A Prince of Aelon

by Michael E. Villanueva

  A number of them now felt as if they were awakening from the most restful slumber they have ever had: others from the most magnificent dream that they never wanted to end.

  Composing themselves, the people now became mindful of where they were, and curiously enough started wondering about how gloriously bright the day was. Yet the sun’s rays did not sting their eyes, nor did they feel any warmer. Nobody complained about being scorched by heat. It just seemed to them that the sun was shining brighter today than it ever had before.

  There was some truth to this assumption of theirs, perhaps because the sun really did not shine brighter, but their sight had become clearer, brought on by a change in their outlook which at this point they were only starting to realize.

  The closest way by which their minds could grasp the events of the day was to wrestle with the question: “What person could stay the same after feeling genuinely, unconditionally, totally loved and accepted for exactly who they were?”

  For where is reasoning when someone knows the worst of who you are and that which you consider shameful filth the other accepts as precious gold? And where is reason when this same person says: “I wish to spend the rest of my days only with you.”

  Or how can one stay bitter and mean when, upon seeing your child’s eyes fill with joy as she runs with open arms into yours…how rational is it for a small toddler to have the power to melt your heart along with all of life’s concerns, making you feel whole?

  Would it be justice when, after your actions brought about damage and shame to your family, that your parents would console you and gently whisper, ‘Fear not, all will be well’?

  And it certainly makes no sense that being in another’s arms would be sufficient to make you beam and proclaim: “Even if the world were to end now, I have no cares.”

  The citizens of Aelon realized this was the charge which Marcus had chosen. It involved love, and though it still defied explanation this mattered little. They now had a sense of why Marcus could not stay, even though at this point none of them wanted him to go. Collectively they were thinking of ways and means that they might convince him to remain.

  At that moment the people were ready to pledge their allegiance to him, and the soldiers would simply put down their swords. This mattered little because King Philippy would have laughingly abdicated and the royals would have cheered him and accepted Marcus as king.

  Even the foreign merchants would be more than willing to cut their profit margins. Everyone would have done anything just so they could be assured that at some time in the future they could feel that much love again.

  Sensing these stirrings around him, Marcus smiled as he said,

  “My dear fellow citizens of Aelon, is not love something which is given and, though often against our wishes, we do set free?”

  The people paused as they considered; “How much love is there in being selfish?”

  Everyone reluctantly realized they could not hope to hold on to Marcus no more than Marcus could have chosen to stay without destroying his gift.

  For a life kept at bay is a life withheld…and life has to flow. It can only be suppressed for so long before it bursts through, thus it cannot be held permanently, just directed and eventually allowed to makes its own way.

  But life, that from which we all sprang forth, respects her children such that she courteously asks our permission to let go of what in actuality is not within our power to keep, as well as set free that which in reality is not ours to temper or train. Life likewise rewards our concurrence for as we lose, we gain; a little older, a little wiser, perhaps a little more humane.

  At last all understood – but not without some disappointment – and this was aptly echoed by the King as he spoke,

  “Prince Marcus…cousin! I believe I am not alone in my feelings that this is the most bittersweet moment in Aelon’s nearly 200-year history. I do not think that our realm truly appreciated you until this, the moment that we have to let you go.”

  The kings’ speech was interrupted by voices asking Marcus to reconsider, along with applause and cheering at the possibility.

  “Yet how could our pleadings and requests be looked upon with favor by the fates, whom we see have moved mightily in your life to extract you from our midst, tutor you as they did, and allowed this glorious day of enlightenment to come about?

  “Today is not merely the coronation day of Aelon’s new ruler. Rather, we here present have the privilege of witnessing the fate’s formal commissioning of our very own Prince Marcus as one of their heralds!”

  Resounding cheers and applause broke out from those present. Trumpeters blew their Horns as loudly as they could, as Bells and Drums blared spontaneously throughout the citadel.

  Doves were released, fireworks lit, and bands played a cacophony of tunes. In the middle of all the excitement there was a moment when no one was paying attention to either Philippy or Marcus, and it was at this moment that the cousins eyed each other with fondness.

  Marcus then took his leave by bowing to King Philippy, who unexpectedly removed the crown of Aelon from his head and returned the gesture. This was Philippy’s way of saying, “No rank stands between you and I” Marcus greatly appreciated the gesture.

  The kings’ courtiers however quickly noticed, and mild panic arose on the royal balcony. For tradition dictated that in public the king can never be perceived to be anything less than his stature. They politely hastened to fix the crown back atop Philippy’s head, causing a commotion that caught the crowd’s attention. So in the middle of this distraction Marcus let out a hearty chuckle and slipped back through the crowd.

  When order and protocol were restored on the balcony, a perturbed but grinning King Philippy looked out, waving to his subjects to assure them that nothing was out of place, at the same time he sought out his cousin from the crowd. Realizing that Marcus was no longer where he had stood or anywhere visible within the square, the king gave a final reassuring wave with both arms, and in the middle of the resounding cheers of ‘hurrah’ from his citizens Philippy slowly started backing his way into the castle.

  After the king vanished from sight the other royals quickly left as well. The balcony doors closed and the celebrations in the square continued.

  It was only then that the crowd realized that Prince Marcus was no longer there but they assumed that he had probably joined the rest of the royal family, celebrating inside the castle.

  Chapter 14 Being Home

  Marcus’ walk through the crowd was slow because everyone wanted to greet him. But unlike before, the citizens of Aelon were not giving him merely polite distant bows and curtsies; instead he was greeted with warm hugs and handshakes from teary-eyed, grateful people who were genuinely saddened by the thought that Marcus would be leaving them.

  “You will be back soon, my Lord?” asked a woman while holding his hand.

  “As the fates allow, dear lady,” replied Marcus as he smiled at her.

  “Prince Marcus, command it and I shall join you on your mission,” said a palace squire who approached him.

  Marcus laughed heartily, “John-Gerry…one of the palace scribes!”

  “Yes…yes, my Lord,” replied the wide-eyed youth, flattered at being recognized.

  Marcus placed his hand on the boy’s shoulder, as he said: “Young man, take the time to find thy destiny and for certain you will have an assignment worthy of your loyalty.”

  “For certain my lord, with all my being, this day shall not easily fade from memory,” vowed the young man with a grateful smile.

  Marcus smiled back and began to move through the throng, heading towards where he came from. He then heard a familiar voice call his name. This made him wonder. For though he knew it quite well, he was not expecting to hear it here of all places. Here in one of the alley ways of town.

  As Marcus turned to face the source of the voice, he found himself facing Philippy and the rest of his family.

  “Your highness, what are…what are all of y
ou doing here?” asked Marcus with a bemused look.

  “Son, did you think that we would let you slip away again without a proper good-bye?” replied Marcus’ father, Prince Alemig with a warm smile.

  Philippy then came up to Marcus, and as the cousins stood face-to-face in the open street, he said: “Marcus, I can say to you in all sincerity that I envy you. For how few are they who can earnestly proclaim that they know the path that destiny has designed for them.”

  Marcus smiled, “It is not without its perils, disappointments and shortfalls, Your Highness.”

  “And yet in spite of that awareness, you envision such meaning that you willingly let go of the crown of Aelon.”

  Marcus did not know how to respond to that statement.

  “It did not escape our notice that it was within your capacity to seize the throne if you so willed,” King Philippy continued. “Twice as a matter of fact. You could have taken it by force or, after unveiling your gift, could have simply asked for it.”

  Philippy then moved a little closer, and almost in a whisper shared: “Just between you and I cousin, at that moment I would have happily handed you the crown. And though none of the royals here present shall now admit it, I know they would not have protested if I did,” followed by a wink and a smile.

  Marcus grinned and replied, “In all honesty, your highness, I, being king of Aelon would have been a great injustice to the kingdom, the fates, and myself as well. Though I was brought up thinking I would be king, and was raised and trained to be so, I never felt comfortable when seriously considering the actuality of becoming monarch.”

  “Whoever is?” intoned Philippy, as he turned a glance to their family, all of whom were craning their necks while pretending to appear uninterested in the conversation he and Marcus were having.

  “When uncle Artimus came up with his decision, I talked to him in private to register my fears, to which he responded that the consequences of putting it off any longer were too great: Merchants were leaving, trade was slowing to the point that alternate outposts were posing a threat to the very lifeblood of Aelon.

  “I could not argue with that. My previous post as the kingdoms administrator allowed me to witness the trend even before the king noticed.”

  “And there, your highness, is the proof that you really are meant to be king,” said Marcus heartily. “Circumstances and situations leading to a conclusion that was all too real to you more than anyone else.”

  “But Marcus, I know nothing about diplomacy, the tribes do not really know who I am.”

  Recalling his encounters with the neighboring tribes, Marcus smiled as he replied,

  “That is what ambassadors are for, and it might not be such a disadvantage, your grace. For who is to say that it is not time for Aelon to have a ruler that concerned himself more thoroughly with the details and daily life of the kingdom? After all, your predecessors have busied themselves with establishing ties and relations with other kingdoms and clans to foster trade. Perhaps it is time for emphasis to be given to enhancing the day-to-day functioning of our kingdom in order for it to be more attractive both to the citizens as well as outsiders.”

  “A renaissance you mean?” replied King Philippy timidly.

  “Your grace is modest. Renaissance implies a return to past glory. Thy rule, if the fates allow, may usher in a golden age for our kingdom.”

  “I take solace and inspiration in your words, prince Marcus,” beamed Philippy. “After all it is you who was destined to have been king.”

  Marcus smiled at the king, and replied, “Your grace, that was never meant to be. For our uncle would not have relinquished the throne if I had not gone off on my journey. And who is to say that other events might not have taken place which would not have made it possible for me to rule? That being the case, let us not discuss what could have been, for this is what is. And although we each have our reservations, I believe in our heart of hearts we both readily accept that which destiny has brought forth.”

  “Touché cousin. But I can see that the world will be your domain. Word of your capacity to allow people to feel absolute and unconditional love will be the reputation that shall precede you. What race, kingdom, or what empire shall not welcome you with open arms? Ah, what a delightful journey awaits you! To be welcomed and admired everywhere you go.”

  “And your highness has your own adventure to set out on. I envision your grace ushering the kingdom to new heights, making our subjects proud to be citizens of Aelon.”

  “I dare say, cousin, that I feel your presence here today has started our beloved kingdom onto that new path. Oh, it is so difficult to say good-bye.”

  “Then let us just bid one another farewell,” said Marcus, as he stretched his hand out to King Philippy who did likewise.

  “Indeed, we shall be expecting your return in the near future?”

  “As the fates allow, my lord,” replied Marcus with a smile.

  “Then that means you shall return during the most opportune of times. Until then, Prince Marcus of Aelon, I know I speak for the entire kingdom as I say may you fare well. And as you leave, please accept this gift from your home, and know that the gates of Aelon will never be closed to you.”

  Philippy gestured to a courtier and a fine, white Andalusian stallion was brought forward; it was a horse Marcus instantly recognized.

  “Athena! But your Majesty, she is the King’s official charger.”

  Philippy smiled and simply said, “Cousin, this is the best that we can do. I still feel it falls short, for your calling is higher and goes beyond this kingdom. Wherever you go, people will know you as Marcus of Aelon, therefore it is only right that the kingdom furnish its greatest ambassador with the most worthy symbol of status that we can.”

  With that the cousins embraced and affectionately patted one another on the back.

  Marcus accepted Athena’s reins and continued his hindered walk through the crowd, until he found who he was searching for.

  He stopped a few feet away in front of her. And as he did a thought came upon him; it was interesting how every so often that which we seek has been before us for some time. Perhaps we were just not yet ready to find it.

  Sitting on her horse, Emilia proudly beamed at Marcus.

  “The king’s official stallion, a gift from the family,” said Marcus.

  “A kingdom for a horse. Not a bad trade,” joked Emilia.

  “Ah! But she comes with the freedom to follow the fates wherever they may lead.”

  “Does this freedom include a parting of our paths?”

  Suddenly Marcus became serious before asking, “What do you mean?”

  Emilia looked away as she spoke, “Marcus, as I said during the occasion of our first meeting, any union eventually leads to a parting. You are now truly a magician; that was the purpose at the start. And since that has been achieved, I think this may be the right time to go our separate ways.”

  Her words rendered Marcus deaf to all other sounds as he struggled for what to say. Then he said,

  “Emilia, one among the many things I have learned in our time together is that the ways of the fates are better grasped by feelings rather than thought,” Marcus took a step closer and continued, “So I ask you, do you feel it is time to part?”

  Emilia did not answer, and began to appear uncomfortable.

  “I did not feel so either!” Marcus continued. “Rather, this is what I sense as well as believe. You are meant to be my guide, the fates have destined that I learn from you, and wizardry is just where we commence. For with my whole being I realize there is so much more to discover and experience.” He then drew closer, rest his hand on Titan’s mane, and said,

  “Emilia, where magic and sorcery end…you begin.”

  At that Marcus saw a broad smile and a glimmer of a tear which swiftly vanished as Emilia’s hand swept across her face to adjust her flowing hair.

  “Very well then, Wizard Marcus,” she said. “Let us see what the fates have in store for
our extended union.”

  Marcus then mounted his steed, and while doing so Titan stole a glance at the regal Athena who did the same as Titan looked away.

  With a few tugs on their reins, Titan and Athena trotted towards the main gates. They proceeded slowly, careful not to accidentally tread on any of the citizens as both their riders smiled and waved to the enthusiastic crowd, while confetti rained on them from the castle turrets.

  The people continued to follow them, but once outside the gates both thoroughbreds started to pick-up their pace. Only the most determined children tried to keep up and were able to do so for a few moments.

  Soon it was just the two figures racing across the countryside, and as they rode off into the distance the sound of the cheering people of Aelon reverberated through the vast expanse.

  There was a smile on Marcus’ face, one of indescribable joy and rapture, of peace and a calmness that words can only attempt to encompass. A smile not unfamiliar to Emilia and well understood by all magicians, for it is a smile reserved for those who realize that anywhere you are, anyone you may be with, at any time of your life…You will always be home.

  As for endings, need there be one?

  For this was a journey as much as it was a story, a tale of becoming rather than simply being, a narrative that gave emphasis to the little and de-emphasized the grand.

  This was a tale about a search, and one cannot search without focusing one’s gaze. And the more difficult the search, the greater the focus must be.

  So much so that once the search is completed, one’s gaze never quite returns to the way it was before.

  Marcus and Emilia…

  The Beginning

  This work is dedicated to All my students

  I wrote this with you in Mind and in Heart, to give you a sense and a feel of what may lie ahead so that if you find yourself in situations that seem similar to what the characters went through, you’ll know that you are not the only one who has ever gone through something like that and know that it will all work out somehow.