The King's Folly

by Robin Simmons

  Raven shook his head again. He had to stop thinking this way, but he couldn’t help it. Entering the castle, they dismounted while grooms took their mounts to the stables. Servants escorted Raven to quarters, where he washed up, changed clothes and lay down on the bed crossing his hands behind his head. He tried to sort his thoughts out as he lay there, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. Just then there was a knock at the door of his room, and the announcement that dinner was ready. Raven sat up, gathered his thoughts and headed with his escort down to the main dining hall. As they entered the great hall, Raven surveyed its size and decor; almost as large as the king’s castle, Raven thought. He could see that the stone was carved with all manner of fruits and foods. Scenes of merry feasting were pictured above every arch and colonnade in this hall. The architecture was magnificent, more artistic than the functional king’s castle. Then he remembered that this castle used to be his ancestors’, the Kallestors, before they had become kings and moved to the main castle of Glenfair. This thought made him eye it with more wonder as he swung his gaze toward the head table at the front of the great hall.

  Something caught his gaze above the main arch at the front of the hall. It was his family’s coat of arms and their seal with writing in a circle around it. He could not read the writing so he moved closer to see what it said. It was written in the dialect the kings of old had used.

  It read: “Touth thee bearer ofth thees seal we douth pledge allegiance wifth our lifves forever.” Raven had been to this castle before but had never considered its history. Now he was intent on every detail. He repeated the phrase again in his mind: To the bearer of this seal we do pledge our allegiance with our lives forever.

  His stare was interrupted by Lorriel coming over and taking his arm in hers.

  “What are you looking at, dear brother?” she asked.

  “Oh, nothing,” Raven said as they heard Andrew beckoning them to join him at the table for dinner.

  Duke Sauron Crestlaw was seated at the head of the table, his wife to his left and Andrew to his right. Raven was seated at the opposite end of the table, a place of honor, with his sister on his left. In between were other members of the duke’s family and men of importance who all, it seemed, were over joyous to have the prince and princess with them for dinner. It was a tremendous feast of all the delicacies the duke could supply. An orchestra played music in the background as the guests engaged in general but delightful conversation. Toward the end of the feast, Duke Sauron Crestlaw raised his glass high and stood up to signal the fact that he was going to make a toast.

  “To the health of beautiful Princess Lorriel, who we are thankful for God’s protection in keeping her from the fate of the falls. The whole kingdom would have mourned if you would have been lost, but none more than the house of Crestlaw, and perhaps one Crestlaw in particular.” With that he looked at Andrew and drank his toast.

  Andrew almost choked on his drink when he realized what his father had insinuated. He turned bright red and excused himself from the table and went out a side door to the porch. His father chuckled as Andrew left. Raven watched him go. Then decided to go and talk with him.

  Once outside Andrew realized Raven was following him and turned to speak, “I am very sorry for the way my father intrudes into other people’s lives. He is eager to get me married off. If he even sees me glance at a maiden, he makes a comment.”

  Raven smiled, “That is not why I came out. I have other matters I wish to discuss with you.”

  “Please speak your mind, Prince Raven.”

  Raven’s brow furrowed as he pondered in thought, then said, “I am curious, Andrew, why this dukeship always sends a little more tribute to the king than what is asked of it. None of the other dukeships do that, and about our family crest in the great hall with the words around it, why is it there?”

  Andrew grew very serious and motioned for Raven to follow him around the corner of the porch where it overlooked the small town and the lands beyond. He stopped and motioned with his hand, a sweeping gesture encompassing his lands and holdings.

  “Do you see these?” Andrew replied. “This used to be your family’s dukeship. When your family was given the kingdom, your forefather Damen Kallestor gave his dukeship to my family. We were a small family, actually poor, but Damen said it was not because of power or wealth that he gave the dukeship to our family. We were chosen because we were honorable, the most honorable he said of all his subjects.”

  As Andrew was speaking he was not looking at Raven but was off in some far away place. “You see, Raven, we didn’t deserve this castle, lands and wealth. All of this was given to us because of our honor and we shall never forget that. We will never be able to repay that debt. That is why we give tribute cheerfully, and more than is asked. That is the reason for your family’s crest and the words. They teach every successive generation here to remember how they received the dukeship and to pledge with honor their loyalty to the king forever!”

  He spoke these words with such conviction and feeling that Raven had to turn away for tears had formed in his eyes. If there was treachery here, he could not see it, and he was now ashamed.

  Raven felt a hand upon shoulder, causing him to turn and face Andrew, “That is why I would have gladly given my life today to save Lorriel or you from harm. I will always be willing to give my life for your family, remember that.”

  At that moment Lorriel came out on the porch and asked Andrew if he was ever going to come in because couples had begun to dance. Andrew knew a hint when he heard it, so he held out his arm to Lorriel and headed to the dance floor with her in tow, leaving a shaken Raven behind to contemplate what he had just heard.

  Raven did not feel like dancing so he wandered through the castle. Evidence was left everywhere of the former inhabitants, his ancestor’s names, tapestries, and paintings. It seemed that the whole castle was a reminder that it had once belonged to someone else. This only made sense in light of what Andrew said, for all trace of the former occupants could have been easily erased. As Raven walked down the corridor that led to his room, he went past it to the very end of the hallway. At the end of this hallway was an old door, covered with dust but not locked. Raven applied firm pressure to the latch and the door reluctantly yielded. As the door swung open, Raven saw a stairway that led up to another door.

  There must be a room in one of the towers, thought Raven. This door opened with the same harsh pressure. Upon entering, Raven’s observations led him to believe this was perhaps a study or getaway from the rest of the castle. Dust was thick and heavy on everything, testifying to the fact that no one had been there in a great while. As he looked around, his attention was drawn to the most beautifully carved marble fireplace he had ever seen. When he was closer, he impulsively ran his hands over the wondrous carvings. When he came to an exact replica of the apple tree in his family crest he stopped. One of the apples seemed to stick out more than others. He put his finger on that particular apple again and felt it with more pressure. He heard a click and the portion of marble he was exploring spun around. Raven stepped back and blinked for it happened very quickly. Then he noticed writing on the back of the marble panel which was now facing out.

  It was written once again in the old language, and it read: “If you seek wisdom of those long gone, then follow happiness to its source, where the sun is setting and rising both.”

  Raven had no idea what any of this meant, to follow happiness to its source. That was silly. Who could do that? Maybe he would ask Andrew later. He turned the panel around until it clicked in place, then headed back to find Lorriel.

  Coming back to the great hall, he watched Lorriel and Andrew dance. Is she smitten with Andrew he wondered? It was most likely the emotions of two people having just gone through a harrowing experience, being glad they were still alive. Raven intently watched Andrew. There was something about him that perplexed him, something about him that drew others to him, a natural leadership.
Then Raven realized the dominant feature of Andrew’s character was truthfulness, coupled with honor. Everything Andrew did or said came forth from the truthfulness and openness of his heart. Something else dawned on Raven. He, too, was drawn to Andrew and he realized suddenly that he liked him very much. Just then Lorriel and Andrew came over to Raven.

  Andrew spoke smiling, “There is much more to see of our dukeship. May I request that you both stay one more day? If you consent, I will send a courier to the king informing him of your delay.”

  Raven knew that Lorriel was enjoying herself immensely and so replied; “We would be pleased to stay another day.”

  That night Raven thought of all that had taken place and wondered how he was going to explain it all to his father. There was no justification for the doubt that the king had of the northwest dukeship. In fact, he believed he and Andrew would be the best of friends given time. Surely his father would believe his report.

  When word reached King Mollen Kallestor of the extra day’s stay at the Crestlaws, he frowned. What was going on at this Crestlaw Dukeship? The Wickshield spy connection he had witnessed caused him great concern. Mollen did not think the Crestlaws would openly harm his children. But there could be a very convenient accident. Mollen’s mind immediately conjured up his worst imaginations. A twainlar serpent could be dropped into one of their rooms. Mollen shuddered, they were the vilest creature on earth. He wished they were extinct, but every year a few were seen and killed. They were the most deadly creature in the kingdom. This particular serpent did not take any provocation to strike, and its poison was deadly. The worst thing about these serpents were the two heads they possessed. They spread out from the body in a “Y” formation and acted independently from one another. Each was just as deadly. The two heads were why they were called twainlar serpents. If you grabbed the one, the other would bite you. Both heads had to be incapacitated at once to be able to survive an attack. There was no known cure for its poison either.

  Mollen shook his head to clear it of those thoughts. Perhaps nothing will happen at all, but the feelings of apprehension did not leave. I will have to hear Raven’s report if he returns unharmed....

  Raven woke up refreshed, dressed and hurried down to the dining hall where Lorriel and Andrew were already seated, enjoying some morning pastries.

  “Good morning, Prince Raven. I trust you are well rested?”

  Raven nodded and sat down and began to enjoy breakfast. As they ate, Andrew outlined what he had planned for them that day, a picnic by the western pasturelands at his favorite spot, Rock Spring. Then they would go northeast once again to the pass. There was something special at the pass he wished to show Raven and Lorriel.

  It was a glorious day, full of bright sunlight and cheer. The more Raven was around Andrew, the more he enjoyed his company. They laughed and joked as they talked about the difficulties of being raised nobles. Soon they were approaching the rocky mountains and cliffs that encircled the kingdom of Glenfair. They came upon a small creek that Andrew called Happiness.

  “Why is it called Happiness?” Raven asked. “That is a very strange name for a creek.”

  “I have often wondered the same thing since my childhood,” Andrew said, “but we don’t know because it was your ancestors that named it.” With that they all laughed. They continued up Happiness until they reached its source, Rock Spring. Indeed, the spring fulfilled its name, pouring out of solid rock and into a pool that began Happiness Creek.

  Then Raven remembered the inscription on the back of the marble panel, “Happiness.” Here was the source of happiness. He dismounted and surveyed the surroundings. This was such a charming place, Lorriel was skipping around picking some wild flowers. Raven’s eyes swept the cliff face for help in deciphering the riddle.

  Seeing nothing, he walked closer toward the pool and upon reaching the edge of the water he looked down and saw a Twainlar Serpent. Raven stood frozen.

  So this is how I will meet my end, he thought, and somehow father will blame the Crestlaws for this. Raven regretted this more than the fact he might die. Andrew called to him but Raven did not answer. He just stood perfectly still. Andrew started toward Raven wondering what was going on. Just then the Twainlar Serpent reared up to strike..., but before he could move something came flying past him and attacked the snake. For a moment Raven didn’t comprehend what it was. Then he saw Andrew with a serpent head in each hand. Raven sprang to life and drawing a knife he quickly cut off each head as Andrew held them down. Raven backed up and sat down shaking as Lorriel ran up to them.

  “Is anyone bit?” she asked in a panicked voice, seeing the serpent on the ground.

  “No,” Raven spoke, “Andrew made a diving leap and grabbed both heads of the serpent just as it was about to attack me.”

  Then exasperated, he turned to Andrew and said, “What were you thinking? You could have gotten bit jumping a serpent like that!” Andrew smiled and politely added, “Well, you were the one just about to be killed and no Kallestor will come to harm if I can prevent it.”

  At that moment Lorriel started crying and both men looked at each other, shrugged, and walked over to console her. Andrew held Lorriel close and told her everything was all right. Again, that calming safeness she had felt when she was rescued from drowning by Andrew came upon her.

  She stopped crying and said, “You both could have been killed!”

  Andrew and Raven looked at each other and smiled.

  “Yeah,” Raven said, “we live for adventure.”

  Andrew added, “Life wouldn’t be fun with out the risks.”

  They all laughed at that, the kind of laugh that comes from relief of a scary experience. At that moment a bond formed between Raven and Andrew.

  Raven stated, “You saved Lorriel’s life and now mine. We will forever be in your debt.”

  “No,” said Andrew, “as long as any Kallestor is in danger, a Crestlaw will give their life to keep them from harm.”

  Raven did not understand the driving force behind Andrew’s statement, but answered truthfully. “I believe you would.”

  And with that he clasped Andrew’s hand, and then hugged him. He knew that Andrew and he would always be friends from that time on.

  After lunch, they headed east toward the pass. Raven had forgotten the riddle in the excitement of the deadly serpent attack, and was eager to see the surprise that Andrew had mentioned. Andrew had said it was a secret that only his family knew.

  Another thought sprang into Raven’s mind, so he rode up beside Andrew and asked. “Have you noticed any Wickshield spy activity in your dukeship lately?”

  “It is interesting you should ask. The secret I am about to show you has to do with the Wickshields. I also have to confess, last fall at the tribute banquet, a Wickshield spy slipped in uninvited. When we sought to detain him for questioning, he escaped. We did not inform the king because of our failure to produce any tangible evidence. More than 200 years has passed since the Wickshields have troubled our kingdom. I fear that they soon will attempt to conquer us again.”

  Andrew did not elaborate further as they were getting close to the pass. A little west of the pass there was an indention in the cliffs, almost like an alcove. They dismounted there and walked into the small depression. Behind some bushes next to the rock wall was an opening in the cliffs. Because of the angle of the rock, you could not see it even passing by unless you knew it was there. Andrew motioned for them to enter. Inside were torches which Andrew lit and they began walking in a cave. Raven could see it was not all natural, but partly tunneled. It went slightly uphill winding this way and that, partly to take advantage of of the natural limestone caves to keep the digging and tunneling to a minimum.

  “Our forefathers began this tunnel after the attack by the Wickshield Kingdom two hundred years ago. In my grandfather’s day it was completed. The tunnel leads up to the pass gate, providing a secondary access to the gate if it is ever lost to the enemy.”
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  Just then they came to a sharp “L” shaped part of the tunnel. The tunnel was cut that way for two reasons: One, to let a person know they were at the end of the tunnel, and the other was to prevent the torch light from being seen from the outside. They stepped around the corner and below them lay the pass gate with its high stone walls and massive timbers. The opening to the tunnel was again concealed by a shelf of rock, undetectable from the gate or the pass.

  “Very ingenious,” Raven said.

  Andrew mentioned that only his family knew of the tunnel. Not even the pass guards knew of it for security reasons. With that, they turned around and headed back down the tunnel to where their horses were waiting. Once back outside, Andrew told them how the gate guards were always puzzled at how Andrew knew what was going on at the gate. Raven laughed at this, knowing how that would keep the guards alert if their master knew what was happening at all times.

  Back at the castle, Lorriel and Raven mounted their horses and bid the Crestlaws goodbye.

  Just before they left Andrew took Lorriel’s hand and kissed it and said, “I will count the days until we meet again, Princess Lorriel.”

  “It needn’t be too long,” she replied. “I am having a celebration of my birthday in three weeks. Will you come?”

  Andrew said he would be delighted to be there, and with that, Raven and Lorriel started toward home with full joy in each of their hearts, enriched by their experience with the Crestlaws. As Raven looked at Lorriel’s contented face, he knew she had really fallen, not into the falls, but hopelessly in love with Andrew Crestlaw.

  Chapter 4