《Magus Lordavis conceives Another Plot》


 Chapter 1: In which the fifty-seventh plot against Fourmikari is brought to an end

    Gallivur struggled against the bonds, grunting to emphasize the vigorous endeavor. Given that it had been well over an hour and the situation hadn''t changed, it served only to emphasize a lacking intelligence than to impress any sense of brawny prowess. The silken threads held tight. The great champion of the land hadn''t managed an escape.


    "Give it up," I said, lounging across my throne. "You''ve been bested."


    "Fiend," spat Gallivur. "You''ll never get away with this."


    I cackled, tipping my head back, my ghutrah nearly displaced. "How many times have I heard that from you?" An unfortunate number. Gallivur had the nasty habit of spoiling my plans and painting me incompetent. I lifted a finger and motioned for my drink. As a servant slithered over to accommodate, I continued, "There''s nothing you can do. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the show."


    "I won''t let you destroy Fourmikari." Gallivur never listened to anything I had to say. I had explained the situation clearly. Through study of ancient texts, I had determined the location of a long dormant magical artifact and using said artifact, I was going to eradicate anyone impeding my will. Fourmikari, the nearest kingdom with a military that could match mine, had refused to submit. What else was I to do?


    It had nothing to do with my long-standing feud with the kingdom. Yes, this marked my fifty-seventh campaign against the domain, but it was a matter of geography over spite. The Hailferno Sphere had a range of approximately forty-kilometers. I could relax, enjoy a chilled beverage, torture a nemesis, and destroy Fourmikari from the comfort of my own home.


    I was practical, not petty.


    wait."


    "You''ll never get away with this!" Gallivur declared.


    Aside from an initial gasp, Gallivur remained silent. I relented in time, finding no joy in wasting magic on a mute. I finished my beverage and set the goblet upon stone. It was collected, the servant disappearing as quickly as he had appeared. I sighed.


    "What''s wrong?" taunted Gallivur. I glared. "Can''t keep it up?"


    I crossed my arms across my satin-draped chest and frowned at the attempt for witticism. "Are you really the champion of the common citizen? I''m beginning to think I''ve fallen victim of a vicious rumor." Experience dictated otherwise. An unrestrained Gallivur wasn''t someone with whom to trifle. I was fortunate my trap had succeeded and the interloper held in place. Hopping to my feet, I folded my hands behind my back and sauntered slowly down the steps from the throne platform. "Perhaps I''ll confirm your popularity through an experiment I''ve just this moment devised." I clapped my hands. "I''ll stick your head upon a spike and parade it throughout the remains of Fourmikari. If you are properly mourned, I will give the possibility credit."


    "You''re jealous," said Gallivur.


    "Of what?" I snorted. "You? Don''t make me laugh."


    "Do you ever get sick of the worms? Ever wish you had real subjects again?" If it was meant as an appeal to loneliness, it missed the mark. Any fondness I held for my own kind had dried up long ago. My kingdom was ideal, devoid of annoyances and inconveniences. The worms thrived and served me unconditionally. Their population multiplied exponentially with every season. With it, so did my power.


    I knelt, scooping a crawling attendant into my arms as I stepped before of the mouthy prisoner.


    My liege, demurred the servant in a voice unheard by Gallivur. I cradled her as if she were a larva and tutted softly.


    "Don''t listen to Gallivur," I cooed. "Gallivur mistakenly thinks I care for the opinions of court jesters."


    Gallivur put forth a slight chuckle. "Have I told you lately you''re insane?"


    "Not today." I considered. After a moment''s rumination, I amended, "Wait, perhaps you did."


    "You know, most people our age--"


    "I''m not your contemporary," I interjected. "Whatever point you intend to make, save it."


    "Most people our age," I countered, "Haven''t the means to make their dreams a reality. I am not ''most people''."


    Another laugh. "I suppose everyone''s got their thing. Yours happens to be an unhealthy obsession with large worms."


    "You think I''m obsessed with the worms, Gallivur?" I lifted my head. Our eyes met. I stated firmly, "There is only one thing I''m obsessed with."


    Gripping the servant tightly around her midsection, I wrenched her form in twain. Her limp and useless halves were discarded upon the floor, swallowed swiftly in a sea of dark green as my remaining staff moved to devour. There would be no mess. They knew better than to carry out an inadequate job. Gallivur wore an expression of disgust. From the action or the end result, I could not say.


    "Everyone will bow to me," I said. I turned away, clicking my heels together as I did. "Or they will die." I returned to my throne as Gallivur called my name. It wasn''t until I had amenably settled back into my seat of power that I finally acknowledged. "What now, Gallivur?"


    "You''re going to have a hard time ruling when everyone is dead."


    "To the contrary," I replied. "That will make it easier."


    "You don''t think you''ll get bored? Your worms can''t speak. They can''t read. They can''t hold intelligent conversation."


    "Is that what you imagine this is?" I jeered.


    "Stop and think, Lordavis." I had thought. Some days, it felt as though I did nothing but think. I didn''t have Gallivur''s advantages. I wasn''t born with a strong physique or shapely appearance. No one, even when the kingdom had consisted of what others referred to as ''proper subjects'', looked upon me with anything other than disdain. "Is that really what you want?"


    "Yes," I said without hesitation. "It is exactly what I want."


    We didn''t continue the conversation. Gallivur had more to say, no doubt, but it was not to be. We were interrupted by a loud, reverberating bang. The decorated doors were kicked in and a party of three adventurers, companions recognized as regular collaborators of my prisoner, appeared in the entry. A large figure with a long sword pointed the blade my direction.


    You''re next!"


    Ah. They had come with a caster.


    I let a blast of black fire speak for me. The mage stumbled, throwing up a shielding spell at the last moment. Any slower and the three interlopers would have been thoroughly dispatched.


    Pity.


    My liege. The servants scattered throughout the chamber raised their heads. They peered at me for guidance and direction. I pointed emphatically.


    "Don''t stand there! Get them!"


    Gallivur chortled. I regarded him with vexation. "Looks like you won''t be getting your wish today, Lordavis."


    "On the contrary," I scowled, leaping over my minions as they rushed at the intruders. "The destruction of Fourmikari will go on as scheduled but you won''t be around to watch it." I gripped the champion by the neck, leaning in close as I hissed, "Any last words?"


    Gulliver whispered back, words dripping with venom. "You''ll never get away with this!"


    "Think you could arrive sooner next time?" beamed the hostage. Gallivur was sliced free with minimal effort. I observed impotently, seething inwardly. "Any later and it would be daybreak."


    I extended my arms outward and cackled loudly. It was moments like these that made the audience invaluable. The fallen worms were easily replaced. My triumph would be known worldwide. "You''re too late! Any minute now, Fourmikari will be overwhelmed by unquenchable fire! You''ve lost, Gallivur!"


    Gallivur, my ever-stalwart nemesis, responded in the way only Gallivur could. There were no further words exchanged. Before I could act, a foot tendered by years of combat training came from the right. The blow connected in a blur that sent me bouncing across the dense stone. My inclinations were split between two warring factions. I needed to rise if I meant to engage the trespassers and stop them from ruining everything. On the other hand, the floor was appealing and agreeable.


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    "Ow," I mumbled.


    "Should one of us stay with the magus?" Monotone inquired distantly amidst retreating footsteps.


    "This is more important," asserted Gallivur. "Lordavis isn''t going anywhere."


    With their departure, a serene quiet descended. It was nice.


    "Ow," I reiterated.


    always soft at first. Abruptly, two colossal worms exploded from the bedrock of the nearby cliff face. Stretching as long as a road and covered in spines, they would serve well to drive back the merry band of uninvited visitors.


    Today would be another failure, a pyrrhic victory at best.


    My liege? boomed the pair of voices in silent communication.


    "Go to the west tower," I commanded. "I don''t care if you have to raze it. Do not allow anyone to leave."


    Sighing, I pressed my back to the wall and slid downwards. My warriors rumbled away. I could hear the faint cacophony of the clash. I turned to press the swelling against the cool architecture. The sun would be up shortly if it hadn''t already crested while I nursed my wound. Everything within the path of its rays would heat to an almost unbearable temperature. I would appreciate what remained of night''s chill while I could.


    I nodded off, reviving to the light of midmorning. The sounds of battle had ceased. Mumbling somewhat incoherently, I called out, "Rott!"


    My liege, came the answer from beside me. The crafty worm had crept in while I slept. It was something of a comfort. Rott was not a creature suited for combat. His flesh was smooth and pulpy, a dark green that hovered close to ebony. If he had emerged from his hiding place, it meant immediate threats were absent.


    "Rott!" I exclaimed once more. I reached out and patted him firmly on the clitellum. "You''re here!" Affection was not my practice. I withdrew, pondering my enthusiasm.


    My liege, observed the annelid, I think you have a concussion.


    Did I not advise you to slit Gallivur''s throat and be done with it?


    Yes, my liege. Rott shook his head. I remarked upon your tendency to gloat and boast your every intention. I advised that should you like to see your plots come to fruition, you had to return to your previous methods--


    "Hold on." I held up a hand. "I have to tell Gallivur."


    Why?


    "Because," I slurred, a product of my trauma. "Gallivur has to know exactly how I''ve won."


    My liege, therein lies the problem. If you would put aside your distaste for Gallivur, you would find very little to impede you. The Kingdom of Ever-Worms is strong enough to take on any land, save for--


    "Fourmikari!" I clamored up with sudden urgency and rushed to the western window.


    My liege.


    "Still standing!" I cried with intense anger as I spied the Central Palace. "Fourmikari is still standing!"


    If you would focus your efforts beyond Fourmikari and Gallivur, you would find victory.


    "It''s meaningless if I don''t destroy them both," I sulked. I sunk to my knees. "If the Hailferno Sphere didn''t work, then I will send an army."


    Fourmikari is accustomed to your acts of aggression. You would lose before you ever breached the walls.


    "I would lead the charge," I said.


    My liege, I think you would do well to recover first. Any planning is best done with a clear head.


    My desire for direct attack did not diminish with rest. I had many dreams, each with the same purpose. I dreamt of riding a large worm and leading a hoard of lesser worms, throwing lightning and fire at those whom my servants didn''t eliminate first. I dreamt of standing upon the fortified ivory walls of Fourmikari and laughing with glee at a scene of total destruction and carnage. I dreamt of looming over Gallivur as the champion tried to crawl away, severely injured and leaking life. The bodies of recent companions littered the ground, strewn amongst the bodies of previous companions.


    "What''s the matter?" I purred. "No smart comments today, Galli?"


    "You can''t do this!" A whimper. Gallivur was incapable of anything more.


    I howled with amusement. "I can do whatever I want!"


    My liege, he exasperated as I peeled a piece of fruit. You must be as tired of losing to Gallivur and Fourmikari as I am watching you lose.


    What if you started a campaign against Esopterah? They shouldn''t pose much of a challenge to someone with your magical abilities. Then, There is something to be said for the sense of accomplishment that would come along with a guaranteed victory.


    "I''ve made up my mind."


    Yes, said Rott. But why not build up to it? Why not start by enslaving a lesser kingdom?


    I scoffed. "No. Fourmikari expects that."


    Rott tapped his tail. They expect you to enslave their neighbors? I feel as though they might have taken action to prevent that if they truly thought you capable. To do so would not only take them by surprise, it would prove to them that you are a very real threat and not someone to be taken lightly.


    They care quite a bit about that, my liege.


    "Imagine, Rott, that you are a citizen of Fourmikari. Imagine the Great Lordavis, Ruler of the Kingdom of Ever-Worms declares death upon you and your neighbors. What do you imagine that entails?"


    Death, said Rott.


    Flatly, "I mean, specifically, how do you imagine they''d imagine I''d do it?"


    Well, you set us upon your subjects.


    You murdered Revergnols, Rott continued.


    I shot him a look of warning. "Do not speak that name."


    Apologies, my liege. It''s common knowledge that worms did not play a role in that affair. As a citizen of Fourmikari, I might also worry about possibly encountering you myself. He mused. I think, my liege, that is the more terrifying scenario.


    Rott considered. What sort of unknown, my liege?


    "You haven''t an inkling. They''re unknown."


    ''Unknown'' doesn''t mean ''more threatening''. When you are truly enraged, my liege, there isn''t a force in nature that can stop you.


    "You''re missing my point," I sighed. There was nothing to discuss. Rott couldn''t be made to see my view. "You''re dismissed."


    My liege?


    "I must think. My next attempt to subjugate must be a success." I folded my hands and folded my fingers upon themselves. "I have to determine what sort of unknown to use."


    Rott wriggled. My liege, you must decide whether you act for your own entertainment or if you act with intention. When you took control of the throne, did you do so while showboating for Gallivur?


    I nearly choked on my indignation. "Showboating? I''m not showboating!"


    I hear there is a troupe of traveling performers in Fourmikiar. If it''s entertainment you seek--"


    "I''m not seeking entertainment," I asserted. "And lest you forget, I''m trying to destroy Fourmikari."


    That should have been the end of the matter.

 Chapter 2: In which there is brooding and a poor sense of direction sets events in motion

    I began to suspect that Rott was trying to manipulate me. It started innocently. My liege, you have been pouring over your books for days. You must seek a distraction or risk driving yourself to madness. Or, in reiteration of his previous insistence, My liege, if you are obsessed with gaining satisfaction and amusement through tormenting Gallivur, I have suggestions to help you temper your boredom.


    "I don''t have time to waste on theatrics," I said.


    It is more than theatrics. I think you would enjoy it. It would do wonders for your wellbeing.


    "For your wellbeing, you mean. I have a kingdom to obliterate and a champion to crush. I''m busy." I would not waste any more thought upon the matter. I smoothed the page before me. It was one of many in a large tome written in a lost and forgotten tongue. I read with ease, owing in no small part to the curio burrowed within me. Ostensibly, it was a catalogue of powerful magicks and rituals. It seemed mostly a rambling narrative of the author''s painfully boring existence during the writing process.


    The Eye of Oozing Life is a powerful relic thought to be lost in the depths of the Seas of Nod. I recall the summer I went to the seaside for the first time. A vendor was selling a marvellously sticky concoction referred to as a ''taffy''. This creation struck me as the very definition of sublime. The way it melted in my mouth brought to mind the legends of the Eye of Oozing Life melting through the carapaces of those unfortunate enough to find themselves on the receiving end of its horrifying might. The taffy held a salty, sweet flavor, reminiscent of a fig...


    So on and so forth. I tried very hard to keep my focus, if only to block out Rott''s nagging. We two alone occupied the library. It was a tremendous room, well stocked and, for the palace, well lit. It had been Revergnols'' pride and joy. A rabid bibliophile and consummate magician, I had been fortunate to inherit a treasure trove of knowledge that catered to my predilections. Unfortunately, there was no system of organization. An infinite collection of literature with no classification.


    How long has it been since you went anywhere, my liege? Distracted by my thoughts, I had successfully ignored Rott''s personal quest to irritate me. I arched my back, straightened in my seat, and hunched anew over the table to feign as though I found the text exhilarating.


    ...The taffy held a salty, sweet flavor, reminiscent of a fig. When selecting a fig, you must first ensure the quality of the fruit. Consider its hue, its viscosity, and its odor...


    My liege? I asked, how long it''s been since you went anywhere?


    Surely one night out, needled the Rott, would do more to help than to harm.


    "There''s a reason I killed everyone off." I couldn''t concentrate. I couldn''t blame the book and I opted to blame the worm. "I do not like people."


    To walk among them might inspire new ways to torment them.


    I liked that idea. It was a weak appeal to my sadistic qualities and I saw through it, but I liked it the same. "Taking a detour to observe these performers, is that also going to inspire me?"


    It might, Rott shrugged. The unapologetic sass. Were I any less fond of him, he would have ended in a sopping pile of his own innards.


    "No." I laid my palms upon the tome and stared. I had to focus. I had to devise my next move. It had to be perfect. I had to utterly dominate Gallvur and Fourmikari. Yet I could absorb nothing from the accursed volume. The words swirled together in an illegible script. I was getting nowhere.


    My liege, I don''t ask for much.


    Rott wasn''t owed anything. "You serve me."


    That fixed him. He didn''t say anything further. I pour half-heartedly through the remainder of the tome uninterrupted. Revelation never formed and I tossed the worthless publication aside. As Rott slithered quickly to retrieve the discarded item, I folded my arms and buried my face.


    "I am so very frustrated," I announced into the tabletop. There had to be something novel that could be undertaken. It had yet to cross my mind. I couldn''t possibly have exhausted every avenue. Fourmikari was one measly kingdom. They were no match for me.


    I have heard Esopterah has a great and powerful secret weapon at their disposal. Perhaps if you were to enslave them, they would tell you more?


    My liege.


    "It''s meaningless if it''s not Fourmikari," I lamented. A sudden flash of light disrupted the heavy mood. The ring upon my right hand flickered in warning. Rott scooted backwards at the unexpected development.


    Intruders, my liege? There was real worry in his voice. Rott did not do well with conflict.


    I waved a hand over the red stone. A small projection appeared above the jewel, ghostly in nature. A figure, obscured by traveling clothing, trudged through the abandoned and overgrown streets dragging a large chest behind. The constant pauses and uncertain glances at the surroundings belied an uneasy confusion. A lost traveller. I made a dismissive sound and brushed the image away.


    "Not worth it," I declared. In the same breath, I called out to no one in particular, "There is an intruder on the north side of the Marketplace. Take care of them." I turned back to Rott. "Where were we?"


    Surely there must be something you''d enjoy.


    "Yes," I agreed. "I would enjoy lopping Gallivur''s head off."


    Within the performance troupe, my liege, exasperated the worm.


    Sheepishly, Rott admitted, We found a flyer in the west tower. The drawings were very well done.


    "''We''? As is in ''the lot of you''?" Dropped by one of Gallivur''s companions in the stalemate battle nights prior, no doubt. Laying amid the shattered remains of the Hailferno Sphere. I did not want to think about it and my defeat.


    It looks wonderful, said Rott. Dancers! Animal tamers! A variety of clowns!


    "You are a clown. You were prepared to wet yourself at the mere possibility of an intruder."


    We are a kingdom, insisted Rott. Do you think we might ever invite a troupe of performers here?


    I laughed derisively. "If only to murder them for sport!"


    Rott reflected. After a period of thought, he replied, Would we see the clowns first?


    my kingdom," I growled.


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    I called forth a portal, abandoning Rott to investigate closer. I reappeared five meters above the fray and hovered silently. The intruder, sans chest, scampered across the skeletons of former cottages, issussing curses and screams as my loyal subjects narrowly missed latching on to legs.


    "You''re trespassing," I lilted.


    There was a short cry of shock. Then, "You''re flying?"


    The intruder slowly descended. An eager worm launched, setting off a chain reaction of similar attacks from his kin. The hapless interloper was back up in seconds. I cackled wildly. Quivering, there came, "They''re trying to kill me!" Amended,"You''re trying to kill me!"


    "Yes," I acknowledged.


    "Well," insisted the stranger adamantly. "Don''t." I shot a dark look. The intruder relented, cowed by my disatisfaction. "...please?"


    <div>


    Nothing. No movement.


    "Clever," I praised.


    "What did I do to you?" whined the intruder. "I''ll go. I promise, I''ll leave."


    I landed upon the dirt, greeted by an enthusiastic chorus of my liege. As the annelids swarmed across my feet, I folded my hands behind my back and made an act of examining the poor soul as though he was an oddity. "You''re very far from home, aren''t you?"


    Uneasy. "Is this Fourmikari? I was heading for Fourmikari."


    "Good name," muttered the intruder, nodding vigorously in sycophantic self-defense. "Very fitting."


    Once again my hands went behind my back. "What to do, what to do..." I looked to the assembly of worms. "How shall we play with our new friend?"


    We will chew!


    We will rend!


    We will devour from the inside out!


    "Many fine choices," I cooed.


    "Nolwud, My name is Nolwud." I had not asked for a name nor did I care. I ignored the outburst. As I fawned over the worms, the intruder again cried out, "What if we make a bargain?"


    "A bargain?"


    Nolwud nodded. "I''m not very strong and I can''t fly. I don''t think I stand a chance."


    "No," I said. "I don''t think you do either."


    "That won''t be any fun for you." A pointed glance at the worms. "If you mean what I think you mean by ''play''."


    I purred. "What do you think I mean?"


    I dismissed the remark. It would be a riddle or a ''game of wits''. I would be asked to agree to some carefully worded agreement and be bound by technicality. I had dealt with this on occasion. A precocious and smug solution employed by those who fancied they could outsmart the wicked magus. "No, thank you. I have enough challenges. There''s no need to make us equal."


    "I have a kingdom."


    "I can''t die here." Backed into a corner and running out of options, people would argue anything. "I''m on the cusp of a magnificent discovery. If only I had a bit more time..." Yes, time. Did I look like an hourglass? Did I have sands to share?


    "You won''t get any from me," I said bluntly.


    one look my way for a minute--"


    "A moot issue," I interjected. "I''ve already decided your fate." Nolwud wouldn''t find it pretty. Personally, I considered the spray of inner fluids on par with high art.


    "Wait," insisted Nolwud. "Wait, please."


    I turned away, flicking my wrist. The conversation was concluded. There were other matters at hand and I wouldn''t be derailed. Gallivur needed to suffer and I needed to be the one responsible. Distractions were best left for the underlings. They could have at it. "Have fun," I said, trudging in the direction of the palace. The worms squirmed with delight, lauding my charity. I would return to my business.


    I stopped. Perhaps I would watch for a brief period. I peered over my shoulder, glancing behind to catch a glimpse of the onslaught...


    I woke, face down and breathing dust. I coughed, rolling on my side, and winced in the unforgiving sunlight. I was sore, my whole body wracked with ache. My joints were locked tight, my jaw clenched. Groaning, I sat. Around me, in the ruins of Nova, stunned worms twitched spastically. A sequence of events played out behind my eyes. I recalled everything.


    My lieeeeeege, whimpered the nearest worm, his voice pained.


    "What happened?"


    A tiny bauble, my liege. From the pocket.


    It wasn''t difficult to piece together. Nolwud had tricks. I hadn''t been laid out long. The sun bobbed in approximately the same spot. I considered my ebbing injuries again. "Electricity?"


    Yes, my liege. Outward. We were trapped in a bubble of lightning.


    The subsequent inconvenience was going to be a greater complication. Slights against the Lordavis of the Kingdom of Ever-Worms did not go unpunished.


    Ever.


    I cursed aloud, scrubbing my face with the heels of my palms. The embarrassment! The shame! If the Great Lordavis deigned to personally appear, the Great Lordavis should have acted. I never considered that the sniffling trespasser might possess the means to fight back. What did this say for my reputation? What would the Gallivur think if word got out I''d been upstaged by a hapless no one, a bumbling traveller who had stumbled into my realm by accident?


    exactly where to go.

 Chapter 3: In which a lovely evening is shared by all and a proposal is proposed

    My liege, beamed Rott, thoroughly entertained by the show before us, isn''t this marvellous?


    The greatest hassle of the evening''s activities had been, as always, surreptitiously entering Fourmikari. The guards knew me well. They were proficient enough to prevent any aerial maneuvers. Likewise, there were wards and deterrents in place to keep my charges from burrowing in. Truly ambitious, I might have considered scaling the walls but it would have been foolhardy. While I hadn''t bothered keeping up the adhesives of my own palace, Fourmikari tended to theirs daily.


    I took a calculated risk and opened a bridging portal into one of the less travelled corridors in a mercantile district. on the nothern edge of the enclosed city. Fourmikari had defenses against magic and beacons on par with my own. We did not tarry long at the entry point. The worm militia dispersed in one direction while Rott and I headed in another.


    My liege. The inventor will show, assured Rott with slight annoyance. If one seeks a patron, this is the perfect location. There are an exponentially large number of vassals in attendance.


    "I don''t understand why," I remarked.


    You''re not the slightest bit amazed?


    I gesticulated dismissively. "By what? I''m also capable of throwing things."


    It''s not ''throwing things'', my liege. It''s ''juggling''.


    "It''s a matter of semantics."


    Rott wriggled with disagreement. I think it''s impressive. There must be sixteen torches in motion right now.


    "With two auxiliary arms," I said.


    It doesn''t matter how many arms, huffed Rott. I haven''t any. I can''t do that.


    "Two or four," I quipped. "Throwing objects is not a form of art."


    We weren''t meant to see eye to eye. It was of no consequence. The juggler concluded, bowed before a roaring crowd, and sauntered away with props in hand. I couldn''t make heads or tails of the popularity. The murmur of voices increased into an audible din, an indication the show was over and polite whispers weren''t required any longer.


    A cry meant to overpower the conversation rang out. I snapped to attention. "Everyone! Please wait!"


    Is this the one, my liege?


    "Yes," I conferred with the worm. "That''s the one."


    That was as far as it went. A voice from the throngs jeered, "I didn''t come out tonight to be harassed by a huckster!" A wave of titters. I chuckled too.


    "I''m not a huckster!" Nolwud''s chest puffed out. "I''m a university educated scientist!"


    A different voice. "I thought you were an inventor." More laughter.


    "They aren''t mutually exclusive," came the argument. "I invent using the science I have learned. That is why I stand before you now."


    "I''m on the cusp of a magnificent discovery," I aped to Rott in quiet mockery.


    "I''m on the cusp of a magnificent discovery," Nolwud proudly proclaimed. "With the proper support, I''m certain I--"


    "How much money are you after, Scientist?" interrupted the initial heckler. "You think I got phids to spend on you?"


    "I''m not asking for a lot," Nolwud entreated. The murmurs had picked up. Around the edges, vassals broke off. The inventor was losing them. While it was enjoyable to watch the failure, I also desired an audience. I drew forth a portal as Nolwud sputtered, "Please hear me out! I''m not looking for money!"


    I appeared behind the inventor to a collective gasp. I hooked my forearm around the poor fool''s neck and held snug. Nolwud jumped with surprise and then didn''t know how to respond. I set my head upon a shoulder. "Good evening, Fourmikari."


    A shriek. "That''s Lordavis!"


    "You''re...!" Nolwud struggled in my grasp and set hands to pockets. I wouldn''t fall for the same trick twice.


    "You''ve come for a show tonight, haven''t you?" I sang, projecting so even those in the far rows could hear. "And what a show you will get!"


    With my free hand, I plunged my thereunto concealed dagger straight into the inventor''s back. It pieced through with a loud crack. I drove deep, my arm aglow with summoned energy for an extra burn. I meant to inflict as much pain as possible. The inventor cried out before going limp in a spray of fluid. I cackled maniacally. Rott, from his perch on the building, ordered, Now!


    "Hello again," I said congenially.


    Nolwud gargled. I titled my head.


    "Hm?" Acting as if I took stock of the surroundings, I mused aloud. "Looks like it''s just you and me now."


    "Bluuuurgh."


    I slipped the dagger into my belt and stood. I circled my fallen prey, hands behind my back, a bounce in each step. "What to do, what to do..."


    "What''s that?" I put a hand to my head and leaned in. "Speak up, Nolwud. I can''t hear you." I pressed my foot upon the abdomen, increasing pressure as I leaned further with feigned innocence. The inventor groaned. "Does it hurt? Is that what you''re trying to say?"


    "LORDAVIS!"


    "This is a surprise!" I purred. "I expected you were gallivanting off somewhere in search of wrongs to right!" I clapped my hands together. "I''m so happy to see you!"


    Gallivur pointed emphatically. "Your reign of terror ends here!"


    "I haven''t begun my reign," I corrected. "That comes once I''m done with Nolwud." I glanced downwards. There was more life in the stains on the stage than left in the figure at my feet. I lifted my gaze. "...I''m done Nolwud." With a flourish, I called forth lighting into my palms and lit up the law keepers with glee. Gallivur, spared the bolts, ran at me with closed fists.


    I took to the sky with laughter. "Come on, Galli. Did you think it would be that simple?"


    Gallivur responded with a propelled wagon wheel to my face.


    Attack!"


    Stolen novel; please report.


    My liege, Rott called anxiously, made uncomfortable by Gallivur''s unexpected arrival. You''ve gotten what you came for. We ought to leave while we can.


    "Oh, Rott," I chuckled. "I can always spare some time for Gallivur!"


    My liege.


    "Look," I motioned. "See how the Great Gallivur struggles against the worms!"


    My liege, I must insist.


    I was struck hard in the head and knocked aside. Gallivur, in my distraction, had opted to use the latest worm as a bola. It was almost as clever as it was painful. "Ow."


    My liege, said Rott. Now. We must go now.


    you along with--"


    My liege! exasperated Rott. While we have the distraction!


    "....I''m going to kill you," I mumbled, opening a portal to the impatient worm. "Remember that."


    "You''re insane," sighed Gallivur, crushing a pair of worms between flat palms. "And a coward."


    coward."


    My liege, you assassinated that inventor before a gathering of powerful nobles. You wrecked havoc in their safe haven. This will be remembered."


    "But Gallivur thinks I''m a coward," I whined. "I wanted to kill Gallivur too!"


    Then kill Gallivur! snapped Rott. If you think you can. Go back and use your knife. No one will see you coming. No one will stop you.


    Rott, for his companionship and wisdom, was still only a worm.


    "No," I said, thoroughly annoyed. "It''s too late now. The moment has passed." There was a finesse, a dance to it. I could easily snap Gallivur in half like a twig. There was more to it than that. Gallivur was worth more than a dagger.


    Gallivur finished off what was left of the militia. As the guards recovered from their shocks, the champion knelt beside Nolwud. Words drifted faintly through the deserted vicinity. "Lordavis is somewhere nearby. If we act fast, we might be able to catch the brigand."


    l groaned. "No, no, no. Everything was perfect and now it''s not. Everything''s ruined. I should have stayed there and finished off Gallivur. I shouldn''t have listened to you."


    My liege, are you going to be like this all night?


    "I should leave you here," I said glumly. "With Gallivur."


    Horrified, Rott cried, My liege! Then, You''ll find that by tomorrow morning, everyone will be talking about this. By ending on a statemate, you come out the victor. Gallivur, despite being present in Fourmikari, failed to protect an innocent life. You, my liege, were able to act without hindrance and left of your own volition.


    Rott had a way of putting a positive spin on the situation. I couldn''t contest it. I rather liked the sound of it. "I did, didn''t I?"


    Gallivur holds no power over you. Gallivur is the one who is weak. Don''t you see?


    is weak! Gallivur the Great Champion is nothing compared to the Greater Magus Lordavis!"


    "Up there!" came from below. "Lordavis is up there!"


    I frowned, tipping my head. The guards had gathered. "Shit."


    Well said, my liege.


    "I wonder what Nolwud''s final thoughts were as the candle burned out," I poised, turning horizontal in the gilded chair and draping my legs across the arm. "I wonder if there was a conscious thought. I know when Revergnols--" I hesitated. Rott looked on with a curious expression. "Ah, well, at any rate, that''s one more face we won''t see again!"


    Nolwud reappeared in the Kingdom of Ever-Worms one week later.


    "I almost did die. I''m grateful for the healers. You barely missed my organs. I would have come here sooner if not for my condition. "


    I folded my hands behind me. "I can help you with that."


    "You don''t want to kill me," Nolwud insisted, swallowing the last of the meal. "I have a proposition for you. I''m looking for a patron. I think that might be you."


    "Pass," I said without hesitation. "I''m going to stab you and be done with it."


    "You don''t understand." Nolwud hopped up, holding up hands in defense. "I''m on the cusp of a magnificent discovery."


    "I know," I derided. "You''ve said it."


    "You should have let me believe you were dead."


    "But I need you." The inventor gnawed on a knuckle, a nervous tick. "I''m confined by the laws of nature as I learned them. Yet magic-- and I don''t know why I didn''t think of this sooner-- operates outside those laws. Magic is not limited by arbitrary rules. Neither is science." Nolwud caught my eye. "You see what I''m saying?"


    "No." The interloper dropped to a knee, head bowed. I scowled. "What are you doing?"


    "No."


    A coin purse appeared. "I will pay you. I have two-hundred phids." Then, "Please become my patron."


    "You''re paying me to be a patron? That''s not how it works."


    "I won''t ask for much. Some magic and...you know, that you don''t kill me."


    Nolwud pulled out a handful of blue marbles. "I can make armaments for your kingdom. I can give you weapons to..." A struggle with morality? There was a hiccup in proclamations. "...I can construct a manner of conveniences unrelated to combat. Do you like sugar?"


    "What''s wrong?" I prodded. "You don''t want to make weapons for an evil ruler?"


    "Yes," I said. "I think you''re an idiot."


    "I will make you weapons," blurted the inventor quickly. "And whatever else you want. And pay you the two-hundred phids. And swear loyalty to you. And... and help you kill that champion."


    too far. I would deal with Gallivur on my own. I would deal with Fourmikari on my own. They were mine and mine alone. "I don''t need your help to kill Gallivur."


    "I have thought it over," I said succinctly. "I will decline your request. You are free to go."


    The inventor searched the area for hidden worms. When none appeared to menace, the request was reiterated. "Please, consider becoming my patron. This is a golden opportunity for you. If you would allow me a bit of your power, I could do amazing things. I promise you wouldn''t have any regrets."


    "If you''re that certain," I allowed. "Maybe I will."


    I threw Nolwud into the dungeon and summarily forgot about the proposal.

 Chapter 4: In which a queen speaks in confidence and a prisoner demonstrates wondrous science

    It was another exceptionally warm day in a series of exceptionally warm days. I reclined, enjoying sweet fruits in lieu of laborious activity. A breeze blew cool air through the shade of the throne room. My servants inched about awaiting orders, had I been so inclined. I might have totally given into lethargy were it not that I had frivolous matters on my mind.


    "Do you think I ought to send Queen Chidsey anything for her birthday jubilee?"


    I was unaware you kept up with such things, my liege.


    "A little buzzfly told me," I hummed. Indirectly. I had overheard a conversation about a conversation that had been previously overheard. "Nothing formal. Chidsey, her oversized brood, some vassals."


    The worm was wise. He hid nothing of his thoughts. I suppose Gallivur will be going.


    I kicked up my heels. "Gallivur is the guest of honor, as rumor has it."


    Is Chidsey Gallivur''s queen?


    That was an interesting notion. Wouldn''t it have been something? I didn''t believe so and shared as much. "No."


    I don''t understand your system. Worms do not bother with hierarchy. We are equals.


    "That is why worms have remained the same throughout the ages," I yawned.


    There is no need to improve upon perfection, touted Rott playfully. I permitted it. You ought you learn from us, my liege.


    "We''ve evolved past holes in the ground," I countered. "I am content with society as it stands."


    My liege, you have very little to do with society.


    "I am content with that." I cracked my spine, readjusting my position. I was eager to share my genius. "Come, now. Ask what I''ve selected for Queen Chidsey."


    Rott slid closer. What have you selected?


    "An egg." It was brilliant. Symbolic and poignant. "And not just any egg."


    A worm egg, my liege? inquired Rott. He had to force enthusiasm. A wonderful idea.


    "We''ll have to confer with your kin," I said. "See who can breed in time. Ideally, the shell should be toxic too. Wrap it in fine cloth, attach a note, and send it along. I don''t have a preference who opens it."


    You won''t attend the celebration? The worm was surprised. This wasn''t what he anticipated.


    Others might have cried foul at the snub. I ruled a kingdom. Chidsey knew of my reign. Wasn''t I owed an invitation? Shouldn''t I have been part of the celebration? My terrible deeds prevented such summons which suited me fine. An atrocious reputation excused me from many responsibilities that trapped rulers. I was not required to enrich and improve lands. I did not concoct a fair and just tax law. I didn''t worry about attracting trade or promoting commerce. I let the worms roam as they pleased. It was a simple arrangement.


    will avoid."


    Rott didn''t say anything at the time. He kept quiet until the next morning when he inquired, My liege, I''m astounded. You''ve heard Gallivur will be at Chidsey''s jubilee and you aren''t compelled to pay a visit?


    How old is Queen Chidsey?


    "What an interesting question. Ultimately, it''s inconsequential, as I''m not going."


    To think Queen Chidsey would dare to neglect your invitation...


    "Come off it," I exasperated and I brushed him aside. "First it''s juggling shows, now it''s soirees. Where will it end, Rott?"


    I did not say I wanted to go anywhere, my liege.


    "What brought this about?" I narrowed my eyes. "Don''t lie to me."


    We used to do more, my liege. There used to be more than Gallivur and Fourmikari. I didn''t see the reason for his contention. What about the excursion to stab the inventor? Wasn''t that a deviation from routine? I want to do more.


    I stared.


    And...and that would entail your cooperation.


    "What''s the matter?" I mocked, crouching to catch his eye. "Have I put a leash around your neck? You are capable of doing anything you like. You don''t need me to hold your hand." I tapped my jaw. "Figuratively."


    My liege. He knew better.


    I aped confusion. "What, Rott? What do you need?"


    Tormented, Why are you doing this?


    "Oh!" I clapped my hands together. "You mean, by doing ''more'', you want to ''do whatever I can do''!"


    Rott looked away. He didn''t have a response.


    "I thought worms were perfect. I thought we could learn from you."


    The annelid quivered. I cannot communicate. If you''re not present, I would be killed immediately.


    "That''s because worms don''t belong at jubilees," I taunted. "Worms don''t belong anywhere except digging in the dirt. That is a worm''s role and you ought to be content to do it."


    My liege.


    "You don''t find jugglers among your ranks, do you? What about any of the comforts you are provided here? You''re made for the mud." I dug deeper. "Why not burrow away if you find my routine tedious? Hm? Maybe you''ll come up across an exceptionally lovely rock. That must be worth ten days of enduring Gallivur and Fourmikari."


    I apologize, sniveled Rott. He wouldn''t forfeit his comfortable existence. I am content.


    hate if we were in disagreement."


    My liege?


    She has?


    I tossed the letter aside. It was meaningless to the worms. They couldn''t read. My liege? chattered the gathered masses. I nodded. They tore into the paper with voracious intensity. "Apparently she''s concerned I will crash it. She thought it prudent to nip that in the bud."


    Then you will go?


    "No," I said. "We''''ll pay her a visit."


    If the queen did not want her stronghold to burn, she ought not to have constructed it from dry twigs.


    "Let me talk with Lordavis alone." Then, "I trust you''ve come to talk and nothing else."


    Rott slid from my waist and hovered around my ankles. The guards warily retreated. I folded my arms behind my back and rocked on my heels. "That depends on how the conversation goes."


    Large and bloated, Chidsey moved very slowly. I viewed myself average in dimension. Chidesy dwarfed me in both height and girth. She waddled forward to stand before me and frowned. "I remember when it meant something to be a queen." She straightened, smoothed her abdomen as though she were dressed, and said, "I will get to the point. I would like to relocate to Nova."


    "''Nova''?" I echoed. "There''s no such place."


    Bereft of humor, she amended, "Whatever you call it."


    "I call it mine," I said. "I''m not looking for tenants."


    "Not tenants," replied Chidsey. "I would come alone. It''s ideal for my purposes."


    She crossed her arms and huffed. "All that space and you''re hardly using it. You hole up in your palace screwing with Fourmikari. You wouldn''t even notice I''m there."


    "I''d notice," I said coolly. I was not going to give into Chidsey. She had her lot in life and I had mine."I like it as it is."


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Slightly more desperate. "I''d pay."


    "Where have I heard that recently?" I sneered.


    Chidsey trudged back to her settle and collapsed with a grunt, cradling herself with her hands. "They''re going to bring an end to this, you know. They told me as much. I hoped if I appealed to a rational-minded individual, I might get somewhere." She motioned up. "You can take whoever you want for your purposes. They''re expendable, obviously."


    "You need an army to take on Fourmikari, don''t you?"


    My liege, called Rott. May I eat this?


    I inspected the intended morsels. With amusement, I condoned. "By all means." Rott shook with glee and set to devouring indiscriminately.


    The queen huffed, "If that is the case, how can you refuse? We''re two hundred strong here, last I checked. The numbers are constantly increasing."


    "I don''t need an army," I said. "I can handle Fourmikari on my own."


    "I will offer you Gallivur." She blathered on, boasting how the champion would come to rescue the esteemed vassals she intended to take hostage. Not her personally. She could hardly move in her current state, but her kith would handle the finer aspects. The jubilee would be a mix of fine food, organ sacrifice, and the defeat of Gallivur. At my hands, she insisted, as a means to cement an alliance. "I was hoping you would come to my birthday. I want to show my sincerity."


    Chidsey scowled. "You are insane. If you harm me, you''ll have more than the wrath of Fourmikari to contend with. I wonder if your magic is powerful enough to take on the whole world?"


    worm do?"


    wanted to relocate to my realm."


    "I do and I will give you time to think about it," suggested Chidsey as though I had yet to reject her request.


    "There is nothing to think about." I was ever-so-sweet in tone. "You are not welcome."


    "We''ll talk again, in that case," she said. She had no fear for her wellbeing. It irritated me deeply. "For now, we''ll say we''re done." She twisted back to observe Rott in his feeding frenzy. Her reaction was more subdued than others. Piqued at best. "Next time, you won''t let your worm run amok in my chambers."


    There is something to be said for having a queen present in your realm, my liege.


    I did not respond.


    Consider, he continued, should you ever want a successor.


    "Why should I want that?" If I desired a successor, I would get one.


    You aren''t going to live forever, my liege.


    We weren''t going to discuss that. I sulked, seething over Chidsey''s immunity. "If Chidsey weren''t queen, I might have taken her head."


    Curious, Rott inquired, You respect her authority?


    "Despite her situation, she is a queen. I will be patient."


    You adhere to that, my liege?


    "Everyone does," I lamented. "It''s one of those things, Rott. It''s what civilized individuals do." I prodded, "We might be no better than worms if we didn''t."


    Yet you profess a disdain for the other trappings of society?


    "I''m antisocial," I said. "Not uncouth. She remains where she is. I am no worse for the exchange." I ruminated."But I am cross. I should hope that nothing further tries my patience."


    The universe took a perverse pleasure in my suffering. Our return to the palace was heralded by the corpses of my subjects. Rott took one look at the carnage and slid beneath my garments. I summoned dual flames into my palms and stomped onward. If the one responsible was still around, I would find them.


    The worms weren''t dead. They laid motionless yet possessed vital functions that indicated life. They were stunned, not slaughtered. Rott remained hidden, unwilling to accept my assessment. When his friends were up and moving again, he would feel the fool. I felt foolish as well. I strongly suspected I knew the source of their malady.


    "Hello," said Nolwud, casually resting upon my throne. I scoured the entire ground level the palace before it dawned to check at the top. No one was stupid enough to wait for me at my proverbial seat of power. "How was your outing? Where did you go?"


    You!"


    Nolwud fancied this situation ideal and expressed it through inflated ego. "Since I''ve passed your challenge, will you consider being my patron?"


    "Well, in that case, I broke out of your dungeon. That must count for something."


    "It doesn''t." I tried again. And again. And again. After a chain of inferno yielded nothing, I accepted my temporary defeat. A new strategy was in order.


    "Consider," beamed Nolwud, lacing fingers. This was a great victory. Magus Lordavis stymied before the marvels of the science prot¨¦g¨¦. "If you were my patron, I could make you something like this. You could cast your magic without worrying about protection spells or however it works."


    "I''m honestly not in the mood," I said. "I''ve already turned down one asinine sales pitch today. You''re meant to be in the dungeon." I revised. "Or dead. Preferably dead."


    slightly interested."


    "It isn''t anything I couldn''t do myself," I remarked.


    "Does it take energy to cast your spells?" Dark fingers ran across the inventor''s jaw in a stroking motion. "Is there a limit to your magic?"


    I placed my hands to my waist. "You imagine I''d tell you something like that?"


    Rott slithered down my leg and blinked out onto the throne platform. My liege, there is a small device here.


    "Destroy it."


    "Ow," said Nolwud.


    I rounded the pinned form and breathed a long sigh. "Oh, dear. What am I going to do with you?"


    "You could send me back to the dungeon," suggested Nolwud. "I would prefer that to the alternative." With misplaced optimism, "Unless you want to be my patron?"


    I wanted nothing of the sort. I wanted to be left to my worms. "Why would I want that?" I pressed a foot to the inventor''s neck. Would the head pop free? I was willing to find out. Cooing, I ridiculed, "What''s your magnificent discovery, Inventor? What do you leave unfinished?"


    Plainly, there came, "A plane shifter."


    I pulled my foot back. "Excuse me?"


    Nolwud hoisted up on elbows. "I''m on the verge of developing a plane shifter. Do you know what that means?" Despite the immense pain, it was tantamount that I be given an education. "So you and I, we''re on one plane of existence, but there''s an infinite number of alternate planes that are said to exist concurrently--"


    "I know about alternate planes." There were involved rituals requiring proper timing and proper casting. Rare and expensive material components were mandatory. Plane shifting was one of the most complicated magicks to undertake. Revergnols had pulled it off once and that was more than most magicians saw in a lifetime. "How would your ''shifter'' work?"


    "It''s not quite finished," said Nolwud. "I need to perfect it. A more stable power source, for example. I thought maybe with magic--"


    "I asked you," I reiterated with annoyance. "How would it work?"


    "Oh. It''s not complicated. Hit a button, travel through the fabric of time and space."


    Nolwud blinked. "Nothing. The device would do everything whenever you wanted."


    I rose and contemplated. I contemplated very hard.


    My liege? Rott called trepidatiously. He studied my features. What are you thinking?


    I smiled at the worm and spread my jaws wide. "Rott, I''ve just determined my next course of action."

 Chapter 5: In which there is lengthy discussion. Very lengthy discussion.

    "My liege," Nolwud entreated pitifully, "I don''t think it''s a lot to ask."


    be the fool.


    It was imperative that Nolwud''s new role didn''t slip out. I couldn''t bear the embarrassment if I had to explain my association. Anything but ''patron'' and I might have felt differently.


    Nolwud insisted satisfaction and expressed pride in "gaining a regal employer". I did not see it the same way. I did not employ. An employer was expected to pay. If I hadn''t already taken all the phids in the inventor''s inventory, I would have demanded a new tithe. I set Nolwud along the path of discovery to see that science was done and done in my favor. I didn''t think anything more of it.


    Nolwud promised me a plane shifter and instead gave me a headache.


    any work had been attempted. It was unacceptable. "You promised me I would not be disappointed."


    "You haven''t fed me in a week," grumbled Nolwud.


    "You haven''t completed the plane shifter."


    "How can I complete anything when my thoughts always come back to food?" whined the inventor.


    Don''t you think it would do to feed the prisoner? suggest Rott from my shoulders.


    "No," I replied. He had no way of knowing both conversations hit upon the same topic. I turned back to the inventor. "This is what you wanted, remember? You insisted upon my patronage."


    "I expected a bit more than this," said Nolwud. "A proper workshop, for example. Decent lodgings. Meals."


    "My." I leaned my head upon the bars of the cell and sneered. "We want everything, don''t we?"


    It seems unlikely you will get anywhere with this treatment, Rott chastised. He had been opposed to everything. He didn''t like the idea of taking on a stranger as client. Then, he didn''t like that I had locked the Nolwud back into the dungeon. Now I was too cruel? You ought to provide the basic comforts, my liege. Food. Water. A blanket. Maybe a book or publication to stimulate the imagination...


    "Shut up, Rott," I said and flicked the worm on the side of his head. Nolwud watched with a strange expression. I knew it well. I jeered, "What?"


    "You carry on as though your worm responds."


    I put a hand to my chest. "You think I''m mad?" Lordavis, the crazy magus who spoke to the worms. "Insane and unfair, I suppose."


    "Do they respond?"


    That was neither here nor there. "Yes," I sniped.


    A sigh. Nolwud looked askance. "Fascinating."


    My liege, you should consider a compromise. Show that you are judicious. The prisoner is downtrodden.


    "The poor prisoner thinks I''m mad for talking to you," I explained through the language barrier. Rott''s empathy was misplaced. "Our new friend thinks I''m mad for talking to worms."


    "I didn''t say that."


    "I didn''t ask you," I barked.


    Nolwud glanced my way then back to the project at hand.


    "If you keep this up," I continued, "You''ll earn your meals in no time."


    "Because I said so."


    "Yes, but why? I don''t intend to go anywhere." Then, "Is there something off limits that I''m not permitted to see?"


    "No." My palace was as empty as my lands. I didn''t have use for the many rooms and halls. They remained untouched and unused.


    "I gave myself a tour--" admitted the inventor.


    "Rude," I said.


    "...while you were out. Before you put me back here." The device was set aside. "If you give me the room on the second story with the south facing windows, I would be able to work more efficiently."


    I parsed which room was referenced. "The enchanting studio?"


    "There were crystal shards." Nolwud recreated a symbol in the air. "And a circle with strange etchings."


    "That room exists to imbue objects with magical qualities," I lectured. "Not for you to build your toys."


    "It has several strong workbenches already installed," stated Nolwud. "And cabinets in the walls. I could collect the equipment I need and store it cleanly. Order is important." Furrowing a brow, it was added, "The idea is for you to imbue the plane shifter with magical qualities. It ought to be there."


    "You''re staying in the dungeon," I said.


    sabotaging my efforts."


    encouraging you to hone your skills. I''m keeping you away from distractions. Look how it''s spurred you into action."


    "I''m not building a plane shifter," said Nolwud.


    Oh well. "Then you will die."


    "Right now," clarified Nolwud. "I''m not building it right now."


    "What''s that in your hands?" I narrowed my eyes. "It better not be a weapon you intend to use against me."


    "It''s not." Then, mumbled, "In the conventional sense."


    I wasn''t going to have any of it. I stuck my hand through the bars. "Give it here."


    Nolwud frowned. "It''s nothing."


    "I''ll be the judge of that."


    My liege, Rott interceded. I might be a trap.


    I withdrew my hand. "Rott will be the judge of that." I gestured emphatically. "Take it." Dutifully, albeit hesitantly, Rott retrieved the box. Nolwud did not struggle. "What is this?"


    My liege, whimpered Rott, terrified without due cause.


    Gallivur? Rott exclaimed. Why is Gallivur here?


    My liege, I have business elsewhere. You will have to contend with Gallivur alone. Rott was halfway down the hall. Which of his many holes would he crawl into?


    Lordavis!" Gallivur bellowed loudly, fists raised and stance readied for combat.


    trash removed immediately."


    My liege, they echoed in unison.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Gallivur seethed. "I''ve heard about your nefarious bargain with Queen Chidsey. Have you no decency at all? You''ll never get away with this!"


    could die any day."


    "You''re not far behind, " countered Gallivur.


    "I''m barely ninety," I stiffly informed.


    Weeeeeeell." Then, "I came here in regards to the Queen Chidsey thing. If you''re not involved in any of that, I suppose I should be on my way."


    I waved the champion away. How anticlimactic. There would be other times."Yes, yes. Go."


    Gallivur made to leave and paused, leg sticking through the window opening. "You''re not up to anything, are you?"


    I tilted my head innocently. "What do you mean?"


    "Against Fourmikari. You haven''t tried anything since that Hailfire Orb or whatever."


    "Hailferno Sphere." Didn''t the assault on Nolwud count for anything? "So?"


    "It''s awfully quiet," remarked Gallivur. "I can usually find you up to no good."


    "Who can say what I''ve got in the works?" I sang. "I''m sure the Great Champion Gallivur will stop whatever nasty plots I conceive, hm?" Not this time. This time things would turn out differently. I needed the inventor to stop messing around and build the device I had been promised. "Gallivur, champion of the land."


    "Enough," huffed Gallivur. "I''ve got my eye on you. Don''t think for one moment you can get away with anything."


    I waited until my uninvited visitor had departed to return to the inventor. Nolwud hunched in a corner, fiddling with a new gadget. I was given a cursory greeting. "Gallivur is gone. Where were we?"


    "Where''s Rott?"


    Since when did Nolwud care about the worm? "Rott will come along in time."


    I was unclear. "Who? Rott and I or Gallivur and I?"


    Nolwud laughed. "Either."


    I bristled. Laughter? In light of the situation, Nolwud shouldn''t have been able to laugh."You find this amusing?"


    "I do," admitted Nolwud. "It''s not how I anticipated things to turn out."


    "I wonder if you can anticipate what I will do next." I taunted. "Will I humor you further or will I finally make good on my threats of death?"


    "Have you considered trapping your kingdom?" A shift in focus. "Beyond the beacons." Nolwud raised palms and motioned. "Something unseen that delivers an electric shock. It might be useful to corral people into the areas your worms can get to them." A shrug. "Just a thought."


    "And you are the one to build them for me, I suppose? In exchange for better treatment?"


    "We didn''t establish any basic exchange or policies," said Nolwud. "In hindsight, I can see it was necessary. I would like to revise our agreement or draft a new one."


    My liege, has Gallivur gone? Rott slithered from the darkness and coiled at my ankles. I put my hands to my waist.


    "Do you know what the inventor has just proposed to me, Rott? A agreement. It seems the old one is unsatisfactory."


    "The old one is unsatisfactory," said Nolwud. "I would like to include some provisos.."


    "A workshop. The former enchanting studio, preferably. The means to get the parts I need to work."


    "No, and I gave you your chest back." The wooden box sat in the back of the cell. It was loaded to the brim with gears, and bits, and bobs. Nolwud could work with what already existed.


    "That would be fantastic!" exclaimed Nolwud, thoroughly pleased by this development.


    "It was a joke."


    Nolwud''s gaze lowered to my feet. "What do you think about it, Rott?"


    I snorted. "He can''t understand you."


    The inventor beamed, prodded the object in his lap, and put forth, "You do understand me, don''t you, Rott?"


    The worm jerked up suddenly. What? What was that?


    "Did he respond? Did he say anything?" Nolwud took Rott''s reaction as a positive sign. "It only works one way at the moment. I don''t understand the worm lexicon. Yet."


    I looked from Rott to Nolwud to Rott again. "You cannot possibly think that worked."


    Nolwud''s jaws clicked and head shook. "I''m fascinated by the prospect that cross species communication to such a degree is possible. I wanted to test for myself."


    My liege, gasped Rott. I can understand.


    "Impossible," I snarled. "You don''t understand anything. It''s a coincidence."


    It is very poor. Murky. Rott inched closer to the bars. The inventor is talking about communication. Right?


    Yes, said Rott. Again, I hear ''communication''.


    "It isn''t working," I insisted.


    It is working, my liege, said Rott, perturbed.


    But my liege, the worm began.


    "Do it," I commanded without warmth. Out came the device. I set it ablaze.


    "I''m still trying to figure out how you do it," said Nolwud. "I understand you. He understands you. You''re speaking two languages at once. Given the nature of things, that shouldn''t be possible."


    "Instead of wasting your time on parlour tricks," I said sternly, "You ought to be building the plane shifter."


    "I will when you make me an equal," said Nolwud.


    "An equal?" This was an exponential divergence from the arrangement.


    "I should have known you were a vassal," I remarked. It made sense. The scared, lost stranger from before replaced with the entitled clod who thought I would give out titles to my prisoners.


    "I prefer to think of myself as a scientist."


    "You can think of yourself as a carcass until you make that plane shifter," I declared. "You will get nothing from me until it''s done."


    What did you get those?"


    Crunch. "Worms brought them." Crunch. Crunch.


    "I gave no such command."


    "I asked nicely." Nolwud grinned. "They understand body language. We''ve made an arrangement." Nolwud gnawed on a knuckle. "I think. From what I can tell, they''re keen to communicate."


    "If they want to communicate, they can do so with me." My ever-present companion was strangely absent. I called out, "Rott!"


    Nothing.


    "I could be convinced to abandon this project," said Nolwud, shoveling another potato between jaws. "This whole ''talk to the worms'' one, I mean. Particularly if my days were occupied working on a plane shifter." I glowered. The inventor chuckled. "But first, I would need to be given a workshop. And chambers. I''ve been thinking and there''s no reason to settle for second rate quarters. You have enough space."


    "No."


    "Also, I''ve decided on my title. I''d like to be your Royal Technologist. I''ll take any of the perks you imagine go along with that. If you need help thinking up some, I can help."


    "''Technologist'' isn''t a real word," I said.


    "Then you''ll be the first to have one! I will make you a plane shifter. I will give you everything you desire within my capabilities. I will forgo morality and common sense for the sake of your cause. There is no ulterior motive beyond the pursuit of science. "


    "I''ll kill you," I said flatly. "I can always go that route again. There''s no reason to tolerate this. You do as I tell you or you die. There is no middle ground."


    That is how the Nolwud became Royal Technologist of the Kingdom of Ever-Worms.

 Chapter 6: In which everyone ventures somewhere

    I was over the moon. An unsuspecting dragonfly fluttered through the open window and landed on the stony sill. I looked at Rott with a huge grin. The worm rolled his eyes.


    My liege.


    The insect was forcefully rent in half as the beam of bright light seared through the thorax. There was a quick sound, not quite a scream, as death stepped in. The pieces, or what was left of them, toppled down, greedily gobbled by a nearby servant.


    To say I loved my laser scepter would have been an understatement.


    Rott wasn''t nearly as impressed. He grimaced. Aren''t you tired of that yet?


    "Never," I asserted.


    Nolwud sat in a different sill, daintily peeling fruit and offering slices to the servants. I had stressed it was unnecessary. The worms didn''t require kindness. The Technologist continued the same. "My liege, with your permission, I''d like to go into Fourmikari today."


    It seemed unnecessary. "What''s in Fourmikari?"


    "Everything," said Nolwud, matter-of-fact. "Merchants. Vendors. Grocers. Everything."


    I said, "If you tell me what you want, I will see that you get it."


    The Technologist clacked shut. "With due respect, my liege, there is a limit to what the worms provide."


    I burnt a precise hole into the ceiling. It was one of many that had appeared since the acquisition of the scepter. "I think the worms do a fine job. I want for nothing."


    "Your storerooms are bare," said Nolwud. This wasn''t a recent development. They hadn''t held anything in ages. There wasn''t a reason to stockpile goods for one person. If Nolwud was hungry, there was an easy solution.


    "More food," I commanded, collecting a small pear from beside my throne. Nolwud sighed.


    "I mean, you don''t have to rely solely on what they bring you. You have money. You could have more than stolen fruits and vegetables. A varied diet has merit."


    "I have food and I have wine." Revergnols'' wine collection was almost as large as the library. The reserves wouldn''t dry up for ages. "On any given day, I am provided what I need."


    "That may be so. I also need to search for components for the plane shifter. Asking the worms to bring me anything more complicated that an orange gets me nowhere."


    "They don''t understand you." Stating the obvious. "Food is easier to mime."


    Nolwud gnawed on knuckle. "This would be easier if I could communicate with them."


    "No." Nolwud was not to communicate with the worms. That was a condition of the newfound freedom and title. It had been discussed at length. "Tell me what you need and they will get it."


    "Or I could buy it myself," sniped Nolwud. "In Fourmikari. If I am allowed to go."


    "I won''t give you a phid," I said firmly. How about that?


    "I will pay my way," replied Nolwud, undeterred.


    "You have no money."


    "I''m a vassal," the Technologist reminded. "My rank affords me credit."


    I leaned back, twirling the scepter. "How nice, the benefits of vassaldom."


    "You should have credit as well. You''re a ruler."


    I had never tried. I had a system and my system worked. "Fourmikari isn''t keen on my business."


    "No surprise there." Nolwud pushed up, wiping hands together. "Do you want anything?"


    "In terms of what?" I could have the worms bring over my wine if I felt parched.


    Nolwud stared. "From Fourmikari. You just said you don''t go yourself."


    "What could I possibly want from Fourmikari?"


    Is the inventor going to Fourmikari? I would like to go along. Rott slipped from beside me to shadow Nolwud. He shook with the excitement reminiscent of larvae. My liege, is that acceptable?


    It was not. "Why do you want to go to Fourmikari?"


    I''m bored, Rott said plainly. Fourmikari would break the tedium.


    I sat up straight in my seat, thoroughly offended. "This is boring for you? I disagree. I have a laser scepter. It''s gotten exciting." There was no pleasing some people. Or worms, as it were.


    "Does Rott want to come along?" Nolwud inquired curiously. "Is he allowed to?"


    "I don''t care," I sulked. Let the worm go where he wanted. I would remember this.


    My liege, you could come too.


    "I don''t want to go to Fourmikari," I said. "I want to destroy Fourmikari."


    "It''s fine if I take Rott?" How many times would I be asked? "You''re not going to hold it against me later?"


    "Worms are not welcome in Fourmikari," I remarked offhand. "It would be awful if he was discovered and the individual traveling with him didn''t have the means to protect him."


    Rott whimpered. My liege, you must come, then.


    "I''m confident in my abilities," asserted Nolwud, offering Rott a passive and disarming smile.


    "I''m sorry to hear that," I said glumly, acting out a less self-assured response. "But if you don''t think you can keep Rott from harm, I can''t condone this excursion."


    "I didn''t say--" Nolwud began.


    "Ripped inside out?" I gaped. "What a graphic picture you paint, Technologist. My poor Rott."


    What?


    "Stop it." Nolwud scooped the annelid into a hug and cradled him in sturdy dark arms. "You shouldn''t lie to him."


    "And you shouldn''t tell me what to do. I would as soon kill you."


    Nolwud was unmoved. A few days and I was no longer viewed as a threat. "If you don''t want him to go, say so. This is in poor taste."


    "I will forgo my morality for you," I mimicked insultingly.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    The inventor would not be baited. "Yes or no, may I take Rott along to Fourmikari?"


    "I don''t care one way or the other." I blasted another dragonfly. "If you are discovered, don''t mention my name. I don''t want people thinking we''re associated."


    "What is your name?" inquired Nolwud. It was too earnest for a prank.


    I frowned. "I trust you''re kidding."


    "Yep, sure am." The technologist spun on sharp heels. "Let''s go, Rott."


    I entertained myself with the scepter for a time. Was I jealous that Rott and Nolwud had hit it off? Absolutely. I was the one who understood the worms, the one they talked to, the one with the connection. Nolwud didn''t even speak Rott''s language. Would I think less of the pair for prancing off to Foumikari? Oh, yes. Idiots, both of them. It was a frustrating situation but one I could use to attend to private matters.


    I was adaptable.


    I proclaimed to my remaining servants my intentions to spend the hours shut up in the library. I was not to be bothered or interrupted for any reason. Any crisis that arose, I would see to personally. I closed the doors behind me, barred them shut, and promptly took off in the sky.


    Long flights exhausted much of my stamina. In this instance, I didn''t mind. I would earn it back enough for the trip home. Uneventfully, I reached my destination and landed on the front step. It was a small, one room cottage, lacking charm or style. It sat equidistant between three small farming villages, making it inconvenient to everyone. Importantly, it was not near Fourmikari.


    I knocked on the door.


    An aged face peered back, eyes aglow with recognition. A professional smile crept across the features. Practiced, but enough to do the trick. "Lordavis."


    "I had an opening in my schedule," I said, striding inside. "I came to see you."


    "Come in. You''ve come at an opportune time. I haven''t got anyone on the books at the moment." I shuffled to the padded table and hoisted myself up. "Feeling okay? No scares have prompted this visit, I hope?"


    "I feel fine," I said, shedding my kaftan. "I didn''t know when I''d be able to get away again." I would not say there was another individual in the palace. "I don''t want my subjects to notice."


    The doctor descended onto a stool and dragged it close. "They''re just worms. How much do they really notice?"


    "They would worry if they knew how often I come."


    "Mmm-hmm." The doctor rapped my chest, gauging my response. "Any injuries I should be aware of? Aside from the obvious."


    "No. Nothing recent."


    "Mmm-hmm." The doctor pawed about my head. "Everything up here working? Hearing okay? Seeing okay? All in working order?"


    "Yes."


    "How old are you now?"


    I hummed. "Ninety last month."


    The old doctor beamed. "Ninety already! I remember when I was ninety. It feels like it was eons ago. Are you excited?"


    "Not really." I was unpinched and examined. I didn''t like being manhandled. It was unavoidable. I monitored my health to a fastidious degree. "It''s no different than eighty."


    "Until you''re ninety, you''re not truly grown," remarked the doctor. "Despite what society might say. Congratulations." The remainder of the rudimentary exam was carried out. The listening instrument appeared. "Last but not least."


    I stayed very still. The doctor listened intently, sliding the instrument from front to back, top to bottom. Observations were jotted. Records were pulled. The doctor made a thorough assessment before stating, "It''s not good news."


    "It''s louder," I said.


    "Yes, it is." A sigh. "I wanted to confer with my previous notes before I spoke." The doctor was quick to add, "That could mean anything. You''ve already managed to delay it this long. Maybe you''ve come across a cure. Your magic, maybe?"


    It seemed unlikely.


    "You can dress. You''re healthy, except if you''re not." The doctor rose, shuffling off to return the records. "If anything changes, let me know. I''ll try to make it to Nova, even on short notice."


    "I''m not going to do that," I said.


    "I know," said the doctor. "I hope you change your mind one day."


    The worms were none the wiser when I returned. I acted as though my back ached from hours of seated study. I was, in truth, exhausted from the exertion of travel. I feigned fatigue from ennui and retired early.


    Rott was a font of energy when the excursion to Fourmikari returned, ranting about the sights and sounds he hadn''t understood but found wonderful. Nolwud entered the palace with a large crate of goods and locked away in the enchanting studio without saying anything.


    "Did something happen?" I mused to the worm. It was suspicious. I ought to be offered thanks for allowing the trip. Given the quantity of purchase, it appeared a very successful undertaking.


    Nothing, my liege.


    "I find that hard to believe." I tapped my jaw. What to make of it? "Not that you would know, one way or the other. You''re ignorant and practically useless when I''m not around."


    My liege, I can assure you nothing unusual occurred. I was with the inventor the entire time. He paused. Except...


    "Except?" A qualifier. That''s what I had anticipated.


    Rott frowned. I don''t think... it''s unlikely.


    Stalling. Rott knew exactly what he wanted to say. "Out with it."


    The worm swallowed. I saw Gallivur and I left.


    Gallivur resided in Fourmikari when not out on an adventure. It wasn''t likely, but clearly not impossible to encounter the champion on routine visits. "When?"


    In the crowd by the apple merchants. I didn''t want to be exposed, my liege. I did not think the inventor saw and I left for a bit.


    I frowned.


    I was never far, my liege. Only... only when the two were talking.


    This was a new matter. I was not pleased by the news. "Nolwud talked to Gallivur?"


    Rott was keen to defend his precious friend. Not long! Not long... half of an hour? At most.


    Unacceptable. I would not have it. I went straight to the Technologist with the discovery. "You spoke with Gallivur. I wasn''t aware you were on such good terms. I wonder what that means for your adamant insistence to secure my patronage."


    Nolwud continued to place smaller boxes drawn from the purchased crate into the cabinets. My arrival didn''t interfere with the work. The interaction with Gallivur wasn''t denied. "I said my thanks. That was it."


    "For what?" I snarled. There wasn''t any reason to thank Gallivur. Gallivur was a pest and a thorn in my side.


    Nolwud felt different. "Saving my life."


    I barked a laugh. "Saving your life? What did Gallivur ever do to save your life?"


    Without missing a beat, "Brought me to the healers."


    I threw up my arms. What lengths! Gallivur was a blessing. "Ah. Obviously, the Great Champion wouldn''t have left you there."


    Nolwud''s head shook. The boxes were stacked and the task complete. Apropos of nothing, "I''m better now, by the way. Fully recovered."


    An odd comment to make. "I didn''t ask."


    Snid and curt. "I know. Most would have."


    "What''s this? You go off to Fourmikari and come back with this attitude?" Nolwud wasn''t infallible. I was more powerful than the inventor could ever dream. "Don''t forget who put you down in the first place."


    "I heard about Nova." Delivered to put me in my place. A failed effort. I knew about Nova too. I''d been the cause.


    "I would have told you." I purred. "I''m shocked you never asked."


    Nolwud fixed me sternly. I was not lectured for the lives taken but instead for a lack of foresight. "Megalomania notwithstanding and regardless of your motivations, a neophyte ruler typically keeps subjects. Especially when establishing a new kingdom. This is sloppy and shows an inability to manage your lands and maintain control."


    "I have my worms and my magic." I answered, secure in my choices. "I didn''t much like the last crop of subjects. I took care of them. All of them."


    "Can you afford to be that picky?" countered the inventor. "You''re a vacuum. Nature abhors a vacuum."


    "It''s worked out so far."


    The next question hit hard. "And what happens to your fledgling society of worms when your heart gives out?."


    I acted indifferent. I fought off the urge to reel with indignant shock. "You heard about that? So much for a simple ''thanks''." I would not play my hand. My condition was nothing, it was an afterthought at best. I definitely hadn''t received a grim prognosis the previous day. With a lilt, I mocked, "You tell Gallivur about your new title too while you were going against my wishes?"


    "No, actually," said Nolwud. "I asked under the veil of curiosity about the lunatic who stabbed me. I didn''t make any indication of our arrangement." The inventor sized me up in a way that made it more obvious it was happening. "People sincerely believe you''re cursed. It''s a strange superstition." Consideration. "They''re horrified by a prophecy surrounding your death."


    "Prophecies are rumors blown out of proportion," I said. "If only I could be that destructive."


    "Is there any merit to their fears?" Nolwud needled further. "Is your condition related to the prophecy?"


    "It is," I jeered sarcastically. "If the vassals of Fourmikari say it, it must be true."


    Nolwud gnawed. "Fascinating."


    "Yes, fascinating." Idiot. I folded my arms and scoffed. "Is that all you have to say?"


    "I don''t know what I''ve stumbled upon," mused the Technologist. "But whatever it is, I''m down for the ride."

 Chapter 7: In which a new arrival brings new changes

    I peered at the trio as they trudged across my kingdom uninvited. Two individuals flanking the outside with oversized heads and glaives acted as protectors to the central figure, attired in the style of a vassal. Noteworthy were the masks that covered their features, particularly the vassal, as though that was enough to disguise and mislead.


    I cackled loudly.


    What''s funny, my liege? Rott inquired nervously. He was less taken by the images before him. Those are not lost and frightened wanderers. Those are guards. They mean us harm.


    "Someone get Nolwud," I ordered, stifling my laughter. "The Technologist needs to see this."


    Nolwud arrived, wrench in hand and confusion evident. A worm held fast to the tunic, guiding the inventor to me with firm determination. "What''s going on, my liege?"


    "Take a look at this," I said, extending my hand and chortling.


    Nolwud examined the projection. Unsure. "It''s the masks? You think the masks are funny?"


    "No," I pointed at the vassal. "Look here. At him."


    "Oh!" At once, it was evident. "That''s... unexpected."


    "I''m going to say hello." I brushed the image away. "Personally."


    I will keep an eye on things here, said Rott. I will leave them to you, my liege.


    "I would like to come along," Nolwud said. "If that''s permissible."


    I was too amused to oppose it. "If you don''t get in the way, I don''t see why not."


    The portal brought us to the opposite side of disrepaired cottages where the intruders mingled. I would have come by air but I did not want to carry Nolwud and the inventor would have made too much noise when reintroduced to gravity. Feelers out, I scouted ahead, hoping the Technologist had sense enough to keep quiet. The vassal hadn''t noticed us when he bellowed to his companions, "No, no, this is all wrong!"


    The two guards said nothing. They remained motionless beneath silver domes that encompassed the whole of their skulls.


    The vassal was clothed in oversized garments. They were gaudy, bright, and intended to hide his features. His mask, silver like his guards, shielded his visage but stopped at the edge of the face. He was stocky and out of place in my kingdom. I gave Nolwud a knowing look and stepped forward.


    "Hail, traveler," I called with a sugary disposition. "Have you lost your bearings?"


    The vassal jumped with surprise, cowering behind his guards. They both readied their weapons. "Who goes there?"


    "We mean you no harm," insisted Nolwud, coming around behind me.


    "That''s debatable," I corrected. "I mean you harm. You''re trespassing in my kingdom."


    "That''s impossible," blubbered the vassal. "I know for a fact this is Nova."


    Nolwud regarded me as I folded my hands behind my back. I said, "It hasn''t been Nova in, oh, twenty-five years? Thereabouts?"


    "Impossible," came the response again.


    Diplomatically, the Technologist intervened. "My name is Nolwud, Royal Technologist of the Kingdom of Ever-Worms. This is Lordavis, Ruler of the Kingdom of Ever-Worms. It is as you heard. Nova is no more."


    The vassal wouldn''t be swayed. He queried, "What became of Revergnols?"


    "Dead," I said before Nolwud could paint it any prettier. "Decapitated." I clacked my jaw twice for emphasis.


    "Impossible!"


    Nolwud bowed. "Whom do we have the pleasure of speaking with?"


    The vassal pushed forward, squeezing past his guards. They lowered their glaives and stood at attention. "I am Painyll. I''ve come to seek the sanctuary owed to me."


    I burst into laughter. Nolwud smiled awkwardly. "Ah," said the Technologist. "Is that so?"


    Painyll reached beneath his garments and withdrew a small seal. I recognized it. His claim of sanctuary rang true. Unfortunately for him, I had no intention to fulfil it. "A relic of an earlier time. You ought to go to Fourmikari and show them. They might enjoy it."


    "I''m not going to Fourmikari," stuttered Painyll. "Absolutely not. No. I came here for sanctuary. You are required to honor it!"


    I held up a finger for each point. "Revergnols is dead and Nova is gone. By all means, tell me what remains to honor?"


    "Sanctuary!" cried Painyll.


    I summoned fire into my hands. "You''ll be safe in the underworld. No one will search for you there, Dr-"


    Nolwud put a hand on my shoulder and pulled me aside. "My liege, a word?" To Painyll, "Don''t go anywhere. We''ll be back."


    Painyll crossed his arms and fretted. "See if you can''t talk some sense into your ''ruler''."


    "I''ll show you sense," I said, turning back. Nolwud caught my arm.


    "Over here, for a moment." Once around the corner of the cottage, Nolwud entreated, "Do you remember when I said you don''t think logically in terms of what''s necessary for establishing a fledgling kingdom?"


    "You mentioned something in passing."


    "This here. This is a golden opportunity."


    I leaned back and peered at the vassal. Painyll paced anxiously, walking in looping circles around his guards. I made a face. "I''m not interested."


    "Granting Painyll sanctuary will immediately raise our status," said Nolwud. "Having him nearby and among your ranks will elevate you above the majority of kingdoms in the vicinity."


    "Oh, it''s ''our'' status now, is it?" I simmered. "I don''t remember making you co-ruler."


    "My liege, as a member of your royal council, my prestige and status are directly tied to the standing of the kingdom."


    "That''s your play? Use him to better your standing? You came here to find a patron. You are meant to be building me a plane shifter."


    "Which I was, until you brought me in to look at your ring."


    "This is my kingdom," I said. "Leave ruling to me."


    "How many other kingdoms have--?" Nolwud peeked out. I followed suit. Painyll continued to pace. He clawed at the edges of his mask. We pulled back. "He''s terrified."


    "Excellent," I said gleefully.


    "Terrified you''ll turn him away."


    "I''ll do him one better," I beamed. The fire was back. Nolwud swatted the back of my hand and winced at the burn received.


    "You don''t need to kill everyone who comes into your kingdom, my liege."


    The flames went out. "I haven''t killed everyone. You''re here."


    "You tried to kill me."


    I sighed. "Since you know everything, tell me what will happen once I achieve this ''great status''."


    The Technologist pondered. "As long as he lives here, the Kingdom of Ever-Worm will be known. You might receive offers or trades in the hopes of wooing him away from you. Your name will spread further."


    "Others will be drawn to my kingdom," I derided. "We''ll be raided in the night. New subjects will attempt to move in. Oh, yes. It''s everything I ever wanted."


    "Fourmikari will lose their mind," said Nolwud. "Think about that for a min--"


    I spun around the corner. "Welcome to the Kingdom of Ever-Worms, Vassal Painyll! Allow me to welcome you formally."


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Painyll lifted his head. "You will provide sanctuary?"


    "Of course," I sang.


    "Oh, thank you. Thank you!" He grabbed my hands, pulling me close to nuzzle in an extremely overdone show of gratitude. "Finally, a safe and secure respite!"


    "I have the perfect respite in mind," I said, withdrawing from the affection. "Very secure. Very cozy."


    "Delightful."


    "You can''t throw him in the dungeon," said Nolwud, spoiling my fun.


    "I''m this close to throwing you back in the dungeon," I said. "What''s to be gained from putting these three anywhere else?" I examined the guards. "Awfully quiet, aren''t they?"


    "They''re blind, mute, and deaf." Painyll huffed. The vassal removed the helmet from the nearest one, revealing a tapestry of horrendous mutilation. Nolwud gasped. With annoyance, Painyll returned the garment. "Well, I wasn''t going to take any chances! It had to be done."


    "I like him," I said to Nolwud, smirking deviously. Nolwud''s hand went to forehead.


    "That''s good, my liege," the Technologist said dryly. "I could wish for nothing else."


    Rott''s reaction was to be expected when we returned. He took one look at Painyll and cried, My liege! What is this? Why didn''t you murder them like the others?


    "The Technologist talked me out of it."


    "What was that?" Painyll peered my way. His head tipped downward. "Egad, what''s that?"


    "A worm." Rott slithered up until he rested on my shoulder. "You''ll find my kingdom is full of them."


    "Worms," gagged Painyll. "Are they kept to eat?"


    "No, they are my subjects."


    "What benefit do they provide Fourmikari?"


    I kept my tone even. "You''ll find that unlike Nova, the Kingdom of Ever-Worms doesn''t exist for the benefit of Fourmikari."


    Painyll gave me a strange look. The strange look. "I...see." Attempting to change the subject, he broached, "And where are the others?"


    "In terms of citizens," Nolwud began judiciously.


    "There are none," I said proudly.


    Painyll looked between us. "This is Nova but there is no one here?"


    "This is the Kingdom of Ever-Worms," I stated firmly. "It has everyone it needs, including four new additions that were not invited and are not necessary."


    Painyll did a count, forgetting how many guards he''d brought. "There are three of us."


    "Why don''t I," said Nolwud with a sigh, "take you with me? I will fill you in on the finer details." Then, "Where do you want to put him, my liege?"


    "The dungeon," I said.


    "I need a serious answer, my liege."


    I was aware. "That was a serious answer."


    "There is a chamber with a large bed of carved wood," said Nolwud. "It is dusty and unused. It has two smaller antechambers which I''m sure could be refitted as a sitting room and servants quarters. Do you know which I mean?"


    "Yes." It had been my predecessor''s. I had long since raided it for anything of value. "The dungeon will do fine."


    Nolwud disregarded me and led the entourage away. "Follow me. We''ll see what I can fashion for your attendants."


    Who is he? asked Rott when he had me to himself..


    "Can''t you tell from looking? He''s a vassal. His name is Painyll." Then, "And as long as he''s with us, I would like to make his life as uncomfortable as possible."


    My liege?


    I opened the door to the nearest corridor, calling to the servants crawling on the other side. "Go to Revergnols'' chambers. Make yourself a nuisance. Behave as though it''s your favorite spot to congregate."


    Why does he have to stay here?


    "Why does anyone stay here?" I responded. "I have use for him."


    The next I saw of my unexpected guests, I was seated upon my throne, eating fruit and making sport of tossing rinds for my servants to catch. Nolwud led the trio, now unmasked. They passed through the doorway in conversation. "...can be found here most of the time. If I''m not in the workshop, I''m mostly like here as well."


    "''Workshop''?" I scoffed. The Technologist could insist upon any name. It was, and always would be, the enchanting studio.


    Painyll brightened in the presence of the overlook. "I often wondered what the view was like up here! Truly stupendous!"


    I made a face. Rott took note. Something insipid, my liege?


    "Very."


    "Hm?" Painyll turned.


    "Not to you," I said.


    The look. "Ah, yes. Worms." His attention returned to the sights. "This is a very nice space. Open and full of breeze. Yes, I would like to do my work here from now on."


    I tilted my head. "What was that?"


    Nolwud''s hands clapped together. "Let''s run it by Lordavis first." Gesturing to Painyll, the inventor elaborated, "My liege, Painyll is trained in prose and poetry. He has a sizable collection of his bound verses."


    "It is the only thing I travel with," Painyll declared.


    "He was concerned that, with the way things have progressed, he wouldn''t be able to find a muse."


    "You''re the one who came to me seeking sanctuary," I leaned forward, indignant.


    Nolwud interceded. "I read a few of the poems he wrote. He''s pretty good. Relatively." Mumbling softly, "I''m a scientist. I don''t know what makes good writing."


    "This is a beautiful vantage," said Painyll, ignorant or feigning it well.


    I glared. "This is my throne room."


    "You said you were concerned about being raided," Nolwud tried to argue weakly. "If he''s nearby, it''s unlikely they could take him from under your gaze."


    "I would be content to have a stack of pillows right here." Painyll indicated the space before the west window. "From here, I could look out upon the kingdom and let the words flow."


    "That''s the view of Fourmikari." I said coolly. I was not pleased. "That would block my view of Fourmikari."


    My liege, who is this? Why not slit his throat and be done?


    "Why not indeed?" I mused, hand idly resting on my dagger hilt. Nolwud, keen to my actions, entreated again.


    "It''s not perfect, but in the long run, this will pay off. It''s not always about taking the quick and easy route. Being pragmatic has advantages too."


    Painyll had drawn forth a parchment and pen of black charcoal. He scribbled furiously. "Yes, this is it."


    "You misunderstand my aim," I said succinctly. "I''m not trying to build a kingdom that thrives to compete with others. I will destroy the other kingdoms until the Kingdom of Ever-Worms is the only one that remains. I will crush anyone who stands in my way." I stood, descending steps and moved beside the Technologist. "You''re concerned with bettering your lot in life. Find a patron for your ''magnificent discovery'', secure a title--"


    "Yes," Painyll called back as he wrote. "Technologist Nolwud mentioned something of that. As you''re severely lacking council members, I myself would like to request a position. Something more colorful than ''Royal Scribe'', although I will take what is offered."


    "No."


    "Hm," dismissed Painyll. He crossed out a word.


    "It''s not practical to aim for worldwide genocide," argued Nolwud.


    "You mean it''s not right." I would call it as I see it. "Good people don''t set out to destroy others."


    "That either," agreed Nolwud. "I speak from a logistics standpoint. You would have to cause a cataclysmic event to eradicate everyone. Unless you''re holding back or those superstitious rumors are true, you don''t have the means. It''s not feasible."


    "Ah, that''s where you''re helping me," I taunted knowingly.


    Nolwud hadn''t fully guessed his purpose. "What?"


    A voice interjected, "I am done." Painyll left the window and joined us where we stood. He offered the parchment. "Consider this my application for your council, if you will, my liege."


    I scanned the scrap.


    The Kingdom of Ever-Worms flourishes in the gloom of Nova


    Writhing with worms and the specters of days past


    No longer subservient, enslaved to the caprices of Fourmikari


    Liberty comes when the lickspittle are reduced to handfuls of ashes


    blown in the breeze, forgotten, put from memory and scorched from speech


    that once more these lands shall find serene isolation


    I looked at Nolwuld. "He is good."


    The technologist nodded. "Right? I told you."


    Painyll thus became Royal Dramatist of the Kingdom of Ever-Worms.

 Chapter 8: In which the first council meeting of the Kingdom of Ever-Worms is conducted

    Painyll draped dramatically across his cushions and declared, "Oh, but it is a languid day!"


    "You don''t get that sense, my liege?" I didn''t consider the day any different than the others. It was hot but not as hot as it could have been. The sun was bright. The breeze was notably absent. The worms weren''t impaired. By my reckoning, it was Painyll who was languid. "You aren''t overwhelmed with a weakness that grips you and robs you of motivation?"


    I had to process that. "Are you referring to your writing?"


    "Yes!" Painyll raised his head. "It''s atrocious. I think I''m getting somewhere and then I cannot predict the appropriate word to follow the first. Poetry without the proper language is not poetry. It is a dictionary."


    That didn''t sound right.


    "Perhaps it is owed to a lack of stimulation," poised the Dramatist. He leered at me, suddenly determined. "Stimulate me, my liege."


    "Rott," I said quickly to the worm curled beside my feet, "Let''s go for a walk."


    My liege?


    "Don''t go," cried Painyll, reaching out for me from the cushions. "That would make it worse. I would be left alone with the..." He viewed his surroundings. "...worms."


    "Worse, you say?" I beamed.


    "Intolerably so!"


    Rott and I summarily wandered the ruined road that led from the palace gates. It was warmer in the direct sunlight but there was wind in the valley, mitigating the heat and creating a temperature comparable to the throne room. Dragonflies flitted about, buzzing with idle songs. Rott slithered ahead, delighted by the stroll. We haven''t done this in a long time, my liege.


    "What?" I asked. "Walk? We walk everyday." Then, "I do. You''ve never walked a day in your life."


    Walking around the palace isn''t the same. I like to walk with you.


    "I don''t see why this is any different. Does the act of being outside somehow change the quality of the action?"


    Rott breathed, Yes.


    I''m still unclear on the details, my liege. You forced the inventor to build a device before you granted clemency.


    "Our new guest," I remarked, "is different than Nolwud. If I wish to use him a capital, he will need to remain in pristine condition."


    You couldn''t see to it in the dungeon?


    "I feel as though I could," I sulked. "But the Technologist--"


    The inventor has made this decision? Rott was relieved. I was worried you played favorites. I worried the inventor would be hurt.


    I forget their odd friendship. "I''m the one who''s hurt. I have to endure that useless wastrel. I''m sure no one''s happy about scrounging extra food."


    We hadn''t noticed a difference, said Rott. One mouth, five mouths. It''s a paltry number.


    "He better have something decent written when I return," I cautioned. "His freedom is a privilege, not a right. If he can''t make it worth my while, he will live in the dungeon."


    Who is going to the dungeon? I turned my eyes up. A small green dragonfly hovered in the air above my head. It flitted closer. A worm, fallen out of favor?


    "No," I said firmly. "Nothing you would be able to devour."


    My liege? Rott looked my way. Following my gaze, he spied the insect. Oh.


    Pity, hummed the dragonfly.


    Shall I tell you a secret, whispered the dragonfly. Would you like to hear a secret?


    Insects were a reliable source of clandestine information. "Tell me."


    Your trinkets to the north have been stolen. They came. They crept cautiously. Covered them in pouches and made off with them. I frowned. Twelve.


    "Twelve intruders or twelve beacons?" Rott bristled at the mention of outsiders. "When?"


    Trinkets. I clenched my fists. They must be worth taking to be taken in such quantities, yes?


    My liege, mumbled Rott. What was that about intruders?''''


    not still here?"


    Days ago, confirmed the dragonfly. Would you like to see where?


    A sizable swath of land had been picked clean. I was angry, not only for the many lost phids'' worth of gems but the invasion of my territory. This was a flagrant act of trespassing. I would get my revenge. "Did you see who did this?"


    Mmmm-mmmm.


    "How were they dressed?"


    I don''t know.


    I gave the insect a look. "You don''t know anything about their clothes?"


    I don''t believe they were dressed. That was what I needed.


    "Rott," I knelt to collect the worm. "We''re going to Queen Chidsey."


    Right now?


    "Yes, right now," I said, taking flight.


    The dragonfly sang with admiration. You fly too! I didn''t think you were the right one!


    "If you would like me to murder every member of your household, it can be arranged."


    "Could you?" she taunted. Her spirits were high. "I would appreciate it."


    "And I told you," Chidsey said sweetly, "that you are wasting all that space. Space that''s perfect for someone like me to move in. You might say it''s ideal. Made for me."


    "You won''t," she mocked. "You can''t." She picked up an egg and examined it as though she had never seen one before. "We missed you at my birthday. Gallivur came."


    "Yes," I said. "I heard from Gallivur. Gallivur erroneously believed we had formed an alliance."


    "I wonder where Gallivur heard that?" Chidsey tossed the egg my way. "Here, as an apology. All yours."


    I fed it to Rott.


    "That was a gift," the queen pouted. "I wanted you to have it."


    "Stay out of my kingdom."


    She threw another egg, aiming for my shoulder and Rott. He was happy to oblige. "He has a real taste for those." The bowl was offered. "Here, wormy-wormy!" I set a hand to Rott to keep him in place. "Who''s a good wormy? Eggs for good wormys!"


    "Stop."


    "Stop what?" she asked. "Demeaning your precious pet or preparing your kingdom-- our kingdom-- for my inevitable arrival?"


    "If you step foot in my kingdom, the worms will tear you apart." I pointed firmly. "That''s a promise."


    "Good chat," said Chidsey, looking away in overdone disregard. "Bye bye."


    "You infuriating--!" I didn''t complete the thought. Chidsey didn''t deserve it. I stalked from the room.


    When I was nearly out of range, she called, "Hey, Lordavis!" I stopped, turning to regard her. "Your gem-things, the ones that tell you when people are sneaking around your place-- is there a magic word or something? Trying to get an estimate on their market value."


    I lingered until every structure save for the one Chidsey herself occupied was reduced to charcoal. It was early evening when I returned to the palace. Painyll was no longer splayed across his cushions. He rushed to greet me. "My liege! Your departure was the inspiration I sought! I have penned an epic song of abandonment and I would be honored if you would be the first to read it!"


    "Leave me alone or I will throw you out of this tower," I growled.


    Painyll sputtered. "That wouldn''t do..." He weighed the full meaning of my threat. "Oh, yes, well, that''s completely understandable and justified. You must be in the right disposition to appreciate art. Fresh in the day, when weariness hasn''t overtaken your senses. I will save it for you, my liege." He added, while slinking away with his guards, "I already shared with the Technologist anyhow."


    My liege, said Rott. Should we set up more beacons?


    "Yes," I mumbled. "Yes, do that. Someone handle that." I sighed. "They''ll just be stolen again, but at least we can slow down the advance."


    Nolwud came along shortly, uninvited and unwanted. I looked to the inventor then back to the falling night sky. "My liege, you went out?"


    "I didn''t send for you," I said.


    "I was looking for you earlier. Painyll said you''d gone for a walk."


    "I did," I said flatly. "There you have it."


    "You''re not in the habit of taking walks."


    "And you''re not in the habit of maintaining perfect health," I countered. "If you''d like assistance returning to the status quo, I would be happy to help."


    My liege! Rott slid from my side to Nolwud in defense. It did not improve my sour mood.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    The Technologist knelt to pat the worm. "You were on a walk for half the day? Where did you go?"


    "Where is my plane shifter?" I asked.


    "In the process of being built."


    "Then yes," I said. "I was on a walk for half the day."


    "Okay." Nolwud rose. "I have an outlandish idea. Why don''t you make use of your council? You know the purpose of a council, don''t you?"


    "I don''t have a council," I said. "I have two deluded individuals who imagine they have gained some semblance of power and instead will provide me with what I want before they go the way of Nova."


    "I don''t have a council," I reiterated. "I have two idiots with no redeeming qualities."


    "I can get Painyll."


    "I wish you wouldn''t, as I''ve sent him away on punishment of death."


    Nolwud sighed. "Is there anything we should be aware of tangentially?"


    really wish I could talk to the worms," Nolwud announced, shuffling out in defeat.


    I stewed silently for an extended period. The stars came out and the moon rose. After sitting in the dark for what felt ages, Rott inquired, My liege, what are we going to do?


    Would you feel better if we tried to enslave someone? If we lured Gallivur out and you could try to kill--


    What entity? Rott had no imagination.


    "I''ll know it when I see it." I clacked my jaw. "But first, I need a plane shifter so I can travel to another realm and take stock of their bestiaries."


    You could kill Gaillivur without the plane shifter. If you did that, Queen Chidsey might be intimidated.


    "Rott," I exasperated. "I''ve told you, that''s not how it works. There''s a very delicate dance to this. Let me handle Gallivur my way."


    You could ask the inventor to help you. Rott suggested. I am surprised it wasn''t proposed earlier. It is the sort of thing I would have expected.


    I kept Rott ignorant and I scoffed audibly. "What would I ask? Tell me that."


    The inventor could build you something to keep them from stealing your beacons.


    Exactly like that, my liege! That''s exactly what we need! Do you imagine the inventor could make such a thing?


    "No, shut up." I placed my hands on my hips. "I need traps."


    "Are you hunting?" Nolwud inquired waggishly. "Should I design them to catch small prey?"


    "I want electricity, and I want it painfully strong, and I don''t want anyone to see it coming." I stomped my foot, adding, "And I want it now."


    "How many?" The Technologist set the mug down and moved to a cabinet.


    "I want my entire kingdom covered."


    "The whole kingdom." Nolwud tapped the cabinet frame with a finger. "Your whole kingdom is a massive undertaking."


    "Make it happen," I snapped. "That''s why I keep you around."


    "One condition," Nolwud withdrew a tool and made no further effort.


    "What?"


    "I want you to tell me--"


    "No," I said, cutting it before it began.


    "I want you to tell us--"


    "Again, no."


    "...tomorrow, when you call your first meeting of your council."


    "First thing," said Nolwud. "At sunrise. To address the matter of why the Kingdom of Ever-Worms needs to be outfitted with electronic security devices."


    "If you send me to the dungeon," said Nolwud, "I promise you''ll never get your security devices. Or the plane shifter."


    "This is unrelated to the plane shifter!"


    Nolwud''s hands folded. "Good night, my liege. Whether or not I uphold my end of the bargain is contingent on you upholding yours."


    It was a miserable morning. I slouched upon the throne, gazing down at my Technologist and Dramatist who both stood at the base of the throne platform. Nolwud was eager and self-satisfied; Painyll was groggy and unclear as to the reason for this farce. "I don''t understand how this involves me."


    "You are part of the council," explained Nolwud. "We make decisions together."


    "Is that right?" Painyll was not convinced. "I''m going to ''council'' from my cushions, if it''s the same to you both." He started to meander.


    "It''s better if we stay together," said Nolwud.


    "You''re welcome to join me on the cushions."


    Nolwud''s heels clicked. "It''s more respectful to Lordavis if we stand before the throne."


    "This is a wonderful idea you''ve had," I said flatly. Painyll returned with a single cushion which he threw upon the floor before throwing himself upon it. "Oh, sure. That works too."


    Nolwud attempted to maintain order. "My liege, you had something you wanted to say?"


    "Yes," I stated firmly. "Build me enough electric shock defenses to cover the kingdom."


    Nolwud shook a finger. "Why, my liege? What makes you think the Kingdom of Ever-Worms would benefit from that?"


    "Because I''ve told you to do it," I said.


    "Will I be shocked if I go past them?" inquired Painyll. "That would make traipsing uncomfortable. I don''t like to be uncomfortable when I traipse."


    "When do you go out?" I asked. "You came here crying ''sanctuary'' because of the things out there that want to get you."


    "If it''s nice out," insisted Painyll, "I would like to have the option to traipse."


    "My liege, it''s not much to ask," Nolwud insisted on the border of whining. "Tell us what happened yesterday."


    "Did something happen yesterday?" asked Painyll. "I wasn''t aware."


    In the interest of moving things along, I capitulated. "Beacons are being stolen from the north of the kingdom."


    "That''s why you went out for a walk," confirmed Nolwud with a nod.


    "No, I went for a walk because I was sick of being in here with him and a dragonfly alerted me to the robbery."


    "And what a fortuitous thing it was indeed!" Painyll decreed. "I was able to write the most exquisite poem. You read it, didn''t you, Technologist Nolwud? My liege, I apologize. In my stupor this morning, I forgot to bring it. I can go collect it if you would allow me a moment."


    "Hang on," Nolwud said to either Painyll or myself. It wasn''t important. "A dragonfly told you?" Then, "You can speak to dragonflies too?"


    "I can speak to any being capable of rational thought," I said.


    "Fascinating," gaped the Technologist. "It''s not confined to the worms."


    "Oh, to be able to speak with the dragonflies!" Painyll cried. "I feel inspiration for a new poem swelling inside me!"


    "Do you have any idea who''s been taking the beacons?" Nolwud inquired.


    "Uh," I hesitated. "Yes. Queen Chidsey."


    "I''m not familiar with that name," Nolwud confessed. "But not being a local, that''s hardly-"


    "A queen?!" Painyll erupted with emotion, flinging himself from his cushion and rushing to his guards. "Say it isn''t so, my liege! You are at odds with a queen?"


    I barked, "Sit down, you melodramatic clown! She has no power and she''s no threat to you!"


    "She''s stealing your beacons," said Nolwud.


    "Her kin are stealing my beacons. She sits in her chambers and laughs."


    "She holds no titles and is no vassal, if that''s your meaning," I said. "She and her bandit brood have overstayed their welcome in their current home. She intends to make my kingdom her next hideout."


    "But still a queen," said Nolwud. "Albeit with no prestige." A nod. "That seems solid grounds to me. I''ll begin construction on your defenses immediately, my liege."


    "Solid grounds or not," I quipped. "If I tell you to build something, you build it."


    "My liege." Nolwud bowed, dropping to one knee. "If you would dismiss the meeting, I will get directly to work."


    "I have to dismiss it?" This process was asinine. Councils were asinine. "Yes, yes. Go. Dismissed."


    Rott waited until the others had exited to emerge from behind my seat and slither into my lap. Council meetings are interesting things, my liege.


    "You thought that was interesting? I thought the opposite."


    The worm wriggled. It feels proper for you to have a council. Legitimate. I am quite curious about councils, my liege.


    I knew what was to come yet asked, "What do you want, Rott?"


    My liege, may I have a title too?

 Chapter 9: In which topography is discussed and a nemesis arrives with abnormal tidings

    "The northernmost perimeter is secured," reported Nolwud austerely. "I was planning to line the border then move inwards, if that works for you, my liege. That will give you a perfunctory barrier until the whole kingdom is outfitted." The Technologist spoke as if existence hung in the balance. I expected my order to be carried out, though I didn''t see it as important or noteworthy. I said it, it was to be done, and so it would be.


    I tapped my finger on the arm of the golden chair. It was too much. "I don''t need to be bothered with every minute detail." I slouched down. "If I told you to fill the kingdom with electricity, fill it with electricity!"


    "If I didn''t tell you," Nolwud countered, losing much of the pomp to whinging, "You''d cry foul over something. You''d invent a reason. You like to complain."


    Did I? I did so with good cause. "This is a meaningless conversation," I snapped. "conducted by an idiot who would provide as much use to me in the dungeon."


    "There you go." Then, "My liege, I am a perplexed by the size of the Kingdom of Ever-Worms. It doesn''t take more than an hour''s time to journey from here to the northern limits. You talk as though it''s bigger."


    "It''s sizable," I said.


    Actually sizable," poised the Technologist, "Or in the ''I consider the lands I''ve yet to conquer my kingdom as well'' sense?"


    "I haven''t factored in the future," I said. "Perhaps I should."


    "Can you give me a rough estimate of how far your domain stretches? I would like an idea of what area I''m working with and plan how to best utilize my time."


    "In total?" I frowned. I never concered myself with specifics. Distance was relative. I reiterated. "It''s sizable."


    Nolwud had doubts. "Is it?"


    "Yes," I seethed. "I wouldn''t claim it were it not the case."


    I shook my head. I was not in the mood for him. I addressed everyone assembled. "I intend to take the whole world. It''s pointless to make a map that needs to be changed every day."


    "You are a ruler," Painyll remarked, rolling back to his writing, withdrawing from chat as soon as he''d butted in. "It would behoove you to live with some luxury."


    "Is there a map?" Nolwud inquired, seizing on the poet''s suggestion.


    Annoyed, "Yes, somewhere." I called out to the worms, "Bring the map."


    Where is the map, my liege? asked one.


    Did we not eat the map? Another remarked. She spun in a circle. Did we not eat the map?


    specific map."


    My leeeeige, echoed a voice beyond the room. The map is goooooooone!


    ll this?"


    mines in your realm?"


    hundred kilometers at most. I had no idea your kingdom stretched as far south." Nolwud stared long and hard. It was a struggle to parse. "Three-thousand kilometers and you''re doing nothing to defend it?"


    insane. No lone ruler can single-handedly maintain control over this much territory. You''re way over your head."


    fine, thank you," I dismissed.


    "This is three-thousand kilometers," Nolwud grumbled. "How many worms could there possibly be?"


    I mused aloud. "Let''s see. Worms are fertile within the first week of their lives. You figure they''re capable of between one and two thousand offspring approximately every two days and there are eighty-nine days in a year..."


    The reality of the situation dawned."Oh." The Technologist''s face was a tapestry of emotion. The numbers were considered. They were amended. They were considered over again. Nolwud stammered, "There must be billions! More than billions!"


    I feigned modesty and demurred, "I wouldn''t deign to count."


    "What do they eat? A population of that size, if what you say is true, cannot support itself."


    I shrugged. "Each other. Wanderers." I gestured flamboyantly. "They''re prevalent, Nolwud. You should see them for yourself. I''d liken it to an ever moving stream of writhing that flows everywhere." I ruminated and clarified, "Except the gargantuan worms. They crush everything in their path. Keep an eye out."


    left?"


    It was a bleak landscape, certainly. It left no impression on me one way or the other. "They''re content with their lot in life. Worms don''t ask for much."


    My liege! huffed Rott from my shoulders, thereunto silent. This is my jurisdiction! I should be speaking!


    I sighed. "The Royal Ambassador to the Worms would like to make a statement." A terrible title. Rott had suggested it himself.


    The annelid rose up and adopted an imposing stance were I half a meter tall. Worms live in harmony with one another. We do not judge or disparage our kin for feeding upon us if they are hungry. A chance to be, to exist, however brief it may be, is what we strive for and what we-- Rott stopped, disappointed by the silence.  My liege, you have to translate. The inventor doesn''t understand me.


    I applauded mockingly. I wasn''t going to play interpreter. The ''Royal Ambassador to the Worms'' could solve the language barrier himself. "Well said, Rott. Excellent speech."


    My liege! Rott pouted.


    Nolwud didn''t notice the snub and continued to grapple with the map. "You have all this land. So much land. And you''re not using it."


    I reiterated, "The worms are." It was the Kingdom of Ever-Worms. The title was chosen with purpose. They were my loyal subjects and the land was theirs.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Why hasn''t anyone tried to take this from you? They must know what you''re up to. I can''t imagine neighboring kingdoms want that many worms multiplying unchecked!" Harsh words for one who doted upon my servants.


    "How?" I mocked. "With an army? That would be an act of war." I gestured to the written statement in an intricate crest at the center of the map. "Granted to Revegnols and successors hereafter, the lands of Nova to be passed down thusly and not removed under penalty of issuing unjust warfare."


    have grounds for war. They can rightfully take your kingdom from you."


    "Fourmikari sent an army, or part of one, back in the beginning," I said with a yawn. "War has never officially been declared, of course. Anyhow, they stopped doing that. Now they send Gallivur if they want to stop me."


    "That doesn''t make sense," said Nolwud. "That''s not a solution. The issue of the worms remains."


    A beacon alerted. I was privately relieved. The discussion had grown tedious. "Oh, look. An intruder." I turned to Nolwud mockingly. "I thought you said you had the electric traps up."


    "In the northernmost reaches. Everywhere else is exposed. It''s a work in progress." Nolwud moved beside me and peered at the image as it formed into a whispy figure in dark clothes. "In a hurry, aren''t they?" the Technologist observed.


    I agreed. The figure jogged swiftly, pausing briefly to assess the surroundings before taking off again. Average build, obscuring outfit, no discerning features. I issued a command to my subjects. "There''s someone in the marketplace. Get rid of them." The worm on my shoulders inched down in preparation of a speedy getaway. I scowled at him. "Rott, get back here."


    Nolwud was nonplus. "You''re sending worms? You''re not going to talk? I was going to ask to come along again."


    "No," I said. "The last intruders I talked to whined their way into my court, which doesn''t actually exist. I''m content to let the worms feast on this one."


    "That''s not fair," said Nolwud in a misguided appeal for mercy. "It could be a mistake. It''s not easy to tell when you''re trespassing, especially when you''re not sure which road leads to Fourmikari--"


    I brushed the projection away. "I guess that mistake won''t be made again."


    "No," I said.


    "I''m going to talk to them," asserted Nolwud. Oh? Was that right?


    "Really? On what authority?"


    "I gave you that title," I said. "I can rescind it." My ring flashed a second time. I glared. "Another intruder? A pair?" That wasn''t very nice, coming at me with more than one. The projections began anew. My face lit up as I beamed, "It''s Gallivur!"


    Goodbye, my liege. Rott said and vanished down the hall.


    "I didn''t realize Gallivur had come with a friend." A chance to torment Gallivur. I was excited. "This changes everything."


    Nolwud looked at me with restrained incredulity. "Then we will be going to engage them?"


    "Gallivur will come here," I said bluntly. I would wait as usual. "You''re not going to have anything to do with that. I don''t want Gallivur to know I have any connection to--" My mind went to the throne room and the large, useless male splayed across his cushions. "Painyll! He has to go! Gallivur cannot see him!"


    "Because I say so!'' I opened a portal and traveled to the Dramatist, leaving the Technologist with the books in the library. It was well and good to advertise my power over Painyll so long as it was believed he rotted in a cell. If Gallivur saw him as he was, it wouldn''t carry the same weight. I grabbed the lazabout by the arm and tugged. "You. Out. Now."


    Painyll was aghast and startled. "What are you doing, my liege? I am comfortable here!"


    very important guest and I won''t have you ruin it!"


    "Important?" Painyll tapped his jaw. "I should like to meet someone important myself! Why should I go away?" Upon reflection, he put forth timidly, "It''s not the queen is it?"


    "Yes," I said. "Yes, it''s the queen and she will be here any minute."


    Painyll scrambled to his feet. "My liege, how could you invite her? You know my feelings!" His guards, sensing his distress through means unknown, joined him by his side. "Oh, no! No!"


    "Yes," I emphasized. "Yes. Go to the dungeon. You''ll be safe there."


    "Don''t send Painyll to the dungeon," Nolwud chastised, having caught up and walking through the doors. "My liege, this is ridiculous. There''s no reason for any of this."


    "The queen''s on her way," whimpered Painyll in an attempt to inform Nolwud from behind the guards.


    "No, she''s not."


    "She''s not?" Painyll breathed a sigh of relief. This was bad. They were wasting time. Gallivur was on the way. At this rate, the champion would appear before they cleared out. Something had to be done.


    "Why can''t you two do anything right?!" I screeched before teleporting away through a portal. I would head Gallivur off at the pass. If Nolwud and Painyll were unwilling to leave the throne room, I would see that the champion never made it there.


    I came upon Gallivur not far from where the beacon had been tripped. Given the amount of time, I would have expected the do-gooder to be further along. Instead, Gallivur hunched over the original intruder in a bizarre embrace. I called out, jeering, "So, Galli! You thought you could sneak in undetected?"


    Gallivur turned. On closer inspection, it seemed the stranger was unconcious and held fast by the champion. "Lordavis! I...didn''t hear you." Eyes dropped. Gallivur issued a nervous laugh. "I bet you''re wondering about this."


    "Yes," I said. It was unexpected.


    "You see," said Gallivur. Then nothing else.


    "Drunkard?" It was an odd claim. The figure hadn''t struck me as inebriated. I hadn''t observed any swaggering. "Why is a drunkard coming into my realm? Everyone knows to stay away."


    The figure roused slightly, head rolling, mumbling, "The rumors."


    you," Gallivur chortled, swatting hard at the back of the skull. The figure went limp. "Rumors this, rumors that! It''s always rumors with you! So silly."


    "What rumors?" I asked. "My rumors?"


    "I don''t know, probably not." Gallivur shrugged me off. "More trouble than you can imagine, this one. Gets drinking, says a manner of strange things, does crazy stuff. If you ask me, you should forget about this."


    "Gallivur," I said plainly. "This is strange." Our interactions did not play out like this. We ought to have been at each other''s throats by this point. The champion behaved out of character and I responded in kind. "What''s going on?"


    "Oh, I was running my mouth," Gallivur insisted to an almost comically overdone extent. "Sitting in a tavern, having a drink. I guess rumors of our history inspired this lightweight to try and take a stab at you." The champion gestured. "I''m lucky I got here before your worms succeeded."


    "You''re clearly lying," I said.


    "No, really," Gallivur said. "That''s what happened."


    "What''s the drunkard''s name?" I demanded.


    "Oh, this one?" Gallivur lifted the figure. "This is...uhm..."


    "''Gallivur-thinks-I''m-an-idiot''?"


    I folded my arms. "What''s actually going on?"


    Gallivur caught my eye. "It''s as I said. An overly ambitious drunk came here to challenge you. I arrived just in time to keep it from turning fatal. That works for everyone. Your reputation remains unspoiled and I get to leave with this one."


    "Or," interrupted Gallivur, "Nothing. That''s what happened. End of story."


    I drew forth a pair of flames. "I beg to differ." I was the one to make that determination.


    Gallivur moved with a speed I rarely saw. In a swift motion, the champion had my wrists. Unbothered by the heat of the flames, Gallivur bent the joints back in a painful motion. "Anymore and I break them off." Then, "The choice is yours, Lordavis."


    I glowered. I gave in. "Very well. Your friend was no match for my power. A drunken fool! If only you hadn''t arrived, Gallivur!"


    Gallivur released me. Satisfied, "Since we''re in agreement, I''ll be on my way."


    "Will I get to know anything about this?" I asked. I could make whatever boast I wanted and it would be fact. Yet I had my own curiosity. "This is my kingdom. You''re in my domain. By right, I should know what business you have with--"


    "No," said Gallivur sweetly. "This is a private matter." Then, "It''s you and your worms here. It''s not like you have to justify yourself to anyone, right?"

 Chapter 10: In which there are worms in the bath and a brief brawl takes place

    Painyll careened into the throne room, naked and sopping wet. His guards struggled to keep up with him. One fell on the way in, tripping over the frame, as both rushed the doorway together. I cackled loudly as the poet cried, "My liege! There are worms in the bath!"


    "I was soaking in cool waters when suddenly,..." Painyll continued, placing a hand over his mouth. He held up a finger. "A moment, my liege. I need a moment. I don''t know if I can do this."


    What is funny, my liege? Rott inquired.


    "This waste of space has encountered some worms," I replied facetiously. "How strange!"


    "This is great," I chortled.


    My liege, if you dislike him that much, why don''t you kill him?


    "You''re the one interested in clowns," I said. I presented the agitated Dramatist. "Here is one."


    "...there was, around my feet, a number of..." Painyll threw his hands up again. "I cannot say it! My liege, there must be a way to keep the worms out! I find them everywhere I go! I daresay their numbers are increasing!"


    "What?" I apted flatly. "Increasing? No. You think someone is plaguing you with worms?"


    "Who would do such a thing?" Painyll quivered. I cackled anew. He at last took stock of his nudity and wrapped his arms in a slight show of modesty. "My liege, if you could arrange a solution, I would be grateful. I think I shall go mad if I have to gaze upon them much longer!"


    "Is that a guarantee?" I purred.


    "There are worms in the bath," sniffled Painyll.


    "Fancy that," I beamed.


    "This is fun for you, is it?" Nolwud asked dryly.


    "Shouldn''t you be building my plane shifter?" I wouldn''t give the Technologist a chance to spoil the mood. I was entertained.


    entire kingdom, with electronic defenses. To say I will be busy with that for some time would be an understatement."


    "Technologist Nolwud," Painyll placed a hand upon the inventor''s shoulder with an audible squelch. Even Rott had a laugh. "You must help me."


    "Please don''t touch me," Nolwud said, making a face and stepping aside.


    "I beg you," Painyll entreated. "You must construct a filter, or perhaps a repellant apparatus of some sort. This palace is crawling with worms."


    "Not to the extent of the rest of the kingdom." Nolwud gave me a look. I shrugged.


    "Technologist Nolwud, come with me." Painyll reached out again. "I won''t go back in the bath alone."


    "No," said Nolwud.


    "I must clean myself," insisted the poet. "But I can''t! I won''t! I must have you with me!"


    "I decline," said Nolwud. The distance between them increased.


    "Over my dead body," I stated.


    Dejected, Painyll trudged away, calling to the guards to join him. "We''ll try our best to manage on our own but I fear we may not make it."


    It wasn''t until Painyll was out of sight that Nolwud remarked, "You ought to let others know about him."


    "And how would I do that?" I scoffed. "Send out a royal missive?"


    "Yes," said Nolwud. "That''s exactly how."


    I dismissed the notion. "That''s too much effort."


    "I''ve taken the liberty of drafting one." Nolwud produced a small sphere, much like the blue marbles from before. An image not unlike my beacons flickered into existence. Nolwud read the words aloud. "The Kingdom of Ever-Worms has an announcement concerning an addition to our court."


    "I suspected you would take offense," said Nolwud. "Which brings me to another point I wanted to make. I was going to save it until the end. I want to be able to advertise my title."


    "You''ve come a long way," I scowled. "Where is the one crying ''I have a marvellous discovery if only you would be my patron''? What happened there?"


    "My liege, you are a terrible ruler," The Technologist declared bluntly. "Were I not to stand up to you, I would still be sitting in the dungeon."


    "Yes," I agreed. What a thought!


    "You, meanwhile, would be carrying on murdering and tormenting, and you would have missed this invaluable opportunity."


    "Killing Painyll would have worked in its own way," I said.


    have them," chastised Nolwud. "You can''t run around killing everyone. It''s not doable."


    "Yes, I can," I said. "I''ve always done it."


    "Let''s discuss kingdom finances." Nolwud slid a finger across the projection. The words were replaced by a different collection of symbols. "I haven''t been able to locate your treasury. Is there one?"


    "That''s not one of your duties. When are you finding the time to do this?"


    Nolwud continued, "You don''t have any revenue coming in. I can''t imagine you could hire mercenaries if you were to go to war because, let''s be honest, you definitely can''t fund an army."


    I gestured furiously at the southern window. "I have an army of worms!"


    "Yes, and everyone knows it. They know exactly what you have and what your capabilities are. They send in couple of well-seasoned battle mages to take their commander out and that army is a lot less effective." An added barb, "If your heart doesn''t give out first."


    "My heart is fine," I snapped.


    My liege, quivered Rott. Why does the inventor know about your heart? Were you worried?


    It sounds louder, he observed. The scratching.


    I put my arms around the worm and feigned affection. "I can''t help it if I''m adored."


    "If you want to live long enough to see your plans for world domination come to fruition, you''re going to have to start getting your act together."


    "That''s another thing," I remarked, releasing the worm and pointing firmly. "Not only are you not the frightened wanderer you were when we first met, you also can''t decide where you stand on your ethics. Are you an upstanding citizen or were you acting the part?"


    "My liege," said Nolwud, huffing. "I disagree with your principles completely. I don''t think it prudent to kill, or to destroy, or to act as you do. That being said, you''ve made it this far without incident. There is a merit to being feared, certainly. However, you are not the biggest strider in the pond. Someone else will come along and you are not prepared."


    "Stabbing you has caused you to take a deep interest in the wellbeing of my kingdom?"


    my home, I think it''s best to look after it."


    "Your home," I gagged. "Spare me. What''s wrong with your old home? Why did you leave your homeland?"


    Nolwud frowned. "A difference in doctrine. They value status over all else. Science or the pursuit thereof is considered a distraction from social climbing."


    "You remarked your former vassals would envy your title." I said. "You wanted a title specifically to boast."


    "Well," admitted Nolwud sheepishly, "I am still a product of my upbringing."


    "You say you seek a place more science oriented," I said tapping my jaw. "But instead you busy yourself with everything but. None of this seems befitting a ''Technologist''."


    "My liege, I am very involved in my science. Yet I see the flaws in your government and I can''t help but want to fix them."


    "What flaws?" I governed just fine.


    "That there isn''t a government," said Nolwud. "It''s anarchy. It''s you and the worms."


    "It''s worked fine."


    "We''ve digressed. Let''s get back on topic. You''re in need of money and Painyll is the means to secure it."


    The original image returned. "Would you like to hear the rest of what I''ve written?"


    "No," I said. "I don''t care."


    Nolwud sighed, crestfallen at being turned down. "Trust me on this. It''ll work out in our favor. You don''t always have to rely on murder."


    "Eh."


    Annoyed. "You don''t murder Gallivur."


    "I''m going to," I insisted. It was rude to deride my relationship with the champion. "It''s a matter of the right circumstances. Gallivur deserves something more. Something meaningful."


    "Uh-huh." The Technologist was unimpressed. "Short of Gallivur, you kill whoever wanders by?"


    any trespassing should equate to knee-jerk shanking."


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    I peered at Rott. "Yes," I said. "It''s a shame I didn''t get to have any fun. Curse Gallivur! Curse the timely rescue! If only I had gotten to that tippler in time!"


    Rott watched Nolwud''s exit with mixed emotion. The inventor doesn''t know?


    "The inventor will learn," I said. "When the rumores swirl. Surely word will make it out this way eventually." I certainly hoped it would. I was eagerly awaiting the latest wave of outcry.


    It hadn''t been difficult to guess Gallivur''s game. If the champion was keen to keep the mysterious trespasser alive and unknown, I assumed it was on the orders of the Delvers. As the masters of intrigue in Fourmikari, they were the final authority in that which was clandestine. Once they got their claws into a target, they did not let go until the full sum of secrets was revealed.


    "Who, me?" I said innocently. "I''m not here to ask you anything." I yanked the sack from the prisoner''s skull to behold the extent of mangled visage. "I''ve come for my own reasons."


    "Lordavis," came the reply with recognition. I would have cheered but the fool blathered on. "I might have known you''d be with them."


    "I''ve nothing to do with the Delvers."


    My liege, Rott cautioned from my shoulders. This should be quick. Do what you came for and let''s go.


    "Curious minds want to know," I said, placing my hands upon my waist. "Why were you coming to see me?"


    "To kill you," said the prisoner.


    "I found your blade." I withdrew the weapon and tossed it aside. It landed on the floor with a clatter. Rott winced at the noise, worried it would draw attention. "Enchanted, I see." The worms had performed a thorough sweep. Gallivur''s speedy departure didn''t give the champion a chance to clean up. It wasn''t hard to locate the dagger. "I think you meant to do more than kill." I set a hand to the failed assassin''s throat. "Can''t you wait patiently like everyone else?"


    The prisoner said nothing.


    "The Delvers haven''t broken you?" I mused aloud.


    That earned a laugh. "I''m not so weak. I''ll never talk."


    "No, probably not," I allowed. "I don''t have the time or the inclination to draw the finer details out." I stepped away, pulling a second object from my belt. "Do you know what this is?"


    "No."


    "The means of your destruction," I said. "Whatever your aim, it''s inconsequential. I make a habit of eliminating others." Then, "Have you ever heard of a ''laser scepter''?"


    My liege, exasperated Rott, stop talking and do it. You don''t always have to explain everything.


    I did. I made use of the scepter for the first time in the manner for which it was intended. When I was done, I carved my name into the chamber wall. There would be no question who was responsible for the act of retribution.


    I ruminated as Nolwud withdrew. What would the Technologist say about my actions the previous evening? That I''d behaved without consideration? That murder was unnecessary? The Delvers would have gotten what they wanted. Perhaps it would have been to my benefit to determine who sent the assassin. As I saw it, there was nothing wrong with thwarting Forumikari''s inquisition.


    Now I could sincerely say Gallivur had lost.


    "Well," I said to Rott once we were alone. "I''ve yet to celebrate. I think some wine will do." I leaned over the throne arm and called, "Bring me my wine!"


    Rott fussed quietly in my lap. As I bent to collect my goblet, he shoved his head against me once more. My liege, it''s louder.


    "No, it isn''t," I said.


    My liege? A nearby servant lifted her head in concerned curiosity.


    "Ignore Rott," I said. The worm disregarded. She followed Rott''s example.


    I hear it, my liege.


    My liege? A second servant took note of his ilk. I shoved the pair of worms off. Are you ill?


    "I''m perfectly fine," I asserted. "If I were distressed about my health, I would see a doctor or a healer. Obviously, I''m not distressed."


    "When was the last time you saw a doctor?" Nolwud lingered in the doorway.


    I clacked my jaw in frustration. "I thought you left."


    "I did," the inventor stooped to collect the bottle of wine from a servant. "But then I saw this guy go by."


    "This is a private party."


    Nolwud''s head tilted. "What are you celebrating?"


    I draped across the throne. "My good health."


    Nolwud returned the bottle to the worm. "Why do the worms keep nuzzling you?"


    "They love me," I said.


    We do love you, my liege, a servant reassured.


    There was motion from the windows. I narrowly missed being hit by an incoming fireball. From outside, a figure with rose, wings flapping furiously on her back. She wore fine garments and stood tall. She called forth a new round of flame and I raised a shielding spell while Nolwud looked on dumbfounded.


    "We''re under attack!" I shouted as servants launched themselves out the window at the assailant. Most failed to hit their target and plummeted to their doom.


    My liege! cried Rott, absolutely terrified for his safety. He cowered behind me.


    Another fireball came.


    "No," I said. Rott had crawled to the corridor. I wouldn''t see him for some time.


    "Sure," I said. I opened a portal and abandoned the inventor to the throne room.


    "What? I--Hey!"


    The magus was not fooled. She blasted again, searing Nolwud to keep the inventor from taking action then rose higher to meet me in the sky. Inspecting me with a cursory glance, she said, "You fly without wings. What a waste of the magic you''ll need against me."


    "Will I?" I said. A bolt of lightning struck downward. It branched upon reaching the magus, an invisible shielding spell of her own. "I''ll have to get serious."


    "I expected more from the ruler of Nova," she said. "You are the one in charge, aren''t you?"


    "The Kingdom of Ever-Worms," I corrected. "Nova is no more."


    She readied a fireball. "It''s Nova that provides sanctuary."


    I pondered. "You''re not with the other one, are you?" Then, "You''ve come for Painyll."


    "I have pursued him this far," said the magus, throwing the flames. "He''s a rarity. I will get what I want."


    I dropped to avoid the blast. "And I''d as soon give him to you."


    "Don''t be ridiculous," she laughed, flying at me. I dipped lower still to offset a collision. "Don''t mock me!"


    "I have no use for him."


    She examined my form more thoroughly. "It''s true. There''s nothing to be gained. I can make great use of him."


    "I would invite you to take him," I said, giving a sharp yell. "Were it not that you''re trespassing."


    "It won''t matter when you''re dead," she taunted. She was certain. She was wrong.


    "You''re dead," I responded as a colossal worm exploded from the cliff face and swallowed the offending magician whole. It was a simple affair over as quickly as it had begun. From up in the throne room, I heard an incredulous "What?!" I hovered nearby as the worm digested, waiting until I was satisfied the magus was gone.


    "She wasn''t here for me," I announced as I returned to the palace.


    Nolwud made a face. "That''s it? She''s dead, it''s done?"


    "Yes?" What did the inventor expect? The threat was neutralized. "I told you. It wasn''t about me."


    "What did she want? Did you ask?" Nolwud was relentless. I was grateful I hadn''t mentioned the assassin. That might have triggered a second council meeting. Oh, the horror."She tried to kill you."


    "To get to Painyll, who you insisted was ever so important to take on. I recall saying that doing so would get us raided." I gestured to the outside. "Case and point."


    "The sooner you make Painyll''s presence here public, the less likely things like this will happen," nagged Nolwud.


    "No," I said. "They''ll simply do it under officious pretenses."


    That''s why dungeons exist."


    "The dungeon exists for you," I clarified.


    "You have to know your enemies," Nolwud lectured. "If you dispose of them before you know anything, it leaves you in a bind."


    "You''re down an enemy," I said. "That counts for something.


    "If you want to be flippant, fine. But you''re going have repercussions for this," said Nolwud. "Yeah, I saw. You''ve--"


    "I know what I did," I said. "She travelled great lengths for Painyll. That makes a world of difference."


    "Oh?" Nolwud was dubious and looking to argue. This conversation was over. "They do things differently here?"


    "Yes," I replied. "As a matter of fact, they do." I returned to the throne to await Rott. "You should brush up on the local practices if you''re going to be sticking around."

 Chapter 11: In which communication is tested, successors discussed, and memories reminisced

    Nolwud set the three glass jars before me as I did my best to feign indifference. It wasn''t the pained cries that bothered me. It was the intensity, particularly that of the caterpillar, that made me wish I hadn''t revealed the extent of my ability to communicate.


    "My liege," said Nolwud. "While out installing your defenses today, I collected several specimens. I''m curious to see who you can understand and what they''re able to tell you."


    My eyes drifted over the containers.


    Hello! said the dragonfly on the end. His wings shimmered and fluttered.


    Where am I? asked the ant in the middle. She touched frantically around with her antennae. Where is the colony?


    PLEASE LET ME OUT!!! shrieked the caterpillar. PLEASE!!! I''M SO FRIGHTENED!!! LET ME OUT, LET ME OUT, LET ME OUT!!!


    "I''m fascinated," said the Technologist. "Fascinated by you. I''ve never heard of someone who can communicate cross-species."


    I SHALL NEVER BECOME A BUTTERFLY!!! weeped the caterpillar.


    "How so?" I knew the answer. Unlike the Nolwud, I didn''t consider my comprehension a gift. It had its perks, certainly, but sometimes, such as that very moment, it vexed me.


    "You''re capable of understanding and being understood by every being possessing conscious thought. That''s a great benefit. Some spend their whole lives devoted to the study of language. Somehow, your knowledge is innate. It''s astounding!"


    I WANT TO SEE THE SUN, the caterpillar declared. I''d had enough.


    "Rott." I pushed the caterpillar''s jar aside. Nolwud, unable to react in time, could only watch helplessly as it fell from the throne platform and smashed to pieces on the floor below.


    I''M FREEEEEEEE!!! exclaimed the caterpillar moments before my trusted worm swallowed him down.


    So juicy and fat, said Rott. Delicious!


    The Technologist gave me a look and gripped the remaining jars firmly. "This is a serious experiment! Let me finish."


    "Why? What''s the point?"


    Nolwud urged, "To confirm that you''re actually communicating. To confirm that you''re not misinterpreting signals."


    "Which is another way of saying I''m insane?" I sneered. "You''re going to join the bandwagon?"


    Nolwud didn''t respond.


    "Where did the Technologist find you?" I put forth, annoyed and disconnected.


    I was flying in the field of yellow, said the dragonfly. There''s yellow and the yellow brings flies. I like to eat flies.


    I was looking for food, said the ant. The larvae must eat.


    "The dragonfly was in a yellow field," I remarked.


    "Yes, with dandelions," acknowledged Nolwud proudly. The inventor waited and eventually prodded, "And the ant?"


    "I''m able to speak to rational thinkers," I replied. "I don''t hear anything."


    I hated ants in any shape or form.


    "You can''t understand the ant?" Nolwud was incredulous. "But you ought to be able--"


    "I can''t understand the ant," I said firmly. Succinctly. End of discussion.


    I understand you, said the ant. I understand you well. You are the first creature I''ve ever understood that wasn''t one of my sisters. I''m very pleased to meet you.


    "Ants are intelligent," Nolwud argued.


    "No," I said. "Ants are stupid."


    Oh. The ant lowered her head.


    I like to eat ants, said the dragonfly. But don''t worry, I wouldn''t eat you.


    "You couldn''t eat me," I derided, slapping the side of the jar. Nolwud withdrew before we repeated the caterpillar mishap. "I would snap you like a twig."


    I don''t want to eat you, said the ant glumly. I want to find food for the larvae.


    "No," I said. "I honestly can''t."


    "Hm." The Technologist pondered, a great new theory formulating. "There must be a reason for that, an unanticipated outlier or cause. It goes against logic. You should be most capable of communicating with the ant."


    Me too, said the dragonfly.


    killed the worm," said the Technologist.


    "A caterpillar is not a worm," I responded.


    "Is it possible that the more advanced or similar the species," posed Nolwud, "the harder the communication? Does that make sense?"


    I shook my head. "I communicate and understand across all beings equally."


    "Really?" Nolwud gnawed at the knuckle. "Has it always been that way? What do you hear when you speak to Rott? Full sentences or impulses?"


    I preened. "Rott is a very verbose worm."


    Thank you, my liege, Rott meekly squeaked.


    "Is that what your ''university education'' taught you?"


    "Take your pick," I offered. "Except for Rott. Leave Rott."


    What about me, my liege?


    "The Technologist is going to rip someone open and poke about their brain."


    The gathered servants stopped abruptly and looked our way. Nolwud recognized their perception and hands flailed comically. The insects inside the jars cried out with surprise as they were jostled.


    "I didn''t say that!"


    I smirked. "Such a sadist, the Technologist. I never know quite where to put Nolwud on a morality scale. It''s ever changing."


    The inventor tried to insist otherwise. Turning to the nearest worm, Nolwud proclaimed, "I''m not going to hurt any of you!"


    "It makes sense, you know?" I leaned forward. "You''re nice to them, offering scraps, petting them, thanking them. It was a ploy to gain their trust. Very clever, Technologist. Very clever indeed."


    The inventor thanks us? Rott asked. This was the first he''d heard. He sounded touched.


    "Shut up," I said. "Not important."


    "Great," muttered Nolwud. "The worms hate me."


    "Yes," I beamed. If I said anything further, I''d reveal my deception. We both knew it. Nolwud glared.


    "They''ll come around," said Nolwud firmly. "They know your nature. They''ll figure this out."


    "In the meanwhile," I said, "You could focus your time on building the various devices I''ve tasked you with and stop wasting it on science experiments."


    "I thought you were managing the treasury, and the army, and surveying the lands, and running my kingdom, and everything except practicing science."


    "Your kingdom is in such rough shape," the Technologist began. "Someone has to take action. It''s obviously not going to be you."


    "Again with the same argument!" We both turned towards the pile of cushions. Painyll twirled his wrist above his head. "Oh, you can''t run your kingdom! Oh, you overstep your authority! It''s done. It''s over. I need new material or I think my inspiration will dry up!"


    "You enjoy my creations, my liege," countered Painyll. "You wouldn''t have made me your Royal Dramatist if you did not." For my hatred and dislike of the poet, I could not fault his skill. It wasn''t enough to save him from the brunt my ire. "I am unable to answer to my calling when around me there is an uninspired routine and repetition."


    me."


    anything!" He pulled a face and placed a hand over his eyes, shielding them from our gazes. "My opinion of the female sex is abyssmal! I completely loathe them."


    full of them."


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    "I hate everyone equally," I asserted.


    "No," I said. "The notion of you having a successor is a joke."


    "Would your successor be the same as you?" asked Nolwud.


    Painyll fancied the idea. His features lit up. "I hadn''t dreamed of such a thing. Perhaps. How strange and foreign that would be. I haven''t known anyone else like me. "


    "There''s a good reason for that," I remarked.


    "I don''t think we''re going to find another like him," said Nolwud to me, half under breath.


    I gave the Technologist an incredulous look. Was the inventor going along with this? "Painyll isn''t getting a successor."


    Nolwud shrugged. "Why not?"


    "Why not?" I sputtered. "Do you think I want more mouths running about my palace?" I reiterated, "If he wants a successor, he''s capable of breeding!"


    I will not do it!"


    "If you want to piss off Fourmikari," Nolwud insisted. "Give Painyll a successor. Like he says, it isn''t done. It''s an affront to everything and they won''t know how to respond."


    "Do you want to start walking around naked too?" I mocked. I gestured facetiously. "Do you want to start unpinching? Perhaps we should forgo the security systems and invite Chidsey in if we''re disregarding common practices all together." I slipped from my throne, dropping horizontal on the platform floor for emphasis. "Crawl around like the ant in your jar. Is that what you want, Nolwud? Is that what science wants?"


    forward, not back. It would show that you''re not bound by tradition." The Technologist pointed westward. "By now, they''ve received our missive. If Painyll has a successor here, in your court, we can use that to delay further. It''s ideal for our purposes and your misplaced sense of outrage is going to cost you."


    "I don''t want to go to Fourmikari," said Painyll forlornly. "I came here for sanctuary." To me, he beseeched, "You said you would destroy them. Why haven''t you?"


    plane shifter."


    Nolwud said nothing. The inventor cradled the jars, massaging away an oncoming migraine.


    My liege, said Rott timidly, uncertain if it was proper to join the discussion. What about a worm raised as a successor?


    "Yes," I derided. "That''s what Painyll wants." To the poet, I called, "Rott has offered you a worm companion. Isn''t that nice?"


    Painyll was not interested. "Revolting! There are too many worms as it is!"


    "Your offer was declined," I said. Then, "I don''t see why we''re worried about getting Painyll anything. He ought to be grateful to stay here." I smiled sweetly and directed it to the sack of fluid. "Don''t I keep you safe, Dramatist?"


    "Well--"


    "Don''t I drive off the ones tracking you across the land?"


    "A successor," I scoffed anew. "To be trained as a fledgling poet, I suppose?"


    "It is my specialty," said Painyll with pride.


    "Where would this successor come from?" I mocked. "Even if I were to take part in your farce, you imagine I can send Nolwud into Fourmikari and procure one for a hundred phids?"


    "Certainly. That''s--" Painyll realized the ridiculousness of the request as he spoke. He frowned. "No, I don''t suppose that would work."


    "Fourmikari is fresh out of purchasable offspring," I lamented sarcastically. "Lucky for you, Nolwud is from far away and can procure one from the vassals there." I shot Nolwud a glance. "Can''t you? I''ll throw in another hundred phids to ensure that our dear Painyll isn''t suffering in his solitude." I added a barbed, "No loathsome females, please."


    "Absolutely not," I quipped. "You''re building me electric traps and then you''re building a plane shifter. You''ll go to your kingdom when I say you go to your kingdom!"


    "Come, Rott," I collected the annelid. "I''m done with this." Scooping up my constant companion, I opened a portal and stepped away.


    "Fourmikari!" blustered Painyll, bristling with indignation. "You cannot trust everything you hear in Fourmikari."


    "I can imagine."


    "But," said Painyll, "in answer to your inquiry, Nova was lovely. I enjoyed Nova immensely."


    "What did you like best about it?"


    Painyll mused. "Why, the food, of course! To keep the productivity going as long as possible, they produced a variety of syrups to distribute amongst the farm houses. For someone like me who was not involved in that process, it was a tremendous luxury to have such variety at my disposal. Revergnols would bring me my fill at night." He elaborated, "I was kept and housed in an unused cottage that no longer stands. Anything I desired was procured for me and I was escorted when I deigned to observe the ongoing work."


    Nolwud''s head tilted. "You took an interest in the work? You weren''t concerned?"


    "About what?" chuckled the Dramatist. "There was nothing they could have done to me. They were at the end of their lives. Most of them couldn''t even feed without assistance. Revergnols was very thorough. Everyone was kept on a tight schedule. Many couldn''t keep up and they were replaced." A wistful sigh. "Nova was Fourmikari''s solution to an epidemic that might have ravaged another society."


    "Yes," said the inventor with hesitation. "We''ve never considered it in my former land." The inventor gnawed. "Homogeneity isn''t important."


    "And if I did?"


    Painyll tittered on. "Why, you''d be no better than that worm food from yesterday." He rolled onto his back. "My liege Lordavis is best suited to carry on Revergnol''s efforts. I am wholly convinced." He clarified, "Looking after me, of course. That''s all I mean."


    I was not my predessor''s replacement. I folded my arms and listened further.


    "Revergnols protected you?" Nolwud prodded. "Then why did you leave?"


    "Nova wasn''t enough," Painyll said. "Oh, it was one thing to keep me here. It was another to deny Fourmikari access. By rights, Nova swore fealty to Fourmikari. It was the reason Revergnols was granted the land and made ruler of the expanse."


    "Were you and Revergnols close?"


    "I was exempt from the expectations of those who lived and worked in Nova, if that''s what you mean." Painyll clacked his jaw. "You''re not capable of understanding love to the extent that I do, Technologist Nolwud. It''s not your fault. Revergnols was the same way. But, in as much as those lacking the capacity to do so can, Revergnols loved me and cherished me." After a moment''s thought, he amended, "Well, Revergnols liked my poetry and that was good enough."


    Nolwud ruminated. "I was told Revergnols and Lordavis aren''t that different in personality."


    "I disagree immensely," said Painyll. "Revergnols was a calculating ruler and an efficient tyrant capable of extraordinary yields. My liege Lordavis is... well, you know as well as I." Painyll sighed. "Really, the greatest flaw Revergnols possessed was loyalty to Fourmikari. Without that, a ruler without peer."


    Nolwud was blunt. "I was told Revergnols worked the subjects of Nova to death."


    "You say one thing, I say another," lilted Painyll. "Or rather, the people of Fourmikari say one thing. Did any of them complain when Nova was providing?" A scoff. "It''s the bitterness of going without. It was a minor inconvenience at the time. It''s easier to villainize the dead."


    My liege? whispered Rott. There wasn''t a need. His voice went unheard despite its volume. Aren''t we going to go back in?


    "No," I replied. "I think we''ll take another walk."

 Chapter 12: In which a champion stops by and a lake mystery proves to be something more

    I tipped my head and grinned broadly. Gallivur''s eyes slowly raised as the champion glared up from the dirt. Striding with a skip in my step, I declared, "Why, Gallivur! What an unexpected surprise!"


    "What is the meaning of this, Lordavis?" A spasm, uncontrolled. "Since when do you have electric trees?"


    "You like them?" I preened. I spun on one foot in a playful circle. "They''re new. "


    Gallivur shed some of the shock. The champion crawled up slowly, placing a hand on a knee for extra support. "The work of your Royal Technologist, no doubt."


    my command."


    "I will have to deal with the Technologist as well," remarked the champion with grim determination.


    Gallivur had arrived mid-afternoon several days after Nolwud''s missive was sent to Fourmikari. I was disappointed by the delay. By my reckoning, Gallivur should have come earlier, incised and looking for trouble. I was relieved when my ring flashed and the champion appeared in projection. Gallivur learned what it meant to wander carelessly through the Kingdom of Ever-Worms. It wasn''t the same simple stroll that had come to be expected. Unfortunately, on account of the change, Nolwud was proving more popular than I was. I couldn''t have that.


    "Why bother?" I sneered. "The Technologist isn''t a threat." I folded my hands behind my back. "I''m sure you must be horrified."


    Gallivur gave me a look. "About what, exactly? That you have a Technologist? I''m baffled, not horrified. You killed your subjects. Since when do you seek the company of others?"


    "No, not about that," I snapped. "I''m not talking about Nolwud!"


    Gallivur continued to fixate. "I''m not familiar with the name ''Nolwud''? Does your Technologist come from a different lineage?"


    "It''s the inventor," I said. "The one I stabbed."


    "Oh." There was recognition. "The one from across the sea. I understand." With a moment''s reflection, "Wait, that one? But you stabbed--"


    "I know," I said.


    "...with you? In your court?"


    "We had to discuss the contents of your missive," said Gallivur.


    exactly what I mean."


    Gallivur''s head shook. "I honestly have no idea what you''re talking about."


    "I murdered your prisoner. Last week," I declared. Gallivur did not react. "I used a laser scepter to..." A blank stare. "I left my name. I cut it into the wall."


    "That was your name?" Gallivur dismissed. "That wasn''t even a word. We assumed it was, you know. Related to other things."


    My mood dropped. "I did that. Me."


    "This missive you sent Fourmikari," Gallivur produced Nolwud''s marble. It took several flicks before the floating message appeared. "Is it right?"


    "Right. Who''s dead and no longer of any use to the Delvers. Anyhow, the missive?"


    I seethed.


    "Is it right?"


    I forced my sourness away. I adopted an amicable mien."Oh, yes. I have him in my clutches."


    I laughed maniacally. "Show you? But Gallivur, why would I show you? This is the perfect chance to kill you."


    "You won''t," said Gallivur dryly, "because then I won''t tell anyone you''re responsible for the murder at the Delvers'' nest." A statement of fact. A given. I hated it.


    I can kill you whenever I want!"


    Gallivur smirked. "Without an audience?"


    I seethed anew.


    "Show me this prisoner," coaxed Gallivur. "Do you have him at the palace?"


    I would use what power I had left over the situation. "At the palace? Who''s to say? I don''t remember agreeing to tell you anything."


    "Lordavis, I was sent today to confirm the contents of your missive. I can just as easily return to Fourmikari, brand you a lying braggart, and disregard your confession. Do you want that?" To drive the point further, "I thought my nemesis was worthy of my time. Maybe I should go after someone else."


    "Then go after them," I jeered.


    "You think I won''t?" Gallivur countered.


    "What are you doing here?" Nolwud joined me at my side. I hadn''t seen the inventor all morning. Allegedly, the Technologist was out installing more shock devices. "Go away."


    "''My liege''?" echoed Gallivur with a gag.


    "Champion Gallivur," said Nolwud as if granted authority. "The terms were clear. If you would like an audience with the Royal Dramatist, it will cost you five-thousand phids."


    I did a double take. "What?"


    "Five-thousand phids?" I reiterated.


    Nolwud waggled a hand and pulled a face. "Ooo. Well, I consider any interaction close enough to confirm Painyll''s identity an audience. Don''t you, my liege?"


    "Fourmikari isn''t going to pay you a single phid, Lordavis," said Gallivur.


    "Then I guess you''re going to have to fight me." I grinned, summoning black miasmas of energy that traveled up my arms. "Because I''m not going to let you take another step into my kingdom. I will strike you down where you stand, Champion!"


    "Ten-thousand?" cried Gallivur. "It was five. You said five."


    "If you read the missive, it states that an audience with Painyll starts at five-thousand but will double with each subsequent request. The next time you come back for the Royal Dramatist, it will be ten-thousand phids. The time after that, twenty-thousand phids. The time after that, forty-thousand phids, and so on. Basic math, Champion. Do you need a refresher?"


    "Ten-thousand phids," repeated Gallivur, ignoring me. "You give your word I''ll be granted an audience?"


    "Certainly," said Nolwud.


    "I''ll be back." Gallivur turned away, moving in the direction of Fourmikari without another thought.


    I called after the retreating champion. "Where are you going? FIGHT ME!" I made to pursue and found Nolwud had taken hold of my cape. I yanked the cloth free.


    "Let Gallivur go. This is for the best."


    "Don''t you tell me what''s best," I snapped.


    Nolwud was smug. "I bet you''re wondering how I found you."


    I wasn''t going to praise the inventor or the interference. "Obviously your new system has beacons of its own."


    "Ah." Nolwud frowned. "Yes, well, exactly. I was right over the hill, and you were nearby, and I thought I''d come and help with the situation." The inventor gestured. "Since you''re out here already, you can see all the progress I''ve made. I''ve got most of High Hill rigged. Tomorrow, I''m thinking of finishing up the Marketplace. I''m happy they''re working as they''re supposed to. I bet Gallivur was surprised! What do you think, my liege? Are you content, having seen the new system in action?"


    "I don''t care," I said bitterly, dropping to the dirt in a cross-legged pout. "You ruined everything."


    Nolwud glanced around, trying to discern what had been missed. My unhappiness seemed uncalled for. "I did? How?"


    "I was dealing with Gallivur!"


    A long sigh. "You are obsessed with Gallivur."


    "I had it under control!"


    "You were bickering," said Nolwud. "It wasn''t productive."


    "I''ll decide what''s productive," I said. "It''s my kingdom!"


    Nolwud''s hands clapped together. "In the interests of forgoing another circular argument, why don''t I offer my sincere apologies and we move on?"


    When I felt a sufficient amount of groveling had been achieved, the Technologist led me through the vicinity. Nolwud indicated the various locations wired with electricity and shared thoughts on other improvements. There was a real fervor for pit traps, the point of which I didn''t immediately comprehend. A pit trap was useless, an inconvenience at most. No one stayed in a pit trap.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "My liege," said Nolwud, "we would line the walls in sap. You''ve got a forest of evergreen and a thick layer should be enough to hold most in place until you could get to them. It wouldn''t deter them forever, though it would send a message." When I was not entirely sold, the inventor added, "And we can put electrical shocks at the bottom and see that they''re subjected to a continuous bolt as long as they are in the pit."


    "Yes," I said. "I want that."


    We had completed our trek through the immediate area and were on the path back to the palace when a small voice chirped, Shall I tell you a secret? Would you like to hear a secret? I lifted my gaze. Two dragonflies huddled close on a branch three meters from the ground.


    I would like to hear a secret, said the second dragonfly. Tell me a secret?


    There is a pile of dead worms to the east, said the first dragonfly. You will have to fly far, so very far, but they say there are many flies and beetles to eat. I heard about it. Don''t tell anyone.


    Why aren''t you there? wondered the second. Why don''t you fly very far?


    Worms come to eat us. They kill the worms. There weren''t enough dead worms between the live worms. By now, they say  the walls of the dead outmatch the threat of the living. It will be safe for us.


    "Where are these dead worms?" I interjected, cutting into the conversation.. The dragonflies shrieked in surprise and flew upwards.


    "My liege?" Nolwud turned to me with slight confusion. No matter.


    "Where are the dead worms?" inquired again with more force.


    One dragonfly came lower. To the east. Where the trees met the water."


    I called forth a portal. Nolwud ran to me as I began to step through. "Where are you going?"


    "To look into a matter."


    "Dead worms," said the Technologist, gleaning from eavesdropping. "I''ll go with you. Where are they?"


    "See if you can find your way," I jeered and closed the portal behind me.


    My liege, said the worm. Stay away from the water.


    No, my liege. They come in swarms. They have sharp swords.


    I frowned. "From where? How many?"


    The water. There are many. I can''t tell you a number. A small militia.


    A large mound of dirt had been pushed aside. Beneath it, a burrowed opening six meters wide. It sloped gradually as it dropped beneath the earth. It was not quite two meters high, though I was able to walk upright and keep from dragging along the ceiling for most of the trek. After an initial drop, it leveled out and the passage increased in size.


    It did not take long to arrive at the center of the burrow.


    "We''re under construction," she elaborated, referencing the rough tunnels. "Don''t mind the appearance." Then, "Of course, most of this was to keep from your notice. Since you''re aware, we can probably go back to the surface. It''s musty down here and I miss the sun. Oh, but the nostalgia!"


    Get out," I said coolly.


    "I told you this was happening," said Chidsey with a laugh. "I said I was going to make use of the land you squander and there was nothing you could do about it."


    "I am going to fill this whole network with a sea of flames," I decreed.


    "You don''t want to do that," said Chidsey. "You might kill me."


    "Then I will call in the worms." There were alternatives. This was my homeland and I had the advantage. The worms were excellent burrowers.


    "Correct me if I''m wrong, magus," chortled Chidsey. "You''re here because I killed your worms. Your psychic connection or whatever told you something was amiss and you came to investigate." She folded her hands daintily across her lap. "I know. That was the idea." She emphasized, "I wanted to talk to you."


    "I have more worms at my disposal than you have bodies," I said. "If it''s to be a war of attrition, I will win."


    "I''m not interested," I answered.


    I turned away once more to disintegrate several underlings. They were swiftly replaced.


    "You have your palace," said Chidsey. "I envy you. You''ve got the better half of the bargain. We''re out here weathering the elements, contending with nasty worms. Do you think you could move your worms? Maybe about fifty kilometers back your way?" She tapped her jaw. "They''re putting a real crimp in our efforts here."


    I redoubled my efforts. I dragged a line of lightning through the throngs, dispatching a decent quantity. They were replaced but not as swiftly. Progress.


    sell us out, but something tells me you''d rather deal with us yourself than bow to Fourmikari."


    leaving.


    "Lordavis, Lordavis, what will I do with you?"


    "I might not be able to kill you," I said, lowering my arms. "I can make you wish I had."


    Chidsey cooed. "Taking a page from Revergnols?"


    I folded my arms behind me and approached the settle with aped gaiety. "Revergnols will seem kind and forgiving compared to what I have in mind."


    The queen glanced from left to right to left again. She stroked her jaw. With her two fingers, she gestured for me to come close. "I have a piece of advice for you, Magus Lordavis of Nova."


    "What is that?" I sauntered towards her. I would take my time. She could wait until I was ready.


    "I will tell you something that none of the others here will ever know. A secret between you and me." She leaned close and I leaned in. "The truth of the matter, Lordavis, is that you never stood a chance."


    GEH!"


    This is how you do it," she called loudly to everyone in the chamber. "Nova is ours."


    A collective cheer echoed. I had many things I wanted to say, none of them nice. I couldn''t move, much less unclench my jaw. I made my anger known through weak twitching and short sounds. Everything hurt.


    "Mm," I said in lieu of "Ow."

 Chapter 13: In which Magus Lordavis has no perspective

    ¡°Are you certain you''re not being ignored?¡± remarked Painyll from his pile of cushions. ¡°It seems to me the sort of thing my liege Lordavis would do.¡± He plucked a handful of raisins from a nearby dish and shoved them into his jaws. Many toppled down the front of his highly patterned housecoat, ill fitting and borrowed from Revergnols'' collection. Painyll had been making a habit of wearing the previous ruler''s attire despite their obvious size differences. As Lordavis never commented, the poet assumed it went unnoticed or, more likely, the magus didn''t care. Lordavis didn''t hold the predecessor in high regard and was more likely to view the clothes as unwanted leftovers than anything sentimental. Painyll, on the other hand, thought the outfits were rather fetching and better stretched to the seams on his body than left collecting dust in a vestibule.¡°You remarked yourself the worms had gone. My liege Lordavis commands the worms.¡±


    Nolwud gnawed on dark knuckles, pacing the perimeter of the throne room, dragging a shoulder where there was a wall and stepping away when windows appeared. ¡°I don''t think so,¡± said the inventor. ¡°It''s like they were called away.¡±


    ¡°By my liege Lordavis,¡± replied Painyll, picking at the stray raisins. ¡°You said there was talk of dead worms? Maybe they''re sick and being put to pasture.¡± He sighed wistfully. ¡°One can always hope.¡±


    ¡°No, it wasn''t like that.¡± The Technologist paused, switching knuckles. The grinding sound of the mandible on the joint intensified. ¡°I''d liken it to a wave of cockroaches abandoning a sinking ship.¡±


    ¡°You''re worried,¡± observed the poet. ¡°I didn''t think you were that fond of my liege.¡±


    ¡°I don''t dislike Lordavis,¡± said Nolwud defensively. ¡°Do I think Lordavis is a good person? No. Do I think Lordavis makes wise decisions? No. Do I think Lordavis has common decency? No.¡±


    ¡°But you don''t dislike my liege Lordavis,¡± mocked Painyll. ¡°Oh, yes. I see how it is.¡± He pulled out a sheet of parchment and, rolling onto his stomach, started to scribble. ¡°Those conflicting emotions! I used to feel that way towards Revergnols. Yes, my life was comfortable and well-tended, but on occasion, I wished I could traipse without my jailer''s consent. And the manner of work being done! Oh, it was simply awful when you thought about it. This is why I did not think about it, merely reveled in the poetry of pain. Yes, Revergnols could create such beautiful pain, from farmed to farmer. The literature I produced under Nova''s lock and key was some of my best.¡±


    Nolwud gave Painyll a pointed look. ¡°I''m not sure what you''re talking about. I''m saying that while I acknowledge Lordavis is full of faults, I''ve sworn my fealty to this kingdom and its ruler. I wouldn''t have done that if I didn''t see some merit in it. I don''t dislike Lordavis.¡±


    ¡°You''re soft,¡± said Painyll. ¡°I bet you''d be hard-pressed to hate anyone. The sort who cannot comprehend true hate.¡± He snickered. ¡°Also, I can''t imagine a worker-vassal like you wants to lose newfound title and prestige.¡± He leaned his head upon his arm. ¡°How swiftly you can climb the ranks when there isn''t another to compete with! I haven''t missed that, Technologist Nolwud.¡±


    ¡°It''s not only about that,¡± gnawed Nolwud. ¡°Lordavis is my patron. That''s the reason I came back. I need magic to complete my plane shifter. The two of us together should be able to further the advancement of science one-hundred fold.¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡± Painyll returned to writing. ¡°A pity, the delay this security system has caused.¡± Then, ¡°Get me something to drink.¡±


    Nolwud frowned. ¡°I thought we agreed to share equal rank.¡±


    Painyll lifted his head. ¡°You decided it. I''m not getting up. As there are no worms scooting about, one of us must go procure the beverage.¡± It was a task that fell to Nolwud whenever it was brought up, as did most tasks without the worms.


    Nolwud prudently did not draw attention to the guards. There was a chance that, if reminded of them, Painyll would used them to emphasize his authority. Instead, Nolwud sighed, ¡°Fine. Maybe I''ll stop by my lab on the way back and see if Lordavis hasn''t triggered a sensor.¡±


    There wasn''t any indication of activity. The likelihood had been slim. The inventor suspected that Lordavis had vanished into the largely unmonitored portion of land. Nolwud wasn''t entirely sure how to secure those areas when the time came. If there were, as the magus claimed, literal rivers of worms, it would be a nightmare configuring a means of preventing shocks to those other than trespassers. Perhaps, as Lordavis had asserted, the worms'' presence was more effective than any electrical system. That many worms? Who would tangle with those odds?


    Nolwud returned, bottle of wine in hand, and found Painyll absent from his pillows. As abruptly as the inventor''s eyes fell on the empty cushions, a pained, ¡°Stay away from me!¡± echoed from the other side of the throne platform. The Technologist shoved hand into pocket and rounded the elevated obstacle to find Painyll backed into a corner, his guards forming a barrier in front of him, and one familiar and agitated green worm bouncing back and forth just beyond the reach of glaives.


    ¡°Rott,¡± Nolwud said and the worm turned back. Swiftly, he slithered to Nolwud, encircling ankles excitedly.


    ¡°What a relief you showed up!¡± breathed Painyll. ¡°It came right at me. I had no idea what I was going to do! I keep finding them, you know? In my bed, in the bath,...¡±


    Nolwud crouched and Rott lunged, wrapping tightly around before dropping to the floor. The Technologist interpreted it as a grateful hug. ¡°What''s going on, Rott?¡±


    The worm didn''t indicate any understanding. He continued to dance about and dart urgently.


    ¡°I''ve been enjoying the lack of worms,¡± continued Painyll, ambling slowly back to his roost. ¡°I''ve slept better than I have since I arrived back in Nova.¡±


    Rott gripped the cloth at the shin of Nolwud''s trousers and tugged towards the windows. The Technologist allowed it, stating, ¡°Come get your wine. I think Rott wants me to go with him.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Painyll took stock and bemoaned, ¡°You''re going to leave me here?¡±


    ¡°I''ll be back,¡± said Nolwud. ¡°After I see what Rott wants.¡±


    ¡°Everyone leaves me,¡± lamented Painyll, crawling across the stone to retrieve the bottle. ¡°Why? Why must Painyll be forever abandoned? Why must his heart break at every turn? Why must--¡± He set the bottle aside, crawling swiftly to his parchment. ¡°There is a fine opening line¡ªWhy must the purest hearts break into the finest pieces? Poignant. I thank you, Technologist Nolwud. I can work with this.¡±


    Rott released Nolwud and jumped into the window sill. The inventor approached with wary curiosity. With a single flick of his head in the outwards direction, Rott disappeared over the edge. Nolwud rushed forward and found a gargantuan worm waiting a story down, not unlike the one that had eaten the winged magician whole. Both this new worm and Rott stared up expectantly. Rott gave another nod.


    ¡°I''m... going out,¡± Nolwud announced.


    ¡°Yes, do what you must,¡± dismissed Painyll, distracted by his work. ¡°I''m certain I can manage with what you''ve given me here. I will show you when I have finished.¡±


    Nolwud hoisted through the window and dropped to join Rott.. Rott spun in a circle and flattened his body into the squishy flesh of the monstrosity. He popped up, looking to Nolwud. The inventor considered, slowly lowered to knees, and gripped tightly onto the skin. Rott slipped away, sliding around the curve of the gigantic skull. Nolwud began to call out and rise but at once the massive beast set into motion. Nolwud held on for dear life.


    ¡°Fascinating!¡± exclaimed the inventor as the mount oscillated away at full speed.


    The trip lasted several hours. The scenery changed from formerly inhabited townscape and mountainous forest to festering plateaus. Conspicuously devoid of worms, their presence could be seen throughout. A multitude of holes, piles of blackened soil, an ever-lingering odor, and grooves worn into the rocks spoke to the sheer volume of annelids. Eventually, Nolwud caught sight of a conglomeration of worms, gathered together and undulating. The worms, billions lined upon billions, faced the same eastward direction. Nolwud studied their forms while being ferried past. It was an overwhelming sight. Small worms, smooth worms, spiky worms, worms the size of the one the Technologist rode, worms with orange spots, worms with fuzzy fur, each worm looked to the east with a stoic determination. Why? Nolwud''s mind was filled with that question. Why did they stare to the east with such fervor? What did it mean?


    When at last the long journey had ended and Nolwud was almost convinced it would continue indefinitely (was death a ride on the back of a worm?), Rott emerged from within the mount''s mouth. As the massive worm lowered his head to facilitate dismount, the smaller worm once again spun in circles. The nearby worms turned from their vigilant watch and gazed upon the Technologist with large eyes and blank expressions.


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    ¡°Ah, uh, hello,¡± said Nolwud, nervous and unsure. ¡°I''m, uhm, here with Rott.¡±


    Rott, the inventor noted, moved with gestures almost imperceptive. The other worms appeared to listen to the silent conversation. Oh, mused the inventor. He''s introducing me. Then, I hope.


    To Nolwud''s relief, the other worms rushed, offering similar hugs of gratitude. The Technologist let out a sigh. The new collection of worms behaved much like Rott and corralled the inventor along behind a thick wall of their kin, several meters high. Walking along a short distance, the party unexpectedly halted. Rott tapped into the knit of worms. The ropey creatures moved aside, allowing a small opening to act as aperture. Nolwud peered through.


    On the other side, in the fading light of the day, a disgusting-looking lake reflected the last of the sun''s rays. Notable, however, was a collection of nude individuals with an arsenal of blades. They hacked through the worms that came at them, slicing with ease. Nolwud turned to the worms. ¡°If you attack at once, there''s no way you can be stopped.¡±


    The worms stared vacantly.


    Nolwud''s head tipped back. Naturally, military tactics were not in the forefront of a worm''s brain. They behaved according to instinct when not guided otherwise. Would that the worms could understand as they did Lordavis. It wasn''t a difficult solution. Nolwud gnawed upon knuckle and ruminated further. Why were the worms here? Why drag the inventor out? Why not beseech--


    ¡°Lordavis,¡± Nolwud realized. The Technologist considered the naked attackers again. It was unlikely the magus had fallen to them. Even unpinched, Nolwud doubted Lordavis couldn''t dispatch them with a fire spell. Lordavis''s magical bent was destructively efficient and versatile. Nolwud''s finger tapped jaw. Pointing softly, the inventor indicated the woods in the background, largely absent since leaving the fallen town, and said, ¡°They must be somewhere back there. That''s the only place with cover.¡±


    Again, the worms did not respond.


    Exasperated, ¡°Follow me.¡±


    Nolwud crawled along, abandoning the gathering of worms and inching forward, belly dragging on the ground. Three worms, Rott noticeably not among them, crept behind, mimicking behavior. Rounding the crest of the lake''s banks, Nolwud heard one stranger remark to the other, ¡°Do you think we''ll ever get all of them?¡±


    ¡°I don''t know. They keep coming.¡±


    ¡°There''s got to be a limit though, right?¡±


    ¡°How should I know?¡± Then, ¡°Just keep chopping until the next watch comes.¡±


    The number of forms increased as Nolwud and the worms moved into the treeline. The inventor pulled spheres from pocket and counted the small orbs. ¡°I have six,¡± stated the inventor. ¡°We have to be careful and use them sparingly.¡±


    The worms wriggled forward, unaffected by the statement.


    Nolwud posted behind a tree and watched. Following their patrols (lax, the inventor noted, probably because they expected worms and no one else), the Technologist came to a burrow in the ground with a wide opening, wide enough for several bipeds of average height to pass through easily. There was no question this was the stronghold. But what to do next?


    The worms didn''t understand. They couldn''t be asked to dig in. Optimistically, Nolwud tried to point, to indicate to the gathered worms the importance of the burrow. They waited attentively and did nothing. Nolwud sighed. Without their cooperation, the only thing the inventor had were the spheres. Without knowing how many awaited within, nor how deep it went, it seemed foolhardy to rely on the limited technology. Unless there was another way...


    ¡°I can''t believe I''m doing this,¡± grumbled the Technologist, pulling clothes over head. Trousers were shed and spectacles set daintily on top of the neatly folded garments. The worms gazed on with confusion. Grabbing handfuls of dirt and surrounding debris, Nolwud scrubbed until the soil buried any notable features in a vague layer of grime. Four spheres were palmed as the Technologist let out one last sigh. Stepping forward, Nolwud ambled towards the burrow entrance with forced confidence.


    A party of two sat beside the opening. They inspected with heavy scrutiny. Nolwud feared the plan had imploded before it had even gotten off the ground. To die while completely naked! That would be the way of things, wouldn''t it? Perhaps it wasn''t too late to abandon the whole thing.


    ¡°Wow,¡± said one. ¡°You must really hate the worms.¡±


    ¡°You''re covered in their scent,¡± said the other. ¡°I can''t smell anything else. You must have gotten deep into the thick of it.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha!¡± laughed the inventor. ¡°You know it! Stab, stab, stab! Kill all the worms! That''s me!¡±


    ¡°That''s a great scar you got,¡± the second remarked, admiring the Technologist''s back. ¡°I hope you wear it with pride!¡±


    ¡°Oh, naturally,¡± beamed Nolwud, smile faltering.


    Pleasantries exchanged, Nolwud moved deeper, escaping further scrutiny with the same fortune. As with the worms outside, the number of undressed underlings inside the burrow was staggering. New tunnels were being constructed, diggers working hard to accommodate. Nolwud moved quickly to prevent appearing untasked and out of place. As the inventor passed by, one voice nearby asked, ¡°So, what do you think about that prophecy? You think there''s any truth to it?¡±


    Nolwud turned, mistaking the addressee. A different individual barked a quick, ¡°Whether or not it''s true, Queen Chidsey will be angry if you let the magus die.¡±


    ¡°What if she didn''t know it was me?¡±


    ¡°She''ll know when the world ends.¡±


    ¡°But that''s the thing,¡± said the first. ¡°What if the world doesn''t end? What if it''s nonsense? What if we''re going through the motions for no reason?¡± Leaning against the tunnel wall to inspect a sword, the individual continued. ¡°Think about it. It''s a brilliant move. You''re the lone ruler of a decent chunk of land. How do you keep the assassins off you? Boom. You get everyone on board with the notion that your death is their death.¡±


    ¡°I heard the prophecy existed before Lordavis became ruler,¡± a new lackey said, stepping into the conversation. Having stopped already to listen, Nolwud drifted into the conversation, as it appeared the natural response. ¡°The old ruler started it.¡±


    ¡°But does that make it true?¡±


    ¡°I''ve heard the scratching,¡± a fourth from behind Nolwud said, maneuvering around the inventor without taking note of the stranger. The others regarded the comment with varying levels of disbelief.


    ¡°You did not!¡±


    ¡°When?¡±


    ¡°I swear, I did,¡± said the fourth. ¡°It was my turn to look after the magus and I was curious, you know?¡±


    ¡°I didn''t hear anything,¡± the third insisted. ¡°I listened too.¡±


    ¡°I can''t believe you''re listening for scratching,¡± scoffed the first. ¡°You''re superstitious fools, that''s what you are.¡±


    ¡°Queen Chidsey believes it,¡± said the fourth.


    ¡°Queen Chidsey doesn''t want to take any chances,¡± asserted the second. ¡°That doesn''t mean she believes it.¡±


    ¡°Can you show me?¡± Nolwud interrupted. Eyes all fell upon the inventor. Stammering, Nolwud mumbled, ¡°T-the scratching. I want to hear it.¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡± The second individual leaned close. ¡°You smell like worms.¡±


    ¡°You don''t look right,¡± said the third. ¡°Does anyone else think there''s something different about this one?¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡± the second one demanded once more.


    ¡°My name is Nolwud,¡± blubbered the Technologist, unable to think of anything better.


    ¡°That''s not a number,¡± said the first, lifting swords. Recognizing the fault in deception, the inventor backpedaled in an attempt to remain in one piece.


    ¡°A ''Nolwud'' is a number that doesn''t have value,¡± the Technologist lied. ¡°I''ve been told I have no value so I shouldn''t be granted a number with one.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± The weapons lowered. ¡°You''re one of those.¡±


    ¡°No wonder they didn''t give you any swords,¡± said the third with a snort. ¡°No-value.¡±


    ¡°I, uh, do what I can with what I''ve got,¡± said Nolwud.


    The fourth individual slapped the Technologist on the back. ¡°You want to listen to the magus and see if you can hear the scratching too?¡±


    ¡°There''s nothing to hear,¡± said the third.


    ¡°We''ll see about that,¡± jeered the fourth. ¡°If no-value Nolwud can hear it, what does that say about you?¡±


    Nolwud acted familiar with the layout while subtly allowing the other to lead. They passed through a large open chamber where, in the rear of the room, a large settle occupied by a large figure sat. The Technologist didn''t tarry, keeping pace with the other and following dutifully until they arrived in a small room occupied only by the limp and motionless Lordavis. There were no restraints on the magus, clearly unnecessary with the state the ruler was in. The naked interloper collected the magus, hoisted up, and offered to Nolwud. ¡°Listen. Tell me what you hear.¡±


    Nolwud looked to the magus, looked at the other, then looked back Lordavis. ¡°I''m not sure that''s a good idea.¡±


    ¡°Come on,¡± said the eager stranger. ¡°You asked.¡±


    Nolwud considered then motioned downwards. ¡°Get away from the magus. You might try to trick me. I want to hear for myself.¡±


    The nudist, slightly offended, lowered Lordavis to the floor. Nolwud dropped a sphere and retreated into the tunnel as a bubble of electricity emanated throughout the room. Both the unwitting guide and Lordavis were caught in the blast, the latter Nolwud doubted would be any worse for it. As the electric pulse sizzled away, Nolwud rushed in, collected Lordavis, and disappeared further down the burrow.


    The Technologist sincerely hoped the magus could be revived.

 Chapter 14: In which a variety of bedside chats occur

    ¡°Lordavis!¡± a faraway voice called. ¡°Lordavis, wake up!¡±


    I disliked it. Even with its distance, I felt as though it was too loud. My head burned. I wanted to sleep. I didn''t want to be told what to do. Whoever it was, they had the wrong Lordavis.


    It came again, this time with a slap across my features. I roused, dimly, and nearly toppled out of an embrace. ¡°What?¡±


    A blurry face peered back. I couldn''t discern any features and I wasn''t going to try. ¡°You''re awake. Good. You have to get us out of here.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I said again.


    ¡°I came to rescue you,¡± said the face.


    Rescue me? Was I in need of rescuing? I didn''t think I needed a rescue. I couldn''t remember and I couldn''t make sense of the statement. I responded with, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Oh no,¡± replied the face with resignation.


    ¡°I don''t...rescue...what,¡± I mumbled, lulling back and letting the searing darkness have its way with me.


    ¡°No. No, no, no, no, no.¡± I was jostled, slapped, and called for some more. ¡°Lordavis, you have to wake up. We''re in trouble."


    ¡°Mm,¡± I said. Good for us, whatever that meant.


    ¡°I should have left you there,¡± fretted the face, or so I assumed, as it was the same voice and I had stopped looking. ¡°Maybe I could have come back with the worms. I wasn''t thinking clearly. I might have figured out some way to communicate.¡± Then, ¡°You have to help. We''re going to die. There''s so many of them! They all have swords.¡±


    ¡°I can''t die,¡± I mumbled with amusement. ¡°That would be bad.¡±


    ¡°They''ll have no problem killing me.¡±


    ¡°Hm.¡± It was nice on the edge of sleep. I liked the warm feeling. It almost negated the burning.


    ¡°You need to get us out of here,¡± the face tried again, shaking me. ¡°Do that thing where you go from one place to another.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    ¡°I''m serious. If they haven''t already discovered you''re gone, they''ll discover it--¡±


    ¡°FIND THEM!¡± That wasn''t the face. It sounded even further away. Very angry. Very angry indeed. ¡°DO NOT LET THE MAGUS ESCAPE!¡±


    ¡°Oh no,¡± the face whined again.


    I chuckled. The notion of keeping me from escaping, whatever the circumstance, was humorous. ¡°I can go where''er I want.¡±


    ¡°That sounds like a great idea,¡± insisted the face. I felt like I was floating. ¡°How about we do that? How about you get us out of here?" Here? Where was here? I was nowhere. I was fine with it. Nowhere didn''t bother me any. The face entreated, "Or maybe call in the worms?¡±


    ¡°I have lots of worms,¡± I confirmed.


    ¡°Show me?¡± tried the face. We stopped moving with a curse.


    ¡°THERE THEY ARE!¡± followed by a din of muffled shouts. We regained our speed. How curious it was to float without any effort.


    ¡°What?¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°Showmeyourworms!¡± It was garbled and sharp. I didn''t like it.


    ¡°What?¡±


    There was nothing more. I nearly drifted back into unconsciousness when the face said, ¡°I think Rott''s missing. You should reach out to Rott.¡±


    ¡°Rott''s not missing,¡± I said.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± needled the face.


    ¡°S''not missing,¡± I replied. Blearily, I looked around. I saw brown and no worms. With annoyance and more energy than I felt I had, I called, ¡°Rott! Where are you?¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± came the rapid response. ¡°Keep doing that. Try the others. See if they know where Rott is.¡±


    ¡°Rott,¡± I called again, grumbling and rubbing my forehead. This was too much. I wanted to sleep. ¡°Rott, come here.¡±


    ¡°More.¡±


    ¡°''s enough,¡± I said. ¡°He''s hiding.¡±


    ¡°Keep calling,¡± urged the face with a squeeze. ¡°Please keep calling. Please keep calling.¡±


    ¡°Rott,¡± I shouted with the last of my strength. ¡°Come here!¡±


    I sunk back into darkness as the world around me shook. It was too much to stay awake. Everything seared with a hot burning sensation that only truly left when I gave into my fatigue. I gladly returned to slumber and did not pay any further mind to the face or the voices.


    I awoke feeling astronomically sluggish and weak. I lay in my bed, staring up at the ceiling, the same ceiling I saw every morning when I rose. Except I didn''t feel as though I could rise. There was a weight upon my chest and shifting enough to regard it nearly sent me back to sleep. Rott, curled into a ball, blinked and looked at me. There was tremendous enthusiasm in his voice as he cried, My liege! You''re awake!


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    The worm wrapped around me and continued his sappiness. You were gone! We didn''t know what to do!


    ¡°Gone?¡± I couldn''t make sense of the notion. ¡°Where had I gone?¡±


    Queen Chidsey had you! She set up camp in the Kingdom of Ever-Worms.


    ¡°What?¡± I was incredulous. ¡°No, she hasn''t. I told her--¡± Vague memories returned. I cursed emphatically. ¡°I''m going to deal with her.¡± I attempted to push up and found it a struggle.


    You can''t! insisted Rott. You''re still recovering.


    ¡°I''ll be fine,¡± I said and collapsed onto my back. Chidsey would know what it meant to cross me as soon as I found my second wind. Rott slid off my belly and disappeared down the corridor. I had a sinking suspicion I knew what was next.


    Nolwud poked a head through the doorway. ¡°Shaking it off?¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± I draped an arm over my eyes. Rott, accompanying the inventor, hoisted himself back on the bed and nestled beside my head.


    ¡°She got you good.¡± The blankets were pushed aside as my bandaged abdomen was exposed. ¡°I wasn''t sure if it required a doctor or healer.¡±


    ¡°Tell me you didn''t call one,¡± I said.


    ¡°I didn''t,¡± assured Nolwud. ¡°Only because you didn''t seem to be getting worse. I figured if you were removed from the source, you''d probably recover.¡± Then, ¡°It''s been about a week.¡±


    ¡°A week?¡±


    ¡°Since you left.¡± The Technologist held up fingers. ¡°About two days to find you and another five recovering.¡±


    ¡°I remember stinging,¡± I related.


    Nolwud''s hands clapped. ¡°Yes. I guess they weren''t trying to kill you, which is fortunate. I, uh, had to go in and get you. That was...an ordeal.¡±


    ¡°How''d you manage that?¡± I slurred rather more than I intended.


    ¡°Rott came to retrieve me. You really ought to be thanking him. I just, you know, went in and...¡± The Technologist trailed off. ¡°You were in a bad way. Completely out of it.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± I wasn''t interested in hearing the dumb things I did under the influence of the toxin.


    ¡°But, uhm, yeah, so you called in the worms,¡± Nolwud continued. ¡°And they came. And, well, you were out of it, like I said...¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± I said, uncertain where this was going.


    ¡°My liege,¡± said Nolwud. ¡°They went all out when they realized what had happened. They indiscriminately attacked everyone except you and I.¡±


    I tiled my head. ¡°I see.¡± I was disappointed to have missed the slaughter.


    ¡°I tried to rouse you but it didn''t work and I can''t communicate with them.¡±


    I frowned. ¡°Did they kill Chidsey?¡± I looked to Rott. ¡°Did you kill Chidsey?¡±


    ¡°I don''t know, my liege,¡± both worm and inventor answered in unison.


    ¡°That would be bad,¡± I said, feeling a strange nostalgia in the phrasing. ¡°That would be quite bad.¡±


    The Technologist paced the room. ¡°I was going to suggest that, if you''re up to it, we could go investigate the burrow site. It''s collapsed now, the worms annihilated it, but we might be able to dig through and see what we can find. However, it doesn''t appear you''re fully healed and-¡±


    ¡°I''m healed,¡± I asserted, trying to sit up again. I managed it this time and felt pretty triumphant.


    ¡°...and,¡± Nolwud remarked, ¡°Gallivur is on the way.¡±


    I shook the clouds from my head. ¡°What?¡±


    Nolwud shrugged sheepishly. ¡°I said Gallivur is on the way. With ten-thousand phids. To see Painyll.¡± Then, ¡°Fourmikari sent word while you were sleeping.¡±


    I swung my legs over the edge of the mattress. That changed everything. ¡°If Gallivur is on the way, I must go greet-¡±


    ¡°I''m not saying this to be contrary,¡± Nolwud interjected. ¡°But you don''t look up to it, my liege.¡±


    I sneered. ¡°I''m always up to dealing with Gallivur. In fact, that news has made me feel better.¡±


    Nolwud tapped upon jaw. ¡°Let me think on it, my liege.¡±


    ¡°There''s nothing for you to think on,¡± I said snidely. ¡°It''s my decision. It''s my kingdom.¡± The sooner the inventor understood that, the better.


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    ¡°Would you like some water?¡± Nolwud offered, a glass in hand. I had somehow neglected to notice it. ¡°You must be parched.¡±


    I awoke to the sound of my chamber door creaking open. Already facing towards it, I was startled to see Gallivur walking through. The champion rapped on the wood as well as stated, ¡°Knock knock. How are you feeling?¡±


    I should have been up and out of bed. The sluggishness had returned with a vengeance. I stared dumbfounded. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Coming to see you.¡± Gallivur dragged a chair from the corner and set it beside where I lay. ¡°Your Technologist said you were under the weather. I wanted to make sure it wasn''t, you know.¡± A tap upon the chest. "We''re terribly worried about your cardiovascular health in Forumikari."


    ¡°I''m going to kill you before I die,¡± I decreed weakly.


    Gallivur made a show of looking around the room. ¡°You know, I''ve never been in your personal chambers before. They seem a bit small.¡±


    I glared. ¡°They serve their purpose.¡±


    ¡°You''ve got bigger ones, don''t you? I can''t imagine Revergnols would have slept in a literal closet.¡±


    ¡°They''ve always been mine,¡± I said succinctly. ¡°I saw no reason to change.¡±


    ¡°So.¡± Gallivur lifted the edge of the blanket. ¡°What sort of wound are we nursing?¡± I slapped the hand away.


    ¡°Try that again,¡± I warned, ¡°and I will melt your face off.¡±


    Gallivur''s arms folded. The champion sunk into the chair. ¡°What happened? Your Technologist was tight-jawed and the other-- whooo, he''s something, isn''t he?¡± The posture corrected. ¡°How are you not sick of him?¡±


    ¡°I am,¡± I said.


    ¡°Fourmikari will take him off your hands,¡± said Gallivur. ¡°I can take him away with me today.¡± Then, ¡°You''d like that, wouldn''t you?¡±


    ¡°Ahem,¡± Nolwud''s voice echoed from behind. Did the Technologist wait in the corridor? ¡°Champion Gallivur, I don''t think any agreements should be brokered while my liege Lordavis is not within full faculty control.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± I wondered aloud. Gallivur sighed.


    ¡°Fine. Fair.¡± Gallivur went back to my injury. ¡°You were going to tell me how you wound up bedridden.¡±


    ¡°I don''t know that I was,¡± I said, settling into a comfortable position on my stomach. I didn''t need to look at Gallivur. I could rest and talk.


    ¡°Did you already dispatch this one too?¡± A reference to the poor soul carved up by my laser.


    ¡°You don''t need to worry,¡± I mocked. ¡°It wasn''t an assassin.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°That it wasn''t an assassin.¡±


    ¡°It wasn''t an assassin,¡± I reiterated firmly. ¡°No one was trying to kill me.¡±


    ¡°Well, the way I see it,¡± Gallivur began.


    ¡°My liege Lordavis is recovering from a poisoning,¡± Nolwud explained. ¡°What''s left of the poison is being counterbalanced with a sedative. There is little damage internally, I believe.¡±


    ¡°I''m on a sedative?¡± I mused. That explained things. Maybe. ¡°Huh.¡±


    ¡°I just wondered,¡± said Gallivur innocently. ¡°That''s all.¡±


    ¡°Why?" I jeered. "Looking for someone you can drag off to the Delvers again?¡±


    Gallivur chuckled. ¡°You figured that out? I suppose you had your time alone." The champion adopted a solemn mien. "Before you carried out grisly murder.¡±


    ¡°I knew before that,¡± I remarked, ¡°Because of the enchanted dagger.¡±


    The champion didn''t have an immediate response.


    ¡°Do you want to fight, Gallivur?¡± I yawned. If need be, I could forgo my relaxation. I was feeling pretty good. I could take Gallivur.


    ¡°No, I want you to speak a little more about that dagger you mentioned.¡± Then, ¡°Do you still have it?¡±


    ¡°Somewhere.¡± I wrapped my arms around a pillow and buried my face. ¡°ith nus likh th pisnr ndd iht.¡±


    ¡°Again,¡± Gallivur pulled the pillow away from my forehead. I scowled. The champion shook the headrest for emphasis. ¡°Say that again.¡±


    "Champion Gallivur," Nolwud objected.


    ¡°We gave it back,¡± I elaborated, tugging the pillow. ¡°Then the prisoner didn''t need it, so we kept it in the end.¡±


    Gallivur tapped the edge of the mattress. ¡°You''re so clever with your magic, Lordavis. I bet you already identified the spell cast upon it.¡±


    ¡°Mmm-hmm.¡±


    Gallivur demanded, ¡°What kind of spell?¡±


    I didn''t answer.


    ¡°Lordavis.¡±


    ¡°...you don''t know anything about magic,¡± I muttered. ¡°It wouldn''t be worth it to explain.¡±


    ¡°A brief explanation,¡± said Gallivur.


    ¡°It''s a drawing out spell,¡± I said. ¡°It''s designed to pull forth specific things.¡±


    ¡°Like,¡± suggested Gallivur facetiously, ¡°Cataclysmic entities bound in the heart of a magus?¡±


    ¡°Good luck with that,¡± I mocked.


    ¡°This spell,¡± Gallivur prodded, ¡°How close to the target does it need to be to work?¡±


    ¡°Not very.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± said Gallivur sternly. ¡°This spell can only be cast on knife blades?¡±


    ¡°No, it can be cast on anything.¡±


    The champion let out a short sigh. ¡°So, hypothetically, an arrow? Or a dart?¡±


    ¡°It''s a stupid spell,¡± I said, settling into my reclaimed pillow. ¡°And it didn''t succeed.¡±


    ¡°Where is the dagger now, Lordavis?¡±


    I had already addressed that. ¡°I told you, we took it with us.¡±


    Gallivur was unrelenting. ¡°I don''t like the idea of you having that laying around.¡±


    ¡°I don''t like the idea of you talking to me,¡± I countered. ¡°I don''t like the idea of you breathing.¡±


    Two dismissive pats on my back. I genuinely almost had it in me to open my eyes. ¡°Yeah, I know.¡± The chair dragged back to its original location. Footsteps away. A quiet, ¡°Technologist, a word.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Nolwud replied.


    ¡°If you come across any daggers...¡± I didn''t hear the rest.


    ¡°I didn''t even see the one that stabbed me,¡± scoffed Nolwud. ¡°I don''t think I can tell one from another.¡±


    Footsteps back. The sound of minor ransacking.


    ¡°I don''t think Lordavis would want you--¡± Nolwud started.


    ¡°It''s moot; it''s not here.¡± Gallivur moved past. I sensed the motion. ¡°If you happen upon it, I want it.¡±


    ¡°It''s not yours to take,¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°It''s my responsibility to keep Fourmikari safe,¡± quipped Gallivur. ¡°Whether you like it or not.¡±


    When I next awoke, it was dark. Rott was beside me, an indication of Gallivur''s departure. I groaned as the worm put forth, My liege.


    ¡°I hope I''m not this tired forever.¡±


    You look better, said the worm. From what I can tell of your kind.


    ¡°Accursed Gallivur,¡± I seethed. ¡°I''m going to destroy Fourmikari. I''m going to destroy their champion.¡±


    My liege, you''re not well enough. Rott fidgeted. He drew near and pressed against me. Why was Gallivur here?


    ¡°To see the poet.¡±


    Why?


    ¡°To confirm we actually have the poet. Fourmikari needs to confirm before they allow themselves to become indignant.¡± I stretched my neck. ¡°I hope they''re angry. I hope they hate us.¡±


    What should we do if they attack and you''re gone?


    I frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    My liege, we had no idea what you do with you in Queen Chidsey''s clutches. Nothing worked.


    ¡°What are talking about? You obliterated her pathetic camp.¡±


    We came because you called, Rott said. But if you hadn''t called, we wouldn''t have come. If, for some reason, Fourmikari takes you away and you do not call, what should we do?


    ¡°Swarm,¡± I said bluntly. ¡°Always swarm. Isn''t that what I said when I set you on Nova?¡± I smiled, reminiscing about that destructive day. ¡°Wasn''t that glorious?¡±


    Nova was different. Nova didn''t have swords. They didn''t have anything.


    ¡°Swarm,¡± I said. Then, ¡°Do you remember what we did with that dagger from the assassin?¡±


    No, my liege. Why?


    ¡°Gallivur asked. I don''t remember either. It''s here somewhere.¡±


    Do you want us to find it?


    ¡°Yes,¡± I said. ¡°Don''t be obvious. Don''t let Nolwud know. Gallivur asked the inventor to search for it. We''re not going to let Gallivur have it.¡±


    Yes, my liege.


    ¡°Also, send the message that I want the burrow searched. If Chidsey''s body is there...¡± I didn''t know. What if it was?


    I believe everyone present was consumed, said Rott.


    ¡°That''s going to be a problem if it gets out,¡± I said. ¡°Chidsey was a queen.¡±


    What happens when you kill a queen?


    My thoughts drifted. I meant to kill everyone eventually. Perhaps facing down powerful retribution early on would remove the obstacle before its time. Perhaps it was the approach I should have taken from the start. But then I would have neglect Fourmikari and if my time was limited, I wanted to ensure I saw the end of that damn city. Wiping out a kingdom was more complicated than it seemed.


    My liege?


    ¡°When you kill a queen,¡± I said, ¡°Those with allegiance set certain events into motion. It''s a whole a thing.¡±


    What events, my liege? Rott asked.


    I yawned. ¡°I can''t think of it right now. It''s probably nothing to worry about at time juncture.¡± I added, ¡°They have to know you''ve done it in the first place and then they have to care. It''s not a divine sense.¡±


    Then if we find Queen Chidsey in the ruins, Rott said, we should eat her.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I said, more certain this time. ¡°Without a doubt.¡±


    I hope she suffered, said Rott.


    ¡°Why is that?¡± I asked.


    Because you''re suffering, my liege.


    ¡°Hardly,¡± I replied. ¡°The burning went away. I''m not that weak, Rott.¡±


    The Kingdom of Ever-Worms is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for a worm, Rott remarked. I hope you know how grateful we are for you, my liege.


    ¡°Where is this coming from?¡± I asked, taken off guard by the appreciation.


    You might have died, said Rott. I don''t want you to die without knowing what we think. What we all think.


    ¡°I wasn''t going to die,¡± I chided. ¡°Chidsey specifically kept me alive.¡±


    All the same, said Rott, snuggling affectionately, Who knows if you''ll be that lucky next time?

 Chapter 15: In which tempers are lost and tantrums are thrown

    I was greeted by a round of applause when I hobbled into the throne room. The poet and his guards showered me with rousing cheers. Mostly the poet. Only the poet. The guards clapped though they did not seem to understand why. I stared, unamused.


    "My liege, you are healed!" declared Painyll.


    "Hardly." I climbed up and settled into my seat. Painyll watched with curiosity.


    "Your healers aren''t terrifically skilled, my liege. A stabbing, properly treated with magic, usually resolves in--"


    "I wasn''t stabbed," I clarified, "and I don''t keep healers."


    "An oversight," lectured Painyll. I expected it from Nolwud, not him.


    "You''re right. Perhaps I will seek out a royal healer. A young female with a penchant for poetry, seeking strong artistic genes for her offspring."


    "You''ll never find one," quivered the Dramatist. "And even if you did, you wouldn''t dare!"


    "Or maybe I would," I said. "Maybe I''d observe your copulation for sport."


    Who is copulating, my liege? Rott asked from beside the throne, crawling up my legs to take up position in my lap.


    "No one at present. There will be no copulation in my kingdom."


    I would like to watch, said the worm. I have never seen how you breed, my liege. I understand it involves organs we don''t have. Will you let me know if it happens?


    I made a face. "It was a threat. No one wants to see Painyll breed with anything."


    I do, replied Rott as the poet exhaled a relieved, "Just a threat? I am thankful for that!"


    "Both of you, shut up," I grumbled.


    After a time, Nolwud came by aflutter and insisted I participate in an asinine experiment. No ''hello, my liege''. I was tasked with the latest distraction from duties. I stared at the Technologist and frowned. "What is this exercise meant to accomplish?"


    "I''m testing the limits of communication, my liege," said Nolwud. "I have several theories I''d like to study further."


    "Is that right?" I didn''t approve of the idea. I had made my opinions on how the inventor''s time was to be spent abundantly clear. If communication was the focus, I had communicated my thoughts ad nauseum. Nolwud produced a series of drawings. The parchment looked rather like the parchment Painyll kept. I wondered if he was aware that the inventor had taken from his belongings. I glanced towards the poet and, finding him sleeping carefree on his cushions, ordered, "I think the Dramatist is cold. Why don''t we warm him up?"


    Dutifully, several servants slithered over to cover Painyll. I cackled with glee.


    My liege, Rott started.


    "No, Rott," I said. I returned to Nolwud. "What is it you want to test?"


    A drawing was lifted. It was a black circle that spanned the expanse of the page. In the center, in small, neat handwriting, the word help stood alone. "What do you see?"


    I told it as it was.


    Nolwud nodded. "Big circle, help."


    "Yes."


    "Can you say it again, my liege?"


    I cocked my head. "Why?"


    "It''s part of the test," insisted the inventor. "Please say it again."


    I gestured to the parchment. "It is a big circle. It says ''help''."


    "Thank you." The drawing was set aside. A new drawing, this time a triangle with the word hungry inside. "And this one?"


    "How is this in any way, shape, or form productive?"


    Nolwud was not deterred. "What do you see, my liege?"


    "A triangle," I said. "A triangle that says ''hungry''."


    I stared.


    "Triangle, hungry," suggested the inventor. A nod. Then another.


    "Triangle, hungry," I sneered. "Circle, help."


    "Very good, very good." The second was set next to the first. The third, a square with yes, appeared. "What do you see?"


    "How is this communication?" I demanded. "This is the sort of thing done for the illiterate. Are all your pages like this?"


    Sheepishly, Nolwud displayed the whole collection. "Perhaps."


    I clacked my jaw. "Oh, I see. We move on from ''square, yes'' to ''crossed lines, no''. What a leap." I indicated another drawing further on. "Ah, and the classic ''squiggle, Lordavis''." I lifted the sketch and showed it to my annelid companion. "Have you ever seen anything like this, Rott?"


    Is that how you write your name, my liege?


    "No," I said. "I mean, yes, that is." I indicated the word in the center. "But the squiggle? That''s not--" I looked back to find the Technologist smirking. Satisfied. Accomplished. At once, I realized the deception. "You cocky, conniving--"


    "My liege," Nolwud entreated as I set fire to the parchments. I was out of my seat and at the inventor''s throat in an instant. "My liege," entreated Nolwud again, this time with concern for wellbeing. "I thought it might be helpful in preventing future incidents."


    "I forbade you from communicating with the worms," I growled, Removing my dagger from my belt and pressing it against the Technologist''s abdomen. Nolwud could have matching scars on both sides, provided this stabbing was likewise survived.


    I had been direct. Nolwud was not to talk to the worms.


    Oh! chirped Rott, unaware that he further dug his friend''s grave. If we are in need of future help, we can form circles? He repeated as I had. Circle, help. Triangle, hungry. Square, yes...


    "I rescued you," reminded Nolwud, gingerly trying to guide the blade point to the side. "I put my life at risk." Then, "I''m doing this for your sake."


    stab you for my sake," I replied. "Funny how thatAGHHH." One of the inventor''s electric marbles detonated. The hand not actively moving the knife had moved to pocket. We were both caught in the bubble, although Nolwud was better prepared to shake off the jolts.


    A number of worms, Rott among them, hurried to me as Nolwud pried the blade from between my fingers and cast it aside. My liege!


    "Look," huffed the Technologist. "I don''t think it''s right I should be punished for helping you."


    "Kill the inventor," I said coolly.


    Nolwud''s eyes went wide. The worms turned from me and faced the malcontent. One sprang forward.


    Wait! Rott cried. He situated himself between Nolwud and the others. Don''t harm the inventor! The servants exchanged glances and made no further move.


    "Rott," I seethed. The Technologist had found footing and put distance between us. I struggled yet. "You''re going to answer for this"


    My liege, please consider your actions! You don''t want to kill the inventor. The inventor is your friend!


    "No," I said.


    The inventor is a good person, said Rott. The inventor cares about the worms as much as you do. He turned towards Painyll, slumbering despite the brawl. If you want to kill anyone, kill him.


    "I''ll kill who I want!" I said, finally shedding my paralysis and summoning fire into my palms.


    "Oh, grow up," spat Nolwud, bereft of humor. "I don''t care what your rationale is for acting like a murderous nitwit. I''m doing my best to save your kingdom from ruin. I''ve been patient, I''ve been accommodating, but I''m not going to let you hurt me for trying to help."


    "You won''t have to worry about that," I said. "You''re going to burn."


    "Then what?" countered Nolwud. "Your kingdom won''t be any better for it. You''ll have a half finished security system, an unfinished plane shifter--"


    "I''ll make do." I had before.


    "Take ten minutes," said Nolwud. "Consider the ramifications of killing me off. If you think about it rationally, you won''t do it. You''ll see there''s no reason for this outburst. You don''t have to kill over minor inconveniences. It''s counterproductive and irrational."


    "I suppose you liked letting Queen Chidsey overrun your lands?" Nolwud''s arms folded. "Not that you ever would have had any idea. You would have spent the rest of your existence in an ignorant coma."


    I suppose you liked letting Queen Chidsey overrun your lands''," I mocked in the inventor''s voice.


    "And you''re dead." The fire in my hands flared. Nolwud''s courage failed and the inventor''s expression fell. Arms rose to shield the incoming inferno.


    My liege! Rott wrapped around my neck. He held tight. Please don''t hurt the inventor!


    right now unless you want to go the way of Nolwud the-soon-to-be-immolated."


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    My liege. Rott spoke succinctly. If you harm the inventor, you will lose the respect of the worms. He lowered his head. We will continue to follow you, my liege, but we will not look upon you with the same reverence.


    "I don''t want your reverence," I said. "As long as you do as I tell you, I don''t care what you think of me." I barked a laugh. "The reverence of a worm? What good is that?"


    Then kill the inventor, said Rott.


    Do it, chanted the other worms. They stared at me. Even the worms blanketing Painyll lifted their heads to look my way. Do it, my liege.


    I clenched my fists and lowered the flames. I was indescribably frustrated yet couldn''t follow through. There was something about the worms and their eyes. They weighed heavily upon me. I couldn''t stand it. I didn''t know why.


    Nolwud let out a sigh. Stammering, "T-thank you, my liege. See, I told you, if you think about it--"


    "You turned them against me," I said, a chill in my voice. I said no more. I summoned a portal and stepped through, tearing Rott from my shoulders and casting him to the floor. Nolwud began to speak. I shut the portal behind me. That was that.


    "Lordavis," remarked the doctor, noticing my presence for the first time. The other patient, in the process of departure, did a double take and hastened their step. "I didn''t expect you again so soon. Did something happen?"


    I wasn''t going to admit I was without direction and feeling low. Instead, I indicated my wound from Chidsey. "I want you to look at this." I opened my clothes and peeled off the bandages.


    The doctor made a face. "It must have been painful." Close scrutiny. "You already got some treatment."


    I wouldn''t credit the Technologist. "Yes."


    I was instructed to lay down as the doctor examined carefully. "It''s healing well. Do you feel any lingering effects?"


    "No."


    "Who treated you?" inquired the physician casually. I took offense.


    "What does it matter? It''s no concern of yours."


    "I didn''t mean anything by it," said the doctor. "Someone looked after you. I highly doubt you got a worm to do this for you."


    I didn''t answer.


    "It''s a sore subject. I apologize." The listening instrument was brought out, a staple of every visit. Wrapping one end around the appropriate limbs, the doctor ran the other across my body. "The good news is that I''m not noticing much of a difference from last visit. Your wretched stowaway hasn''t manducated any closer to breaking out."


    "That''s good," I said dryly. "I guess."


    "I was happy," I said.


    "When?"


    "Before," I replied. Before the Technologist commandeered my subjects.


    The doctor laughed in the way the aged laugh when they are amused by youth. "Before what? You weren''t happy when Revergnols was pushing you around." The elder knocked upon my chest. "Isn''t that how the rumors go? That''s why it came into you?"


    "I don''t remember." The other prevalent rumor was that I had been born with the entity inside me. I was born with a parasite in my heart. Whether or not that original parasite was the same one that most believed threatened their existence, I couldn''t say. I was too young. I remembered bits and pieces. The attempted exposure, Revergnols'' return and, suitably impressed that I had not perished with the others, the offer to reward my tenacity by making me successor.


    I didn''t immediately rise. I remained immobile upon the exam table, reflecting over the past. The doctor brewed a pot of tea and I was offered a cup. "Hopefully this will give you what you need to make it home."


    "I''m not going home," I said at last.


    "Aren''t you usually in a rush to get back?" The doctor tutted, sipping the warm beverage. "Your worms worry."


    The doctor adopted a curious and confused expression. "The worms do?"


    "Yes. Someone they see as a good person. Someone they think cares about them."


    "You care about them!" laughed the doctor. "In a warped and twisted way, perhaps. That''s to be expected."


    "It''s no good," I replied.


    "Did they..." The doctor didn''t know how to phrase it. I received the look. It was another situation of doubt. No one truly believed I spoke with the worms except the Technologist. The accursed Technologist. It was a wonder the teacup didn''t shatter in my grasp. "...Did they say that?"


    "It''s a given," I explained. "Once the worms take a shine to someone, their devotion is whole-hearted. They''re not going to settle for anyone else."


    "You''re worried about losing their affections," suggested the doctor.


    "I''m worried about losing their allegiance," I clarified. "I have given them everything. The Kingdom of Ever-Worms is for them. If they don''t serve me, what''s the point?" I kicked at the doctor''s empty stool. It fell over with a loud clatter.


    "Don''t fret. I''m sure it''s not like that." The other didn''t sound convinced. I imagined the disagreement with the worms. Worms didn''t express anything, least of all a preference for another. Silly Lordavis. "You imagine running away is going to fix everything?"


    "I don''t care," I said. "If they want to follow some idiot they can''t even understand, it doesn''t bother me. Maybe they''ll get frustrated and devour everyone. Maybe they''ll see it''s meaningless if they can''t communicate."


    "You''re going to abandon your kingdom?"


    "I don''t care about my kingdom." The doctor had righted the stool. I kicked it again. It skidded across the room before flipping. "It was a stupid kingdom. I wasn''t doing anything with most of it. People kept invading. They can have it. The worms aren''t going to stop them. They can''t do anything without me."


    "I was going to murder Revergnols anyway."


    The doctor ruminated. "I don''t know what you want me to say."


    "There''s nothing you can say," I said. "You can''t make the worms loyal to me again."


    "Are you positive they''ve abandoned you?" Silly Lordavis. Silly, silly Lordavis.


    "Yes," I asserted. "I am."


    "You don''t think you''re misinterpreting the situation?" The doctor mulled. Naturally, I was the one in the wrong. I misinterpreted the situation. "You can be very fond of someone and still have fondness for someone else."


    "No, you can''t." Emphatic.


    "Well," said the doctor, playing sage, "Perhaps when you return home, you will find their affections-- that is to say, their allegiance still lies with you."


    I hated Nolwud.


    "Lordavis," said the doctor. "I''ve tended to you in the many years since you Revergnols took you in. I know you well."


    "I wouldn''t say that," I countered.


    "Your unique perspective of reality doesn''t align with the perspective of others."


    "You might as well say I''m antisocial and amoral." It wasn''t anything I hadn''t heard already. "I''m insane and I''m cruel. Have I missed anything?"


    "I know how deeply you love your worms," the doctor continued.


    "I don''t love them," I said. "I kill the odd one here and there. It means nothing. If you love something, you don''t do that." I knew how love worked. I had read enough literature.


    "A sign of what?"


    The doctor was misled. "If your worms trust another, shouldn''t you trust them?"


    "Did the worms trust Revergnols?"


    "Nobody trusted Revergnols," I said.


    The doctor took the teacup from my hands with a knowing smile. "Go home, Ruler. Don''t renounce your kingdom over a snit."


    I arrived at the palace after nightfall. I didn''t want to return but I couldn''t think of an alternate path. I came in through the library window, barring the door to keep out the servants that might have noticed my return. I barred the windows too, preventing anyone else from sneaking in. The room was plunged in darkness. I lit a single flame on my finger and watched it flicker. I could set fire to the books, start a grand blaze. It wouldn''t have traveled far. The structure was stone and the stone didn''t burn. I didn''t want to burn the books either.

 Chapter 16: In which shortcomings are revealed and a monumental decision made

    Nolwud''s disapproval was strong and vehement. The Technologist did not hold back. "Why are you punishing the worms for something I did?" The statement was quickly amended, "Not that I did anything worthy of punishment in the first place. You''re being unreasonable."


    I peered out across the slowly slithering collective of servants. "I''m not punishing them," I said with overt innocence. "I''m rewarding them. They wanted you to live and you live. You even get to carry on as though nothing happened. If I wanted to punish them, you might be back in the dungeon or with your head upon a stake."


    The inventor was unsatisfied. "You''re not acknowledging them."


    "I don''t hear anything."


    My liege. A nearby servant lifted her head.


    "I don''t hear anything," I reasserted.


    "Why are you like this?" inquired the Technologist.


    "Oops." I patted my knee. "I think my hearing is failing. Shortly, I doubt I''ll be able to hear you."


    "Thank goodness for that," quipped Painyll from his comfortable roost. Nolwud and I turned his way.


    "What was that?" I demanded, appalled by the lack of respect.


    "You heard me," said the poet. He hadn''t a care in the world. "You''ve always got something to say, my liege. If you''re not arguing with Technologist Nolwud, you''re carrying on one-sided conversations with the worms." He tapped his parchment. "Silence can be golden. I need it for my writing."


    Nolwud. "Is that why you made your guards into mutes?" I wouldn''t admit to sharing the inventor''s sentiments.


    "One of them," said Painyll. "You don''t hear any complaints, do you?"


    Nolwud launched into an indignant rant about the value of life. I pondered privately and decided that no one, much less the likes of Painyll, ought to tell me what to do. Therefore, the Dramatist''s morning output was set ablaze. The Technologist''s speech came to an abrupt end as the Painyll screeched.


    "My work! My greatest work!"


    "Do be quiet," I purred with faux meekness. "Silence is golden."


    "My liege!" blubbered Painyll as he patted the ashes. He was too late. "How could you?"


    Nolwud said nothing. Whose side was the inventor on? Was I once again worthy of patronage or was this further proof of my unreasonable tendencies? I shrugged. It wasn''t my problem. "I''m off to the library."


    I skipped from the platform and collected the poet''s discarded stick of charcoal. Floating to the ceiling, I pressed the writing utensil to a section of flat space and announced, "I will leave you with this." I scribbled as I spoke. "If at any point you find yourselves in question as to what to do during my absence, please refer to the following decree."


    I let the charcoal drop. ''Shut up and die,'' written in flowing script and underlined with a flourish summed up my opinion nicely. The Technologist and the Dramatist exchanged glances.


    ¡°What?¡± Nolwud''s head tilted.


    ¡°What are we supposed to do with that?¡± asked Painyll.


    There was no reason for confusion. I had been upfront with my displeasure. Did they think my unhappiness was for show? Rather than waste my life further upon frivolous conversation, I departed for my proposed destination. Pulling one of Revergnols'' thick tomes from the wall, I intended to immerse myself in whatever manner of literature it turned out to be.


    The Technologist did not follow directions. No sooner had I settled down with what appeared to be a cookbook did the inventor prance through the door, Rott following close behind. Neither said anything. Nolwud situated beside me and Rott jumped into my lap. I lifted my eyes and glared. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Can you do me a favor?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I returned to the text.


    Nolwud''s neck craned to facilitate peeking. ¡°What language is that?¡±


    ¡°No idea.¡±


    ¡°You can read it?¡± Was there something unclear about my desire for solitude? I glared again and resumed reading. The Technologist received no response. The charcoal pen was set beside me. ¡°Can you write what you wrote in the throne room?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I wasn''t granting favors.


    ¡°You want us to do what you say,¡± said Nolwud. ¡°I want to confirm I know what that is.¡±


    ¡°Shut up and die,¡± I reiterated, turning the page. ¡°Any other questions?¡±


    Nolwud considered. ¡°That''s what it says? ''Shut up and die''?¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha,¡± I laughed flatly, sounding out each ''ha''.


    ¡°I couldn''t read it,¡± lied the Technologist. ¡°Neither could Painyll.¡±


    ¡°I can''t help it if you''re both illiterate.¡±


    ¡°Write something,¡± urged the inventor, moving the charcoal closer, as though I hadn''t seen it. ¡°Anything. Write your name.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Then, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I want to test a theory I have about communication.¡±


    ¡°Golly,¡± I remarked facetiously. ¡°Because I''m currently so very happy about your experiments in communication.¡±


    ¡°This is a theory concerning your communication skills, my liege.¡±


    I lowered my head. ¡°And that''s why Rott happens to be here?¡±


    The worm frowned up at me.


    ¡°Rott doesn''t understand me,¡± said Nolwud. ¡°I couldn''t have invited him along if I wanted.¡± It was a valid point. It didn''t alleviate my suspicion. ¡°Write your name.¡±


    I took the charcoal and put Lordavis on the tabletop.


    ¡°Again,¡± said Nolwud with an overabundance of excitement.


    ¡°I''m not vandalizing my furniture for your sake,¡± I replied.


    ¡°I''ll scrub this whole room myself.¡± The inventor was pleased to offer. I was unnerved but would not appear thus. ¡°Write you name once more and then I''ll let you read in peace.¡±


    ¡°You don''t dictate my actions. This is my kingdom.¡± I put a second Lordavis and discarded the charcoal. I scowled at the page edge. ¡°Great, now I''m leaving prints everywhere.¡±


    Nolwud tapped the table. ¡°These both say ''Lordavis''?¡±


    I shot a look. ¡°What happened to ''I''ll let you read in peace''?¡±


    The Technologist ignored my protest.¡°You see these both as ''Lordavis''?¡±


    My handwriting was not the atrocious article the inventor insisted. I resented the notion. ¡°I can spell my own name, yes.¡±


    ¡°They don''t look remotely similar!¡±


    I examined my handiwork. ¡°They look exactly the same.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± insisted Nolwud fervently. ¡°They don''t.¡±


    ¡°I don''t know what you''re trying to pull, Technologist,¡± I snapped. ¡°But I''m not going along with it. Get out.¡±


    Nolwud''s expression melted into a strange mix of pity and epiphany. ¡°You sincerely see no difference. Fascinating.¡± The inventor withdrew, tapping jaw, and musing in half mutterings. I watched the departure then attempted to return to my reading, the ingredients necessary for sugar pie. I couldn''t stick with it.


    I looked to Rott and commanded, ¡°Rott, did I write my name twice?¡±


    Eager to be addressed, the worm popped up and investigated the tabletop. I don''t know, my liege.


    ¡°There are two words,¡± I explained. ¡°They should both be the same.¡±


    I see lines, said the worm. He couldn''t read. He was no help.


    ¡°Never mind,¡± I said. I resumed the silent treatment.


    Nolwud resurfaced later. I headed for the baths, the first time in years I did not have an entourage attending me as I did. Intersecting my path in the corridor, the inventor held up parchment. I soured recalling the previous messages orchestrated for the worms. ¡°Which one of these is not like the other?¡±


    ¡°I don''t have time for this.¡± I didn''t look. I continued on my way. Nolwud trailed behind. ¡°Go away.¡±


    ¡°I want to test my theory.¡±


    ¡°And I want to kill you,¡± I said. ¡°I want you to finish the security system. I want you to finish the plane shifter.¡±


    ¡°You recognize the dichotomy there. I can''t do the latter if you do the former.¡±


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    I smirked. ¡°It depends upon the order of action.¡±


    ¡°Let''s put ''test my theory'' before ''finish security system'',¡± beamed the inventor cleverly. ¡°It will work better for both of us.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes,¡± I scowled, crossing the boundary into the baths. ¡°I see that having the worms vouch for you has made you even more daring.¡± The stonework changed into red and gray tiling. Even with my disregard, the servants knew better than the slack in their duties. The air was thick with warm dampness. I shed my ghutrah as Nolwud removed spectacles. ¡°Did I invite you to join me?¡±


    ¡°I know, I know,¡± reassured the inventor, showing me the clouded glasses in an attempt to portray innocence. I nodded and continued to strip. Nolwud pushed on as I did, ¡°I would like you to look at what I''ve got.¡±


    Three sheets of parchment. Each one said ''foot''. I peered between, indicating the middle. ¡°That one is different.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°It''s lighter in color,¡± I said.


    Nolwud was circumspect. ¡°But the words themselves...?¡±


    ¡°They say the same thing,¡± I exasperated, stepping deeper into the baths and rounding the corner on the pool of hot water itself. Steam visibly rose and hung like despondent clouds. A crude mural of a castle on a cliff overlooking a village of neat cottages decorated the far wall. I crawled beneath the water and let the heat travel over me.


    Nolwud remained in the doorway between apodyterium and pool. ¡°Then, my liege, I think I''ve discovered a disadvantage to your otherwise incredible gift of understanding.¡±


    The Technologist had my attention. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°One moment.¡± Despite the early declaration, Nolwud was nude and in the bathwater in a flash. I remembered Revergnols holding court in the baths on occasion, entertaining a manner of guests and dignitaries as we soaked. I had grown accustomed to having the large space to myself. I immediately summoned a lightning bolt in my palm only to receive, ¡°If you shock me, you''ll get yourself too.¡±


    ¡°Of course, we know you have no problem with that,¡± I said in reference to the tricks with the marbles.


    ¡°Baths are a social gathering place, my liege,¡± said the Technologist. ¡°If we''re to accept future delegations, it may be prudent to meet here. It''s much harder to draw a weapon when naked.¡±


    ¡°I don''t know why you continue to insist upon these things.¡± I dismissed the electricity. ¡°I have plotted your murder on several occasions. I should think you''d recognize that you won''t be around to welcome any delegations.¡±


    ¡°Your plots don''t tend to work out,¡± said Nolwud. Smug.


    ¡°I''ve conceived several successful plots,¡± I retorted. ¡°Your survival today is contingent on the grace of the worms.¡±


    ¡°Is that us?¡± Nolwud asked, indicating the castle on the wall. Talk of demise was pushed aside, dismissed lightly. ¡°I keep meaning to ask.¡±


    I wasn''t interested in small talk, though I allowed, ¡°Yes, Revergnols paid fifty phids for it. How was it phrased? ''The bathhouses in Fourmikari have scenes on them. Nova needs a scene too''.¡±


    The inventor pointed lower to a collection of small shapes nearly excluded from the edge of the image. ¡°What''s this?¡±


    ¡°Revergnols'' sense of humor,¡± I said and dipped below the surface. The unanswered question was waiting when I rose.


    ¡°Yes, but what is it?¡±


    ¡°The ones with no value being dealt with accordingly,¡± I said. Nolwud snorted. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. A conversation I had recently. Your response reminded me...¡± Trailing off. ¡°Never mind.¡±


    I folded my hands. ¡°Since you''ve insisted on this intrusion, what was this confirmation you absolutely had to share?¡±


    ¡°Your understanding of communication, my liege,¡± said Nolwud. The inventor neglected to create any build up or set the scene. Barreling ahead, ¡°It is so thorough you immediately comprehend what''s being conveyed regardless of the means. Ergo, my writing in three different languages had no impact because you understood the intent. You aren''t able to discern one from the other because they say the same thing.¡±


    I was not convinced. ¡°They do say the same thing.¡±


    The Technologist continued. ¡°When it comes to your penmanship, you are functionally illiterate.¡±


    I bristled with offense, rising with anger. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°It''s not your fault,¡± insisted Nolwud. ¡°You know what you''re trying to say and you read the intent in your writing. For the rest of us, it''s meaningless scribble.¡±


    ¡°That''s impossible,¡± I said.


    ¡°My liege, I''ve heard tell that a variety of truly devastating spells require symbols and other writings in their rituals,¡± began the inventor. ¡°Have you ever tried anything like that against Fourmikari?¡±


    My jaw opened. In my efforts to destroy that accursed place, I had attempted many such rituals. I had poured over accounts of powerful magicks that, if cast correctly, would have left a smoking crater where once stood white walls. Each summoning was marked by failure, usually followed up by an assault from Gallivur and rescue party. It was terribly frustrating. I was a magus. I should have been capable. ¡°You mean to say--¡±


    ¡°I don''t know if you''re even capable of recognizing the symbols themselves,¡± said Nolwud. ¡°Or if you do, you can''t recreate them because you immediately understand your intent and can''t see where you''ve gone wrong.¡±


    ¡°That''s... but I don''t...There''s no way...¡± I was unable to complete my thoughts.


    ¡°Have you ever kept correspondence with anyone?¡± suggested the inventor.


    ¡°No!¡± I gagged. ¡°Why would I want to exchange letters with anyone?¡±


    ¡°It was for the best I sent the missive to Fourmikari,¡± mused Nolwud aloud.


    ¡°I''m not illiterate!¡± I cried.


    ¡°You''re overly literate,¡± suggested Nolwud.


    ¡°Why should I listen to you?¡± I scoffed. ¡°You''ve shown up from across the sea, insisted upon my patronage, and worked your way into a position where I can''t do anything to you without upsetting the worms. What''s to say this isn''t a final push, to set me on a path of self destruction so you can slip in and take over?¡±


    ¡°For one thing,¡± said Nolwud, ¡°By now I''m fairly certain you''ve got something terrible inside you. It defies the rules of science, but then, so does magic.¡±


    I sneered. ¡°How do I know you didn''t send that assassin the other day?¡±


    ¡°About that,¡± said Nolwud. ¡°When did this whole ''assassin'' thing happen? You and Gallivur talked about it at length. If someone is sending assassins tailored to unleash your slumbering cataclysm, you should be taking greater measures to protect yourself.¡±


    ¡°If they succeed in killing me,¡± I derided, ¡°then they succeed in killing themselves.¡±


    ¡°That''s clearly what they want,¡± said Nolwud. ¡°A death cult, maybe?¡±


    ¡°I can''t be bothered with things like that,¡± I huffed. I pulled myself from the pool. ¡°My one and only goal is to destroy Fourmikari and Gallivur. Anything else is inconsequential.¡±


    Nolwud followed suit, climbing out behind me. ¡°But why? You''re young. You''re a magus. You can communicate with anything.¡±


    ¡°Not if it involves writing,¡± I mocked. ¡°Or have you rescinded your claim there?¡±


    ¡°Why are you putting all your energy towards ending one kingdom?¡±


    That was easy. ¡°It''s the last part of my revenge.¡±


    ¡°Revenge?¡±


    ¡°Don''t play dumb,¡± I chastised, pulling a towel from the wall. ¡°I''ve heard you asking Painyll about Nova. You know exactly what you''re asking. You just want to hear me say it.¡±


    ¡°Revergnols is dead,¡± said Nolwud. ¡°It''s not going to matter what you do at this point.¡±


    ¡°It''s the principle of the thing.¡± I scrubbed my head dry. ¡°Revergnols loved Fourmikari. Can I really destroy my predecessor''s beloved kingdom?¡± I threw the used cloth to the ground. ¡°In a heartbeat.¡±


    ¡°Then what?¡± Nolwud asked. ¡°If you finally managed to do it, then what?¡±


    ¡°Then I guess I''ve won,¡± I said.


    ¡°Won what?¡±


    I cackled. ¡°Everything? Revergnols is dead. Nova is destroyed. Fourmikari will be a memory. I don''t think there''s anything left after that.¡±


    ¡°I thought your intention was to enslave the world,¡± said the Technologist, noting the discrepancy in my claims. I ought to have picked my words carefully. It was a sloppy mistake. ¡°Kill those who didn''t submit, enslave the rest.¡±


    ¡°Fourmikari will never submit to me,¡± I said. ¡°That''s one certainty in an uncertain existence. Their destruction is imminent.¡±


    Nolwud watched in silence as I redressed. The wheels turned behind dark eyes. ¡°You could have engaged with the neighboring kingdoms. They''re not on par with Fourmikari. You could have wiped them off the map or enslaved them. You haven''t. Why haven''t you? That''s what you should have been doing all this time.¡±


    Flippant, ¡°I''d rather focus on Fourmikari.¡±


    ¡°You''re not actually interested in world domination. That''s why you don''t worry about the feasibility.¡± The inventor rationalized further. ¡°You declare that for the worms. You say it loud and you say it often. You want them to believe you''re doing this to expand their kingdom, that Fourmikari is a bump along the way, that you''ve devised future conquests.¡±


    I smoothed my garments and moved into the corridor. Nolwud''s garments were hugged close and carried as the inventor ran after me, not slowing down in pursuit. The accusations kept coming.


    ¡°You''re of the Fourmikari lineage,¡± said Nolwud, gnawing on knuckle. ¡°You''d have to be. Nova was ceded by Fourmikari and Fourmikari wouldn''t have ceded it to outsiders, certainly not considering--¡± Again, the Technologist asked, ¡°What happens after Fourmikari falls?¡±


    ¡°I kill Painyll?¡± I suggested with a laugh, brushing aside the obvious.


    ¡°You''re in your early hundreds!¡± exclaimed the inventor. ¡°You could do so much! You have a kingdom at your disposal. Why not develop it and put your talents to use creating a dynasty of your own?¡±


    ¡°Because I hate Fourmikari,¡± I said. I wouldn''t discuss it further. I added, ¡°Also, I''m ninety.


    ¡°You''re ninety?¡± The inventor gaped. Without solicitation, ¡°I thought we were the same age!¡±


    I had no further comment.


    ¡°This is foolishness,¡± began Nolwud anew. ¡°You''re capable of more!¡±


    ¡°Are you disappointed in the patron you chose?¡± I cooed. ¡°Are you worried how it will affect your science? That your marvellous invention to bridge the planes of existence will be wasted?¡± Nolwud frowned. A sudden burst of clarity hit me. There was a prime opportunity staring me in the face of which I had here thereunto been ignorant.


    "Have you considered taking it as a sign?" the doctor had asked in regards to the worms'' fondness for Nolwud. No, I hadn''t, nor did I think the doctor meant it as I now interpreted the situation. The worms preferred Nolwud to me, that much I had decided. I could use that. There was merit to be gained yet.


    ¡°You should help me,¡± I remarked. I hated the Technologist, yes, but I had landed upon both the perfect motivation for the other and a neat solution for lingering loose ends. ¡°Finish the plane shifter and help me bring ruin to Fourmikari. Once that kingdom lies destroyed beyond repair, you can do whatever you like with the Kingdom of Ever-Worms.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Nolwud didn''t follow my logic.


    ¡°You''re keen on building a kingdom and I''m keen on destroying one,¡± I said. ¡°When I''ve gotten what I want, you can have what you want.¡± The inventor was delayed in comprehension. ¡°Technologist Nolwud, I''m making you my successor.¡±

 Chapter 17: In which a celebration is held and the dungeon is put to use

    "This is meant to be a celebration," I remarked as I drank deep from my goblet. "Why aren''t you celebrating?"


    The official decree of Nolwud''s promotion to successor had concluded. The worms had been called in from the furthest reaches of my kingdom to gather beneath the palace windows. They would know the Technologist''s face and scent. They would know who would follow in my footsteps. And, I had thought, they would rejoice.


    There were several emotions expressed, none of which I equated with jubilation. The Technologist sat glumly at my feet atop the throne platform stairs, peering into the wine as a somber servant poured it out. Painyll stood in the corner, apart from his cushions in a rare occurrence, sulking with envy. His guards eagerly partook in the refreshments, taste being a sensation they could still experience. The worms were quiet and accepting. They did not cheer. They did not wiggle. They did not behave with the adulation shown when I murdered Revergnols. You would have thought I had delivered a eulogy.


    "But why Technologist Nolwud?" sputtered Painyll indignantly, ignoring my inquiry. "You don''t like Technologist Nolwud. You can''t make someone you don''t like your successor."


    "Personal feelings are not important when assigning a successor," I said. I hated Revergnols and Revergnols hated me. It hadn''t prevented my role as successor. I kept my response vague. I didn''t want the worms aware of the true scope of the situation. As far as they knew, I had decided everything upon a whim, that the Technologist had come to me whining about the need to appoint a successor and I had turned it back on the Technologist. You want a successor? Then you can be it.


    It was straightforward. It seemed feasible and likely. The worms would believe it because it was the only truth they would be given.


    "I don''t want to be your successor," said Nolwud, swishing the goblet. "Not like this."


    "Don''t be so apprehensive," I jeered, holding my goblet out for more. "The worms are going to misinterpret your nervous elation for genuine unhappiness."


    Nolwud glared as Painyll remarked, "Technologist Nolwud is unhappy. Did you not hear what--"


    "Lordavis knows," said Nolwud. As Painyll made to ask, the inventor clarified, "It''s a lie for the worms. Lordavis is the only one they understand. Lordavis is misleading them so they believe this is what I want."


    Painyll glanced from Nolwud to me. "Yes, but why?"


    "I''m trying to determine that presently."


    I beamed and raised my latest refreshment in toast. "Well put, Dramatist. Although I don''t think the Technologist appreciates your jokes. Poor Nolwud is already overcome with the great honor I''ve bestowed."


    Rott, previously curled beside the throne, found his way into my lap and pressed his head to my chest. I pushed him back. My liege.


    "You want some wine, Rott?" I prodded. The deception went both ways. "Here. I''ll give you some of mine."


    My liege, you were trying to kill the inventor the other day. Now you have declared the same inventor your successor. The worms are concerned about you.


    "And elated," I smiled disarmingly. "This is exactly what you wanted, of course. That''s to be expected."


    We want you, my liege. We love you.


    "You have a funny way of showing it," I replied coolly, dropping the act for a brief moment. "You ought to appreciate what I''ve done for you. I might have left you to the mercy of another kingdom."


    We don''t want you to die, said Rott. Even if your death did not bring an end to all things, we would want you to choose a successor with care. You are the only ruler we want. To arbitrarily claim the inventor as successor has us worried for your health.


    "Oh, here, you silly worm," I chuckled as though having a light conversation with the annelid. I put my goblet in his mouth. "Drink up!"


    Nolwud and Painyll exchanged looks


    I waved to a servant. "This is a celebration. We must have entertainment. Bring in the prisoner.¡±


    ¡°Prisoner?¡± Nolwud''s head tilted. ¡°We have a prisoner?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes.¡± I aped as though it slipped my mind. ¡°She was poking around in the Marketplace last night. The worms brought her to me.¡± No doubt the trespasser was meant as a peace offering to regain my acknowledgment. At that point, the worms were unaware of my plans for the Technologist. ¡°They''re very good worms.¡±


    Painyll choked, ¡°''She''?¡± The guards set aside their drinks and moved to cover him. ¡°Did you say ''she''?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I exasperated. ¡°I did. Don''t worry. The horrid female is not going to do anything to you.¡± Then, ¡°Although I imagine you''re the reason she''s here.¡±


    ¡°Where is this one from?¡± asked Nolwud. "Have you determined?"


    ¡°Fourmikari,¡± I spat. ¡°I didn''t need to ask. I know the lineage. I assume she wanted to act for personal gain before an official decision was reached on the poet.¡± I waggled a finger at the inventor. ¡°I told you this would happen.¡±


    ¡°This is what we want,¡± said Nolwud.


    ¡°You want me to take prisoners?¡±


    ¡°I''d prefer it to killing, yes.¡± The inventor sighed. ¡°And you know what I mean. This shows that Fourmikari recognizes the value in Painyll and the value in our kingdom.¡± I almost corrected that it was not Nolwud''s kingdom. Things were different henceforth. This was my successor. Of course it was our kingdom. I had to go along with it. The next remark surprised me. ¡°Do you have a plan to ransom her back?¡±


    ¡°Ransom her back?¡± What a notion!


    ¡°Yes.¡± said Nolwud. ¡°You have grounds to keep her as your prisoner. I''m sure Fourmikari would want to ensure her safe return. Given that you''ve already killed--¡±


    ¡°We''re not talking about that,¡± I interjected. In hindsight, I decided that perhaps I should mention it. To her.


    ¡°Well, anyway, she''s a valuable prisoner. I think you ought to make her imprisonment known sooner rather than later. I will send a missive to Fourmikari. Think about what demands you''d--¡± Again the Technologist stopped before completing the sentence. ¡°Knowing you, you don''t want anything short of their destruction, right?¡±


    I smirked.


    ¡°I''ll think of some demands,¡± amended Nolwud. ¡°Something befitting a competent tyrant. We''ll do wonders for your reputation.¡±


    ¡°Must we keep her here?¡± whined Painyll.


    ¡°Yes,¡± said Nolwud and I in annoyed unison.


    The prisoner was shepherded into the throne room, her attire befitting the noble garments of her position, as was to be expected. She fidgeted nervously despite the way she towered over the worms that surrounded her. I had bound her in the necessary manner. She was not going to go anywhere. She didn''t speak, looking around the room at the gathered worms, myself, Nolwud, and then Painyll. She lifted her head when her eyes fell upon him. ¡°It''s true!¡±


    ¡°My liege!¡± screeched Painyll as his gaze met hers. ¡°She''s trying to seduce me!¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Painyll,¡± I growled. I took more wine. I needed something in me to keep up the celebratory mood.


    Nolwud descended the platform and approached with amicable intent. ¡°Hello. My name is Nolwud. Who are you?¡±


    The prisoner gave the Technologist a once over. She did not reply.


    ¡°Answer the question or I''ll make you regret it,¡± I commanded.


    ¡°Hey,¡± snapped Nolwud. ¡°I''m not going to force her to talk to me if she doesn''t want to.¡±


    ¡°Answer the question,¡± I said again. I added, for her edification and to emphasize for the worms, ¡°Nolwud is my successor. Show some respect.¡±


    That received a reaction. ¡°What? You have no successor. Everyone knows that!¡±


    ¡°What do you imagine this is?¡± I gestured to the room and out the windows. ¡°Why do you think they congregate?¡± I drummed my fingers upon my throne arm. ¡°Why do you think I''ve dragged you out of your cell? This is a celebration to honor Nolwud''s latest achievement.¡±


    ¡°For the record,¡± Nolwud insisted. ¡°I didn''t ask for this.¡±


    ¡°Nolwud isn''t from Fourmikari,¡± I lilted, sipping my drink. That set her off!


    ¡°Yes, I can see that!" She shook with rage, eyes wild. "What are you thinking?¡±


    Lectured by a prisoner. How adorable and yet so unfortunately familiar. I gave Nolwud a sideways glance before returning to her. ¡°I was thinking that I couldn''t possibly leave my kingdom to someone of Fourmikari lineage. I was thinking it was rather fortuitous that fate sent this one my way.¡±


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    My liege. Rott was unheard by the others. Is that the reason you''ve chosen the inventor? There was no other reason?


    ¡°To make you happy,¡± I reassured sweetly. He relaxed, placated by the excuse. Worms were simple creatures.


    Painyll was likewise relieved and perhaps even more simple. ¡°I should have realized. A foreign vassal with no qualifications? There''s the catch.¡±


    Nolwud frowned. ¡°I''m a university educated scientist. I have qualifications.¡±


    ¡°I''m more suitable to rule than you,¡± countered Painyll.


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± suggested the prisoner, taking a step towards the poet. ¡°Together we might--¡±


    Painyll panicked. ¡°My lieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeege!¡± The guards pointed their glaives at the startled prisoner. I laughed boisterously from the wine and my amusement.


    ¡°It''s fine,¡± said Nolwud, moving between the female and Painyll. ¡°She''s not going to do anything.¡±


    ¡°Get her out of here!¡± Painyll quivered, hugging the backs of his guards. He entreated me once more. ¡°My liege!¡±


    ¡°She''s here to liven things up,¡± I said. ¡°None of you were doing anything.¡±


    The prisoner made a face. ¡°I''m not here to please you.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I agreed. ¡°You''re not. I would kill you if it wasn''t that I imagine you''ve made your intentions to come here known.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she said, smug and haughty. ¡°I told several others I would pay you a visit. They''ve no doubt noticed my absence and will come for you!¡±


    ¡°Therein lies why you must please me,¡± I beamed. ¡°I''m only required to keep you alive. Anything beyond that is a courtesy you must earn.¡±


    ¡°I''m not some mere servant to order around,¡± quipped the prisoner.


    ¡°There''s a thought!¡± I clapped my hands together. ¡°Bring me more wine!¡±


    ¡°Lordavis,¡± said Nolwud.


    ¡°Give our esteemed guest the bottle,¡± I called to the worm with the current bottle of wine. ¡°She''s going to attend to me.¡±


    ¡°This is a clear abuse of power,¡± the inventor attempted to argue.


    ¡°She is my prisoner. I will make use of her as I like.¡± I leaned back in my seat. ¡°I am ruler and I can order those in my kingdom as I like.¡±


    ¡°I won''t,¡± the prisoner stated firmly. She folded her arms. ¡°I''d rather go back to the dungeon.¡±


    I shot her feet with a bolt of lightning. She scampered quickly to collect the wine bottle. ¡°Over here. I''m waiting.¡± I shook the goblet. The prisoner climbed up with a limp from the electricity and did as I asked. ¡°And what do you say?¡±


    It wounded her deeply to bend to my will but she preferred it to further violence. ¡°Anything else, my liege?¡±


    ¡°Very good,¡± I purred. With a mischievous intent, I ordered, ¡°Now pour some wine for Painyll.¡±


    The poet cried out. ¡°My liege! Keep her away from me!¡±


    ¡°This is a celebration,¡± I reiterated. ¡°You''re not celebrating. We can fix that.¡± I snapped my fingers, pointing at the cowering wretch and his sentinels. ¡°Wine to him. Now.¡±


    Seething and wise enough to keep it inside, the female attended to the poet despite his loud protests. It was ever so entertaining. Nolwud joined me at my side as the chaos unfolded. ¡°You can''t actually hurt her, you realize.¡±


    ¡°Why not? It seems to have done the trick.¡±


    ¡°If the plan is to ransom her, she ought to be in decent shape.¡±


    ¡°That''s your idea,¡± I reminded.


    Nolwud''s tone and expression were flat. ¡°What was your idea?¡±


    I tapped my jaw. ¡°I''m certainly not giving her back.¡±


    Nolwud looked to see if we were being heard. Content our conversation was private, the Technologist whispered, ¡°Keeping her against her will would go beyond your authority.¡±


    ¡°My authority for what? Did you not hear me? I am ruler of the Kingdom of Ever-Worms. She''s come here of her own volition. It''s my decision what happens here on out.¡±


    ¡°Then why not kill her,¡± suggested Nolwud sarcastically. ¡°You can''t follow convention one minute then decry it the next.¡±


    I didn''t see why not. I would do exactly as I wanted when I wanted. ¡°Can''t I?¡±


    Nolwud knew the disagreement was lost. ¡°You shouldn''t.¡±


    ¡°When you''re in charge of my kingdom,¡± I sniped. ¡°You can run it how you like.¡±


    Nolwud considered. ¡°There you go again. Your plan isn''t to stick around for the aftermath. Your plans stop once Fourmikari is gone. You haven''t thought this through.¡±


    ¡°I''m glad you see it my way,¡± I said, lest Rott glean the nature of the conversation.


    ¡°How is that fair to the worms?¡± needled Nolwud. "How does that serve their needs?"


    ¡°They have you,¡± I replied. I marginally disguised my bitterness. "They like you."


    ¡°Not if the creature in your heart devours the world.¡± The Technologist placed hands upon hips. ¡°I''m trying to work out your grand scheme here. Is making me successor supposed to entice me to double my production? Is it meant to be a tantalizing reward?¡±


    ¡°It would help if you would look upon it that way, yes.¡±


    ¡°Are you planning to cede your throne while alive?¡± A pointed question. I shrugged. It was the answer Nolwud anticipated. ¡°If my succession depends on you being dead yet you being dead means the end of the world...¡±


    ¡°I will keep my promise,¡± I said. ¡°If you keep yours.¡±


    Nolwud ruminated. ¡°Do you have control over it? How can you say that?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I said. ¡°I''m nothing more than a vessel. I have no control.¡±


    My liege? Rott fretted. He placed his head against me again to listen for the scratching. It does concern your heart.


    ¡°No, it doesn''t. This is unrelated.¡±


    ¡°What is your end goal, Lordavis?¡± inquired Nolwud. ¡°You say I''m difficult to figure out but you''re no better. You claimed Nova for the worms but have no qualms lying to them and promising them a fantastic future you''re never going to let them see because your story ends with Fourmikari. You promise them a successor yet you know for a fact there will never be a successor because your death is the ultimate end.¡± Nolwud gnawed upon knuckle. ¡°This revenge of yours, I don''t see it playing out how you do. When Fourmikari goes, you go. And when you go, so does existence.¡±


    I finished my wine and set my goblet aside. Such an amount in a short period of time was causing me a headache. ¡°That is the rumor.¡±


    Nolwud''s head tipped. Spectacles were readjusted. ¡°You''re saying that''s not the case?¡±


    I rose, Rott slithering around my shoulders to travel along. ¡°You are my successor. Can''t that be enough? Your vassals in your home kingdom will be astounded by your quick rise to power.¡±


    ¡°I don''t want to be your successor unless you tell me exactly what you''re up to,¡± said the Technologist. ¡°It''s all well and good for you to conceive another plot but not if I''m kept in the dark.¡±


    ¡°Hm.¡± I didn''t respond. Instead, I motioned to the prisoner and Painyll as I took my leave. ¡°You do whatever you want with her, short of letting her go. Send her back to the dungeon when you''re done.¡±


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Nolwud called.


    ¡°To sleep off some of the alcohol. I daresay I had to celebrate for everyone.¡±


    I was half-expecting to find the prisoner awaiting a position in my court when I awoke. She sat alone in her cell, staring at the stone wall. I entered with an apple, making my presence known by taking a loud bite. Dark eyes turned my way. ¡°Can I help you?¡±


    ¡°Did you really think you''d succeed?¡± I taunted.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I''m a powerful magus. You never stood a chance.¡±


    She looked askance. ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°So?¡± I crunched down what remained of the fruit. ¡°You imagined you''d waltz right in?¡±


    ¡°I don''t know what I was thinking.¡± She scrubbed her face. ¡°I thought...oh, I don''t know!¡±


    ¡°Twenty-six,¡± I said.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I''ve killed twenty-six like you. Twenty-six prolific idiots who thought I wouldn''t dare. Twenty-six untouchables. And do you know what''s come of it? Nothing.¡±


    The prisoner wasn''t impressed. ¡°Oh, I''m sure the Treasures of Nova welcomed it. They were worthless anyway.¡± She couldn''t resist a jab despite her position. ¡°You''re proof of that.¡±


    ¡°My, my,¡± I clucked. ¡°We have built up our sense of importance, haven''t we?¡±


    ¡°I''m very important,¡± preened the prisoner. ¡°You know it.¡±


    ¡°I do,¡± I said. ¡°I appreciate you offering yourself to me. It saves me the effort of hunting you down.¡± I lingered dramatically before finishing with, ¡°Watavil.¡±


    The prisoner twitched, startled by her name. ¡°Who told you that?¡±


    ¡°It wasn''t hard to deduce,¡± I remarked. ¡°I keep aware of the pivotal in Fourmikari. You''re noteworthy for obvious reasons. I''m amazed your keepers allowed you to walk right into my clutches.¡±


    ¡°They had no idea. I snuck out. I''ve always been such a good listener. I''ve always followed directions. So they relaxed their watch.¡±


    ¡°I imagined it was some as asinine as that,¡± I scoffed. ¡°You''re an idiot.¡±


    ¡°I left a note,¡± she quickly insisted. ¡°They know where I am now. They''re not going to let you keep me here.¡± She straightened. ¡°They''ll get me back.¡±


    My mind was elsewhere. ¡°Do you think they''ll send Gallivur?¡± I was terribly excited. I hadn''t seen the champion since my injury from Chidsey.


    My liege, moaned Rott.


    ¡°I hope so,¡± mocked Watavil. ¡°I hope Gallivur beats you senseless. I hope Gallivur kills you. I hope Fourmikari takes Nova back!¡±


    ¡°My dear captive,¡± I sang. ¡°Your people strive to appease you. You are a valuable asset and the future of their kingdom.¡± I raised a finger, consuming Watavil in a cloud of dark energy. She hollered as I continued, ¡°How sweet. The future of Fourmikari in my hands.¡±


    Nolwud was waiting outside the dungeon when I finished with the arrogant captive. My actions weren''t egregious enough to warrant intervention. It did not spare me a lecture. ¡°What did that accomplish?¡±


    ¡°It wasn''t meant to accomplish anything,¡± I responded.


    ¡°Having been in her position previously,¡± the inventor said, ¡°I can assure you there''s no need for constant torment.¡±


    ¡°You''ve not been in her position,¡± I corrected.


    ¡°I''ve been your captive. You''ve tried to kill me.¡±


    ¡°I haven''t tried to kill her.¡±


    ¡°Yet.¡±


    ¡°Obviously I''m going to one day.¡± It went without saying. ¡°You can''t dissuade me.¡±


    Nolwud put a hand to head. ¡°Look, please. I know what you''re going to say, but I insist you leave treatment of the prisoners and correspondence with Fourmikari to me. I insist you don''t make a habit of terrorizing and harming everyone who crosses your path. I insist you start thinking about the ramifications of your actions even if you don''t think you''re going to be around to answer for them.¡±


    With Rott''s presence in consideration, I replied, ¡°I won''t. There is nothing more to say about it.¡±


    ¡°If you care about the worms,¡± cautioned Nolwud, ¡°consider what your behavior does for them and their prospects.¡±


    I bristled. ¡°There''s nothing more to say, Technologist.¡±


    What''s the matter, my liege? asked Rott.


    I patted the worm on top his head. ¡°Nothing, Rott. Everything is just fine.¡±

 Chapter 18: In which there are snacks and a stroll outdoors

    "Are you serious?"


    Nolwud spared me a half-glance and continued to pour out two servings of warm wine into small porcelain cups. I didn''t keep crockery. It was something the inventor had brought along or picked up in Fourmikari. The wine was mine; Revergnols'' originally, but mine by right. Heating it was opulence completely undeserved by the intended recipient. "Yes, I am. I want to make a good impression on our prisoner."


    Ridiculous. "You don''t bring treats and drinks to the dungeon."


    "You don''t," clarified the Technologist.


    "It''s the dungeon! It''s not designed to be enjoyed! Those who are locked away are meant to suffer."


    you managed to squirm your way out, but she has none of your skill with electronics or laser scepters. Her value is reliant solely upon her ability to pair off and carry on the Fourmikari line." I folded my arms. "Which makes her of no use to anyone."


    What?"


    what?" I followed behind at a leisurely pace. There was no reason to match the inventor. I sincerely wanted no part in plying the prisoner. "Some manners would be nice."


    I don''t want your charity, pulp sucker!"


    It was what I had expected.


    I sang to Rott with great amusement. "Music to my-"


    The poor inventor. The worm tightened his grip on my shoulders. You should help, my liege.


    pun." Witty. I would need to use that.


    usual for a captive to like her captor?"


    T-that--!" Nolwud stammered, taken aback by the accusation. "Y-you''re not my captive."


    What is being said, my liege?


    All of them."


    her?" He took my hand and held it between his. "My liege, can''t we both agree that you will dispose of that prisoner as soon as possible?"


    you currently use the finest I have to offer."


    stay. You both will share."


    My liege!" bawled the poet. I cackled the walk to my throne. Painyll didn''t fret for long, joining me at the top of the platform no sooner than I had sat. "My liege, I was wondering if you''d like to traipse with me."


    Painyll clarified, mirth forced upon his features. "No euphemism, my liege. I want to go for a walk. I want to see the places in Nova I recall."


    "There''s not much of that left," I said.


    "I would like a private audience with you," he added.


    "Why?" The Dramatist didn''t need to say. "Perhaps because you''re jealous of Nolwud? Worried we might be disturbed here? Worried you''d be overheard besmirching your rival?"


    "I know your qualifications," I replied. "You are an oversized laureate, you are a foolish droll, and the worms do not like you. You are hedonistic and interested only in your wellbeing."


    Painyll''s smile faltered. "How is that any different than you, my liege? You are only interested in yourself!"


    "Well," I said proudly, "It''s my kingdom. I can be as selfish as I like."


    "That walk," said Painyll. "I should still like to take it with you if you''ve nothing else to do."


    "There are many other things I would prefer to do," I said. I considered, finally allowing. "I''ll take a walk with you. But just the two of us."


    Rott lifted his head. Alone? With him?


    "Yes," I said. I would be able to speak to things the worms weren''t meant to hear.


    Unexpectedly, Painyll was less wary of the suggestion than I had thought him to be. He looked to his guards. "I''m going out with my liege Lordavis. Remain here." Glances were exchanged, an odd gesture given both were blind. I stood as the poet inquired, "Shall we descend by conventional means or will you use your magic?"


    "I will use my magic," I said. "I leave you to conventional means."


    "You were most likely this way," I said, indicating the Marketplace and High Hill. "I find it unlikely my predecessor housed you in the Farms."


    "I did not mind the Farms," said Painyll. "I never worried for my safety." He turned in a slow circle, enjoying the sunlight. "There is something to be said for going outside on occasion."


    I marched ahead, calling, "This is going to be a brief walk."


    "I might have been present for your birth," Painyll ruminated. His mind was off on its own excursion. "It seems likely, doesn''t it? I am several years older than you and you''ve lived here your entire life."


    I peered over my shoulder. "This has only occurred to you now?"


    Painyll sighed dramatically. "Certainly I remember Revergnols speaking of successors. There were at least four that I recall. It was fortuitous to be the last with that title, especially for someone from your origins."


    "Why do you know of my origins?"


    "You were born of Nova," said Painyll. "There''s only one possible origin." He stopped to run a hand across a tree, feeling the bark. "All things considered, I think it was rather kind of Revergnols to grant you the kingdom, don''t you?"


    I did not think of Revergnols as kind. Painyll''s adulation was misplaced. "Revergnols kept you for Fourmikari." I scowled. "How magnanimous."


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    The poet waxed, "''Take this with you,'' Revergnols said, handing me the seal. ''Stay away! Come back in many years'' time and you will be granted sanctuary''." Painyll was pleased by his reminiscence. He shone a bit brighter. "I did enjoy Revergnols. It''s a pity to be without." He turned to me. "Don''t you miss Revergnols sometimes?"


    "Never," I said adamantly.


    "Didn''t Revergnols care for you?" Ha! "Clothe you?" Oh, what a great service! "Keep you sheltered in the palace?" A prisoner, more like. Painyll harrumphed, "Honestly, I think you''re doing your predecessor a disservice."


    "Am I?" I taunted sarcastically. "I''ll have to work on that."


    "Probably," I said. There used to be many things.


    "Yes, there was a signpost there, and a garden of flowers here, and a statue of Revergnols approximately here..." Painyll puttered about, gesturing and proclaiming. Abruptly, he said, "You know, Technologist Nolwud has no appreciation for how this was. Technologist Nolwud was never here for Nova. It seems inappropriate to have someone without true knowledge as your successor."


    "Do you imagine?"


    experience Nova as you and I did."


    "Actually," I said, "you''ve made a better case for the Technologist."


    "My liege?" The poet failed to recognize his mistake.


    "I hated Nova," I said. "I don''t pine for the way things were. I''m the one who tore them away. Someone without any knowledge or memories of how Nova stood is ideal to inherit the Kingdom of Ever-Worms."


    "You hate Technologist Nolwud," insisted Painyll, attempting to sow discord.


    Would you like to hear a secret? A dragonfly whispered.


    "What?" I looked up. A social gathering of the small, winged variety.


    "I said," Painyll reiterated. "You hate Technologist Nolwud. It''s hardly surprising, my liege. Technologist Nolwud has many faults."


    I would like to hear a secret, cooed a second dragonfly.


    I would like to hear a secret, said another. A cluster of three hovered overhead. I observed quietly.


    Someone waits behind the tree with a blade. Who do they wait for? Do you know?


    No. Do you?


    There was only one tree wide enough to obscure a body in the immediate vicinity. I was perplexed. Nolwud''s work with the security system should have covered the area. My beacons should have covered the area. There had been no warning sizzle of electricity or light upon my hand. It implied careful planning and study. To wait with a blade brought to mind the previous assassin.


    One of those two, purred the dragonfly. They will surely stab!


    When beetles come for their corpses, snickered another, we shall have them!


    "My liege?" Painyll queried. "Are you alright?"


    "Hm?" I returned to my companion. "Fine. I don''t have any interest in this conversation. I''m not assuaging your envy." I waved a hand. "Nolwud is my successor."


    "It''s a mistake," mumbled Painyll, aping concern. "If you want Nova to flourish, you must have someone more qualified take over."


    I feigned thoughtfulness. "I might be convinced were you to show more conviction." I motioned down the trail. "There is a field of wildflowers beyond the crest of the hill. Pick me the flower you think encapsulates my being best and I will consider your proposition." Painyll hesitated. He tried to gauge my intention and sincerity. "This is a test, Dramatist Painyll. If you think yourself a better suited successor, woo me."


    "Oh, well, I''ve never had any interest in wooing anyone," the poet began. He held up a hand. "But if it''s a matter of flowers, I have great faith in my ability to know your mind. I''m quite good with flowers, my liege. Anything pertaining to the arts, really."


    I didn''t need qualifications. I waved towards the alleged field, indicating a desire to see him leave. "Yes, yes, good luck." The useless mass shambled onward as I hung back and watched. When Painyll had begun to round the wide tree, I called out, "My liege Lordavis, there''s one more thing I forgot to tell you!"


    The would-be assassin tried to catch me. The weapon remained lodged in Painyll, catching on the cloth of his robe in the attempt to remove it. I drew a blade of my own and speared the trespasser underneath the jaw. Staggering back, the figure toppled to the ground, twitching for a few moments before going limp. I rubbed my hands together.


    "I seem to be relatively unsoiled," I announced.


    "AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" replied Painyll.


    "My liege!" Painyll shrieked. "I''ve been attacked! Stabbed! Shivved!"


    "I''m dying," whined Painyll. "My liege, you must HELP ME!"


    Painyll wasn''t going to expire. It was a deep wound but hardly fatal. There was no need to rush.


    Why didn''t you leave him, my liege? Rott inquired when we were alone in the throne room. Accidents happen. It was the right time. The inventor could not blame you.


    "I have use for him yet," I said. "He aspires to Nolwud''s position."


    Rott had to think that over. He wants to be successor?


    "He does. He says it''s awfully unbefitting to make the inventor my successor."


    You wouldn''t...would you? Rott was appalled by the possibility. I dismissed it.


    "No, but he doesn''t know that. It''s one more way in which I can use Painyll to my benefit."


    Before you kill him?


    I gave Rott a knowing look. "Of course I''m going to kill him. I''m going to kill every individual of Fourmikari lineage."


    Except for one, obviously, beamed the worm, nuzzling into my chest.


    "Except for one," I lied.


    today?"


    Painyll tell you?"


    I want, not him. This is my kingdom."


    Yes, my liege.