Not All Heroes Are Guiltless

Chapter 95 (Part 1)

Chapter 95(Part 1)

Dungan’s POV

I wish they would just hurry and make a damn decision. I have been in this village for a week now, being the mediator between the merchant guild and the village officials discussing imports and exports. I want to get back to the castle and return to my mate. I am sick of these women flirting with me.

Gentry told me I needed to be more apparent in trade agreements. Too many contracts are not being taken seriously because I show no concern. He thought if rumors went out and assisted with a few, then I could fear the others into following through. I am mediating a trade discussion for a local village and the merchant guild. I hate this job the most. Fresh ears mean I am probably hearing the same arguments they have told my agents previously. I do not want to speak because neither side will agree and anything I say or do. Why do I have to facilitate mediation between these stubborn idiots?

“King Dungan, we value your time. We are glad you are invested in this endeavor. We have not heard from you today. Nor any other day this week.” A merchant snide then adds under his breath, “Not like an apprentice blacksmith knows much anyhow.”

I keep from rolling my eyes. Rumors about my exploits state I was possessed by Bellar when I took the throne. None really believed I was anything, but an apprentice, and I enjoy it, but its tiresome when they feel superior. I turn my head towards the merchant and pierce him with my gaze, “I know you are overcharging for essential goods and control the distribution of said essential goods. Causing the laborers, you employ to pay more than their meager sum for basic needs. I have never seen the good of this guild you boast about. They reap profits from the very backs of the people they are meant to serve, leaving them no more than slaves to a bunch of ancients with no living investment. You demean me because I was an apprentice, but when you get laid off from a job, you have to find something to bide your time. I am sure when you are out of business, your image of being a petty theft would not allow you an opportunity anywhere but a swine farm.”

The merchant stands up and yells at me, “I am older than you, boy. Mind your manners and not insult your elders!”

“You are what? Barely a hundred and fifty?” I chuckled. “A low-level f*****g mage that was dropped from the army for incompetence. My bloodline has shown no age in our thousands, and you are going to call me boy? Remember, it is the blood of kings, Bellar’s champion, which you just insulted. What do you have to say for yourself?”

I can feel the village chief and his companions shiver at my insinuation. The merchant though is fuming. “You are a brat and Bellar was tragically mistaken to put you in charge. You will have us fight to our deaths in your petty battles.”

“Petty battles?” I eyed him with a laugh. “That must be your gratitude to your God and King.”

I pulled my blade up and cut out his heart quickly before anyone could even flinch. The merchants body drops and I wipe my blade off on his robes. The rest of the men stand up pushing their chairs away from me. I stand still and wait for their hearts and breaths to return. “Anyone else want to join him?”

The village chief bows his head, “No, your majesty.”

My eyes scan his men and they are all shocked. I turn to the merchants companions and I can smell the tinge of urine and I want to laugh. The merchants assistant swallows, “We will not offend you Shad- your majesty.”

“Good.” I stated shortly. I hide my anger at myself. I watched my adoptive father and brother for years and they were natural with their people. Noone ever died from their hand during discussions such as these. They were able to dominate them, to make honorable decisions and never had the raw fear I seem to always gain. Even in this room everyone is looking at me reservedly knowing my patience has drawn thin. I wish I could figure out how to solve these situations without bloodshed. But then again that arrogant man was a waste of space. “If the guild sends another that will not work with you inform them, they must direct everything to me. Until then, divide out his wage to all in the village.”

The village chief nods enthusiastically, “Yes, your majesty.”

I do not even say goodbye nor do I dismiss anyone from the room. I stroll to the exit the village hall and find my men standing around joking and laughing outside of it. I pass them without a word and walk straight to my horse. I pulled him out of his stall and started to saddle him myself. My men break out of their stupor and rush without a word and start saddling their own horses. Their fear evident in their motions and they did not even see me kill the merchant. I must look demonic.

I used to not be this way, or was I always this way? I avoided my god for as long as I could. He was always whispering to me about how I would make him proud and I was his chosen one. His greatest champion. The festering evil in Bellar was due to my own negligence when I did take the throne. I am at fault for the reason these people cannot feed their children a decent meal. My punishment for not taking the throne when I was younger is dealing with the aftermath of the result of my negligence.

I started my life with no knowledge of anything but pain and punishment. My first dream was of a girl whose movements were fluid and free. Her embrace enfolded me, and I felt warmth and ease. I never saw her face until I touched her as a baby. I never wanted to tie myself down until she was in my arms. She was my promise and my reason to continue even when everyone told me I was a cursed child. One the lupine gods would not accept, but yet they allowed me to have a mate. My Nadar.

My only hope in a cell near the sea while chained to a chair. I never understood why my mother hated me. She always beat me and she would show so much anger in her movements and then moments of bliss when the hits left me broken and bruised. A concept I did not understand until my own sprite appeared and drew power from my core.

He taught me my first spell and it helped me escape my mother’s clutches. The ability to manipulate minds. Not to force them, but to have them ignore my existence. I was perceived by the eye but not noticed in presence.

I ran through the forests too dense for my weakened body. That is where Bellar told me to go. He was my guide through it all using everything my blood could offer. The demon gave me the opportunity, the wolf to help heal and move me through the forests. I ran right into the path of Dunnell. He had looked at me with pity and it just made me furious. I turned away and ran from him and yet he followed me. I was unable to shake him until he caught me in a bear hug and held me close.

He was so warm and pressed against me and I collapsed in his arms. Exhausted from my escape. He brought me to his father and promised he would be my protector. I was confused by his reasoning. I was not something a light spirit like Dunnell should keep close. I did not want to corrupt him but he would not have it. He became my role model teaching me how to live and survive.

They never mentioned my scars. They just fed and clothed me. Taught me the legends of lupines and became my home and family. My brother and father, with them I did not need that crazed lady known as mother.