He wasn’t a beautiful king, or even one that songs were sung about. He was simple man, with rough features and bright hazel eyes. His perfectly brown hair was just a little wavy, and curled at his temples and the nape of his neck. He had broad shoulders and a muscular physique, with working hands, not dainty artists’ hands. Despite his common looks, he held the power, the commanding air and the proud eyes of a king. His name was Shyem.

It was the queen who held the grace and beauty, the compassion and hope. She had a gentle face, with delicate lips and large blue eyes. Her hair was like that of an angel’s wing, soft and gold-white. Her hands were long and slender, one was usually holding up her chin as she watched those before her in thought. Those with matters of the heart came to her, to let her plead with the king, in hope of gaining favor for their case. Her name, as it has been sung about, is Ihleni.

The two sat in comfortable chairs before the people on a small raised dais in the great hall. The hall was a great place of pale stone and arched windows. Sunlight streamed into the castle with a cheery effect, brightened only by the queen’s smile as she looked upon her king.

They were in court, taking cases, settling disputes, and ruling yea or nay for pleas of whoever was on the day’s register. The people who came to court were quite a diverse group, from a peddling slum, wanting permission to sell an invention, to exquisite lords, wanting a blessing for their child. The court was almost over for the day, much to the king’s delight. He had plans to go pleasure riding with the queen, a rare pastime for the two nobles. Not much time was allowed for pleasure.

The king gave a last smile to the noble as he bowed away, before turning to the woman next to him, parting his lips to speak. Before any words could come out though, a man swept into the room, resplendent in robes of black and silver, thought there was dust at their hems. His robes matched the streaks within his raven-like hair. He was tall and thin, made powerful by his posture and the proud look in his icy eyes. He came forward with an easy smile and gave quick-but-appropriate bows to each royal.

Then, he and the king embraced like brothers and wrung hands.

“Forgive me for being late,” The man began, but Shyem waved his hand to silence him.

“I take it your travels went well?” The king inquired, noting the man’s pleased mood. Ihleni remained seated; her slim legs crossed at the ankle with a soft rustle of blue silk.

Kyrr, the black-haired man, nodded. “Indeed, I found what I was looking for, and what’s more, I am ready for your boy.” He smiled again, his blue eyes meeting the queen’s over Shyem’s shoulder. Her smile back was false, but nonetheless pleasing to the man. She, as well as the king, knew what he wanted with their son and no doubt, he would go.

Kyrr was a mage, a rare and dangerous occupation. Not many were gifted with the Talent God gave to mages, and sadly, her son wasn’t Talented. Kyrr was willing however, to teach her son the ways of the world, as well as potions making and discipline. He would not learn any magic, but if he was lucky, be able to detect it and perhaps counter it. Few were presented an opportunity as such, and it would be frowned upon to over look one.

Shyem watched the man, quite in disbelief. “But Rydan is only barely three years old! How could you expect him to be of anything but a hindrance to you?”

Kyrr nodded his head, as if he had thought of this. “An apprentice must start young, as there is much to learn. I would advise you to send him with me as soon as possible.”

Ihleni watched their conversation, her eyes switching back and forth between the two men for minutes before she quietly rose and left the great hall through a side door.

The room she entered was quite different from the hall, all dark woods and dark stones. The only brightness in it was the golden head of the small boy.

He turned as the door opened, and jumped from the chair he had been sitting on. “Mama!” He cried, running to her and throwing his small fists around her.

Ihleni smiled, and knelt to embrace her son warmly before holding him at an arm’s length, her eyes serious. “Rydan, dear, Kyrr is finally ready for you. Are you ready to go?”

The boy’s green eyes sparkled as he nodded, already bouncing on his toes eagerly. “Y’mean I getta be a ‘prence?” His words were that of an excited three-year old.

The queen smiled at his exuberance. “An apprentice, dear, you’re sure you’re ready to leave us?” Her smiled faltered a little, and she could feel the tears stinging behind her eyes. She didn’t want to give up her son. Kyrr was as trustworthy as they came but Rydan was only three!

“Of course Mama.” Rydan stated matter-of-factly. “You told me I hadta. It was for the kingdom. And I have to be a good prince, right?” He asked her, watching her from underneath his shaggy blond hair. Duty already rested heavily on his thin shoulders.

Ihleni laughed bitterly, it was a terrible thing, to see such a young boy already worries about the concerns of a kingdom he wouldn’t rule for nearly three decades – if that. Childhood was for playing, growing, laughing – not worries and duty. “Of course dear, of course. Just do everything you can as well as you can.” She tried to put on a brave front for his benefit.

He suddenly threw himself at her, hugging her tight. “But Mama, will I ever getta see you’n Dad again?” His muffled voice came from just below her ear.

“Of course Rydan, of course.” She quickly wiped away a tear that tracked down her cheek and sniffed. Gathering him in her arms, she carried him back into the great hall.

“Here, I brought the papers to sign and make it official.” Kyrr’s voice was the first thing she heard upon reentering the Hall. Her blue eyes sought him out, and found him and the king at the lone table, signing documents.

Shyem straightened for a moment, glacing at Ihleni and Rydan with a smile. He turned back to Kyrr, “Are you sure this is necessary? I trust you wouldn’t hurt him.”

Kyrr met the king’s eyes. “Of course it is necessary, it wouldn’t look right if I just took off with your son. I must have permission and the legalities must be fulfilled. It takes some time, but it is necessary.”

Shyem muttered something, and hunched back over the table.

Ihleni settled herself back in her chair, Rydan on her lap, to watch them. They only took a few more minutes, but it seemed hours before they came back over to her.

“Kyrr!” Rydan exclaimed, and giggled when the man solemnly shook his hand. The mage had certain affection for the boy, and thought he refused the title of babysitter, had watched Rydan many times while Shyem and Ihleni had other duties.

“Rydan, wonderful to see you, how are you?” Kyrr smiled, tousling the boy’s hair.

“Good! Mama said I’ma be your ‘prence?” He asked the mage curiously.

“You are,” Shyem answered first. “You’re leaving today in fact.” Shyem glanced at his wife and went to stand by her side. She gripped his hand tightly and bit her lip.

Rydan climbed down from the Ihleni’s lap and looked up at Kyrr. “Really?”

Kyrr smiled, taking the boy’s hand. “Really. Do you want to go pack? I’ll help you.”

“Sure!” The boy grinned, pulling the man forward and nearly tripping on the hem of his black robes.

Kyrr smiled and paused, turning back to the king and queen. “And I must plead with you, to have no contact with the boy until I say it is time. It is better to bring him up without him realizing he is a prince. It would spoil him, and spoiled children make spoiled rulers. It is not a thing your country needs.” He winced and gave an apologetic smile. “That sounded harsh, I’m sorry. I will send you letters on his upbringing to satisfy your want for knowledge. Now, we must go if we are to make the tower by sunset.”

The king nodded and raised a hand in farewell, his other hand tightening around the queen’s.

She looked up at him, and he helped her to her feet. “I don’t want him to go Shyem…” She said, another tear finally falling down her cheek.

Shyem gently wiped her tear away, “It’s not like we’ll never see him again.”

“But should we have let Kyrr take him? Or made him stay here in the castle to teach him…” Ihleni looked up at Shyem uncertainly.

Shyem didn’t say anything at first as he stared down at the doors Rydan and Kyrr had left through. Finally he spoke, “It will be okay. I trust Kyrr, and he is the best choice.”

Ihleni pressed her lips together and didn’t respond. Her eyes found the carpet and she pressed them tight together, turning slightly toward the comforting presence of Shyem.

He embraced her, still staring at the doors over her head.

Copyright:
LaurenBlewett

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