In fact he simply squatted lower on his wide foot.
I hope my slime doesn’t ruin that red carpet.
The king regarded Jymoor first.
“Tell me, did Avorn die well?”
Jymoor’s eyes grew wide for a moment. Yeel jumped in to give her a moment to recover.
“He fell victim to those who sought to imprison me on the Far Coast,” Yeel said. “Fortunately, the armor didn’t fall into their hands for long.”
King Aruscetar nodded. “I can see that. I’m glad we have a new champion.” His voice was calm. Queen Ralia smiled.
“I present the Great Yeel,” Jymoor said. “The very same being who saved Maristaple so long ago.”
King Aruscetar and Queen Ralia examined Yeel openly.
“So, you’re the mighty Yeel,” the king said.
Something in his voice…I think he doubts my identity.
“I am indeed Yeel. It’s been a long time since I was in Maristaple. I’m pleased to be in your presence, and I’ve brought a gift for you.”
The king’s eyebrow rose. Suddenly, Yeel held a three-foot golden rod in his hand, extended toward the king.
Two guards stepped forward, their hands on their pommels.
Oops. I forgot to include that in my appearance.
The king defused the situation by accepting the rod. He examined it.
“It’s real gold,” he noted.
“Correct, sir, but that isn’t the source of its true value. The rod absorbs a measure of its holder’s strongest characteristics. If you rule with the rod for a few years, then it becomes attuned to your…skills. I believe you are renowned for your ability to command men. The rod will mimic your aura. Then, you can pass it on to your son. It will imbue him with a measure of your own special skills.”
“This rod can…pass on my abilities to my son?” King Aruscetar asked.
“It has that potential, provided you keep it near you for a good fraction of the next three or four years.”
“That’s the most wonderful gift we’ve ever received,” Queen Ralia said. “Thank you very much, Great Yeel.”
The king nodded his agreement, though he seemed less ready to speak his thanks.
“I’ll have Yune examine it carefully,” he said. He handed the rod to a soldier who walked to the side and gave it to a woman in a blue dress. She wore a silver circlet over her long black hair. Her quick, clear eyes were glued onto Yeel.
“We’re glad to see you return, both of you,” Aruscetar said. “Riken needs you. And here you are. Two heroes to lend their swords—and their magic—to tip the scales in the fight for our lives.”
The court gave their applause.
“Please, relate to us details of your trip,” Queen Ralia asked. As she asked the question, Yune stepped a bit closer to Jymoor and Yeel.
“The trip out was difficult and fraught with danger,” Jymoor started. Yeel stood by patiently as Jymoor spoke of her random encounters with predators, a slide down a short cliff, her discovery of Yeel’s house, and their journey back to Riken. She left out many details about Avorn but related most of what had happened in the stone garden and spoke of the survivors they’d brought back. She mentioned Vot and the Ascarans, though did not go into detail of their plight or any chance of aid from them. Here and there, Yeel took the opportunity to permanently remember a detail or two he’d already forgotten.
If it’s important enough to mention in such a brief summary to the king, I’d better be able to recall it, he thought.
The entire tale took only a dozen minutes to finish. Yeel was sure even with his own very limited memory he could have stretched it out over days. The audience was captive to Jymoor’s description, and a few of those present even gasped or clapped as she spoke of a danger or a victory.
King Aruscetar listened carefully. He seemed in a bit of a better mood by the end of the tale, though Yeel could not guess why.
“An impressive tale of heroism,” he said.
“Yes, you’ve inspired us all,” Ralia agreed.
“Now, then, I will let you rest and wash away the road,” Aruscetar said. “We can speak of other matters in the next day or two.”
Jymoor bowed, so Yeel copied her display of obeisance. The steward ushered them out of the throne room.
“Your rooms are this way,” the steward said. He snapped his fingers. A boy rushed up to assist him.
“Show them the rooms we prepared,” the steward ordered. The boy nodded.
“This way, my lady—Your Knightship, and…Great Yeel!” the boy said. The steward rolled his eyes and went back into the