Fairy Tales Revisited on Silvery Earth

by Barbara G. Tarn

  "How many children?" Rithvik's eyes widened in wonder. He had two older sisters and a little brother that hadn't survived infancy.

  "Seven survived into adulthood. The Albright had nine, but there were twins... Novak and Axel were my age, both blond and blue-eyed and identical so they liked to switch places and confuse people." Kerrien chuckled at the memory. "I could tell them apart, though."

  "Such big families!" Rithvik said, awed.

  "The Cadwaller also had seven surviving children, again with twins," Kerrien continued. "But at some point Elan Albright chased Jehan Cadwaller and his family from Caer Nittak."

  "Why?"

  "Apparently Jehan's son, Ryan, had stolen a kiss from Kolia Albright, who was betrothed to my elder sister Shaina. Like I told you, same-sex love was forbidden, so the Cadwaller were exiled. They went to Mameth Anak, on the Lake of the Horses, and Jehan befriended the lord of that town. Four years later they came back in full force with an army and defeated the Albright, taking control of Caer Nittak, a messy civil war that made me decide it was time to leave."

  "So your first love was one of the Albright boys?"

  "Not really... I was experimenting with the twins. But when the Cadwaller came back... I just left. I had enough of that little walled town and its people. I didn't feel welcome anymore. Salamar was bigger and more varied and yes, they called me a barbarian at first, but I learned quickly."

  "Did you find a mentor or something?" Rithvik asked. The story was fascinating.

  "No, I just enrolled in a company of mercenaries," Kerrien answered. "Started making new friends. Working together made us bond. The veterans took care of the younger ones. Then the captain was killed and we split. I kept wandering. By then I was a veteran too – I was twenty, with one campaign under my belt... I changed company or worked on my own – that's when I met Druxarlo, although I didn't stay with that band for long."

  "Why not? Was he trying to seduce you?"

  "I'm not his type, I told you. He was after my then-boyfriend."

  "Would that be Braedick?"

  "Yeah... and I'm not discussing him."

  "You must love him very much," Rithvik whispered, disappointed.

  He felt a lump in his throat. He couldn't fight an invisible rival. He'd never seduce Kerrien.

  "I told you, it's complicated." Kerrien offered him some meat. "Now eat."

  Rithvik gulped and accepted the food. But he didn't feel relieved.

  He better learn to hide his feelings. Kerrien wasn't going to be attracted by his tantrums.

  I'm not a prince anymore. Maybe I should have accepted my destiny two centuries ago...

  It was too late to change things.

  5. Beautiful Lover

  Kerrien had to admit that Rithvik was a skilled swordsman and a great rider. He had the right muscles and knew the right moves. He could ride for miles without complaining. He could read and write. Maybe not everything was lost for the fallen prince. He could earn a living as a mercenary. Maybe even thrive better than Kerrien ever did.

  After discovering how long he'd slept, Rithvik lost some of his cheerfulness. He spoke less and asked questions about the mercenary life. He requested lessons for things he didn't know how to do – like sewing or shaving – and was a quick learner, much like Kerrien had been when he'd left his war-torn hometown.

  One month constantly together, and Kerrien was getting used to Rithvik's presence. The new melancholy of the fallen prince made him even more beautiful and the green eyes seemed to ask Kerrien always the same thing, When do we get intimate, my grumpy mentor?

  Kerrien felt uneasy under that stare. He hoped that at Salamar he could find a magician or a wizard who could free him of his burden. He knew about a magic user who had paired with former Caer Nittak prince Kolia Albright – the brain and the brawn.

  Kerrien had seen them in the streets of Salamar during the years, but had never really tried to talk to his sister's betrothed. He'd always wondered how Kolia had escaped from Caer Nittak, but had assumed it was thanks to Joris's magic powers.

  Maybe Joris could help him to find Belfi or get rid of Rithvik with his magic that escaped Kerrien's comprehension. He still couldn't understand how he'd awakened the beautiful sleeper and wondered if Rithvik was really, truly innocuous now, magic-wise. The prince had admitted to attending a school of magic, but hadn't shown any magic skills so far.

  Rithvik became a little bolder every day. Even though they'd settled for a "we're on the same level, so no reward system" mode, the prince still looked as if he wanted something every now and then. Kerrien had always been shy on compliments and wasn't going to start making them now. He'd seen too many lecherous men and women who spent their lives kissing asses and lying.

  Even though sometimes he really wanted to kiss Rithvik's gorgeous ass, he wasn't going to turn into a groveling servant. Rithvik was slowly shedding his royal pride and Kerrien thought he was becoming an even more dangerously charming man.

  When they were only one day away from Salamar, as they camped under the stars, Rithvik nestled against him to sleep, and Kerrien couldn't push him away. He kept falling asleep with the prince and that night he dreamed of them together in a wonderful castle. They were surrounded by gorgeous male servants and nobody glared at their obvious love.

  He woke up with that warm body against his and met the adoring stare of the green eyes.

  "Morning," Rithvik whispered in the first light of dawn. "Before we reach the big city, can we have sex?"

  In spite of the almost sexual dream – or maybe because of it – Kerrien was jarred by those words.

  "Why do you have this obsession?" he protested. "I'm your mentor, your caretaker, now you want me even as a lover? When will your demands cease?"

  "I'm not demanding it, I'm asking," Rithvik replied.

  It dawned on Kerrien why Rithvik didn't want to be king.

  "You didn't want your father's throne because you didn't want to get married," he said.

  Rithvik grinned and blew him a kiss. "And that's why I love you so much. You read me like a book! And you can't read books, but you understand me and..."

  "Shut up, Rithvik! I'm not reading anything, you're just too obvious!" Kerrien sat quickly, disentangling himself from Rithvik's embrace. "Why didn't you tell your father instead of calling for demons? Did you still worship the Queen of Darkness back then?"

  "No, she was long dead already..." Rithvik sighed and yawned, stretching on the hooded cloak spread like a blanked under him.

  "Then who taught you how to summon demons? Why did you feel the need to summon one? Couldn't your people tell from your face you didn't want any of that?"

  "You know, he's her son," Rithvik said, avoiding the questions.

  "Who?" Kerrien couldn't follow the prince's train of thought, but he knew it wasn't an answer to any of his questions.

  "Manusia. He's Norina's son. He's the king of darkness since her demise. He's very lonely. So was I." Rithvik shrugged. "My people and my family didn't really see or understand me. He said he had the same situation with his relatives. I guess we found each other." He looked at Kerrien. "And then he sent you to me."

  "Why me?!"

  Rithvik sat and hugged him. "Because you're the sweetest and strongest man that ever lived and you kissed me awake."

  "Damn that day and your awakening!" Kerrien pushed him away.

  "You wouldn't have found me if you weren't meant to be," Rithvik said.

  "But why me?"

  "Maybe because you're as lonely as I am."

  "I'm not lonely. I'm a loner. It's different," Kerrien snapped. "Now let's go. We're almost at Salamar. You can sleep in a real bed tonight."

  "Only if you're in it," Rithvik replied with an impish smile, making him snort in exasperation.

  ***

  The wood and stone walls of Salamar looked the same. Through the years, the layout of the town hadn't changed much. Kerrien's heart started beating faster as he passed the city gates. Rithvik was qui
et, which allowed him to think and remember, and he didn't really want that. Not yet. But he'd been avoiding the town for too long. It was time to go back and settle matters for good.

  "There should be a stable nearby," he muttered. "The Sterling Star Inn doesn't have stables."

  "But they serve roasted boar?" Rithvik asked.

  Kerrien smiled, relaxing a little. "Yes, they do. We'll sleep at this other cheaper place where they can take care of our horses, but we'll have our meals at the Star."

  The stable owner rented rooms over the horses' stalls, but didn't serve any meal. Kerrien and Rithvik left their mounts with the stable boy and took their travel bags to a small room that had windows opening onto a quiet alley.

  It had two single beds and a basin for shaving. A closet with a seat allowed one to relieve oneself without going to the outhouse.

  "That's a luxury," Rithvik commented, impressed. "We've had buckets in the room so far."

  "This closet discharges at the back of the stables, where they throw the horses' shit," Kerrien explained. "It's been built for comfortable sleep of rider and mount."

  "Are there rooms at the mercenaries' tavern as well?"

  "No, at the Star it's impossible to sleep," Kerrien said. "Are you hungry yet?"

  Rithvik nodded and followed him to the large tavern close to a big square. The main room was crowded as usual, with average noise and most patrons openly armed. As they entered, a minor brawl exploded in a corner, quickly subsiding in a roar of laughter.

  "Probably drunk mercenaries," Kerrien commented, sitting at a central table and looking around the room in search of Joris's blond mane. He couldn't see him, but maybe it was early still.

  "Kerrien, long time no see!" The female voice startled him.

  "Long time indeed, Eviana," he answered, focusing on the maid who flashed an impish smile at him. "Do you have the boar tonight?"

  "We sure do, but I thought your favorite dish was the stuffed partridge."

  "You have excellent memory," he replied, impressed. "Yes, that's what I'll have, the boar is for my friend, here." He waved towards Rithvik.

  "With baked potatoes?" the prince asked, staring at Eviana, hopeful. "Filled with cheese?"

  "Of course, my lord," she answered after giving him the once-over. "Why are all the best men taken?" she bemoaned. "Ale or water?"

  "Water is fine for now, Eviana, thanks. We've come a long way, and we only want a good meal and to get some sleep – in separate beds."

  "I'll be with you shortly," she said swirling around and heading for the kitchen.

  "She thinks we're a couple?" Rithvik asked, puzzled.

  "Obviously," Kerrien grumbled, looking away. "She's smart, but she sees same-sex couples everywhere. Male lovers – she's obsessed with them."

  "So you know her well?"

  "Eviana has been working here forever. She's the owner's daughter... She knows everyone."

  "And there are many same-sex couples in this city?"

  "Yeah, they're common among mercenaries. But don't get any strange ideas, will you?"

  Rithvik nodded, but averted his eyes with a little smile. Kerrien really hoped he wouldn't try anything that night.

  Eviana came back with their food and a jug of water.

  "Is Joris in town?" Kerrien asked her, knowing how fond she was of the blond magic user.

  "Ah, no, I don't think so," she answered, frowning. "Kolia vanished and he's gone after him."

  "Seems like Kolia has made a habit of vanishing," Kerrien muttered.

  "But you might want to wait in town – the queen is expecting again and is due any day now," Eviana continued. "I'm sure Kolia and Joris will come back for the event! After all, they took her to King Conon's court... Just imagine, we have a blind queen now!"

  And Eviana left to tend other tables.

  "So who is this Joris you spoke about?" Rithvik commented between bites. "Mmm, this is really delicious, like the ones that came out of my father's kitchens!"

  "Kolia Albright's lover. They're both mercenaries." Kerrien was still a little puzzled and the smell of the stuffed meat wasn't enough to entice him to eat.

  "I thought Kolia was supposed to marry your sister. But you say he's with a man?"

  "Yeah. I told you there was no room for same-sex couples back home."

  "Mmm, it's the guy who was kissed by the other guy so the civil war happened, right?"

  "Yeah, obviously Kolia wasn't that innocent after all. Maybe he had something going on with Ryan Cadwaller, but his father found out and kicked them out."

  Maybe he'd never know what actually happened at Caer Nittak. Or to Kolia and Joris. Maybe he didn't care. After all, he had never spoken to them even though he knew where they lived. Maybe he should just stay in Salamar. Or leave again for an unknown destination. Possibly without Rithvik.

  "You know, the king of Salamar was under a spell and slept a hundred years," he told the prince. "I think the guy the dwarf mentioned, Belfi, was involved... something about Conon being a naughty prince heir and put to sleep to purge him of evil... sounds familiar?"

  "Oh, and you worked for a guy who consorted with demons?" Rithvik teased.

  "I never worked for King Conon!"

  Rithvik chuckled and winked. "And then he married a blind girl. I wonder if they'll have blind babies..."

  "They already have a daughter and she's not blind," Eviana said, passing by with a tray of food for another table.

  "Maybe you could read me his story," Kerrien said, staring at Rithvik who was eating his roasted boar greedily. "Maybe the spell he was under is similar to yours..."

  "So who kissed him awake?" Rithvik's voice was slightly sarcastic.

  "I have no idea. I only know that he awoke more than ten years ago. That's when I heard about Joris. And Belfi." He pondered. Maybe Belfi would visit King Conon for the birth of his second child. Maybe he didn't need Joris. Maybe Belfi would soon be in town anyway.

  Rithvik was glaring at him. "You're trying to get rid of me again."

  "Rithvik, we're not meant to be. Of course I'm trying to get rid of you. Why would I come back to a place that I avoided for years if I didn't know there are powerful magic users here?"

  "And why did you avoid it? Because of your prince's presence or because of that Braedick guy?"

  "Rithvik, I'm not discussing Braedick with you! And what I did with my life is none of your business! I'm not going to spend it with you anyway, so stop asking!"

  "Why are you doing this? I'm not a demon!"

  "No, you only summoned a demon so he'd make you sleep and wake up when you wouldn't have to get married anymore," Kerrien retorted.

  "Why are you so mad at me?" Rithvik's pout got on his nerves. "Why did you..."

  "Don't!" Kerrien pointed a threatening finger at the prince. "Don't ever mention that goddamn kiss!"

  "You didn't like it? Because I did..."

  "I don't care! I don't want to be your lover! I don't want to be your caretaker either! Why don't you grow up and take responsibility for your actions? How old are you anyway?"

  "Twenty-two," Rithvik grumbled, eyes low.

  "At twenty-two I had already done two campaigns and was an accomplished warrior. I've been on my own for fifteen years, Rithvik, I'm not leaning on anyone – mentor or other!"

  "But you are stronger and wiser and awesome and..."

  "Don't do the love talk. I'm not your lover. Stop right now."

  Rithvik sighed. "But I want to be with you. You never married either. It must mean something..."

  "It means I'm a loner, Rithvik. It means I'm fine with myself. I like sleeping alone. I need my space. And I'm quite sick of your company. But until you let me go, I won't be able to leave you. With special thanks to your demonic lover."

  He looked away, hating himself for the harsh words. Sour words. But they were true. That much he had figured out. Until he convinced Rithvik to let him go, he wouldn't be able to leave him.

  "Are you done?" he muttered. "I'm no
t hungry anymore, and I need to rest."

  Rithvik nodded. He had almost emptied his plate, but Kerrien's was still half full. His stomach was closed shut, though, so he downed a goblet of water and rose. He signaled Eviana and paid for their dinners, then he headed outside. The tavern felt too hot and stuffy all of a sudden.

  Rithvik's fingers grabbed his hand as soon as they were out in the darkened street. He heard the prince sigh and turned around. The yellow light of the Star's lamps coming from the windows of the tavern bathed Rithvik's clean-shaven face making him look golden. The green eyes were filled with tears. Rithvik's lower lip trembled.

  "Now don't... Grownups don't cry, Rithvik!"

  The prince sniffled. "I'm sorry. I don't want to try your patience, but... I really need you!" He whined softly.

  "Stop crying, for the gods' sake!" Kerrien squeezed Rithvik in a bear hug, then let him go, holding him at arm's length.

  Rithvik's lips trembled into a smile. "You don't hate me?"

  "I don't hate you, Rithvik, but stop behaving like a spoiled prince. You can't afford it anymore."

  "All right." Rithvik straightened and sniffled one last time. "I'm not crying."

  "Good boy." Kerrien patted his cheek and let him go. "Let's go."

  Time to get some sleep before looking around the town for magic users. Or memories. Or both.

  ***

  The next morning they went together to the public baths. Kerrien didn't mind bathing in rivers, but he appreciated the luxury of warm water and soft soaps. And the sight of other naked men – especially Rithvik who was the most handsome.

  Rithvik shaved alone for the first time and proudly grinned when Kerrien nodded his approval. The adventurer had to refrain from kissing the beautiful face beaming with happiness.

  Being back in Salamar gave him mixed feelings. He almost called the town home by now, but there was both the good and the bad here. It was big enough to vanish in its varied crowd, which was sometimes a good thing, sometimes bad.

  At the moment it was good. He wouldn't want any of his mercenary friends to see him drooling over his gorgeous companion.