The Secret Of The Crystal Skull

by Mallerey Cálgara

  “What is it, my queen? I came as fast as I could.” He held her hands with an afflicted and loving gaze.

  “Sit down and stay calm, my dear.” She pointed to the empty seats in front of her. The two friends exchanged uneasy glances and sat down. Driadh got up and went to the two with soft steps. She looked seriously at Heian and then to Mongho.

  “Don’t see anything different about me?” She smiled, taking both hands on her hips and slowly moving the body from one side to the other. Heian frowned.

  “Li vokis nin tie por montri al ni novan robon?”[49] he said incredulously. Mongho looked, sharing the same thought. Since neither gave the desired response, Driadh asked again, now with more enthusiasm.

  “Let's go! Look... Try again!” she continued with hands on her hips, shaking her body. They watched the queen in her strange movements and his goofy grin, until Mongho tried again.

  “Are you wearing a new dress?”

  “It’s new Mongho, but it’s not that. Come on, try again!”

  “Mipensas mi trovis!”[50] Heian dared, with a glare in his eyes, staring fixedly at the belly of his queen. Then he kneeled and stroked.

  “Bone, mia edzo. Mi estas graveda!”[51] She smiled when looking at her loved one. It was such a gentle smile, so happy, tears glistened of Heian’s eyes, he thought only of making her smile like that again and again until the day of his death. Mongho was also thrilled. He got up and went to greet her.

  “Gratuloj, mia reĝino!”[52] He bowed and tapped his chest so hard that it took him a few seconds to regain speech. “That this child bring joy to all of us!” Quickly, he tried to hold back the tears that insisted on running his eyes, and left, letting Heian and Driadh take some time together.

  ◆◆◆

  While Mongho walked toward his room, he remembered suddenly the vision he had about prince Sulco carrying a child, and himself taking another one from a fire. His heart beat at a pace twice as fast than usual with this memory. Would she be pregnant of twins?, he wondered. The devastated villages and huddled bodies made his stomach churn. He ran his tongue over his teeth, trying to clear the taste of bile in his mouth. Sulco. Only the name of that miserable man caused him a wave of disgust.

  He went to his room as fast as he could. He had barely closed the door when he heard the bells of the castle tower. Angry with himself for not having the answers he needed, he collapsed to his knees and yelled over the noise of the bells. Despite the strong echo, Mongho didn’t hear anything, but his pulse.

  During the next fifteen minutes, the bells announced the good news of the kingdom and, several times, the message“La Driadh reĝino estas graveda! Memorfesti la alveno de la heredanto!”[53] was repeated. Soon, the news of Queen Driadh’s pregnancy toured the village, causing the villagers interrupted their business to celebrate.

  It was getting dark slowly, emerging the first star in the east. Shining torches climbed the hillside toward the castle, followed by the rustle of singing and laughter. Everyone wanted to greet and give gifts to Queen Driadh and King Heian.

  ◆◆◆

  Shortly before, a messenger was sent to prince Sulco’s room in the east wing, to give him the news. After knocking on his room and noticing that prince Sulco wasn’t there, the messenger walked around the empty and dark halls. Finally, he found Sulco at the end of one of the halls, in front of an unguarded door. Sulco was ready to open it. The messenger bowed, gave him he message with enthusiasm.

  “Your Highness! I have good news... Queen Driadh is pregnant!”

  Such was Sulco’s anger to confirm the message by the bells, that he drew his dagger and plunged it into the messenger’s chest, causing him to bend forward with wide eyes. Before the searing pain, he puts her hands on his chest. The blood flowed through his fingers.

  Sulco turned the iron key and opened the door, revealing a multitude of stone steps to the dungeon darkness. Sulco grabbed the messenger’s arm, pulled up kicked him, causing him to fall headlong. Then Sulco took the luminary hanging against the wall and he went down the stairs behind the body, which rolled to the sound of bones breaking. The readiness of guards in the study room turned away when the dead man landed after the first throw, getting across the door. Even though he was having trouble to breathe, the poor guy tried to lift one hand and mumble something to Cerbus, who was passing next him carrying a book, and stopped to look at him, not understanding where that creature came from. Then, seconds later, Cerbus saw Sulco into the room and understood the misfortune of the boy. Sulco went over the messenger, stepped by his side and, with an ironic bow, terrified him even more. He put his weight against the bone of the dagger and sank on the boy’s chest, causing his last breath. Cerbus looked frowning. Cerbus felt his scalp prickle.

  “Did you do as I say?”

  “Yes, Your Highness, it’s ready.” He quickly put the book on the table and went to the closet, picking up a pot of stone. Sulco had sat down. He strummed impatiently on the table, watching the movements of his servent. “Can we trust the old witch?” Cerbus approached afraid.

  “As I have what she wants, the herbalist will do what I command.” Sulco paused for a moment and stood up. He took the pot from Cerbus’ hand and raised it with both hands. “It’s time to give it to my sister-in-law.” His gaze hovered for some time on the object, worshiping it as if it were a giant diamond, whispering words that Cerbus didn’t understand. His gaze was disturbing and cold.

  The servant would swear to the gods, if he believed in their existence, he saw hatred sparks come out of Sulco’s eyes.

  CHAPTER IX

  The air was cold and damp, remembering the smell of rain. Although it was morning, the gray twilight still involved range below the mountains. A light mist began to dissipate, leaving its moisture trace on vegetation heap at the base of trees. The old witch was already awake for hours, preparing potions repellents, but stopped at the sound of a whinny well in front of her house. Suspicious, she took her staff. No one looked for her so soon. Moreover, the heavy footsteps denounced more than one person coming from the stairs. She stared at the door waiting for the visitor hit, but she was startled when she opened abruptly by a visit more than unexpected. She was dominated by equal doses of surprise and dread. Slowly, she replaced the staff for a knife that rested on the table and kept it hidden, in clothing threaded sleeve. The witch glanced between Sulco and two soldiers, then bowed to the prince.

  “Well, well, well! What I owe the honor of the visit of Your Highness?”

  “How do I control the elements: earth, water, fire and wind?”

  “Nice to see you too!” With a sarcastic smile, she made again a poor imitation of a bow, ignoring the importance and urgency he displayed. Greedily, Sulco drew his sword, approached, and, in seconds, the blade was against the neck of the old witch, before she blinked. Immediately the herbalist stopped smiling and changed her stance.

  “Tell me, why should I help you again, if you didn’t comply with our previous deal?”

  “Don’t make me get my hands dirty with blood, insignificant person.” They exchanged looks challenging during the long silence that involve them.

  “As much as I could try to teach you, I cann’t guarantee it will work. After all, you aren’t a wizard, much less have a crystal ball” she objected, with icy voice of disdain, even feeling a twinge of fear.

  “Just show me how to do, and I’ll take care of the rest.”

  “What will you give me in return?”

  “Keep you alive is no longer enough? I could kill you right now, and I guarantee that no one would miss you.”

  The old witch kept her eyes on Sulco, realizing he had pressed the blade a little more. She sought to calm her breath to relieve pressure on her neck. She cursed him mentally while remade plans for how to act. Only one idea came to her mind and, despite being at a great disadvantage, she tried to negotiate.

  “I want my frame.” She spoke with a firmness that she didn’t feel. “But this time, I’ll help you only when it’s
in my hands. I know killing me isn’t in your plans, at least for now. Moreover, your highness knows you need me.” There was a tone of superiority in her voice. The silence remained in the air for a few seconds until Sulco hissed, calling the servant. Once Cerbus entered, he realized that there was great tension between the two, this tension exacerbated by the end of the witch knife pressed against Sulco’s belly. The prince didn’t move, but he showed the white teeth revealed by crooked and cold smile. He ordered without taking the blade out of the witch’s neck:

  “Don’t interfere and bring me the frame.”

  Cerbus returned holding a large square object wrapped in a white cloth. As Sulco slowly put the blade away from the old witch’s neck, she did the same with the knife in his belly. Cerbus gave the order. When taking the cloth, and seeing the painting, the old witch grinned, let the knife fall on the table and hugged the picture.

  “Your Highness knows how to be generous when it’s convenient. Thank you!” And bowed.

  “I will take your words as a compliment. I’m in a hurry. So, fulfill your part of the deal.”

  She smiled, thinking how Sulco was shrewd, because he had been prepared to negotiate. Now that he had given her the painting, he wouldn’t leave without what he had come for.

  She turned away from the men and straightened the frame on the shelf, visible in a corner. Then she crouched under the table and pushed the objects crowding there. While groped the ground, muttering. Sulco’s expression went on to demonstrate unrest.

  “Hann er hér einhvers staða… Einhvers staða... Fann!”[54] she shouted. She looked up at Sulco, laughed and fumbled on the table to pick up the knife. Then, put the tip in a small hole in the floor and pressed it tightly down and to the side, making the wood floor stand up with a creak. She threw the knife to the side and reached into the hole, which measured little more than a foot wide. Amid the prying eyes of the audience, she departed thence a wooden box not very large, covered with black leather. It was foul, musty smelling the sides and animal manure. She raised her empty hand for them to help her up. Sulco motioned with his head for Cerbus to volunteer. Reluctantly, the man stepped forward and reached out for her to lean.

  Standing after some snaps in the joints and very breathless, as if he had just come from a race, the witch put the box on the table.

  “Here it is!” With a flourish, she opened it. She withdrew an ancient magic book, which Cerbus recognized as being from Malecs, by the inscriptions in the cover. His face, however, remained unperturbed. The witch separated some loose sheets and put in the box, then closing it. She held out the book to Prince Sulco, who before accepting it, waited for Cerbus confirmation. This stepped forward, examined the book that remained in the hands of the witch and bent light chin in assent. Only then Sulco accepted the book.

  “In this book there are spells you seek. I was keeping for a long time, but as I said, I can’t guarantee it will work properly.” Sulco nodded in agreement. “You need the crystal ball for the spells work.”

  “And those loose sheets? Aren’t from the book?”

  “No, no. Just unimportant notes.”

  “Come on, Cerbus. You have much work ahead of us: translate this book as soon as possible.” Sulco threw the book in his hands, who took scared, fearing that the precious relic fell. They were on the porch when the witch interrupted their footsteps.

  “Prince Sulco, wait!” she approached as fast as her legs were able to walk. “To show how I’m grateful to have fulfilled the agreement, take this talisman. It has part of the essence of powers of the crystal ball. It may be very useful to your highness, if you know to use it.” She pulled the collar from her neck. Two leather straps fastened a metal talisman with a picture of a tree at the center. Its roots were thin and long, skirting the amulet. Sulco took the necklace, satisfied, and put it in his neck.

  “Be aware that I’ll remember your service in the future.”

  “I hope so, Your Highness!” She bowed and went in.

  Cerbus remained silent, just watching the course of events. He feared the old witch, but feared Prince Sulco even more.

  ◆◆◆

  In the castle, the subsequent months have been of great joy. Queen Driadh was more beautiful every day. Her belly had grown so much that looked as if it would explode. King Heian spoiled her every day. He spent several hours with his wife, no matter the court duties. Their joy was contagious to all, except the servants from the east wing. To these, Sulco ordered to ignore the pregnancy of the queen, or pay with their lives.

  In this period, explosions and tremors in Mongho room fell silent. Used to the constant noise, the servants were concerned, worried that something had happened to the wizard. Mongho explained that the experiments were over and he was busy putting on reading. Since then, he could to be seen frequently in the garden or in the field, always with a book in hand.

  Mongho had become a catch for single girls in the kingdom. He was handsome, smart, King Heian’s counselor and friend. But for him, these attributes were unimportant, because at the time, he had other priorities and needed to avoid distractions.

  A few weeks to the future heir be born, Queen Driadh began to feel ill. She was feeling very sick; everything she put on her mouth, made her vomit, even the smell of food has become a terrible nuisance. The servants prepare her teas that should ease the nausea, but none worked. Healers began to fear for her health and the baby’s, they come to question king Heian: if the worst happened, they should save the mother or the child? Heian response was immediate: he wanted the two alive. For days and nights, the strong nausea appeared interspersed with terrible and endless cramps.

  ◆◆◆

  The sun was setting when a loud scream, almost inhuman, echoed. Standing in the hallway, the wizard winced as if someone had pricked him with a needle. The Queen’s screams were so appalling that Mongho wondered if she would survive the childbirth. Next to him was Heian, walking in aimless circles, with the sweaty and shiny forehead and eyes full of despair. From time to time, they looked at each other and then stared at the door. A few feet away, were the servants, mostly women.

  Another cry pierced the silence, and everyone fumbled bothered. Some women, whispering to each other, they made gestures to ward off bad luck. Other solemnly assured that if the queen didn’t give birth soon, it would be too late for her and the baby.

  “Look” someone shouted. Heian and Mongho turned at the same time. A woman left the room hurriedly with a heap of dirty rags, going through them without looking at them.

  Heian ran and reached the door before it closed in time to see a glimpse of Queen Driadh. He grimaced when he heard another scream cut through the air, no less excruciating than the previous. The door was opened again, and a young woman ran in bare arms and tousled hair. Mongho didn’t hold back and went after her.

  “How is everything?” He asked.

  “Bad.”

  “Why is it taking so long?”

  The expression of the young lady, already strained, became even harsher.

  “I wish I could take the child from her womb and end his martyrdom, but I can’t.”

  Driadh screamed again, which made the young lady followed her way.

  Slowly, as the darkness advancing on the horizon, the sun color was modified, from orange to red, from red to blue. With each passing hour, Driadh’s cries decreased, making it low and choppy moans that still shivered who answered them.

  When darkness widened across the horizon, Driadh gave one last shriek that drowned out all other noise. Then came the long, deep silence. Two women began to moan as they left the room. Mongho froze to think that it had a tragedy of the worst kind. He and Heian exchanged anxious glances. How can silence be so scary and talk so loud?, Heian thought. His desperation was even greater when the massive wooden door creaked open, giving him the chance to see his wife leaning against the headboard of the bed, weeping.

  “What happened?” he asked when the midwife came to him.

  “Pardonu
majeston, ni ne povis fari nenion. La bebo naskiĝis sen animon!”[55]

  Upon hearing the explanation, the king lost the forces and, no longer could support his own weight, and he fell to his knees. Mongho frowned, approached Heian and stood beside him in silence, with a firm hand on his shoulder. Minutes later, the bells sang a sad tune, announcing the kingdom misfortune of the royal family. The villagers closed their establishments in respect. Only Prince Sulco felt good in the middle of all that pain. He was in the yard, along with their new recruits when he heard the bells. He plunged the sword on the ground between his boots, turning his back to everyone. With quick steps, he walked to the old dungeon.

  “Cerbus!” he shouted, opening the door abruptly. Cerbus, which was focused reading the book of magic, was startled. “Take the rest of the day off, you deserve! He did a good job!”

  Laughing, Sulco left the room as fast as entered. Cerbus nodded, although this time he didn’t know what terrified him more: the hatred Prince Sulco’s eyes or his terrifying happiness.

  CHAPTER X

  Life has its ups and downs, and it would be no different with the royal family of Heilland. The tragedy during the birth of Heian heir made the long months of happiness be replaced by a thick cloud of sadness. Although the queen had survived the hard times of birth, her health wasn’t good. The healers of the kingdom had no more resources to help her.

  Mongho suspected that she was under the influence of some form of powerful magic. He consulted the books in his library and in the castle library, without finding anything relevant. So, he decided to act.