in the name of his Emperor.  All Han troops will return to Han and the borders will be restored to where they were prior to the war.  In return for no reparations or apology, the Han have agreed to renounce all claims to Routh now and in perpetuity.  They have agreed that Archesia should be an independent realm under my protection. 

They only ask that the goblins be removed from Han as soon as possible.  I imagine that is easier said than done, so I shall leave it to your discretion.  The Han may be on their own there.

This is a glorious victory Fortitude and you and your companions are principally responsible for it.  Know that I have already proclaimed all of you to be heroes of Bayonnar and have already commissioned the building of a great temple to Merrin in Warminster.

The final step in this drama must now be your ascension to the Archesian throne.  I know this may not be without difficulty.  Accordingly, be advised that I am marching to you at the head of twenty thousand soldiers.  I intend that the Archesian grand assembly will endorse you without hesitation or condition.  I also intend to crown you personally to make clear the message that all Bayonnar and I will stand by you and that Archesia is to become part of a larger Empire.

I trust that all is well.  Look for me within the next week.  I eagerly anticipate sharing a drink with you to our glorious victory and all the wonderful things that the future will bring.

William VI

PS, I have taken the liberty of fetching Adela Peveral from Wintershall.  She is travelling with me and we will both arrive in Archesia together.  I believe it would be politick to combine the coronation and wedding.

Fortitude felt a rush of nervousness and excitement as he read the postscript.  He was going to get married and soon.  He found himself looking forward to seeing Adela again and he hoped she would like Archesia. 

He reread the letter several times and his initial excitement faded as he realised the entire message was about the King furthering his own imperial ambitions. 

It was therefore with very mixed feelings that he settled down at the window to his chambers and pensively stared down at the city below trying to settle his thoughts.