Chapter Two
Princess Alva
The winter of 1192 A.D
The service was long, unnaturally cold. The cathedral packed ladies of the court seemed to fill the entire Cathedral with the sounds of mournful cries that echoed the halls with different levels of insanity. Their Lord husbands or male companions stood respectfully at attention ever so dutiful in paying their respects, hoping for favor in the soon to be new king standing diligently by his Mother. A perplexed expression on his normally sober face caught a few those in attendance. All of the morning's events made the whole ordeal uncomfortable for the young red haired Princess. Princess Alva sat next to Prince Eric as he held her hand more for his comfort than hers. Alva knew more than anyone how their fathers death affected Him. Whilst the official cause of death recorded that their father had died of his mad sickness. Alva knew the truth. Unfortunately such a truth was forbidden to her to act or speak about...yet.
The old king was murdered with poison. One of their oldest taste testers died just a few hours after her father ate his late meal. The royal court Physician Gaius Phoebus accidentally let the news slip while she was conducting herbal studies. By chance she had overheard the Physicians mumble review that it could have been both that killed her father . Sadly both knew that to give an amended statement would cause uproar, nevertheless he assured the princess he would tell only the Queen Regent. Thus the aging Court Physician held Alava to an oath not to say a word to anyone else. Not that she held much choice. The service ended as the Royal family were led out by the Queen Regent followed by their mother then her soon to be King brother Harlad, who'd changed so much since she'd last seen him at twelve years old.
Gone was the goofy older brother who would teach her how to shoot a bow. Now replaced with a man seasoned with war and blood. Alva couldn't put her finger on it because hidden deep there was something else different about her eldest brother. A deep sadness seemed to take over him since his arrival home. Even considering the circumstances of his nature home. Harlad's gaze took on an odd foreboding look each time his eyes met her direction. Her lady in waiting for a young woman by the name of Astrid of the noble house Bastille walked behind her holding her funeral arrows; long blonde locks done up in braids gave the woman a halo in the sun. Alva sometimes envied the other woman's hair . She at least fit in with most of their kingdom , whilst Alva always found herself sticking out like a sore thumb, red hair and all.
"Alva." Called Harald impatiently for her to stop as he wanted to talk. Astride placed a hand on her friend's shoulder for encouragement. Alva appreciated the noble women's genuine support.
"I will meet you at the cliffside. They should be ready for you to light the prayer upon your arrival at Lady Alva." Alava wanted to protest that she did not need to leave. Nevertheless , Astrid left, leaving Brother and sister staring down the next, beating the other to make the first move, ultimately Alva won the battle of indecisiveness as she glared at her older brother whom she cared deeply for.
"You choose now to speak to me Brother." Alva watched as Harald's gray eyes ever so slightly flinched from the icy tone.
"After nearly two weeks since you have been back , why now after your countless refusals and several guards refusing both Eric and myself entry to your chambers. You choose our fathers death celebration as a means to talk?" Alva folded her arms while daring her soon to be king to speak, for all his intimidating demeanor she feared him not.
"You need to guard your words sweet sister, I will be your King soon."
"Is it supposed to scare me? You were a brother before you were a king lest you forget that. Pray tell that is all you have stopped me, only to remind me of your soon to be status." Alva spat annoyed at her brother's lack of compassion. He was not the same boy she knew as a child, this was a stranger to her, even so was his newfound love of this Christian Faith.
"No, that is not the reason I stopped you Alva. I have reason for not being allowed to meet you both Eric and you. Such a reason will be explained at the feast tonight, though you may seem to hate me. I fear that you may hate me more by the marrow. As such I wished to give you a heed up and perhaps ask if you and Eric would sit next to me at the feast tonight." Alava internally groaned; on one hand Harald was trying to make peace. On another occasion her brother had admitted she would most likely be angrier with him tonight. Either way she understood he was trying to extend an olive branch even if she might hate said olive branch at the moment.
"What about our mother or Grandmother surely they will feel slighted?"
"Mother might think that . She has become more paranoid than I can recall before . Grandmother however has approval so there is no need to worry about either of them--well no need to worry about Grandmother our mother she can be ignored she no longer has power over you or Eric." Alva rushed her older brother in a strong embrace as silent tears escaped her. So long has she missed her elder brother's company.
Alva let go when a cough sounded behind the two siblings. "Brother and Sister we are running late. I see you two have finally made up for now." Prince Eric grinned as he gave his older brother a half hearted hug, gently grabbing Alva's hand and he smiled kindly. "It is time to send our father off, are you ready Alva?" Eric asked as Alva gained some semi balance. Wiping the stray tears she nodded. "Ready as I shall ever be though it should be you taking aim not me." Alva stated more to herself , as the two brothers were already ahead of her nether leaving much room for the passerby.
***
Cold brisk icy winds bit bitterly around the royal family as they watched with mourn filled eyes. It felt as if the wrath of Jovial Frosti was upon them. Those damming icy winds dug into Alva's skin almost accusingly as if saying 'you know the truth, share it!' Alva's fortune must have been stronger than the bitter winds, her eyes never leaving the shrouds flames. Notably impressive was the intense manner of the flames that should have snuffed out by the change in weather. The empty shroud fought the winds coming off the frozen fjords with a mighty spirit. Ironically the late king's body was now underground below the cathedral much to the displeasure of both their mother , Grandmother and Alva herself.
Both Alva and her Grandmother knew times were to change now more than ever. They hide their displeasure of the new tradition more to their chest interest in respect to the dead. Though the same could not be said for the distraught Lady Magnora who as of late seemed to slowly start to follow her late husband's Madness. Alva knew if her mother was not careful she would not be spared the same mercy as the late king.
Eric placed a hand on her shoulder. Alva watched unyieldingly over that cliffside "Times are changing." She cried out to the winds.
Her Grandmother must have heard as she too chimed in as distraught, almost hysterical.
"Richard would be proud you are nothing like us dear. He wished you a better life, I laugh now at the irony of his choices." She paused looking off into faraway distances almost in an unseeing trance, for a time Alva thought that the older woman was done being her normal cryptic self. Yet as if in a memory she looked at Alva with glassy eyes. Eyes that Alva swore showed a different person instead of her beloved Grandmother.
"Some say red is the color of a lady fair...others say it's what you see on a robins' flight. Only time shall tell I am afraid . My dear Alva, only time shall tell us all of our fates." her grandmother seemed to spoke as if she knew more thought the foreboding way she spoke sent shivers down the young woman spine,
"Come now let us all warm up in the great hall till the feast is ready. Fathers are gone, we have mourned enough I think." Harlad nearly shouted so that everyone would be able to hear him. Alva was grateful for her younger brother's hand as he guided her down the path leading back to the castle.
****
Joyous' noise echoed along the castle walls later that same day. A stark difference from what has transpired since dawn. Harlad felt like a trapped youngling Prince again forced into the going on of court. Alva and Eric had it easy, he thought bitterly, watching his younger brother and Alva dance with other lords and ladies. True to his word and Alva's assumption of their mother she was pleasantly upset , yet smart enough not to challenge Harlad openly. Behind closed doors Harlad was sure he'd hear about it later in the weeks to come.
"You look as if you are lost before you have even been crowned. My grandson, ``What have you been so troubled about lately?" Harlad greeted the current Queen regent with kind eyes. She was his rock and confidant where his mother should have been.
"Recent developments along with documents revolving Alva and the wars past and present. Why did they wait until I left for the holy lands to start the war with our country? What caused us to kill King Caston? Surely Father could have tried to negotiate a peace treaty. They demanded a right for a wrong done so many years ago nearly sixteen-"
"Come follow me into the garden where prying ears can be avoided Harald." Harlad followed his Grandmother out onto the terrace still flustered from his normally internal questions that keep replaying in his mind . It felt as if the day had been blown away, many had refused to eat as they prepared and sat mourning his father the old king. Time escaped him and the rest of the castle today. The storm had come unto them like rampaging omen , only to have calmed down leaving a deathly calm of brilliantly shining, almost heavily atmospheres . His gaze looked to the frozen landscapes that overlooked the terrace balcony below. While it was colder outside than inside the great hall Harlad felt more at ease away from judging eyes of the royal court, all waiting to watch him fall into madness like his father before.
"You now know that Alva is not just any Nobel Princess . It has been a closely guarded secret only a select few even know this . Her claim to the throne was legitimized thanks to your father long ago due to my insistence should something like this occur. Thus whether she is blood Kin to us or Germanna nobility. She is your half sister and to Germanna she is their lost Princess. Don't look at me, your father was no saint nor was the old Queen of Germanna Natsu. Natsu was your father's good sister in his first marriage. She was almost identical except for the red hair to that of the first wife to your father, Lady Viviana. Viviana was your father's first love. After her death I have no doubt that an act was done between your father and the lady Natsu years after both you and Eric were born. While she should have been raised in ignorance he had you two strong boys, Your father acted more in his heart rather than in his sense." she paused her old weather hand holding her Grandsons she never cried but in this moment he swore she looked close as she recalled past events.
" It was during your brother's third birthday feast that your mother became pregnant again and then lost the unborn child . For almost four years after your mother would go into hiding, nearly never coming to court which helped us when your sister was brought to us she would be easily passed off as only your father's daughter and no one would be able to question it .
But back before that it was during your father and Lady Natsu continuing their secret affair that later would result in your sister. It was during the feast of Belton and your brother's third birthday that the news of the lady Natsu Was pregnant. Later, close to the second month of the year, nearly nine months later they announced Natsu giving birth to your sister. Though her name then would have been more Germanic . It became obvious as she turned three that your sister wasn't the true daughter of King Caston. He sent his nine year old son and seven year old son away at the time we all assumed for their schooling. King Caston was a smart man , more than our ballad gave him credit for. King Caston's sons were sent to a stronghold to keep safe. Even now many thought they perished in the war. Though I would stake claim that the real reason we have not heard of both boys until the start of this war was more due to the king's cousin Lord Uthred who very well could have raised both of them as his own."
True looking back at his rash actions almost randomly I can not fault him for being angry only how he chose to start his revenge. King Caston the boastful raided our lands for years never though as vigorous as now. Going as far as murdering our lords and ladies when they crossed path .Truly I can not forsake the old kings actions even to this day. Your father did a great blow to the old king's pride and house even more so later on. King Caston did not openly attack the throne, only the outer villas and their surrounding areas. They were never the actions of a man consumed with blind rage. I told your father King Caston was seeking justice. I strongly believe he knew that your father had taken advantage of his wife and the offense was met with war. He could have killed your sister before her third birthday, Yet it was not the fault of your sister to be born. He was many things but I believe he loved Alva far more than he originally thought he would. It was when Alva turned three that Lady Natsu was killed while she and Alva were in the carriage ride. Raiders took the toddler and were about to sell her off until one of our neighboring allies intercepted. She was latter returned to Caston who did his best to keep the young child from harm. In the end she was taken once more the night our father and his guardsmen three Lord Gallows, Lord O'Quinn and Lord Lokison his cousin brought the hammer down nearly destroying Germanna in the summer 1179 A.D- start edit here
"What is the point of this war then? Revenge? So called Justice? To make thousands fight for a sister's return. Alva would mourn deeply if she knew this war started over her…"
"It would have started sooner whether Alva was the root or not. King Uthred of Albion is a spiteful soul he has raged war amongst his own lands even our dearest cousins in Denmark as well as in Scotland have railed against the so-called might of Albion. Uthred would have used any family death as his martyr. Do not blame Alva; to this day Alva does not know the nature of her birth. Your first duty as King is to your kingdom. More than that there is another far greater duty that you must cherish. That is the duty to your family and subjects. Both will equally out your strengths without either you will fail."
Harlad let his wise Grandmother's words sink in. The storm inside himself wished no longer to tell his Sister of this discovery. He knew that his Grandmother was wise , for her to explain meant the old queen knew there was no way around Harlad's need to know. He knew deep down had she felt otherwise than Harlad would never have known the truth.
"What now?" Harlad asked not expecting Her to answer as she had started to walk back into the great hall. She turned, giving Harlad a sad almost forlorn expression on her aged face. Harlad noted she finally looked at all her Seventy years if not older in the wanying moon light.
"Now you prepare yourself to be king in the coming weeks. Once more this Kingdom will have to take the mantle of war. Perhaps you may have more luck with this new Christian God than your father had under the might of Thor and Odin could not." Harald watched silently as Lady Valkyrie walked back into the great hall wondering for once if it was not too late to return back to the holy lands and maybe find a new life away from the royal courts. He was just about to return to the royal feast going on when Alva walked out onto the frozen terrace.
"Brother you look tired." Harlad knew deep down that the timing could not be more perfect for her to come to him. Silently he groaned at his beloved Grandmother's antics. The band aide would have to come off slowly if he were to have a level headed Sister who wouldn't plan on throwing him off the terrace.
"Harald?" worry laced her words causing grief and regret to wrap around Harlad's heart at what he needed to tell her before it was announced.
"Remember when I told you that you might hate me later tonight."
"I know Harlad." Those three words took the breath out of him. He wanted to throttle the person who had told her, but the look he received was different then the one he thought Alva would be giving him.
"How?"
"Astrid is going to be having her season. She is older than me. Eric has waited out of respect and honor to you so that an alliance would be made in a more perfect manner to your rule rather than our mad father. " Harald tried not to cringe now that he knew why his father's diseases could have started. Another lie he would have to play along to in order to keep his family safe. "Mother made it quite clear that I am now a woman, not a silly child who could hide behind my brothers. While I do not wish to marry She is right and we are at war. I am not mad that you had to give your approval to this Harald." Alva's resolve made Harald miss the younger wilder sister he remembered before his departure all those years ago. She seemed far too sensible then he remembered. Then again she knew their mothers hate for her far more than he did. He loved and hated his mother. Her cruelty to Alva fueled the resolve he would not allow his sister to suffer another blow so help him. As such one day she would know the truth, once the war ended with Germanna and its sister Kingdom Albion. Harald gave Alva a brother's hug. He squeezed his sister as silent tears escaped both their eyes. Neither allowing the other to see how much they had missed the other. " I have missed you dear Sister and I swear that if it is in my power I SHALL NEVER allow anyone to hurt you."
"You can not promise that Brother."
"I am your big brother and King . By God will I shall and will do my utmost best to keep that promise."
"Thank you."
"Let us go back to this feast of mourning. The dead need their silence while the living must find their way." Harald spoke slowly, barely audible as the winds started picking up. Neither aware of the figure watching the two from afar with a sinister almost evil grin on their face.