Eveline felt hatred for the man, a hatred she had never entertained before. Such cruelty laced his words, such venom was his content for the woman who had borne him and nurtured him, despite him being the product of rape and child of Lagar, the demon king who had killed her mother and sons and forever exiled her from Heaven. She tried to control the tide of anger that rolled over her as the young man spat at his mother’s feet and turned away, once again striding through the garden, this time leaving his mother behind. From behind a bush, a beautiful stag came and stood beside the princess, laying his beautiful head upon her shoulders as she wept. As Eveline looked on she felt a familiar warmth from behind and turned to see the same ball of light, hovering before her. The ball of light began to move away from the princess, travelling through the garden and stopping. Eveline did not want to leave the princess but knew the ball of light was meant for her and that it was guiding her through this strange and complex vision. Unwillingly she began to follow, making her way through the garden, passing strange trees and plants and even stranger animals that lurked behind the trees and bushes or up in the branches. It did not take long until she found herself upon the shores of the lake, its waters sparkling and blue. Near to her were two small boats and the ball of light hovered over the one on the right, biding her to follow. Loyally Eveline obeyed the light and stepped into the wooden boat, sitting herself down upon the wooden seat, placing her two hands upon either side of the boat. As she sat waiting, she heard footsteps from behind and a gentle voice, singing merrily. She turned her head and found herself gazing upon the High King Elieor of Calnuthe. A soft gasp left her mouth as the young King strode purposefully towards her, his golden hair bouncing in the light, his bright green eyes sparkling and vivid. He was not like the great God Heiden, his body was fine and long, not strong and intimating, but lean and graceful. He wore a garment of fine blue silk, the delicately patterned gown falling to his feet which were bound by silver shoes. Around his waist was a silver belt which held a sword to his side. In his left hand was a small book. Eveline felt herself freeze as the young King got into the boat, refraining from singing as he tried to figure out how to cross the water without any oars.
“This my father forgot to speak of,” he said with an air of confusion, bringing a smile to Eveline’s face as he looked about helplessly. The young King set the small book down upon his lap as he looked about with raised brows. As he was searching the small boat, Eveline’s jolted to life alongside Elieor’s. “Makes sense,” the King mumbled as he turned his body round and sat patiently, his eyes scanning the beautiful garden and lake. She studied his profile as they sailed along the waters at a gentle pace. He was not in likeness to a Greek God, his profile was more akin to a Nordic King. He was very tall and lean, his posture straight and unabridged. His hair was golden and fell to his shoulders. His face was triangular in shape and fair. His vivid green eyes lay beneath thick eyebrows and lorded over a long and straight nose that had a slight ridge. His lips from an angle were fine and thin and pale in colour. Eveline thought him very handsome, reminding her of Scandinavian Kings of old. As they sailed towards the island, Elieor skimmed his fine fingers upon the ice cool waters and smiled, his face peaceful and content. As Eveline observed him she noticed a rather prominent scar upon his hand and frowned, he must have been hurt during a fight she concluded. As she stared the King turned his gaze to her as though seeing her. Eveline held her breathe for a moment, a strange feeling running over her as she looked into his fine face, filled with curiosity and kindness, his eyes equally filled with knowledge and adventure. As quickly as he has turned did his gaze fall away from her just as the boats made shore.
The island was just as Eveline had envisioned it many times. It was large enough but bare, only consisting of a very large and ancient tree whose branches draped over the island beautifully. Eveline knew that a beautiful throne made out of roots lay before the front of the tree and wondered what the King would do upon finding it. Quickly she jumped out of her boat and followed Elieor as he made his way up the slope of the island towards the tree which was in blossom. As they came to the top of the hill, Elieor stopped, his gaze directed away from the tree and down to the other side of the island, where a tall and graceful woman stood upon the shore her auburn hair a light and dancing as she stood pensive, her gaze cast out towards the vast mountain range which lay to the north. Eveline knew that the couple would marry and found herself incredibly aware that this would be the first time in which they would lay eyes upon one another. She stood beside the King and watched his transfixed eyes as they lingered upon Unyae. His cheeks were faintly coloured as his thick curls danced about his face gently. Without a word he began to walk down the slope bypassing the throne without a glance, heading directly for Unyae, who upon hearing his footsteps turned slowly to meet his gaze. She was gowned in a light lavender chiffon dress, the sleeves deep and long, touching the blades of grass at her feet. Her hair was crowned with a wreath of flowers. Eveline stopped a few feet away from the King and Princess and blushed as they gazed into one another’s eyes.
“My lady,” Elieor bowed low and regally before rising again, taking a step forward in boldness.
“My Lord,” Unyae said with a slight bow of her head. “Welcome to the garden of Calhuni.”
“My father’s book does not mention you,” Elieor said with an inquisitive smile. “It clearly states that one of the four guards would meet me upon my arrival. I have yet to meet any.”
“My father had need of them my Lord and sent me in their place,” Unyae said with a graceful smile, unable to shield herself from the King’s incurable good nature which was catching.
“Your father?” Elieor’s smile faded and was replaced with a look of amazement and fear.
“Heiden, God of the Heavens,” Unyae said gently, not wishing to alarm the young King.
“You are Unyae the Goddess of the stars and all living things? I thought you a mythical figure of old…, I…, I am ashamed to say that I am no believer in Gods,” Elieor said with a serious face. “But I will admit freely that when my eyes first beheld you, I thought you not of this world, such beauty has not walked the plains of my world since the dawn of time.”
“I am she,” Unyae nodded, her hands enfolded before her, steady and firm.
“Then it is true?”
“What is my Lord?”
“That the High Kings of the South are blessed by Heiden himself?”
“My father’s power runs through my veins,” Unyae explained elegantly. “It will be I that crowns you and blesses you with the gifts of Heiden.”
“Did you crown my father also?” Elieor asked, his head tilted slightly.
“No my Lord, I was made the keeper of the garden twenty four years ago,” Unyae explained carefully. “My father would have blessed your own father.”
“I cannot believe he did not tell me of this,” Elieor said with disbelief. “Considering he knew of my non-religious views.”
“Maybe he had faith that you would find your footing when the time asked it of you,” Unyae replied, her golden eyes bright and clear.
“He was ever wise my father,” Elieor smiled gravely the memory of his father still painful.
“Then he must have been a good King.”
“And yet for all his greatness the Kingdom of Ruarr has fallen to the hands of Islaer,” Elieor said with a heavy sigh. Unyae turned away from Elieor and once more cast her gaze north. “He boasts that he has under his wing the son of Lagar, though I believe it not.”
“It is indeed true my Lord, Islaer councils my son, Heidan.”
“Your son?” Elieor replied in disbelief. “You mean to say it is true?”
“I wish it were not,” Unyae murmured, closing her eyes against the setting sun.
“But if he is your son then…, you are bound to Lagar? Can this be true?”
“I am only bound to him through my child,” Unyae said aloud, a tear falling from her eye. “Not by anything else.”
/> “I do not understand,” Elieor muttered under his breathe, confused and dazed by the admission.
“When Lagar and his servant Lagman invaded the high city of Aurelius, he pillaged, raped and killed innocent children and women,” Unyae said through gritted teeth. “Lagar killed my mother and brothers…and…” Elieor stepped forward, his hand hovering close to her shoulder. With regret he dropped his hand. “Instead of killing me, he impregnated me instead my Lord.”
“I am truly sorry my Lady,” Elieor whispered faintly, his demeanour altered by the news.
“Tell me my Lord; this Islaer, is he a good man?” Unyae asked with hope in her voice.
“I regret to inform you that he is anything but good my Lady,” Elieor said with a graveness in his eyes. Unyae’s shoulders fell as she lifted a hand to her forehead as though pained.
“Then my son has donned the robe of darkness, shunning the light,” Unyae whispered aloud, walking away from the young King. Elieor and Eveline followed Unyae as she made her way up to the throne, her gown billowing as she came to stand before it, turning to face them, her own expression straight and without emotion. “Come Lord Elieor and take your seat upon the throne of Calnuthe, seat of your ancestors and descendants.”
“My Lady are you quiet well?” Elieor asked, his eyes not upon his throne but upon the fair woman.
“You must forgive my impertinence, you did not travel all the way here to listen to my tales of woe,” Unyae said, tall and unyielding to the inner conflict that threatened to sweep her up into a tide of misery. She gazed up into the man’s eyes and clearly found solace, for her skin warmed and her eyes sparkled and the effect cast its spell upon Eveline, who wished with all her heart that the fair and unfortunate Princess could find peace and happiness. She knew off course that both Unyae and Elieor would marry, but still she wished them both good fortune.
“There is nothing to forgive,” Elieor soothed, taking the fair maidens hand and bringing it to his lips. “Such sadness fills me to know that dark clouds obscure your sky where a thousand rays of light should fall upon you instead.”
“This is a day to cherish my Lord, you are to be King, come sit upon your throne and let me rest the ancient crown upon your head,” Unyae smiled, releasing her hand from Elieor and biding him to take his seat with her free hand. Elieor bowed his head in defeat and cautiously took his seat upon the throne. Unyae turned again and made her way down the slope to the shore. Eveline stood beside Elieor and watched as she walked into the depths of the water, calling out. From the water two hands appeared, baring a crown of gold, silver and copper. Unyae took the crown from the pair of hands and turned with it in her own, as a ray of light surrounded her. Eveline drew in a breathe at such an ethereal display and watched as the princess made her way out of the water and up the slope, coming to stop before Elieor, who looked transfixed. “My I enquire whether you are versed in the ceremonial oath taking my Lord.” Unyae said with a glowing smile, her eyes gentle and her lips curled. She rested the beautiful crown which was made of woven leaves, flowers and stars upon his head, keeping her hands upon it.
“I am,” Elieor said regally, his hands resting upon the book that rested upon his lap, his eyes raised to meet Unyae’s.
“Then let us begin,” Unyae said quietly. “Who dares approach the throne of Calnuthe?”
“I Elieor son of Elioen, Prince of Calnuthe, Taer and Ruarr, defender of the weak and heir apparent, come before the throne of Calhuni as is my right.”
“By what right do you lay claim to the throne of Calnuthe?”
“By the grace of God, virtue of rank and nobility of birth and by conquest do I hereby lay my claim before thee.”
Eveline felt her heart warm as she watched the ceremony. Both Unyae and Elieor wore serious expressions as the sun’s rays illuminated their bodies. Unyae raised her arms and eyes to the sky above.
“Heiden, God of the Heavens, ruler of the seven realms and giver of life, I give unto you the rightful heir of Calnuthe.” Unyae let her hands fall to her sides and stepped away from Elieor, making her way down to the lake once more and stepping into its cold water where the same pair of hands arose from the depths, this time carrying a golden cup. Unyae took the cup and filled it before turning and making her way up the slope, passing the throne and stopping before the tree, taking a pink blossom and putting it into the cup. She came before Elieor and held the cup before him. “Do you pledge to honour your oath, to protect the rights of your subjects and lands, to represent your counsel, to provide good governance and uphold the laws of the land?”
“I swear to honour my oath, protecting the rights of my subjects and lands, to represent and listen to my counsel, to provide good governance and to uphold the laws of the lands,” Elieor said loudly, his voice filled with strength and honour. Unyae lowered the cup to Elieor’s lips and let him sip from it before bringing it away and turning once more, making her way down to the lake where she held the cup up high before her and exclaimed.
“The contents of this cup represents your binding oath and everlasting pledge to your Kingdom. May land drink from your oath and protect you from harm.” With those words she poured the contents of the cup into the water before wading her way back out to the depths and upon finding the pair of hands, lowered the cup into them. She stood still and silent as the hands disappeared soon to re appear this time with a ring. Unyae made her way back to Elieor and took his right hand, holding it up before her. “This ring bears the seal of Heiden. Words accompanying this seal represent your will and are backed with your authority. It is made of gold, silver and copper to remind you of your duty to the three kingdoms under your charge and remind you of the strength of your words. Do you accept this ring?”
“I do,” Elieor said with a smile as Unyae placed the ring upon his right index finger. Gently she let his hand fall to his lap once more and placed both of her hands upon his crown.
“The crown upon your head represents the ancient’s oaths of honour. It is made of precious metal so that you may always know the price you have paid for the honour bestowed upon you this day. Its weight upon your brows represent the burden of power, the responsibility of decision making and the encumbrance of leadership. Do you accept this symbol of honour and responsibility?”
“I do.”
Unyae dropped her hands from the crown and stepped away from Elieor, walking around the throne towards the tree of life. Eveline watched as she reached up into the tree and snapped off a branch, bringing it back to Elieor and setting upon his lap.
“Repeat after me. I Elieor son of Elioen do hereby swear by hand and mouth to obey the constitution to the best of my ability, to serve all those who come before me equally and to exercise justice and judgement in accord with the laws written for the good of my people.”
“Repeat after me. I Elieor son of Elioen do hereby swear by hand and mouth to obey the constitution to the best of my ability, to serve all those who come before me equally and to exercise justice and judgement in accord with the laws written for the good of my people.”
Unyae took the branch and made her way down to the lake where she cast it away. Turning she made her way back to Elieor and laid her hands upon his cheeks, lowering her head and kissing his lips tenderly. After a brief moment she broke the kiss and drew her head back.
“I Unyae, daughter and heir apparent to Heaven bestow upon you the kiss of Heiden. May he bestow upon you the fruits of his powers, giving unto you the gifts of healing, foresight and strength. Do you in return promise to use the powers bestowed upon you correctly? To never use them in order to exploit those weaker than yourself and to never use them in order to further your own selfish gains?”
“I promise,” Elieor said with a whisper, bringing his hands to Unyae’s fair face and pressing his lips upon hers once again. Eveline blushed crimson as she witnessed the couple’s first true kiss. After an eternity they parted.
“Arise, King Elieor of Calnuthe,” Unyae announced, her cheeks stained a
nd her eyes sparkling. Eveline smiled broadly with joy as the new King arose before Unyae, clasping her hands within his own. “Come you must kiss the foot of the tree before handing me back the crown.”
“As you wish my Lady,” Elieor smiled, keeping her right hand within his left and guiding her around the throne to the tree. The King bent before the tree and kissed the roots before arising once more. Eveline came closer to the tree as Unyae unclasped her hand from the King as he bent his head so that she could claim back the crown. The King watched as she made her way back to the shores of the lake, wading back into the waters and placing the crown back into the pair of hands that awaited her. Elieor strode purposefully down to the shore as she made her way back. Eveline followed quickly not wanting to miss a second of this beguiling moment.
“You are free to leave now,” Unyae said with sorrowful eyes as she came to stand before the King.
“And what becomes of you my Lady? Are you free to leave with me?” the King asked boldly, his eyes serious and determined.
“I am bound to this garden until such a time as my father returns for me,” Unyae said quietly, stepping away from the young man. “I am not allowed to leave the garden with another.”
“When will your father return?” Elieor asked with a concerned look.
“I do not know my Lord.”
“Why does he keep you here alone and unattended?”
“He wishes to protect me from those who would wish me harm my Lord,” Unyae said with an air of understanding. “I am the direct heir to the throne and thus would face danger at every corner if I was to leave this garden where I am protected.”
“And if you were to find love?”
“Be careful my Lord you tread on dangerous ground by being so bold,” Unyae said with stern eyes.
“Excuse my boldness my Lady, I am only rendered to enter this garden once in my life and seeing as though I have only one chance to win your hand and heart, I must take it and rid myself of pride,” Elieor said with elegance and humbleness. “Never have my eyes rested upon such a beautiful and rare jewel and I pride myself on not being materialistic or shallow, never one for great poetry or words of flattery.”
One Crown & Two Thrones: The Prophecy Page 41