Chapter 18: Feast

The feast to celebrate Nome’s return and his victory began. Guests arrived, filling the hall with an array of guests, both locals and residents from distant lands. Lokir, granted with the king’s permission, sat merrily among the guests, enjoying ale and shouting vulgar remarks. “Give me the biggest mug of your stinking ale, you, dumpy arseholes!” he called out, much to the amusement of some and the exasperation of others. Jason, the head of the guard, with a small group of huards stood behind, diligently keeping a watchful eye to ensure that Lokir didn’t offend any of the esteemed guests.

Darian couldn’t help but smile as he watched the whole scene. In moments like these, he could briefly forget the weight of his responsibilities and relive the cherished memories of simpler times. He longed for Narim’s presence, hoping they could share a laugh together. Imagining his father raising a goblet and saying something hilarious, making the whole hall light up with laughter.

He observed the hall from his throne. Nymira was still gone, but that didn’t upset him much. She definitely wasn’t with Nome right now, because he was here too. The huge bearlike man, who had just eaten half a bull, sat not far away from Darian’s throne, on the edge of the table, and kept his eyes on Darian under bushy eyebrows.

Rising to his feet, Darian raised his goblet and called for attention. “I propose a toast to my glorious brother Nome the Serpent-Slayer, the son of Inglud the Serpent-Slayer.”

Guests looked at Darian, the hall went silent as the king continued. “Loyal commander, the greatest of all Serpent-Slayers. Well, second greatest after me,” he added with a lighthearted jest, but barely anyone laughed. “Brother, son. Our father would be proud of your noble victory, Nome. You have achieved greatness for our kingdom. Let us raise our goblets, for I believe that one day, we shall all be reunited with our beloved father and our dear brother, Carlas, in the realms beyond. I drink to you. To Nome”

The guests echoed, their voices resonating as they raised their mugs in unison. “To Nome!” The hall resumed its lively cacophony, the clamor and feasting, the merriment of women, and the melodies of songs.

“I hope there is no such thing as an afterlife” Darian made a sip and took a seat.

“Those were nice words...” Nome spoke audibly enough for Darian to hear. His voice was like a bark. “You’ve changed, little brother,” He sat on the edge of the table, close enough to Darian, rubbing his knuckles

“Indeed, as have you.”

“I went through a war. For the first time without you and Father. And when I returned, I found my father murdered, my loyal advisor caged and the throne occupied by my little brother. That same brother who now shares our mother’s bed?

“I have no idea what you are talking about,” said Darian.

“Tell me. How is she in a bed?” The thunderer got up and moved closer, hovering over the seated king. With gentle force, he placed his bearlike hands-on Darian’s shoulders, tightening his grip, and peered deeply into brother’s eyes. “Nothing lasts forever. It ends now, little brother. I won’t hang you for what you did to our father,” he interrupted Darian’s attempt to speak by tightening grip. “And I’ll grant you some time to revel in your crown, have fun. But when the time comes, when I command you, you will abdicate the throne and return it to me. And you will forever live in my shadow only to be remembered as the Incurian king who reigned for a mere couple of weeks. Darian the Two-Week King. And then I marry our mother, who deserves the seed of a true Serpent-Slayer.”