At Jeremy’s signal, Korben entered the room. “You have need of me, my king?”
“No, Korben. However, the general brings grave news. It would appear the Order has plans to overthrow me as well.”
Korben said nothing, not wanting to reveal too much in case the general was not aware of their situation.
Jeremy, sensing this, continued. “I have informed him that you have begun retraining my men, and that there appears to be a threat from Keenley. With us receiving threats from both sides, I do not know how we will survive this.”
“There may be three sides, highness,” said Korben. “Or have you forgotten Malena?”
Olrond looked confused. “You mean that creature of magic, banished to the Void? I do not understand, why would she be a threat. I know the order has had problems in dealing with those creatures she can send out, but it has never been any real concern.”
“If my children succeed, the void will be no more. If she should be allowed to roam free, she may cause as much concern as Lakin and the Order do.” Turning to face Korben, he added. “And should I fall in one of the conflicts I know we are going to be facing, I will not allow Duke Dubar or Lakin to be king, even if it means disowning Brin. I will only allow the true heir to rule in my steed.”
Again, Olrond looked confused. He was about to question the king, but Korben responded to Jeremy first. “If it is your wish, highness, I will do as you ask.”
Jeremy turned to Olrond. “I have one more secret for you, and you must not ever speak what is about to be revealed to you to another soul. Do I have your vow?”
Olrond was taken aback. “Of course, your highness.”
“Korben is really Jessup Klayhern.”
Olrond nearly fell off his chair. “You can't be serious. That boy died many years ago in a terrible fire.”
Korben took a deep breath, knowing what he was about to say was going to stun the general. “That's not true. I fell through a trap door in the floor. It appeared that in years past, whoever owned the house used it for smuggling for the opening was well hidden. Stone surrounded it, so the fire didn't penetrate the area. When the fire was over, I had nowhere to go so I waited for someone to find me. Three days later someone did. I had expected my father, but instead it was a monk from the Temple of Allorethna. He informed me that a day of mourning was happening because everyone thought I had died. I had never wanted to be part of the royal family, so I went with him to the temple and changed my name. Jeremy and I had always been friends, so it was hard to pretend I didn't know him when we ended up in the same sword training class together. The monks told me to keep my distance from him, but we became fast friends again. The monks had altered my appearance slightly so that I would go unnoticed, that's why he did not recognize me.” Korben paused to catch his breath, and call up more memories. He had buried them so deep he had forgotten most of this until he started speaking of it again. “I told Jeremy about it just after you were given the title of general. I thought he should know, since he had just married my sister. But even she does not know that I live.”
Olrond sat back in his chair, taking it all in. “So should Jeremy fall, you will take his place as king?”
“Only if Elizanne wishes it,” responded Korben. “If she chooses to rule instead, then I will stay in the shadows.”
Olrond was going to respond, but Jeremy interrupted. “You know as well as I that Duke Dubar will not allow her to rule. He will use her magical abilities against her; have the people turn on her. No, it is decided now. Should I fall in one of the coming battles, you will take your rightful place as king.”
Korben nodded. “As you wish highness.”
The king then turned to the general. “Will you bear witness?” he asked
Olrond nodded. “Of course, your highness.”