Ariel felt her mind bombarded with information that she was having difficulty processing. Did she have magical heritage? Is that why she was able to make the ice cream sundae appear and disappear? If so, what else was she capable of that she did not know? She brought her mind back to the present and realised that Reynaldo had not told her yet what she most wanted to know. He had not told her about her mother and father. She felt her mouth open ready to ask a question and became silent as Reynaldo held up his hand. Clearly, he knew what she was thinking and was about to answer her questions.
‘I was almost twenty six seasons when my mother and King Rufus wed. It had been some time since my father’s death and the genuine happiness my mother now showed had eased my grief at his loss. King Rufus was a kind man and had been greatly loved by the people of Walhalla. He had already been married when he rose to the throne of Walhalla. However, his first wife, Queen Ariel and their unborn child were both killed when she fell ill with a strange sickness.’ Reynaldo smiled at her expression of surprise on discovering that she had been named after a queen from another time.
‘The grief of the king for his lost wife and child, took some time to ease. It is one of the reasons his marriage to my mother was such a joyous occasion. The people of Walhalla were thrilled to see their king so happy again. Before she became queen my mother was a noblewoman by birth. Her parents were second blood relatives of King Rufus’s parents. This rank made her the logical choice of lady in waiting for Queen Clotilda your great grandmother. A position that she had served for many seasons before marrying my father.’
‘Three seasons after my mother and the king were married your father, the young Prince Dariew, was born. I still remember his laughter ringing through the palace halls; the staff of the palace adored him. At first I thought that Dariew might steal my mother’s love from me but it was not long before I loved him as if he had been my brother by blood; I also knew that my mother loved us both equally. Dariew was a remarkably placid baby; in fact I can honestly say I possibly heard him cry only three times before he was weaned at four seasons.’
Ariel smiled at the image of this happy baby toddling through a huge palace charming everyone in sight.
‘We were as close as blood brothers and still not a day goes by that I don’t miss him. He was roughly thirty two seasons when he rose to the throne after King Rufus died. While Walhalla mourned the loss of King Rufus, they celebrated Dariew’s ascension. In their hearts they knew Dariew would be a great king and he was. It was only five seasons later that he met and married your mother.’
Reynaldo paused for a moment, a small frown marring his features. So much of the past could have been so different if he had more courage. He still saw Volanda as she was on her wedding day, her sumptuous ivory gown making her appear more angelic than usual. Her dark hair was pulled back off her face bringing attention to her remarkable emerald eyes. Reynaldo closed his eyes for a moment as he pictured himself in Dariew’s place for the thousandth time. Would Volanda still be alive if he had married her instead? He shook his head and brought his mind back to the present as he felt Ariel watching him.
‘Their wedding was one of the greatest celebrations in Walhalla’s history. The festivities lasted many days. Your mother’s remarkable beauty and sweet temperament quickly made the people of Walhalla fall in love with their new queen.’ Reynaldo paused as if his mind was caught by a memory, his face changed for a moment, his eyes misted then he added, ‘Your mother was the most beautiful woman that I have ever seen.’ He hesitated for a time before continuing.
‘I served your father as his companion at arms. This position is a combination of friend, bodyguard and confidant to a member of the royal family. It was a position in which I served with pleasure for all of your father’s life and most of mine. In this position I led the Royal Guard. It was their sole duty to keep your mother and father safe. The failure of this duty will haunt me all of my days. It was my idea that your parents use the charm to flee Walhalla and the danger of Largo’s ambitions.’
Ariel stared at the haunted expression in Reynaldo’s eyes. She could see a large part of him blamed himself for the death of her parents despite the knowledge that he could have done nothing to prevent it from happening. Largo was determined to remove her parents from Walhalla’s throne. Ariel could not help but wonder if something other than a thirst for power had motivated Largo in his actions.
Reynaldo then went on to teach Ariel more about Walhalla’s geography and history. He explained that the Eastern border of Walhalla is dominated by two very different regions.
‘The north-east is mountainous country filled with lush forests and snow covered peaks known as the Mountains of Mahn. It is the location of the most distant rural village of North Alderidge. The far south-east is desert. It comprises an area known as Trawn. Unfortunately the area has become known for towns that are riddled with crime and poverty.’
Ariel remembered Reynaldo telling her about the Trawn mining communities that produced the minerals that are used by the people of Walhalla.
He also told her of Walhalla’s most famous body of water, the Tranquil Lake. He explained that this massive lake was not only home to vast numbers of animal species but also, through a vast system of underground pipes, supplied water to the citizens of Walhalla. Each village in Walhalla contained a well that was fed by the lake. The lake in turn was regularly replenished by natural underground springs. Reynaldo told Ariel that the pipe system was laid during the time of King Rufus when a period of drought resulted in a poor harrow crop and the threat of starvation loomed for the people living in remote areas. King Rufus devised a plan that would provide a permanent water supply to both the citizens and the farming regions of Walhalla.
‘This plan was considered one of the greatest achieve-ments in the history of Walhalla and is what defined your grandfather’s reign.’
Ariel realised that her knowledge was growing of the people who had brought her into the world and eventually gave their lives to keep her safe.
Darkness gradually deepened around them now and Ariel felt herself growing sleepy. It had been an extraordinary day. She felt herself being lulled to sleep by the hypnotic effect of the combined sounds of the nearby stream and the gentle chirping of night insects. Finally she fell asleep, a picture of a happy, smiling couple filling her mind.
Reynaldo, looked over at Ariel and saw that she had fallen asleep. He sat and wondered what thoughts Ariel would be having with her decision to join him here in Walhalla. For a moment Reynaldo allowed his thoughts to roam and recapture his childhood days that he had shared with his brother, Dariew. He remembered conversations of hunting and of girls and of love. They shared dreams of great battles and extraordinary feats of courage. He remembered them laughing at the thought of marriage and of having children and growing old: something which would never happen to the two young boys.
Reynaldo drifted off to sleep with his childhood thoughts. He could hear the safe and familiar night sounds. He could hear his final and now tragic conversation with Dariew …
‘Dariew, you are in danger, you must use the charm and flee Walhalla.’
Dariew stared at his older half-brother, an expression of determination on his face.
‘Reynaldo, this man Largo cannot defeat the Royal Guard. My place is here, leading my forces.’
Reynaldo sighed. Dariew’s strength of will was something he both admired and despaired of; he had to make him see sense. The future of their entire world may be at stake.
‘Dariew, this is not another dispute with a group of contentious locals. This man is dangerous and there is word that he is aided by a dark creature, one that cannot be defeated.’
Dariew hesitated, a small frown creasing his brow. At that moment the queen entered, heavily pregnant and pale, she moved to her husband’s side and taking his hand she gently squeezed.
‘Reynaldo is right,’ she implored, her huge eyes on her husband’s face. Then she rested her hand momentarily on
her belly. Think of our child, Dariew. It is your heir and the future leader of our world.’
Dariew reached up and brushed away his wife’s tears. Reynaldo’s heart stopped for a moment as he remembered he had done exactly the same things earlier that day. He had done exactly the same thing. Dariew glanced from Reynaldo to his wife, then hugging the queen he turned to his brother.
‘Reynaldo, I have listened to and appreciated your wise advice for most of my life. This should not change now.’ He approached the older man and laid a hand on his shoulder. ‘You are right, Reynaldo. We must leave.’
The two half-brothers faced each other, so many thoughts and feelings in their eyes, so much that should have been said over the seasons and had not. Dariew shook his head briefly.
‘Reynaldo, how will I ever … ?’
Reynaldo hugged the younger man, his love for his brother the only important thing in his mind.
‘Dariew, you are a fine man and a great king. You have made the ancient ones proud.’
The brothers hugged each other fiercely. Reynaldo could feel Dariew’s tears on his face.
Reynaldo had more to tell his brother though. There must be no mistakes in this journey.
‘Dariew, go to Earth. It is remote and mostly unknown to our world.’
Dariew looked at Reynaldo, a puzzled look on his face. “Earth? What is this place, brother and how do you know it?’
Reynaldo simply smiled and said, ‘There is no time for such explanations brother. It is time for you to leave!’
Dariew smiled, hugging Reynaldo for the last time, then taking his wife’s hand he left the room.
As they reached the door, Volanda turned and a long look passed between her and Reynaldo. Both of them knew they would probably never see each other again. Both of them also knew they would spend the rest of their lives wondering “what if?”
Now Reynaldo again feared for the life of a Walhalla royal. This time he was determined that no jealousy or childish resentment would put the throne at risk. This time he would see the daughter of Dariew and Volanda become queen.
Chapter 16
Tobias entered the throne room of Walhalla’s palace. It was the first time in his life that he had been to Golden City. As a boy he had heard much of the wealth and beauty of Walhalla’s capital. Yet what he saw was filth and despair. Rotten food and human waste piled at intervals in the streets of Golden City. The stench was overpowering and Tobias felt his eyes sting and his throat burn.
He followed Patrail, Largo’s second-in-command, into the throne room. The high ceilings resonated with every sound made. The intricate carvings and tapestries adorning the throne room walls looked thick with dust and a scattering of mould. It would seem that basic housekeeping was not high on Largo’s list of priorities. Part of Tobias could not help but remember better days when the beauty of this palace was known throughout the land. The throne stood tall on a raised platform, its intricate carvings thick with dust and occupied by Largo.
Largo, the self-proclaimed leader of Walhalla, exuded an extraordinary presence. The air seemed to hum with electricity as he looked at Tobias. Tobias began to understand how this man had succeeded in overthrowing King Dariew. When Largo first usurped the throne of Walhalla, Tobias pledged allegiance to King Dariew, because he was certain that when Dariew returned to Walhalla he would be rewarded. However, many seasons passed, Dariew did not return, and Largo grew more and more powerful. Rumours travelled throughout Walhalla that their king and queen no longer lived. This rumour created despair as the people of Walhalla began to realise that they were now at the mercy of a tyrant, and they were grief stricken at the loss of the king whom they idolised.
Tobias had pledged his loyalty to King Dariew. Tobias was certain that nothing would keep his monarch from his land and his people. Tobias became a figurehead of hope to the people in his community. They gained strength from his conviction that the king and queen of Walhalla would return and end the despotic rule of Largo. It was not long before his standing in the community was noticed by the very man he continued to defy.
Tobias had felt Largo’s wrath. His farm was forfeited and he was evicted from the land that had been in his family for generations. His harrow crop was confiscated by the palace guards and salt was sown into his fields to prevent him planting another. The seasons of hunger and poverty created bitterness in Tobias and a lack of certainty for where his loyalties lay. When he had seen Reynaldo in Ten Oaks he felt that the mighty god Pallagrin had smiled on him. As he approached the throne he wondered about the girl who had been with Reynaldo. Should she be sacrificed for what would probably be a short-term reward? Or was it possible that this girl could restore Walhalla to the land he remembered from his boyhood?
Largo, his handsome face dark and brooding, approached Tobias.
‘You are the farmer, Tobias?’ he asked, his voice silken.
‘Aye my Lord,’ Tobias responded, bowing his head.
Tobias sensed Patrail moving closer in behind him, the stench of sweat, dirt and ale created a noxious cloud around them.
‘What news do you bring to our Lord?’ Patrail asked leaning close, his foul breath hot on Tobias’ ear.
Suddenly Tobias felt nervous: he had been so certain that he was doing the right thing when he hitched up his little wagon and headed for Golden City after seeing Reynaldo but now he froze. What if he was committing Walhalla to more seasons of darkness and despair? What if the rewards he imagined were not forthcoming? He could feel Largo’s black eyes on him and knew he had to say something. Finally he made a quick decision.
‘My Lord; Reynaldo, King Dariew’s companion at arms, has returned to Walhalla.’
This statement was met by a reaction he had not expected. Gasps sounded from the courtiers and attendants standing against the throne room’s walls. A soft rustling sound came from one dark corner of the throne room. Tobias froze, thinking he had seen movement in that place but when he blinked all he saw was a dark, empty corner. Largo’s gaze intensified as he reached out and seized Tobias by the neck of his shirt.
‘I hope for your sake that you are not lying to your Lord,’ he hissed.
Tobias could feel his breathing constricting and realised the full extent of this man’s power.
‘No, my Lord,’ he responded, hearing his voice trembling like that of a child. Tobias had always prided himself on a strength of will equal to his size. Yet he now found himself cowering in fear.
Largo released him suddenly and Tobias felt himself stagger and struggled to regain his balance.
Largo spoke softly but with deadly clarity. ‘I want you to be very sure of your next answer, farmer. Your answer could determine your fate.’
More than anything Tobias now wished he had ignored his instincts and not come to Golden City. Who was he to meddle in matters of politics and rightful sovereigns? Had he not already lost enough by pledging loyalty to a sovereign who had fled Walhalla and never returned? Now he was risking himself again for a girl who may be Dariew’s offspring. His mind brought up the image of the girl, her remarkable eyes and colouring made her heritage clear. Instinctively Tobias knew that Largo would end this girl’s life without a second thought to prevent any possibility of losing his position of power. Tobias found himself torn between two potential courses of action; one that would see his family taken care of for a short time and the other that could mean the future of his world. His mind was yanked back to the present by Largo’s voice rising in anger.
‘You will listen when I address you, you great oaf!’
Tobias felt a fist strike the back of his neck and he stumbled to his knees. The suddenness of the attack brought tears to his eyes. Blinking away sudden tears that had sprung to his eyes he looked up to see Largo towering over him, a look of thunder across the man’s face. Tobias swallowed and found his voice again.
‘I apologise, my Lord,’ he murmured as fear for his life again made him question his actions.
Largo bent down until his lips al
most touched Tobias’ ear, his breath hot and fetid.
‘I asked you, was Reynaldo alone?’ he said softly, an underlying threat clear in his voice.
Tobias wracked his brain wondering, not for the first time since he had entered this room, if he was prepared to sentence a young girl to her death. He already felt a sense of guilt for betraying Reynaldo. Finally, he knew he had the opportunity to do the right thing. Rising to his feet he looked Largo in the eye and responded.
‘Yes, my Lord, he was alone.’
Chapter 17
The following morning Ariel and Reynaldo continued their journey. Ariel felt closer to Reynaldo since he had shared his memories of her parents. Almost unconsciously she found herself slipping her hand into his as they walked. It was a feeling that she had longed for most of her life; the comfort that being in the presence of a caring adult could give a child. Reynaldo smiled at her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. They walked in silence as each was lost in their own thoughts. Time passed as the Walhalla sun rose higher.
A few moments later they exchanged a startled look as a tremendous pounding sound could be heard coming from the direction in which they were travelling. Reynaldo swallowed knowing word of their presence had reached Golden City. Ariel froze and looked at Reynaldo, noticing his face tightening. The sound came closer. In the distance Ariel could see a huge cloud of dust rise up as if an enormous machine was forcing its way through the countryside. The ground below her feet trembled and Ariel wondered at the size and power of whatever was approaching them. Ariel remembered the rail-line which had run behind Riverview. She remembered being woken at night by shaking windows and floors as a mighty freight train rumbled past. It was this same sensation that now held her mesmerised.
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