Illusional Reality

by Karina Kantas

  Alkazar laughed. “Nay, my lady. I disagree with your outcome. The team coloured red will triumph, for they are swifter.”

  “Oh, I agree. The red dragons have more speed. Call it woman's intuition, if you will, only I am certain the silver knights will win.”

  Alkazar threw back his head and laughed. “You possess strange expressions, Thya. Although if we ruled our land on intuition, as you name it, we would have lost our land to Darthorn long ago.”

  Alkazar regretted his words as soon as they left his lips, although Thya seemed unaffected by his comment.

  “So, a bet then?” she cried. “What will you give me if my team wins?”

  “You retain the whole of Tsinia at your feet. What could I possess that you would claim as your reward?”

  Thya didn't reply.

  Leaning in closer, he lowered his voice. “More to the point, my lady, what could you offer me?” His eyes bored into her soul. “Alas, regretfully, I will decline.”

  “Why so?” Thya asked.

  His eyes shone as did his smile. “I do not gamble for I am fearful of the amount I could lose."

  He smiled again, only his eyes saddened and his grin faded. “Pardon, my lady. Unfortunately, I am requested elsewhere. I hope you enjoy the remainder of the tournament. I look forward to concluding our conversation.” He bowed, and then left.

  To Thya's annoyance, Siren met him. She took his arm and guided him to the other side of the arena, but not before glancing over her shoulder and giving Thya a look of triumph. Thya turned away, when what she should have done was smile and wave back. Why give Siren the satisfaction of knowing how uncomfortable she was at seeing them together?

  Thya couldn't concentrate on the final match. Even though she tried not to, she spent most of the game watching Siren and Alkazar. Her attention was finally awakened by the applause of the audience when a team scored a point. As it was now expected, she stood and clapped the scorer, only it was without feeling or enthusiasm.

  Thya couldn't turn her sight away from the pair. Siren made it obvious that she lay claim to Alkazar, clinging to his arm and whispering in his ear. However, Alkazar's attention was fixed on the game. He hardly acknowledged Siren's flirting.

  Kezar followed Thya's gaze and felt pity for her mistress. It was clear she had feelings for Alkazar, only her union was pre-arranged, as was his.

  It seemed to Thya that the final game was never-ending when at last a gong rang out. The silver knights were victorious. It was her moment to shine.

  Omad took her by the arm and led her to the heart of the arena where the players waited for their princess. Other esteemed Tsinians, including Alkazar, joined them. There was a hushed silence as the crowd awaited Thya's word. She knew what she wanted to say, just not how to phrase it. To annoy Siren and prove she did have a claim on Alkazar, she called to him. “Alkazar, a moment if you will?”

  Alkazar looked embarrassed to be called for counsel in front of his peers, but even so, he was soon by her side. She turned her back to the others and whispered to him. “I wish to invite the winners for refreshments at the place where I dwell. However, I am not sure how to ask them correctly.”

  Alkazar smiled.

  “Firstly, princess, your home is named the Recas and tis a great honour to be invited there. Few have sighted the inside of our ruler's abode. This is well done. Secondly, as you are aware, we do not waste our duration with dates and times. So bid them to attend you in one tril moon. What a tril moon is will be explained in due course. Tis not the correct place for conversing.”

  “Thanks, Alkazar, I knew I could count on you.”

  He bowed and returned to his position.

  Thya spoke to each of the players, asking for their names and chatting about the game. The council watched as their princess joked and laughed with her subjects. The invitation to the Recas was received well. Applause filled the arena.

  Alkazar watched Thya with interest. He thought her a fine princess, with the manners and beauty of a Ganty, yet she had brains and charms also. Kovon did not deserve her. Not one Senx did.

  Once the presentation had ended, Thya was directed to a marquee where an array of food was on display. The feast lay across five long wooden tables. The villagers had outdone themselves. There were sweet breads, succulent meats, puddings, and even salad vegetables. Thya wanted to thank Grenko, for she was sure he was responsible. She searched for him and finally found him talking with Nimas and Athania. Only before Thya could approach, a ginger-headed Tsinian blocked her path.

  “Greetings, my lady.”

  “Hello, Pertius.”

  “I hope you are favouring our humble gathering and that the tournament was not too tedious for you.”

  “Not at all. It was very exciting, although I have to admit it has been a long day and I am feeling tired. If you will excuse me…”

  Pertius paused before speaking again. “I understand tis not my station to inquire; only I am curious. I realise that not one has conversed with you thus far. I was wondering if you had received an awakening of your gift as yet.”

  “As I am sure you know, I begin my first lesson with Alkazar tomorrow. However, if you're asking whether or not I can make things move, then I am sorry to disappoint you. I was informed that a Ganty is supposed to possess powers. Only I do not. You all have high expectations of me, and I do not want to let anyone down, only there you have it.” She turned to leave but Pertius grabbed her arm.

  “All your kinsmen expect is for you to fulfil the prophecy and unite Tsinia and Senx in an alliance.”

  Thya turned to face him. “Senx?”

  Pertius told Thya about Senx, and of their ruler, Darthorn, leaving no details out. He was thrilled to have such a captive audience. When at last his mouth became dry from speech, he stopped.

  Thya stared at him open-mouthed.

  Finally, she spoke. “Why would you want to make an alliance with someone evil and dangerous? Are you not worried that Darthorn will destroy everything good about Tsinia?”

  Pertius proceeded to explain the Oracles.

  Thya listened, though her sight was upon the ugly, dark mountain which looked out of place beside the beauty of the forest. Though she could not see Darthorn's castle, she tried to visualise what it might look like.

  Pertius took a deep breath. He had talked so fast he was certain he had lost her somewhere.

  “Okay,” she said, “I understand. If the Oracles promised an alliance, and as you say they are never wrong, I have to take your word. What I do not understand is why I am here? How I am supposed to be your prophesied saviour?”

  “Tis you who has been chosen to unite the alliance with Darthorn.”

  “You expect me to meet with this warlord and discuss peace with him. Are you mad? This has nothing to do with me. I know nothing of Tsinia. This is your fight, not mine. Send Omad. He is the highest ranking. It is he who should speak with Darthorn, not me.” She calmed herself before continuing. “Still, I believe tis a bad idea. Is there not an alternative? Have you even thought about this?”

  It was Pertius’ turn to be shocked. He assumed Omad had spoken to her of the alliance. “My lady, you misunderstand me. Has someone not disclosed why you were returned?”

  “Certainly, I am to redeem you all,” Thya said sarcastically.

  The conversation turned serious. It seemed she was, at last, going to find out why her life had been ruined.

  “Tis the coming matrimony between yourself and Darthorn's son, Kovon, that will cement the alliance between the two lands.”

  Thya's face turned pale and she could not move or find the words to speak.

  Alkazar noticed the change in Thya's aura. He sensed their discussion was serious, both concerned and curious, he investigated.

  “What?” Thya stuttered, “What did you say?”

  “The wedlock between Kovon and yourself, tis agreed upon,” Pertius answered, puzzled by her reaction.

  “It most certainly is not!”

&nb
sp; Her raised voice stopped the music and laughter—even Alkazar froze to the spot. All were witness to her rage.

  “How dare you presume I would meet with Darthorn, let alone marry his son? Now you listen to me, and you listen good. You kidnapped me from my home, took me away from everything I hold dear, took my life away without my consent and now you expect me to marry the last person I would ever consider as a husband. I would rather die.”

  Lightning struck overhead. Thya turned to the crowd. Her sight fell on Alkazar. She felt betrayed by him.

  “I renounce my title. I never asked for any of this and I want naught. I want to go home, and I demand you return me.” Tears flowed down her face. “I cannot aid you. This is not my fight. I am sorry.” Then she fled from the astonished crowd.

  For one stunned moment, no one knew what to say or how to react. The murmurs began and the council signalled Omad to go after her. Already Alkazar was on her trail.

  Thya ran into the forest, continuing until her strength could take her no further, she collapsed to the ground and wept. The pursuers reached Thya together, Omad was unsure of what to say.

  “My… lady,” he stammered.

  “Go away,” she cried. “Leave me alone.”

  “Princess,” Alkazar gently called.

  Thya looked up at him, her eyes red and sore. “You knew,” Thya yelled, “And you did not tell me!”

  “It was not my duty to tell you, nor was it my intention for you to be informed like this. It was wrong of Pertius to announce it. It was not the correct moment or place.”

  “All of you have been planning my wedding, before I even arrived in this cursed land, have you not?”

  “You are just, my lady,” Omad answered. “I have not awareness on what or how much Pertius has disclosed to you, only tis written in the Oracles. Tis your duty to aid your kinsmen.”

  Alkazar wished Omad would cease talking. He was not helping matters.

  Thya wiped her tears. “I understand this. However, do you not think I should have been consulted before you arranged the rest of my life? Do I not have a say? If I really am the future Queen of Tsinia, what grants you the right to organise my future? Who gave you this authority?”

  “There was not duration to linger,” Omad explained. “The threat of war is ever greater and your prophesied return seemed the key to our difficulties. We believe you will convey peace to our land.”

  “Why marriage?” she asked. “Why can you not create an alliance without my involvement, if you are certain this is all that is needed?”

  “Darthorn would not agree to this. It was his condition,” Omad answered.

  “Oh, now I understand. Do you not comprehend what he is doing? Already he is ruling Tsinia, and you are allowing him to command you. He is accustomed to having everything his own way, well not anymore. I refuse to marry Kovon and my mind will not alter. However, I will try to aid you, as you deem it is my duty to do so. Now, Leave me alone. Return to the council and come up with another solution for peace, and I will attempt to do the same.”

  Thya turned away from them. Omad bowed and departed while Alkazar dropped to the ground beside her. He played with the wood chipping then grabbed a handful of dirt and placed it in Thya's hand.

  “This is Tsinia, whether you accept this or not. Tis your home, your land. You are part of it and it is part of you, it has and always will be. Your kinsmen depend on you, Thya. We cannot fight Darthorn. We barely have enough power to resist him and he is gaining strength. There is no alternative.”

  “I never wanted this,” she cried. “I feel like I am living a nightmare I cannot wake from. Tis getting darker, and I am drifting deeper. I cannot see the light anymore, Alkazar. I do not feel like myself and that scares me.”

  “Your looks and personality are changing to that of a Ganty. Soon your speech and soul will become Tsinian.”

  “I do not want to alter. I feel suffocated, choked by the pressure upon me.” Unable to control her grief any longer Thya broke down again.

  Alkazar felt pity for her. He understood the emotions she was experiencing and wanted to console her, tell her everything would be okay. Only he would not lie. A perilous destiny lay before her and he could not change that. But, if it were possible, he would try to ease the blow. With that thought in mind, he pulled her close.

  There they sat, huddled together in silence. The villagers returned to their dwellings. Some crept past Alkazar and Thya, others avoided them so not to disturb their private moment. Thya and Alkazar were unaware of their presence and sat huddled together for some time. It wasn't until Thya felt something brush against her leg that her tears ended.

  “What is it?” she asked, startled.

  Down by her leg sat a strange looking animal. It was similar to an English squirrel, except for the two bulging eyes at the top of its head, and a long, thin tail.

  “Do not be frightened by him,” Alkazar said. “Tis named a Portie. They live in the forest, although tis unusual for them to approach so close. I think he is fond of you.”

  “Hello there,” Thya whispered.

  The Portie seemed wary but edged closer. Finally, it allowed Thya to stroke it which, to Alkazar's amazement, it seemed to enjoy. Soon Thya was laughing and playing with the strange animal.

  “There are many beautiful and wonderful things in Tsinia, so much I want to demonstrate if you would allow me. You ought to feel proud of your land.”

  Thya stifled a yawn.

  “Come, your emotions have exhausted you. I will escort you to the Recas.” Alkazer pulled Thya up.

  The Portie, sensing the fun was over, ran up the nearest tree.

  “Do not fear, my lady, for I am certain you will lay sight upon him again. I deem you have created a friend forever.”

  His words upset Thya. “I do not intend to stay, Alkazar. Once I have done my part, I will return home. Whatever that part may be.”

  “If that is your desire, so be it. Only do not yell if I try to persuade you otherwise.”

  Thya smiled.

  They travelled the rest of the way in silence. By the time they reached the Recas, the sky had turned pink and both moons shone brightly.

  “Rest well, my lady. I desire upon you pleasant dreams.”

  “I doubt it,” she mumbled as she walked inside.

  She was in no mood for company and so dismissed Kezar and undressed herself. As soon as her head settled on the pillow, she fell asleep, though her dreams were far from pleasant.

  A tall, powerful man with jet-black hair haunted her dreams. His voice carried a cruel tone, and she dreamt of winged horses and a cavern containing a black oval crystal. The voice was commanding and it disturbed her. She awoke several times in a cold sweat. She forced her thoughts to vision the dream of her parents. They calmed her, and eventually she slept on peacefully.

  Thya woke to a breakfast of juicy forest fruits. Already her head pained and her limbs felt tired and sore. She wanted to lie in bed all day, only Kezar was having none of that.

  “What glorious light,” Kezar sang. “Come sight, my lady, even the trees are greener than usual. Tis a sign that all will be well. Come, you have an important engagement. I ought to ready you to receive Alkazar.”

  The mention of his name rose Thya's spirits. She thought it a good enough reason to get out of bed too.

  Kezar dressed her in a red, silk wrapped dress, simple in design, yet stunning to behold. Placing a large red wildflower, which she had picked earlier, in Thya's hair, she stood back to admire her work.

  “There, I am satisfied,” Kezar announced.

  A loud knock was heard on the outside door.

  “Already,” Thya exclaimed. “You don't waste any time do you? Okay, show him to the attendance room. I will be there shortly.”

  Kezar greeted Alkazar at the door. “Our lady will receive you shortly. Enter, Alkazar.”

  “You are well, Kezar?”

  “Admirably. Tis an honour to serve our lady. She possesses a strange yet wo
nderful personality.”

  “I agree.”

  “Though I fear her heart is heavy,” she added.

  Alkazar could not question Kezar further as Thya entered the room.

  “I almost forgot about my lesson. Do you mind if we do this some other time? I am not feeling well. My head is killing me.”

  “Kezar, leave us,” Alkazar instructed.

  She turned to Thya for permission.

  “It is fine, go,” Thya told her.

  Thya waited until Kezar left, then poured some wine. Alkazar felt the need to speak.

  “What you learnt ought not to have been conversed in that manner. The moment was not right.”

  “No, it was not,” she snapped. “I should have been told from the start instead of being deceived. I refuse to marry anyone I do not love. No one will force me to, no matter what the consequences. As I have said, I have a headache and do not wish to discuss this.”

  “I understand, Thya, truly I do.”

  “How could you?”

  “We Tsinians are betrothed since the coming of age. Are you familiar with when this is?”

  “About sixteen human years?”

  “Correct. Since this age, we are spoken for… I presume you name it as such. I do not love Siren, so I understand.”

  “Oh, I see.” The unexpected news cheered Thya. “What happens if you fall in love with someone else—your soul mate? Someone other than your betrothed, what then?”

  “The code forbids it.”

  “The code? What is this? A set of rules you have to follow?” She laughed.

  Alkazar frowned, unhappy with her mockery.

  “Who has the authority to modify the code, for it is outdated? You ought to be allowed to love whom you want, not be dictated to.”

  “Tis not my place to discuss the code. Tis Pertius' task. I believe you are to session with him later. Remarking of which, I am present to tutor you, or have you forgotten?”

  “Well, that was a subtle alteration of subject.” She ignored Alkazar's puzzled expression. “I have not finished my conversation yet.”