"Welcome!" A tall man with an athletic physique extends his arms to help me get on the boat. Zul helps the man, by pushing me towards him, as he also climbs. Tolug hops on after us. Toran is already sitting down, and a man puts a blanket over her wet body. She looks at me and smiles. Once aboard, I look around the boat and my heart stops for a second when I see the crew kneeling and bowing to me. I don't know what to do… I just stand in front of them, astonished by their actions.
I nod, smiling shyly, still unable to comprehend the devotion from these strangers who have offered shelter and this incredible sign of reverence to an outsider like me and my company. They stay like this, kneeling in front of me. My body trembles from being cold, but also from being nervous. I hug myself, trying to stop the shaking, while admiring the people in front of me. Then, a young unique teenage boy comes out to receive us.
His eyes pierce my spirit as he looks directly into mine, making me gasp. I remember the first time I met those eyes in my dream, they were like two ocean spheres. He walks towards me. A strong man accompanies him, and when I least expect it, they both kneel in front of me too. I look around and find everyone else behind them and my friends doing the same.
"Please rise", I say. My voice is as shaky as my body. I control the tears wanting to burst from my eyes, and I swallow the nod in my throat. The boy rises to his feet and so does everyone else after him. I have imagined this moment so many times, but nothing compares to this feeling. It is kind of magical, like time has stopped and now it moves slowly.
My heart beats rapidly and I breathe in the fresh cool breeze slowly, while looking at my brother. The noises of the swamp don't scare me anymore, in fact, they add a certain mystery and peace to this moment. "My dear sister, Princess Andreamaba of Crándactar. I am Kenúd of the Zatra Tribe, your half brother. It is a great honor and indescribable pleasure to finally meet you and have you among us."
He is not like any teenage boy I have met before. His words are spoken with purpose and his voice carries weight. When he speaks everyone goes silent, as if he commands them to do so in his presence. Kenúd looks me in the eyes and I stare in disbelief, because I have never thought a boy could have such an impact on me or anyone older than me. I must admit I am intimidated, yet proud to be his sibling.
"The pleasure is all mine, brother, and I can't tell you how much I have anticipated this moment." I extend my hand to him to shake it and he looks at it, tilting his head with curiosity. Kenúd looks at me and smiles. I can see he is questioning the whole gesture. So I drop my hand, awkwardly, not knowing what to do. A little embarrassed, I say "You are supposed to shake it or hold it, whichever makes you comfortable".
"Ah, yes, apologies. I do not know much about your planet, but in this one, we do not greet royalty that way, Princess Andreamaba". I look at Zul, trying to calm my nerves, he always manages to make me feel better. "Is the same way on Earth", he says in my defense. "Oh", Kenúd smiles nervously now, still doubting my actions.
"I am sorry. I'm still getting used to the whole royalty thing… and I will prefer it if you call me Andreamaba. Just Andreamaba. I am still getting used to that name too." Kenúd laughs, and for the first time he appears to be his age. That makes me relax. "But you are our princess, everyone will call you that here. We cannot escape our fate, titles and duty, sister."
"That, I know", I say sarcastically. "Ahem", Toran clears her throat, "She just means that you are family, therefore you can call her by her name." Kenúd thinks for a second, while looking at me. His face softens and he smiles again. "As you wish, sister". I smile at him and I want to hug him so bad, but I know that will be considered an informality among his people. I never knew I had family and now that I have my brother in front of me I want to hold him. Maybe someday I will be able to do so.
"Let's get inside so all of you can warm up and eat. You look like you can use some rest." "Yeah", Toran half yells, excitedly. Zul shakes his head and chuckles, "You don't have to tell me twice". They all follow the man that came out with my brother, but Tolug. Tolug stays right beside me. "I hope you can find comfort in our boat. It is not luxurious, but it is the best we could do for this trip without raising any suspicions… An-dream-aba", he says, spelling my name with hesitation.
My brother seems a little uncertain when he calls me by my name. "I am sure this boat will feel more like a home to me than any other place I have lived before. Thank you for your hospitality, Kenúd. I know you are risking a lot by doing this." My brother smiles, grabbing my hand, now that there is no one around. I hold it and we both look at each other. I am able to feel his feelings; they are so strong.
"Do not thank me yet, sister. Our destiny is not an easy one, but our father prepared me for this moment, and I promise you, I will be by your side every step of this difficult journey. My people will be your people and we will have a new Crándactar, just like Princess Maba and the Kandreo Rebels wanted it."
He smiles at me, putting my hand over his heart. Then, he stares at me seriously and we stay silent for a few seconds. I can hear his heart beating. It calls me. It wants me to feel what's inside. Kenúd is half Kandreo, like me, like our father. He could transmit his feelings and memories to me. Can he really do that? If I'm not mistaken, my father died before he could teach him such abilities.
I close my eyes and feel him. I concentrate in my hand over his heart and his hand over mine. Our touch becomes warmer and I begin to receive what he is releasing from his soul. I don't do anything, other than remain open to the energy between us. I am not extracting or prying. He is sharing.
I see him… in spirit. He is an old soul. Having a purpose and duty fuels him. "My blood is your blood and I am not afraid to lay my life for you, just like our father was not afraid to lose his by saving your mother in the Forest. I will fight with all I have and give everything so you can sit on that throne and restore the peace of this planet."
When I open my eyes I notice Kenúd's eyes are closed. Did he speak to me, or did I hear his thoughts? I breathe in deep, trying to understand what just happened. Kenúd's words are profound. Such commitment from a young boy is terrifying and admirable. He is just like my father, brave and honorable.
I continue to look at him and I feel our connection, the blood that binds us. I hear it in his veins and in every breath he takes. It's amazing how I went from being a discarded orphan without friends to having a brother willing to die for me. Kenúd finally opens his eyes and asks, "Did you feel what I said in my mind?"
I nod in aw. My body trembles and I laugh. I laugh because I don't know how to respond to this amazing connection I never knew was possible. Kenúd laughs too, still holding my hand. "OMG!" I yell. "This is awesome!" I jump and Kenúd jumps with me. We are both giggling, and I grab his shoulders.
"This is incredible!" I yell again. I can see the happiness in my brother's face. His eyes are glossy and all of the sudden, he lowers his head. I put my hands on his face and notice him crying. Kenúd tries to hide it. Without thinking it twice, I take him in my arms and hug him tightly. He hugs me back and says, "You look so much like him, your eyes…"
I cannot stop myself from crying anymore. I let it all out. Kenúd breathes in deeply. "I am beyond happy to live up to this moment, sister. We finally met!" He collects himself, cleaning his tears while smiling at me. I wipe my tears as well, and we both look at each other, still smiling.
My brother didn't want to show weakness in front of his crew, that's why he conducted himself differently before. Now I have seen his true nature. He is a sweet boy, with a protector warrior's heart, like our father. He is just a child, just like me, but unlike me, he has so much grace, conviction and courage.
"Someone is coming", Tolug warns us, so my brother and I are not caught holding hands and giggling. I guess that is a big deal here, especially when you are royalty. My brother lets my hand go and he stands straight. I do the same.
"Kenúd, dinner is ready and we are waiting for the Princess and you", says the strong man that received me with my brother earlier." "Yes, we are coming". My brother starts walking and I follow him with Tolug beside me. "My sweet child", Tolug talks to me in my head. "Seeing him brings me so many memories. Kenúd might not look like my friend Andreúl, but he is exactly like him in character. I have seen my old friend in him today."