[open] From A Hemlock Tree; EVERYONE/MANDATORY

[magnus]

we carry these things inside that no one else can see
they hold us down like anchors; they drown us out at sea

Quiet. Magnus remains quiet as the spectacle unfolds around him; quiet as voices of both dissension and approval arise. His gold-flecked eyes begin to smolder beneath the tangled mop of his inky forelock, but he still says nothing. Still, he glances away from Zeik momentarily toward the mare who had arrived after him, Ellyse, and just nods at her—almost imperceptibly. He may not think he was worthy of ruling, but he could appreciate the support all the same; it helped that he had a soft spot for sharp-tongued women.

He, however, remains wordless, again looking back toward Zeik—waiting for him to address the concerns that had been raised, to show his worth as a leader. What came instead was a shock to Magnus, and his carefully neutral expression flickered into a sharp frown, scarred mouth dipping in the corners. It wasn’t that he disagreed with the words—it’s just that they were awfully familiar. If Zeik had overheard Magnus discuss his own vision of Gates and agreed with it, then Magnus would be elated. But if those words were simply being echoed and used as a ploy to further Zeik’s play for power, then it would be grave indeed.

When Felinae arrived Magnus’ golden gaze brightened momentarily—thrilled that the little blue mare had stayed within the borders of the kingdom. They may not have talked much, but he had always tried to look after her when she had first arrived with Minette. To know that she had found a home, a purpose, within the boundaries of Heaven was enough to make his heart constrict painfully in his chest.

If only he could say the same for Minette.

Shaking himself of the thought, he gave her a quick smile, then turned his attention back to Zeik, his expression falling somber once more. “Before we discuss politics,” he began carefully, his voice full of smoke, “we should discuss the questions asked of you.” His words were not unnecessarily harsh, but you would have to be a fool to not sense the underlying steel. “Your kingdom has raised concerns, and if you are asking for them, for us, to follow you, then they deserve to be answered. They deserve that much.”

He leveled his gaze with Zeik. “Kings lead only by serving first. If you are to ascend this throne, then it would serve you well to serve now. Answer your people.” His mouth hardened and then he fell silent again, waiting for the falcon stallion respond. In his heart, he wanted to work alongside whoever was to wear the crown, and had done so time and time again, but he could not shake the dread that settled in his heart—the memory ticking in the back of his mind when another King had taken the throne so suddenly…and the bloodshed that had followed. He could only hope history would not repeat.

magnus