3

  Time was now two o'clock, at midnight. The driver stopped, got off; went up to the carriage window and asked “I am starting a fire. Would you like to join me?” “I am not hungry; and Kaelith is asleep.” “Would you like a drink at least?” “Do you have beer?” “Lots.” “Then you have enough to lend me some. Let’s drink!”

  The Admiral got out and sat on the rocks around the fire, with the driver.

  “Late isn’t it to be eating?” “Being a carriage driver takes a huge toll on the body. I feel hungry, and sleepy at odd times.”

  “Why do you do it then?” “Oh no, I only work three weeks scattered throughout the year and I get paid even when I am not working.” “That doesn’t seem right.” “It pays decent. I work for a week, and then get like god knows how long of a break; and I am back, working again. And I get paid throughout.”

  “Why don’t they pay you per hire?” “Our king isn’t the…smartest of men.” “Heh, tell me about it. He cut the Navy budget by half so he could go visit a desert somewhere.” “Despite the finance advisors stating against this way of payment for us, carriage drivers; our king chooses to continue.” “What motivates him?” “He wishes to prove how rich Syntar is…by throwing away huge amounts at us. He just doesn’t mention; that he cuts budgets for other people; and misuses tax payers’ money. I like having less work and am enjoying life but…I have to say. What he is doing, is wrong.”

  “Great. Just bloody, great.” “Hey…you just spoke like those uneducated people from mainland.” “Apologies I, uh get that a lot, that I speak like those pieces of crap. You know how it is…having to deal with poorly educated staff at the ports… interestingly, they still use sails.” The driver chuckled and said, “That’s practically ancient.”

  “They believe in torture and magic. I heard civilians talk about executing some woman.” “Why? What heinous crime did she commit?” “She was accused of witchcraft.” The driver stared at the admiral. “Superstitious nonsense of course, but they still do it.” The admiral said. “A death sentence for superstitious nonsense? What are these people, animals?” “Yes, absolute nonsense. But you get used to it.” “What? Being killed for superstitious nonsense?” “No…hearing such news.”

  The driver put something that looked like brown bread, into the fire.

  “What’s that?” “Molthyn.” “Some new dish?” “Yes. Never had it? It’s going to be the standard ration for everybody working in the military and labour; or travelers like us carriage drivers. I heard the military receive supplies the first.” “May I have a bite?” “By all means.” And handed the Admiral a piece. “Very dense and tasty.” “Yes, its designed to fill people up for the whole day; especially those who do intense physical work.” “Well, good. And no I never had this…We haven’t received ration in a while. The military officials and I have been placing orders; but no. Nothing so far. We have been paying from our own pocket to feed the soldiers…”

  “You know, I heard that you are the most ruthless man on the ship. Even pirates fear you. But you don’t seem so fierce.” “I am the kind of person who doesn’t pick a fight on my own. But if you pick one with me…I will hunt you down like a lone wild dog.”

  “Good way of looking things.” “Yes, a man shall think before throwing fists. Otherwise there is no difference between a man and an animal.” “Nice code, if all men began thinking like that we wouldn't have wars or slow development…” “Well it is biology after all…hard to change that.” Anyway, your kid, how has he been?”

  “Nothing much, he is a good kid; can get mischievous but in itself, he has a pure art. He does show fury when somebody says anything about family.” “Only one?” “Other one on the way?” “Oh, good! Hope that one comes out healthy. Is that why your wife didn’t come?” “Thank you. And pour me another. And yes, I asked her but she refused. Bearing a child isn’t easy.” “Tell me about it, my wife threw her mug at me for being annoying.”

  “Really, I almost fainted when Kaelith was born. Also isn’t drinking and driving against the law?” “That’s exactly why you’re drinking beer and I am drinking barley tea.”

  “You got barley tea too?” “Yes, don’t underestimate the size of carriage trunks. If you are experienced enough…You can fit an earth back there.”

  Their conversation went on for a little while. At thirty minutes past two,they got inside the carriage and continued their journey. This went on for a few days. Morning, it was chatting and feeding the horses; and at night, it was the adults having a little chat with beer.

  13th Pluvinar. It was five o'clock in the morning. Both passengers were asleep.

  “We have arrived!” The driver yelled. Everyone woke up and the admiral asked, “already? It is still dark out.” “Time is five in the morning, and we right now are officially in the capital. Open the windows and enjoy the sight!” Kaelith opened the window; to see a beautiful city; fully lit, even when dark out.

  “Why is it all lit up?” Kaelith asked.“This is the outskirts of Velkanor. Opaline, ‘the district whose clock is backwards.’ Its active at night and looks abandoned in the morning. ” “What are all these buildings with lights?” “Bars, restaurants, whore houses, crime gang hideouts.”

  Kaelith saw a man and woman. The man saw him back and said, “fuck you!” as loud moans came from the woman.

  Kaelith’s father looked around and said, “Don’t tell your mother that we went through here at night.” “Okay I won’t.” “You heard the driver, this place looks abandoned in the morning. That’s why it has another title, ‘the district whose sins will never come to light. ’ ” “Okay…I won’t.” “I don’t want your mom scolding us.” “Okay, okay…I won’t” “Good boy.” his father whispered.

  They crossed Opaline and all went dark; a thick fog covered their sight. “What is this place?” “Well, this is called the calm patch. The patch of forest between Surin district and Opaline district. This only exists in the ‘Sha’vel to Velkanor’ route.” “Why does it exist?” “Nobody knows…it just does.”

  A little later, Kaelith felt the air becoming hot. “The air is suddenly hot.” “Oh young sir, that is normal here.” “Where?” He looked out the window.

  “Here. Welcome to Surin district! The Silver working capital of Syntar!” “Oh we are here already?” “Yes! All these are silver working shops. The warm air is them firing up their furnaces for the day.”

  “Doesn’t the ‘TSC’ distribute the majority of silver in Syntar?” “ ‘TSC’ buys eighty-percent of the stock the sailors bring back. The remaining twenty cannot be purchased by the ‘TSC’ because the law doesn’t allow it.” Kaelith’s father replied.

  “What law, and why does it exist?” “The law states that, no single entity can purchase the full supply of rare minerals. The government is trying to prevent making monopolies in the mineral industry.” “Why the mineral industry in particular? And what sense does it make? The government is selling, and the ‘TSC’ is buying. What’s wrong with that?” “Excellent point there, Kaelith. Our king isn’t the smartest of men.”

  “I heard that the ‘SISR’ is working on a machine that can make any desired mineral from anything.” The driver added.

  They kept on going and the hot air…became cool again. No more shops….just plain farmlands, “Is this the Kareth plains.” “Sure is. The bread basket of Syntar, eighty percent of Syntar’s supply is from these plains. And this is one of those places, where the train station is underground.” “Yeah. I read it in my textbook. It is said to be one of the greatest engineering achievements ever made.” “I didn’t know that. But good; keep learning.” The driver replied.

  “Sha’vel to Velkanor is the most fun journey to go on.” “Really? But isn’t it annoying… because of the rough route?” Asked admiral Tharyn. “Yes, Sha’vel to Velkanor is my and many other carriage drivers’ favourite; despite the rough route. It’s quite an adventure that one needs after a long time.” “Sha’vel’s weather is very much liked by everyone who visits.” “What’s there to visit at our place?” “Lots! The museums, art galleries, the statues. Whole lot of things, son.” Said Kaelith's father.

  Time was now ten o'clock.“We have arrived at Aurelspire hall!” Kaelith woke up; rubbed his eyes. And was astonished by the sight! A palace that shined in the sunlight; like it was made of gold.

  “Is the palace made of gold?” Looking at Kaelith’s face in awe; the driver replied, “heh, that is the intended effect. And yes the palace is coated with a thin layer of gold.”

  At the gate; the royal guard asked, “carriage number and the names of passengers?” “Number ‘eleven’ and Kal Tharyn and Kaelith Tharyn.” The guard wrote it down, “you may proceed.”

  The big gates creaked, and they were let in. The scenery looked like something out of a fairy tale novel. Green grass and bushes; cleanly trimmed; and at the center of it; a majestic gold palace. The admiral’s forehead wrinkled in anger.

  Kaelith noticed and asked, “you look angry.” “He spends money on himself and not for the nation’s well being…The military is barely surviving thanks to this carelessness. Until this so called king dethrones, This land will suffer.” “Not really, the prince isn’t very good either.” replied Kaelith. “The kid’s right.” The driver added. “Whatever, just enjoy the party, admiral.” the driver suggested.

  The driver drove to the stable; and stopped. An elderly man, well dressed, greeted them. “take your luggage and please get off.” They got off with their two bags. “Please follow me to the palace. This way.”

  They followed the man and Kaelith asked, “sorry didn’t get a name who are you?” “How rude of me to not introduce myself; my apologies. I am Alrith, the head of staff at the Aurelspire hall. I have been tasked with escorting every guest into the palace.” “How many have arrived before us?”The admiral asked. “You were the first to show up. All guests shall arrive by six o'clock, evening.”

  They were guided to their quarters. When they entered Kaelith said, “luxury rooms! Oh yes!” He looked around to see the expensive leather, imported cedar wood, horse hair mattress and a whole lot of luxury items. “Not at all unexpected.” Said Kaelith’s father.

  A few hours later, there was a knock on the door. “Who could that be?” Kaelith asked. “Well, we have to find out.”

  The admiral, opened the door to see a lady dressed as a maid. She said, “sir, the king has ordered us to tell you the timings. The party begins now, and ends at nine tonight. There is no particular dress code. And please come downstairs.” “Okay, uh thank you.” And the admiral closed the door. “Who was that, father?” “A maid. The king has asked us to come downstairs.” “Why?” “For lunch.” “Oh finally, I am starving.”

  They dressed and followed the maid downstairs. To see a majestic hall. The roof fully made of tinted glass, music playing, and a buffet of elegantly prepared dishes. the admiral wasn’t… happy, clenching his fist.

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  “Please enjoy.” the maid said.“Where is everybody?” The admiral asked. “Oh, you are the only ones; who came downstairs. Other guests shall come shortly.”

  Just as both walked up to the plate rack, the sounds of feet thumping were heard; the other guests were coming.

  Kaelith served himself a plate and sat at one of the tables. A littler later he felt a tap on his back. He looked up to see…Elira. “Oh, you’re here.” “Yes I came an hour ago.” “Well then, join me.” Elira went, got some food and sat with Kaelith. “Where’s the admiral?” “Oh, he is with the military officials and the defense minister over there.” pointing towards his father. Elira turned back to see. “And, what about you? First time without your mother eh?” “Yeah.” wiping her tears. “Oh sorry I didn’t mean to…” “You definitely meant to…and yeah no its fine.”

  They laughed and had a wonderful chat.

  Alrith rung a bell; that interrupted all the sounds in the room. He cleared his throat and announced, “please welcome the royal family.” The royals walked in. The music stopped…and everybody bowed their heads, in respect.

  Looking at the prince, Kaelith whispered to Elira, “A pig looks better than that fat blob.” “No, no; we mustn't ruin the names of pigs by comparing that ‘creature’ to them. I mean look at that. What is that fat, pale creature called? He’s rounder than his previous party.” “Oh you’re aggressive tonight.” Kaelith replied chuckling.

  Meanwhile the king said, “I welcome you to my little Louis’ eight birthday party.” Everyone gave a round of applause. Louis turned back to his father and said, “Father, can I take all my gifts now?” “Not now little pumpkin. You have to wait till the evening.” and gave out a smile.

  Kaelith looked at the smile and whispered to Elira, “horrendous.” “I know.”

  “No I want them now, now!!” Louis cried stamping his feet. “Its okay dear, I think we should let him.” the queen suggested.“You’re probably right my queen.”

  The king made another statement, “You are to give all the presents you have brought, to the prince, now.”

  Kaelith heard and went to his father and whispered, “present? We haven’t brought anything, right?” “I brought one, don’t worry. Here, give this to the prince.” “Why me? I don’t want to touch that ‘creature’.” “Lock everything inside, and hand the present with a polite smile.”

  Kaelith took a deep breath and went back to his spot, beside Elira.

  The prince came to them putting his hand out. Kaelith put the present in his hand with a smile and said, “Happy birthday young sir.” The prince nodded and walked away without saying anything.

  “How rude. I wished him, and not a single ‘thank you’.” “Spoiled brats are like that.” “You’re the one to talk; who literally is one.” “Slight correction; was, not am.” “Really? Since when princess?” “Since my mother died. I was given a flash of reality, servant.”

  “He-he, teasing me eh?” “Who said a girl can’t tease.” “Whoever said that sure doesn’t know, you exist. You have been competing for my throne for awhile.” “What throne?”

  “I am the tease king in our whole school; I tease everybody. Know that rumour about that boy Finn? I was behind it.” “Which one?” Elira asked with a confused face.“You don’t know? The..you know what, forget it.”

  Then they saw the prince going back with servants, carrying presents. “Where are you going pumpkin?” The queen asked the prince, “back to my room to see what this filth brought me.”

  On hearing that, Kaelith whispered, “That’s it, this is his last day.” But Elira stopped him.

  “But what about all these people? They’re here for you.” “I don’t care, I got the presents, I am going back.” And left.

  All were guided back to their quarters and once Kaelith and his father got inside theirs; Kaelith asked, “What did you get that ‘creature’?”

  “First off, we might be listened to, and second off, I got him a porcelain teapot.” “A porcelain teapot? Why, and when?” “The day I received the letter. Though might not look like it; the prince likes tea.” “Oh, forget tea he likes everything edible. Actually everything because I read in the paper that he choked on a screw.”

  “Yeah that was hilarious news. Hats off to the journalist who came up with the story; and the editor who approved its printing. Also…since when have you been reading the paper?” “Every Sunday.” “And why is it that I do not know?” “You wake up late on Sundays. Because you say that ‘It’s a hardworking man’s reward for a good work done.’ ”

  “Yes…it’s well deserved. And by any chance were you the one doing those ‘shine a light for the dialogue’ in those Dani Tan comics? Your mother told me that it was the heat of the counter. Why would you say that she lie to me?” “I don’t know, so you won’t be mad at me and create annoying…ruckus.” “I do not create ruckus. And I better order two copies from now on.”

  “You are a fan of those too?” “Yes, it’s the best thing in the Sunday paper. Light-hearted, simple, funny and the ‘shine a light to see the dialogue’ system? Outstanding. A little fun, on Sunday mornings.”

  “Interesting, I never knew that you would be the kind of person to like such work.” “Your mother says the same thing.”

  “Also earlier there was a card saying that we can get a tour of the palace.” “Where?” “In the welcome packet.” “There was a welcome packet?” “Yeah.” “Where? Show me.”

  Kaelith went over to the drawer beneath the mirror and got a leather bag; and handed it to his father.

  “That’s the welcome packet?” “Yeah, I was confused too.” “This just proves my point about the king wasting money on useless stuff. I mean…look. The bag is crocodile leather.” “You just said that we might be listened to.” “You’re right.” And put a finger on his lip.

  “Anyway can we go?” “Why? It’s a waste of time.” “Exactly, we have nothing to do till the evening main party.” Kaelith’s father took a pause, and said, “fair point.”

  And so, they were off. They went to the place the card had written. And they found Alrith. Looking at them he said, “well then, somebody is interested in a tour.”

  “Why, nobody came yet?” Asked Admiral Tharyn. “No, you were the first. The most shocking, really. You were the last people I had expected for the tour. Well then would you like to begin?” “Yes, please go on.”

  Alrith took them to a garden that had a very, pungent scent. “This is the queen’s personal perfume garden. Flowers and other ingredients are grown here. They are then given to the royal perfumer to make the queen her desired scents.” “Smells very pungent.” “Yes. The mix of all scents together, gives out a strong unpleasant scent.” “I feel sorry for all those who have to work here.” “Most true, indeed.”

  Then they went to the farms. “All fruit, vegetables, grains and spices you had at lunch were farmed here.” “He has such a big farm for himself when the nation is quietly starving.” The admiral said in an angry tone.“The lord is a very dim witted fellow. Refuses to accept what the advisors say, and puts himself before the people.”

  Just as the admiral and Alrith were having their conversation, Kaelith noticed a shadow. Like a black something, moving swiftly. Kaelith didn’t think much of it…but that was about to become, something…tragic.

  They continued with the tour. Alrith showed them the memorials of the lords who came before. The royal kitchen, and a big brass bell that shall only be rung, in an emergency.

  They were then taken to the royal library. “This is the personal library of the royal family, all the lords’ favourite collections have been kept here for generations. After the death of a lord, their collection is put in a crate, with all their things and buried.”

  “Why bury?” “We bury their dead bodies; and the bodies decompose to become nutrients for the soil; so symbolically, they have become a part of the Earth. We bury their items in a crate to show that their items too have gone with them. ” “I thought we don’t practice religion. We speak facts.” “That we do. But I wouldn't call this religion. I would call this tradition.”

  “And who is that?” “Who?” Alrith turned back and said, “oh, that’s Eldric. The royal librarian.” Kaelith analyzed the appearance of the man. An old somewhat distorted face, looked like a goblin. Pale, and eyes cold. The man was writing down something.

  Eldric noticed Kaelith and asked in a raspy voice; like that of a heavy smoker, “want anything, kid?” “Nothing at all sir…” Kaelith replied, with a sense of fear.

  “That’s it. The tour is complete. I will show you to your quarters.” “What is up with you doing random jobs Alrith?” Asked the admiral, “not random at all, sir. I was just tasked with greeting guests and the palace tour. Otherwise it’s a normal day for me.”

  They got back to their quarters and Kaelith asked, “you have been going on and on about the king today. Care to explain?” “No matter how many times I say it, it isn’t enough. The truth must be said until the person fixes themselves.” “the king isn’t going to find out…” “Doesn’t need to. The king will fall, if the people get to know.” Kaelith took a pause; sighed and said, “fine. I am going to take a little nap. Please wake me up, father.”

  And so, Kaelith fell asleep. God knows how long had passed but Kaelith was woken up by his father. “It’s time, wake up little boy.” Kaelith yawning replied. “Already?” “Yes time passes by quick when you’re asleep. Now get ready.”

  Kaelith washed his face and got ready. They went downstairs for the party. The room was filled with music and the sounds of people’s chatter.

  Kaelith went up to Elira, who was already there and had a juice with her.

  “What were you up to in the time between now and the lunch party?” “Nothing much, just drawing and playing cards with my father. What about you?”

  “We had a palace tour.” “Really? You can do that?”

  “Yes it was in the welcome packet.” “There was a welcome packet?” Elira asked, confused. “The leather bag? In the drawer under the mirror in literally every quarter; I assume?” “That was a welcome packet?” “Yeah. You would’ve known if you had opened it.” “I didn’t…I lied, I didn’t even open a single drawer.” “Isn’t the first thing you do; inspect the place you’re going to stay at for more than a day.” “No. I just sit on the bed and read as my father sits at the desk writing something.” “I guess it is just me who does that...”

  “Well, was the tour worth it?” “Not really. Unless you are into giant brass bells, beautiful farms, pungent gardens, royal kitchens, memorials and such things.” “Who isn’t into stuff like that?! Also pungent gardens?” “Yes the garden smelt very unpleasant.” “Either you’re nose isn’t working or something is wrong about the garden.” “Alrith said that it was the queen’s perfume garden.” “Then shouldn't it smell, nice?” “He said that, all the scents mix into one unpleasant scent.” “Really? Also Alrith was the tour guide?” “Yes, I was surprised too.”

  Kaelith and Elira were having a nice chat and then suddenly, Kaelith noticed the same black shadow, from earlier. Then an unknown man walked in.

  Looking at Kaelith staring at a man, Elira confused asked, “what are you looking at?” “You know that man?” “No, I don’t recognise him. Maybe somebody new.” “No, we haven’t had anybody new for a while. Only politician and military officials are here with their families.” “Forget it, its just a random man that we haven’t heard of.” “Maybe you are right let’s continue. What was I saying?”

  Kaelith and Elira were talking and suddenly they heard the ding of the great brass bell. The king came into the venue, running awkwardly, and yelled, “Louis has been kidnapped!” The queen came in after, “where is my little boy!?” she cried.

  The commander of the royal guards who was having a chat with the other military officials said, “your highness we the royal guards shall go and get the prince back safely. And meanwhile I don’t want any guest moving a single inch.” And swiftly walked out of the room.

  Everyone in the room were shocked at hearing the news. Whispers and murmurs filled the room.

  Kaelith looked around and said, “he is gone.” “Who?” “The man from earlier.” “What? Can it be that….he was the kidnapper?” “Maybe.”

  Back in the weapons room the royal guards had assembled. The commander ordered, “no matter who it is you better bring the prince back safely.” “Yes sir!” “Now go!”

  All the guards left the weapons room and started searching. The commander sat at the table with maps and then heard a crying sound from behind.

  The same man walked out; putting a knife to the crying prince’s neck and said, “Well then Valric; how have you been?” “You wretched imbecile. What do you think your doing?” “Calm down Valric; you know how much I get paid for this?” “Leave the boy. Or else…” “Or else what, Valric?”

  A soldier who was still in the weapons room; heard their conversation and sneaked up, behind the man. The commander noticed and didn’t say anything. The soldier was about to sneak from behind. Then the man pulled out another dagger and said “You know Valric, I thought you didn’t play dirty.” and stabbed the sneaking soldier, killing him. “So sad.” “So sad, Kael.” the commander said. Looking at the commander not even flinching an inch, the man realized his end. Just as he was about to run out of the room with the prince, a bullet hit the man right in the chest.

  “You forgot one thing about me Kael. I am not just the commander of the royal guards. I am the commander of the Syntarian Army.” and a Kynveil came, holding a pistol.

  The commander took the scared prince as Kael was struggling to hold onto the prince. The commander turned back and said as he took the prince,“you overestimated your strength. Messing with the royal guards isn’t advised. Mere minutes it took.” And walked with the prince.

  Then he saw the Kynveil walking up to him, pointing his pistol at him…and it all went black.

  The commander walked back into the venue holding the prince’s hand.

  The king and queen were delighted; and cried the tears of joy as they saw their son unharmed.

  The king looked at the commander and the commander saluted.

  As the king and queen were hugging their child, a loud bang filled the venue. So loud that it shattered all the windows and the roof. Everyone went deaf for a moment.

  TO BE CONTINUED...

  Good times, die.