Maxxus
Maxxus took the shortest shower of his life before dressing in clean clothes. Water was a precious commodity and should not be wasted. There was no way to monitor every home for their usage. He would have to rely on his citizens’ honesty when it came to showers. If it came down to the worst, the supply would be cut off. Now it was time to survey the city and see if his orders were being followed.
Maxxus had not thought to look up as he stood at his window. Once outside, the difference in the capital become obvious. The sky was filled with weredragons. Tied on their backs were bags filled with grain and other crops from the farms. Confusion was rampant. No one knew where to store the food for rationing. Talonia did not have warehouses. They were not necessary for food had always been grown in abundance and was readily available fresh each day. The king had not considered this piece of the dilemma.
Tae had been in charge of the farms, and he had done what was asked of him, but now he was as confused as the farmers. Running up to King Maxxus, he asked, "Where did you set aside space to store the excess? I should have asked before sending the farmers in. More will be coming. We need to get this amount taken care of quickly, or there will not be space for more weredragons to land safely."
"The only large open spaces are in the palace and the parts of the mines that have been depleted of their metals. Send the grains and products like it to the mines. Perishable crops should be stored in the palace in any large room you can find. Move furniture out if necessary. I was not prepared. It is a mistake that will not be repeated," Maxxus replied.
The gardens came next. Every available spot now contained plants, and they seemed to be prospering. New plant beds were being dug to accommodate more. Chiya and the school children were helping. She was using the work as a lesson in agriculture, combining extra sets of hands with learning. He thanked her profusely.
Now, he needed to hunt for Kelan and ask the question he dreaded the most. Had the deployment of the formula made any difference? He found the object of his search directing the farmers to the deepest portions of the mines.
"I know why you have come," Kelan immediately stated upon seeing the king rushing toward him. "I do not have an answer yet. The morning has been too busy for me to survey the land. I intend to leave this duty in the hands of a man who once worked in the mines, for he will know which tunnels are usable. I sent for him, and he should arrive shortly. Then, I will begin a sweep of the nearest land, starting with the area you first found affected."
"I am coming with you. I need to see any changes, good or bad, for myself."
"If that is what you wish, King Maxxus, we can go as soon as my replacement arrives."
"I find being constantly referred to as King Maxxus is quickly becoming aggravating, especially by people I have known all my life. I was known simply as Maxxus for too many years, and the title is not growing on me. Josie made me realize that when she treated me as just a man while we were discussing the atmosphere. I ask that you drop the title and tell others to do so as well. I only find its use necessary when dealing with other worlds or when addressing someone who disdains my authority. I may have to send out a decree stating that I prefer to be called Maxxus. It is unconventional, but so am I. I will be mixing with the citizens more than any other king ever has and to hear 'King Maxxus' every minute will drive me crazy. Besides, during this crisis, we are all equal. My food will be rationed the same as everyone else. Under my reign, things will be completely fair."
"That is a really long speech just to tell me to stop speaking so formally," Kelan laughed.
"I wanted to get my point across, and I am nervous. I tend to repeat things over and over when that occurs."
"It is understandable considering the heavy burden of this situation so early in your reign. We just fought a war on Earth and before that one with the Savra. That is more trouble than we have had in many lifetimes. I do not envy your position," Kelan stated.
"Acer got out while the getting was good. He is smarter than I guessed. Shara too. Last night she made it clear her daughter would not be available to reign and I needed to make my own heir. Finding a mate and making a baby with her is another burden added to the rest. It may not be necessary though if Talonia cannot be saved. I will become a king without a kingdom."
"Do not give in to those thoughts, Maxxus. Have a positive mentality and fight for our home. Others will follow your example no matter what you wish to be called. You are the king even without the title before your name. Do not forget it."
"With friends to remind me I could not possibly forget. Do you see your replacement yet? The day is moving forward, and we cannot waste a minute of it," Maxxus declared.
"He is coming through the crowd now. I too want to see if my efforts paid off."
