Author Games: Dungeon Brawl

Mordecai Caddel SEMIFINALS

Last stop is the King's courtroom. Come on now, Mr. Caddel."

Parzifal, though stoic, was pushing along the introductions quickly. He couldn't blame him, not after a full day of scurrying people along and preparing for the brawl. He was a busy man, no doubt, but Mordecai could tell his patience left him long ago.

"Alright." Parzifal opened the door. "In you go."

Mordecai rolled his shoulders back and sewed on a smile as he stepped into the presence of King Charles.

He didn't need an extravagant room to know he was noble. It was held in his presence, in the way his eyes narrowed in focus and his face softened with a personable smile. Intimidating, yet only in a way for others to look in awe, in desire.

"Ah, Mordecai Caddel. It's my pleasure."

He bowed. "The pleasure is all mine, Your Majesty."

King Charles lifted a hand in a shooing motion. "Spare me the pleasantries, young hero. My fascination goes beyond any formal conversation. I'd like to hear your mind."

He caught the shift in the King and sensed the bored introductions he'd been receiving all day. So, he smiled. "My mind says that Parzifal is looking forward to a drink or two tonight."

A hearty laugh came from the King as he leaned forward. "Huh, is that so! He's had a long day, I'm sure. A treasured friend, he is."

"He's a good man," Mordecai nodded. "Crestienne, too. And the brothers. You have their trust. It is admirable."

"Their trust is all I've ever desired. We've come a long way."

"Nuhan is grateful for it, I promise you."

King Charles smiled before leaning back again, his leg crossed over the other. "Nuhan is also great because of people like you. Tell me, Mordecai, how far can your magic go?"

"As far as you'll allow, Your Majesty."

He hummed. "Dare I ask the future of my Kingdom?"

He nodded in response, preparing for his exact question. Silas had helped him; straighten up, close his eyes, slow breathing, and exaggerate. Make the magic untouchable by others. Show them how badly they need him.

With his body displayed for the King's intrigued eyes, he dug into his mind, searching through visions. He wouldn't admit it, but it was more difficult to search for futures that were not his own. Practice with Silas helped, but it was not perfect. Still, he saw many outcomes, pushing past fleeting negative ones, searching for the ones King Charles needed to see.

"I see a prosperous land. A future of fortune. A hero alongside you."

"And who is that hero?"

"Well, I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise, would I?"

A satisfied smile beamed from the King's lips. "I truly do wish for your success, Mordecai. Your futuristic mind is magnificent. I'd like to see more of it."

"This mind is yours to prod through if you desire."

"I will accept your offer if I end up seeing you by my side in a week's time."

I probably won't be here. "That is a promise, Your Majesty."

It was partly true, because although he saw a fortunate future, the ones where Mordecai stood alongside him were few and far between. With every image of him holding the title of a hero, dozens of futures of death and despair came with it.

"Well, I look forward to watching your mastermind at work tomorrow. Farewell, young hero."

Mordecai bowed again before bidding his goodbye. As he walked toward the exit, his eyes rested on the large door full of complex and colorful designs. Swirls and shapes of statues he didn't recognize stared back at him. Maybe they were beautiful, but he could only feel a foreign presence. It was beyond the door, beyond the Kingdom walls. It was what he was about to do, the journey his life would endure. Down in the dark in the dungeons below, facing gods know what for a title that would never fit him anyway.