The Horns of Kern
*
Octavius was quiet as he surveyed the room. Almost all the bodies and wounded had been cleared out. He looked at Gertrude who had pulled up a chair. “When will we ever learn that power and greed beget nothing more than pain and suffering? My kingdom has been injured, and now I must act as its ‘apothecary’ to help it heal. Gertrude, Awll has been leveled, and half of my kingdom’s people do not have a place to stay when they return. If it were summer, we could supply them tents, but it is in the middle of winter, with the coldest months falling upon us. My friend, I will need your help in what my mind is thinking, for it is a huge undertaking, but it is something that I feel must be done. I am opening the doors to the castle to all of the trolls that have been displaced. Since you know the needs of your fellow trolls better than I, I am asking you to coordinate all that has to be done to make it possible. It also was Emmaline’s idea to create a new position in our court. We would be honored if you would accept the position of chancellor.”
“I am honored that you think that highly of me to request my service, however I have my obligation as Grand Troll to my fellow trolls.” Gertrude shook his head.
“Gertrude, as chancellor you would be at the head of our council as well as yours. The councils shall become one. This council will govern both humans and trolls. I am giving you control over the council so that we can make common laws that benefit both of our kinds. Please do not say ‘no’ in haste. Please think about what I have said.”
“You do flatter me with the offer, Octavius. I would like to put it to vote in our assembly and, if they agree to it, then I would be honored to accept the position. This is something I know my father wanted. He would be pleased to know that it is now possible.”
“Gertrude, you never fail to amaze me with your compassion and loyalty. I shall be waiting for your answer. I do believe that we should make it down to the armory to get patched. Will you aid me, my friend, as my leg has gotten tender from sitting here.”
.“Do you need to ask, my friend?” Together the two headed down to the armory, Gertrude shouldering the extra weight of Octavius. As they neared, the noise and confusion heightened. There was barely enough space to walk through the room as the floor was littered with multitudes of injured soldiers and trolls. The situation was chaotic as there were not enough people to treat the wounded.
Octavius shook his head in despair. I failed to see this need in the event of a war. “Gertrude, what shall we do?” He had no sooner spoken those words when a clamor arose out in the hallway. To his surprise, Emmaline walked into the room, followed by all of the lady trolls. They were carrying blankets and first-aid supplies. In the blink of an eye, everything seemed to flow a little smoother. The ladies started sorting out the soldiers that needed attention first. The ones who could wait to be helped were made comfortable in another part of the huge room. Octavius hobbled towards his wife with Gertrude at his side. “How did you get here? How did you know our needs?”
Emmaline smiled. She kept herself busy, sorting bandages while she talked. “Amor and Laude came to us not too long after the Horns of Kern were sounded and said that we should be on our way to help. They told us that they would see that the children would be well cared for and that we were needed here to care for the injured. They led us to all of these supplies and then to the tunnel system. We thought for sure that we would get lost...” She turned to Octavius and the smile faded from her face when she saw his wound. “You are injured! Why are you not getting stitched up by the apothecary?”
“My wound does not require immediate attention. There are many here that require aid first.” Octavius looked around the room and the stress of the battle showed in the lines and creases of his face, making him appear older. Tears welled up in his eyes at the realization of the loyalty and bravery shown by the men and trolls before his eyes. He looked over at Gertrude. “My friend, what are the words to your ‘Honor Song’? I feel as though my voice should be raised in praise of all who are here and stood by my side in battle…” Gertrude nodded with a smile that seemed to cut his face in half.
“Honor above glory, honor above life, we shall all be bound by this moment, this honorable moment in our lives. He who tests our honor shall feel our wrath, for we are trolls of honor, honor, honor till our bodies draw their last breaths.”
As the words of the song sprang forth from Octavius, Gertrude and Emmaline, the power of the song rose with every word. All of the injured that were able to stand, stood with their hand placed across their heart. The words brought tears to everyone as they realized that they were singing the song in praise to themselves and their fellow soldier - be they human or troll. The song seemed to take on a life of its own as it flew through the air as though it were riding on the back of a mighty kestrel.
Octavius raised his arms to his people. Silence fell slowly. He raised his arms even higher and silence took hold as his voice boomed forth. “We have faced adversity together and we have defeated those who wished us harm! I can never thank you enough for what you have gone through! As I stand here before you, I solemnly promise to show my gratitude by being the best king that I can be. Honor and justice will prevail in our kingdom. I bow to all of you now in deep gratitude. Queen Emmaline and I are opening up the castle to those families that find themselves homeless. This will not be an easy undertaking, but from what I have witnessed by today’s events, there is nothing we can not accomplish by working together. Thank you!” Octavius lowered his arms. A thunderous roar erupted that shook the walls with the chant: “Long live our King! Long live Octavius!”
Gertrude looked around the room and noticed his mother on the far side, helping an injured troll. He left Octavius and walked towards his mother, shaking hands with the injured and thanking each one for their bravery. He came upon Winifred and commented on her fighting gear. “Mother, why are you dressed as you are?”
Winifred glanced up at her son. She did not stop what she was doing. “I had found the battle gear in my room after you left. I put it on and took up the rear.” Winifred paused for a moment. “Did you notice the pair of kestrels at the top of the gate when we left?”
“No, mother, I can not say that I did. I must return to the haven and thank our hosts in the next few days. We must bring the Horns of Kern back down from the side of the mountain.”
Octavius took something from Andre, surveyed the room and walked over to where Gertrude and Winifred were. “Andre just handed me this knife. On the handle it has the name ‘Tinker’ inscribed in it.” Octavius looked at the two questioningly.
Winifred glanced over at the knife and nonchalantly turned and took it from Octavius’ hand. “Where in the name of Kern did you find this?”
“It was taken from the throat of Lord Mellem by one of my guards. Is it yours, Winifred?”
Winifred shuffled uncomfortably and turned a darker green. “Yes, it is mine. I use it to slit the throats of swine and chickens when butchering. I keep it in a sheath attached above my ankle.” She looked at Octavius. Before he could ask her the question, Winifred scowled. “Yes, it was me who threw the knife.” She peered down at it in her hand. “I do not take pleasure in taking the life of a human or troll. I am glad that the knife found its intended target, but I ask you not to thank me for it. You needed help and I was able to give it when you needed it. Please honor my request...”
“Lady Winifred, you are an incredible being!” Octavius’ eyes filled with tears. He grabbed her by the shoulders, bent down and gave her a hug and kiss. Winifred raised her eyes to see Octavius, nodded and returned to her work.
Gertrude prodded Octavius. “I think we had best get our wounds taken care of so no one ends up having to care for us…” The two walked towards the apothecary with Octavius leaning, once again, on Gertrude.