“Would you love me through sickness and health?” Queen Aarilinus whispered into the young king’s ear. Ruke’s hands slid across the queen’s forehead and through her lovely, black, locks that streamed throughout the blanket. The hair was like the night filled with stars just as it was tonight. Ruke was more interested in looking at the queen than listening to her. “Do you know what I want more than power?” asked the queen as Ruke kissed her lips and looked into her dark, brown, eyes. “I’m serious my lord?” Queen Aarilnus’ eyebrows raised. “What is it my lady?” asked King Owen. I’ve been holding a secret. I’m pregnant,” Aarilina cracked a smile as she watched the king grin. “We’re going to have an heir to the throne of Aria.”
As the months progressed, King Owen spent more time with the queen and cared for her. They were inseparable and King Owen lowered his guard against his enemies. It was the day before the curse that set Ruke in motion, but until then they spent the time in conversation in their room. “A couple days ago you told me you weren’t well. Why do you feel sick?” asked King Owen as he watched Queen Aarilinus raise her shoulders. She seemed distant to speak about the matter, but prepared herself for what would perhaps dissatisfy. They sat upon the bed in moment of conversation as any other day. “Do you remember the young man you banished from Aria?” she asked slowly. “The rogue warrior, what about him?” answered Ruke as he sneered and looked away. “He is in love with Olivia, our handmaiden and wants to make her his wife. Be merciful my lord, be kind, my king for it is only love. He came to me and cursed that I would die giving birth. He told me that because of your great evil that our child will die the same age as I. Aria will turn against a fool of kings and destroy the image of our royal family. Why are you keeping the handmaiden away from him? Why is he so angry with us?”
Owen’s face turned to his queen as such eyes widen and eyebrows protruded while such young cheeks flushed red with anger. How dare this rogue come forth and lay a curse upon the queen of Aria who had nothing to do with the royal decision. He was King Ruke Owen and would allow those who deemed worthy to marry his beloved handmaidens. “Be merciful my husband for he has no quarrel with us only the promise to touch Olivia our handmaiden, for she has chosen him.” “I am King Owen, I forbid any dishonorable man to set eyes upon my handmaidens or my wife. I have seen great things before I became king in my father’s halls. If he really knew me he would not place a curse upon the queen which will cost his life,” declared King Owen.
Queen Aarilina sat upon the royal bed speechless for she had never seen this much anger in King Owen. A piercing in her side struck like the blow of a dagger from the thought of the rogue warrior. Never in Aarilinus’ eyes had she seen such love burned away by the arrogance of King Ruke Owen. He raised himself out of bed like the creepy undead move from the dirt while such lips trembled in destruction. The queen watched the king leave the bedroom. She knew he was going to seek revenge with Adam Brokenheart. Suddenly the feeling in her abdomen became more than she could bare. “Jenna!” she yelled. “Yes, my lady?” answered Jenna, “It’s time,” answered Queen Aarilinus as she heard Jenna call some handmaidens to assist. The queen felt herself begin to fade away and hoped that King Owen would be merciful to The Brokenhearts.
A group of twenty knights rode on horseback to where Adam Brokenheart lived, which was deep in the forest. It was dark, foggy and the moon was full to light the way. Squirrels scampered across the trail as the sound of horses passed them in the night. Eyes watered and began running down his cheeks as the king felt the pain enter his heart. King Owen was the first to approach the well lit house.
Ruke jumped off his horse and pulled out the blade from its battle sheath. With the whipping sound of his sword, he slayed the sign that hung just before the door of the house. One of the knights looked down to see the sign read The Brokenhearts and turned to watch the king kick down the door. King Owen saw a family around a table serving themselves with hospitality. Five children looked up at the small army of knights who stepped behind the king. “You are the family of Adam Brokenheart?” “How dare you break down my door while we’re eating!” exclaimed the husband. “Then you must be his family,” sneered King Owen as he raised his sword, the mighty Ruke stepped forward and swung the sword through the table. The children and the mother ran for cover, crying and screaming. They were all, but the last Brokenhearts of Aria “We don’t know where he is?” replied the man. “You call yourself a man you are nothing, but a monster!” screamed the wife.
King Owen turned to hit the woman in the face, with the broad end of the blade, and the husband as well. Ruke had never felt so much power driven in vengeance with a standing army of men by his side. The king would find an end to this revenge even if it meant destroying the house. The king raised his sword as though he was about to strike, but her husband would not have it and charged. One of the knights stepped in front of the king and buckled the man with the metal swing of his fist. The man fell to the floor and stared up at the knight as the sword was renounced from its sleeve, a child stood in front of his father crying in tears. “No, he’s my daddy!” “Get out of my way!” ordered the king. “No!” cried the boy. “I’ve got a better idea.” replied the king as he raised his hand for the knight to return his sword.
The knights fueled the torches and with the fire lighting the tips of their arrows the soldiers aimed their bows to the house. Twenty arrows flew through the air and set the roof on fire. King Owen watched the destruction done and still he felt his revenge incomplete. They heard screaming and banging from inside the door as smoke and orange fire filled the inside of the house. The challenger was not present to fall, but his family would be laid to rest until it would be revealed to the rogue.
He was Ruke, the man, the king, the conqueror, and the destroyer. Minutes turned like waves upon the shore and still King Owen hungered for power. The king shoved on with twenty of his knights and deep in his mind he heard the family screaming in cries.
The doors opened with the morning of dawn setting in and the king stepped through the halls, but they felt empty. His heart ached from what words his wife revealed of her passing. Was there more in this life before his time would come or would he be forgotten? Where was his queen to fill the halls with glory? Suddenly the young handmaiden with long, black, hair and browneyes stared at him with emptiness. He felt his heart begin to sink and knew something was wrong.
“Jenna!” cracked the king, but all he got from his handmaiden was stillness like a pond with no emotion at all. There was no comfort to unleash from the young handmaiden’s eyes. It was like she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. “The queen has given you a daughter, my lord” her voice subtle and sad. “Aarilina!” cracked King Owen expecting everything was ok. “Where is she?” “She is not here,” answered Jenna slowly. “What?” “She passed away in the night.” began Jenna as she covered her mouth. “No” he murmured. “NO!” the king felt his knees begin to shake. “The queen died while giving birth to your child,” she replied slowly as though walking on egg shells.
Suddenly Ruke fell to his knees as such lips began to tremble while the sound of metal echoed the empty halls. His hands sopped wet while covering his eyes that dared to grieve the queen’s death. Except she would live on in the image of her daughter, his daughter. What was he to do now with his life, how would he carry on the hope of the beautiful nation? Knowing that the queen would be disappointed at what action he took to protect the image of the royal family. A handmaiden handed the baby to Jenna and took a couple steps towards the king. For seventeen years King Owen would watch over the princess until a prince would come into her life. The king raised himself from the wooden floor and gently held the baby in his arms. She was very beautiful, innocent, tiny and moved her little hand upon the king’s thumb. What name would be fit for a child of his and hold such ties to the beautiful nation. “My lord, what would you like to name her?” asked Jenna as she noticed the king crack at the new precious thing to him. “She will be named after Queen Aarilinus! Aarilina will never forget who her mother was. Aarilina will become the most desirable women in Ayana! My daughter w ill never be sick or weak and will inspire the men and women to live in peace.”
The green eyes blinked while the sun peered in from the window and woke him from such a terrible memory. Enchantments of the wind rustled against his ear and whispered words of Furrengee. The mask that enabled the rogue to achieve one of many beautiful handmaidens from King Owen. Sadness soaked into the king’s eyes as guilt spread for what had happened seventeen years ago, but a king was to be strong and forthright.
The future would be shaken if the princess refused to marry the princes’ that were selected. One man proved to match that worth by making it his effort to come for a full interlude with the princess. His name was Prince Tusk of Kalindor, he would arrive within three days. The king got up from his royal chair and made way to alert Princess Aarilinus in the Mid-Tower.
There was a brief silence as Animus soaked his mind with the face of the princess that laid next to him. They both sat on the bed and hugged each other in a golden hour like no other. It had been way too long since the exile; Aarilina could not stand another minute apart. She was wearing a lavender dress and had her hair down. She knew Animus was poor and didn’t judge him on the plain clothes he wore as long as she got to see him. “Tell me this is not a dream,” Aarilina whispered. “A dream it is! Which you shall never wake up,” Animus’s blue eyes sparkled as they soaked up her brown eyes and fair skin.
Princess Aarilinus bit her lower lips while the elevation of such beauty moved towards him like the setting of the sun. With eyes so courageous, his golden locks trailed to his shoulders and subdued the princess with a dreaming feeling to capture the moment in time. Aarilina knew him since she was a child in the woods and realized what to believe through the lips of Animus. “Do you promise?” The words embraced like the clash of swords. “I give you my word.” The answer made way like a tidal wave.
A grin surfaced with the close of such stunning eyes, while Aarilina licked her lips in preparation to speak of activities that reached the mind of a girl. Suddenly the slam of a fist erupted through the door hinges and shot Aarilina with fright from the bed. They were invaded by the presence of the king. “Hide!” Aarilina whispered as she turned around to face the door. Animus looked around the bedroom with eyes wide awake realizing he was not in a dream at all, but inside the mid-tower. A dead end that meant hiding from the king would be like a man caught naked with his daughter. Suddenly a sneak gesture from Aarilina’s cute, innocent, eyes directed him under the bed.
Animus slipped under the bed and felt the smooth, wooden, floor buckle against his back. It wasn’t the comfort that challenged such fear for it was the coldness in Animus’ veins that perspired the peasant with sweat. It had been six months since the last capture and he didn’t want to be apprehended in the hands of the king again. “Aarilina is it too early to let your father in?” “What do you want?” she answered while turning the door knob, letting a crack surface from the door. She didn’t accept the fact that father was on to her about Animus, but wasn’t going to take any chances. Aarilina hoped that Animus wouldn’t get caught.
King Owen entered the chamber slowly as Aarilina stepped aside from the shadow of the staircase outside her room while light from the window breached his eyes. The rich aroma of lilacs filled the room as well as the sound of robins chirping on the edge of the vine. “Father, there is nothing to discuss,” protested Aarilina. Her eyes glared upon the king’s eyes, then to his numerous gold necklaces filled with rubies, diamonds, and sapphires. With such endowment, she sensed the day where the stroke of his iron fist would tarnish the echelon of monarchs. That didn’t seem to bother father since he was content on controlling her life. “I have granted the rights for the first man to proclaim fortune upon my house. Upon our last speech of carrying on the throne of Aria I have been making preparations for your survival.” “Survival from what father?” Aarilina turned away from father to the bed and rolled her eyes. “As princess of Aria you are to wed an honorable prince and lead a life free of despair.” “Really, father who are these suitors and what fortune do they seek that enables you to be rest assured that I will be free of despair?” she asked.
How could a princess trust the will of a father when the only intention remained was to use the power for himself. Aarilina felt father’s body move towards hers as her navel faced the bed and window. The touch of a hand on her arm was slow as well as bitter. It was cold like death, but tickled her insides as memories unfolded in the appearance of a child. It was a day set in a passage of childhood dreams when a daughter’s trust existed with the protection of peace, justice and love. Animus was here, thought the princess as she saw the vine tied near the window sill. He would not escape her mind so quickly, but neither would the thought of father. Princess Aarilinus turned around as her eyes wandered from the floor and looked into father’s green eyes to see what truth lied within him. “Prince Tusk of Kalindor, Lord Corsair of Sporsindor, Lord Ruben of Endswood, Lord Domineer of Aryan and Lord Lordoriouse of Stalous are five of the men I’ve selected to go on this quest to retrieve the mask of Furrengee.” “Are they young and handsome?” she spoke with raised eyebrows. “Very handsome indeed.” “Are they tall and bold?” Aarilina continued with the grace of such lips. “Very tall.” “Are they strong, loving and able to hold my heart captive?” “By what words would a prince be if he did not hold your heart with his,” answered father. “What are they retrieving?” she asked while thinking of how to reject father’s wide ideas to force her into marrying anyone. With an expression that was made to sin, she panned her face down to greet the floor while the ears pierced the air. “A mask worn by a great warrior that united our kingdoms as one against the dark forces of evil. I once possessed the mask, but someone stole it from me and returned it to the temple,” said father. “I don’t understand? What has this got to do with me? Father I can’t be forced to choose the ideals of a man I don’t know?” “Aarilina there is nothing to understand. You are the center stone to all that lies after me. The five men are powerful men who seek your hand in marriage.” “Marriage?” Aarilina grimaced. “I choose virginity than your meaning of the word as I choose life of happiness than eternity of regret. Love is immortal as your meaning of marriage remains empty!” “How did you come to this conclusion when you’ve never been in love?” replied father as his eyebrows raised and pupils dilated. “I have my ways of discovery,” Aarilinus cracked with each syllable grasped by her lips. “I have found my true consort, through the days passed I looked up the word. The stories read, the poetry felt, the memories shared as well as the songs written and sung. I know of the word as it knows me.” “If you’re speaking of the peasant that I banished from our kingdom think no more than the dreams you conceive for it will poison you and the people you serve.” “The people, or you?” protested Aarilina. “I’m trying to help you. I pity your irrational ways that will soon become no more. When the time comes of my passing the people will turn against you. Oh yes, my dear daughter there will be no comfort for you. Aria will fall and you will find your neck stretched on the edge of the guillotine for that loss of immorality with that peasant,” said King Owen as his eyes stared into hers. “When I become queen I will bring love, joy, and happiness, which is something you don’t do. The people will love me and will die to protect me as well as my consort-” “That is quite enough, daughter!”
Princess Aarilinus closed her eyes expecting to get slapped, but instead felt nothing. They reopened to find the cold stare of father pinching her nerves with his angry, red, face until the feelings in her body was gone. Father had never hit her in the past, but seconds ago it would have been known with the princess’ faithful subjects. “Your in love with him, a peasant, a boy with no past and future. I suppose it was my mistake to allow the outsider to live instead of throwing him to the Dark Wolves?” “Father I have found my consort and you know very well that he is meant for me!” “Very, maybe you should explain why he is so true to you?” “Well, if you must know, I choose him because he is the one,” her voice punctured the fabric of air. “He makes me happy when I’m sad, as his soul resonates with mine, I’m more woman than all the men I read about in stories and legends. When I kiss him I feel myself float upon the air as a feather flutters in the blowing wind of our world.”
Aarilina’s eyes closed and reopened to see the fires of hell stir in father’s eyes. King Owen’s cheeks blistered red as his right hand stuttered in outrage. She saw the king look away from hers and as they looked to the floor. Aarilina sensed in his voice the jealousy of a man once in love with her mother. “This man has no place in our country. The laws state that the princess can only marry a prince of noble title or from with right as the king sees fit to rule.” “Surely not, I have read the laws of our country as well and as princess I can choose any man deemed worthy,” answered Aarilina. “Not while I still hold the crown,” answered King Owen while turning to make way with the thrust of the door.
The king was gone and left the princess wondering about a desolate future. With a kiss from Animus she watched him sail though the air and swing down the vine. Aarilina felt her heart escape the boundaries of the prison set before her as Animus disappeared from the bottom of the vine.
The day seemed to drag for eternity in what words could be seen to describe a world of sunsets as any other day. Animus helped Adam harvest the land for the last eighteen years, but hungered for adventure. The peasant put his blood, his sweat, and time into the crops secluded from the kingdom of Aria.
Memories embraced this young man’s mind as the sweet kiss from her lips rekindled motivation to see Aarilina again. It would be days before the peasant would visit the princess. Harvesting the land became overwhelming and trading for food as well as money was becoming scarce. The family of nine barely had enough money to pay for the clothes on their back. They lived in a small log cabin, it didn’t matter how they lived as long as they were together. Every night they would spend playing games performing on instruments using carved wood and stretched skin for tom toms, they performed as their own band.
The cottage was hidden deep in the forest just outside of Aria. The seclusion from the rest of the world rested upon Adam and Olivia Brokenheart’s fear. One day the king would cascade through the door and arrest them and the seven children.
There was limited room in the cottage and the four older siblings lived in the barn, personally engineered by the architect of the family, Adam. His wife, Olivia, stitched all the children’s clothes, blankets, quilts, and performed the cooking. She was a wise, but quiet woman that took care of the children. Animus struggled as leader against Sydney for he was the trouble maker and enjoyed arguing with his older brother. Gabriel, Aryan thought of nothing, but adventure as a part of life.
When things became slow and dry for Animus, Aryan and Gabriel looked up to their sinister brother Sydney who often seeked more adventure than met the eye. The two sisters Jada and Alexandria stayed to mend the house and watch over their baby brother Erike. Jada felt compelled to seek the adventures of the trees and the animals rather than follow in her mother’s footsteps. Now at the age of sixteen she strayed away from Olivia completely. Alexandria became the helpful guardian of Erike while their parent’s were away for the day. She was the eyes and ears that warned her brothers and sister of incoming problems that were to be faced.
That evening Animus sat down next to Adam as always and ate with the family. Through many troubles and hardships the hospitality always worked out at the end of there hard work. Through the wits of Olivia’s conversation with Adam of an unclear season. They spoke about Sydney’s crime of stealing and animosity towards the king. “He’s seventeen, there is very little order I can execute against Sydney without kicking him out of the house.” “Then bring the law upon him,” replied Olivia. “It’s just that I’m afraid he’ll drag the whole family into a big mess with the affairs of the king, which we don’t need to compromise or teach Aryan and Gabriel to do negative things.” “I’ll have a talk with him,” answered Adam as he scratched his nicely trimmed, black, beard. “Father what do you know about the stories?” asked Animus as he drove a fork into the carrots and potatoes. Adam turned his square head to the oldest son as he was about to take a bite out of supper. Memories of telling stories began to surface in the mind as Animus swallowed his potatoes. “You mean the legend of Furrengee?” Just then a break at the door interrupted the conversation. It was Aryan and Gabriel. They had returned from setting raccoon traps and were exhausted from their long walk. They closed the door behind them and took off their hats and coats. “Where’s Sydney?” asked Olivia. “He decided to go into town to barter,” replied Gabriel. “More like steal,” answered Adam as he turned his attention to Animus. “You speak of the bed time stories of Furrengee?” “Yes! The stories you told me when I was young. Can you tell me more about the mask?” asked Animus.
All was quiet and Animus focused his eyes on the stories rather than the plate of food that was before him. His younger siblings began to laugh among themselves and distracted Animus from his thoughts. Erike and Alex whispered among themselves of their older brother’s ambitions. “Animus is in love with the princess,” boasted Alexandria with a big grin on her face. “You think you can mind your own business? If your not going to eat go change the stalls in the barn!” Animus’ face began turning red with embarrassment. He should have expected to become a target for mockery.
Animus closed his eyes and had second thoughts about Furrengee even being a real person rather than a character in a book. Yet the mind wandered and wondered through all the stories that father told him, were they even true? All the answers in the world about a mask that held incredible power lay hidden in stories by Adam. “Son do you seek the mask for Princess Aarilinus?” asked Adam. “Look, just forget it!” Animus’ lips trembled as he took a bite out of his peas and looked away. “It’s silly you risk your heart for that girl, when the king strives to kill you,” replied Adam as he crossed his arms and looked into Animus’s eyes as level as a bridge across a river. “The king has sent a proposal to all suitors who seek my love in marriage for the return of the mask!” said Animus “You believe the king will honor his agreement?” asked Adam. There was a brief silence at the table. “Possibly,” answered Animus as he felt a strange numbness in his toes that he made a mistake.
Animus’ father set the fork next to the plate and rose up from the throne just as Animus stood up. The two men walked outside of the cottage and watched the stars glitter upon them. The night seemed remarkable from the ground as they saw it littered with diamonds. “Beautiful night.” Adam let out a sigh, but suddenly heard a small nudge at the entrance and opened it to reveal the kids. Alexandria and Erike were near the bark of the door eves dropping to the private conversation. “Could you excuse us? Help your mother with the chorus,” replied Adam as he pushed them away with his hands and looked at Animus. “I think its time we have a talk,” answered Adam as he led Animus from the porch into the meadow.
Animus felt the cool breeze run through his blond hair and the night sky revealed millions of stars that sparkled, calling his name. It reminded Animus that every star had its dream and wish. Memories emerged of this strange surrounding. He could almost hear himself laughing in joy as he played with his brothers Sydney and Gabriel. The light chime of their voice arguing in forth rite to the imagination of sword fights. They both sat next to each other on a swing bench that was built in the middle of the yard. Father stretched his arms out as though he were reaching for the night sky and yawned. “Words are much more than action, they are not carved in stone. The king wants to use the mask for his own purpose.”
Animus remained quiet as his eyes met with Adam’s to search out the answers needed to find the truth. When there was nothing laid down in stone there would be no way to know if the king would be true to his words. Adam knew for certain that the king would have Animus captured and killed. “Then how will I succeed?”
Adam looked into Animus’ eyes in ways of protection of a father from a course of destruction. The weight of wisdom and regret bombarded Adam with confusion to hide or run away. He only wished things were different for his son. It was a father’s dream for every son to come out with a well drawn map of direction. Except it was Adam’s worst fear for Animus’ future to be with this insignificant woman that held his son’s heart captive. This woman that was daughter of a blood enemy with a black and white past. “Forget about her! Forget your heart and runaway from her!” “I can’t! She’s the reason I live. Father I can’t turn my back on her, I need to be with her, Aarilina is my muse.”
His father remained silent and loomed his head towards the ground. Animus took a deep breath and turned away knowing deep in his soul he was facing a great destiny. Adam’s eyes turned back up from the ground and met with the outline of his son’s blowing, blonde, locks against the night. Adam saw himself and knew there was no way to talk him out of it. “Did the king give all you suitors a contour for the passage of the Furrengee Citadel?” “Yes.” “The path will lead through many traps!” answered Adam.
Adam raised his eyebrows upon his face and ran his right hand through his beard. Animus picked up on Adam’s expression and it was revealed there was hope. The farmer turned and stared at his own reflection many years ago. “Father, there has got to be a way!” said Animus as he stared into his father’s eyes. “There is a way,” answered Adam with a smile as he dug into his pocket and pulled out a yellow piece of paper. With this yellow piece of paper would be the change Animus would be looking for. “This is a map of the fortress that will help you get the mask. There are more dangerous things in the fortress than King Owen. Are you prepared for that?” “I would die for her,” answered Animus. The two men walked back to prepare for tomorrow’s challenge.
A day without Animus was long and difficult for the lonesome princess. The monarch could feel the beautiful, blue, dress made of silk touch her ankles. Goose bumps covered her legs from the breeze of the cool summer morning. It seemed nice to walk the trails of the castle within endless acres of trees without worries from father. With permission, she was granted the small task to walk the castle grounds accompanied by her trusted bodyguard.
The clouds unveiled the hot ball of fire and its persuasion was answered to challenge such beautiful skin. Her eyes opened from the blindness to view the long, stone, path ahead. Hours seemed to harass the princess as she grew tired of the body guard living such a serious life as a constant shadow. It seemed that he was expecting a gang of ogres to bust through the trees. She felt nothing from him except the cold bitterness from the armor he wore. Why was he ignoring her? Questions asked would only dare to be answered by her faithful subject. It would rest on Aarilina’s shoulders to break the ice and reveal that this princess would not remain silent. “Bodyguard we’ve walked around the castle gates for hours and you have not said anything of my new dress today. Is it pretty or does it surfeit you?” “Your beauty precedes you throughout the land. If your father should find out that I answer you he will have my eyes pulled from my head!” “My father threatens you for a harmless question of looking upon my breasts?” “Yes your highness.” “Fear not my dear servant, look upon me as you would no other and answer my question,” replied Princess Aarilinus with a warm grin upon the warmth in a future queen’s voice.
The servant took off his helmet and looked up from the ground to Aarilina’s face. He was a young soldier with green eyes and short black hair. Never before had he seen a woman compare even close to her beauty. The gorgeous, brown, eyes and long eyelashes opened his window to the true meaning of loveliness. Her light blue dress was silk with ribbons of gold matching the crown. The princess opened her moist lips and it looked like she was going to blow a kiss to him. When the chiming of syllables unleashed to his ears he thought he had died. “Aren’t you going to tell me if you like what I’m wearing?” she revealed a fragile smile as each word plucked in his ears. He couldn’t help, but look at her glowing skin that held such tender color to her face.
Suddenly the servant impaled himself to the ground as tears rose from his eyes because he had not seen such magnificence like Aarilina. The princess gently set her hand on the servant’s head, touched his hair and pitied him. She raised her head up with a nod as the royal fingers brought his chin eye level with hers. “I dare to not look any further into your gracefulness for I will never face the king again.” “It’s ok our secret is safe. All I want you to do is answer my question, do you not like my dress today?” “I do not know, I only saw a glimpse and would need to see it again.” “Very well,” she sighed and rolled her eyes. The princess could not believe that father would punish him for looking at her. Something didn’t feel right with the king, she would have to talk to him about this punishment. “You look lovely your highness.” “Thank you. You see that wasn’t so difficult.” “No it wasn’t,” he answered with a turn to look at the ground and cracked a grin as they continued the long walk. “It’s such a beautiful day! I like the way the clouds curl themselves into each other,” she replied as she pointed to the sky. “It is,” agreed the bodyguard as he continued to walk next to the princess and felt her gravity take over him. “No, your beautiful!” exclaimed the guard as he turned to look into her eyes. “Why thank you my dear splendor of light you sure have a way with words,” Aarilina continued as she set her hand on his shoulder and proceeded on the rocky, stone, path that entered a wooded area.
Princess Aarilina had a wild idea to go swimming in the royal pool. The princess hadn’t done it for months and it was a way to escape the invisible cage of the king. The slow illumination of her eyes realized that the body guard would have to be lost. The leaves rustled in twisted motions through currents of air as the aroma of flowers and trees filled her lungs. It was quite obvious that there were many hiding spots just in the trees alone. “Servant what is your name?” “The name is Sir Edward Bobbitt your highness.” “Well, Edward I need you to play a game with me.” Her eyebrows raised and a smile gestured. “A game?” “It’s very simple. You lay facing the ground and count until you can count no further and then you try to find me.” “I do not believe that is so, my lady, my job is to protect you. Not play games with you.” “Yes, except my father wishes for my happiness. A princess can only take so much protection before she goes absolutely deranged.” “I see,” began Edward as he wiped the sweat from his forehead and ran his fingers through the thick, black, hair. They were alone and could easily sit back and relax. It seemed unwise to challenge the princess in order to have happiness. “What is the game you wish to play your highness?” ”It’s very simple my dear sir. Lay flat on your chest and count as high as you can until you can count no further.” Her upper lip raised over her teeth as the brown eyes batted to wedge the trick over the bodyguard. “I can only count as high as my fingers so I’m afraid that I wouldn’t be any fun.” “That’s no problem, count your fingers ten times and when you’re finished renounce your fingers from your eyes and try to find me.” “Ok,” he replied puzzled with a sour sigh.
The bodyguard laid flat on the grass and began counting his fingers out loud as he heard the light scuffles of footsteps grow distant. He remained unsure that this idea was the best plan to proceed with and feared the king was going to punish him. Princess Aarilinus found the pool and a smile emerged from her face. It was hidden in an old, unused, church that was transformed into, what she called, The Clandestine Garden.
The water never changed, never grew cold, birds and animals made their way into the garden. They found comfort with the princess more than any of the other humans of the kingdom. The wolves, cats, deer, bears, fox, cardinals, robins and hummingbirds found refuge in the princess’ secret place. “I thought I would never lose him,” whispered the princess while stretching her arms and opening her hands to embrace the warmth of the gold globe. The head raised up to the chandelier roof and felt the life of boldness in light fill her gorgeous body. There were many visits before the trees, plants and flowers filled her sight with bloom. With the dip of a toe she felt the exuberance of light reflecting from each wave into her face. Aarilina kicked off the sandals, crown and untied her night color hair. The princess pranced through the shallow end of the pool and dared not to revert back as the innocent princess that the subjects had thought. She was tired of being perfect for father’s self-centered image and wanted to be a dissenter.
She splashed the water with her hands, feet and slowly removed the blue, silky, masque and became one with the water. She rolled the dress up and set it upon the stone ledge so she could swim under water. With each thrust of hands and feet the lily pads joined the dance. They invited themselves into view when she came up for air. After hours of being relaxed she noticed the flowers were in bloom. Aarilina hymned a little tune and sprang up from the water to sit on the ledge. The long, black, hair stuck to her back as she felt the hot sun shine over such face and warm her naked body. Aarilina vocalized a song written for Animus as she closed her eyes and imagined him sitting with her.
I circle around in the night sky waiting for you to arrive to me I got desire that burns in your heart it's what you want, it's what I needwith the impressions that I must heed like magic it is like magic it is like magic it isI circle around the beautiful night sky I’m down to say this, sad good-bye if I can’t have you I’d rather die but I know that your comingyes I do, deep in my heartfrom me to you because its almost like magiclike magic it is like magic it is like magic it is
Princess Aarilinus’ eyes opened as new flocks of butterflies flew upon her, unleashing the girl with kisses. One of the butterflies landed upon her hand while swinging its wings up and down. A few more landed and tickled the palm of such a beautiful hand. Aarilina cracked as she heard the slight beauty of the birds chirping for her to continue the beautiful hymn. The voice echoed like the sound of leaves and Aarilina’s face reflected off the water like the fire of the sun. She looked around to see the roses and tulips begin a dance as the wind picked up. Two robins glided and landed on her shoulders, Aarilina cracked a grin while a shock rose up her shoulders with excitement. The princess lifted from the stone ledge and stepped halfway into the water. The chirping of birds pranced off her shoulder and next to a nearby stone. She splashed the water up in the air and filled such joy with the glory of dawn.
The rest of the day entailed of drying off and sneaking out of the garden to allow Sir Edward Bobbitt to find her. They would play a new game until dusk and join father with the royal feed.
It was drawing near to the time of the royal feed and all the knights were prepared to rejoice with Princess Aarilinus. Sir Bobbitt sat in his chair with twenty of the knights who thought nothing out of the ordinary. Edward Bobbitt tried to keep his mind clear, but couldn’t. He was sure that the king was going to punish him for letting the princess out of his reach. At last the princess entered the dinning room with Jenna and took her seat next to father just as she always did. King Owen raised his wine to prepare a toast as he gave the bodyguard a dirty look. He slowly turned to his daughter revealing an evil sneer. “Long live Princess Aarilinus.” The princess grinned as she spiked a broccoli from her plate and looked into the king’s eyes. What was father up to and why was he giving her the sneer look Aarilina thought as she slid the vegetable through such fine lips. Every once in a while father did crazy toasts and flattered her with exaggerated dreams that were beyond her control. It seemed natural to expect a birthday cake in the mitts of things. “The future of Aria,” answered the king as everyone cheered and took a sip from their goblet. Everyone commenced in conversations about the kingdom and how honorable the king was to his word. The princess looked around from both ends of the table and it felt like bliss more than any part of life. “So what plans does the princess have for the rightful place as queen?” spoke Anson. “She is going to do the royal life long commitment that I’ve been waiting for since she was born.” “Are we preparing to join any neighboring kingdoms for peace?” asked the middle aged knight, Sir Seres. “I wrote five letters to the kingdoms of Kalindor, Sporsindor, Endswood, Aryan and Stalous for a peace treaty.” “Has the princess chosen who her mate will be?” asked Sir Norcom. “We decided that the challenge will be the retrieval of the Furrengee mask in the deadly citadel. The first man to return the mask will win my daughter’s hand.” Aarilina arched her eyes to the ground and then the ceiling while the feeling of such blood began to boil. Temptation to yell and scream was aggravating as well as the thought of being spoken to in second person was insulting. It wasn’t the first time father treated Aarilina like a trophy and it wouldn’t be the last. Princess Aarilinus was modest of such righteous beauty and title, but certainly was not arrogant or wicked like father. She slumpt in the chair, bored and tired, until the name Edward Bobbitt entered her innocent ears. Aarilina’s eyes widened as the pupils dilated out while such limbs suddenly went numb. The feeling of a sharp dagger entered her shoulder blade as she shot halfway up with no words to speak of. “Sir Bobbitt did I not give you orders to watch my daughter with the most gracious care?” demanded the king. “Yes your highness, but she ordered me to engaged in a game so she would not be bored, sir!” “Ah I see,” began King Owen as he looked around to all the knights, who were quiet and dared not to challenge him. The big man waited until the silence filled the room and with a sneer he spoke as though he were sucking the soldier’s life force. It had been months since he had satisfaction to demonstrate the punishment for not carrying out his orders. For twenty years he would punish or destroy those who dared to rise against him. “Sir Jenkins when I give out my orders do I not expect them to be carried out thoroughly?” “Yes your highness, every order must be full filled with great importance,” answered Sir Jenkins, the wisest of knights.
The king gestured his closed mouth to the right side of his face while his eyes rolled to his daughter. The thought of a punishment was in store for the bodyguard. Should Sir Bobbitt be exiled or have his limbs torn apart by the Dark Wolves?
“Father it was I who betrayed your order, be merciful and spare Sir Bobbitt’s life,” answered the princess.
King Owen turned to the princess as her voice unleashed his ears with a plea for forgiveness. How would father decide a punishment or make a stand with his own blood when the princess had challenged his authority in front of all the knights. Aarilina was young, sweet, innocent and would plunge as queen if she endured incompetence from followers such as Sir Edward Bobbitt.
“I was unsatisfied and needed some excitement! Edward Bobbitt would not even look to tell me if he liked my dress until I ordered him.” “What! He looked upon you!” exclaimed father as royal eyes widen and the thrust of his fist shivered the oak table. “Well yes father, I am a woman who desires the attraction from her faithful subjects what is there not to look at?” “Did you let him see your bosom?” “What is not to show? Every woman has them,” smiled the princess. The king turned his wicked eyes away from Aarilina as he heard light snickers and chortles from the knights covering their mouths. What a disgrace and what could be done with this. “Cut Edward Bobbitt’s eyes from out of his sockets and feed them to the pigs plus exile him from Aria. No, there is a better way! The Dark Wolves will be fed early this evening,” sneered King Owen. “Guards take Mr. Bobbitt to the dungeons and feed him to the Dark Wolves!” “No father you can’t do this! Please!” “Someday you will understand why I’m king, I can’t allow our bodyguard to share to others what he has seen today. It will ruin your future as queen!” exclaimed King Owen as he gestured with the movement of his eyebrows.
The young, screaming, bodyguard was taken out of sight kicking and hitting, but remained captive under the restraints of the guards. Aarilina began to snivel, she felt responsible and captivated by the evil that had been bestowed upon the innocent bodyguard. How could this have been so obvious to believe that father would kill for the image held by a crown? Finally the servants arrived with golden platters of food as well as deserts of every delight. Everyone feasted their eyes upon the turkey legs, peas, carrots, potatoes and gravy. It seemed quite evident that the king was bewitched if he could still carry an appetite. The light flutter of butterflies filled the princess’ stomach combined with nerves frozen in the flesh. “I lost my appetite?” she suspired and raised above the table to leave. “Where are you going?” demanded the king. “I’m going to my prison that you call the Mid Tower!” Without a word from father she made her leave with the echo of the closed door.
All the knights remained quiet, none took a bite from their plate and looked cautiously at the king as though it were poisoned. King Owen grinned while his mouth remained full and after the swallow of swine he reached for the goblet for the taste of wine. The last bit of potatoes tossed from one side of his mouth to the other. Suddenly the king’s eyes panned left and right to the trust worthy knights as they stared at him with confusion. “Well?” began the king. “She decided to leave, but I’m still hungry,” he chuckled while digging into his food. “Please eat, the food is getting cold,” began King Owen as he watched the knights feast upon the food. King Owen turned to Sir Norcom with plans of his own. “Now we can get on to business! My daughter has plans to meet that peasant, Animus. Suitors from the five other kingdoms are entering the challenge of retrieving the mask to win my daughters hand in marriage.” “Sir is that wise? What if the neighboring kingdoms find out our defenses and plan to invade Aria? We would be helpless to repel a surprise attack.” replied Sir Norcom. “Not to worry I have already engaged a peace treaty with them and all is in good hands except my daughter’s refusal.” replied the king as he noticed the knight was getting worried. “She is planning to meet Animus in Humming Forest tomorrow night and I plan to have him thrown to the Dark Wolves. I command you to watch her and at the moment of deception she will be locked up in the High Tower.” “As you wish,” answered Sir Norcom as he took a bite from his plate and joined the other knights in celebration with the king.
Princess Aarilinus walked up the spiraling staircase thinking of the way father acted at dinner. A mind couldn’t be more cluttered than a ball of yarn. With the twist of the door knob the feeling of home entered the body. She closed the door and walked to the dresser and pulled out her diary. While relaxed on the soft bed she opened the book to the sweet smell of perfume. It was nice and sweet, but suddenly became quite discouraging when the letter was found in the back of the pages instead of the front. With great suspicion Aarilina’s eyebrows protruded with the slow grip of the folded piece of paper.
She raised its texture to her eyes, unfolded it to feel a mirror of love splash upon her very soul. The sight of Animus filled her imagination and she cracked a grin with the close of such eyes. Aarilina closed them after blowing the candle light, hoping for wonderful dreams of Animus.
The next morning arrived and the letter was delivered to Animus that very day. Aarilina occupied the morning by walking through the castle garden and the corridors of the stronghold. She played endless games of hide and go seek with the children of the noble families. It was mid-afternoon as Aarilina watched the clouds veil the sun as she suddenly slept on the grass. There was very little to do and the children were picked up by their parents.
The day went so fast and suddenly it became so slow to the hour of dusk.
An idea came to pass, with the visit to the library to choose a book; a book of her imagination would full fill the needs of this starving child. After visiting the library, the princess began having an unsettling feeling she was being watched. The eyes on the paintings sent shivers up and down her spine. The princess knew something was wrong when it seemed that she was being watched. After checking out two poetry books she left the library. The light chirps and scuff sounds were heard behind the walls as she continued to walk through the halls. She tried to hide the trembling in her legs, but found it difficult to pretend nothing was wrong. The anxiety kept teasing the princess’ life long intuition and made her feel very scared. The paintings along the walls watched with every movement she made. The princess watched the paintings move their eyes through the corner of her left eye. The monarch could feel the goose bumps dance on her shoulders and suddenly began walking faster as soon as she saw something run from behind her in the distance of the corridor. Aarilina turned around, only to find nothing was there and felt her heart thumping from within her chest. Her skin began perspiring with trembling lips while Aarilinus took deep breaths as such mind went chaotic. Vibrations picked up a set of footsteps in the distance, behind the walls, and it made strange noises of a beast. She could already feel the beast sink its jaws into her flesh and tear her apart. The princess lost control and ran with the two library books in each hand. She made an abrupt turn to the next hallway and let out a terrified scream. Aarilina’s out burst came as a surprise to the group of marching knights. They looked at Princess Aarilina confused, puzzled and wondered what they could do to assist her needs. Her eyes and mouth remained wide open as the trembling body suddenly relaxed. Never before had she felt so much anxiety other than the horrific childhood disasters of nightmares. “Are you ok your highness?” asked Sir Anson. “Yes I’m fine I just wanted to see how quickly I could get your attention.” Aarilina wiped the sweat from her forehead while calming down and looked in their eyes. It seemed quite clear that the knights weren’t fooled by the white lie. The princess would have to think of something else to encourage them that she would be alright. “Do you want us to walk you to your room?” asked Sir Jenkins. “No that’s ok I can do it myself,” she grimaced a fragile smile to the young knight. “We insist that we must protect our princess. Even if it may be nothing, we stand before you!” replied the leader of the knights, Sir Voles. He grinned and the group of marching knights kneeled before her. It seemed quite clear to the princess how they fell victim to such splendor and there for wanted to be guided back to her room. “Well thank you kind sir,” she grinned as the knight held her hand and led the way.
The knight and the princess were high in the Mid-Tower, Princess Aarilinus’ room. She looked into the knight’s eyes to say good- by to Sir Voles and wished that he could hear her pain. “Good night your highness,” replied the knight as he nodded and left. The princess entered her room and crashed on her bed and instantly went to sleep. Hopefully this dream would be a pleasant one. As the sunset before the Mid-Tower Aarilina slowly closed her eyes and felt herself adrift from the rest of the body.
To be continued . . . . . .
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The King's Retribution
The King's Retribution
Red and Blue Dragon Fantasy LLC.
Ryan Keith Johnson
© Copy Right 2006
© Copy Right 2006
All Rights Reserved.
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