At the palace...
NOTES FROM AUTHOR
Some clarifications below:
Words in Italics = the character's thoughts.
Words in quotes but in "Italics" = conversation transmitted through the mind from one to another.
Words in quotes but in plain "non-italics" = normal conversation between the characters.
THE CHART: I've made a chart of the Kingdom of Largo so that readers can be more aware of what and who are in the kingdom, their roles and what the story may lead them to do. THIS CHART IS NOT A FAMILY TREE. I have only mentioned those who play a major role in the story. Those who appear only once or twice for a specific purpose will not be on this chart.
Below is a chart that I have made to show you the people in the Kingdom of Largo:
Kingdom of Largo
Chapter 23
King Aylard's Illness
Back at the palace, King Aylard had just finished the daily court affairs for the morning. He was happy that the court had closed off early this morning because the cases today were of minor offences, which made sentencing all the more easier.
Just as he was walking back towards his private chamber he felt an immense sharp pain in his chest. He felt it difficult to breathe and thought he would faint. He tried hard to fight it, dragging himself towards the chamber door with heavy feet. He opened the door and saw the table and chairs in the middle of the room. He wondered if he could make it over there.
He looked around and the room was spinning. He felt dizzy and needed to lie down quickly. But first, he must make it to the table and chairs so at least he could sit down and rest there.
Episodes like this one had scared him as this was not the first time he encountered this sharp pain in his chest. These episodes had been happening quite often lately. He did not want to tell anyone about it just in case they would think he was becoming weak. As the king of an empire, he needs to be strong, at least he must make himself appear to be strong so that the enemy would not think that they could take the opportunity to invade the kingdom while he was sick.
I must endure this as best I can. King Aylard told himself.
He worried if anything would happen to him, would Theo be ready enough to take on all the responsibilities. Theo would see his 12th season of Spring in another four full moons. Time was still creeping along very slowly. Too slow for King Aylard to see his three sons grown. He hoped he would have enough time to see them all grown up and be strong young warriors.
He held on to the door as he turned around to close it. The table and chairs were just about twenty or thirty steps away. He must reach them before he falls. He was determined. He held on to the door frame for a moment and closed his eyes. When his heartbeats became steady, he opened his eyes again and dashed for the table and chairs.
He made it! First leaning on the table for support, when he felt ready, he slowly eased himself onto the chair and rested his head upon his arms now folded on top of the table.
He did not know how long he had been in that position, but his heart was finally beating with a good rhythm again. He stood up and wobbled to the room where his bed was and lay down there. At some point, he fell asleep. Upon awakening some time later, he felt as healthy as before.
He got up from his bed and went to open the door so he could go into the garden for some fresh air. Just as he was opening the door he found Theo standing at the threshold ready to knock on the door to come in.
“Theo!” King Aylard was taken by surprise. “What are you doing here?”
“Father, I need to talk with you about something,” Theo answered. He seemed a bit hesitant.
“Yes? What is it? Is it about the cases this morning?” asked King Aylard, wondering what was on his son's mind.
“No, father. This is something personal!” Theo said, casting his eyes to the ground.
“Okay, let's go take a walk in the garden and talk. I'm ready for some fresh air,” suggested King Aylard.
They both walked through the garden and came to rest in front of Belinda's cage. Belinda greeted them both by poking her head above the water.
“Sweet little girl is becoming a big girl soon. She's growing so fast!” said Theo to his father.
“Yes, I noticed that too,” said his father, “I hope she will not outgrow this cage we've built for her.”
“What is it that you want to talk about?”
“Father,” Theo suddenly became very emotional.
“Yes, Theo? What is it?”
“Father, are you my real father?” Theo finally plucked up his courage to ask.
“What? Why are you asking me that, Theo?” King Aylard's heart skipped a bit. He was about to feel the pain again.
“I don't know!” Theo responded,” Everywhere I go now I'm hearing a rumor spreading like a wildfire about me being born of some kind of magic, and that Miles was the magician who had exercised his magic so that I could be born.”
“Who? Who told you that? Of course, I am your father! There is no need for you to doubt that. Your mother had given birth to you while she was married to me. Then she gave birth to Galien as well after you,” King Aylard was devasted! Theo was not supposed to know all of this. He remembered how Sir Samuel came to him to report Baldwin's finding. He had not even recovered from the shock that Miles and his wife, Queen Isabella, used to be childhood friends. That hurt him a lot because he thought Queen Isabella could have at least told him before the marriage. He thought he was her only true love.
“And what about Xavier?”
“What about Xavier? Theo, Xavier is also your brother,” King Aylard responded.
“Why are the people saying that Xavier is not my true brother? They're saying that he was the son of peasants who've since disappeared,” Theo continued to press for answers.
“Theo! No matter what you've heard, these are only rumors and you should trust your own family,” said King Aylard, “even if Xavier isn't your true brother he has been with you and Galien ever since he was in his 2nd season, and that was a long time ago. He has spent nearly his entire life being your brother.”
“Your mother and I did not mention this because we had raised Xavier as our own child ever since the disappearance of his parents during the flood and the mudslides six years ago and no one knew the whereabouts of his parents. They were presumed dead,” King Aylard continued to explain.
“But why? Father, why would you not tell us these things sooner? Why did we have to learn about this from a rumor?” Theo confronted his father again.
“So, if you are telling me the part of Xavier's story is true , then it stands to reason that I must have been born as a result of some kind of magic spell. That may as well be true too,” Theo said.
Theo was determined to find out the truth of his origins. He wanted so much to tell King Aylard about his newfound ability and talent. If he was born by magic that would explain his special mind power ability that he was able to communicate with Belinda through his mind. But would his father understand this without casting him out as some sort of warlock? He was afraid. What if people thought he was a warlock and condemn him to death?
King Aylard, on the other hand, had millions of thoughts racing through his mind. He had not confronted Isabella yet about Miles and wondered why his wife was pretending not to know Miles when he first brought him into the palace.
“Well, I've heard a few times that Miles called me “my son”, meaning “his son” and I wondered why he would call me that when he was talking to me, and now I've heard this rumor...” Theo continued to tell his father what he has heard but King Aylard stopped him abruptly.
“Do NOT trust what other people say! Theo, I am your father! I have always been your father! I've raised and loved you ever since you were born. How could you doubt me over some damaging rumors that you have simply just 'heard'?” King Aylard was upset now. He did not want this conversation to continue.
“Miles was living in the forest when we found him. He was a hermit. How could he be your father? Theo, have you forgotten how I played with you when you were a small child? Your mother and I treasured you so much! We thought the world of you. We still do!”
Suddenly, King Aylard's chest pains came back again. His suddenly paled face showed agony. He held up his hand to his chest and began to have difficulty in breathing. He got up from the garden chair and began to wobble as though he was going to fall.
I must be strong! I must not allow anyone, not even Theo to see my weakness. Please stay strong! King Aylard told himself. He tried to stand up straight and walk back to the chamber. He took two steps and was about to fall.
“Father! What's happening? Are you alright, Father?” Theo was surprised. He did not know what he had said could upset his father so much. Now, he wished he had not asked those questions.
“I'm sorry, father, for upsetting you!” Theo apologized,“ Let me walk you back to the chamber to get some rest.”
Theo held on to his father's arm and guided him back to his chamber. As they walked side by side, he felt his father's body becoming heavy as the king leaned on him for support.
Father must be sick. I must call in the royal doctor to see him.
Both men were silent, deep into their own thoughts.
This is unforgivable! Who has started this rumor? I have told Samuel that in no uncertain terms should anyone talk to Theo about Baldwin's findings about Miles. Who in the kingdom would start such a rumor, that Theo might not be my son? Of course, he is! Some people just want to start some trouble inside the kingdom. When I find out who started the rumor that person shall be punished! Thought King Aylard.
“Don't believe anything you have heard, Theo. People who started the rumors are trouble-makers in the kingdom,” King Aylard tried to convince his son as best he could.
“Okay, father! Don't worry about it so much! Everything is going to be alright!” said Theo.
Why is Father so upset about the rumor? If it is all just a rumor, then he should have no reason to be so upset about it. And what is wrong with his chest? He seems to be in pain. I must get the royal doctor to look at him. I cannot lose Father. He has been so good to me. I should never have listened to rumors. Father is right! Those who started the rumors are the trouble makers in the kingdom. But what about Miles? I hope father will not suddenly turn against him. I want to learn some magic from Miles if he is really a magician. But will he teach me what he knows? Will father admit to the fact that I was conceived through Miles's magic? I don't want to upset Father again. He doesn't seem well. I hope when Miles comes back father will welcome him happily like the way he first brought him to the palace. What made father change? Why is he agitated now when I talked to him about Miles? Theo wondered.
“Father, you should stay back in the chamber to get some rest,” said Theo, ”don't worry about the court duties tomorrow! I shall attend to the court with Sir Samuel and the other councillors until you are well enough to attend.”
“Nonsense! Theo, I am alright! I must tend to the court affairs every day.”
“Well, at least let me call in the doctor to come and see what he can do for you. You must tell him what is bothering you so he can prescribe some medicine for you. Rest now, and I shall fetch you the doctor,” Theo insisted.
Theo seemed to be a very responsible son now. King Aylard almost felt guilty for doubting his ability. What a change of character from a few seasons ago when Theo announced to him that he did not want to be the King! Now, he felt as though he could breathe a sigh of relief.
XXXXX
The royal doctor arrived and thoroughly examined King Aylard. He took his pulse and announced that King Aylard may have some problems with his heart.
“Your Highness, Prince Theo! The king's condition is due to aging. His heart is becoming weak.” the doctor said.
“Do you think Father should avoid going to work and get some rest?” Theo asked the doctor.
“Your Highness, I don't think it is necessary,” the doctor replied, “the king still has a very strong pulse, he's going to be fine. I shall prescribe some medicine for him and he will be just as good as before.”
“See? I told you so, Theo! I'm alright!” said King Aylard.
“Your Royal Highness, you must change your diet. You must eat less meat and more fruits and vegetables,” said the doctor to King Aylard, “and in the meantime, no heavy lifting and hard work. No strenuous activities.”
"And one more thing, Your Royal Highness,” said the doctor again, looking directly at King Aylard, with his index finger raised for added emphasis, “you must avoid being emotional and upset, and immense excitement for this will cause your heart to have irregular heartbeats. I will prescribe some medicine for your heart, and you'll be just as new.”
Later, the doctor prescribed some heart medicine for King Aylard and left.
“Father, I'm sorry for upsetting you! I didn't mean to,” Theo said to King Aylard after the doctor has left.
“Theo! You are my son, and will always be my son. Don't let anyone sway you to think otherwise,” said King Aylard, “You are going to be the future king and this kingdom you shall rule.”
“Yes, father! I understand my obligation. I shall be the future king of Largo, and no one is going to take that away from me. No one, I promise you. I shall protect my kingdom and my people with my life!”
“That's my son! And please promise me you will be good to Galien and Xavier, even though Xavier is not your true brother. You must promise me to always protect him,” said King Aylard.
“I will! Father, I promise,” said Theo, reassuring his father that he knows his obligations and responsibilities. At this point, he had no further intention to disclose his newfound ability to his father. He decided to keep that a secret for himself. Both he and Belinda have this newfound ability and Theo felt content in knowing that whatever he needed to know about anything, Belinda would be able to tell him about it.
But it was becoming very hard for Theo to keep everything to himself. Like the time Belinda told him about Sir Samuel's intention to harm Miles to wish him dead. He sent the warriors in black to kill Miles, only to find that all of the warriors had been killed by a mysterious monster. All dead, as Belinda had told him. He was also going to tell his father about Samuel's intentions, but how? His father would not be able to endure another blow again, especially since the betrayal was coming from his most trusted councillor, his father would not be able to withstand another blow.
Theo continued to see Sir Samuel everyday in the courtroom. He acted normal as though he had done nothing wrong, even after the massive deaths of his own warriors. How could this person be his future father-in-law? But then, sweet Emma was so innocent that she would trust her father completely. No, he cannot let Emma know about this either.
In the meantime, Theo knew that he must carry this entire burden of truths by himself. He was becoming stressed and very tired. He did not know where to turn for support. What if Samuel knows what he knows about him? Would Samuel do something to harm him? Who would protect him? Theo felt as though he was all alone in this. This newfound ability was a curse. He took no pleasure in having it! There was no one he could run to for support.
Well, I shall just act normal, I can't let Samuel know what I know about him. I must be careful. Theo finally concluded he could not tell anyone yet about Samuel. He must observe Samuel's activities closely.
He found it odd that his father and Samuel would give Baldwin knighthood. What's next now? Perhaps the fellow has earned it, so it was still possible for him to be knighted. But what's next? He knew Baldwin is a sly man, he would not just stop at being knighted. He had become suddenly wealthy, retrieving 1000 gold bars from the treasury and then knighted in such a short time. This sly man must be up to something.
Theo wanted to do his own investigations on Baldwin, but he felt as though his hands were tied. He had to be there to care for Belinda. Also, if he could not tell anyone about Samuel, how is he going to investigate him and Baldwin? This was all too much for Theo to bear. He must tell someone. He hoped Emma will understand. Perhaps smart Emma can find out why Samuel and his father are so willing to do things for Baldwin. At least Emma would be on his side.
Theo concluded that he should let Emma know what is going on because it involves her father.
“Father! You must take the medicine and get some rest this afternoon. I shall see you tomorrow morning at the courthouse, but don't worry if you are not up to it, then don't come. Send someone to let us know. I shall bring you the court documents and we shall look them through together,” Theo told his father.
Father must get plenty of rest. I must ensure he gets the proper diet. Theo thought.
Theo bid his father goodbye and went to see his mother in her chamber. He relayed to her what has just happened to his father. Queen Isabella was concerned that no one had let her know while the king fell ill.
“Father did not want anyone to know of his illness, he only wanted to appear strong to the citizens of the kingdom. According to the royal doctor, Father is going to be fine. After he takes his medicine he shall be just as new. That's what the doctor said. Mother, you shouldn't worry yourself,” Theo comforted his mother.
“Try going to see him tomorrow afternoon. Even if he isn't well enough to comer to you after the court duties. Worry not, I am quite sure he is going to be fine!”
“Okay, Theo! But from now on, you must send someone to let me know whenever your father doesn't feel well, okay? I have been waiting for him this afternoon and wondered where could he be?”
“Yes, I will, Mother,” said Theo, “but I would not go to him now. He needs his rest.”
Theo bid his mother goodbye and went back to his own chamber before sending his page to release his warriors of their duties for the day. He was tired and decided to call it a day.
XXXXX
He closed his eyes and tried getting some sleep. Suddenly, he heard Belinda's voice again, speaking to him from the garden pool.
“Theo, you must listen to me.”
“What is it, Belinda?” Theo asked.
“Sir Baldwin is blackmailing your father and Sir Samuel. We must help them.”
“By what means is Sir Baldwin blackmailing them?”
“Baldwin is holding a document of testimonies from the six warriors that he and his men have captured. He is bribing the six warriors with the promise of gold coins and important positions in the future. He is using these warriors in court to say whatever he wants them to say. He has told Samuel about that too. He told Sir Samuel that the six warriors only work for him and they will say in court whatever he wants them to say to testify against Miles. He is also using the massive deaths of the warriors in black to blackmail Sir Samuel into silence. You must do something about the original testimonies from the six warriors that Baldwin is holding. We must find that document and destroy it. That's the weapon Baldwin is using as blackmail.”
“Yes, Belinda!” Theo responded, “but where can I find that document of testimonies? Where is Baldwin hiding it? Blackmailing is a crime. If I can find the document I will be able to bring justice to father and Samuel. Baldwin should be punished for such appalling behavior. No one is permitted to blackmail the king!”
“I know. Samuel is not a bad guy, but he is feeling powerless. We must help him. I shall give you more information when I know more,” said Belinda.
“Okay, Belinda! I must go to bed now. I am very tired today after what has happened to Father. He is resting now in his chamber. I hope he will be back to normal - or even better – by tomorrow.” said Theo.
"Goodnight, Theo!”
Theo bid Belinda goodnight and went to sleep. Sleep was his only escape from the weight of the heavy burden he was now carrying on his shoulders.
Captivating in so many ways as the plot "thickens." I admire your ability to keep all these details in place as things and events broaden. And this is advice that all should follow (even though I am not a vegetarian or vegan, I eat very little meat)...
“Your Royal Highness, you must change your diet. You must eat less meat and more fruits and vegetables,”
Continued success with your story, Sandie. Love, peace, and best wishes to you,
MARVELOUS, SANDIE! I AM DEFINITLY HOOKED AND AM WAITING FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER! GREAT MAGNETIC WRITING, ENJOYED. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS
A riveting chapter. I hope Theo will be able to find a way to expose Baldwin's blackmailing scheme. Theo truly has developed leadership qualities. Emma is also very wise.
When you told us a few days ago on Facebook that there is going to be some sensitive issues in this chapter I commend you for bringing the issue to us. This chapter leads me to think about the definition of a real father. A real father is one who has raised the child the minute he or she was born until the present. It does not matter in what manner the child has come into this world. I have great respect for the relationship between Theo and his father. Thank you for a great chapter!
I am proud to say the Vanx Malic series has reached #1 on the Fantasy Bestseller charts a few times over the last months. Here is a freebie for you guys! Thanks for reading, MR.
Deep in the Lurr Forest, there is a valley called Saint Elm's
The final book in the Twins of Moon trilogy. Borne by their dragon guardian, the twins Magio and Eefa brave the perils of Dromenon to free their imprisoned father.
