The color of Divinity I - The delusion of reality

The color of Divinity
By Ellnyon

Welcome to the last chapter of TCD, Part I. It’s a somewhat poor chapter but I still honestly hope you enjoy reading it. As always, if you can spare the time, please leave me a word or two, it would make me incredibly happy. And, of course, I’d like to deeply thank all readers especially those who rate, review and encourage my work. You’re amazing, I love you all.

YACUMO: First of all, thank you so much for your kind words. I’m very flattered and extremely glad you think that way. Thank you. As I promised, this is the last chapter of Part I. Finally. Haha. And it ends with a surprise…or not. :) I honestly hope you won’t be disappointed with the plot. Thanks for reading and reviewing my work. I pray you continue to do so. Once more, thank you so much for your fantastic feedback. Kisses!

bambi4real: As always, thank you so much for your amazing reviews. I guess the chapter was a bit surprising due to its dark contents and the nasty death of Rya. The poor guy was doomed since his creation. :) This was the end I had planned for him since the beginning. I really wanted him to be the first to die in the war. Let’s see if I have the courage to really kill a character I love so much…It took me a lot of time to write that first scene and, to tell the truth, I wasn’t so sure it had turned out okay. I’m glad you think I did a good job. Thanks for the warning on the word errors, as well. Again, thanks for the great feedback. Please continue following this story. I hope it never disappoints you. Kisses!

boring_neko19: Thank you so much for your always great feedback. Haha. Who knew I could write such a sad ending to their love. Despite everything I love Rya and Delaen. But his sacrifice suits Rya’s personality so well. Always the big brother, the loyal friend, the caring lover. The very opposite of Nlie’sieri. He could have lived, he knew how he would die, but he still chooses to sacrifice himself to save the one he loves. This is so Ryaen’ne. I really want him to die. (My first victim. Mwahahaha). And his death would be important to the plot and character development, too. Still, I don’t know if I can keep him dead, I love him too much. To make up for the lack of it in the previous, this chapter is all about Meanea, Edyane and Iadden. :) I hope you keep following and liking this story. Again, thank you for the great reviews. Kisses!

sansan: First of all, thank you for the amazing review and your flattering, kind words. Of course I don’t mind, I’m grateful for your comments. About the background and characterization, I think these are important to this kind of story, because many of the characters’ actions are due to their social environment and personality, but I also know that I can get carried away describing things, so I’m very glad you like it.:) Edyane does fall in love with Meanea, but they have much separating them. Too many obligations and duties as you’ll see. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t be together in the end. I’m not saying they will, either, though. A whole war is coming between them. A war that may change them. I guess it depends to where the plot carries me. Iadden and Edyane’s relationship is confusing right now. Iadden is too young to realize his feelings and Edyane is too impatient to discriminate his. That’s why he can’t really tell if he hates or likes the boy. Iadden is perhaps more central to the political plot than his brother, but they are equally important regarding the romance. Iadden is a kind person, but he is selfish, possessive and somewhat bitter in this chapter. The fact he was raised to be insensible, cold and strict doesn’t help either. He has to grow up and solve the internal conflict he suffers from. And, like you said, he isn’t allowed to show how much he loves his brother but he does care a lot for him. Well, that is the great question. If you asked Iadden himself why he is wary of Edyane's early attentions for his brother at this stage, he would claim it is because of the LAW, of his brother’s commitment, of his family’s name. Of course those aren’t the only reasons. Iadden, like you and Midaen’niel say, feels something for the Prince. He is too young to name it but the jealousy is there. Yes, Edyane is more wise and reliable than even he gives himself credit for. Haha. I wish you keep reading and hopefully liking the story. Again, thank you so much for the wonderful feedback. Kisses!

Itara: Once again, thank you for your lovely review and kind words. I had planned Ryaen’ne’s death since the beginning, but right now I’m not so sure. It’s sad and cruel, but this was Ryaen’ne’s choice. He was warned about it and he had time to ponder it. In the end Delaen’niel mattered more to him than any suffering or even his own life. I really like both of them…I’m kind of curious to see what is going to happen, too. :) I hope you continue reading and liking this story. I’m always grateful for you amazing feedback. Thank you, again. Kisses!

Previously in TCD: It’s very uncommon for an Ethen to marry outside of his country. Still, Meanea Guinare, a noble Ethen came to N’Alaera to do so with its king: Fenaleos. Iadden, Meanea’s younger Eth brother, favours this marriage for their family’s sake. He’s at odds with N’Alaera’s prince, Edyane, who’s infatuated with Meanea and is against the wedding. Also Iadden’s tutor, Mieri, is plotting a way to stop the marriage so he can claim the Guinare’s heritage. If this wasn’t enough, Meya’s second prince has been meeting in secret with the Death Whisperers’ race who are about to ignite a war against the North Alliance that same week. He has promised them the life or the support of the recently found Dark-haired Ethen of the Legends, in exchange for Meya’s crown. Oblivious to this, N’Alaera continues the celebrations of the royal wedding. However, with the arrival of Meya’s first and third prince, things change. Will they finally open their eyes to the upcoming war? Will they believe Iadden, whose terrifying skills were proven in the Tournament, is the Maguenta’s Heir? Will Edyane fulfil his obligations and lead N’Alaera to war or will he stay and keep his father from marrying the man he believes he’s in love with? And Iadden? Will Edyane manage to prevent the child he has grown fond of, from going to a deadly war?

Part I
Chapter 16

The serpentine road to the highest peak of the Mague’s was long, sheer and bumpy, therefore the important journey was taking longer than expected.

The first two thirds of the way had gone remarkably quickly, the pilgrims’ mood cheerful and excited with both the prospect of the party later that day and the beautiful scenery that could be seen from the giant mountains’ path.

However, the closer the procession of carriages got to the summit of the tall mountain, the slower the horses moved. And, unfortunately, not even the enthralling sights and future plans could distract the passengers from the fatigue and pain of several hours riding uneven, steep and tortuous ground for long.

With the spirits calming down, a definitely more fitting ambience concerning the occasion was created. And it suited Meanea’s greyish disposition a lot better, too.

Travelling in the last and biggest of all carriages in the parade, Meanea pretended, with composure forcefully acquired during his early years, that he was serenely admiring the view from his place near the window.

Stretching beyond the large mass of brilliant, bluish water which were the Maguerer and his sinuous tributaries, N’Alaera’s emerald plains emerged along with dark green foothills and turfs of forests here and there in the distance. They made for a peaceful but at same time awing sight. Breathing in the light winds and bathing in the warming rays of springtime, together with the rivers and the Mague’s, they also created the feel for new life and the beginning of one of nature’s fresh cycles.

Also Meanea was beginning a new cycle in his life. Today he was finally going to fulfil his dearest dream. The one who had been stripped away from him two years ago when his promised one had unexpectedly died: he was going to get married. But he didn’t feel like the happiest man in the world…why? He would give his child brother a family; hopefully create one of his own…thus, why was he so sad?

An auburn-haired boy’s smile answered his question. A boy, yes, for Edyane was hardly a man yet, by either Eth or human’s standards. But, sometimes, his words and actions revealed the adult he had waiting inside of him. And those moments had become more frequent in the week Meanea had been in N’Alaera, according to Fenaleos.

Edyane had not been behaving like he usually did, especially since they had talked that night. He had in some ways, mentally developed overnight. The most surprising thing was his interest in affairs of state and politics, discussing them overtly with Meya’s King, his royal Court and the Council representatives that had arrived two days ago. He had spoken like a true expert, astonishing his own court and his own Father. Even Iadden had been shocked silent on numerous occasions.

Anyway, Meanea didn’t know if he ought to be happy or sad with the prince. His sudden maturity was a good thing on the one hand but on the other, it was kind of disappointing to the Ethen. It meant Edyane wouldn’t do something foolish to stop this wedding. What should make Meanea happy, supposedly…but somehow didn’t.

The Ethen knew they had agreed, quite a few times, during the past five days, to simply remain friends. And it had been Meanea insisting on it that very first time, his conscience demanding it. It had been the right thing to do. He knew it WAS the right thing to do.

Still, the more he got to know the prince, the more Meanea desired they’d find a solution in which they could stay together. The Ethen had been looking forward to a lot more resistance from the prince. In his wildest thoughts he had even wished for a dreamy ending like those of romantic novels.

However, now it was Edyane who wanted things as they were. It made Meanea wonder: didn’t he mind that the Ethen was marrying his father, after all? Meanea didn’t have the courage to prevent this marriage by himself… What would become of him? He couldn’t hurt Fenaleos like that, let everybody down. He had his family’s name to think of, his position, his obligations to society…

Perhaps the prince didn’t love him as much as he claimed. Perhaps he was wiser than he appeared. Or maybe he had some other reason behind the obvious ones. Which, if he had, he had yet to share it with him. And that made Meanea furious.

If nothing else, the Ethen and the prince had at least become good friends over the last few days. He had trusted Edyane with his troubles. Meanea had thought the auburn-haired human had opened his heart to him as well…

Now, not only were his cousins hiding things from him, Edyane probably was too. He looked at his travel companions.

Iadden was out like a light in Sir Athios’ lap, under the watchful and worried gaze of the Captain. The small Eth had been sleeping a lot, lately. Today, he had fallen asleep as soon as the carriages started moving and after more than seven hours, he had yet to awaken. Lessin Sanari looked at the child equally troubled. They didn’t say anything to him, of course, but he had overheard his servants, earlier that morning, commenting on his brother’s unusual exhaustion when even the physicians found no apparent cause for it. Perhaps the boy was falling ill with some odd disease…

Meanea was quite ashamed he hadn’t noticed it before, but he had had so much on his mind… Surprisingly, it had been Edyane who had alerted him to it. And when he really thought about it, he realized that Iadden hadn’t, in fact, been the same energetic child since the day of the Tournament.

If that wasn’t enough, Iadden hadn’t been the only one acting weird. Midaen’niel, sitting right in front of him, clung to his brother like he had never done before. Sometimes you could even see the boy with teary eyes. When Meanea had asked, Ryaen’ne had kissed his brother’s golden locks and had muttered something about unfair nightmares with a sad smile.

But also Ryaen’ne looked distracted and a little too gloomy. With an arm around his Ethen brother, he fingered a strange necklace Meanea had never seen before while gazing outside his window, lost in thought. The unusual sight of his cousin wearing jewellery spiked the older Ethen’s curiosity.

“What a peculiar and beautiful gem, Ryaen’ne, where did you get it?” He asked, startling his cousin out of his reverie. The blond Eth looked down to the single bead shaped as a large blue tear held by a thin golden chain.

“Oh, this?” He said, arching his eyebrows in confusion. “It was a gift. From Iadden. He gave it to me, this morning.” Everyone looked at Ryaen’ne in some surprise, excluding Midaen’niel and Iadden who kept sleeping.

“From my brother…? I wonder where he bought it…” Meanea commented softly while glancing at the child in Athios’ lap, other thoughts claiming his mind and the odd necklace quickly forgotten. Said Captain, however, narrowed his eyes at the boy, a suspicious and displeased frown marring his brows. Then he turned to the young Siekih lord.

“May I see it, Milord?” He politely requested. Ryaen’ne arched an eyebrow, but eventually shrugged.

“Sure, Sir Athios.” Reaching with a hand behind his neck, he unfastened the gold chain and handed the necklace to the older man. The black-haired Captain nodded in thanks and inspected the innocent droplet for a moment, whereas the others marvelled at its brilliant and swirling nature. Finally satisfied, he returned the jewel to its owner.

“This is why he’s been so tired…” He commented with an, at the same time, irritated and relieved sigh, glaring at the boy’s hair. “Maguenta uses vile ways when he burdens small children with dangerous and powerful knowledge.” He whispered, angered, as an afterthought.

“What do you mean, Sir Athios?” Meanea asked worried, at the same time everybody looked at the Captain. Taking his Lessin words’ as an order, he explained his statement.

“I’m afraid this is my fault.” He started. “Milord Iadden didn’t buy that bead, Milessin. That’s a crystallized reflect spell. Made by him. He found this magic charm on a highly advanced book in N’Alaera’s palace’s library. I saw it and forbid him from doing it. It demanded too much life energy. I didn’t dare to attempt it and normally Iadden waits for my approval and supervision before trying harmful enchantments much less performing them, so I didn’t suspect of this being the cause for his overtiredness. Still, he’s only a child and I should’ve known better.” Ryaen’ne’s eyes widened and he looked at Iadden’s sleeping form and then at his brother shying in his arms.

“Then he is going to be okay?” Lessin Sanari asked with a gentle tone, caressing the soft dark hair. Athios huffed and nodded.

“Once he has rested enough.” Meanea breathed relieved. One less thing to worry about.

“Those are good news.” He affirmed with a smile. Ryaen’ne sighed, unhappy.

“Did you tell Iaddy?” He asked in a low tone so that the others wouldn’t listen in while glaring at his Ethen brother. Midaen’niel nodded softly with teary eyes.

“You do realize Iadden could be dead right now because of it?” Midaen’niel sobbed and nodded. Ryaen’ne sighed again but then kissed his brother’s head with affection. Turning his eyes to the brilliant gem, he whispered, mournfully.

“Maguenta has indeed vile ways when he burdens small children with dangerous and powerful knowledge…”

&&&&&&&

Contrarily to what one might think upon learning of the significance of Maguenta’s High Temple and his connections to History and Legends, the huge monastery was not that luxurious of a building. It was rather simplistic, in fact, lacking gold, silver, jewellery or whichever other adornments of any kind. Only its tall gateway and overall huge dimensions implied its importance and made of it quite an imposing sight.

Completely constructed of the Mague’s strong granite, this temple was famous for its lateral high towers, where the priests and monks retired for their mantras; its vast marble cathedrals where incense burned all day long and the large cloisters where the monks trained their millenary fighting arts, rounding courtyards where almost every kind of medicinal herbs grew.

Maguenta’s High Temple had been built on the highest peak of the Mague Mountains, near the ravine where the Eths’ God of Gods had descended upon the Earth. It was said that one of its towers led to the exact site where the God had lived, but only the High priests knew where it was and only Maguenta could allow entrance to it, a magic barrier protecting the place.

However, this temple wasn’t only related to that legend. He was the symbol of the North Alliance. He had been a gift to Maguenta from the first Maguenta’s Heir. In an era of bloody wars, a human boy had made a promise to the God: he’d build the largest temple to adore Maguenta if the God gave him the wisdom, the strength and the faith to unite forces with N’Alaera’s neighbouring countries and expel the cruel Death Whisperers from their lands.

It is said that as long as Maguenta’s High Temple remains standing and Maguenta’s order of monks exists, the North Alliance will never be broken. That is the order’s ultimate goal: to ensure peace among the countries of the North.

Either the people’s belief or Maguenta’s strong presence in the temple, the fact is that the monastery was a structure full of mystical feeling, whose walls gleamed with unnatural light, inspiring peace, serenity and devotion to all. Many pilgrims visited it every month. But this pilgrimage today was different.

Today, N’Alaera and Meya’s people, as well as many dignitaries from the other countries and royal families weren’t here in the High Temple just to glorify Maguenta. They were here to celebrate N’Alaera’s king’s marriage with an Ethen of high nobility, Meanea Guinare…

&&&&&&&

Meanea entered the long nave of the cathedral, filled with lovely flowers, hand in hand with king Fenaleos. The chorals sung by the Maguenta’s monks echoed on the domed ceiling and calmed his beating heart.

As he passed by the seats full of important people, many of which he owed so much and couldn’t afford to disappoint, he chastised himself for his previous doubts and shameful thoughts. This was his destiny and he should feel lucky for it. His husband-to-be was a very venerable and kind man. A man who, above all else, adored his family and his country.

Looking ahead to the altar, he felt Maguenta’s blessing on his life. The God had tested him and he had almost succumbed to temptation. In the end, Edyane had been much wiser than him. After all, Fenaleos would love him dearly and if Meanea ever needed the mere throbs of passion, he would always have the sweet remembrance of a striking romance with a charming prince. A love story which had been an illusion from the very beginning.

With Maguenta’s light illuminating his path, and with his heart finally free of doubt and filled with admiration and care for his promised one, Meanea thanked the God of Gods, and for the first time that day, truly smiled in joy.

When he glanced to the front seats of the cathedral, he saw his smile mirrored in the faces of his family, his friends and his dearest benefactors: his uncles, Lord Siekih and Meya’s King. The latter had even insisted on journeying to N’Alaera, despite his severe illness, to be there for him on this awaited day. But, most importantly, he could see a similar smile in his brother’s eyes and lips, who in his happiness, had even forgotten his mask, and in Edyane’s face, who nodded at him, extremely content for both the Ethen and his Father.

After that, the ceremony began and it couldn’t be more perfect. Like he was sure, the rest of his married life would be.

&&&&&&&

The High Temple’s long dining hall had rarely been as lively as it was today. The reception was rich in variety and quantity with every kind of delicacies and everyone seemed to be delighted with the banquet and the entertainment which consisted of music, exotic dancers and jesters.

Fenaleos couldn’t be happier. Everything was going on smoothly, as he and his advisors had planned. The ceremony had been beautiful and his guests seemed to be also enjoying the feast which had started afterwards.

A crystalline chuckle to his right side was heard and he turned to the sound. His husband was laughing quietly at something a fellow Ethen was saying and his eyes shone with mirth. More important than everything else was that Meanea looked blissfully comfortable, too, and N’Alaera’s king was immensely glad for it.

He had watched attentively the friendship forming between his son and his promised one in the last few days and for a moment he had thought this marriage would not come to happen. That something other than friendship was developing as well. Luckily for everyone his worst fears had been just that. Fears. And everything had turned out well.

Unfortunately, now he had other matters in his mind to attend and worry about. He had been approached by Meya’s King and their Council about the incoming war two days ago, on the same day of their arrival to N’Alaera’s capitol. The problem was that his feelings about the subject had not changed since the day of the tourney when he had first heard about it. He still thought they were being too hasty jumping to conclusions…and to action.

He had promised them an answer on the day after his weeding, which meant tomorrow. He didn’t want to ruin this party for his promised one. Because he knew the answer he was going to give would not please the Eths. Not in the very least.

He would consider sending a small force in order to evaluate the situation in the North Alliance’s southern countries, just to appease the warrior race, but N’Alaera’s whole army was out of the question unless he had a very good reason. He had discussed the issue with his advisors and they had all agreed that entering the Death Whisperers’ territories with full armed armies was asking for trouble and a waste of capital.

Besides, it would take at least one week to assemble the total of N’Alaera’s armed forces scattered around the country. In order to leave tomorrow with the Eths, Fenaleos should only be able to mobilize the small army stationed at the capitol. And those men would have to suffice…

Lost in his thoughts, the brown-haired king almost missed the messenger, who had discreetly entered the dining room, heading directly to Lord Behevoir. He spoke in hushed, hurried tones and the Count’s eyes widened as he heard the man. After a short whispered exchange, the servant excused himself and left the room.

The Count rose, then, from his chair and neared his king. Fenaleos became apprehensive when he noticed the alarmed look in his trusted advisor’s features.

“Sire, my spies in the countryside arrived today with very confusing news.” The teal-eyed nobleman whispered to the king’s ears only.

“Go ahead.” Fenaleos encouraged. Count Behevoir was a reliable friend and the king knew he would not bother him at this time if it wasn’t something of the utmost importance.

“My spies have reported that the armies are already two days away from the Sacred Wall.” He continued in the same low tone.

“Armies? Whose armies?” Fenaleos gasped aloud, so distressed he was not thinking straight. His dining companions all turned to him, except for his son and his human friends who kept eating in silence. The teal-eyed nobleman gazed a little surprised at his king, as well. Then he looked around the table and his eyes hardened at the sight of his own son, calmly sipping from a glass of red wine.

“Our own, sire.” He finally answered still glaring at Quera. The king looked relieved for a moment before the meaning of his advisor’s words caught up to him. He gasped again and turned to the Count.

“Our armies?” He enquired in disbelief. “I didn’t order them to assemble, much less march to the South.” He affirmed, baffled. Edyane raised his head at that, confirming the Count’s suspicions.

“I did.” He affirmed, nonchalantly. N’Alaera’s king looked at him in shock along with most of the table.

“You?” Fenaleos asked, somewhat afraid of the answer he knew would come.

“Yes, and I plan on joining them with the capitol’s army, soon. I will leave tomorrow at the break of dawn alongside the Eths’ troops.”

Whereas the Eths in his table, mostly Meanea’s family and a few closer friends, looked satisfied with N’Alaera’s prince’s words, his father and his advisors, who were also sitting at their table, kept staring at him in stupor, as if they couldn’t quite understand them. Edyane sighed at their obliviousness.

“Stop denying what is evident, all of you. There is a war going on and we have to be prepared before we are too late.” He claimed, confident.

Meanea, who had been sitting beside Fenaleos in a very confused state until those words had sounded, gazed at Edyane in astonishment.

“A war…?” He murmured softly. Glancing, then, at his cousins and family, he figured it out. Neither of them seemed astounded. Nor even Iadden. They had known all along. Despite their guarantees, they really had been keeping secrets from him. All of them. Meanea couldn’t exactly pretend he didn’t understand their motives. However, that didn’t make him feel any less mad.

“How many urgent missives have you received this past week from the Southern countries requesting your immediate aid, Father?” N’Alaera’s prince was saying, unaware of Meanea’s glare aimed at him.

“And I will dispatch a small force to aid them and assess what’s going on, but it seems to me that sending our entire army to deal with a small scuffle is just too much.” Fenaleos argued, finally recovering from the apparent daze. Edyane shook his head. It was pointless to quarrel with his father about this. He would never agree with him. That was why Edyane and Quera had assembled N’Alaera’s armies behind his back. His father and his advisors were too accustomed to peace to realize they were in a war already. How disgraceful. The Death Whisperers were conquering countries while they fought amongst themselves.

“I agree with King Fenaleos.” A soft voice, speaking in a strange accent, was heard from a little farther on the long table. The humans and the Eths all turned to the origin of the sound. The words belonged to an Eth boy with shiny chin-length red hair and big sapphire blue eyes.

“Why send our entire armies, when a small force is certainly enough to solve whatever problem they have there?” Meya’s second prince continued with an elegant shrug.

“Really, sometimes I wonder how weak the Council thinks we are. We, Eths, have the best warriors in the world. And N’Alaera also has the greatest fighters. They certainly can’t be compared to the ‘farmers’ defending the southern countries. My brother’s knights will definitely take care of their small threats with a few strikes. In my opinion, dispatching so many men will only be waste of time and resources.” He concluded in a mix of arrogance and sophistication.

Fenaleos smiled at the boy, not having expected support from the part of the Eths, much less a young prince.

“Thank you, Prince Nlie’sieri.” He bowed. The boy shrugged and nodded.

“Finally a young man with a sense of reality…” Count Behevoir, who had returned to his place at the table, murmured harshly to his son in a reproachful tone. Quera merely sighed in annoyance.

Meanwhile Delaen’niel was smiling at his younger brother. “I think it’s you who believe I’m immortal, my brother. Not even my knights are good enough to handle this task all by themselves.” He commented in a friendly tone. Nlie’sieri frowned at his older brother and crown prince of Meya.

“Not at all, Brother.” He affirmed in his pleasant tone. “You know I would die if something were to happen to you. But I know the extent of your abilities, that’s all. You’re just too humble to recognize it.” Delaen’niel smiled softly at that.

“You’re just too gullible, Nlie’sieri.” He commented. His brother shrugged, not convinced but remained silent. Iadden, however, had something to say.

“Gullible?!” He stated in his childish falsetto. “He is amazingly false, that’s what he is.”

“Iadden!” So many voices had risen in reprimand at his words that the black-haired boy couldn’t exactly tell who they had been. Though he had his suspicions.

One voice which wouldn’t scold Iadden for his comment would be Athios’. Something told the Captain (one of his many feelings he supposed) that Nlie’sieri was not a good boy. The young prince was too deceiving for his tastes. And, in this case, well, he also didn’t feel like admonishing Iadden for speaking his mind. Seeing as the Captain wasn’t in a position where he could speak his.

Midaen’niel agreed with Iadden, of course, so he also remained silent.

Edyane exchanged looks with Quera and they both smirked at Iadden. No one could deny the brat’s courage. Clever, forward and straight to the point. In the end he had said what they had been thinking. And Edyane, for once, wanted to pat the boy on the back. He didn’t like the superiority reflected in the second prince’s words. And he didn’t trust him. At all. For, or he was an idiot, which Edyane didn’t think it was the case, or he was trying to fool them all…

“My cousin, it pains me so much that you always think such horrible things about me…I happen to believe you’re the strongest knight in Meya and I’d be honoured if I could accompany you. You don’t know much I hurt, not being considered strong enough to go with you, Cousin Ryaen’ne and Brother to this war.” Nlie’sieri replied politely with a sorrowful look on his face.

Of course this was another bomb falling over Meanea’s head. And Fenaleos visibly cringed. Edyane smirked at Nlie’sieri. Nope, that boy wasn’t definitely an idiot, which only confirmed Iadden’s words. Who, by the way, was glaring daggers at his innocent-looking cousin. Fortunately, also N’Alaera’s prince had news about the same topic.

Meanea’s distress was obvious as he questioned everyone at the same time, very near tears. Iadden, against all odds and typical Eth behaviour, forgot his rage at Meya’s second prince and left his seat to hop into Meanea’s arms, comforting his brother with a tight hug.

The love of his dainty child brother and his sweet scent calmed the Ethen like no one other could in that situation. Finally, Meanea took a deep breath and in a mix of anger and despair, turned to his family and friends awaiting an explanation. Edyane opened his mouth to start, but Ryaen’ne beat him to it.

“Iadden was to lead one of Meya’s armies and become one of our generals. Those were the Council’s deliberations.” Held firmly by his brother’s arms and perched on his lap, Iadden frowned in confusion behind his mask as he heard Ryaen’ne speak about his supposed fate in the past tense. His cousin continued his explanation, however, and Iadden lost his opportunity to ask.

“We all tried to make them change their minds, Milessin. Father, me, even His Highness, Prince Delaen’niel and His majesty, Our Venerable King. Unfortunately none of us had any success. Their viewpoints are powered by the words of Meya’s High priests and the Dark-haired Ethen’s. They believe Iadden is the Maguenta’s Heir.” Meanea frowned.

“Maguenta’s Heir? The Dark-haired Ethen? Who…?” Ryaen’ne shrugged.

“Maguenta’s priests claim they found him. Apparently he’s been living with them and guiding their prayers.” Meanea looked surprised for a second but then he remembered the problem at hand.

“No matter. It is already painfully when we have to send men to war. Maguenta knows I’ll suffer enough with you and Edyane...” Meanea’s eyes widened as he grasped the meaning of his own words. Edyane would be marching to war, too. He turned to the prince, who smiled apologetically. Meanea took a shaky breath as he held his so smaller brother in his arms and said, resolute.

“No. My brother is practically a baby. Maguenta’s Heir or not, he is too young. I won’t let him go.” Iadden raised his head at that.

“I’m no baby, Brother. I’m strong and fast. I can fight really well, too. And I studied very hard. If I can aid our armies, then I’m really happy I can go. Really, really happy. Please, I’ll be with cousin Ryaen’ne and His Highness, prince Delaen’niel. I will behave properly, I promise, and I will help them the best I can.” He requested vehemently with a strong voice. Meanea simply shook his head. That wasn’t something he could grant the boy.

“That’s exactly what I’m afraid of, Iadden.” Ryaen’ne reprimanded in a chilling voice that surprised everyone. The boy stared frozen at his cousin, who had always treated him so nicely. “Usually your best ends with you almost killing yourself and hurting those around you. A war is not a training camp. You think you will help us, but truthfully, you’ll just be in our way. We will jeopardize our own safety to protect you and you’ll end up killing us all!”

Iadden’s mask disappeared as he became wounded with Ryaen’ne’s hard stare and cruel words, losing control of his magic.

“I will not, I will not, I’ll be careful. I can fight. I’m sure I can help you and his Highness. You said…they said…I’m good…Sir Athios, tell him.” The boy left his brother’s arms and went to the Captain, standing upright against the wall behind them, searching for some kind of aid to his desperate cause. But the Guard remained impassive as he had been all day. Ryaen’ne scoffed humourlessly, drawing everyone’s attention back to himself.

“Sir Athios? Sir Athios begged us to stop you from going.” The youngest Siekih lord said. Iadden turned to Athios again only to see the Captain looking sideways with his jaw set. It was all the confirmation the boy needed. Ryaen’ne continued his rebuke.

“And you certainly can fight. For a day. Then you spend the next six days sleeping. What do you think? That our enemies will give you six days of rest after every battle? You really are only a child! You are too small and weak to go with us. Put that in your head, Iadden.” By this time, the small Eth boy had, obviously, ran out of arguments. Silently, he returned to his seat with his head down, and kept staring at his folded hands in his lap. Still, with his mask absent, everyone could see the tears falling from under his lashes while he cried without making a sound.

Delaen’niel didn’t know who he should feel sorrier for. Iadden or Ryaen’ne. Speaking like that to his precious Blue bird and seeing him suffer because of it had to be hurting his best friend in a way he didn’t dare to imagine. But Meya’s first prince knew, as well as Ryaen’ne surely did, that that was the only way they could ensure the boy remained in N’Alaera and didn’t travel with them anyway, hidden in a chest or something…

“Still, I don’t think you have a choice, cousin. The Council is adamant, isn’t it?” Nlie’sieri asked from his seat next to Delaen’niel.

“Fortunately, Iadden will get to stay with his brother. Thanks to Prince Edyane.” The strawberry-blond prince answered his brother, nodding at N’Alaera’s heir. Iadden looked immediately up with a perplexed frown. Nlie’sieri arched an eyebrow, also glancing up at Edyane. The human prince simply dismissed it with a shrug and a weak smile.

“What do you mean?” Meanea asked in turn with a shine of hope in his eyes, the aquamarine orbs travelling from his cousin’s face to Edyane’s. It was Ryaen’ne who answered.

“His Highness, Prince Edyane made a ‘deal’ with the Council. If they wanted N’Alaera’s support, children could not be sent to war. That included Iadden. Of course the Council is still wise enough to prefer N’Alaera’s armies to my cousin. He managed to do what we all couldn’t.” The tall Eth knight concluded with a grateful nod, while the referred amber-eyed prince became the centre of the table’s attention.

Iadden stared at the auburn-haired human, taken aback. The human prince smiled softly at him, hoping to appear friendly but firm in his decision at the same time. The boy finally lowered his head again, but not before narrowing his large, teary eyes at the human in a glare full of ire and something akin to betrayal. Meanea sighed, relieved, and mouthed a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Edyane when their gazes crossed. The amber-eyed human smiled charmingly at him. It was Fenaleos who spoke next.

“I see…I’m quite proud of you. Next time just keep me informed of your plans, too.” He affirmed, his tone indeed filled with pride, appreciation and a touch of humour. He was equally relieved. Edyane chuckled and nodded.

“Well, N’Alaera’s armies forcefully have to go. I will need to get ready to leave tomorrow, as well.” The brown-haired king murmured, speaking to himself. But Edyane heard his words, nonetheless.

“Not a chance, Father.” He uttered, confident. “You stay. You are needed here to run your country. And besides, you just got married. I will lead them. We are well prepared. It won’t take longer than a week. You’ll see, we’ll be home before you know it.” He concluded with an assured smile. His father looked at him, doubtfully.

“I don’t know, Edyane...”

“But I do. Trust me.” Edyane reaffirmed. Fenaleos still wasn’t convinced but he also knew the other countries’ kings weren’t going either. Perhaps he should trust his son on this one. He was certainly better than him on the battlefield. And it wasn’t like the boy was really going to a millennium war…

&&&&&&&

“Lessin Sanari said you wanted to talk to me?” The auburn-haired prince said as he reached the top of the stairs to the small concealed library on the third floor of the monastery’s north tower and closed the door behind him for some privacy.

“Yes. Sorry you had to come all the way here, but I wanted to speak to you, alone, before you retired for the evening. I don’t know if I’ll get to see you when you leave in the dawn and your father is busy with the guests right now, so it’s a good time.” The golden-haired Ethen who was already inside, claimed with an apologetic smile. Edyane dismissed his explanation by shaking his head.

“I’m the one who has to apologize for retiring so soon. I have a long way ahead of me, tomorrow…” He regretted, instead. Meanea looked down, in distress.

“Do you really have to go to this war?” He questioned softly, looking at the human prince with a suffering frown and a sad glow in his aquamarine eyes. Edyane neared him while replying in a rich tone.

“We have no general qualified to lead all our armies at the current time. That means royalty has to step in. And I’m afraid I can’t let my father assume yet this responsibility. He has no feeling for battle, much less a war. He’d only get himself killed. It’s the best for the country… and for us.” The Ethen glanced up at the prince’s amber eyes, then.

“You think we need some time apart.” The new vice-king of N’Alaera affirmed, his gaze not leaving the other man’s eyes. Edyane sighed, quietly, but after a few seconds, finally nodded. Meanea sighed as well and after taking, also, a few silent seconds to look at the large rose window above their heads, he agreed with the prince.

“I believe you’re right, but I’ll still worry about you, I guess…” Edyane chuckled, a little amused.

“I’d be kind of hurt if you didn’t.” He said and Meanea smiled sadly.

“I also wanted to thank you for what you did regarding Iadden’s situation.” The Ethen stated after a short pause. The human prince turned to him with a serious look.

“You’re not mad we didn’t tell you?” He enquired. Meanea touched a dusty bookshelf and sighed.

“A bit, but I understand why you did it. You were trying to protect me, too.” Edyane reached forward and grabbed the Ethen’s dusty fingers with his rougher hand.

“I’m sorry.” He confessed sincerely. Meanea dismissed his words with a simple smile. They savoured a few moments of tranquillity, just holding hands, before Edyane spoke again.

“Is your brother going to be okay? He looked really miserable when he left the table.” Meanea let out a long breath, visibly upset.

“He’s been crying, hiding inside our carriage… You know, Iadden always had a very peculiar personality practically since the day he was born. And because of that he has been, for the greatest part of his life, regarded as improper by the other Eths. The only way he had to prove his worth to them was through his skills and intelligence. More importantly, he wanted to be of use to those who always believed in him. Like Ryaen’ne. That’s why he has worked hard all his life. He has given up his childhood to be able to help them in a day like today. My cousin’s words were more of a blow than you can possibly imagine.” The Ethen explained softly. Edyane nodded with a frown.

“I figured as much by his submissive actions, afterwards. Perhaps Ryaen’ne was too hard on him…” he commented. Meanea shook his head, firmly.

“No, he wasn’t. If Iadden thinks for a second that you are doing this simply to protect him and that he is capable of helping you in any way, he’ll find a manner to go with you without our knowledge. It’s not the first time he pulls a stunt like that.” Edyane smirked despite the situation. He could picture the scene.

“He’s brave and clever. You should be proud.” The prince observed with a smile. But Meanea thought otherwise. The Ethen shook his head vigorously.

“No, he’s impulsive and inconsiderate.” He reproached with an authoritarian tone, to Edyane’s surprise. “He needs to stop acting like he thinks an adult would and start being the sweet, impish child he is when he’s just being himself… I really don’t think I can thank you enough for giving him that chance.” He concluded with a pleasant, thankful tone towards the human prince.

Said prince smiled as he got even closer to the beautiful Ethen, fingering a stray lock of golden hairs away from Meanea’s cheek and caressing the soft skin at the same time.

“I’m just glad I could do something about it.” Meanea frowned in sadness, his mind elsewhere. In a sudden, startling move, he closed the short distance between them and kissed Edyane’s lips briefly before he hugged the prince very tightly.

“Just promise me you’ll be careful…” he whispered into the prince’s ear. Edyane shivered with the soft breath on his ear and had barely time to put his arms around Meanea too, before the old door to the library opened with a suffering creak. A gasp was heard immediately afterwards.

The two men rapidly let go of each other and, alarmed, turned to the door. Fortunately, the intruder wasn’t some guest or, Maguenta forbid, Fenaleos himself. Unfortunately, it was Iadden. The boy remained in shock, completely still for a few moments. Then, he quickly went outside searching the hall for others and seeing no one, returned inside closing the door behind him.

“What were you two doing?” He asked in a tired, frustrated and somewhat angered tone. His voice was rough from crying but his mask was firmly in place once again.

“Iadden, it’s not what you are thinking.” Meanea hastily explained, but his slight blush betrayed his words. Iadden’s aura changed into something similar to suspicion and indignation.

“Really? Then what am I thinking?” He asked, sarcastically. Meanea sighed while Edyane decided to remain silent. It was pointless to argue. The child was not stupid and he had caught Meanea in his arms inside a secluded library, all alone. There was little room for misunderstandings. And he had more urgent things to do, like getting mentally prepared for the onslaught of recriminations that would follow. He didn’t have much time, though. Iadden struck down with a vengeance.

“Was this the reason why you threatened the Council for my sake? So that you could earn my brother’s gratitude and have him fall into your arms? Have you no shame? Your father’s husband!” Iadden cried in a loud tone in a mix of anger and jealousy, his voice cracking with emotion at the end of the statement.

Even though Edyane was expecting them, Iadden’s words still hurt the prince somewhat. However, he was more shocked with Meanea’s reaction to them. The Ethen pursed his lips in rage and with a purpose, reached the boy in five steps, slapping the Eth child on the cheek with his right hand. It was so unexpected that Iadden didn’t even move to avoid it.

“First Iadden, you will lower your voice.” Meanea started disciplining. He was so enraged that his voice trembled with fury.

“Second, you have no right to speak to Edyane like that. He saved your life and is going to risk his own for your wellbeing, you ungrateful child! I did not raise you to be like this! Since the day you arrived at N’Alaera your behaviour has been worse than ever. Edyane has been so nice to you from the very beginning and how do you thank him? You blame, you challenge and you offend him. I’m very disappointed with you!”

“You’re becoming selfish, arrogant, stupid and unworthy of our care. People are protecting you, because you’re expendable to others and you accuse them? Wasn’t Ryaen’ne clear enough for you? Do I need to rephrase his words to make you understand? Why don’t you start looking at your own flaws before you point out others’?”

By this time both Meanea and Iadden were crying. With his admonition finished, the blond Ethen took a deep breath and used the back of his hand to wipe out his own tears from his face in an angry gesture.

Iadden simply sobbed with his head down, his mask nowhere to be seen for the second time that day. His lovely eyes were all red and swollen from crying all afternoon and his small pouting lips were trembling as he shuffled his feet in anguish.

It was a pitiful and depressing sight. Edyane just wanted to go there and hug the boy. He could only imagine the effort Meanea had to be doing not to do it himself. Who could have guessed the little devil had such a fragile soul behind his strong personality?

But surely enough, a few moments later, that tough personality kicked back in and the boy raised his head with his white mask again in place. Still, the aura of frustration, sadness and resentment, among a dozen of other emotions, was still there, surrounding him.

“Are you finished, Milessin?” He asked, so low it was almost a whisper. Meanea shrugged.

“For now. What about you?” He retorted in a rigid tone. The boy sighed and bowed.

“Forgive my rude behaviour. I’ll keep quiet.” He declared, slowly. His older brother nodded, satisfied.

“Very well. Thank you. We appreciate it.” He replied. Iadden continued speaking in the practiced monotone.

“I’ll leave you two alone, now.” Meanea arched an eyebrow. Glancing up at his brother, Iadden sighed, irritated, and bowed in Edyane’s direction.

“I’ll pray for your safe return. May Maguenta’s light brighten your path.” Meanea nodded in approval. Iadden turned, then, and left the room without another word, closing the door tightly behind him.

“Are you okay?” Edyane asked the Ethen in front of him, worriedly, as soon as the door closed. Meanea turned and smiled sorrowfully.

“Children have to be told when they are wrong or crossing off boundaries they cannot. It’s what makes them grow up. I realize that now. I have been too benevolent with Iadden and he is becoming too wild. This is for the best.”

“He’s going to hate us all for life, after this.” Edyane commented with a sigh. Meanea shook his head.

“No, not Iadden. His heart is too pure and just to muster anything resembling hate.”

&&&&&&&

Iadden ran as fast as he could, tears falling unbidden from his no longer masked eyes. Thoughts both enraged and painful plagued his young mind as he fled from everyone he knew and everything he had thought was expected of him.

He rounded several corners, always running, never caring for the priests’ gasps of surprise at his sudden appearance, and ended up clumsily ascending the steep and degraded stairwell into the inhabited and dangerous ruins in the east tower of the High Temple.

That’s what everyone thought he was? A selfish, arrogant, worthless little boy? His cousin, his peers, his brother. He could fight, damn it. He had proven it, hadn’t he? No tricks, no deceptions. Just plain skill, plain strength. He was the stronger knight they had. Their best fighter and their most powerful magic user. Why did he have to abide by their decisions? Why did his cousin and brother speak to him like that? The Council, that stupid prince…who had given them all the right to determinate his destiny?! His family wouldn’t hate him if it weren’t for them.

Hadn’t the Dark-haired Ethen of the Legends affirm he was the Maguenta’s Heir? Then, why didn’t they believe in the sacred Ethen? Why didn’t they trust in his wisdom? Why didn’t they rely on him as the Ethen had advised? Why didn’t they let him help? He could, right? He had trained so hard, studied so much. And no one believed in him. Not even Sir Athios… No, especially Sir Athios. He had begged, wasn’t that what Ryaen’ne had said?

Renewed tears escaped between his dark lashes and the boy stumbled on his feet, rolling and landing heavily on his ass, three steps down. In the end, he was always the one who was useless and wrong. The one with no feelings, no importance, no opinion. He hated them all!

Iadden sniffled and lowered his head, looking at his scuffed hands. His so very small hands.

Who was he kidding? They were not the problem… he was. Heaving a deep sigh and a short hiccup he rose to his feet and kept climbing the stairs. He didn’t know what else to do.

First Midaen’niel ominous dream… Now this… His world was about to fall apart and everything he was able to do (besides disappointing his brother and family yet again, of course) was a futile magic bead for his cousin to wear as an amulet. And that had drained his energy for days…

Admitting it was like ripping his heart from his chest, but they were right. Ryaen’ne was right. His brother was right. He had to start noticing his own flaws. He was too young and simply too weak. His power was big but burned too fast, leaving him defenceless afterwards for extended periods of time. He sobbed again.

Maguenta, how he hated himself! The one he despised was himself. Had always been himself. He had never known who he was. Where he belonged. What he was meant to do. What was so wrong with him? Why wasn’t he able to do one thing right, ever?

<<“They were a present from Grandfather. He ordered them, especially for me, when I was born. Sir Athios said he hoped I would be able to do them justice.”

“You do. In both beauty and strength.”>>

Iadden inadvertently cried openly at that memory. Liar. A liar like everyone else. Prince Edyane was a liar like everybody else. Iadden had never been beautiful, not inside and certainly not outside. He was jealous and selfish. His own brother had declared it a few moments ago. His strength was too fickle to be of use and now…now even his pride in his achievements had been striped away from him. He was nothing. He was no one.

Everyone had always told him so and now he saw no other option but to believe them: he was a disgrace to his family and friends. No matter how many times he promised himself that he would change, he ended up doing the same mistakes, over and over again…

Reaching the last archway of the stairwell, Iadden stopped for a few moments in awe at the sight in front of him, all thoughts escaping from his mind. A large field of small white flowers swayed softly with the gentle breeze. He had no name for those flowers but he recognized them as the ones in the bouquet he had received the day of the Tournament.

Amidst the flowers, shining brightly in the late sunlight, two rows of tall marble columns created a path to the edge of the field, which seemed to end quite abruptly far ahead. Green and blue ivy covered the ancient and imposing structures, in some places hiding the runes and inscriptions carved on the immaculate marble.

To the left of the stone arcade, a fountain of crystal waters reflected the warm rays of the sun among the white petals floating on the surface. To the right, under the shadow of a handful of pines, the only existing trees in the wildflower garden, two stone benches and a small shrine-like building remained practically intact.

Several birds chirped, flying happily through the tall evergreens. They poised on the far archway signalling the end of the stone path, only to take flight shortly after into the blue skies beyond the rim of the field.

Iadden imagined that place had been some sort of temple a long time ago. There was something sacred about those old ruins, something that spoke of ancient knowledge and divine power, something that made him feel like he was somehow closer to Maguenta. He couldn’t see why it had been abandoned.

In fact, the peace which invaded him in that field made him wish he could remain there for the rest of his life. Almost as if he belonged there. He didn’t want to go back.

Walking to the column closest to the entrance, he noticed for the first time that the path between the pillars, on its most part hiding under a carpet of thousands of white petals, was also stone carved with runic messages.

He sat down on the pillar’s shadow, smiling sadly at the white flowers blooming around him due to his magic. He stayed like that for some minutes, but all too soon the weight of everything happening to and around him became too much and he started crying again.

‘What am I supposed to do now?’ he whispered with his head low. And in the middle of that divine field, he did the only thing he could remember. He united his hands and softly prayed.

‘Holy Maguenta, God of Gods, Lord of the Heavens, please hear my prayer. Protect those who are leaving for war. Give them the insight and strength to overcome every obstacle in their way and return safely to us. To those whose fate is indeed to part from this world, please take their souls into your hands and rejoin them with eternal magic, Mother of all that exists, Gods and earthly beings alike.’

‘And Holy Maguenta, if I’m really the Maguenta’s Heir…your Heir, please give me a sign. I don’t know what to do. Please, show me the way to solve what is wrong. Please, show me the path I have to take in order to make everyone happy… I’d give up everything I have, everything I AM, if just once, those around me deemed me worthy of their trust…’

Kneeling on the unforgiving marble floor decorated with silken petals, Iadden looked expectantly to the blue skies above him for a few seconds, his huge aquamarine eyes glowing with magic and unshed tears. Receiving no direct answer from the Heavens, the boy could only hope his heartfelt prayers had been heard.

Suddenly tired, he again sat down against the pillar, his hands on his lap and his face down while crying silently. He wasn’t even aware of how all the white wildflowers in the garden had opened fully or how many small, colourful birds flied near, singing beautifully aided by a perfumed light wind scattering the petals around him.

Iadden did hear the soft footsteps that unexpectedly sounded in front of him, though. Still, he didn’t raise his head to look at the person. It was the man who kneeled in one knee in front of the child and tenderly grabbed his right hand with his much larger one. The touch was as soft as a breeze and as the stranger lovingly kissed his fingers, Iadden finally looked up.

His eyes widened at the sight and he removed his hand kind of harshly. Standing up quickly, he backed a step, hitting the stone column with his back. The man didn’t bother to stand up. He continued looking fondly at the boy from his kneeled place on the impeccable marble floor.

“You again…” The child exclaimed. “What are you doing in N’Alaera? Did you come to my brother’s wedding?” The man of youthful appearance, long auburn hair and blazing golden eyes merely smiled charmingly, amused. He was dressed in a simple light blue tunic and white pants but something about the haunting, handsome man, perhaps the intense aura around him, made Iadden awkward.

“No.” The stranger said in a pleasant musical but oddly deep bass tone. “I was merely expecting your call, enchanting one.” He concluded, but then gazing closely at Iadden’s teary eyes, his amused expression sobered. Extending his right hand, he used his thumb to dry a lonely tear still trapped under dark eyelashes. “Are you still crying? Please, don’t cry.”

Iadden knocked the hand away from his face, a little upset that someone had seen him in his weak state and commented on it. “Why should you care if I’m happy or sad?” He asked in an annoyed, unwavering voice, but a soft sniff at the end of the phrase kind of ruined his efforts at being brave. The man blinked and then smiled sympathetically.

“Every single time you’re in pain, enchanting one, the world around you suffers as well. Including me. Didn’t you notice the birds that approach you, singing when you’re sad? The wind which comes to gently play with your hair? The flowers that bloom only for you? They sense your sorrow and they all try to comfort and brighten you the best they can.”

Iadden glanced doubtfully at the strange man at first. But then, curious, he finally looked around, for the first time witnessing the strange phenomena the man was talking about. He couldn’t tell for sure that those were occurring because he was sad, but it was true that all the flowers dancing in the garden had opened, revealing the beautiful blue hues they had inside, and the birds were practically on top of him, acting very bizarrely.

“Thank you. I’m okay, now.” He said to no one in particular, but the birds chirped happily and the stranger smiled. Iadden turned to him.

“I’ve seen you in Maguenta’s temples, but you never talk to anyone. Lessin Sanari said I shouldn’t mention it. Are you a High priest?” He asked.

“Not quite.” The man replied with a mystic glint in his golden iris. “You really don’t know who I am?” Iadden shrugged and shook his head. The man sighed, appearing somewhat irritated.

“You can see me, you can understand me, you can even touch me. And yet, you can’t tell who I am. ” He claimed, sounding disappointed.

“I’m sorry.” The boy apologized gently. The man glanced at him and his golden eyes seemed to flare briefly, but soon enough they reacquired their gently glow. He sat on the floor and gazed at his surroundings.

“It’s not your fault, enchanting one. You’re as much a victim as I am.” He sincerely replied with tenderness and then smiled fondly.

“Well, this place sure brings back pleasant memories. It was here where I first met one of your kin, beautiful one. I was on the other side of that cliff and he unconsciously used his own magic to cross the precipice and come speak to me. The only one who could understand me. He is so lovely and proud. Your strong character, honest soul and attractive features remind me of him. Though, you manage to be even more beautiful and challenging than he is. Do you know who I am referring to?” Iadden looked around with a confused frown and then turned to him determinate.

“No. But you know what? I didn’t quite want to mention it, but… looking closely at you, you kind of look awfully like the crown prince of N’Alaera, Edyane. The colour of your hair, but mainly your eyes and the way you smile, sometimes.” The man turned to the boy a little surprised and then smirked, his eyes filled with mirth.

“That’s the smile I’m talking about!” Iadden exclaimed pointing at the man’s amused face. The stranger’s grin only grew wider.

“Well, I am his Father and he is my Heir. I guess it’s natural that we look alike.” He said, matter-of-factly. Iadden wrinkled his nose.

“You’re not his fa-“ He started, hands on his hips, and then a thought occurred to him and his eyes widened.

“Are you telling me that You’re Maguenta, God of Gods and that Edyane’s the Maguenta’s Heir?” He asked, disbelievingly. The God’s golden eyes brightened considerably in his happiness.

“You sound somewhat disappointed.” The Deity affirmed. Iadden didn’t exactly believe the strange man, but he decided to play along. Many weird things had happened since he had entered those ruins. And the man sure was… peculiar. Perhaps he had fallen asleep and was dreaming…or something.

“I am, I guess.” He shrugged. The God of Gods laughed, a rumbling sound filled with delight.

“Were you expecting lightening ripping the skies and bursts of blinding light coming from me?” He asked, grinning. “I can do that if you want, but it is such a nice, sunny day, and this way is so much better to chat…” Iadden dismissed the grin gracing the God’s handsome features and His amused words with a shrug.

“I didn’t mean You. I meant Edyane…”

“Oh, I’m glad.” The auburn-haired God smiled, raising a hand to his chin in thought, afterwards. “Well, I never before regretted any of my choices regarding my Heir and I don’t think I will this time, either. He has many good qualities.” He concluded, confident. Iadden sighed.

“I don’t know… Though he certainly can make everyone listen to him. Even the Council…” Maguenta nodded, satisfied.

“And you’re still arguing with me about my designs?!” He inquired, rhetorically. Iadden glared at him. But the Deity was right. It was absurd. Here he was discussing Edyane’s worth with a dream God. Becoming crazy was a valid possibility as well, wasn’t it? The dark-haired boy sighed.

“Have You heard my prayers, Holy Lord?” He asked expectantly. The Deity nodded, serious.

“Of course. I always hear prayers which are sincere.”

“You say I’m not the Maguenta’s Heir. Still, will I be able to help them defeat the Whisperers and make everyone happy? How?” Maguenta looked at the child’s desperate eyes and smiled enigmatically.

“We’ve been here all this time and you haven’t figured it out yet?” He asked. Iadden furrowed his eyebrows in frustration.

“But they don’t let me go with them to war! And I can’t help Ryaen’ne from here. You can’t let him die!” The God sighed.

“It’s his choice, not yours and certainly not mine. And it’s your fault if they don’t let you go to war. You’re too strong-willed and cute. They can’t help but love you. That’s why they want to protect you so much. Because they love you dearly. Ryaen’ne, Athios and Edyane. All of them.” He answered and continued.

“I would do the same, to tell you the truth. You aren’t ready to face those monsters yet. Not yet. But you will be. Give yourself time. Be patient and don’t rush your powers, enchanting one. They will increase faster than you think. Meanwhile, you have all the libraries in N’Alaera and Crano’en to discover. And, of course, you have my teachings, as well.”

Iadden looked down disappointed. Even the God in his dream thought he was too weak. Who knew when would he become strong enough to help them? Perhaps never. Maybe the God was just trying to cheer him up. Then again this was only a dream, right? There was no way Maguenta, Lord of the Heavens would come to him…

“I can see you don’t believe me. Your eyes are very revealing…” The Deity commented with a smile. Iadden sighed.

“This is a dream. I banged my head when I fell and I’m going to wake-up in the midst of a dusty stairwell with a huge headache.” Maguenta smirked, knowingly.

“Even if that was the case,” He affirmed, nodding to the hand he had previously kissed. “that marking would still be there when you woke up.” Iadden stared at the motioned hand and it was with growing horror that he realized what the God of Gods was talking about. The boy had to squint but it was there.

In the hand that used to have just plain skin, slightly darker skin seemed to have appeared in some areas. It was still too faint to discern the colours or the complete shape of the marking, but with some effort you could see it. The seemingly arabesque motif started at his ring finger, near his nail, raised up his hand and his arm, reaching his shoulder and a part of his chest. Iadden kept looking at it, baffled.

“How can this be? I’m an Eth!” He finally exclaimed. The Deity smiled, amused.

“It practically disappeared after your birth, but a few weeks ago started reappearing again. You probably didn’t see it before because you weren’t exactly looking for it and you’ve been wearing long sleeves due to the winter cold. But I suggest you become careful with it from now on if you don’t want people to know you’re an Ethen yet. The marking will become more visible with time and surely people will start noticing it.”

“But, but…I’m an Eth…” The boy muttered near tears, still looking with wide eyes at his hand.

“This is what you’ve always felt was so wrong about you, enchanting one. All your life you’ve been trying to be someone you’re not.” Iadden glanced with surprise at the Holy Lord, who smiled warmly.

“This has been Lessin Sanari’s burden for over nine years. Speak to him about this, he’s been both dreading and looking forward to the day you will.” Iadden nodded at the same time he started crying, for the tenth time that day. The God couldn’t tell if those crystalline tears were of happiness or sadness because even Iadden himself didn’t really know.

&&&&&&&

Mieri looked down from a little window in the High temple’s south tower as N’Alaera and Meya’s knights assembled to return to the Capitol and, from there, initiate their journey to the south. The human and Eth princes, as expected, were already mounting their horses to start the long way down, despite the cold of early dawn.

While watching the human prince inspecting his mare’s horseshoes, the scent of failure slowly enveloped the tutor.

After all his scheming, he hadn’t managed to stop his nephew’s marriage. All because of who? Athios, of course.

Somehow, in N’Alaera the Captain seemed to be more aware of him than ever. Almost as if he knew his intentions weren’t good and his care for Iadden wasn’t real. Ever since the boy had fallen ill with that strange exhaustion, Mieri’s every move had been carefully controlled by Athios’ men.

Why did Athios always think of him as responsible for every disaster regarding that family? Well, not that he wasn’t right most of the time (he had killed the Guinares’ almost entire family and Meanea’s previous promised one), but...

Still, now he hadn’t had a single chance of doing something against Iadden or to end this sham wedding. He hoped the kid would die. It would be better for his plans, too.

Damn Athios, now his plan to marry Meanea had been delayed. He hadn’t even been able to feed on that odd romance between his nephew and the human prince. In the end, he had found a way to disgrace the Ethen but couldn’t act upon it. All because of that Captain. Wasn’t it time for him to die, already?

For now he had to play a low profile, until Athios lowered his guard a little bit. Then he could strike again. There was a war going on. People died in wars right? And wasn’t Edyane, N’Alaera’s only heir?

With Meanea married to the king and the insolent prince gone to hell, he just had to send his father to join him. And then, his nephew would be next in line to rule N’Alaera. A very good perspective for the one to marry him, then. And Mieri would always have his romance with the prince as blackmail material.

Perhaps this turn of events wasn’t so bad after all. King Mieri Guinare of N’Alaera. It had definitely a nice ring to it…

Footsteps behind him alerted the tutor to the presence of another. Turning, he was quite surprised to see that the intruder was the red-haired second prince of Meya. The boy was alone and stopped directly in front of him. The tutor bowed in reverence.

“Good morning. You are Mister Mieri, right? My cousin’s tutor. I’ve been looking for you.” He said, smiling. The tutor nodded, still bowing.

“Yes, your highness. How can I be of service?” Nlie’sieri’s smile only got wider.

“The question here is how I can help you. You see, I found something very interesting about your true father, Mister Mieri. Let’s just say you’d only have to gain in being my ally.” Mieri looked up startled into the prince’s blue eyes, recognizing something in those orbs he had seen in his own plenty of times: ambition. He smirked, identifying his kind. That boy had a devilish plan. Well, no matter. As long as he also got what he wanted…

“I see. And how can I assist you, your Highness?” The boy shrugged, with a waving hand.

“Oh, it’s simple. You see, I adore my cousins and I worry about their safety. You could keep me informed of things here in N’Alaera. What do you say?” Mieri grinned from ear to ear. Someway, this day had just gotten a lot better.

“It would be my pleasure, your Highness.”

PART I - THE END

TBC in Part II…

Ending notes: And Part I is officially over!! I’m happy but this chapter was very hard to write. I rewrote it three times and even though this version is better than the others, I still don’t think it’s very good… Anyway, please forgive the lateness of the chapter. I really hope you like it. Love you all. Part 2, here we go!!!