Chereads / Simple Hans / Chapter 17 - Return of the Magician

Chapter 17 - Return of the Magician

Friedrich breathed deeply, evoking the sight. When the present King Wilhelm was but a youth, Friedrich had weaseled permission to use the king's eyes as conduits for the sight. Friedrich had discovered the technique through his vast reading and was eager to explore its possibilities. He had also seen the benefit should he need to spy on the king in the future which would ensure that his position in the court remain not only fixed but indispensable. The king would never be able to fire him. Young King Wilhelm had not really understood what Friedrich had asked of him, and if the young king had understood the nature of the sight, it was likely he would not have been so amenable, but as in nearly everything he did, Friedrich merely neglected to completely explain. Friedrich's eyes begin to fill with a vibrant green film which glowed as though on fire.

The battlefield bloomed into full color, although the light had traces of a green hue as it streamed from the sun onto the carnage below. Wilhelm was engaged in a fierce battle against two Erubian soldiers. He seemed to Friedrich to be winning the fight, but Friedrich noted that his shield had been swept away. Friedrich contemplated his next move carefully, noting the advantage of the Erubian army, but also weighing the former status he was confident that he could regain. If Friedrich saved the king in this battle it would have to be flashy because if he didn't gain the king's attention in some obviously supernatural way, the king may be tempted to simply sweep Friedrich's intervention away as though it was simply coincidence. In that instant, Friedrich knew his next move. He drew on his power and summoned his strength, locating what he needed with ease and satisfaction, Friedrich simply waited for the next opportunity.

The king feigned to the left and struck out at one of the soldiers, but in his exhaustion he left his back wide open to the other solider who was all too ready to take advantage of the King's error. Friedrich grinned and channeled his energy. The King's forgotten shield streaked through the battlefield to stand guard, deflecting the soldier's thrust. The soldier stood as in a daze, staring horrified at the dancing shield when King Wilhelm thrust him through.

"Wh- what… magic… is this….?" The fallen soldier croaked, prompting the king to turn his attention to the object of his salvation. Friedrich smiled, and the shield throbbed a dull green flash.

"Friedrich?" The King whispered, a note of disbelief with the undertone of fear laced his voice.

"I am here, your majesty," Friedrich answered, channeling his power once again, and with an ostentatious display of green smoke and light, he appeared before the king on the battlefield. At the sight, the Erubian army fled the battle in a panic, but the Lyandrian army was likewise too stunned to give chase.

Friedrich bowed deeply thereby, hiding the irony from his eyes and the twist of his lips, "At your service, your majesty."