A Prince of Aelon

by Michael E. Villanueva

  A New King. The thought of someone else being crowned King of Aelon made all the blood rush to Marcus’ head. He recalled all the other times he had approached these openings in the past feeling nauseated, faint, or queasy. Often suffering indigestion or fever from food poisoning after attending banquets from various tribes and domains...but he had suffered it all for the kingdom.

  Other times he’d been unwittingly mocked, ridiculed (intentionally or not), denigrated and belittled by other royals, trading communities, even merchants but he’d reminded himself that it was all part of the duties of being next in line to the throne.

  In the past these gates were the concrete reminders that symbolized his reasons for all that he was willing to go through for Aelon. But now they seemed to laugh and scorn, embodying all that he had lost as he pursued his flight of fancy.

  Marcus was angry at his uncle for so easily letting go of the throne. At his cousin whom he believed should have been sympathetic, and asked their uncle the king to be more patient and await his return.

  He was now thinking of the merchants who cared only for their profits. Let us see how much profit they would make if he unleashed his power on them, Marcus thought.

  Finally, Marcus was angry at himself for what he had chosen to do, for taking so lightly the destiny he was born into.

  Destiny. Was it really his destiny to be king? Was it his destiny to become ruler by the means he was now considering?

  Too many thoughts, he said to himself and Marcus decided to put them aside as he considered the present situation he was facing, the options at his disposal…

  And their possible outcomes.

  As Marcus and Emilia entered the gates of Aelon astride Titan, Marcus noticed one of the guards gawking at him.

  He had been recognized. But of what consequence was that? He thought. Let the royal court worry about what they should do about him, let cousin Philippy – who had not for a day in his life taken on the task and duties of being heir apparent – agonize about the situation. All this celebrating, elation and cheer was supposed to be for him, for he had earned it. And should he not like the reception he received from his family, he could always rely on his power.

  As a matter of fact, it might be to his advantage that his return was noted, considered Marcus. Surely there would be soldiers who’d remain loyal to him. Should the need arise, they – along with his capacity to call forth a storm – would be enough to take possession of what was rightfully his to begin with.

  Regarding the merchants and trade that was the lifeblood of Aelon, let us see how they’d react when he showed that his displeasure meant their ruin. He now had the means to turn his realm into a garden kingdom and deprive the others of rain.

  Where could they go that was beyond his reach? If he chose, he could hold them ransom, and appealing to the emperor would merit them nothing.

  Emperor! Marcus thought. Why stop at merely being king when he had the means to be emperor? And just to demonstrate his power, he could transfer the Kurtushian imperial throne from Gregoropolis to Aelon. After all, if he willed it, he could turn about the fortunes of the two cities. That being the case, who would be interested to remain in a citadel that was bone dry?

  Perhaps he might allow cousin Philippy to be king of the empire’s new trading post, the former capital Gregoropolis, while he ascended as emperor and re-cast Aelon as his imperial seat of power.

  The thought of his other cousins and relatives – who had scoffed and ridiculed him in the past – soon cowering in fear and begging him to be kind to their territory made him smile.

  As they made their way through the crowded streets, he noticed more and more familiar faces in the throng. Servants and advisers, also some guards and soldiers. So these were the ones who remained loyal to him.

  Emilia started becoming uncomfortable, because a multitude had gathered and began to press upon them. Titan made his way gingerly through the crowd, getting anxious and uneasy.

  Marcus was about to tell the crowd to fall back and make room for them, but wondered what kind of response his words would illicit. He realized that there were too many faces now staring at him, and not all were loyal followers.

  Certainly there were the curious, those who perceived this – the most pivotal moment of his life – as mere spectacle. Then there were the opportunists, ready to take advantage of the situation in any way they could. There were the devious that lay in wait to see the outcome of the impending confrontation before deciding who to side with. And there were the treacherous infiltrators, spies looking for means to thwart him if they could.

  As if they could, Marcus thought.

  He revelled in the knowledge that he was in control of the situation…and that no one else knew this. The thought that the outcome would be a surprise to all except him elicited a smile which was instantly contained, for it would be his will that would determine the day.

  Yes, his free will alone.

  Destiny had made him the next in line by birth, and the fates bestowed upon him the power to touch others with his gift. And should they refuse him, Marcus knew that the very same power he possessed could make them yield, for as easily as he could touch lives he, too, could torture them. Since he possessed the power, he could not be denied. Thus, he was the only one there who truly had a choice.

  All of a sudden, this realization disturbed him.

  There are times when it seems as though the entire universe halts to focus on an individual, and for that one intense moment, something simple yields immensely profound wisdom. Such moments can be extremely distressing.

  Emilia deftly manoeuvred Titan through the swelling crowd while Marcus remained preoccupied with appraising matters at hand.

  The kingdom – the empire! – were his for the taking. There was no question about his capacity to do so. But as Marcus was about to consider whether or not he should, they arrived at the main square. This was where people gathered on occasions when their monarch addressed them from the castle balcony…and there stood Philippy, speaking to the crowd which had not yet noticed their arrival.

  This soon changed when Philippy realized that the man he observed entering the square riding a horse with a woman, was actually Marcus, surrounded by a host of people. The new king’s voice tapered to silence, causing his audience to wonder why.

  The crowd turned to look in the direction Philippy was staring. This motion was immediately followed by a collective gasp. Then an uncomfortable hush enveloped the square.

  Although quiet, there was no stillness.

  Marcus noted movement all around them, as some nobles at the balcony backed away from Philippy, and others came forward to take their place. The former king Artimus peered from the shoulders of the men that surrounded Philippy, but as the princes made room for him, Artimus swiftly retreated.

  The crowd seemed to be deciding on their loyalties as well. Some moved towards the balcony wall and faced Marcus in defiance, while others positioned themselves beside or behind Titan. As more switched sides, mothers with children scurried away from the scene possibly pondering: How could events have taken such a turn?

  The men, on the other hand, did not have the luxury of introspection as they eyed whom they thought would be their opponent in the inevitable melee which each felt would breakout any moment. Both sides eyed the other with contempt for the selfishness and greed that they mentally accused the others of, while simultaneously drowning out whispers of guilt with self-assurances that it was they who were right and just.

  Marcus discreetly glanced around him, noted neighbours staring coldly at each other, as young men cast aside all thoughts of respect for elders who were also plotting how to injure the agile but inexperienced youngsters.

  Acquaintances and relations were now determined by which side of the square one stood.

  Soldiers meant to keep the peace positioned themselves between, beside and behind both groups, in a curious stance which hinted whose side they may be on but not clear enough so that conclu
sions could be drawn. The two factions swung their gaze in three directions; to the group they were against, the one that they were loyal to, and lastly, the person whom the other group gave their allegiance to.

  Both the unseen universe and the physical realm stood in abeyance. Only time dared to pass, but it did so tentatively.

  Time. Marcus realized that he had merely moments to act. Although he had the power to end this situation, it dawned on him that he did not solely control it.

  One wrong word, one wrong gesture from Philippy – or any of the royals or any one of the officers – could spark a regretful turmoil.

  Marcus dismounted. As he stood at the square, he said to Emilia, “You and Titan best proceed to the gates. This is a family matter.”

  Emilia wanted to protest, but a vague smile from Marcus made her decide otherwise. She followed his suggestion.

  As Marcus walked through the crowd, people started to murmur. This murmur grew louder as he progressed, such that he could decipher whispers of revolution and who should be king.

  He strode through the multitude, and though surrounded by a throng, Marcus felt totally alone.

  For as true as life, each person alone makes a decision which carries with it twists and turns that could lead to unexpected directions and unforeseen conclusions.

  The air was quickly becoming charged as he made his way through the crowd, until he was in front and looking up at Philippy, who returned his gaze. The crowd took a step back from Marcus in anticipation of what he would say; the royals fixed their gaze on Philippy. They knew this moment could define Philippy’s reign, and the soldiers’ eyes shifted between the prince and the new king, uncertain as to who they would eventually obey but convinced that after this day Aelon would never be the same.

  Both Marcus and Philippy instinctively knew what was at stake: the result of this moment would define the life of the kingdom for decades to come.

  The tension was thick and unnerving.

  Which was why everyone was astonished to see Marcus…smile.

  They were even more intrigued when he beamed, and quiet confusion overtook them as he chuckled. Although utterly bewildered, the crowd slowly lowered their guard as he laughed.

  Marcus had everyone’s attention, as all curiously wondered how he could make light of this critical moment.

  Finally he spoke, and his words surprised and shocked everyone present. Those at the back thought they did not hear him correctly, while the ones immediately around Marcus simply could not believe what they heard. Even uncle Artimus, who’d pushed aside two princes, was befuddled as he gawked at Marcus. He then turned towards Philippy, whom he asked, “Did he actually say…”

  “Yes indeed!” repeated Marcus warmly, “My sincerest Congratulations to you my dear cousin, King Philippy.”

  Philippy realized that he was taking too long to reply, but that made little difference for everyone was frozen in a state of puzzlement. When the people finally heard the voice of their monarch, everyone seemed to awaken from their stupor and gazed up at the sheepishly smiling King Philippy.

  “I wholeheartedly thank you my cousin, Prince Marcus,” he said, timidly.

  Philippy’s response could have been construed as weak, if not for the fact that everyone shared the same feeling of exhausted relief. It was as though every shoulder dropped with a collective exhale, soldiers ungripped their sheathed swords, men who’d stared fiercely at each other ready to strike, sweat copiously in embarrassment, as they each smiled and greeted the one whom just moments ago they were prepared to thump.

  There was not a single person present who did not have a wobbly knee. All either stooped or bent down, the royals gripped the balcony rail to maintain their composures, except for uncle Artimus who plopped unto the nearest chair behind his nephews.

  Marcus continued: “The fates have spoken. Cousin Philippy, know and accept that you were always meant to be King.”

  The crowd and Philippy could not believe the sincerity in Marcus’ voice as they cheered his words half-heartedly. So Marcus turned to face the audience himself and said to them.

  “My beloved fellow citizens of Aelon! Each of us has a destiny, but not all of us shall have the good fortune to discover it, and even far less opportunity to live it.

  “Not because of the circumstances we are born into, nor due to a lack of knowledge and opportunity. But perhaps it is because we must have the willingness to give our consent and say yes to our fate. For at times, what awaits us requires our willingness to set aside that which we have planned.

  “To do something that feels right though it does not make much sense…To cast away one’s pride, for often that is what stands in the way of new discoveries…To realize that every choice has a reward as well as a consequence…These things rest, therefore, in one’s preference. And you cannot have just the good and none of the bad.

  “Thus we all must come to terms with the effects of our choices. However, if we have chosen well, the consequences are only as bad as we would perceive them to be.”

  Marcus looked at the blank and bewildered expressions on the people’s faces.

  They did not understand what he was talking about, and upon realizing this, he could not help but laugh at himself for trying to impart with a few words the wisdom that took him several moons to learn. There was, however, a way to aid them in understanding which had nothing to do with appealing to their intellect.

  He continued, “Citizens of Aelon, I have discovered my destiny, and I thank King Philippy for now I have the freedom to choose to live it through. I leave Aelon because it is what my chosen destiny requires, but I do so wholeheartedly and joyfully, with the knowledge that I have been set free from my obligations to the kingdom which is now safely in the hands of its new monarch…who has at his side a host of wise advisers headed by no less than our former ruler, King Artimus.

  “There may be some here who do not understand, even doubt the sincerity of my words, or perhaps wonder if in the future I might have a change of heart. To those who do so, I have no words that can convince you otherwise.

  “But I tell you that there are some things that need not make sense for it to be right, and so before I go I share with you a gift. It may not answer all your questions nor allay all your doubts, but it is my hope that this will bring you peace of mind, and be consolation enough for most to accept and believe the earnestness of my decision.”

  At that Marcus stretched out his hands and closed his eyes. Before the crowd could wonder why, a gentle breeze blew through the people, and they quickly realized the cool wind was actually wisps of vapor that wafted and weaved through the entire kingdom.

  Later the people would describe the experience as the descent of a thousand soft kisses that would not leave a single person there untouched.

  The crowd sighed and breathed deeply, as what seemed like a spirit of unconditional affection and acceptance tenderly descended upon each and every one of them. Like gentle arms, the vapors embraced each person; like a warm blanket they wrapped around everyone’s heart.

  The eyes of grown men and women began to well up, as they felt various stages of weeping for joy.

  The elderly were so moved that they slowly and gently pirouette on the streets, spinning as though they were in the arms of their first love. While the crippled, the blind, the deaf-mutes, and even those with missing limbs had expressions of absolute contentment upon their faces.

  Children suddenly burst onto the street laughing with glee, their hands outstretched as if in contact with someone beloved. Infants – whether they’d been crying, asleep, or ill-tempered – all had expressions of awe and wonder upon them.

  Everyone experienced affection and warmth in the ways they needed most.

  The royals – princes and princesses all – felt such absolute safety and love that they gave-in to the one thing that for all their adult lives they’d hidden from the gaze of any other person: For the first time in public and without regard for what those around them migh
t think, each allowed themselves the too long withheld luxury of crying.

  Their tears ceaselessly flowed and their sobs went unrestrained, as if they felt themselves in the arms of a gentle parent. Never had they felt so free, that they released in wailing decades of anguish, pain, guilt and frustration.

  Out of their tears flowed their deep dark plans and schemes, the hypocrisy and lies they fed everyone, but worst of all the lies they chose to believe of themselves, lies to justify and excuse their actions to themselves and everyone else…lies which they now realize had never been forgotten.

  The loudest of them was the former king Artimus as he mourned his lost youth, the joys he could have had but avoided. The adventures and friendships he might have experienced but refused. The innocence and compassion that he’d ended because he felt those had to die in order for him to become a great and powerful ruler.

  And he wept for the decisions he made as king, done under the pretense that they were for the good of the realm but in truth were based on hubris and arrogance. Now at the end of his reign he saw both sides of the life he’d lived, and he was painfully unimpressed.

  “I turned my back on so much!” he uttered, “And with the opportunities I had, did so little…what a horrible waste!”

  Despite all the weeping the day was marked mostly by consolation, understanding and love, love which poured forth to and from every person in the entire kingdom of Aelon. Though there were regrets expressed, there was no blame from others, just self forgiveness and earnest resolutions.

  The experience lasted mere minutes. No more than half an hour had passed before the vapors bid farewell and left the people of Aelon. With great reluctance and hesitation the citizens accepted their parting from a feeling which some had never before felt, and the ones that did, never with such great intensity.

  There were those that thought the event a miracle; others, an epiphany. At this point most still had no words to describe their experience properly, because reasoning could not make sense of what had happened to them. Their only conclusion later would be to infer: “How could the power of thought fully encompass a matter of the heart?”