The light goes dark

After spending a day recovering, you and the girls set out again. The rest of the journey is uneventful, and within a few days you arrive safely in the capital. Guards spot you and guide you to the palace. Before you even have time to wash off the road dust, you find yourself outside a sickroom. Waiting by the door is a catgirl you swear you’ve seen before.

As you approach, she nods to you. “Hello champion Josh. Do you remember me? I was Halid’s toy the last time we met.”

Now it comes back to you. The catgirl he was pawing the first time you met the slovenly former king, she was chained to his throne the day you returned with Trevor. “I remember you now. Last I saw, you were fleeing the throne room. I’m glad to see you’re ok.”

She smiles. “Yes...I was terrified. I’m glad to see you’re doing well, champion.”

You nod. “Just Josh is fine. I don’t need a fancy title.”

She nods. “And my name is Christie. I came back to beg King Trevor for work, hoping that he was a better person than Halid. He had me training in medicine! Now...I don’t know how to save him. The poison...there’s demonic magic mixed in, it’s beyond our capability to cure.”

You sigh. “Thank you for trying, Christie. I had a feeling that the demon lord would be behind this. How long does he have?”

The catgirl sighs. “I don’t know how he’s still alive as it is. It’s like he’s holding on until you arrive.”

You pat her on the shoulder. “I will talk to him. It’s good to see you well, Christie.”

With that, you step through the door, and see Trevor in the bed. Clearly suffering, he still turns his head to you and smiles. “You made it. Good. I...I don’t think I could hold out much longer.”

You turn to Kali. “Could you heal him?”

She shakes her head. “He’s too far gone. Maybe if we had gotten here sooner...”

Trevor coughs, shivering. “No. This is how it has to be. Josh, you will be king.”

Feebly, he points to a side table. On a velvet pillow rests the crown. “Take the throne. Lead the people to a better world. It’s what you were meant to do.”

He sighs, relaxing. “My time is ended. I’ve waited so long...Eneree calls to me...”

A new voice comes from the corner of the room. “She does. Go to her, old friend. You’ve done enough.”

Trevor smiles as Bast steps up to the bed. The old man gently rests a hand on Trevor’s chest. “We’ll take it from here, Brightwind. Your love awaits you.”

Trevor smiles, and a final sigh passes his lips, and his eyes close for the last time. Bast nods, and turns to you. “Well, King Josh, it’s time to take your crown.”

You look up from Trevor and sigh. “You’re not just some mage. You’re another god, aren’t you.”

Bast smiles kindly. “I knew you were smart. Yes. But that’s not important right now. You are king, and more than that, you’re leader of an alliance under attack. It’s time to rally your people, Josh. Queen Kallista and Queen Sella already know of Trevor’s decision to crown you, and they approve. All that’s left to do is take your crown and address your people. They will be gathering soon. Make your speech a good one.”

With that, he snaps his fingers and vanishes once again. You look at the crown in front of you, and slowly put it on your head. Maya steps close and hugs you. “It looks good. I guess you’re royalty now, my Josh.”

You look at the girls, who look back at you in anticipation. “Well, we have time for mourning later. For now, I guess I have to give a speech. And prepare to go to war.”

Of all people, it’s Lynn who speaks up. “I will follow you anywhere, my king.”

You smile at the little goblin. “Thank you Lynn. Now, let’s speak to our kingdom.”