“Then I'll see you soon, my friend!” Heian gave Mongho a good bye with a smile.
CHAPTER III
The morning was quickly gone, as the daylight fade away, the king remained in his room, lost in thought; above all, he was surrounded by the indescribable confusion that Heimdall’s word had produced in his heart.
It wasn’t his everyday behavior, as if his mind strongly tied with straps, and caught his wife attention. Tired to see him in the same way for hours, she let her embroidery aside on a chair, and walked over to her husband. Seeing her approaching, Alphonsus looked up with a deep look, that before, it was lost on the floor. The queen thought of taking a step back, when she felt the weight of his eyes, full with different emotions, but Queen Arapia remained firm and moved on. Gently, she sat beside him and rested her head on his shoulder. Almost whispering, she wanted to know about all this tension that afflicted him.
“Mia edzo...[16]” She sighed. “All of us are nervous about choosing Sulco as your successor. It’s an important moment for the kingdom, but we can’t remain silent.” The queen gave him a deep look. “The time passed away so quickly and it scares, but Sulco is no longer a child, he’s almost a man. We can’t change this fact, but we can’t stay stuck in the past.” She got up and grabbed his arm. “Venu! Ĝoju! La tago estas festo![17]”
“I’m sorry!” the king said, letting his arm fall on his legs. “I’m not stuck in the past, but in what the future might be.”
She hesitated.
“You’re behaving this way since you returned from the village. Has it something to do with the meeting with the wizard?”
“News travels fast around here!” He just smiled.
“Heian told me” the queen answered. “He was very happy when he introduced me his new friend, Heimdall’s son.” She sat next to him. “Did the wizard said something important and you’re hiding it from me?” She glared at him.
“Not.” The king looked away so she wouldn’t see the lie. “Nothing beyond what I imagined it would happen...” The Queen gently hold his face and turned to her. Silent, they exchanged glances full of meaning.
King Alphonsus was at hiss limit. He sighed to alleviate his suffering. He was about to speak, searching in his mind a way out, but, as he couldn’t find, he remained silent. Restless, he suddenly got up. He walked from one side to the other and, seconds later, sat down. Heimdall’s words had been a window to a new possibility for the future, on which he would have to choose soon. He looked intently at his wife, enough time to arrange the words in his mind.
“Mia reĝino...[18]” He frowned. “You know me enough to understand how I feel. I try to explain what ails my heart.” After recomposing himself, the king looked at her eyes and gave her an appropriate response. “We look forward with great joy for the arrival of our son, to continue our legacy. The gods have graced us with two completely different children, and it was decided that the firstborn would be my successor. During these fifteen years, I kept track of the behavior of our children all the time, and saw they complete themselves. Despite that, only one will have the throne.” He waited for a moment, so Queen Arapia could make any comments. As she remained silent, he went on. “Sulco is smart, knows how to make quick decisions and will be a great warrior, but it worries me his ways of achieving things. Heian is already too kind, and he doesn’t see evil in people, only good. I’m afraid he would be manipulated by his brother or any other ambitious person.” The queen held the same kind expression. “Today, the wizard’s word made me rethink. I’m just few hours away for the moment to announce my successor and I’m not sure what to do. I feel like I’m between a rock and a hard place.” He let his shoulders fall and leaned against the soft armchair. Queen Arapia took his hand, held firm and led them against her chest.
“My husband, you’re a good and honest man. But be careful who you choose, because your decision will involve the whole kingdom. Whatever it may be, I will accept the result without complain. Perhaps some will question your wisdom... maybe. But remember, actions of a kind heart are way batter of a bloody victory of a thousand warriors!” She smiled. “Also, you always knew what is my heart desires...”
“I know, I know!” The king got up and started to walk impatiently from one side to the other. The queen got up too and smiled, she said a few last words before continuing her embroidery.
“Don’t let it trouble your mind. After all, the two are your heirs.”
◆◆◆
The movement of people in the castle increased considerably. Taken by the animation of the preparations, the hallways were crowded with people carrying home furnishings. Many pretended only help to join the party, after hearing that many cooks from different parts could join the celebration in exchange for their work. It became impossible to walk without bumping into someone, which caused accidents in the kitchen, spreading vegetables and fruits on the ground. The head of the kitchen, furious, posted a notice at the gate.
ENTRY ESTAS MALPERMESITA DE PERSONOJ KIUJ ESTAS NE TRAKTI LA PREPAROJ POR LA CEREMONIO [19]
After they were warned about the frauds, the guards began to inspect more rigorously the cartloads as well as people who came claiming to be kitchen helpers.
In the future king’s room, Prince Sulco was shouting with employees, and it could be heard from all sides of the castle, as a fanfare of ladies and trumpets. He demanded not only the best clothes, but all the attention to satisfy his smallest desires.
Heian acted normally, although it was his birthday. In Mongho’s company, who had arrived in the early afternoon, they opened and organized the gifts received from the servants and villagers. After finishing, Mongho, as a good wizard apprentice, started to do some tricks he had learned. To Heian, those hours have become unforgettable. They enjoyed themselves so much that they didn’t see the time passing.
◆◆◆
A starry night came, and it was hot outside when two maids entered the Heian room. It was an old lady, Dain, with gray hair under the embroidered cap, and her daughter Alois, a beautiful young woman of clear eyes, who Mongho lost himself, charmed by her beauty.
“Good night, your highness!” said both revering. They treated him always in loving way, when he was alone.
“Bonan vesperon?!”[20] Heian eyes widened in surprise.
“Yes, your grace, it’s night!” Alois said, pointing to the open window where the night unfolded.
“Your mother asked us to give you this clothes.” Dain approached him taking some clothes on her arms. “Look how beautiful!” His eyes flashed. “The silver details on the sleeves combine well with this purple blue. It was the Queen herself who embroidered. She would like if you wear it tonight, during the festivities.”
“It's really beautiful!” The boy smiled as he examined. “Tell my mother I'm delighted, and it will be a pleasure to wear it.”
“As you wish, your highness!” Alois bowed and left. Heian returned the gesture bowing his head. Then he looked to Mongho.
“And you, my friend, what will you wear? You can choose anything that your like.” He pointed to the closet.
“Thank you! But if you don’t mind, I’d rather use my apprentice wizard clothing. It was a gift from my father.”
“Tiel estu!”[21] Heian shrugged.
“Or better, I know what I’m going to wear...” Mongho took advantage that Heian was distracted, pulled the coat from his hands and ran.
“Don’t be delay, children. The guests are already coming and the king awaits to follow together to the ballroom.” Dain smiled and tried to surround them when they went running to her side.
“It’s ok!” said Heian a blur, chasing Mongho. After reaching him, battled for possession of clothes and gasping, they lay in the comfortable bearskin rug, next to the fireplace that, being summer, was off.
“I heard that the kings of the four corners of the earth will be present at your brother’s coronation and the king of Drudtas will form an alliance with your father, offering the hand of his eldest dau
ghter, the Princess Driadh to Prince Sulco.”
“Is she pretty? Intelligent, she shouldn’t be, by accepting to marry my brother.” Heian mused, laughing.
“Ne scias?[22] It’s the most beautiful princess of all kingdoms!” Mongho eyes sparkled, making Heian laugh at his friend’s animation. The wizard apprentice put his hand in his hair and curled a lock on his fingers, turning endlessly, clearly embarrassed. “She inherited her mother's knowledge, she has the earth’s power. Since very young, she’s famous in her kingdom to know how to heal and for her large harvests that the villagers do, due to her teachings.”
“Your perverted! I see you are interested in her!” Heian elbowed Mongho in the ribs, who writhed pretending to be in pain.
“And who wouldn’t be?” They smiled. They talked more until Dain said the Heian bath was ready.
Once ready, they went to the royal room where the Queen and Sulco were. Mongho was detained in the room door, the guards refused his entry, and said it was King Alphonsus’ orders, which didn’t please Heian. Mongho wished good luck to his friend, who smiled when passing through the doorway, without understanding what he meant. The wizard then left running towards the ballroom. He was looking for a good place to sit to see firsthand the choice of friend as successor to the throne. For a moment, he was wondering why he have felt a shiver as he wished Heian good luck. He found it wierd, but revealed. He believed strongly in his father's words: Heian would be king.
◆◆◆
The great hall was full of illustrious figures and guests from further afield. All the kings of the neighboring kingdoms appeared, accompanied by their delegations, including the king Eddas of Menfhis, which became for a time the center of attention, as no one ever sees him. As they know the future king, Prince Sulco, was quite demanding, the kings didn’t spare the treats, bringing gifts in carriages to show how each nation was rich and powerful.
The guests had already received a warm welcome; then accommodated comfortably, they were filled the banquet nibbling delicacies and drinking while entertained with games and good music involving the environment. Mandolins, percussion instruments and bone flutes created dance tunes, accompanying the sensual female voice singing.
The room was big and exuded beauty, almost didn’t need all the decoration. Ten columns of polished stones shone, holding the stunning ceiling hung with three giant crystals chandeliers and gold, supported by standard thick white gold. In each chandelier, burned about a hundred candles, leaving the clear and warm environment. Some were hanging lamps, decorated in a masterly way, were spread with precision, giving a special touch to the hall.
On one wall, statues of former kings rose heavily to the ceiling, carved from white granite to the smallest detail. It was as if they had been frozen for eternity. The long red and gold curtains that on ordinary days, covered up tables and windows had been collected in the corners and tied with ribbons that reflected the glow of the flickering fire from nearby lamps.
Raised from the floor by six steps, were four imposing thrones arranged in the order: King, Queen and princes. All had a foot rest padded purple blue, the same color of the seats. They had privileged view of the hall, while its rear was veiled by their former owners. The banquet table was right in front of them.
In the middle of the the festive hall, several people danced happily as the royal family entered. Queen Arapia was radiant! Her beauty was enhanced by the flower ornament on her long, loose blond hair. Her white skin as snow contrasted with the beautiful long dress in velvety black and red, with bold and fair neck, accentuating her curves. Some curious who watched the royal family noticed the king’s worried face, and commented to each other, while others said it was normal, as he would present his successor.
Heian entered smiling and very elegant, dressed in a tunic embroidered by the Queen. After separating from his parents and brother, which were towards the kings of neighboring countries, Heian continued on his way, greeting everyone with great sympathy. Then he saw Mongho creeping across the cluster of people around him, gesturing and looking pained. When the friend finally managed to get closer and whispered in his ear, Heian laughed. The reason for the Mongho distress was Princess Driadh; he wanted to show her to Heian before he lost her on the crowed. Mongho sought on both sides and, when he didn’t seen her, furrowed his brow so hard that almost joined the bushy eyebrows. After the euphoria of congratulations, when they were alone, Mongho again scanned the room and saw the princess next to the kings Kchaos and Alphonsus. Sulco was with the group and looked with disdain the princess who would be his future wife. Heian stared at her as she crossed the room toward the thrones. All I thought was kiel bela![23]
Driadh was a young woman, with a little more than fifteen years old, beautiful as the sunset, when it launches on the horizon a bright, golden light. Her lips were thick and pink; her hair, dark as midnight was collected under a garland of diamonds played the frame function to her strong face, but her eyes were gentle and deep. She had a natural beauty. She wore a green dress slightly rotated, with golden embroidery on the sleeves and the bars. A discreet neckline was followed by braided straps at belly height, maybe a little simple for someone in her position. However, she proved not to care about these details. After taking her seat at the banquet table, for a moment, her eyes crossed with Heian’s. She smiled effortlessly and even trying it, he couldn’t look away. At that moment, she experienced something that she had never felt before. Heat dominated her body and made her twitching as if suddenly stricken with a fever. She continued watching Heian as his occupied the throne beside his brother, her future husband. Seeing Sulco, suddenly, she was awakened to reality and aware of her duties as princess, she stepped back and looked down and remained so for some time, questioning if kion vi preparis min, destinon?![24] And on that moment, only left for her to lock up her feelings in the depths of her being.
◆◆◆
Shortly before the new king's announcement, scheduled for eight pm, King Alphonsus requested a meeting with the rulers of neighboring nations. For the first time, his condemned himself, revealing his dilemma. This, left the rest of the guests, even more curious, but their attention was diverted to a group of beautiful dancers who entered the hall amid cheers and applause. They danced and made contortions with swords, snakes and bats on fire. Some even swallowed and spit fire, chocking the viewers. The bustling music continued, while drinks and more drinks were served without stopping. Before long, all are drunk, not caring about the flames and exotic animals were added to the spectacle. They didn’t realize how much time had passed until King Alphonsus and the other leaders returned to the party hall almost an hour later. They were silent and surrounded by surprise. During this time, Prince Sulco remained agitated, impatient with the delay of his coronation.
King Alphonsus approached Queen Arapia, bent his body and whispered“Ĝi estis farita al lia volo, mia reĝino!![25]”. Her answer was a big smile followed by a deep sigh. Then, the king took his place and waited for the leaders settled down well. Then raised his right arm and the music stopped, interrupting the animated presentation. The dancers group withdrew quickly and gradually, the looks of the room turned to the king Alphonsus. He waited a few moments more, until the almost palpable silence prevail in the lounge. With a little effort, the king could hear Prince Sulco accelerated heart beats, at his side.
Calmly, the king got up, took two steps forward, looked at everyone and didn’t stop on anyone. He opened his arms and, with a short speech, began the presentation.
“Bonvenon, miaj amikoj![26]” he said with a slight smile. “I know we have a long night ahead...” He paused to wait for the manifestation of the guests, with loud applause, laughter, cheers and bows. The most exalted came to strike the table with mugs, in approval, without bothering with the liquid falling from them. “I don’t intend to stop you for long. It’s with great joy that I gather this important night that Heilland takes a step forward. My era ended...”
Always speaking, king Alphonsus walk
ed slowly from one side to the other with his hands behind him, as was his custom. He spoke firmly and sweetly at the same time; his fervent belief held them mesmerized listeners. Enraptured, all accompanied every word spoken with the bright and hopeful eyes. His words filled everyone’s hearts with joy and enthusiasm, because he was sure they were entering a new era of peace and prosperity with the future king. But near the end of the beautiful and encouraging exposure, King Alphonsus’ words took another turn and intonation, causing some apprehension, even more when, unexpectedly, in his last words, he approached his son Heian, raised a hand against his chest and closed it slowly. The other landed on his shoulder and, to everyone’s surprise, he announced Heian as the future king.
The king waited for a reaction, knowing it was an unexpected decision for everyone. Some scattered applause came from the hall, given by the drunkest, which at that point didn’t even know with Prince was the future king. After the initial shock, the surprise was replaced by a flurry of whispers, few of indignation and a lot of happiness with the choice of successor. The hall was filled with a tremendous explosion approval and shouted “Heian, Heian, longe vivu nia reĝo![27]”.
All who were near Sulco, especially Mongho, realized how much he was appalled at the king’s statement. It was something unthinkable for him.
With a singular smile, Sulco sought to disguise the astonishment at the words that destroyed his future. Every word of his father flowed through his heart and his veins like poison. To absorb them, it was as if the prince had ingested an acid bowl, because it had the same effect in his gut, eating him up so voraciously that came to cause him disgust. As much as he tried not to show how upset he was, his body reacted to the contrary. Sulco couldn’t say a word. He remained so still and silent for a long time. Queen Arapia raised from the throne, stopped in front of him and touched his arm. Alienated, he jumped on his touch.
The Secret Of The Crystal Skull Page 3
