For many moments he lay there in the shadow of the forest, wrapped in the cool serenity of the nature all around him. But then he heard the soft call of an owl. It was calming and resonating, seeming to comfort and sooth his saddened heart. He had heard it before when he was in the gardens, but never regarded it till then. He sat up against the tree, wiping the blood and tears from his face. He heard the call of the owl again. He looked up into the tall shaded trees where the calls emanated from and noticed a large and beautiful white owl. The owl was the purest of white with flecks of gold in its feathers. Its eyes were large and dark, but mysterious and inviting. He had never seen such a beautiful owl like that one. It sat quietly, and seemed to be peering inside of his heart. Just then the sadness seemed to lift from his pensive heart as his tears dried.
“Hello,” the prince said with a small and shy smile…
He would see the wonderful bird every now and then in the garden, when he would be in the lowest state in the darkest hour of his young life. He didn’t know whether he had made it up in his mind—the things he heard from the owl’s calls, or that he really heard them from the owl itself. But he heard things he longed to hear and felt it in his inner being. The calls of the owl would send him loving messages to his heart, telling him that he was not worthless and even in the midst of the coldest and darkest moments—light would mend his heart and he would still be loved—everything was going be okay in the end…
…After the death of his mother five years later he never saw the strange and beautiful bird again. He began to think that the bird was just a figment of his young imagination, and was just a symbol of happiness his mind had only created…
†††
The king came out of his daydream—one of the many memories of his childhood. That was the first time he had thought of his mother and childhood or the mysterious owl in a very long time… His mother had tormented for five years, five short years that felt like a reign of eternity when he was a young boy—then she strangely became ill and died. Julpen wasn’t sad when his mother had died, but relieved and thankful.
He couldn’t help it, but he loathed his mother, and shuddered every time she came into his mind. He resented her and never spoke of her to anyone, not even to Marrisa. Marrisa knew nothing of her grandmother and the things she had done almost forty some odd years ago. He kept his mother locked away in his mind, a dark secret, never wanting to let her out or speak of her. On a rare occasion she would sneak into the crevasses of his mind—and he would have nightmares, seeing her frightening face looming over him…
After the death of his mother, when he was twelve, he took over the throne and demanded that her name should never be said by any mouth. The five years that Queen Karnidge had ruled, severely wounded the kingdom of Minslethrate, and he wanted to mend those wounds.
He was advised by Master Odwa, who was an old friend of his father. Master Odwa had helped his father with the production of the many copies of The Book of Light—turning the one book into many books. With the help of Master Odwa, King Julpen tried to restore Minslethrate, trying to make the kingdom how it was when his father had ruled.
He swore to himself and to his people that he would never treat his family and kingdom so dishonorably, the way his mother did. He stopped the burnings and restored the kingdom and ruled with a characteristic his mother had hated and denied—compassion.
But it was hard for the king to show any kind of physical love, so he did it in a way by trying to help the people who were less fortunate and making sure that nature was being taken care of. Once a year he would hold a celebration for his people, rich and poor, to commemorate the day he became king and to celebrate the beauty of the earth and the gifts of God. They celebrated the earth and gave praise and thanks to the God of Light. The people of Minslethrate looked forward to it every year and called it The Spring Celebration.
The celebration was held on the anniversary of his notorious mother’s death. The spring celebration would be held in a couple of days, during the spring equinox. The spring quinox happened when both the day and night were equally the same length. That was the time when the king wanted everyone to be equal. No matter the class, whether rich or poor—everyone was welcome to attend. Growing up, the beauty of nature was the only thing he could escape to, that kept him sane. And that beauty of nature was shared by everyone—and made for everyone.
Even though he wanted to show happiness and love—it was hard for him to. It was especially hard for his people to see him as loving, especially after the incident of the burning ten years ago. For the first time the king had ordered a burning ten years ago, hoping to rid of the evil that began to augment in the kingdom once again. Like his mother who burned everything that was good in his life, he wanted the evil to be burned. He felt like it was revenge towards his mother—to burn all evil. But that was the first and the last time he would ever order someone to be burned—and he never had anyone burned at the stake ever again…
That day ten years ago when Moira was accused of being a witch and blamed for doing works of evil, he saw his mother in her. He wanted to rid of her—of the evil that tried to bring him back down. That ominous day in the town square, he had gotten a flashback of his childhood and began to see his mother in himself. After that day the king had dreamt about his mother and the numerous people she had killed. That’s when he swore to himself that he would never cast anyone into the fire again.
Till that very present day the king still felt uneasy about the burning of Moira ten years ago, thinking that something wasn’t right when he had her burned at the stake. He remembered how her face looked so innocent and frightened the night when she was convicted and sentenced to death by the court… With the situation that Moira was in, there was no proof that she was innocent… And now with the evil works that were done in Lilith’s chamber, he knew something dark had made its way back into his life once again. It didn’t matter if he burned evil or not, it still found its way back to him. With the experiences of his mother, the rumors of Moira, and the dead body in Lilith’s room with his daughter coming up missing, there was no doubt in his mind that something negative and evil was still lurking around Minslethrate—but what?
He thought of his daughter again, and how badly he wanted her to be safe. He thought of all the times he had not been around for his daughter. Being raised, physically and mentally abused by an unloving mother, and not really remembering his father—he had become hardened. And then with the death of the only woman he had ever loved, his late wife, his skin had become thicker and his emotions were now absent. “Forgive me, my daughter,” he thought. “I pray that your husband will show you love—for I have failed...” Just then he thought of Prince Phillip and his letter.
His mind quickly switched back to the present situation...
He looked back down to the letter. The prince wrote that he went off into the southern parts of Minslethrate, to rescue Marrisa from a guild of mad men—and that he, the king, could send an army if he wished… The king smirked to himself, feeling slightly better, amused at the fact the prince wrote that he could send an army if he wished.
The king wondered how he would find his way to the south—and even if he knew his way, how would he get past the great wall without being stopped by the many soldiers who guarded the wall. By the decree of the king, no one was allowed to pass the Great Wall of Division, into the forbidden lands; and whoever tried without a letter from the king would be arrested and brought back to the kingdom. It would take about two days to get to the great wall from the kingdom anyways, passing through many great sloping fields and forests. By the time Phillip got to the great wall, he would be forced to come back.
“I beg your pardon, Sire.” It was Alexander again, this time followed by the Lord and Lady Ducre’. “The honorable Lord and Lady of Ducre’ has come to bare news to your majesty,” he said, welcoming them into the room with a polite arm gesture.
The Lord and Lady bowed, then made their way to the king. The
marquis was an average height man in his early fifties, having long dark hair with gray highlights and pale skin. His eyes were dark beneath two large, thick eyebrows and his face was thin having a small and well trimmed beard. His pale skin stood out more because of the dark-colored garbs he wore. His wife, the marchioness who looked much younger than he, stood by his side, petite and beautiful, with smooth dark skin and black hair that was up and beneath an elegant headdress. Her vibrant green eyes sparkled, looking exotic adjacent to her luscious and golden-brown skin. She wore a vibrant green gown of the latest fashion that pulled the color of her eyes out even more.
“Ah, Fernund, it is good to see an old friend amongst these troubling times,” the king said with a weak smile as they came forward. They greeted each other, then the king kissed the Marchioness on the hand. “Come, sit—Do you wish to have a goblet of wine?”
“No thank you,” The Marquis said as they followed the king to his table. “As always I enjoy your majesty’s hospitality—But I come to bare some disconcerting news. You must read this first,” he said, handing him the letter that his daughter had left for Sora.
The king read it quietly, then looked up at The Marquis.
“Something in the South stirs,” he said, then looked out of the window. “I’m afraid something malicious is happening again—like that of ten years ago, Fernund. And your daughter knows something that I do not… She defies the behaviors of a lady.”
“Yes, I know my daughter can be bold—but she has a good heart,” Lord Ducre’ said, then looked at his wife.
“Yes, Fernund, your daughter is a mighty companion to Marrisa—and as long as I’ve known her, she has been dedicated to my daughter when I was not...” he said with an honest face. “I spoke with Natalia last night and she was convinced that something terrible has happened to my daughter,” the king had a look of guilt on his face all of the sudden as he continued to look out of the massive windows. “She tried to tell me—but I did not believe her warnings—till now. There is something insidious in the air that keeps trying to pull this kingdom apart and I need to find out what it is,” King Julpen said as he looked into the Marquis’ bewildered eyes.
The Lady Ducre’ placed her hand on her full, dark lips—taken aback by the king’s thoughts.
“If our daughters are in danger—I suggest sending out a legion of soldiers.” Lord Fernund said as he placed his hand on his wife’s back.
“That has already been done, Fernund. I believe Natalia is being accompanied by his royal highness, Prince Phillip. She will be protected from the wilderness.”
The Marchioness sighed with relief as she stood next to her husband.
“This is certain?” asked Lord Ducre’
“Prince Phillip has left me a correspondence stating that he has ventured off to the south as well, to find Marrisa. According to Phillip—my daughter has been abducted… The captors will want ransom. There will be great anguish upon these men if my daughter is harmed in any way—they will be vanquished…,” the king said with a tightened jaw. “But your daughter is with the prince, it is too much of a coincidence that both Natalia and The Prince have written correspondences and are both going to the Forbidden Lands to look for Marrisa. But what bewilders me greatly is that they’ve chosen to go off on their own… But by the time anyone gets to The Great Wall of Division, they will be seized by my soldiers who line the great wall. Natalia will be fine. There are many soldiers looking for them as we speak. But I will bring up an army and we will head to the southern parts of Minslethrate…”
“I am truly sorry, your majesty, about your daughter—I pray they all will be found,” Lord Ducre’ said in a low tone. “I will go to the south as well…”
Lady Ducre’ had a worried face as he spoke. She glanced at her husband, then at the king Julpen.
“No, my old friend,” the king said in a low tone as he placed his hand on his shoulder. “I am appreciative of your dedication to our kingdom and daughters. But I need you here by your wife’s side—in Minslethrate. You are no warlord, Marquis. I have no son or Duke to my throne—I need you to keep my people feeling safe while I am gone. You are highly respected in Minslethrate. The people need to feel safe, and will feel so by a respected man like yourself residing before them in the palace.”
The Marquis nodded, having a solemn look on his face. Lady Ducre’ looked up at her husband, holding on to his arm.
“I am honored,” Lord Ducre’ said.
“Good,” the king said as he nodded his head, then sat back down in his throne-like chair. “My advisor, Master Odwa, will be with you while I am away.”
Just then Alexander came into the hall again, followed by two men.
“Your royal highness, I have commander in chief, Sir Hawkington and The Royal Advisor, Master Odwa.
The two men came before the king and bowed their heads. Sir Hawkington was a tall and intimidating looking middle-aged man with a shaved head and a black beard, having a scar on the left side of his face. Master Odwa was an older man with a long white beard and a slender physic, appearing wise and able. He was adorned in elegant robes which wiped the tiled floor as he made his way towards the king.
“My men, my cohorts—there is darkness upon us which has been an old friend of Minslethrate. It must be rid of—I will not tolerate such evil that has once again enveloped Minslethrate in darkness…” King Julpen said as he stood up. “Strange things are abroad. We shall put our heads together, and then hold a quick court meeting to notify the people of our actions…”
Huddled around the king’s table, they spoke of a plan of action as the Marchioness despondently left the hall, following Alexander…
CHAPTER 14
The Watchers And The Guardian
The sun was beginning to set as it was mid-evening. The sky was still cloudy and gray, but looked as if it were on fire in the northern parts where the sun was slowly making its way down upon the lands of Minslethrate. The Forest of Old was dark and dreary and had a totally different feeling than that of the Forest Province where Tairren lived. After passing many opened and sloping fields and thick forests, they finally had made it to Lake Iris—many hours away from home. Tairren, Natalia, and Phillip began to set up a little camp, making sure it was near the water and comfortable for sleeping. As soon as they found the perfect spot next to the beautiful Lake Iris, Tairren had gotten a nice little fire going as Natalia and Phillip went to fetch some sticks to feed the fire with. After making their quaint little spot of fiery light, they sat around it and ate their small meal of bread, fruit and water.
“I’m starving,” Natalia said she nibbled on a small loaf of barley bread she had brought with her. “Missing dinner really put some pains in my stomach—I thank the lord for this bread and pity the ones without a meal.”
“I’m okay, I’m used to having small meals,” Tairren said as he shrugged his shoulders while eating an apple. “And I thank God every day for it.”
“Give me a royal meal. I would love to have a nice piece of beef with some potatoes to go with this bread, along with a golden goblet of wine,” Phillip said to himself, while eating a piece of bread that Natalia had shared with him.
Both Tairren and Natalia just looked at Phillip, having an unimpressed look on their faces.
“I could’ve gone hunting for rabbit or duck, but it’ll be getting dark soon,” Tairren said, looking up into the sky. “And this strange weather is not helping either.”
They sat in a small opening in the forest, next to the beautiful lake—tired, irritated and hungry. With the dark-gray sky, the forest made it appear darker all around them than it really was. Amongst the sounds of falling water and the crackling fire, the crickets and the frogs chirped excitedly, sending a resonating melody over the lake and small clearing. The hoot of a forest owl could be heard every once in a while, sounding low and haunting. The lake had many patches of blue, purple and yellow colored irises all around it and in the shallow parts of the clear water, for this reason it was cal
led Lake Iris. Small waterfalls that flowed from creeks and rivulets from the Minslethratian River, along with flowering vines, cascaded all around the back side of the lake, falling from small cliffs that loomed over some parts of the lake. The trees that circled around the lake were tall, dark and mysterious, reflecting off of the glistening waters of the lake and appearing like a painting. Everything about the lake was serene and beautiful.
They finished eating their small supper as it got darker outside. The air around them became cooler and the trees above swayed in the faint breezes. The massive tree they sat beneath stretched out its knotted and twisted branches above them, seeming to protect them with its eerie arms.
“I don’t like this forest,” Natalia said as she sat still amongst the cozy fire, pulling her cape tightly around her arms. “During the day it must be beautiful—but it seems it is much too dark and old of a forest to be beautiful.”
“And that is why, my lady, it is called The Forest of Old.” Tairren teased as he poked the fire with a stick. “These parts of Minslethrate are strange and mysterious—this dark forest is a very ancient forest and filled with things one can only imagine,” he said in a low voice.
“Do not frighten the lady,” Philip said as he sipped some water from a flask which was wrapped in dark-brown leather.
“I do not frighten, I inform, prince,” Tairren said defensively.
“Yes, you know all, Master Tairren,” Phillip quickly said, mocking him. He propped up his knee, leaning on his right side and elbow upon the grass.
“Tairren, please continue,” Natalia interrupted as she glared at the prince. She sensed an argument that was ready to erupt between Phillip and Tairren.
The Last Legend: Awakened Page 24