Fourth Vector Ch. 31

Bill shrugged. "Most of the time, no. Many kings have chosen their firstborn sons to succeed them whether they come from the land or sea wife. Some have even chosen second sons when the firstborn seemed to be unfit for the throne. The nice part about being king is that it's your prerogative on which you'd choose."

Jack nodded. "So King Stephen the Great conquered Dagobern."

"It's the one that Swabians still whine about today," said Bill with a distasteful look. "They always call it the Sack of Dagobern. Some particularly loathsome individuals call it the Rape of Dagobern but it was nothing of the sort. Swabians have always been poor losers. In any event, it was the defining moment of the century. It finally checked Swabian aggression for another three centuries after that."

"Until the line of kings was presumed dead and the Swabians started to expand once more?" asked Jack.

Bill nodded. "I see you've been paying attention to our nightly talks."

Jack cracked a smile. "What can I say? You're a good storyteller."

Bill chuckled. "You'll enjoy the story of King Renard then. He was the first true King of Galicia."

"Renard, you said?" asked Jack. "What was his story?"

"King Renard was an ancient ancestor of yours," continued Bill. "In those days, Galicia was more of a geographic area rather than a country. The islands that made up the country all had their own separate kings and warlords. Renard put an end to that. From his capital at Kalmar, he subjugated all the other existing lords under one banner. For the first time in her history, Galicia was united under one throne and one king. King Renard was the founder of the Galician state."

"How long ago was this?" asked Jack.

"About two millennia," replied Bill. "Around the time we started keeping records. You'd be hard-pressed to find information much older than that. Supposedly though, it was Renard that crafted the king's sword as well as was responsible for the bond with his people."

Jack arched an eyebrow. "Supposedly?"

"Well, we aren't very sure," admitted Bill. "Both the sword and the bond have some supernatural elements to them that aren't well understood in our world today. There are some that say they were created with the help of magic. Most academics would say that's near impossible but then again, most academics haven't laid eyes on your sword or felt the bond in some time."

"I imagine those people might be very confused after I showed up in Kalmar," said Jack.

Bill grinned. "I'd imagine you're right."

"That was one thing I'd always wondered about," said Jack. "I do believe it to be some kind of supernatural force that controls both aspects but finding someone who knew about it was always going to be the difficult part."

Bill held open his hands helplessly. "I'm sorry, Jack. My knowledge doesn't extend to those subjects very well. I don't know much regarding the bond between you and our people, nor the sword that you wield."

"It's something I can still research on my own," said Jack. "Just because we don't know the answer now doesn't mean we can't find it. You said the library at the castle in Kalmar is huge. I'm sure they have some ancient texts there that might guide the way."

"It's very possible," admitted Bill. "Eric Rosdahl was never one to let anyone have access to those old books. My guess is that someone knows what's back there and they don't want it getting out to the public."

"Just another thing for us to do when we eventually recover Kalmar," said Jack.

Bill actually hesitated before he spoke again. "Do you really think we'll get back there? Do you think we'll make it back to Kalmar again?"

"Having second thoughts, Bill?"

The old man shook his head vehemently. "No second thoughts. I will spend the rest of my life at your side, I have no doubt about that. Although if I was a betting man, they would be odds I wouldn't surely put against. We have a small force and have drawn the ire of both Swabia and Rosdahl. A daunting prospect indeed."

"You're right," conceded Jack. "Ordinarily, I wouldn't want to go up against such a force but I have every amount of faith in our cause. Even more so now that I've been to Galicia. This feels like the right thing to do. And not to mention, there are some that would say this is what has to happen."

"Ah, yes, the prophecy," replied Bill. "That's one thing I'd like to discuss with Katherine when we do get to see her. No doubt it's from one of those secret libraries that only the Rosdahls had access to."

"She has a copy of the entire prophecy as it concerns me," said Jack. "According to her words, events have unfolded just the way they've been written."

"According to her?" asked Bill.

"Well," admitted Jack with a reddening face. "To me, it still looks a bit like gibberish. She's always placed more faith in it than I have. I'd have to blame that on my upbringing."

"She does sound like a fascinating person though," said Bill with a more neutral tone. "There are some days when I believe the gods will never forgive me for the way I've treated her."

"If it helps you at all, Bill, you have to know that it has molded the person she's become," said Jack. "She's a fighter in every sense but she's still remarkable when it comes to being a woman. You don't see that too often in people who've gone through what she did. The tendency to become bitter is usually quite strong. Kat is not."

"I suppose that's a good thing then," said Bill. "After all, if she indeed becomes queen again someday, I'd rather she not want my head for it."

Jack chuckled. "I think I'd be able to restrain her if it ever came to that. Not that I think it would."

"I would hope not," said Bill with a deeper laugh.

"You know, there is one more thing I'd like to ask you tonight," said Jack after another moment. "It's something that I haven't really given much thought to until recently. But it's something that if I'm going to really be the king, I think I ought to know."

Bill gave him a serious look. "What's that, Jack?"

"My family's name," he answered. "I'm afraid I don't even know my family name, the name of all the kings going back centuries. You've taught me much about Galicia but this one detail still remains unknown to me. I don't think I've ever heard Kat mention it either."

"It's not one that you'll hear too much from most Galicians either," said Bill. "The name is a pariah due to the regents. They don't like to hear it uttered around them because of the threat it proves to their power. The last time someone did it in front of Eric Rosdahl, the man foamed at the mouth for the next half hour while repeatedly striking the offender across the face."

"More reason to do it then," said Jack with a small smile. "Especially if it pisses off Eric Rosdahl."

Bill chuckled. "Pissing off Eric Rosdahl usually means you're on the right track. But anyway, back to the name. Let me ask you something. Are you dissatisfied with your own last name? Don't you want to keep using the name Easterbrook?"

Jack shrugged. "I haven't made a decision about that. Easterbrook is the name of the people that raised me. It'll always remain special to me but I was thinking about this last night before I went to bed. As a person, Jack Easterbrook has always held his allegiance to the Javan Empire. Everything that he's known and fought for has come back to Java but to me, that old life is dead. I'm embracing my new role and my new allegiance. It seems to me that the only right course is to embrace my heritage and my past. That includes the last name."

Bill smiled. "Wise words, I'll say. Perhaps when this is all over, you'll spend more time with my son? He could use some parted knowledge from someone who's not his father."

Jack laughed. "When all this is over, you have my word."

"Good, well, then to answer your question, there is one family name that is tied to Galicia forever. It goes back to the first king, the same one that united Galicia two thousand years ago."

"King Renard," answered Jack.

"Yes, Jack. King Renard Kincardine was his full name," said Bill. "The Kincardine family has held the throne of Galicia all this time. King Stephen Kincardine the Great was the one that conquered Dagobern and ended the Fourth Swabian War. King Robert Kincardine was the last king, up until very recently. That means you, Jack, are a Kincardine as well."

"Kincardine," Jack repeated. "That's my family name."

"Aye, Jack," replied Bill. "I suppose if you wanted to be correct about the whole matter, your real name is Jack Kincardine. As was the name of your father and your grandfather going all the way back to the baby that lived."

There was a moment of silence as Jack digested those words. His name was the very root of his identity. Never in his life had he ever suspected that his last name would be different from Easterbrook. However, with his changing fortunes came changed ideas of identity. If he was to be the Galician King, should he not adopt the trappings of his ancestors?

Should he not inherit the name of his family?

"It gives me a lot to think about," said Jack after a few minutes. "Something that won't be easy to swallow but I think it was something that I needed to know."

"Think on it for a while, Jack. No one is forcing you to change anything. Or even asking you. I think the people won't care much what your last name is when you land again in Kalmar someday."

"What do you think though, Bill? What would you do if it was you?"

Bill took a moment to think that through before he answered. "I take a lot of pride in my name. The Calland family has been very influential in Galicia for a long time. If I found out the true origins of my name, or found out that I didn't have the correct one, I think my first instinct would be to search myself for what felt truly right. So I don't know if I can answer that one for you, Jack. You have to look inside yourself and see what feels right."

"I thought you might say that," said Jack with a smirk. "I suppose I can sleep it on for a while though. It is interesting nevertheless."

"I'll leave you with this though. Kincardine is a powerful name, Jack. A long line of great men, excellent warriors, and good kings shared that name. It is part of your birthright after all. So inheriting it can only be a good thing, if you want my honest opinion."

At this point, Bill was showing obvious signs of being tired. He pushed out of his chair and approached the door, their conversation for the night nearly over.

"Bill?"

The older man turned as he reached the door. "Yes, Jack?"

"Thank you," said Jack. "For everything."

Bill let out a small smile. "You're welcome, Jack."

*****

The night's rest was fruitful for Jack as he contemplated his family's history. Bill's sharing of a number of stories about his ancestors, as well as their family name, gave him much to think about as he drifted to sleep. Even his dreams seemed to reflect the split ahead of him and the conscious need to pick a course. It was reminiscent of the decision to choose between Java and Galicia, and Jack was once again facing an internal battle over the direction of soul.

Am I Jack Easterbrook or am I Jack Kincardine? Who is the real me?

He awoke with no answer to the question but plenty in the way of thoughts. All of it would have to wait. No sooner had Jack's feet touched the floor than an excited message came in from Russell, who was still on theVisby.

"Jack, you're going to want to see this," said Russell through his radio. "I have a nice surprise for you out here."

Jack grabbed the radio to respond. "What kind of surprise do you mean? Did you get word that the Swabians surrendered or something?"

"Better than that," replied Russell. "Can you meet at the beachhead in half an hour and bring Lindy with you? You're going to be one happy man."

Jack couldn't help but smile at the upward inflection in Russell's voice. Something big was in the works, and he was determined to find out what it was. Jack radioed over to Lindy's position with his men on the neck. The colonel of the 7th had occupied a house closest to their defensive lines as his personal quarters, and he would soon make his way toward Jack's headquarters.

Before Jack could leave, he stopped to grab Bill as well.

"Big news, he says?" asked Bill, already dressed and sipping a coffee. "I wonder what that could mean."

"You and me both but we're about to find out. Are you coming with me?" asked Jack.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," said Bill with a twinkle in his eye.

They soon joined up with Lindy and the three men made their way through the city of Arezzo toward the initial beachhead where their forces landed yesterday. It was another beautiful day in the city without a cloud in sight, but it seemed that Lindy wasn't in the best of moods as they neared the beach.

"This better be good," said Lindy as his footsteps echoed just a little louder than the other men. "I have to get this defensive line firmly established before the Swabians arrive."

"The admiral asked that I bring you so I'm assuming this is something that will affect you as well, Lindy," said Jack. "Although he didn't let slip what it could possibly be."

"Let's hope it's another few ships," said Bill.

"Or some more men," added Lindy. "I can use every man I can get my hands on."

When they rounded the corner and emerged on the beachhead, it became apparent that both men were going to get their wish.

Jack's mouth dropped as he watched another row of launch boats on their way toward the beachhead at that very moment. The lead boat was being led by none other than Russell himself—his face set in a wide grin as he thumbed his fingers at the forces behind him. Jack matched his expression as he tried to count rough numbers. There were at least enough men in the first wave to fill out a battalion or two.

"Looks like you found some reinforcements," Jack yelled out as Russell's launch boat hit the soft sand of the beach.

The admiral jumped out with his troops and started to push up to the beach. It soon became apparent that there was someone else with him.

"By the gods. That's General Arthur Chapman," muttered Lindy under his breath.

"You're not wrong," said Bill. "How did he get here?"

"Is that a good thing?" asked Jack.

Lindy's foul mood shattered and he started to smile. "That's a very good thing. There's not a general alive who can match the experience or professional knowledge of General Chapman!"

The three men were joined by Russell and the new general a short while later. Jack appraised the newcomer carefully, taking note of his pristine uniform which was full of stripes and decorations. He was a good-looking man with a set, square jaw that contained not a bit of stubble. He had piercing blue eyes as expected from another Galician and an easy smile that seemed equal parts welcoming and curious.

"Jack, let me introduce you to a man that would normally need no introduction," said Russell as he clapped the general on his back. "This is General Arthur Chapman of the Galician Army. There is no better professional soldier or leader of men available in the Galician armed forces today than General Chapman."

Chapman finally met Jack's eyes and he bowed in front of him. "Your Majesty, I'm humbled to be in your presence. I never thought in my life that I'd get the chance to see a king return to Galicia."

"Welcome, General," said Jack. "Your presence here is most welcome. Colonel Wilson and Lord Calland here tell me that you're quite the general."

"Your Majesty, I've been blessed to have a fortunate career," said Chapman humbly. "One that really hasn't let me down except in one area."

Jack raised an eyebrow. "What area is that?"

Chapman made a foul face. "Having to serve under Eric Rosdahl."

That caused a few chuckles all around. Before Chapman could say anything more, Russell spoke up.

"After the fighting in the capital, General Chapman realized that something big was in the works. He figured out that he was feeling the bond, and let's say he chafed a little at Rosdahl's latest orders."

"What orders were those?" asked Jack.

"Rosdahl wanted to put us on ships to act as a marine force and go chasing after the ships of your task force—the ones that escaped Kalmar. When I realized what he wanted us to do, I couldn't let it happen."

"This is my favorite part," added Russell gleefully while elbowing Chapman in the ribs gently. "Tell him who you've brought with you."

Chapman gestured back to the ocean behind them where the launch boats were still coming ashore. "Your Majesty, I've brought you some reinforcements. I've brought two regiments with me—the 2nd and the 10th."

"You brought the 10th with you, sir?" asked Lindy.

Chapman smiled. "The mighty 10th is ready to fight for their rightful sovereign. Their reputation is well-known as being one of the fiercest fighting regiments in all of Galicia."

Bill shared an excited look with Jack. "The 10th is every bit as famous as the 7th. The 2nd is nothing to sneeze at either. We now have an elite force at our disposal."

"Very good news indeed," said Jack. "You couldn't have shown up at a better time, General. We have a lot of fighting ahead of us and no time or room to retreat from the Swabians."

Chapman raised his chin with pride. "My men won't retreat from the Swabians, sire. What you have here today is the cream of the entire crop. These two regiments, when added to the 7th, will give you an elite group that can withstand just about anything."

Jack was so happy he almost laughed. He wanted to embrace the general for the boon to his forces but it soon occurred to him that there had to be more to it than that.

"How did you get here, General?" he asked. "What ships did you take?"

Chapman cracked another smile. "I brought another warship with me. TheVoyager was the one that transferred me and my men to Apulia." He pointed his finger out to the bay, where Jack could see another hulking battleship not far from theVisby. At this distance, it was hard to tell much in the way of features, but she appeared to be a formidable warship.

"Jack, theVoyager is a sister ship to theVisby," said Russell. "She's every bit as powerful and capable, and her addition to our forces is wonderful news indeed."

"I don't know whether I should shake your hand or hug the hell out of you," said Jack to the general. "I'm honored to have you on our side."

"I'm the one that's honored, sire," said Chapman. "Ever since we first felt you that day, I knew something had changed. The action in Kalmar showed me that everything I thought I knew about my country was wrong. With your life comes hope again for Galicia. I can honestly say that Galicia has been reawakened. Her people have been stirred from their slumber. They know their king is alive, and after all this time, they are ready to fight for you once again."

Lindy looked at Jack. "It's only a matter of time until we can pay Eric Rosdahl another visit."

"I'm sure he'll be waiting for us," added Chapman. "I'm told he had a screaming fit when he heard about our defection."

Jack could only grin in response. "Let's hope we can give him a few more screaming fits before this is all over."

Chapman chuckled. "Now that sounds like a plan to me." It was then that the general looked around the city and then gestured to some point that was far away. "What's our mission here? How can I help?"

As Lindy and Russell pulled aside Chapman for a quick brief, Jack stepped aside with Bill.

"Our fortunes in Apulia grow a little stronger," said Jack. "We can make the neck an attacker's nightmare with three regiments instead of just one."

"Especially with men like the 10th and the 7th," said Bill. "Those two alone are probably the most famous regiments in all of Galicia for their skill. I'd say we have a fighting chance now."