Lycenea

by Rory D Nelson

  “Ai,” says Dante bashfully, unaware that she knew he was holding back.

  They play their last game of hoppyscotch, which Dante easily wins. Sylvia seems to pout, but she shrugs it off and then just as quickly decides on a new game. She runs off and shouts “Last one to the centi-swing is a rotten halenut!”

  “No fair!” yells Dante. He takes off with Cammilia at his heels. Cammilia playfully but gently lifts her in the air by going up underneath her. She holds on, frightened at first but then begins to laugh.

  “No fair. Cammilia cheated,” yells an exasperated Dante.

  “That was the tie-breaker,” cries Sylvia. Dante and Sylvia take turns on the centi-swing as the beams bend in response to the child that is on it, causing them to go faster and faster around the ride, inducing them to dizziness. They laugh hysterically while taking turns on it repeatedly.

  When they get sufficiently dizzy, they move to the dance floor. Though the other recruits had not discovered the opposite sex, they are strangely curious about the pretty little girl that seems enraptured with the new blind recruit. They watch them dance, some inwardly lamenting the fact they had no partner to dance with.

  Chelsea smiles in approval. Their auras change from a sad orange to a cerulean blue, indicating for the moment they have forgotten their heartaches. Merlin beams in response and hugs Chelsea closer, all too aware of the lingering eyes that scrutinize her- mesmerized by her large supple lips, flawless olive complexion, ample bosom and thick, athletic bubble butt. No one could have filled out her dress better.

  She too is aware of the lingering eyes upon her but also of her husband, who looks equally as resplendent as her. He is the epitome of handsome ruggedness. Even the scar that crosses his cheek adds to his mystique. His gracefulness honed by decades of martial arts come in handy for performing the Waltz Caroline perfectly or disarming a room full of weapon carrying assassins.

  “To see those who have lost so much emerge from the darkened shell is so moving. Is it not love?” She asks Merlin.

  Merlin nods. “It is. And to have such a ravaging beauty before me in the envy of all the townspeople is just as moving. Let me look at you again.” He moves his hand gently across her face and kissed her passionately. She responds in kind, stopping just short of a passionate kiss and blushes.

  Chapter 14: Sowing the Seeds of Doubt and Insecurity

  Herod walks around the festival, making small talk with the other council members and occasionally looks in the direction of the dance floor. He grows impatient to meet the boy. Morgana subtlety points him out.

  Herod observes the puny boy, part in fascination and awe and partly in frustration, scorn, and admiration. The boy looks like any other ordinary boy- attractive certainly but averages in size. He could have been any other boy, and yet, the boy had survived an assassination attempt by some of his best.

  The wolf was said to have aided the boy, and Herod was sure that blind luck must have played into it too, but the boy’s resiliency could not be refuted. He had survived alone, blinded, for several months in the most desolate of places, with his wolf as his only companion. Also, several recruits had been removed from the program, and despite being blind, he was not one of them.

  Loathing the fact that he must subjugate himself before Germanicus like some groveling servant, he nonetheless approaches him. Though it’s an outrage, it’s a necessary one. “Germanicus, Sai. We are well met.” He says, doing his best to feign genuine appreciation.

  Germanicus bows. “Ai, Herod-Sai. We are indeed. I hope you are enjoying yourself.”

  “Indeed. A festival to rival even the best of them. It will be well remembered and our enjoyment more than expected or deserved.”

  “On the contrary, we are indebted to you for your service.”

  Herod bows. “Gratitude, Dottore. I would very much like to meet some of your recruits - our future Brethren.”

  Germanicus thinks nothing of it and a subtle, unconscious suggestion from Morgana ensures it. Many of the council members routinely ask to meet some of the recruits. Most of them were recruits at one time and had been removed from the program. For fun and profit, they even make bets amongst themselves to determine what boy will make knighthood and which boy won’t. As of now, Maximus is the favorite with two to one odds, while Dante is one hundred to one; and some even believe that to be a generous one.

  “Ai, Herod. I would be honored to introduce you. Come.” He and Morgana follow. Shep follows the Dottore closely and growls lowly under his breath, not trusting the man, but unsure why. He keeps close to his guardian.

  Germanicus calls out several recruits and introduces them to Herod Antipaz one by one. When Herod bows to Maximus, he asks, “You are the son of King Menelaeus, are you not?”

  “Ai. Herod Sai,” says Maximus proudly.

  “I’ve heard great things about you, as to be expected with the reputation of Father King.”

  Maximus bows. “Gratitude, Councilman.”

  “This is my wife, Chastity,” continues Herod. Morgana bows and smiles. Maximus has trouble meeting her eyes, the enchanting beauty wearing a bright, green sequined dress which form fits to her enticing physique. Her eyes are deep, blue, tinged with orange and appear almost preternatural - a welcome distraction from her ample bosom.

  Maximus bows as he takes her hand and kisses it. “A great pleasure, Lady Sai. You overwhelm young eyes.”

  Morgana laughs playfully. “You delight and flatter boy.”

  “This is our final recruit and the last one to enter school, Dante. He comes to us from distant lands in the Siemen Valley.” Explains Germanicus, as if Herod didn’t know.

  “Ai. Am privy.” Herod bows. “It’s good to meet another promising recruit. I’ve heard great things about you. You have done well, especially with limiting handicap.”

  “Dante has discovered other ‘mysterious vision,’ much like Merlin. We are honored to have him,” points out Germanicus.

  While Germanicus and Herod engage in small talk, the recruits stand around uncomfortably. Observing it, Germanicus addresses them. “You may go and play boys.” They leave.

  Herod and Morgana politely excuse themselves from Germanicus, who is more than ready to remove himself as well.

  “That was exhausting,” says Herod with an irritated smirk.

  “A necessary inconvenience.” She remarks.

  “Ai. Maximus seems taken with you.”

  Morgana smiles seductively, referring to her outfit. “A joint purpose for ensemble.”

  “Well suited for the task.”

  Wanting to prove his prowess over the rest of the recruits, Maximus engages in another game of kiter tag. He had won every round except for one when Luke had shot out every single one of the kite tags, while Maximus had missed one. He had not taken the loss well and demanded a rematch, which he won. Luke didn’t care but was just enjoying himself. It is his first festival.

  Morgana and Herod approach. The other recruits look in their direction, a little uncomfortable, while Maximus takes little notice. Morgana pats him on the back, and he turns around. “What? Oh.” He stammers, having been taken off guard a little.

  “You have a competitive spirit. An admirable quality. I am also quite competitive. Do you mind if I join you in a game?” asks Herod.

  Maximus bows. “Ai. Would be an honor. You play kiter tag?” asks Maximus curiously.

  “It’s been a while, but I make more than ample aim.” Herod takes careful aim and hurls the first shot from the sling, knocking the kite’s tale out. He carefully aims at the next eight rounds and hits them all.

  “Well done. Especially for a public servant. I heard you once wore recruit smock?” asks Maximus.

  “Ai. For several years.”

  “And did you earn your shooters?” asks Maximus.

  Maximus looks at Herod with a look of icy condescension, and it burns into Herod with stinging ferocity, like a hot knife point being stabbed into a freshly punctured wound. He knows the answe
r already. “I did not. I was released,” replies Herod bitterly.

  Maximus smirks, enjoying Herod’s discomfort. Herod restrains from the urge to grab the boy and pummel him mercilessly for the slight. If he had been insulted in such a way in his domain, he would have killed the person; but he is powerless here. Maximus, seeing the mounting anger in Herod’s eyes, retraces his steps prudently. Perhaps it is done to placate Herod, or perhaps he is merely toying with the Congressman. “I meant no disrespect, Sai. You are much revered in Lycenea. Few make it to knighthood.”

  Maximus launches another round of shots at the kite tail and hits another eight perfectly. He gloats. “This is your first year, and I am sure you are expecting to make your knighthood. I expected the same when I was a recruit. But there can only be one leader, one lone wolf who leads the pack. Even Germanicus had to follow Merlin or be removed from the program.”

  “He is the Merlin.”

  “Ai, but if there is no Merlin, then there can only be one leader, young Sai. Are you prepared for ruthlessness, to push out Dante, the boy who threatens your place in the Brotherhood?”

  Maximus looks at Herod indignantly. “I will become a knight. Set your watch and warrant it so. And, I don’t have to push out Dante to do it. He will never make knighthood. I am the King’s son.”

  “A fact not lost on me. But that is no guarantee for knighthood. Your Dottore will expect more from one so privileged as you, the boy who is the son of the King. Some of these boys’ parents were slaves. You were born in golden soil cloth, and you may become a target by those with less means. Something to ponder, young Sai.”

  Forgetting his place, Maximus lashes out angrily. “Why do you care who makes knighthood and who is rejected? Perhaps you are crooning me because you have made apt wager?”

  Herod looks hurt. “You mistake intent boy. I am nearly as wealthy as your father and do not lack. I am a humble public servant and care only for the good of this country. I am merely a patriot.”

  “Perhaps then, you should permit those who are not rejected to make a suitable course for Brotherhood. You ken, Sai Congressman?” Mocks Maximus bitterly.

  A look of consternation crosses Herod’s face, as if he were a boy and had capriciously been struck in the face by a domineering father. He wants to strangle the boy, but he relents. Maximus shoots the last kite tail and smiles, handing it to Herod.

  Herod holds back his anger and smiles back. “Gratitude for the game boy. We are well met and well matched.”

  “Ai, in a child’s game,” jabs Maximus.

  “You forgot your place, boy.”

  “No Sai, Congressman. I secure it.” He bows to Herod and then walks to Morgana. “A pleasure Lady Sai. We are well met.” He says as he bows and kisses her hand.

  “Ai, boy. We are well met.”

  Herod wears a chagrined look on his face as he approaches Morgana. “Were that boy in my castle, I would have struck him down ten times over. That arrogant little pudmudgeon! I would like to wipe the ground with that heckled mouth of his. The gall!”

  “He is a brash boy, Herod, with great ambitions, much like you were then. Do not be tripe. I have planted suggestions in his head-subtlety. I didn’t need to be forceful, for they were already making their way into his conscious. He feels threatened by the boy, as I have foreseen. He will be our ally indeed.”

  “I should hope he proves ally before ego proves too much for throttling hands,” warns Herod.

  “Patience Herod. It has always served you well. Has it not?”

  “Ai. A plan well-conceived. I will have to shake off insults like hind-serpent skin. “

  “Set watch and warrant it so. His ambitions are his liability.” Herod puts his arm around Morgana and kisses her seductively.

  The Brethren were always watching and had seen many of the Councilmen talk to Maximus, and they would think nothing of him. A simple suggestion from Morgana would deter their thoughts even if they did. Herod reflects that he is much blessed to have a sorceress in his employ.

  (2)

  When Maximus returns from the festival, his belly and his ego are full. He had enjoyed copious amounts of delicious food, even sweets like halenut cake, which was only given to him in small rations. For the first time, he was able to fully indulge without restraints, and it felt good. He had been doted on by council members, who observed his skill in the games and showered him with praise.

  Even the young girls take notice of the attractive boy who excels in the games and walks with an arrogant gait. To them, he exudes confidence, strength, competitiveness, and skill.

  Yet the encounter with Herod had rattled him a bit, more than he would have liked to admit. And when his belly is settled, and he had absorbed due adoration, he begins to feel insecure. And the source of those insecurities comes bombarding into his mind like a relentless train making its way into a train station. Hell nor high water would stop it just like the mounting insecurities that Herod had implanted in his head. Before, Maximus had given only peripheral attention to the new blind recruit.

  The boy has skill. That cannot be refuted. But he is blind. How could he hope to compete with the likes of his group? They are all vying for a position as potential knights. The fact that Dottore had placed the boy in their group is almost an insult to Maximus’ group, the most dominant among the remaining.

  Though their group is small, not one of them had been removed from the program. Dottore knew his recruits well and had strategically placed the boys in the groups where they could be challenged aptly.

  And yet, Dottore had placed Dante in his group, a provincial, inexperienced boy who had lost his sight. And not only did he not receive his walking papers, he succeeded. He was becoming dominant. Though the boy is sightless, there is nevertheless a restless, indefatigable spirit in his eyes and if you looked at him long enough, you would feel it. Maximus did not imagine it. That spirit bores into you, regardless of the fact that by first glance he appears to be looking through you rather than at you.

  For the first time, and though Maximus would never admit it to anyone else, he is forced to admit that Dante had intimidated him. There is great strength and determination in him. How far would it carry him? Perhaps to displace him? Maximus shudders at the thought. It is ludicrous, and yet the idea is given birth. He cannot un-think it.

  A more rational part of his mind advises him to be cautious. If the boy had what it took to succeed to enter knighthood, who was he to try and stop him? Let the dice fall where they may. Dottore had been a fellow recruit to Merlin at one time, and they had naturally worked out their order. Merlin emerged as the dominant recruit and Germanicus deferred.

  It is merely the natural order of things. There can only be one leader. One alpha male. If Dante emerges as the stronger one, Maximus will have to defer to him or risk being removed from the program entirely. The Brethren do not tolerate hubris. They value humility and graciousness. And if Maximus is removed from the program, he will never ascend to King. And that possibility sends a shiver down his spine.

  Maximus is gifted and has the necessary attributes to be King. There is only one clincher. One major hurdle. The Brethren choose the King, but their decision must be unanimous. If he and Dante make knighthood, he knows in his heart Dante will never vote him in as King. The boy could certainly sway others as well, causing irreversible damage.

  The irrational part of his mind is powerful and dominating. He knows he can never defer to Dante. Not ever.

  Chapter 15: An Elegant Dinner with a Side of Coercion

  Herod Antipaz looks around at the numerous Council Members in his pocket. It had been a difficult journey to arrive at this point. He had amassed the largest fortune every obtained by a non-monarch. He had schemed and connived his way into their midst, obtaining pertinent and incriminating information on them- information which could only be gleamed by a telepath.

  Some of the Council members had taken up with boys, made unscrupulous business dealings, which they desired to keep out o
f the public light and some had committed worse deeds. Some had business dealings with enemy factions for profits, a crime that, if brought to light, could result in a treason charge. And a treason charge was as bad as child murder or genocide in the eyes of the law. If convicted, the punishment was death by crucifixion, the most gruesome of all punishments.

  Yet, the predicament of Councilman Pontius Selenius II lingered on his mind like a bitterly cold wind in a drafty shack. The man is notably absent, and his vacant seat is left as a reminder that he is the last in the line of Councilman to recruit in his coup. The other Council Members had either been bribed or conspired into an alliance with him because of the threat that hung over their heads like a collapsing ceiling. Herod is the pillar that keeps the ceiling from collapsing and burying them alive, and it would behoove them to continue bedchamber relations.

  Pontius is a real problem. A real big fucking problem. He had politely declined an offer to meet with Herod on many occasions. Herod had commissioned one of his trusted henchmen, Phillipe to ascertain any misdeeds on his part. The man rarely came to Lycenea, and when Morgana intruded into his mind, she found no insidiously, incriminating secrets of the man. For all intents and purposes, he is a benevolent man of the people, who worked tirelessly for his constituency in the most, honest, well-intentioned way. He is a rare find.

  Herod couldn’t care less about that. The only thing he cared about was the fact that Pontius wielded a lot of power with the written word and the fact that he is much revered by his constituency. He owns most of the printing presses in Gilleon and makes a good fortune from the various newspapers he owned. The few that he didn’t own were tiny and inconsequential. Herod needs those printing presses to disseminate his propaganda if he were to stage a successful coup and win the support of the people. He would need every means at his disposal if he were going to overthrow the Brotherhood. And so far, the man is unable to be bribed or conscripted into service for foul deeds.