The teller grinned. Alina returned his gesture. He sat upon his stool again and continued. “By the time Matthew was one, Thadius had severed all ties.
“The castle staff and servants raised the young Prince, where it is believed he gained his compassion and common touch.
“Thadius went on to sire 12 more children by 12 different women; some say in hopes of changing what had already been done. Because of the King’s influence, those half-siblings grew to resent Matthew as well, seeking to undermine him in every forum they could. Through all of his efforts, Thadius couldn’t change what The Light had decided. Prince Matthew, the one he considered the murderer of his wife, would one day be King. That knowledge chewed at his soul.
“Over the next few years, Thadius withdrew from his many families and isolated himself from the world.
“That’s when the whispers began anew. The Kingdom lost confidence in his leadership, so he tightened his grip. First, he raised taxes on everyone to poverty-inducing levels. His closest advisors pleaded with him to change his course, but that only made him angrier.
“The Light could no longer hold back the blackness of his deeds and soon Thadius believed that even his closest advisors had turned on him, that they supported the masses, and he became infuriated. Their treason in his eyes forced him to enact martial law upon the entire country. When his advisors and the few friends who remained warned him of the growing unrest, he locked them in the dungeons to never be free again.”
The teller’s voice saddened.
“Thadius sat alone in his room brooding over threats both real and imagined. He feared Epertase’s neighbors built armies in preparation for war and he was probably right. He was convinced that his new enemies schemed with his own commanders to bring about his demise, so he ordered his borders fortified. His neighbors responded in kind, which escalated the tension.
“War was coming to Epertase, first from abroad while building from within. The Light feared the end of all drew nearer each day. Any hopes that The Light had of Thadius seeing his errors slowly faded.
“When Matthew turned thirteen, Thadius declared war on the kingdom’s neighbors. The Light saw a war that could not be won so it made a choice. A chain of events began that once started could not be stopped.
“Never before and never since had The Active Light taken such drastic action against its bearer.
“Nearly a thousand years ago today, the two suns stopped their rise behind the mountains to our south.” The teller pointed past the roof to the tips of the mountaintops. “Thasula hid in the shadows of the tallest mountain’s peak for a day, or maybe longer. The skies rumbled and filled with fire. The people feared the end of times had come.”
The teller paused, not like he was thinking but more to let the tension grow.
“King Thadius stood high upon his castle’s perch and stared into the skies. The Elder Three were right. Matthew was to become King and Thadius could not bear the thought.”
The teller’s voice rose to a boisterous crescendo, “‘I will not give my power to my son,’ Thadius shouted to the gods from his secluded castle perch. ‘He is not ready. He is not worthy.’ He climbed upon the cantilevered balcony rail. ‘I will end this world and all in it before I will surrender The Light!’ Thunder crackled in the sky. The King leaped into the air.
“And Matthew became King.”
The crowd applauded as they always had. The storyteller bobbed his hands up and down. “Quiet. Quiet. I will take questions,” he said.
A small girl no more than seven years old stood with her hand raised. The storyteller nodded to her.
“Did the world end?” she asked.
The storyteller chuckled along with a few of the adults. His voice was again gentle. “Oh, no sweetie. We are in Epertase now. The skies of fire signaled The Light’s awakening inside of Prince Matthew. As King, he brought peace to the land. That is why we celebrate him and the mighty change on this day.”
The storyteller scanned the crowd of attentive faces before adding something Alina hadn’t heard in the tale before.
“Some say those signs of change have begun anew,” he said with a wink.
Alina tilted her head and wrinkled her forehead. The crowd rose to their feet, oblivious to the magnitude of his final comments. Everyone headed back toward the main drag. After convincing herself that his added words were merely for dramatic effect, she brushed them away and thanked him for another wonderful telling.
CHAPTER 19
WHISPERS OF WAR
King Elijah overlooked Main Street and the festivities from the highest castle tower outside his chamber window. Most years he was excited and anxious for the coming ceremonies, but that was not the case this year. This year, he was being punished by the gods for his behavior as a young Prince. Though he had strived to become a good and just king, husband, and father, his beloved wife had borne the brunt of his transgressions.
As he stood in the chilly air, he sensed Queen Madelyne’s approach from behind. Actually, he didn’t sense her as much as heard her familiar, ever-worsening wheeze. “Do you have a special someone to take to the ball?” she questioned him while playfully jabbing his side with her finger.
“Only the most beautiful lady in the lands,” he said.
She placed her cheek against his back and wrapped her frail arms around him. “I am honored,” she said.
He leaned his head away so he could see her over his shoulder. “I was speaking of Alina,” he said with a smirk. She paused for a moment as though she didn’t catch his joke, but then her face lit up and she began to giggle.
“What is so funny?” he asked. “I’m serious.”
“Stop that,” she said, unable to contain her laughter. The laughing proved too much for her sickened state. She covered her mouth as her laughter morphed into a deep, barking cough, the kind of cough that indicated the future was grim. Elijah rubbed her back. She pulled away as her coughing intensified. With a look of panic, she rushed to the edge of her bed, gasping for air.
“James,” Elijah hollered.
The door cracked open. “Yes, your majes … Oh, your highness. I shall fetch the doctor at once.”
Madelyne shook her head and waved her arms as she slowly caught her breath. Elijah spoke for her. “Just some water.”
“Yes, your majesty.”
Elijah sat next to her on the bed and rubbed her back again. Her coughing subsided. Her cherry-red face faded to its normal tone as her chest heaved in an attempt to replenish lost air. She reached for a handkerchief from the nightstand. The white cloth turned red with each dab of her mouth. Elijah looked into her fearful eyes without answers and wrapped his arms around her.
“I know, my love. I know.”
James returned with a pitcher of water and a glass. As fast as he could pour, she snatched the glass from him. Her hand trembled, splashing water onto her lips and blouse and she turned away. James pretended not to see but Elijah could see that he had.
“That will be all, James,” Elijah said.
“Yes, my lord.” James bowed while backing out of the room.
Queen Madalyne whispered, “Maybe you could take Alina tonight, instead. I feel I am too weak. Besides, the people should not see me in such a state.”
Elijah was quiet as he embraced her until she fell asleep in his arms. After gazing at her for awhile, he lifted her feet into the bed, covered her with a blanket, and departed to his thinking room.
The morning turned to afternoon. A rap on his door shifted his attention away from his wife’s illness. “Enter,” he shouted.
Commander Lorca from the Elite Guard escorted a ragged young man through the door. The man’s hair was curly and ratted, too long to be military, and he needed a shave. His clothing was ripped and stained.
“What do you need, Lorca?” Elijah asked.
“Sir, this is Paisel, one of your scouts from the west coast.”
The filthy man bowed his head before speaking. “Your highness, I have ri
dden for many days to personally bring you this news.”
Elijah rolled a wheeled chair to Paisel. “Have a seat and continue, my friend.”
Paisel let out a weary moan as he plopped into the chair. “I have worrisome news. We have seen life of another land approaching from the Infinite Sea. Massive ships stretching as far as our looking spectacles can see. The land itself rumbles from their noise. The skies above them turn black. These are ships unlike anything I have ever witnessed.”
“Have they preempted their landing with peacemakers?”
“No sir, nothing. Only the roar of their vessels.”
“And the other scouts along the coast?”
“I don’t know. The invaders sent small aggressive teams ahead of their approach.”
“Aggressive?”
“That’s the only way I can describe it. They came so fast, we were forced to scatter. As I retreated, I heard explosions along the coast. I fear the other scouts may have been killed. Sir, this isn’t an exploration team like any I have ever seen. No, this is an invading army. I’d stake my life on it.”
King Elijah sat quietly, stroking the stubble on his chin.
Paisel said, “They have no doubt reached land by now, your highness. What would you have us do?”
Elijah pondered Paisel’s words. “I must have time to think about what you have told me.” He hollered for James, who quickly opened the door. “Take Paisel to the guest room. Give him clean clothing, hot food, and a warm bed.” He looked at Paisel. “You have done well. Enjoy this night’s celebration as my guest. See me in my meeting room at sunsrise and I will have your orders. Is that understood?”
“Yes, my king.”
“Very well. You are dismissed.”
“Thank you, your highness.” Paisel exited with James closely behind.
CHAPTER 20
SECRETS
Though time and time again Elijah had begged the citizens not to trouble themselves with gifts, inevitably the main hall filled with cakes and casseroles and trinkets. Ultimately, he understood the people’s need to follow tradition and couldn’t be angry with them. As he had each year before, he would have James deliver the leftovers to the less fortunate in the morning.
He smiled, thanking each of his guests as they entered the royal hall. Many of the attendees queried of the Queen’s whereabouts and he explained that she was busy but would be along shortly. Even if it was a bit of a lie, it seemed to pacify them and move the line along.
He caught a glimpse of Alina standing across the room in an ivory silk dress that formed a perfect circle as it touched the marble floor. The front of her dress was studded with emerald green buttons – far too few to be considered gaudy but enough to accent her stunning eyes. She smiled with a kindness that exuded genuineness to each of the guests as they greeted her. He thought how beautiful she was and how she looked more like her mother every day. She caught his stare, excused herself from the crowd, and started toward him. He looked away, hoping she would become distracted before she reached him. For most of the night, he avoided her with his best “I have to do this” and “I have to do that” excuses. But the time came when he was expected to engage her for the royal dance.
“My beautiful daughter, may I have this dance?” He took her hand in front of the watching crowd. They began the traditional dance.
“Are you avoiding me tonight, Father?” she whispered.
“No, no, not at all, Alina. I have many things on my mind these days.”
They smiled at the crowd of onlookers while talking through their teeth.
“Alina, dear, I have something grave to speak with you about.”
“Now?” she asked.
“No, not now. I will visit your chamber before you go to bed and we will speak then.”
He twirled her and then tugged at her hand, spinning her back into his arms. As the music ended their dance, the crowd cheered and applauded. Alina kissed his cheek, curtsied, and disappeared into the crowd.
He strained to watch her over the heads of his admirers as she passed through the room’s ceiling-high double doors. Tevin appeared under the doors where she had left. Elijah pardoned himself as he knifed through the congregation.
The two men exited the confines of the ballroom and strolled into a private hallway.
“Is it true?” Elijah asked, afraid of the answer that might return.
“I believe so,” Tevin answered.
The two stopped walking. Tevin faced him. “The signs are there, Elijah. The Elder Three have confirmed it.”
Elijah lowered his head. “When?”
“They do not know or if they do, they aren’t saying.”
“So the grass of the Great Plains coming to life was indeed the first sign as the legends have told?”
“It would seem so. Has the contingency plan been set into motion?”
Elijah diverted his eyes from his friend, ashamed, and stared at the ground.
“Sir?”
His silence was his answer.
The two began their stroll again through the halls and into the Royal Garden.
Tevin looked past him like something had caught his eye. “What about Alina?” he asked with a sly nod.
“What about her?”
“Her safety cannot be assured. If we know about the signs, then others must as well.”
Alina spoke up from behind. “What signs, Father?”
He spun toward her, startled. “It is nothing. As I said, I will come speak with you in your quarters. All will be explained then.”
“But I …”
“Alina,” he deepened his voice to show his seriousness. “I will speak with you later. I have business with Tevin at this moment. Now leave us.”
Alina huffed back into the hall.
Elijah whispered, “How much do you think she heard?”
“Enough,” Tevin answered.
The two continued their conversation as they made their way to the front guard post. One of the guards descended from the tower and shook their hands.
“Thomas,” Elijah said. “How are you?”
“I am well, sir. Thank you.”
Elijah placed his hand on the guard’s shoulder as they walked along the wall. Tevin waited at the base of the tower. “Tell me. Has Alina still been sneaking out late at night?”
“More now than ever, sir.”
“If you had to guess, when would you expect her next jaunt?”
“Soon. Probably tonight or tomorrow, I would suspect.”
“Very well. I need you to do something for me. Do not try to stop her but immediately inform Lorca of the Elite Guard that she has left.”
“Of course, sir.”
“Do not let anyone know we have spoken.”
Elijah waved to Tevin and the three men parted ways.
CHAPTER 21
MATTHEW’S LIGHT
Elijah knocked on Alina’s door before leaning his head in. “My dear?”
“Come in, Father.”
He sat on the edge of her bed. She sat up beside him. He fiddled with his fingers, never looking at her.
She grabbed his hands. “What is it? Why are you so troubled tonight?”
He hesitated.
“Father?”
“There is no easy way to say what I have to say. I fear for your safety.”
“My safety?”
“Yes.”
“Is this because of the rumors of the foreign army?”
“You’ve heard already?”
“Just today. It isn’t much of a secret. Your scout has a loose tongue.”
Elijah sighed, disappointed in Paisel. “I suppose I should make a statement to the people soon.”
“Are these invaders a real threat to Epertase?”
He looked into her green eyes for the first time this night and saw an innocence he had forgotten. He smiled at her. “You let me be concerned with the foreigners. I am quite sure they haven’t traveled this far just to start a fight. No, I have more pressin
g matters for you to be concerned with.”
“Oh?”
“You are the bearer of the dormant Light.”
Alina cocked her head to the side. “I know this.”
“Normally I would rule until my death many years from now, but The Elder Three have confirmed the signs of change have begun anew. The Light in you has stirred.”
“Like Matthew’s?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“I don’t understand. Why now?”
“I don’t know.”
“But you’re nothing like Thadius. You’re a good man.”
He was saddened by her naïve belief in him. “Alina, I have made many mistakes in my life. I have tried to change but The Light must feel I am no longer worthy.”
Her lips pressed together like when she was a child about to have a temper tantrum. “The Light is worthless,” she said. “I don’t want it.”
“It is not worthless, Alina. It is what keeps us in power. It is our duty to keep the people safe, to keep their souls safe, and to do so, we must protect The Light. That is our purpose in life.”
“I don’t want it.”
“It has been forewritten.”
She gasped like she was struck with a horrible thought. “What about you, Father? Thadius died when The Light went to Matthew.”
“Thadius killed himself, Alina. I assure you that I will not do the same.”
She spoke as quickly as she put the pieces together. “You said I was in danger. Why?”
He didn’t want to answer though he knew that he must. “There is more to Matthew’s legend, only spoken of by sorcerers and witches.”
She stared at him.
“The Light will be vulnerable on the day of change.”
“Vulnerable?” she asked. “What do you mean?”
“It can be stolen.”
Her forehead wrinkled. “Stolen? How?”
He looked away without an answer.
“Father, how?” she demanded.
He sighed. Her glare burned through his back. He hated himself for what he had to tell her.
Light of Epertase 01: Legends Reborn Page 9
