Episode 6
Snow knew something was wrong. Why was Alice here? Maybe it was the Aries after her the other day. She ran towards her,"Alice! What are you doing here?"she asked, shaking her as she looked up. Her eyes,nose and mouth was bruised. "Oh my days, Alice! What you doing here?"
Alice was gasping,blood running. "Rua,"she said breathlessly. Snow was holding her arms now, looking at her. Her face was half healed from the knife bruise. The powder she gave her must have worked. "Why you calling me this? Alice,this is unlike you. How do you know I'm a Rua now?"Snow asked.
"I am..."
"Shut up,bitch!"kalas shouted, giving her a slap to stop her from speaking. Snow gasped. Alice was crying now. Lathow stopped kalas from hitting her further. He turned to Snow. "This is Fera,not Alice. She is our most trusted spy and soldier. She is a betrayer,"Lathow said,his voice grim.
"I'm sorry, Snow! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"Fera,not Alice shouted now, crying earnestly. Snow uttered no word. As Fera shouted,she was hit by Kalas. "Now,that interesting episode is finished,we have to go see my Father and mother. "Save yourself, Snow! You have no time!"Fera shouted, crying.
"Shut up,you bitch!"Kalas yelled,sounds of him slapping her echoing. Snow rushed away, without waiting for Lathow. Trouble was looming.
*. *. *
Gerald was assembling his men. It was the day of the war. He was wearing war armour clothes. His men were busy assembling guns,arrows and all. He was shouting commands up and down. "The gun powder came in excess! Prepare it now!"
"Yes, General!"
Different divisions of the country's army were assembled,and their Generals commanded them. The war was set to take place on the Emperor's field,several miles away from the palace. Gerald,as the head of the wild division was the busiest,as he had the largest army. He was worried. The Emperor had promised to be here with them,as he was the head of the warriors, since he was leading the war.
"General Gerald,the Emperor is not yet here. He's to lead the battalion,then we follow!"one of the generals lamented to him. Gerald went deep into thoughts. This was an important war to the emperor. Was he going to give up now? Or,maybe he had changed his mind. Something was not right. "Let us assemble the men and wait for him,"Gerald said,some hope still in his heart. The General went away. After they had waited for an hour more without any message coming,they set out, Gerald and the other Generals leading the battalion. They couldn't just leave without the Emperor,so they stayed outside the palace gates, waiting. Gerald was curious,as to what was happening. He tried hard to think of any reason why the Emperor would be late to this kind of war he had summoned by himself,let alone give up on it. It showed cowardice. What was the Emperor trying to do anyways? He had no answer. He knew other Generals were looking up to him,if he had any last minute arrangements with the Emperor. He hadn't seen the emperor since the previous afternoon. As he was thinking of these,San arrived with a message, running breathlessly. He looked terrified and shocked,anxious and scared. Something bad had happened. Gerald had sent him into town,to find out what had happened, and he had come back with some news.
"General,this is bad news! This is bad!"he said, running towards Gerald's horse. He snatched the paper off San's hand. It was an order to call off the war. It only meant one thing; the Emperor was dead.
"The Great Emperor passed away this morning! The war has been called off!"San announced on his behalf,seeing his master dazed. Gerald just sat on the horse, looking at nothing in particular. The other's wails,and paying obeisance to the Emperor drowned in that instant. His greatest ally had died.
*. *. *
Ella's father was pacing the hall up and down. The chiefs and generals that were on his side were seated, maintaining a long line of chairs on both sides. They were all looking at him as he paced. It was indeed a great loss.
"I do feel like someone amongst us took the glory behind us,"he said,still pacing. "It could be anyone,your majesty. Anyone,"one of the chiefs,who was black said. His eyes were blue,and he had soft,wavy hair. He was young. "That person is like minded with us. He's among us. Someone has betrayed us! I dreamt of ripping him apart with my bare hands everyday,now it's all gone!"the Governor shouted, and his voice echoed all around.
The chiefs and Generals were quiet. "Where is General Lucas?"the Governor asked. "He asked me to represent him here,as he went home as a result of indigestion,"his right hand man said, standing up to show himself. The Governor rested a bit. "What do you want now, Governor? It's all done. The war is gone. We should be grateful to the one who took him away,"one of the chiefs,who was white and fat cheeked said. "Do you think I am a coward? Now,all charges might be pressed against us,for ever going against the Emperor,"the governor said,still feeling uneasy. "No charges would be pressed,"one of them said again. It was all quiet.
*. *. *
Snow and Lathow walked into the large hall. There were the king and queen,the chiefs, some young ladies,whom Snow perceived were the Ruas,and guards.
As they walked towards the King and Queen, Lathow whispered to Snow,"You must be on your best behavior today. You are a concubine,not a bedchamber maid anymore. And if you decide to flop it, I'd have no choice than to use the negative side of my sword on you,"he threatened.
"Do not hold my hand. It is uncalled-for,"Snow said through gritted teeth. "We are supposed to be a couple,and not some racoons,"he said.
It was then that she noticed that a young lady was seated beside the Queen. She looked pretty,and young. She had beautiful,brown hair,and had a ram head crown on her head,too. She was wearing an expensive dress,which made her look regal and queenly.
"May I present the latest Rua,to the King and Queen?"Lathow asked, gesturing at Snow,who gave a mock curtsey. The Queen was smiling mischievously, gazing at Snow. The King was smiling too, but Snow didn't know if it was pure or evil. She knew she was in danger,but she had to be at ease,and plan her strategy. She had the warnings of Alice in her mind. The Queen turned to the young lady beside her and signalled. The lady signaled to one of the eunuchs and he came with a necklace,which its pendant was a ram head. He passed it to Lathow,who watched her affectionately. Snow observed this. The lady quickly removed her hand from his,and sat back.
"The necklace signifies royalty,and that you are now a legal Rua of the great Prince Lathow. Protect it with your life,"the lady said,her voice ringing out loud and clear. Lathow was still watching her. Snow gave another mock curtsey.
As they had finished the event, and she was walking back to her chamber,a voice spoke beside her,"Me and you are on the same level now." When she looked back,it was Alisha. "Oh, it's you,"she said.
"Yes. I know you are curious,as to know what all these is about,yes?" "Look,if all of you cannot tell me what all these is about,then stop approaching me. I am confused, and still in a daze about what is happening to me,"she said, frustration clearly on her face.
Alisha looked apologetic. She looked around,then whispered,"The lady who gave you the necklace is Princess Mira. She is the Prince's legal wife." That explained why she was dressed in royalty. She had guessed it already. "So,what is this place? What is going on?"
Alisha looked around again, and whispered,"You need to come see me tonight. Make it as secretive as possible. I would be waiting for you. I have some things to show you."
Snow didn't know if she could trust her or not. She didn't trust anyone anymore,but she was curious. She felt bad for sitting in vain without trying to save herself. Her inner self that came to her in her dreams would be glad now. She was making a move,the move she needed. She nodded positive to Alisha and went away. Alisha went on her way too.
*. *. *
Princess Mira was seated on a comfortable sofa in her room, smoking tobacco. She smoked anytime she was baffled. Even though she was pregnant, she still smoked, ignoring the warnings of the nurses. The pregnancy was not yet evident,as it was just three weeks. Not everyone knew about the pregnancy,not even the King and queen;as keeping it confidential was intentional. Only Lathow,a few trusted servants, and her loyal nurse knew about it.
"Announcing the arrival of Prince Lathow!"the eunuch at the entrance announced. Lathow entered, now wearing another attire. He had a sour expression as soon as he saw her smoking. She didn't care,but continued smoking. The servants in the room dispersed.
Lathow watched her a little before collecting the tobacco from her and sitting down beside her. "Mira,why are you smoking again?"he asked.
"Your new Rua was giving me an headache,and so,I thought tobacco was the best antidote to drowning the headache. What do you think?" "Look, I'm sorry, Mira, I know I broke my promise,but you cannot endanger our child. And trust me,this one is a big catch this time around,"he said. "You chose her because she was pretty,right? With all that rich mass of white hair. She is too pretty and young to be by your side, Lathow! I know you!"
"I have never loved another woman apart from you. Why should I now? Besides,I think Kalas tested her right before bringing her. She is heavy in power, and that kind of power was not appreciated in the town she came from,"Lathow said,then reached for Mira's hand. She let him touch her now. "I apologize,my Queen. Kalas is working it. She would be gone soon,"he said assuringly. He looked into her eyes, then patted her tummy. She didn't smile. She was expecting the day she would be gone.
*. *. *
Lady Myre was seated, looking bright and happy. She was creating beautiful flowers,only by wielding her fingers. The beautiful flowers bloomed right away. Her enemy was gone. The bully. She was the first person to be happy when she heard about the emperor's death. She smiled. Harriet was smiling too, standing a few meters away from her. "My Lady,my Lord is so happy. He is so happy to hear the news,"she said,also smiling herself.
"Gerald must be by himself now, crying. His greatest mentor is dead,"she said mockingly. Harriet Beecher echoed her laughter. Suddenly,the door flung open. Myre looked back,to see who had opened the door so rudely. It was Gerald. She got up quickly,"What has brought you to my chamber, Lord Gerald?"she asked, feigning meekness. Gerald looked angry and distraught. He was holding a sword,which was stained with blood. He was wounded,maybe he cut himself to show his grieve. "Where is your husband?! He was not in his chamber! He did not attend the traitors'meeting today. He must be hiding something!"he yelled.
"My husband had indigestion after eating half cooked beans yesterday till this morning. I prayed to God to keep him safe as he prepared for the war this morning,as he was very weak. I was only happy when I heard that the war had been called off,but also sad that the Great Emperor passed away too soon,"Myre said with feigned sympathy and meekness again.
"You! Do not think you can deceive me with that pretended meekness! I would have slain you,had you not been a respectable lady!"Gerald threatened. Myre feigned fear again, but this time,it looked like mockery,"Oh my days! Lord Gerald must be so angry right now. I must bring my mouth to a close,as you would slay anybody who comes your way." Gerald raised his sword to her neck. Harriet Beecher gasped. She quickly jumped to Myre's front, and shielded her. "Take me before you take my Lady!"Harriet shouted.
"What is going on here?!"someone shouted from behind. It was Lucas. He was wearing his inner robe and looking pale and weak. He walked towards them and pushed Gerald away from the women. His sword fell to the ground. "What are you doing in my mansion?! You should be grieving and not causing chaos in other people's houses!"
"You are a coward, Lucas. You declared a fair war against the Emperor, because he was after your wife,now you see has a larger army,you killed him to protect yourself!"Gerald shouted angrily.
"How dare you come here and make allegations against me?!"
"I told him you were sick since yesterday,and he threatened to slay me,"Myre said.
"Guards,get Lord Gerald out of my mansion!"Lucas yelled,but Gerald stormed away after picking his sword. Lucas rushed to Myre. "Are you okay?"he asked worriedly. Myre nodded, asking Harriet the same thing.
*. *. *
Gerald stormed into the baker's shop. "Everybody, out!"he yelled at the customers present. The huge baker was behind the counter, counting the money he had made so far. The customers scurried away.
"I see our General is in a bad mood today. The people are joyous,"he said, paying Gerald little or no attention. "Joyous? The emperor is gone,and all those hypocrites do is rejoice?!" "You need a cup of Rum to calm your nerves,"Roland said, going inside to get a jar of rum. "Two shillings per cup,but because you are so down today,I would give you for a shilling per cup,"he said, placing the jar and cup on the table before Gerald. He poured a full cup of rum and gulped it down in a pour. "Today is so full of woes. The war,the emperor and now,here."
"You act like a kid, Gerald. You should have taken the winning side. We all know what the Emperor does with young girls. The people are happy that a tyrant is gone,"Roland said, resting back on his seat. "Still doesn't change the fact that I was loyal to him. I would forever be! And I would find those people who killed him!" "You would only hurt yourself more. You trying to reach the people that killed him would be your end. It was a joint decision,"he had a laugh. Gerald uttered no word,but continued to drink. "You are on four shillings,"Roland said, standing up to get back to work. Gerald continued drinking.
*. *. *.
It was night. Snow was pacing up and down the room. She was doubting, but she knew that she wanted to know what Alisha had for her. She was starting to feel uneasy,each passing day. And she badly missed Winsley. The loyal dog was alone by itself,and she was busy thinking and thinking without taking action. How disloyal she was! She needed to see Winsley tonight. As she thought about all these,a maid came in, holding Winsley's collar. "Winsley!"Snow rushed to him. He ran to her too,and they both embraced each other. The dog was licking snow's face,and snow rubbed its back, never letting go. The maid excused herself. "Old boy, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to leave you all alone by yourself,"Snow said, sounding tearful. She knew she had to be strong now. Winsley wagged its tail. As she bent, checking his body over and over,her door silently opened. It was Alisha, looking around suspiciously.
"Alisha,"Snow called, straightening up. Alisha had a black cloak on,the hood on her head. "I thought I told you to meet tonight. Kalas almost got me,"she said,almost in a whisper. "I need to know why you want to help me. I cannot bring myself to trust anyone from here,"snow said truthfully. "I know. But my mother was killed here years ago. Of course,I am a citizen of Aries,my mother was a stranger,"Alisha said, her voice now louder than a whisper. "Killed? How was she killed? Why?"
"She was a unique being too. She was captured, and made a concubine, just like you and me. After draining almost all of her power till the point of death,she was killed when she tried to escape. She had me before she died, and I was made Prince Lathow's bedchamber maid since I was eight,"she said, looking sober.
Snow thought she was speaking the truth,and wanted to trust her. She asked again,"You still have not answered my question. Why are you helping me?"
"Look, I know you don't trust me,but I don't want to see anyone else dying. Besides,you are still young,and your talents cannot be wasted on these people. They do not worth it. You must be a big catch for them. I have waited since, till the moment they would have a big catch,and I would let it go. I have nothing to lose."
"Talent? How do you know?"
"You are a talented one. Only a blind man can say he is not seeing it. Besides,we have the power to know if one is talented or not,"Alisha said.
That explained snow's dreams. Her inner self knew she could save herself, but was just reminding her to. What power could she have? She always knew she was talented,but had always wanted a plain life,and so,had not seeked much about what she had in her.
"I am a sorceress,and if I wish,I could cast a spell on you, and deliver you to them,but I want them to feel the pain of losing something so dear and valuable,"Alisha said.
"Do they know about your power?"
"They chose me,so as to cast spell on young girls they bring here."
Snow knew she wanted to say more. And so,she probed further,"You could have cast a spell on me."
"Actually, I failed. My spell has never failed. That was when I knew you were a big catch,"Alisha said.
Snow felt glad to be enlightened. She now knew all what was going on. "What about the prince's wife?"
"Just as I said earlier,I watched Lathow grow up. Mira is an old friend,and they have been in a relationship since they were young, even though she is a princess of a far away land."
"You said you have some things to show me, but we have spent a lot of time discussing,"Snow said curiously.
"I was buying us time. Kalas thinks we are discussing about the ceremony earlier,"Alisha said, getting up,as she was sitting on snow's bed. Snow grabbed her new black cloak and held Winsley's collar. When Alisha saw that she was holding the dog,she said,"We would be found easily with him!"
"Never mind,he is a smart boy!"snow said confidently. Winsley wagged its tail,as if it was a confirmation to what Snow said. As they stepped out, Alisha was looking around. The Ruas chambers was always so silent,but with soldiers at the entrance of each rooms. Alisha cast a spell on all the soldiers in front of all the rooms,and they stood like statue,not moving. "It would be obvious if I make them sleep,"she said, whispering back to Snow as they proceeded. As they passed the room beside snow's,the girl she had seen earlier laid on the bed,not moving,but her eyes were wide open. "What is wrong with her? She did not give me any answer when I spoke to her,", Snow asked,also whispering back. "Her power has almost being drained till the point of death. There is still more to see. Come,"she whispered back,as they both tiptoed down the section of chambers. Snow followed her closely, holding winsley.
*. *. *
Ella was beside her mother's bedside. The woman was still looking pale,and her lips were blue. She looked so weak, but was awake. "You must have heard. The emperor passed away this morning before the war,"Ella said, holding her mother's hand. "Yes. The war has been keeping him busy."
"Who?"
"Your father."
"Has he not been coming to see you? The maids told me he came to see you some days ago."
"That is what I tell the maids to say to you. I do not want you to worry at all."
"Mother,how could you do this? How could you keep this from me? We both know father does not care about you,you do not need to cover for him,"Ella said,her face now looking angry. "Ella,my child, do not hate your father. He does not want to see his sick wife,"her mother said, looking all sad and heartbroken. "I even put on some make-up when I heard he was coming to see me, imagine my effort? But he kept me waiting and drank all night with the Geisha girls,"she said, looking pitiful.
Ella didn't cry, but she wanted to. She couldn't, because her mother would be sad,and start crying too. "I would go to see father today,"Ella said, getting up. "No. He would be in a bad mood for now. Do not make him yell at you,"her mother said.
Ella sat back, feeling so teary,but fighting hard to hold it back.