i heard there was a secret chord; any

[magnus]

you and I both know that the house is haunted
and you and I both know that the ghost is me

The day was pleasant, and he was thankful for it, wandering the border in what he considered to be his usual rounds. It was calming, in a way, to know that he could take the time and ensure that everyone was safe and sound and no intruders lurked in their presence. Although he was a strong proponent of the open border idea, he knew the dangers as well as anyone. He may advocate for the kingdom to be a haven that did not pass judgement on any who called for sanctuary, it did not mean that he was oblivious to what that meant or could mean for its inhabitants. He simply knew it meant he would have to be even more vigilant.

Deep in though, he almost did not see Mast, standing and rubbing his antler casually against the fragility of his legs. Altering his course, he made his way toward the shifter-King, coming to a stop several feet away. “Nice to see you, Mast,” his voice was honeyed whiskey, throaty. Nodding in greeting, he glanced at the garden—the magic of which still did not make perfect sense to him. “It is nice to know that the new seasons are bringing growth and life back into the kingdom. It’s nice to know poison does not endure.”

He had heard stories of that night—the fire that had flared in the sky, the death that had crawled through the roots. It had been an unbalanced fight; more a bully’s display of power than an even match. They had known it too. They had known they marched on a slumbering kingdom and they chose to do it anyway. Cowards. “How have you been?” concern touches his voice as he watches Mast. Heaven knows how the King was living with the responsibility of having Fiasko at the Chamber, but Magnus felt he could at least empathize with him. Although he had not shared his history, he knew all too well the weight of a crown.

MAGNUS

once general. once lord. once king.