Fairy Tales Versus - Rumpelstilzchen

Once upon a time, long ago in a far distant land named Eragamin, also called by foreigners das Land von der Messe gehäutet, there, lived the last of the Zwerge. His name was Rumpelstilzchen. He was little in size, a common trait of his magical people. There were rumours which told of his immortality but truth be told, he owed his ancient age to his Zwerge blood; a Zwerge could live up to centuries.

The Zwerge were benign and at times would appear to humans in need of help. In fact, they were rumoured to be descendants of angels who came to earth but never returned to heaven.

One day, as Rumpelstilzchen was travelling past a kingdom in Eragamin, he heard of a miller’s daughter who was taken by the king as prisoner because her father boasted to the villagers that she could spin straw into gold without considering the consequences. The king caught wind of his words and wanted to see if it was true for if it was, then he would be the richest king in the land.

In the dead of the night, Rumpelstilzchen visited the tower where the girl was supposedly imprisoned in. With his supernatural ability, he heard the girl’s weeping at the top of the tower.

“How am I going to turn all these straw in this room into gold? I am merely a miller’s daughter who has neither such skills nor such powers. The king has passed the decree. If there is no gold in this room by dawn, he will have my head.”

Heart full with sympathy and compassion, Rumpelstilzchen appeared in the room magically before the girl; her beautiful face glistened with tears. “Poor maiden, I have heard your cries. I will help you spin straw into gold so you may live.”

The Zwerge seated himself in front of the spinning wheel which was placed in the centre of the room, and whirr, whirr, whirr, three turns, and the reel was full. Then, he put another on, and whirr, whirr, whirr, three times round, and the second was full too. And so it went on until the morning, when all the straw was spun, and all the reels were full of gold.

By daybreak, the king was already there, and when he saw the gold, he was sincerely astonished and delighted, but his heart became only greedier. He had the miller’s daughter taken into another room full of straw, which was much larger, and commanded her to spin that also in one night if she valued her life.

The girl knew not how to help herself, and once again cried pitifully. Rumpelstilzchen heard her cries and appeared before her the second time. And again, without any conditions, he promised to help her. He turned the wheel and by morning, had spun all the straw into glittering gold, just as he had the previous night.

The king rejoiced beyond measure at the sight, but still he had not enough of the gold, and he had the miller’s daughter taken into a still larger room full of straw, and said, “You must spin this, too, in the course of this night, but if you succeed, you shall be my wife.”

Even if she is of a commoner’s blood, thought he, I could not find a richer wife in the whole world.

On this third night, the girl wept, just as how she did on the other two occasions. Rumpelstilzchen came to her once more to comfort her. Throwing herself to his feet, she pleaded for his help the final time.

“Powerful and kind sir, please help me this last time for if I can live through this ordeal, I shall be made queen. My family and I will no longer have to live in poverty.”

Rumpelstilzchen watched her sadly. Twice he had used enormous amount of his powers to spin straws into gold for her. He was exhausted from the tasks. It was taxing on him for the usage of his powers hastened him to his deathbed.

“Sweet unfortunate maiden, I cannot help you on this night.”

“No, sir, you must not forsake me. What is it that you want from me? My golden necklace? My golden ring? I will give them to you.”

The Zwerge shook his head remorsefully. “Gold means nothing to me.”

“Then, tell me, gentle sir, what can I give you to please you?”

He thought deeply for a moment. Rumpelstilzchen sighed. If he used his magic again, he was certain he could not live more than twenty years. He decided he could not abandon her but he wished for company in his last dying years.

“Promise me, to give me your first child. When I die, I will return the child to your side.”

Desperate, the girl promised him what he wanted, and thus, he spun the straw into gold, sacrificing a portion of his life force into his magic for her sake. When the king came in the morning and found all as he had wished, he took her in marriage, and the pretty miller’s daughter became a queen.

A year after, she brought a fine child into the world and she never gave a thought to the Zwerge. But Rumpelstilzchen appeared to her in her room on the day her child turned two in the hope that she would fulfil her promise.

The queen was horror-struck, and offered him all the riches of the kingdom if he would leave her the child. She loved her child and could not bear to part with him.

“I told you years ago. Gold means nothing to me. A company is all I need now. I am old and I will die soon. As said, I will return him to you when I die.”

The queen began to lament and cry. Rumpelstilzchen’s kind heart moved for her. But the promise must be kept. It was the way of the Zwerge. “I will give you three days time. If by that time you find out my name, then you shall keep your child.”

So the queen thought the whole night of all the names that she had ever heard, and she sent a messenger over the country to inquire, far and wide, for any other names that there might be. When the Zwerge came the next day, she began with Caspar, Melchior, Balthazar, and said all the names she knew, one after another, but to each of it, the little man said, “That is not my name.”

 

On the second day she had inquiries made in the neighbourhood as to the names of the people there, and she repeated to the manikin the most uncommon and curious. “Perhaps you name is Shortribs, or Sheepshanks, or Laceleg?”

 

On the third day, the messenger came back again, and said, I have not been able to find a single new name, but as I came to a high mountain at the end of the forest, where the fox and the hare bid each other good night, there I saw a little house. I was hungry and needed food to eat. Knocking on the door, a small man came to answer. A meal, he offered to me and a fire to warm my hands. Before I left his home, I thanked him and asked for his name. Strange it was, this name of his, for I have heard none like it: his name is Rumpelstilzchen.”

 

How glad the selfish queen was when she heard the name. She was certain it was the name she had been searching for. But when the Zwerge came to her the third time, he had an odd knowing look in his aged, blue eyes.

 

“What is my name?” he sighed.

 

“Is your name Conrad?”

 

“No.”

 

“Is your name Harry?”

 

“No.”

 

“Perhaps your name is Rumpelstilzchen?”

 

He gradually nodded his head. However, his heart ached at how the queen primarily went against her promise to him. He had saved her three times but she denied him a simple favour. Quietly, he turned away from her and disappeared, broken-hearted, never to appear to help humans for the rest of his shortened life.

 

Rumpelstilzchen placed a curse on mankind that those who do not keep their promises, they will have a short life.

**Partially adapted from the Grimm Brothers' Rumpelstiltskin.

the 3 sentences story

For utter Fun

Title: Victimized

The whole bullying Yuk Shun (a frequent victim of the three of us) into going to school at midnight to prove that the place was not haunted while we would hide ourselves to ambush and scare the living soul out of him idea never agreed totally with me.

 Something had gone terribly wrong because I  found them brutally murdered at their respective stations and I, in horror, had a sick hunch of the murderer’s identity after calling up a third friend who informed me that it was impossible for Yuk Shun to have gone to school since the news on television reported that he had committed suicide late this evening with a suicide letter stating that he could not take the bullying by his schoolmates anymore.

 I did not bother to insist with him that I saw the fellow alive just moments ago for my first instinct was to get the hell out of there and I would too if a bloodthirsty and vengeful Yuk Shun wasn’t standing before my path.

Title: Relationships 101

 Most of my girl friends believe in love at first sight but I say never judge a book by its cover.

 Yet they say love is blind anyway and in my head, I told myself in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king (in this case, it’s two-eyed since I still have both of mine) before I refute them that the wish is the father to the thought.

 If they were to rush in head on into a relationship with the opposite gender, I hope they know the proverb, ‘marry in haste, repent at leisure’ because they should know that it is better to be hated for who you are than to be loved for what you are not.

Title: Ah, The Embarrassment!

 It was the first day of school and I was settling down in my seat next to my new found friend, Joan, when I heard the door opened to admit a very much charming teen.

 He possessed a pair of brilliant, cheery eyes, the perfect nose to go along with his pointed chin and an entrancing smile; his slightly feminine looks was much hidden by his beige hooded jacket, a large t-shirt within, a pair of cargo pants and sneakers.

 Alas, the crush lasted for a mere two seconds as I realized at a second look (to my shock, amusement and extreme disappointment) that the teen was really a girl!

 

(Short story) TOMORROW

‘Remembering with love a very dear wife and valiant mother. Areli Kim Yoong Ri, 7^th August 1975 – 11^th July 2004’

I felt those engraved words upon the gravestone with my fingertips. The two marble angels beside the gravestone witnessed in silence as sorrowful tears rolled down my cheeks. I gave my words to her not to cry during her last days.

But Lord, my heart is weeping; weeping so painfully. With my entire soul, I loved her.

Her funeral ended an hour ago. Our close relatives and friends had long left the cemetery. I stayed behind. Life and Time could wait just this once for me to say my last farewell to sweet Areli.

~*~

“Good morning, Martin.”

“Good morning, doctor.”

The tall man in a white lab coat smiled pleasantly at the small boy who was sitting on a wheel chair under a stout, shady tree. The nurse beside him greeted the doctor as well, informing him that the boy had just undergone his chemotherapy.

“You should rest in your room,” advised the doctor, kneeling down on a knee before the twelve-year-old child, tugging on his blanket to make sure he was kept warm and safe from the late afternoon wind. He was taking a stroll in the hospital’s park where he met one of his cancer patients.

The boy’s eyes saddened. His face was pale and appeared sickly. “Doctor, will I live to see tomorrow’s blue sky?”

The young man observed him. His experience whispered to him that he might not live past that month. Waving the morbid thought away, he said, instead, “Do you want to see it?”

“I do, doctor.”

“Then, you must fight against your illness with everything you have and never lose hope,” answered the doctor as he gripped his shoulder reassuringly.

“But I am tired. Why can’t I be like other healthy children?” questioned Martin.

“Martin, to be alive is a great thing,” he said, “there are times we wish for things we do not have but we often forget what we already have.”

Martin stared at him, distrusting. “What do I have except cancer and pain?”

The other smiled at him meaningfully. “You have your family… and us to support you. You are not alone.”

The gloomy face suddenly lit up with a little but grateful smile.

A soft ring came from the inside of the doctor’s lab coat’s pocket. He fished for his PDA and chuckled to himself. “I have to leave you for now, Martin. My father is waiting for me… Oh, your parents have come to visit you!” he added when he saw a couple headed in their direction.

“Thanks, doctor.”

“No problem, remember what I’ve told you, Martin.”

~*~

“Your wife is currently suffering from advanced breast cancer.” My wife’s obstetrician, Dr. Gao, announced, her countenance filled with professional sympathies.

But let those professional sympathies be damned!

I thought I would cry. It was not the case. I supposed tears would mean grief and grief would mean acceptance. Instead, a white blank appeared in my mind. I simply could not accept it. How could I when Areli looked so perfectly fine, sitting beside me?

“There… there must be a mistake, doctor,” I breathed, my hand unconsciously tightened its clench on hers. I glanced at Areli and back at Dr. Gao. “She can’t be…”

The doctor sighed. She laid out a number of medical reports before me on the desk. I skimmed through them in puzzlement; unable to understand, refusing to understand.

“We’ve run through a mammogram and biopsy with your wife. We detected the tumour too late. The results lead to the diagnosis that she is—”

“I don’t believe you,” I snapped. I did not want her to repeat the cursed words. I fervently hoped that it was all a horrifying nightmare.

“Zane, please,” begged Areli. I held eye contact with her, searching desperately for even a feeble doubt in her. There was none.

Dr. Gao tried to reapproach me. “I’ve checked Mrs. Kyeong’s family medical history. Her mother’s sister was also a victim of breast cancer. This could explain—”

“Look, if you’re so sure my wife is sick; give her whatever treatment is needed! I can pay for it!” I growled, suddenly furious. Why did this have to happen to Areli?

The obstetrician said softly, “The cancer has spread to other parts of her body. I would suggest immediate combined modality chemotherapy but… the womb will not viable with cancer treatments…”

I sank into the chair, limp. I finally understood the dilemma.

~*~

Before I knew it, a tear trickled down my cheek.

The church was vacant—the priest and I were the only occupants. I looked up to the cross which was hung above the altar. Here I was, twenty-five years after Areli’s death, finally confessing to the priest of my grudge against Him.

I wondered why I chose to do this confession now. Was it to ask for God’s forgiveness for blaming Him on taking away Areli away from me? No, I still did not understand why I had to lose her. Perhaps that was it. I wanted to know where He was when I was at my weakest.

~*~

I never had an option. Areli was set firm with her choice. She refused to get rid of the baby. “If I lose this child, I’ll lose the will to fight cancer!” She would not hear of abortion. None of it.

“The cancer treatments will kill our son, yet it cannot guarantee my life but Zane, I will wait long enough so that he will live. It satisfies me to know that my son will be a part of this world. I want him to have the chance to enjoy the sheer joy of living!”

When I heard those determined words from her, I knew I could only stand by her despite my primary objection. Her reasoning was too strong. Moreover, I did not have the heart to deny her wish. I decided she never had to know there was a selfish part of me, which yearned for her to forsake the child to lengthen her own life.

I spent all of my free time with Areli after that. She possessed the strength enough to sustain us. Some of the days were passed peacefully, as though she was not terminally sick. Others I passed in anxiety when her cancer pain struck abruptly. Those were hellish moments. I wanted so much to bear those pains for her. Even so, she would smile and assured me that she was fine.

Areli gave birth to a seven-month-old baby boy. She was so delighted to greet him as his mother. While my son responded well to his care, my wife’s health began to deteriorate in June 2004 although she had begun her chemotherapy. A scan showed that her tumours were still growing. It was obvious. Her cancer was no longer curable.

On the day she died, I was with her, lying beside her. She gripped my hand and I could feel her heartbeats slowing down. I was helpless. We both knew her time was up.

“Take care of Amadeus, Zane… Let him know… I want him to live happily and… thank you, Zane… for loving me. Do not grieve for me because… I am only returning to our Father…”

Those were her last words. She slipped away quietly, a contented smile etched on her lips forever.

~*~

“And did you love your son, Zane?” asked the priest in a fatherly manner.

I nodded once. “Amadeus is Areli’s legacy. I love him as much as I have loved his mother… but Father, where was God when I prayed to Him to keep her safe? Where was He when I cried during her funeral? Where was He when I struggled through all those agonising times?”

The priest sighed, “My child, He has always been with you. You simply did not realise it. Your wife saw that she could not live for long and she chose to leave behind a son for you to ease your pain and loneliness. Because you have your son, you can face tomorrow. He became the reason you live on; the reason to be happy again.”

I gazed at him. “Father…”

“In Latin,” the old priest added, “‘Amadeus’ means… the love of God. That is what your wife gave to you.”

I was awestruck but a voice rang through the church. “Dad, I’ve come to take you home.”

We turned to see my son walking toward us. Amadeus quickly apologised if he was late, telling me that he was with a patient before he came. I stood up from the bench, staring at him, fresh tears wetting my eyes. He was surprised that I embraced him out of the blue. I could not have loved him more as a father.

I returned my attention to the priest. He blessed us both and said, “Go in peace.”

I always asked myself how I would face tomorrow’s world after Areli was gone. Now I knew how I had the strength to carry on all these years. Because I have God’s love, I can continue to face tomorrow.

Rei-kun '07
Inspired by noble cancer mothers who sacrificed their lives for their babies.

KATELION - Book One of Justice

-PROLOGUE-

Freezing, deadly waves towered as they raced fiercely towards a dark cliff of an odd-shaped island. Roaring like a vicious beast, the waves lingered in the air for a split second, as if drawing an air of tension before the kill of the prey. The air surrounding the waves was sucked inwards. The tip of the waves curled in formation. Gravity took place and they regained momentum. They smashed against the cliff and the rocks beneath it; the impact could have easily crushed the bones of a human body.

The wind was ferocious and biting cold. It had always been there, ever since the creation of the world, ceaselessly aiding the stirring and brewing of a never-ending storm. The sky overhead was splashed entirely with black ink; not a star could shine a light of hope in the Sanctuary of Darkness. The lightning and thunders which struck just so often became the finishing touch of the picture.

Deep below the restless sea, a futuristic-like vehicle purged smoothly and effortlessly through a semi-transparent tunnel heading towards its unseen destination with two powerful headlights leading its way. The magnificent carriage which portrayed a miniature space shuttle was built to carry a maximum of three passengers and one pilot. The intricate design of a crest with golden linings on the seats made by the softest material found in Senadon told of an owner who held a taste for elegance and luxury. The diffusion lights from the sides of the carriage shone a chrome yellow. They became the only source of light thousands of feet under this dark sea.

“The wild and undefeated Tempest of Poseidon,” whispered the lone passenger in it. The sight of the dark sea had unconsciously seeped feelings of remorse and pain into him. What was done was done. Regretting his decisions for his actions would not bring any difference to what was yet to come. He was grateful for the silence for the past fifteen minutes. It gave him time to clear his mind. He opened his eyes as he heard of a small beep. We’re here, he breathed.

“Lord Valkyr will be waiting for you in his chamber, General,” informed the pilot through the connection. At the same moment, the door of the vehicle automatically slid open upwards.

The passenger stood up. As he lifted his head, the light caught his metallic mask. The mask symbolized a snake; he looked through the eyes of its slits with its body concealing his left cheek. His wavy, dark blue hair was striking against the yellowish light. His body was hidden beneath a brown cloak. Stepping out onto the dock, he pushed away any excessive feelings and denied all hesitations in him before making his way to meet the most wanted man in Kingdom Katelion.

“I am here to see Lord Valkyr. Let me pass,” the unknown man spoke in a low voice to the two guards who were guarding a pair of ceiling-to-floor doors. He flashed a round medallion of gold that bore a symbol of a black dragon with tattered wings at the guards. Only respected people of the Valkyr Empire were to possess such a medallion. It allowed the carrier the privilege of meeting Lord Valkyr immediately. Unfortunately, the guards hesitated a moment too long.

SLASH!

In a blink of an eye, he drew his sword and slit the throat of the guard standing on his left. The dying guard fell to his knees with his hands clasped around his neck. His eyes were widened with shock and fear as blood splashed from his neck and gurgled through his mouth. He heard a soft ‘thud’ as his whole self hit the ground. The last thing he saw were those mercilessly expressionless, dark eyes glinting from behind the devilish mask.

He withdrew his sword and returned it to its sheath gracefully. It was clear that he was a trained swordsman. Receiving the message, the remaining guard hurriedly but gently knocked on one of the door and announced his arrival a little breathlessly. Granted the permission, he swung the doors open for the man. Once he was in the chamber, the guard closed the doors.

“You bring good news, I suppose?" a male voice rang through the darkened chamber. The voice was cold and harsh. Dark Valkyr did not enjoy being disturbed from his rest.

“My Lord, I have done as you have instructed. Prince Raviex listened to my every word. He has sent his Imperial Army to the city of Grikshan. Other than Sir Damien by his side, Katelion is completely defenceless,” the man reported humbly. He was aware of the irritated note Valkyr placed in his tone, but he was certain that his Lordship would be pleased with his achievement.

“Well done,” said the figure sitting on the large and black armchair with its back facing the man, “You truly are my promising successor, Lazachus.” Valkyr added maliciously as he stroked his neatly-kept, long, silver hair which he always let down. He slowly spun his chair around and faced the man.

“You and your mask,” commented Dark Valkyr idly.

“Please, my Lord,” answered the man, hoping that Valkyr would understand his position.

Valkyr chuckled, clearly amused by his overcautious nature. “Do you really expect to find a spy in my own private study room?” They were words full of pride; over-confidence perhaps. However, his fortress was virtually impenetrable, considering the tight securities protecting it.

“Better safe than sorry, my Lord. I believe you realize that I have a reputation to keep on the Floating Land. Until the day you conquer Katelion, it is best, as we have agreed, that no one knows that I have been in touch with you.”

“Very well, we shall keep it that way then,” drawled Valkyr. Suddenly, he let out a spine-chilling laugh. The man, his face still blank of any expression, slightly bowed his head. As he retreated out of the chamber, he heard Valkyr’s declaration ringing through the thick walls of the chamber.

“Soon, Lazachus, I shall fulfill my forefathers’ destiny; the destiny which I shall rise up to by the written words of the Ancient Prophecy!”

Sir Damien Torrez gazed out from the balcony of his mansion that overlooked the Grand Capital of Katelion. He swirled the glass of divine wine in his right hand unconsciously. It was sunset, a beautiful one, too. But he could not bring himself to enjoy it, no, not when a bad feeling had been disturbing him since the Imperial Army had left for the Northern City, Grikshan. Grikshan had sent out a distress signal for help from the Floating Land as they were attacked by a large army from the Valkyr Empire.

The forty-five year old man sighed. Destruction and chaos had been everyday news throughout the Blessed Land since twenty years ago after General Dark Valkyr showed his true colours and left Katelion. Because of his greed for power and control, Dark Valkyr abandoned his post as one of the best guardians of Katelion and went down to the Blessed Land, accompanied by his supporters. He hid himself and began building his own empire and his army, which eventually grew powerful— powerful enough to threaten the peace and harmony of the world.

Sir Damien smiled bitterly when he remembered the times when he fought side by side with Valkyr in many glorious battles. That belonged to the past. Now, plainly, he was a highly respected and famous knight with great influential power over the Prince. Then again, he pondered about the decision made by the Prince of delivering the Imperial Army to the far north of the Blessed Land. He realized that without the Imperial Army, the Kingdom was vulnerable. He prayed silently for the Kingdom’s sake. Perhaps it was his instinct that was trying to tell him something of which would befall on his beloved kingdom…

“To Katelion,” Sir Damien muttered, raising the glass and gulped down the remaining wine. “May the force be with Thee.”

Chapter 1

“Listen to my tale.”

I

Now which door was it again that led to the Grand Court? The girl asked herself. She had a puzzled look on her face as she walked around uncertainly. She could never remember the ways in the palace even though she practically grew up in it. Every wide and brightly lit hallway looked almost similar in her opinion. The frustrating thing was that no one ever bothered to place signs on the huge doors. How on Senadon was she supposed to know which was the correct pair of doors?

Turning around a corner, she heard voices. The spoken words were unclear to her. As she took a few steps into the hallway, the voices heightened to a crescendo. It sounded like an argument beyond control. She found the doors, which were left slightly opened which allowed the loud voices to resonate in the hallway. Despite the nobilities, they were arguing without reserve.

“We don’t know for sure if it is necessary to send out such a huge force like the Imperial Army to defend Grikshan City,” shot a Minister from the right side of the table.

“Are you saying we’re going to risk the capture of the Northern City by the Valkyr Empire because you assume that no help is needed?” snarled a representative from the Noble Residents who sat directly opposite the Minister who had spoken.

The members of the King’s Court of Kingdom Katelion were made up of three Houses: the House of Lords (the Noble Residents), the House of Knights (the Military Order) and the House of Laws (the Ministers). The head of the House of Knights, Knight Grand Cross Brigadier General Perrin Gyver, had a bored look on his face while watching the others biting their heads off.

It’s always about politic with these people.

“What we are suggesting is that the Imperial Army should remain on the Floating Land. The Imperial Army is the highest defence of Kingdom Katelion. We can’t just send it off all the way to the north!” A second Minister defended their point of view.

“Then what are we supposed to do? Grikshan City gave out a first class distress call. Are we going to ignore it and let our people suffer and die in those traitors’ hands?” flared another Noble Resident, rising from his seat indignantly

“We can always send the Superior Army!” snapped the oldest Minister in fury due to the stubbornness of the members of the House of Lords. “Why must the Imperial Army take up the mission? We couldn’t even confirm if it really is a genuine distress call as we couldn’t establish a connection to the city,” he added briskly.

“Isn’t it obvious?” spoke the same Honoured Resident sarcastically. “The Valkyr Empire is overthrowing the forces of the Kingdom. We can no longer uphold peace without using pure force.”

“How dare you disgrace—”

“Enough!” interrupted a young voice. The argument came to an abrupt pause as it rang through the hall. The King’s Court Ministers and the Noble Residents threw glares of daggers at one another. The tension of the atmosphere was sufficient to keep one stiff in place.

The Military Order, however, kept to their low profile. Their fights were on a battle field, not in a parliament. It was their policy to avoid involvement in politics. Second-in-command, Knight Grand Commander Five-Star General Kelve Hilan did not bother about the other two Houses. The House of Knights served only by the King’s (or the Prince’s, in this case) orders.

“Why do you speak amongst yourselves in such harsh manners? I believe my People would act more appropriately if they were invited to the King’s Court.”

“Forgive me, Your Highness but—”

The hailed one, sitting on the high chair at the head of the long table held out a hand to silence the Resident who tried to address him. He swept his eyes across the table, feeling disgusted and disappointed in his Court. Unity was falling apart quickly amongst them and there was no sign of tolerance at all.

He glanced at his Royal Advisor who stood at his right. He was doubtful of what he should say and he was sorting refuge. Nonetheless, he received only a slow nod, indicating that he must make the decision on his own.

A light grip on his shoulder made him turn to his left to meet the grim face of his trusted childhood friend, Erik Wilgate. Erik leaned close to his ear and whispered solemnly, “We can’t take the chance. The Imperial Army must go.”

He, who is the Instrument of the Light, bears the burdens of the Kingdom.

It was a painful sight for the Royal Advisor. For one so young to undergo the torments of the responsibilities of a king… if only he could spare the Prince a normal and free life. He had taught him everything he needed to be a good king and a decent man. But there were times when he must not assist him and let the Prince gain his own experience in this complicated world.

“Your Highness, please…”

“Colonel Wilgate is right. Please send the Imperial Army immediately, my Prince!” urged the Resident who sat nearest to him.

“Do not interfere with Prince Raviex’s decision, Duke Ralph,” warned the Royal Advisor coldly. The Resident retreated quietly but bitterly for he knew not to get into hot water with the Prince’s right-hand man.

Unexpectedly, Raviex slowly stood up from his throne, looking wearied. He was going to turn seventeen soon in two months or so, yet, he felt like he was seventy ever since he took over his father’s throne.

What would father choose to do if he were still here?

He finally gave his orders.

He was never there for me…

“Send the Imperial Army if you must. Defend the Northern City and protect my people with the grace of the Light.”

“Your Highness, please reconsider!” pleaded the ministers.

Tired of listening to his Court, he began walking out of the Grand Court. The girl who had been listening to the debate quickly hid herself behind a human-size display suit of armour as Raviex pushed open the door and headed off. Occupied with his thoughts, he was completely oblivious to her presence.

Before going after him, the girl caught the words of the Royal Advisor issuing orders to send out the Imperial Army for Grikshan City. Eager to get to the Prince, she hurried after him.

“Perhaps it is time you repeat the official command from the Prince, Sir Damien?” said Duke Ralph in mocked politeness.

Knowing that it was unavoidable, the Royal Advisor raised his gaze at the Court. He could only hope that the decision made by the Prince would turn out with a positive effect.

“By the orders of His Royal Highness, Prince Raviex Katelion, I, as the Royal Advisor, Sir Damien Torrez, hereby proclaim the dispatching of the Imperial Army to the Northern City, Grikshan City. May the Light guide the way and protect the Kingdom from the darkest of threats.”

II

Sweet spring breeze brushed past the wrinkled skin of an old lady. Feeling her throat getting sore and dry, she paused at her words. Regretfully, she knew she was at her limit. Her age was catching up with her a little faster than she thought.

“That is all for today, my children,” the old lady let out a sigh. “I shall continue the story another day when I am not too tired.” She was lying back on a rocking chair, seemingly at rest, leaving her grandchildren in suspense.

“But, Grandmamma, we want you to finish this tale!” pouted the girl of six, pulling at her dress. Her inquisitive heart couldn’t forgive her grandmother for cliff-hanging her and her brother.

“Come now, Kishari, Grandmamma needs her rest. We shall come back tomorrow for more of the story,” beckoned her brother who was four years older than her. He knelt down and allowed her to climb onto his back. He took leave from the elderly woman, receiving a smile and a slow nod from her.

“You promise you’ll take me here again tomorrow, Vekenai?” asked Kishari, placing her tiny arms around his neck. She let out a muffled yawn and rested her head on his shoulders.

He stood up with ease, holding onto her protectively. As he walked down a field of a thousand glorious daffodils, he turned his head to find Kishari already sound asleep.

“I promise, little Kishari, I promise,” he said quietly, smiling at her tender features.

Chapter 2

“Teach me how to forgive and forget.”

I

After leaving his court, Raviex gave no hints as to where he would be as a precaution to prevent any disturbance and interruption during his private moments. If he did not wish to be found, not even the Royal Guards would be able to keep on his tracks. It was natural as he knew the Floating Land better than anyone else, having to explore the land during his free time in his childhood.

Right then, he was standing alone, leaning on the rampart securing Katelion City. He enjoyed the majestic view offered to him. Daiburn City, which was in view, was a dazzling city with captivating buildings. It was not the height but the structures of the buildings that made them unique. The buildings were built to have dome-shaped tops. Their domed roofs were made of tough, green glass that shimmered delightfully under the sun rays. Looking from above, they could easily pass as oversized gems.

How long will my kingdom last?

Raviex’s thoughts sank deeper. He allowed the evening wind to embrace him, soothing his troubled mind. It had been hours since the Imperial Army had left for the Northern City, Grikshan. Everything seemed to be still and peaceful. He really hoped this peace would never be shattered.

Yet, it all felt so wrong. There were those who dreamt to be a ruler but he, a king-to-be, wanted nothing more than to have a taste of a normal life. He craved to roam the Blessed Land, walk among the people without the identity of the Prince and definitely, without the presence of his overprotective bodyguards. Most of all, he just wanted the privilege of doing things without always having to think so much about duties and responsibilities.

Is it too much of me to ask for?

“My son, one day, my throne will be yours. However, until then, you must learn to fulfil your responsibilities as a prince,” spoke a father’s stern voice to his son.

“Responsibilities…” Twelve-year old Raviex sighed. “Father, what if I do not desire to be king?”

Abruptly, King Levon stood up from his throne chair in fury. Young Raviex who was standing before him knew that he had angered his father with his words but he had to get the message across. He only yearned for his father to understand. For an instant, the father and son fixed their similarly blue eyes on one another.

“You are my only son. Who else could rightly be my successor if it is not you, my flesh and blood, a direct descendant of King Leo Katelion? What of the people who need you when I am gone? Do not let your stubbornness hinder your growth as a wise king!” The King’s voice rose steadily. Queen Seraphina went to her husband from her throne chair to calm him down.

“Please, my King, our child is still young. He does not know of what he speaks of,” she comforted, placing a hand on his arm. She tried to mend the situation before it got worse. She was worried for their relationship. Raviex rarely had the opportunity to spend time with his father as the King himself was mostly occupied by work. Certainly, their bond was fragile. The Prince was more accustomed to his mother for she had brought him up and gave him the care and love a child deserved. Nevertheless, her love was not enough to replace a father’s love.

“Raviex is twelve. He will be stepping into early adulthood next year. I will not tolerate anymore of his childish behaviours, Seraphina,” answered King Levon softly, his temper cooling down slightly at the words of his Queen. He laid his eyes on Raviex again, addressing him.

“I do not want your professors entering my throne room reporting that you have missed classes without permission after this meeting. I want to hear that you have a hundred percent attendance for all your classes and that you have passed the Royal Examinations with flying colours, especially in your sword-fighting exam. You barely passed the last time! You will do well to set a good example for the Kingdom’s children and you will learn to be a selfless king, Raviex, a king who is willing to sacrifice for his people,” demanded King Levon firmly.

Raviex looked up at his father, a man he regarded with high respect, in disbelief. “Sacrifice even his family?” he questioned quietly. He turned around, leaving the King speechless. He left the throne room before his father could stop him.

Suddenly, his anger evaporated as King Levon painfully realized his mistakes. Raviex’s words weighed heavily in his chest, as if judgement was passed on him as a father. He had completely neglected his son after the early years of his birth. He was too occupied imposing on Raviex to be the perfect successor but had forgotten that he was also his son. He had always spoken to Raviex as a king, but never as the father Raviex thought he had.

“What have I done, Seraphina?”

Raviex never really understood the reason why his father loved the people to the extent of putting his family second in his priorities. Perhaps he was beginning to see things from his father’s point of view. Then again, it could only be because he was alone, without a family. As much as he was the Prince of Kingdom Katelion, he was nothing else more than an orphan.

You never ask, father, what of your son who needs you when you are gone…

II

“Brother, I’m home!” called out a girl, sixteen years of age with attractive brownish-red hair tied up into a loose bun. Her sharp and intense chestnut eyes swept across the living room of her brother’s home and saw that it was empty. A mouth-watering aroma, nonetheless, filled the air. She immediately concluded that her sister-in-law was cooking at the back of the cottage.

“Christine, honey, Keith’s still in his lab,” an older female voice answered her call. “I’m in the kitchen. Dinner’s almost ready. Could you go get your brother home on time?”

“I’m on it!” She turned on her heels and stepped back into the open. Her ears caught the evening chatter just as she went outside again. It was loud and buzzing all around.

It was the time when men returned from work and did some exchanging of the day’s experience with one another for self-pleasure. Women were gossiping, talking in shrill voices and hands were waved animatedly. Children were laughing and chasing each other in a game of tag. She loved the villagers of Mabluku Territory. They were so cheerful, merry and carefree.

Christine brushed some dirt off her hunting gloves before taking them off as she walked towards her brother’s laboratory which was only a few minutes walk away. She easily inserted her them into the pouch hanging from her waist belt. Just before coming to the door, she let down her hair from her bun, which fell above her waist. She then resumed tying her long auburn hair into a high ponytail, just the way she liked it with her blue satin ribbon.

Knocking on the door, she allowed herself to enter and found Keith watching a screen attentively, absolutely ignorant to the knockings. Like every other buildings in Mabluku Territory, the laboratory was made out of stone walls. The villagers here evolved over time, specializing in hunting and trading due to their environment. The territory existed in the middle of a forest from the beginning. Technology did not play a huge role here. Ironically, Keith’s private laboratory was overwhelmed with state-of-the-art machines and gadgets, completed with access into the Kingdom’s satellites placed in the atmosphere of Senadon.

Christine stood over Keith’s shoulder to take a look at what he was so enthralled about. Her eyes flickered in curiosity. The video taken from a satellite angle revealed a huge army of airborne fighters and war crafts leaving the Floating Land in an orderly fashion earlier on that morning.

“Are they having a drill?” asked Christine sceptically, raising an eyebrow.

“Oddly, no, the army left seven hours ago, give or take, and never returned. You don’t need to be a soldier to know that a drill won’t take that long,” Keith disagreed, shaking his head. Greetings between the siblings were well forgotten.

The girl hit the pause button and peered closely at the screen. She typed in the command for a hundred times zoom-in on a specific part of the frozen picture. There, displayed before her, was a red flag with the code of arms which has a golden lion as its focus.

“That’s the crest for the Imperial Army!” exclaimed Christine. “What are they doing leaving Katelion City? Is there a raging war somewhere that I do not know of?”

“Well, that’s the troubling part. There’s nothing up north, yet, apparently, that’s where the Army is heading,” said Keith. He cleared his throat and continued, “The strangest fact for the day, believe it or not, is that the satellites were locked from the Kingdom. We’re lucky we tapped into the satellites through a different source or we wouldn’t be analyzing these videos too.”

“Are you telling me the Kingdom denied all access for the usage of the satellites?” she blurted incredulously. “But that would be ridiculous. They’re jeopardizing the Kingdom’s security on a very serious term.”

He gave her a quick amused glance. “Oh, trust me. The guys on the Floating Land are not very happy about that. They’ve been trying to recover their control over the satellites the entire day. The satellites’ security wall did not budge a single bit.”

Christine knew he was proud of himself for having to be able to manipulate the satellites when no one could. Keith was a brilliant man; even the smartest man on the Floating Land would have to admit to his genius. Even so, he was humble.

Keith stared at the screen now with a worried and uneasy expression on his face. “Christine, I know you’ve just returned with your hunting squad but… I need you to prepare a fresh squad for patrol tonight. I have a feeling something is hiding behind the shadows of confusion.”

Her mood quickly altered. She resented what she was asked to carry out. She became silent and refused to respond to his order. Keith was not upset by Christine’s abrupt coldness towards him for he understood clearly of her actions. He took her hand into his as he ran through his mind for words to calm her.

“Christine…” he started but was cut off by his younger sister without warning as she let out her fume.

“Brother, you promised that we won’t interfere in any business that concerns the Kingdom, especially one that involves the Floating Land. We’re supposed to only focus on the welfare of Mabluku, keeping a low profile,” said Christine obstinately, putting up her own stand. “I don’t see why we should spend our resources scouting the area and keeping on a look-out just because someone in Katelion City screwed up their codes.”

The elder sibling gave a small chuckle and patted her hand softly. The patting gesture reminded Christine a lot of their late father who, too, used to do the similar action to comfort and assure her when she was either afraid or simply being stubborn. Keith had picked up the habit since their father’s death. At times, she felt fortunate to have such a responsible brother like him. Not only did he take up the role as a brother, he had to compensate for the loss of their parents by acting as her guardian.

“My dear Christine, I am protecting Mabluku this way. We must ensure that throughout the night, nothing could endanger the villagers. My instincts might be wrong but prevention is always better than the cure itself. I do not ask you to fight for the Kingdom herself. All I ask of you is to keep us save,” he explained. Keith took another look at the screen and then at her. “You are chosen by the god of Righteousness, Calith, himself. You are a protector, a Yamist.”

Christine’s eyes saddened and portrayed deep sorrow and despair at his last few words.

“I… am a protector, a Yamist.”

III

The girl stirred as she felt a thick material brushed against her skin. She tugged lightly on it until it came into her mind that someone had placed it over her. A gush of hope and anticipation blew her awake.

“Raviex!” she gasped, opening her eyes only to find a Cerulean-haired guy half-kneeling before her, surprised and embarrassed by her jolt of movement. She winced at her mistake and apologized to him for it. The other merely smiled sheepishly. “What are you doing here, Erik?” she added.

“You’re not the only one who’s worried about Raviex, Kairalina. Were you not here to wait on him?” Erik asked the obvious, trying to keep the conversation going, also to escape an awkward feeling growing in him.

Kairalina nodded twice. There was a distant look in her hazel eyes as her thoughts wandered off to Raviex. Earlier in the day, she had given full effort to trail him but she was unable to keep up. He was someone whom she held special feelings for. However, it was undeniable that every time he disappeared into nowhere, she was frustrated. Not to mention the feeling of disappointment and hurt she experienced. They were in a special relationship for two years already. Still, somehow, she sensed that he had not wholly submitted to her.

She breathed out purposefully, defeated. “Both of us know how stubborn Raviex can be. I guess it’s pointless of me waiting here.” Kairalina let the blanket slip off her, exposing her bare shoulders, as she came to her feet. Her long cherry-blossom pink dress fell right above her sandals; the dress carefully outlined her curvaceous body. “He will return only when he wishes to,” she continued, heading for the bed chamber’s pair of doors.

Erik blinked absent-mindedly and chided himself for zoning out, mesmerized by her feminine beauty, which, in his opinion, was as close to perfection as he could possibly imagine, like how the stars were described as the closest to the heavens. He went ahead of her and courteously opened the doors for her. “May I have the honour of walking this fair lady home?” he requested teasingly, slightly bowing while disguising his voice in a deep tone with a thick accent.

The eighteen-year-old girl giggled and accepted his chivalry lightly. She walked out of the bedchamber with him by her side. As they disappeared round the corner of the hallway, a new pair of footsteps was heard. It stopped in front of the doors leading to the Prince’s private chamber.

Raviex opened the doors and took a stepped in. his eyes instantly caught the sight of a milky-coloured cotton blanket, half fallen off the day-bed. “Kairalina,” he muttered knowingly to himself. She was here. His chamber was filled with her sweet, indulging scent. Though perhaps, it was better that she was gone. Company was not what he needed right then.

Exhaustion caught up with him. He waved Kairalina out of his mind, resting his tired body on his illogically huge bed. He did not bother to have a change of clothes, nor pull the drapes of curtains around his bed. A good night sleep was all he needed, and a piece of thought that tomorrow would be a brighter day.

The time was 2117 hours.