by Willan Ellis
Jacob was impressed with what Wilfred had shown him so far. The palace grounds were spread deceptively for miles so that the palace seemed to run on a circular land mass. Wilfred was a good guide, and he was happy to answer any questions.
Jacob was shown one of the palace market places and was told that those who were given access to the palace grounds were held in high regard amongst the city traders – Jacob did not know where to look, there were so many coloured fabrics, books, jewellery and flowers he had never seen before. He found a small silver locket – a birthday present for Teanne and to his suprise, the stall owner did not take any payment, but offered it as a gift out of respect for his companion. Jacob looked at Wilfred, who shrugged his shoulders and then cheekily smiled.
Wilfred then proudly showed him the vegetables, whispering as if he were sharing his deepest secret, this was where the ingredients to his special green mash came from. Jacob simply nodded at Wilfred’s excitement. As they approached the armoury, Jacob saw Daon practising with long spear like sticks, and was rather adept with them. Jacob noticed that Wilfred moved straight past without acknowledging the prince, and moved out to a garden filled with flowers of every colour. Teanne would like this garden, Jacob thought. Wilfred noted Jacob’s sad look, but Jacob simply smiled and gestured Wilfred on,
‘And now, sonny, the bests for last.’
Toward the end of the garden Jacob saw an archway made of stone. As they approached, he tried to see what Wilfred was grinning at. At first, all he could make out were the treetops from the forest below the palace, but slowly Jacob started to make out the edge of a cliff face.
‘Now follows me Jacob, this be a little off putting the first time—not many folks use this anymore—they say the height scares the life outta them. Me, I find it exhilaratingss.’
Jacob was intrigued. He saw the start of a staircase, and stopped looking at the start of stairs. It was a moment before he noticed they lead down to a flat plain at the edge of another forest across a large open ravine in the two mountains. It looked harmless enough. It was not until he set foot onto the wide step that he noticed it fell away into thin air on both sides for what seemed like miles, nothing supporting it. It simply hung in mid-air. He swayed a little as a gust of wind blew over them. Jacob looked at Wilfred, a cheeky toothless grin spread over his face.
‘Wilfred, this is amazing.’
‘Isn’t it just? The Queen's father built it—don’t know how, don’t rightly care, it just is.’
Jacob slowly followed Wilfred, minding each step. The sheer drop was giving him a little vertigo, but it was also making him feel more alive than he had in days. He was giddy with excitement.
They finally reached the plain at the end of the stairway, and Jacob turned around taking in the full glory of the Aelian palace. He was speechless.
‘Did I not promise to show you the real beauty of Aelia?’
Jacob nodded enthusiastically. He cast a side-long glance at Wilfred who stood proudly with his hands on his hips. ‘How far down is it?’ Jacob asked looking tentatively over the edge of the mountain plain.
‘You’ll hit the bottom in an hour or so.’ Wilfred replied dryly. The two men laughed.
‘Come, I’ll take you to my spot.’
Jacob followed, allowing his hands to glide over the leaves as he pushed branches aside. The forest overhead seemed to curve over, creating a natural shade from the sun. Jacob couldn’t stop smiling. Wilfred had promised to show him something beautiful and he had kept his word. Wilfred stopped and looked around. Jacob followed his gaze but could only see endless trees and shrubbery.
Wilfred turned smiling. ‘This is my favourite place in the world. The last person I brought here ended up being my wife. Don’ts you get any funny ideas, sonny.’
Jacob followed Wilfred as he pushed aside a large overhanging vine. He couldn’t believe his eyes.
In the midst of the surrounding forest, the vines opened to a flat area surrounded by rose bushes and in the middle ran a river, the water was the clearest he had ever seen. The sunlight made it look like it was filled with coloured gems.
‘This be known as the lifeline of Aelia, it starts here and runs through the mountains. At the ends, I’m told is a lake. I ain’t seen it but I’m told its waters are hots.’
Jacob stood speechless, processing everything Wilfred was telling him.
‘We didn't have anything like this in Luia.’
Wilfred looked at Jacob and moved to the edge of the river, ‘Come on then.’
Jacob watched as Wilfred removed his boots and then his shirt. The man stood with his hands on his hips, fat rolling over his fists, and his back was covered in black curly hairs. As he turned, Jacob saw beneath the carpet of hair on his front, similar markings to the soldiers faces, although Wilfred’s were more detailed and covered most of his left side and went over his shoulder – it was captivating, Jacob caught himself staring.
Wilfred rubbed his stomach and jumped back; the splash of water sprayed all over Jacob, it was cool and inviting. Removing his boots and shirt, Jacob dove into the river, and quickly resurfaced.
‘Cant beat this, aye Jacob? I just wanted to give yas a breaks from all your worries, my kitchen hand told me you be the Luia Commander —tough time to take on command sonny.’
Jacob sank to his knees and let the water cover his shoulders. Taking a little water into his mouth, he savoured the taste. Jacob glided onto his back and looked up at the sky, the surrounding canopy of trees protected the river from the wind and the roses left a fragrant smell in the air. He felt at peace.
Jacob was lost in thought when he was suddenly pushed under. Grasping his way to the surface, he pushed the heavy hand away, and looked at Wilfred who stood ready for retaliation, his face smiling like a child. Jacob glared then jumped onto the man wrestling him under the water, in between swallowing water and gulping for air, both men roared with laughter.
Slowly, weary with fatigue, the two pulled themselves onto the bank and rolled onto their backs still grinning from ear to ear. The childish moment had allowed Jacob to forget his problems, to forget Teanne, and to forget the Queen. Slowly as he lay there he felt a small tear fall from the corner of his eye, Wilfred unexpectedly laid a hand on Jacob's resting arm.
‘It’s all right my boy, everything will work out you’ll see’ Jacob smiled at Wilfred, not sure if he believed him but was glad to have a new friend.