by John O.
To the relief of onlookers who feared the outcome of keeping the King waiting for too long, the door creaked open and six young men emerged and filed themselves in front of the King. In unison, they knelt and bowed in reverence before the eldest said, “Hail King Franz the Great!”
“We hail him indeed!” came the concurrent reply of the rest.
They held their bowed positions until the king, with a face wreathed with a satisfied smile, gave them leave to stand erect before him.
“Your greetings are accepted. It is good to see you all looking so healthy, thanks to the food and shelter I provide,” King Franz began as he regarded them with an even stare.
“One of you will succeed me in fifty-eight years time, for I will reign till I am one hundred years of age,” he proclaimed.
In the past, heads were detached from their bodies when the King told a joke and the recipients failed to laugh accordingly. As a result, the spectators in the room laughed heartily at his comment, thinking he joked about his desire to live to such an old age.
“Silence!” came his voice filled with raw infuriation. How wrong had they been, for it seemed he japed not. With haste, the onlookers recollected themselves, all except his first wife who struggled to subdue her laughter.
“You dare to laugh at a great king? Your life may very well be forfeit woman!”
“Apologies, great King,” she said as she desperately attempted to bring herself under control to no avail.
“Unforgiveable! I order you to leave my presence at once. Your punishment will be announced to you in due course.”
With alacrity, she did as he bade her, hoping he would forget her affront on a whim. When she had gone, the King resumed where he left off.
“As I said earlier, one of you will be king in fifty-eight years. Being king is beyond the riches and women; with it comes immense responsibility that only those with a strong will can ascend the throne. As such, I wish to see which one of you is worthy.”
“Tisamp. What have you accomplished in your short years?” He began with his first son.
Unsure of himself, Tisamp replied with a slight stammer, “Nnothing ssppectaccular, Your Grace.”
“Nothing spectacular, you say? Unacceptable! Whatever do you do with your time?”
“Eeating, ddrinking, ssleeping….”
“In effect, you have been but a reptile.”
Tisamp reddened as the faces of everyone in the room distorted with suppressed laughter. “I beg your pardon, Your Grace.”
“You heard me. Eat, drink, sleep, that is all reptiles are good for. In fact, one can argue that they are even more worthy than you, for they recognize the dangers of this world. They hide, avoid predators and defend themselves should a confrontation be unavoidable. You, on the other hand, have no cares whatsoever. Tell me, what is the name of the puny island we last warred against?”
Tisamp’s countenance was instantly vacant. Mortified, he shook his head indicating his inability to answer the question.
The King equally shook his head in return and switched his gaze to this second son. “Schneel. Don’t tell me you are also a reptile.”
“I’m afraid that’s what I’ve been,” replied Schneel meekly.
This time around, even the King couldn’t stop himself from laughing, though unlike the others, his laughter was imbued with sheer scorn.
Regaining himself, the King asked in a resigned manner. “Is there anyone amongst my sons who can give a better account of himself?”
Silence permeated the room for around twenty counts before his youngest son, a boy of sixteen named Reign, spoke up, “In addition to being a reptile, I have studied our Nation’s history, various crafts, and the art of warfare. I have also begun training in a manner like unto the Lioneans, if my tutor can be believed.”
The King’s eyes widened with pleasure, although at the mention of the word Lionea, his expression hardened every so slightly. “Reign, tell me of the last war I fought.”
“The war was a proposal to appropriate the southern island of Lionea, as is rightfully ours. About a million men were mobilized, although only five hundred thousand returned alive. It lasted for nine years, with our troops failing to gain control of the island. Effectively, the campaign was futile.”
“And what do you suggest we do, if we were to launch another such campaign”
“For now, I would advise that we first rid ourselves of any spies they may have lurking within our borders. Simultaneously, we should infiltrate their nation with more spies in order to improve the accuracy of their reports when viewed in a wider perspective. Our military personnel must also learn and imbibe countermeasures to those employed by the Lioneans. More importantly, the military should be purged of all mediocre fighters while those with promise must be trained to supersede the level of a typical Lionean fighter. There is also the matter of non-aggressive but equally effective tactics. Lionea is increasingly becoming dependent on cross-border trade. Once the campaign is launched, we can place an embargo on their trade routes, and even divert a few men to harry their weaker trade partner, Souecon. Finally, our spies within their borders, if possible, should work to create internal strife thereby making them weaker and less coordinated in their defense. If these suggestions are taken on board and effectively utilized, Lionea should be ours as it was always meant to be. Your Grace.”
Everyone, including the king and his advisers, were startled by the precociousness of the boy. His plan was even more detailed than those of the King’s advisers. The idea of meddling with Lionea’s economy and fomenting internal strife rather than allow the island to its own vices was ingenious.
King Franz XVIII regarded the boy with pride as he said, “Reign, I must admit that I am a bit surprised. I would have expected you to be ignorant at the very least. In addition, it baffles me that you are not influenced by your nagging mother who believes my ambitions are excessive. Left to her, my ‘pointless territorial expansion’ will end up being the bane of this great Kingdom. You see why I had to cast her aside, for her insulting folly knows no bounds. You, on the other hand, are wise my boy. I wish I could say such about your brothers.”
Looking at the rest of his sons, King Franz XVIII concluded, “I am not like to appoint a successor based on birthright. Under my rule, only the wise shall inherit. You will all do yourselves well to emulate and even surpass Reign. For as of today, he is now my heir apparent! You are now dismissed.”
As the boys departed, the King was sure that he had provided enough motivation for his sons to begin to take life more seriously. What he did not anticipate was the fierce and deadly rivalry that would ensue, after having stripped his elder sons of what was widely acknowledged to be their birthrights.
15
Aishe Riko Sen rode on a chariot towards the Helesp. It had been years since he had last visited, and the sight of the building always amazed him. As he rode through the gates, he came across a man on a white stallion who was bordered by the two Leades that hardly ever left his brother’s side.
“Greetings, Aishe Riko Sen,” Yosi Sint said with a courteous smile. The striking resemblance between this man and his own predecessor never ceased to astound him.
“Greetings. Your stallion tells me you must be my brother’s successor, Yosi Sint.”
“Indeed I am.”
“It seems you are on your way out. Good thing I left the Ishe’s meeting in time, otherwise my purpose for stopping by would have been defeated. I actually just thought to briefly visit you and my nephew before returning back to my manor. Tell me, how fares it with you regarding your new role?”
“It has been interesting. That is the much I can say for now.”
“It’s good to see that you are not overwhelmed. My brother thought highly of you, and that means a lot. Very well now; I’ll leave you to be on your way.”
“Thank you, lord Aishe,” Yosi replied and signaled to Leades Rosi Lite and Ron Riten that it was time to depart for the Even Province.
; The Aishe disembarked from his chariot and made his way through the entrance of the hall, leaving behind his Deftor and the other guards. He was met by Zach Sen and Lythia Sands who happened to be alone in the hall.
“Zach, it has been quite a while,” the Aishe said in greeting.
“Greetings, Aishe Riko. Indeed it has.”
Upon hearing Zach refer to the man as Aishe Riko, some color returned to Lythia’s face, for she had fearfully mistaken the Aishe for the late Ruki Sen. Her only wonder was why she hadn’t seen him at the Helesp in times passed when HN Ruki Sen was alive. She was not alone in her mistake, for Rahel, Mila and Maya all emerged from the Conclave upon hearing Riko Sen’s voice.
Maya, as leader, felt it her duty to break the silence of her Spyinmes lest it be taken for impudence. “Greetings, lord Aishe. Welcome to the Helesp.”
“Greetings, Maya. If I am right, these ladies here have had no cause to have duty posts at the Sen province. Otherwise, they would not look so shocked to see me.” Addressing the Spyinmes, he said, “While I am no twin of HN Ruki Sen, our striking resemblance has always flummoxed many who know not that I am but his younger brother.”
“Apologies, lord Aishe. Forgive our error,” the poor ladies spoke up in consensus.
“There is nothing to be sorry about. Believe me, you three are not the first to make that mistake.”
Switching his gaze to Zach, he said, “Walk with me outside, for I must soon be on my way. As for the rest of you, farewell.”
The Spyinmes watched as Zach and the Aishe departed the hall.
Mila asked after they had gone, “How can non-twin brothers look and sound so alike? This is interesting. Besides, where has he been all this time?”
“He is a reticent introvert, always has been. He rarely leaves his palace; so much so that even I, who has met him a few times in the past, was equally surprised when I thought I heard HN Ruki’s voice in the hall.” Maya replied.
“Is this the first time you have seen him come to the Helesp?” Rahel asked as they walked back to the Conclave.
“Yes it is.”
“Then it means that he never visited his brother in twelve years!”
“Perhaps. However, I was a field Spyinme during my first six years, so I really cannot tell if he visited during those years,” explained Maya.
“Oh well. I’m off to take a nap,” Mila announced, leaving Maya and Rahel to themselves within the Conclave. Rahel saw an opportunity to inquire about what had been plaguing her over the past few hours.
“Maya, are you aware of the three Spyinmes who vanished without a trace some years ago?”
“Yes. Sila Rin, Vica Lorento and Belise Hun. As a matter of fact they were last seen at your province. I don’t think they were ever found, but somehow the issue fizzled out as the nation was besieged by the Norwans at the time. All I remember is that as a direct result of the incident, HN Ruki Sen significantly increased the number of guards in each province. Why do you ask?
“I heard some Spyinmes talking about it, is all.”
“Rahel, are you sure that’s all? I would have thought it is due to the fact that Ziri, Julya and Surita have not returned since yesterday after their mission to the Ispris’ residence.”
It had not occurred to Rahel that those three had not returned, but she used it conveniently to hide her intentions, “You’ve got me there, Maya. There has been no word from them. Having then heard that something similar happened in the past without any concrete investigation by the HN has had me on the edge.”
Maya considered this in earnest. If the three missing Spyinme did not return by the morrow, the HN would have to ensure a thorough investigation is carried out, lest her Spyinmes become overly worried. Panic among officers of the court is the last thing the HN needs at the moment, she thought to herself.
“Your comment about not being able to imagine a world without him did not escape my attention, Prisca. Until now, I had no idea that you knew him personally, talk less of being in love with him as you are,” the Ispri engaged his counterpart.
Somewhat embarrassed, Prisca replied with lowered eyelids. “The truth is, I first met him only yesterday. However I felt such a strong connection; it is as though we were created for each other.”
“My. Isn’t that too sudden? Prisca, child, listen to me carefully. The Almighty Spirit created us for Himself only. We are expected to love and serve Him, in addition to caring for fellow humans until the goddess claims us as He has ordained. We must never abandon our duties as a result of rash feelings which may lead us astray. Nevertheless, I believe I understand something of what you are feeling. You may have heard this before, but I will tell you all the same. I almost wed once. However, shortly before the day of the wedding, she passed on peacefully in her sleep. Coincidentally, her death occurred on the same night I felt a leading in my being to become a priest. I was devastated; so much so that I thought to take my own life. That was when she came to me in a dream and uttered the following words: ‘Despair not at my passing, but instead rejoice in the fact that I had the privilege to experience life. Go forth and love those who still live in your world, for in no time, even you will depart that world as I have.’ To date, I keep trying my best to do that,” he concluded.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, Father. Perhaps you are right. I should take heed in this matter. For I know not where it will lead.”
The Ispri considered her for a moment. He wondered how she would react if she knew that the HN knew about her abilities. Would she feel betrayed? Or hurt perhaps? It might very well be good if he told her, for she must learn not to trust people too much. Besides, if she knew, she would understand why Yosi might act suspiciously around her, despite the fact that he seemed to share the feelings she had for him.
“Something else bothers you, I can tell,” Prisca said upon noticing the contemplative manner in which he regarded her.
She held her breath as he answered, “I was just wondering how to inform you that Yosi Sint is privy to your abilities.”
“How did he find out?!” Prisca was alarmed.
“He came here this morning and asked if I knew anyone with levitating and disappearing abilities. HN Ruki Sen must have told him of the assassination attempt on his life and as such he was curious. I suspected that he already knew about you from his sister so my guess is that he was looking for any others that may become a suspect. Are you aware of any other person like you?”
“Not that I know of,” Prisca replied as she thought. Maya promised she would never reveal my secret to anyone. Why did she break her promise? It must mean she doesn’t trust me and thinks me to be the sinister being behind all this. “This means I am the main suspect as it stands.”
“No child. There is nothing to worry about. You are innocent and that is all that matters.”
Don’t be so sure, Father. He came to visit me yesterday pretending like he had some personal interest in me. Oh my, and I’ve gotten ahead of myself imagining a life with him. If he thought me so guilty that he is attempting to use seductive methods, then perhaps there was something to worry about after all, she sadly thought to herself.
“And you should also know that the HN is also in love with you.”
Surprised that his words came at a time when she was having doubts about Yosi’s true intentions, she questioned in a meek voice. “How do you know that?”
“I just know, dear. I just know. You cannot blame him if he works as though you are a suspect. It is what his job requires of him. Whether or not he actually thinks you are the killer is irrelevant to the nature of his position. He must act with objectivity at all times. In the absence of any other known person with such abilities, he has no other option but to make you a suspect, even if it is against his very being. The way he sounds whenever he says your name betrays the secret of the deep affection he has for you. Years ago, when word came to the temple dwellers that you were made Ispris, all except Yosi Sint knew little of you. It was he who detailed out your life’s a
ccomplishments with such pride and vigor that I knew he was drawn to you. As far as you’re innocent, which I know you are, everything will be well. It’s only a matter of time.”
“Thank you Father, not just for the encouragement, but for also letting me know how Yosi feels about me,” she said with deep sigh of relief.
“No need to thank me child. Thank the Almighty Spirit for availing you with the opportunity to fall in love. Many are not as favored.”
“Indeed. Father, it’s already late. May my Aisprises and I sleep in the temple hall as opposed to returning to my residence?”
“Temple hall? Ridiculous! You three will sleep in my room. Besides I intend to pray all night.”
“Thanks for your kindness, Father.”
The Ispris departed the room to inform her assistants of where they would reside for the night.
Yosi Sint, Rosi Lite and Ron Riten descended from their horses in front of the training hall of the Even Studes. They were greeted by two Studes who stood guard at the door.
“Greetings to you too,” Yosi replied. “Inform Lector Stev that the HN is here.”
At the mention of his title, the Studes’ countenances stiffened and one of them disappeared into the hall to alert the Lector.
Stev Even was immersed in training the Studes when he received the message. In the manner of a cornered viper, the Lector steeled himself for self defense. If the Ni twins had divulged his treasonous attempt on the HN’s life, it was all he could do to die with some bit of honor in front of his Studes. With resolve, he nodded at the Stude and proceeded to meet with his adversaries.
“Greetings, HN. Welcome to the Even Province. To what do we owe this visit?”
“Greetings to you too. I am here to screen your Studes with the intention of making one of them a Leade. That is of course, if I find one who is worthy.”
