“Do not look so melancholy, enjoy the party! After all, it's your birthday!” There was a great vibe in her voice. She stepped down from the throne dragging her cloak behind her and mixed to the guests. Her smile was contagious to everyone.
Heian’s expression denounced total surprise, as well as his very wide eyes. He didn’t understand why his father had changed his mind at the last minute, naming him as successor. After all, on shaky legs, he got up and came forward to receive the applause, as his gaze sought by Princess Driadh in the midst of the uproar. He could see her leaning against one of the pillars, smiling and applauding. Embarrassed, sometimes he looked back at his brother sitting next to the empty thrones.
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Sulco remained motionless, ignoring the comments and questions from some who approached. When looked back Heian, contempt marked his mouth, turning his face into a grimace angry. The weight of his wrathful gaze was so intense that for a moment, Heian felt his world spin. He blinked several times and concentrated his thoughts on Driadh to stand firm, and gave thanks when he saw Mongho approach. It was his chance to get out for air. He puts his hands on his friend's shoulder and crossed the room towards the balcony overlooking the garden.
Heian raised his hands in the air and filled his lungs with air several times. He was taken by a wave of renewed vigor and could then think about what was happening, but his mind was taken by the image of Driadh. He ended confiding to Mongho he was worried, not knowing if she would be his wife or not, as was promised to his brother. Mongho laughed at his friend’s naivety, thinking that, once again, his father had been right in their predictions.
After an hour, during which Mongho tried to encourage him to invite her to dance, Princess Driadh appeared on the balcony alone. She greeted them and leaned against the eaves, where she was enjoying the moon cast its silver light, bathing the shadows of the night. Mongho got out quickly, though Heian signal to stay. Embarrassed by being alone in the same place, Heian joined forces and approached. His heart quickened whe he smell her perfume, which was intense and aromatic, with a hint of spice. Driadh greeted him again and congratulated him. After the first words exchanged, they didn’t separate anymore.
The festival was back to normal, except for Prince Sulco, for whom the world suffered a terrible shock. He had been the first to be born. He was the king, the throne was his. Tormented by ideas that seethed within him, causing clash between reason and feelings, Sulco began to meticulously plan his actions. The heart throbbed with savage force, longing for revenge.
Soon, very soon, someone would pay dearly for this betrayal.
CHAPTER IV
A ray of sunshine burst at dawn on the eastern hills, making the castle towers projecting long shadows of the courtyard. The last guests, unable to walk on their own legs, left loaded, bypassing the big door of the hall to their carts. For so long the kingdom didn’t celebrated this way.
Through broad smiles, the queen hadn’t hidden her pleasure by the choice of successor. However, retreated up shortly after the announcement.
Heian did the honors of the castle, talking to the guests and rulers of neighboring kingdoms. After the first dance, he spent the rest of the evening by Princess Driadh side. The princess, in turn, proved to be very happy after the king Alphonsus released her from the commitment of marring Prince Sulco. She bowed, saying that the king could count on her eternal gratitude. She would never forget his kindness.
“Your gratitude means a lot to me” said the king with a smile and a slight chin tilt. The bright smiles that Driadh dedicated to Heian lit his face with joy, making her even more beautiful. King Alphonsus captured her sincere interest for Heian, and thought of grandchildren running through his halls filled his mind.
Prince Sulco talked a little more with some guests, who regretted King’s choice on his ears. Tired of all that theatricality, he risked his last act, toasting the health of the new king. After emptying his glass of rum, he slipped out of the hall.
King Alphonsus was present throughout the celebration, drinking with the guests. When they left, accompanied them to laughter to the gates of the castle, thanking heaven for already be under his own roof, as well, he wouldn’t endure the rattle of a cart. It was still possible to see the flickering torches and waving at the top of the castle towers, packed by the gentle wind carried the smoke from the fires and the sound of the feast of villagers. The two guards, who patrolled the perimeter of the clearing and the village, detected someone running toward the castle. Immediately reported to the soldiers.
“Stop! Who approaches?” he shouted one of the soldiers guarding the first gate. The group immediately took their spears ahead.
“Fire! Fire! We were under attack!” the poor man yelled breathlessly. When the news broke, the soldier, as fast as lightning, sounded the alarm horns. The warning reached the ears of Torin, the chief guard, who was on the patio. Immediately raised his right arm, motioned for the guards let loose the heavy bolts, which soon fell with a thump in the dirt. The door began to close. The captain of the guard quickly met some soldiers, dug his heels into the flanks of his black stallion and galloped with his men towards the village. Another dozen soldiers armed with spears stood ready at the gate. Meanwhile, King Alphonsus came in and went to the throne room, where he started to walk from one side to the other, impatient and frowning, waiting for news. Unsure what was happening, he was tormented by thoughts that swarmed in mind.
Shortly after the first hour, so slow and agonizing, Torin dropped the reins on the patio, with sweat running down his face. He was exhausted and stinking of smoke, but followed rushed to the throne room. The door was closed and there was a guard on each side. As soon as they saw him approaching, they opened the door.
“Majesty!” The captain of the guard bowed; the king raised the throne and quickly approached. “The problem was solved, but... The news I bring aren’t good.”
“Go ahead, Captain!” The king took a serious look.
“During the festivities, a group of foreigners seized all celebrated and infiltrated the city to plunder. Then they set fire to some houses. Among the houses, he was...” He lowered his gaze.
“By the beards of ancient kings! Say it, Torin!”
“The house of the elder wizard, majesty. The place was as if struck by a runaway herd. They left a trail of broken things... and blood.” The king put his hand on his forehead and bowed his head, upset. “I took the liberty, Your Majesty, to give destination to the body.”
The king’ voice drowned in deep breathing.
“Thank you, Torin. You can go now!”
“With your permission, your majesty!” The man slammed his hand on his chest, bowed and left immediately.
Once Torin was gone, the king walked to the throne and dropped with a big sigh of regret. Who would do something so terrible to Heimdall?, he wondered. The air was still, seemed to choke him. He got up, approaching the window stride, longing for fresh air. Outside, the morning wore on another beautiful and hot day. The sun rose over the mountains, and a thin trail of smoke rising from the city looked as if it would hit him. Alphonsus clung to the windowsill until his knuckles turn white. Would it have happened because of Heian’s coronation? Or was it just a sad coincidence? Suddenly he remembered the poor boy staying in Heian’s room.
He nodded when he felt a sharp pain on his temples and rubbed in a circular motion. Even with a throbbing head, he needed to think about how he would give the bad news to the boy. He filled his lung with air and turned from the window, determined to stay in the room until everyone wake up. He felt his spine and shoulders stiff, paralyzed by the question he faced, though he knew that losing hours ruminating about the evils that happened wouldn’t help. However, at this point he couldn’t even sleep a wink. Through the twisted mirror of distress, king Alphonsus began to believe that it was his fault, the wizard was dead.
The day was just beginning and it already shows to be a long one.
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It was
almost midday when Heian and Mongho woke up. Mongho rubbed his eyes and sat on the edge of the bed, while Heian stretched his legs. It was the first time he shared his bed. He jumped up, swung his legs and rubbed his back while yawning. They washed their faces, went to the dining room where they had a late breakfast.
They realized that they were the first to woke up, because the room was empty, and the dishes untouched.
Heian chew with a deliberate slowness to anger Mongho, which had already finished his breakfast and looked at him impatient. He put his fork down, leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms behind his head. When they were about to get up, the door suddenly opened and a messenger advanced to their sides.
“Your Highness!” the messenger said, putting his hand to his chest in a gesture of respect. “I bring a king’s message.”
“Said, please!”
“It's for Mongho, Your Highness!” He looked away from Heian to Mongho, which swallowed.
“For me?” Her eyes widened.
“Yes.” The messaged approached him. “His Majesty, King Alphonsus, want to see you immediately in the throne room.”
“Me?” Mongho looked scared to Heian. “What did I do?!”
“Don’t worry, there should be no big deal.” Heian smiled trying to calm him down, but his tone was of surprise. “If you want, I can go with you.”
“I would love to! If it’s not a problem” He let out a deep breath and tried to disguise his fear with a short smile.
“Thank you, messenger!” said Heain.
“Your Highness!” the messenger revered again and left.
The throne room was at the end of the same hall where the royal family’s rooms were located, more precisely next to the king’s room. It was a large room, with some furniture and high ceilings. A hawk feather pen resting on the imposing oak table, with chairs around it. Next to it was the balcony access door, which had a beautiful view of the city and the forest. On both sides of the door, wooden windows stretched almost to the ceiling, curtains and their blood-red velvet were collected and trapped in iron hooks fixed to the wall. One wall was covered with maps, books and armor. It was the room where the king met with the board to occupy the realm of affairs.
Heian and Mongho followed the halls. Initially they walked past in normal, although Mongho showed a lot of discomfort with sidelong glances. Some people even stop their business to see them through. Mongho then began to gradually increase the speed of the steps. When distanced himself a bit of Heian, he was sure who looked at him, which made him more terrified. An intersection of hall, he past a lady carrying a basket of clothes, and she spoke to him.
“Pardonu pri via patro!”[28]
A chill ran Mongho’s entire body, and he felt like he had been hit by a stab chest. Dominated by mixed emotions, just left him to run in anguish to the throne room.
“Lasu Heian, kuri!”[29] she said. Under the effect of the whirlwind of feelings, for a moment, his vision faded and his legs were wobbly. He tried to calm down. He inspired once, twice, and each time filling his lungs, acute full pang reached his chest. It was hard to breathe and keep calm, and do both things together demanded too great a seal.
Heian lacked agility equivalent to his friend and even breathless, hurried to follow him down the long corridors lined by oak paneling. But, after all, it turned out to distance.
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In front of the throne room, Mongho’s despair increased when he was prevented from entering. Uncontrolled, he screamed and pushed the guards who held him for trying to break into the room. Only moments later Heian arrived, his forehead covered in sweat.
“Let go of me! Let me in, the king wishes to see me!” His angry voice filled the corridors with anger. Heian took a deep breath and prepared to talk to the guards before that discussion became more violent when the door opened.
“You can let him go! I asked to see him!
“Yes, Your Majesty!” The guards broke through. Mongho came in quickly, settling and revenge whispering of prophecy.
“What happened to my father, your majesty?” revered Mongho with watery eyes, fearing to know the answer.
“Please sit!” King Alphonsus pointed the chairs around the table. The guards were closing the door when Sulco pushed them and ran, getting wrapped in a thin blanket.
“What is happening? One can’t get more sleep peacefully here!”
“Since you’re up, son, sit down too, please.”
The king turned around the table and took the seat of the head, waiting for the young people staying. Beads of sweat formed above his upper lip. He looked at all with the hard look, but also with an extraordinary vulnerability, stopping at Mongho more than he would like. The boy held his gaze.
“This morning, during the festivities, a group of strangers came to our village and abused from the fragility of the moment. They looted and set fire to some houses. I asked you to come, Mongho because your house was attacked and your father, unfortunately, was killed.” He sighed, bringing his fist in the chest. “I and all the kingdom mourn the loss of Heimdall. I'm sure that, besides being a great man, was an excellent father. I'm sorry.”
“Ah! That's it?” joked Sulco, making an expression of contempt. “I'll lie again. I thought it was something important!” He stood, turned his back to everyone and headed toward the exit.
“Don’t be insensitive, Sulco. He lost his father!” Heian pondered the words choked with emotion. No matter his brother’s words, Furrow kept walking. When passing by the guards a sinister smile blossomed on his lips and muttered to himself, “tio estis nur la komenco!” [30].
“I'm sorry for your loss!” Heian’s voice sounded shaken. He approached Mongho, who was head down, and gently put a hand on his shoulder, giving him support. “If you want, I can go with you to your home.”
“Son, you cann’t walk without an escort now. You’re the future king.”
“I understand your concern, Dad, but he’s my friend and I won’t let him go alone.”
“I understand it. I’ll send an escort to accompany you.”
“Thank you!” Heian touched his chest and gave a half smile.
“Mongho, could you excuse us? I must have a word alone with Heian.”
“Perfectly, sir!” An infinite sadness resonated in his voice. He bowed and walked out, keeping the low look.
“Wait for me at the door. Won’t be long!” said Heian.
“Guard!” said the king before the soldiers shut the door. “Saddle immediately two horses. I want twenty men watching my son Heian and Mongho to the village. Notify when is ready.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” The soldier bowed and closed the door. When he was alone with Heian, Alphonsus sighed and leaned his head on the chair. Heian was shocked by the tired appearance of his father and quietly waited long interval of silence that followed.
“My son...” Alphonsus got up and walked to Heian, with serious face. Only a spark in his deep eyes showed how much scared he was. “Unfortunately, misfortune hit us at the door. We don’t know what these looters wanted.” He pulled a chair and sat next to him. “Promise me you won’t leave the castle without an escort.”
“I promise, Dad. Don’t worry” he answered gently. “I feel that there is something else you want to tell me, or there would be no reason why Mongho left.”
“There is.” The king stood up and start walking from one side to the other. “I would like to offer accommodation in the castle to your friend, as long as he wants.”
“With what purpose?” Heian asked, surprised.
“I thought you would like. Don’t you like his company?”
“I’m sorry, I expressed myself badly. I appreciate Mongho’s company and friendship, but I confess I was surprised by your suggestion.”
“I only got deeply moved with what happened to the boy, that now is orphan. Moreover, it seems to be a very good person, as well as his father. I'm sure he will help you a lot from now on.”
“I’ll talk to him. Thank y
ou, you’re extremely generous!” Heian greeted his father with a nod and enjoying the intimacy of the moment, took the opportunity to satisfy his curiosity. “If you can provide another minute of your precious time, I would like to ask you a question.” The king gave a short smile and nodded. “I never questioned your authority and I will never do it, but if you could answer me...” He paused for a moment to choose his words carefully, so that, his father wouldn’t take his question as an offense. “I would like to know the reason why you led me take throne in place of my brother, who prepared for years to succeed you.”
Heian waited in silence for an answer, carefully watching his father, who kept a faint smile and deep eyes shaded by a wrinkled forehead. King Alphonsus returned to sit, shaking hands and snapping his knuckles as he slowly looked around. The concern and disgust wavered in his worn face the past few hours. The instant he started to answer, the door creaking open interrupted. A soldier approached, undoing the tense atmosphere around them. “With your permission, your majesty! Highness! We're ready.”
“Thanks for letting us know!” He looked away from the guard to Heian. “Now you can go, and don’t take long. We talk another time.”
“Yes, sir!” Heian bowed to his father, who now had his chin raised and hardened face, different from the one, just minutes before. He left with his eyes clouded by disappointment, knowing that he wouldn’t mention this matter, unless his father took the initiative. But Heain suspected that he would never do.
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The Secret Of The Crystal Skull Page 4
