A Prince of Aelon

by Michael E. Villanueva

  “I think I do,” recalling the book he read but justifying his answer by adding, “The founding king of Aelon was a Kurtushian prince who could have chosen a life of comfortable obscurity within the imperial capital or leave a legacy.”

  “Well, that choice was rather obvious.”

  “Ah, but there was also crown prince Wilmer who in the course of being educated in Gregoropolis decided to turn his back on the crown and join the imperial court.”

  “Now that I’d call being selfish. Or maybe he thought himself ill matched for the throne.”

  “Perhaps, but who are we to judge? We were just talking about how strange destiny can be. So getting back to your new found wisdom, what followed?”

  “Since I could not efficiently discharge my functions I decided to once again see Watoo. After all it was his visit and question that started this problem I now found myself facing, and I assumed surely he would have an answer.”

  “And did he have an answer?”

  “Yes, which turned out to be a bigger problem. He said I had to find my new destiny because my current one had reached its full limits and that now it was time for something else.”

  “What did you say to that?”

  “I replied that I could not leave my post, that doing so would be desertion and that the only way I could avoid being charged was to resign my commission.”

  Emilia looked at the dumbfounded Marcus and continued.

  “And so I took my destiny into my own hands and for a while I felt that I had thrown it all away.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Watoo said he would help me in the gentlest way possible. That he would respond only after each move I make, which meant that until I resigned my commission, he would not reveal what was to happen next.”

  “But that is almost unbearable! Not knowing what is to come…” Marcus noticed Emilia smile a bit before resuming.

  “Now, in hindsight, had I known then what was initially to come I probably would not have taken the first step. We can plan and prepare as much as we can, but at some point, after all the planning and preparing, we just have to have faith.”

  “That only works for plans you have made. One can have faith in what one concocts since it is a planned risk…” he stopped.

  Emilia was laughing.

  “Oh my dear Marcus, if that were the case, then why is it that you are out here?”

  At that Marcus began to chuckle as he spoke, “Yes, yes indeed you are right so what happened next?”

  “I was honorably discharged. I was allowed to keep my armor, sword and even Titan, but my parents could not make sense of my decision. I told them everything would be alright. I did not have the heart to tell them I could not make sense of my decision. Then I went back to Watoo, told him I had done my part now it was his turn.

  “He replied ‘not yet’ and that I had to pack the essentials for a long journey, as we would be leaving by daybreak.”

  “Just like that?! He had you resign and now you were to leave your home?”

  “As I said, if I knew what was to happen I probably would not have resigned.

  “But at this point I had to go for there was nothing left. If I stayed I would have been an embarrassment to my family and I would have lived the rest of my life in complete humiliation.

  “So I bade my parents goodbye. My training taught me what essentials to bring, which of course included a weapon.

  “I decided to leave my sword but brought a dagger for defense but I swore that if things did not turn out well I would slit Watoos’ throat for ruining my life and bringing pain to my family.”

  “Oh…that was severe.”

  “Yes, now that I think about it, yes it was,” replied Emilia with a smile.

  “The sun is sinking fast,” she said “If we are to arrive at a suitable camping ground before nightfall we best cover the rest of the way on horseback.”

  As they rode Emilia continued to tell Marcus of the adventures and knowledge that Watoo imparted her.

  At the end of their journey they settled in a clearing in the forest. They went about selecting an area to lie down and started removing the loose stones. Afterwards they started to gather wood for a fire.

  When he returned Marcus saw that a blaze had already started.

  Handy lass, he thought, crediting Emilia’s training in the military for her self-sufficiency. He then continued from whence their discussion ended.

  “From what you have said, nearly half of the knowledge you gained was based from your experiences and decisions rather than from what Watoo taught you.”

  “That may appear to be the case. But if you think about it experience is a most effective tutor. Although, I would not have arrived at the wisdom without Watoos’ directives, or his indicating what at that moment did not appear to be obvious.”

  “So he did live up to his end of the bargain, responding after each move, after each event unfolded?”

  “Yes he did. He never really tells me what to do, at most he would present alternatives and perhaps go as far as explore the possible consequences. But he does not say outright what I have to do.”

  “How does he know you would choose correctly?”

  “I asked him that before we parted. He said he doesn’t, but it would be wrong of him to presume what destiny had in store for me.”

  “What if something went wrong? What if a choice led to an unforeseen outcome?”

  “Sometimes they did. At those times Watoo would shrug his shoulders and say ‘thus is the will of the fates.’”

  “But if it can be avoided…”

  “Marcus, how can one evade consequence? Tell me, have you ever heard of a decision which did not have a consequence?”

  “They can be minimized…”

  “True, but not eliminated. Besides the decision as to whether a consequence is worth it or not depends upon the individual.”

  “Is that something Watoo taught you?”

  “Is it not true? Is it not up to each person to decide if an action is worth doing or not? And on that basis there are no universally right decisions. They are just either worth it or not.”

  “Oh very well. What happened next?”

  “After nearly two years of apprenticeship we found ourselves at the frontier town of Trinkata. One morning he just asked me in what direction do I feel the fates were leaning towards. For some strange reason that morning I had a strong sense and answered westward, towards the plains of Anthorp.

  “Watoo said, ‘Make haste then, for the fates await you there.’ I asked him what he meant. He just said that the fates need for him to be elsewhere.”

  “And that was it? After nearly two-years together you just parted ways?”

  “I did not say that it was easy, but in the words of Watoo, that was the least painful way to go about these things. Along with a belief in the fates, for they shall determine whence our paths shall meet again.”

  “What did you do next? Did you ever go back home or the fates did not allow it?”

  “You seem to liken the fates to tyrants. Marcus, I was always free to choose. And yes, after some time thereafter I eventually made my way back to Preytor, but only for a while. I thought that the fates willed it for my parents, so that they would see that I was fine. But actually, it was more for me so that I could see they were fine. Do you understand?”

  Marcus did not reply so she continued.

  “When I saw that they were alright and everything was fine I just didn’t feel the need to be there anymore. So after a few more days I prepared my things, gathered my sword and the basic supplies I would need, and then bid my family farewell.

  “As I rode off, I still did not know exactly where I was going or what was to come. But experience has shown me that things have a way of eventually working themselves out.”

  “And that was how long ago?”

  “About ten days ago, and now we meet.”

  “So the fates have destined our paths to cross?”

&n
bsp; “For a while anyway, then eventually we will both go our separate ways.”

  Once again Marcus did not reply. Although he felt that that was what both of them wanted, it just was not tactful, nor could he see the benefit of him to agreeing outright.

  “I take it there is nothing much for you back in Aelon?”

  “Umm…no, why do you ask?” replied Marcus somewhat surprised at the question.

  Emilia eyed him, wondering if there was something about the way he answered but decided to brush the thought aside and continued.

  “In case you hadn’t realized, a magician’s life is almost that of a nomad. Don’t get me wrong, we don’t shun people or civilization. It’s just that, well, we never really have one place to call home.”

  “But where you came from will always be home.”

  “Don’t be silly, of course it will but…how do I explain this…?

  “There is a yearning that presses true magicians to keep going. It is hard to explain something which is more of a feeling than anything else. But maybe I’m just thinking too far ahead, we’ve yet to see if magic truly is your calling.”

  Marcus remained silent but thought, Of course it is. However, he noticed a struggle inside of him.

  To be the king of Aelon or a magician? Then he arrived at what he thought was a stroke of genius; why couldn’t he be both? Who is to say that he cannot be a wizard and king? Granted, being a sorcerer is all well and good but one has to be practical.

  Gallivanting around the countryside may work for commoners who become magicians but those rules do not apply to a prince, especially one that is heir-apparent.

  No, he would gain a bit of magic and go back to Aelon to someday assume the throne as a Wizard-King.

  Marcus was lost in his train of thought until Emilia spoke,

  “You’ve been awfully quiet.”

  “Huh? What? Excuse me?”

  “I was just saying how nice it is to have a companion again. Titan and I usually travel on our own, but once-in-a-while the fates send others our way.”

  “So you prefer traveling alone or with company?”

  “Depends on the company. Besides, with Titan I am never alone. He is my constant companion. Sometimes I’d dare say guardian as well.”

  Marcus looked at Titan and could swear the horse was eyeing him suspiciously. He wondered,

  ‘Can this animal actually sense what I’m thinking? Surely not, anyway what’s so unusual about an over-protective pet.’

  With that Marcus’ thoughts returned to the present, save for the fantasy about becoming a wizard-king.

  Chapter 7 Destiny

  The next morning after stowing their sleeping mats in their respective satchels the two of them sat to have breakfast of dry bread and herbs boiled in a pot of water.

  “Interesting drink,” said Marcus

  “Thank you. It’s more of an art actually. I learned it from Watoo. He noticed that medicine men would mix certain herbs to produce elixirs for healing.

  “That was all well and good, he thought, but why not combine other plants to create more pleasurable beverages? Thus he experimented with different leaves and flowers to see which combinations worked best and what results they brought about.

  “He came up with about fifty combinations but says the possibilities are limitless, each new plant or herb can greatly affect an existing brew.”

  “Brilliant man, your Watoo.”

  “Practical as well. Needing to travel light he just kept an observant eye on the flora and fauna of the place we happened to be in. He would pick just a few leaves or flowers enough for a few days brew. It was his hope that people would catch on.”

  “To brewing drinks in this manner, I most certainly hope so.”

  Emilia looked amused.

  “When he shared that hope, I replied in almost the same manner as you did.”

  Emilia continued, “To which Watoo said, more than the drink, it is my hope that more people would develop the habit of taking time to observe, respect the world around them, and realize that they really do not need so much to live well.”

  “It sounds to me as though Watoo preferred the solitude of nature over the company of others. And how did he feel about towns, castles and citadels since they displace the flora and fauna he seems so fond of?”

  “He is actually quite interested of individuals and is fond of agoras, seeing different people as well as an assortment of spices and merchandise. He acknowledges that towns and other structures serve a useful purpose for shelter as well as trade.

  “Also, he enjoys observing the interactions of different cultures as they barter and trade. But castles, at times, would make him sad. He considered them blights on the landscape. Worse is what they symbolize.”

  Emilia stopped for she felt like she had spoken too much. Marcus urged,

  “Please go on, what do they symbolize for Watoo?”

  With a sigh she continued, “For him they symbolized avarice. Monuments proclaiming self-aggrandizement as if saying, ‘Behold, the ruler of the territory you tread upon!’ They also symbolize the blood of the oppressed who built them, as well as the blood of those who, in envy, lay siege upon them and the blood of those who defended them.”

  “I had never thought of castles in those terms,” replied Marcus, feeling somewhat guilty of his heritage.

  “That was Watoo for you. He was always interested in people and as a consequence, was aware of what lessened their being, their personhood.”

  “I see.” Not knowing what else to say, Marcus decided to change the topic.

  “So, what shall we do today?”

  “I thought we might begin by trying to identify what your principal power is.”

  “Power? What do you mean? Aren’t powers something you learn?”

  “My dear Marcus, we are all born with a predisposition, our individual powers are innate. So what magic you will weave shall be based on what innate power you possess.”

  “You mean everyone is essentially a magician?’

  “Yes, and a ruler, a warrior, even a lover. But that is determined by the channel through which your power shall pass. Hmm, come to think about it…you don’t look like much of a warrior. The lover part probably hasn’t to developed yet. Ruler? I really don’t know. So perhaps your best bet is magician, jester at least,” Emilia laughed at her own joke before adding,

  “Anyway, shall we begin?”

  “Yes, let’s,” replied Marcus, laughing as well.

  Standing at attention, Marcus was excited and expectant to be taught or challenged by Emilia in ways that would bring about his innate, dormant capabilities.

  “Very well then.”

  Emilia picked up a withered leaf, walked to a large rock that jutted off the ground, placed the leaf on top of the rock and anchored it down with a small stone.

  “This morning your task will be to concentrate upon that dry leaf and affect it in some way.”

  “What?”

  “Yes. Just focus on the leaf. Do not think of anything specific, and simply focus all your mental energy upon it. In the meantime I shall go into the woods so as not to disturb you and see what can be had for lunch.”

  Marcus, somewhat dumbfounded, stared at Emilia as she headed towards the trees. He then noticed Titan looking at him, and as he looked back the horse turned his head and followed his mistress.

  “Focus all my mental energy on the leaf. Very well then, here we go…”

  It was around mid-morning when Emilia returned carrying some fruits, root crops and a pheasant. She found Marcus leaning on a nearby tree sleeping.

  Somewhat annoyed she placed her load down and kicked his protruding rear end.

  “Wake up!”

  “Huh? What? Oh, you’re back,” said Marcus as Emilia walked over to the leaf, examined it and marched towards Marcus saying: “Maybe I did not make myself clear. You were supposed to affect the leaf, not the other way around.”

  “Well I was concentrating on it, after about
an hour I could swear I magically made it double, along with the stone and the rock it was on. Then…that’s all I remember. Look, it’s rather hard to carry out a task without knowing what it is for, what it is about.”

  Emilia sighed in frustration then spoke, “There are four elemental forces; earth, wind, water and fire. Your focus upon that leaf should have affected it in a way as to reveal which elemental force might be yours.”

  “Why didn’t you…”

  “I did not tell you this earlier because doing so may unduly hinder your innate abilities, for you see, if your power is earth but you were thinking wind or the others then nothing would’ve happened. Does it make sense now?”

  Marcus was silent but his mouth, now mimicking a fish, indicated that he wanted to say something. Finally he blurted:

  “Well then, if that is the case, what power do you have?”

  “What I have is…” Emilia pointed her finger at the leaf without looking away from Marcus, “Fire.”

  At that the dry leaf was instantly incinerated.

  She smiled at Marcus’s expression of amazement.

  “Impressed?”

  “Could…could I have a go at another leaf then?”

  She giggled and said light-heartedly, “Oh Marcus you certainly have humor. Let’s prepare for lunch. Here, remove the feathers from this fowl while I cut up these roots. We’ll continue your training later.”

  As the day came to a close Marcus and Emilia returned to the camp site, they approached lazily acknowledged by Titan who simply looked at them then returned to the clump of grass he had been gnawing.

  “Don’t take it so hard. It was just your first day of training,” said Emilia in a conciliatory tone.

  “I know but…nothing happened. Not a single hint that I’m capable of anything.”

  “Look, it also took me some time to know what my special ability was.”

  “Yes, but at the end of your first day there was a hint of progress, you were probably able to singe a bit of the leaf you were concentrating on,” Marcus began arranging the wood for the night’s fire.

  “You know what, it is entirely possible that something did occur, but we just did not notice it.”

  “Perhaps…” At that Marcus became silent as he went about arranging the wood for the fire.