The Last Legend: Awakened

by Joshua B. Wichterich

  Legend has it that The Great King was a prince born into poverty, and rose up to become a great leader as a man. He led your ancestor king and the people and fought for them. He did many miracles and enlightened hundreds of people. He had many followers and did things a normal person could not. Your ancestor king declared him as the one great king—the king of kings and lord of lords. Your ancestor king was killed by unbelievers… So The Great King fathered his two children, the princess and prince, as his own and continued great miracles. But as time passed, some of the people did not like how The Great King ruled and rose up against him, eventually storming the castle. The king knew of the great danger that augmented in some of the people before hand, so he sent his young adopted son and daughter, who are your ancestors, and a couple of servants away to the small kingdom of Hanon in secrecy.

  Along the Weeping Road, adjacent to the Great River of Minselthrate, their carriage was attacked in the gloominess of the wood. You see, the evilness of the people wanted everything to be as it was before the king ruled—even if that meant to rid of the young prince himself. For they knew that the king would bequeath his knowledge upon that prince and he would be influenced by the king’s words and would reign one day in the same manner, if not more powerful and influential…

  The side road was no protection to the travels of the young prince and princess—for many knew of the shaded path… Amongst their attack, the princess took her younger brother and escaped into the brush of the forest as their coachman and servants were killed. They hid and waited in the thickness of the wood until the evil men left. Strangely, those men did not look very long for the children, for something had happened, but that I do not know. In the writing—it was said that the children saw a mighty white bird of some kind fly away… The mighty bird must have frightened those evil men…

  The children found their coachman’s horse, unharmed, so the children made their own way to the kingdom of Hanon. The poor children were fatigued and starved. Something must have been watching over them for the journey to Hanon was too long and perilous for children. Luckily they came across a manor on the outskirts of Hanon. Forced to forget about their past, they lived at that manor in Hanon for the rest of their lives.”

  Moral became quiet, watching the fascinated look on her son’s face. Tairren looked at his father’s things for a moment, then back at Moral.

  “…Do you think that is true—the legend of my ancestors?” Tairren asked with an incredulous look on his face.

  “Your father has told many stories and legends—but this legend is history—he read it in an ancient diary that was kept by the princess… along with this…”

  Moral didn’t say anything else as she went to take one last thing out of the chest. It was a piece of paper that was folded in half. She slowly handed it to Tairren, who accepted it mindfully. He slowly opened it with care. It looked very worn and was the color of grass in the winter time. It was a letter. The edges of the paper were tattered and the crease of the fold in the paper was thin and delicate, as if it might easily rip apart. The letter was still readable.

  Tairren read it with admiration.

  To the kind hearted ,

  Out of importance, this urgent letter was prepared and sent from myself, king of Minslethrate. To whomever receives this, I have great veneration for. I do not know you, nor do you know me. But I know in my heart that everything will be okay with you. With all of my heart, I plea, accept these children as your own. It is not like me to do this, but I am forced to out of love for them. My children are in grave danger. Most of my people have risen up against me out of spite. Filled with malice, they have revolted, trying to rid of me and what I stand for. By day they shout and scream, while breaking the castle windows and catching the gardens ablaze. By night they relentlessly do this by the light of torches and the fires they have produced. There is not a hint of peace nor tranquility in my kingdom anymore. I have taken its beauty for granted. It is in their hearts to destroy me and my beliefs, the word of my father—the truth of life. Soon my soldiers will no longer be able to contain them. But I still love my people and humanity. So I am sending my children away to the safe haven of Hanon. I do not wish to be relieved by the Hanonnites, nor do I want a strong hand from the soldiers of Hanon. Not all of my people are against me, and they can not withstand another war. I know the madness will come to a halt if I yield to them. I want the utmost safety for my children, my blood. The lunacy will not stop until my reign and my heirs to the throne of Minslethrate come to an end. I love my children and people so much that I will die for them. I must risk the lives of my children by sending them to Hanon. Their lives are better secured away from Minslethrate. Verily I say unto you, never repeat this to anyone, nor reveal my children’s true identities—and by doing so you will be in the favor of God. Keeping my children in secrecy will not only secure their safety, but your own as well. You will be blessed beyond measure… Teach them your culture and the ways of Hanon. Keep this letter in solitude, away from stranger’s eyes but close to my children’s hearts. In time this shall unfold itself. Let them forget their past but never let them lose the knowledge of their roots. My children were instructed to present this to you upon arrival. You will know my children when you see them, for my son will be wearing a family heirloom I have given him, a necklace with a wing shaped pendant. Truly I thank you with all of my heart. Truly, I thank you.

  May the Lord of light, my father, bless you and my children of time,

  King Yehoshua

  After reading the letter, Tairren slowly folded the letter and placed it on the rock. With his ardent face and small tears in his eyes, he slowly looked back up to his mother.

  “Your father found this letter folded in half and wedged in the princess’ old diary. He took it, as well as the Book of Light, which he found amongst the many old documents in his grandfather’s home. He brought it with him on his journey from Hanon long ago.” Moral spoke softly, placing her hand upon his.

  “It is an incredible story… And I feel honored to know this. I just only wish to know why you failed to ever tell me, mother.” Tairren’s face was serious now, but his eyes were still glossy.

  After a quiet moment, Moral’s chin and bottom lip began to quiver as she held back tears.

  “I’m sorry, my son, truly I am… I feel so ashamed of myself… I didn’t tell you because I never wanted to lose you,” she said as small tears fell for her gray eyes. “I thought you would leave Minslethrate like how your father left his home town; to learn more of your past. I thought you would leave me like how your father did...”

  Moral held back her emotions, not wanting to upset her son anymore. “But I have been foolish, Tairren. After all of these years of me trying to protect you—you must leave. I thought that I could hide this from you, son. I thought the past would not matter, that it was just history—but I’ve learned that history happens for a reason and unlocks the unstoppable future. Just as the letter says, in time this shall unfold itself. I—I thought that I could keep you safe with me—in our small home by the creek.

  “But I have been wrong, in so many ways. This letter came to you for a reason. This is happening for a reason. I now know in my heart that this is fate, everything is happening because it has to—and will not stop. You are not just a young poor boy—you are a man with rich blood. You were put on this earth for a reason. God has great plans for you,” Moral said with a smile. “You are—a chosen one. Your life reflects the legend of the king…” Moral became quiet as she wiped her eyes. “You are the direct descendent of royalty who honored King Yehoshua. In your own right, you are the prince of Minslethrate.” She slowly handed Tairren the small velvet pouch that she had been grasping to her bosom.

  Tairren accepted the pouch as he looked at his mother incredulously. He was speechless and bewildered. The pouch was slightly heavy. He untied it and tipped it upside down against his palm. He felt a cool tingle hit his palm as something slid out upon it. Tairren looked at it in amazem
ent as he picked it out of his hand. It was a beautiful golden necklace. The chain was thick and elegant and the pendant that dangled from it was in the shape of a wing. The wing was beautifully crafted with small jewels embedded in it. The necklace sparkled as Tairren held it out from himself, letting it dangle.

  “This is the necklace the young prince wore in the letter. This is the heirloom of my family—the heart of my ancestors,” Tairren said in amazement as he looked at the necklace in awe. After admiring it, he put the necklace on. It hung to the middle of his chest. Tairren felt inundated but proud at the same time. He was so overwhelmed with nervousness and happiness that he didn’t know what else to say. After a moment, the thought of Marrisa came into his head. “But mother, if I am a direct descendant of a king—who is Marrisa to me?”

  “Tairren, when a king no longer can rule, his son or brother or a male figure in his blood-line must reign on. If there is no one in line then the commander-in-chief of the king’s legion or one of his most trusted and eligible subjects must rule… Marrisa is born from another line of kings. Marrisa’s ancestors could’ve been one of the followers of The Great King. ”

  Tairren nodded his head then looked off into the mist as if thinking. They sat for a moment admiring the necklace, then Moral looked around, noticing that it was not as dark outside. The atmosphere was still misty but was no longer deep-blue, but a soft gray.

  “The sun rises this deviant morning,” she said as she stood up, dusting the dirt from her apron, “you must go.”

  Tairren stood up, still beside himself from all the information that was poured upon him all at once. He put his father’s cloak on. It had a large hood and came down past his knees. It was a cape and would come in great handy on his journey—protecting him from the sun, rain, and chill of the night. His mother fastened the neck of the cape with the gold pendant that was sewn on it.

  “You are the spitting image of your father,” she said as she patted his chest, then stepped back to catch a look at him. Tairren smiled as he hugged his mother goodbye. “This is not the end, only the beginning,” she said as she tightly hugged him back.

  After a moment of embracing, Moral bent over the large rock to fetch her husband’s things.

  “These are now your things,” she said giving them to Tairren. “These will come in great handy. These were meant to be yours.” Tairren took them from her as he nodded. “Go to the south my son—begin your quest—fight for the one you love...”

  They walked together back to Lilly. Tairren was still in deep thought as he put the things into his satchel and pulled his torch from the damp earth. With an aura of solicitousness, he climbed onto Lilly’s back, then looked down to his mother one last time.

  “Thank you mother, for everything… I am happy and thankful that you’ve shared this with me.” Tairren smiled at his mother, which seemed like the last smile he would ever give her. “I love you mother—be strong.”

  “I love you too my son—and please forgive me…” She placed her hand on Tairren’s boot, then looked up at her son lovingly.

  “I do forgive you mother… I must go, the sun is rising and Natalia and the prince will be waiting.”

  She nodded, patting his boot.

  “I am proud of you—and I will be praying for you,” she said, placing her hand upon her face, her voice beginning to shake with emotion.

  Tairren gave his mother one last smile, then he was off… Moral watched her son as Lilly galloped away into the forest. She stood there in the gray dew, wondering if it was the last time she would ever see her son. Tears rolled down her round cheeks as she still stood in the silence amongst the mist…

  CHAPTER 12

  A Moment In Time

  Lilly dashed through the forest as Tairren encouraged her to keep up the speed. He was ready to take on his quest. With the sun coming up, the forest was not as dark—but the mist still lingered on.

  The thought of his family’s bloodline and the legend of his ancestors whirled through his head. He felt secure and empowered by what his mother revealed to him. The feeling of the ancient necklace he wore upon his neck, bouncing against his chest, exhilarated him. He felt like a new man and that he could take on anything and everything. He felt blessed to know such an inspirational story of his ancestors. He was proud to know that his ancestors died for what they believed in and fought for such a king as the legendary King Yehoshua. He was also proud to be wearing the family heirloom and having his father’s things in his possession. Tairren was excited to carry on what his father strived to. As he was vigorous and alive, he still wasn’t sure of him being a prince in his own right—being raised poor, it was hard for him to comprehend and accept that he had royal blood running through his veins. He believed everything his mother had revealed to him, but at the same time, a small doubt ran through his head.

  After a short while they finally made it to the outskirts of the forest. Tairren pulled on Lilly’s reins, slowing her down as they came into the field. The field was wet looking and gray as the mist stretched as far as the eye could see. Tairren Looked around for Natalia and even Phillip, but could not see neither of them anywhere, but only the silhouettes of some nearby trees and shrubbery. Even if they were in the fields, Tairren would not be able to see them anyway because of the mist.

  “They’ll be here soon,” Tairren said to Lilly as he pat the side of her neck, hoping that they would show up at any minute.

  After a moment of sitting and looking, Tairren noticed that Lilly began to graze upon the wet grass, reminding him to eat something.

  Tairren’s stomach began to squirm as the hunger pains began. He had forgotten to eat something before leaving his home. He pulled up his satchel and dug in, pulling out a beautiful red and shiny apple. The red color of the apple reminded him of Marrisa’s red hair. He began to think of her and her beautiful face, her smile and laugh. It was strange to be sitting upon Lilly without her. He began to think of how they used to go horseback riding together through the fields. Still holding the torch, he took a big bite of the juicy apple as the silence of the early morning was broken by its crunch…

  He thought of the time he and Marrisa rested beneath an apple tree after a thrilling ride through the apple orchard…

  †††

  Tairren remembered how beautiful and cool that crisp day was, and how the sunlight sparkled through the branches amid a clean and fresh atmosphere. The serene orchard was interrupted with laughter—happiness he had almost forgotten… Startled, a bunch of blue birds that were pecking at the earth, flew up into the dancing branches of the trees. Marrisa and Tairren were lying beneath an apple tree, talking and laughing together. Apples were scattered about them on the cool and soft grass and earth, indicating the tree’s abundance.

  “Forgive me, Tairren,” Marrisa said still laughing as she turned on her side towards him, patting his head.

  She had been tossing an apple up and down while laying and missed as it came down, crashing into Tairren’s forehead.

  “My lady can be brutal,” Tairren said jokingly as he rubbed his forehead, “striking my head with an apple.”

  “Oh Tairren, stop whining,” Marrisa said with giggles as she pushed his head.

  “I’m not whining,” he said, still rubbing his brow.

  “You were whining when I clobbered you this morning during our little game of swordplay,” Marrisa teased as she sat up against the tree.

  She took a bite of the apple she had been playing with.

  “Yes well, princess, I only allowed you to,” he said, stressing the label “princess” as he spoke. He sat up against the tree as well. “And besides, you’ve been practicing sword-play since you were a young maiden. I remember my father was an expert, and taught me some before he died…”

  “I know Tairren,” she said, smiling at him. “Being raised with only a father has brought out the vigor in me. I feel everyone, including women, should be trained to swing a sword,” she said. “Most royalty and nobility would not a
pprove of me—or any woman for that matter with sword fighting. But I feel that knowing how to fight can save one’s life,” she said as she finger-combed her long hair over one shoulder. “I had gotten Natalia involved with sword play when we were younger. My father had swords made especially for us,” Marrisa said with giggles. “You should have seen Natalia when she was first trained with a sword, so petite and swinging that small blade as if her life depended on it. And I have never seen anyone fall so much.” They both laughed. “But now she is vigorous with a sword in her hand!”

  “That is very true,” Tairren said as he played with a patch of green grass that grew beside him. “I am very lucky she is having tea with her mother right now or I would have another bruise on my arm,” he said jokingly as he rubbed his right arm.

  “Tairren,” she said, gawking at him, “we dueled with sticks, I hit you with a stick—a small branch from a tree. You should’ve been blocking,” she said, teasing him. “I told you I clobbered you.”

  “Alright then,” Tairren said, smiling as he shook his head, blushing. “You clobbered me with a stick. I’m not as talented as you. Your father should be proud,” he said as he nudged her with his shoulder.

  “And your father has taught you well,” Marrisa said, nudging him back. “The basics are what everyone should know.” She took another bite of her apple, softly wiping the juice from her bottom lip.

  “Thank you, I just wish I could’ve had longer time with my father,” Tairren looked away from Marrisa, propping his elbows on his knees.

  Marrisa took another bite, silenced for a moment. “You know Tairren,” she then stalled, looking away for a second. “If you don’t mind me saying it—a peasant with a sword and knowing how to fight with it is a very rare thing, indeed. You will not witness that anywhere in all of Minslethrate.” She looked back up at him and smiled. “You are blessed, Tairren.”