The Mountain's best kept Secret

16. Protecting lies

(Leo’s POV)

“I must find them.” Frown lines appeared on Galli’s forehead hearing his words, “Who are you talking about?” To what he answered, “The men - who rescued me from the battlefield all those years ago. I heard them talking about Rogan and me. Unfortunately, I never saw their faces, but I believe they have answers about my past.” “But where will you find them? You said it yourself, you’re not even sure who they are?” Galli asked with his head tilted. “Sesa knows more than she leads on, I’m sure of it, so I hope she will shed some light on who those men were.” He replied. Too many unanswered questions haunted him, and it was now the time to find answers, so the two then hurried back to his grandmother's cottage.

“Jah!” Leo nudged his horse with Galli following close behind, and throughout the journey back, his mind took over. He pondered on how he always suspected there was more to his past, but because the truth might be unpleasant, he never desired to uncover it. But Isabella’s arrival changed all that—for she’s his responsibility now and would do anything to protect her. On top of that, Rogan’s visit to king Sagum made it clear that he saw him as an enemy and not a brother. ‘But why, and what was he so afraid off?’ He pondered on.

Because of the royal family’s dreaded stone curse, Rogan was the most feared man alive. Something wasn’t adding up... Without determining exactly what deal Rogan struck with king Sagum, it sounded as if it had something to do with the curse. Certain about one thing; if his brother succeeded in his plan, he would come for Isabella, and he cannot let that happen. “Grrr…” Suddenly, his stomach grumbled like a wild beast. Again, a couple of days passed without a proper meal, warm bed, or much sleep. He preferred the simpler life he led before, but since Isabella and the others arrived, everything turned upside down.

In the distance, a dull light shone from the kitchen window as they drew closer. ‘Isabella…’ He recalled the bleu-eyed beauty he left behind. With all that kept him occupied the past couple of days, he rarely thought of her, but she burned the image of her beautiful face into his memory. He only now realised how much he missed her while away - missed her smell, innocence, and awkward grin.

“Thank u for nothing, my friend—I’ll always be indebted to you.” He grinned at Galli. “One day, Commander, you’ll need my help and I’ll be the hero.” Galli playfully straightened his back and stared into the distance. “Yet, if it weren’t for Isabella’s constant nagging to go look for you, I would’ve had come.” Galli added before turning around and led his horse towards the village. Leo just shook his head and went inside. Faint sounds came from the kitchen, so he tip-toed closer to listen in on the conversation. He only heard Sesa’s hum and the clinking of dishes before he made himself known. “Why so dull?” He asked from the door. “Leo! You’re back!” Isabella shrieked and jumped up but kept her position. “My son, welcome back! You had us worried, as we expected your return much sooner.” Sesa pulled up an eyebrow instead of embracing him.

“Mm, well, a lot happened.” He slowly walked over and stopped in front of Isabella. “You convinced Galli to come look for me, wasn’t it?” She stuttered with her head held low, “Yes, well, I… What did you want me to do? For two days I had to sit and wonder if you were still alive…” He picked up her chin, “Look at me. Your concern flatters me, but I don’t need saving. Galli only got himself into trouble and if not for me, he could have gotten caught.” He smirked before continuing, “I’m tired. We’ll talk some more in the morning.” He caressed her arm, turned around and left.

All he desired was to keep her close, but his trip was exhausting, so now he first needed rest. Tomorrow will bring its own lot of challenges, as he will pursue the truth about himself. Too many things about his past didn’t add up and only he can uncover it, as Sesa wouldn’t be of any help. “Leo, are you still awake?” Unexpectedly, the door screeched open and Leo propped himself up on his elbow. “Isabella is everything ok?” “Yes, um, it’s just… Can I come in?” She carefully asked. “Yes, come in.” He sat up straight this time. She entered and came to sit at his feet, “Is everything ok? You seem distant after returning. What happened?” Even in the dark room, he noticed her worried eyes and a fire lit in him again.

“You are so pure, do you know that? But there’s no need to worry about me. I will tell you everything, but first just give me some time.” He answered. “Time for what?” She pleadingly moved closer and reached out for his hand. “There is more to what happened to my parents, I’m sure of it. I will go tomorrow to find some men that can help me make sense of it all. Until then, I just need you to be patient with me. I intend to tell you everything, but not now.” Isabella dropped her head and nodded. Then, without looking back, she left. Now his hand laid cold where he held hers, “O, my princess…” He uttered.

The following day, before anyone noticed him, he snuck out of the house. After her visit last night, he became more desperate to understand Rogan’s visit to the Black Wood Tribe, so that he can return to her. “Morning!” On his way to the village, Galli suddenly appeared to his right. “What are you doing here?” Leo asked. “Let me accompany you - I thought you’ll do something foolish after yesterday. So, where are we going?” He smirked. “You are a loyal friend, but I have to do this on my own.” He shook his head.

“Well then, the best of luck to you! I’ll leave you to yourself.” Galli fell back, but kept a close distance and pretended to do his own thing. “Fine! But brother, whatever we learn today, will stay between us, you hear?” Galli hurried beside him, but pulled up an eyebrow at his friend’s doubt of his loyalty. “Of course!” Leo stopped and placed a hand on Galli’s chest. “I mean it, we might learn some troubling facts about myself and my family. I need you to have my back no matter what.” “I promise you brother, whatever happens, nothing can change our history together.” “Good.” Leo nodded and continued to the village.

“If I might ask, where are we going?” He tried to keep up. “To discover who my father’s trusted confidants was before his death.” He answered. “Why?” Galli looked puzzled. “There were two men that save me from the battlefield after king Sagum killed my parents. I heard them talking about what will happen if I learn the truth about myself. I believe they were referring to my true heritage after I overhead king Sagum also referring to ‘me not knowing the truth’.” He told Galli. “Your father had many trusted friends; my father was one of them. You need more than that to go on?” “I know, that’s why we’re going to see the nurse that tended to me the days after. She’ll know who dropped me off.”

The two chatted away as they drew closer to the village. Many people already got busy tending to their small vegetable gardens or animals, yet still greeted them as they passed. “Morning prince Leo.” The young girls giggled at the sight of him. “If only I had a title, then I wouldn’t have so much trouble finding a wife.” Galli sighed. “You don’t have a wife because of your own stubbornness. No girl will ever measure up.” He laughed at his pretend pain. Almost at the nurse’s cottage, Galli stopped and asked, “What are you afraid of? What truth can be so terrible that will make me think less of you?” “Don’t worry yourself. We’re almost there, come!” Leo avoided his question.

“Leo, tell me? I need to know before we walk into the belly of the beast.” Galli pressed again to what Leo gave in, “You are so persistent! Fine, I’ll tell you. I think I’m not even a prince... There! I said it! My parents might not be my parents after all.” “But that cannot be? What makes you believe such a thing?” Galli took a step back. “Why else would Sesa keep my past a secret? I know she hides more from me. So, you understand the importance of keeping it to yourself?” Leo spoke in a low voice. “But, if your brother, well, king Rogan finds out, he would…” Galli trailed off, scared of Leo’s reaction. “Seize Isabella? Have no-one to challenge his evil rule? I know, it has been haunting me ever since I returned form Black Wood.”

“So then, lets hurry and find out who your actual parents are to devise a plan afterwards.” Galli placed a hand on his shoulder and walked up the steps of the nurse’s cottage. Knock, knock, knock. “Hallo, is anyone home?” Leo stepped back as soon as the door flung open and revealed a thin elderly woman. “Prince Leo! O my, how long has it been since we’ve seen each other. Come in!” She turned around and allowed them in. “To what might I owe this unexpected visit?” She motioned for them to sit down. “Biscuits! I’m starving…” Galli murmured next to him, but he ignored his friend’s rumbling belly. “Thank u, but we can’t stay long. I came to ask you about the men that brought me here, back from the battlefield all those years ago.”

“O, yes, I remember. Tragedy… That’s all that comes to mind thinking back. Many good people lost their lives that day, unfortunately, your parents were among them.” She shook her head. “I understand it was long ago, but this is important. Please, can you try to remember who brought me to you? I remember being on a wagon…” She suddenly interrupted him, “O yes! That’s right, um, two warriors brought you on the back of their wagon. I remember this because one expressed his shock at recovering you from the battlefield; barely alive.” Leo cleared his throat, “Yes, well, I shouldn’t have been there. But, at that age, you know better than anyone else.” He paused, and then Galli stepped in, “Can you remember their names?”

“No, regrettably not, but I remember one man got injured—a large cut over one of his eyes. Although he turned down my offer to tend to the wound, I insisted. Even back then, I realised it would leave him with a terrible scar.” She sighed. “I know who that is!” Galli exclaimed, “He was one of your father’s warriors, but mostly kept to himself after the battle. I only saw him once in the village market after that. Um… Sallus! That’s his name.” The woman smiled then said, “Well, there you go! I believe you found your answer.”

“Thank u for your time. You have been of great help to us.” With respect, the two men nodded their heads before excusing themselves. “Galli, no!” Leo scolded as he grabbed a few biscuits on their way out. “Now we need to, ‘munch’, find Sallus.” Galli spoke while stuffing his face. “You have no shame, do you?” Leo smirked. “It’s delicious, do you want one?” Leo turned down his offer and turned in the castle’s direction. “Where are you going?!” Galli spat crumbs. “All the retired warriors live in the outer ring of the castle. We will most probably find more answers there.” He answered, but continued on the path, deep in thought.

Before long, they arrived at the castle’s outer ring. Cleverly thought out; in the event of an attack, the retired warriors would be the castle’s first defence. For many of these men, retirement became their only option, as they contested Rogan’s iron-fist ruling the kingdom. Surely, death would come knocking if they were to oppose him further, so instead they retired here. “Excuse me sir, do you know where we can find Sallus?” Galli stopped a passer-by. “Yes, he lives over there.” He pointed, bowed before his prince, and hurried off. Within minutes of walking, they arrived at a small run-down cottage. Planks lifted from the walls, some floorboards missing, and dust covered everything. “It seems like no one lives here?” Galli mentioned.

Lightly, Leo knocked on the door, afraid of punching through it. “Hello, anyone home? Hallo… Sallus, it’s prince Leo. I came to speak with you.” After a brief silence, they went in. “Hello?” They proceeded with caution as the unlocked door allowed them in. “Leo, here!” Galli called in a low voice from the other room. Quickly he made his way over there. Once inside, he saw an elderly man snoring away. “It’s definitely him. Look at the scar over his eye.” Galli whispered. Leo walked closer, “Sallus, can you hear me?”

Suddenly, the elderly man woke up, but to their surprise his hazy white eyes stared back at them. “His blind?” Galli gawked. “I wondered when you would come to find me. How have you been, prince Leo?” He unexpectedly spoke. Confused, Leo and Galli looked at each other; was he not blind? How did he know who stood in front of him? Galli waved his hand before the man’s face, but nothing. “How, hum, do you know it’s me?” Leo asked after clearing his throat. “Your presence is so powerful, no one can mistake you for someone else.” He respectfully smiled and tilted his head.

“Then, you must know why we came to you?” The man remained silent, so Leo answered his own question, “I came to find out more about my past - who my actual parents are.” The man frowned at Leo, “My prince, I don’t follow? Is that what your grandmother told you?” He tilted his head to the other side. “No, she refuses to tell me anything, that’s why I came to find you.” Leo stepped closer and knelt next to the chair. “O, so you still don’t know, and even after all these years…” The old man sat, rubbing his chin.

“Why is everyone so determined to keep the truth from me! Please, I beg of you to tell me the truth!” Leo became more desperate for answers, so he grabbed the man’s hand. “Please, Sallus, I cannot go on like this… What is going on?” Sallus took a deep breath and exhaled before he answered, “My prince, after your parents’ death, Sesa vowed to give you a better life. A life filled with love and happiness. One the throne could not provide.”

“What are you talking about?” Leo’s eyes begged. “You most probably don’t remember, but I also served your grandfather before your father. Such a great man, but sadly misunderstood.” The frail man coughed into his free hand a few times, then asked, “Have you ever heard the name - Ceci?” The name caught Galli off guard, “Ceci?” He whispered to Leo. “Yes, she was my grandmother’s twin sister.” Galli’s mouth cinematically fell open. The man continued, “Well, before Ceci died, she had a daughter and with no other family to take care of the little girl, your grandfather allowed her to stay in the castle. Of course, they kept this secret and only a few people knew about her.”

Galli interrupted, “That must have been such a sad and lonely life?” “Indeed, young man. Growing up, she didn’t want to live in the shadows anymore and always caused trouble. Before long, she became pregnant by a servant.” Sallus took a breath that allowed Leo to ask, “And then? I am right, aren’t I?” The blind man stared up before answering, “I was there the day she gave birth to a baby boy and his sister. I sight I will never forget…” He trailed off and Galli filled in the blanks, “The baby boy—that was Leo?!” To what he laughed, “No, no, no, no, no! You still don’t get it? That baby boy was Rogan.”

“Excuse me, what!” Galli shrieked. “Yes. You heard right. Rogan is in fact not the rightful heir to the throne. That will be our young prince Leo’s birthright.” Leo froze as the truth dawned on him… “It can’t be? How…” He stuttered. “There are many secrets hidden about the past, but now that you’ve learnt the truth, it’s vital to take your rightful place as king of the Stone Arrow Tribe. We’ve never needed a righteous leader more, than we do now.” Leo’s ears rang as the man spoke—off all possibilities, this was the least expected. “Does Rogan know?” Leo asked, but Sallus continued his story, “Unfortunately, the young girl died shortly after she gave birth to them, and your father needed an heir, so he raised Rogan as his own. He hadn’t met your mother yet back then, and because of the curse, he had little hope of conceiving his own.”

“You said she gave birth to them?” Galli asked, not sure if the old man’s memories could be trusted, but Leo quickly silenced him. “Now is not the time, Galli. Sallum, does Rogan know?!” He pressed again. “Yes, of course he does. Why else would you be a threat to him?” The realisation sickened him; that his ‘brother’ and grandmother all knew, but choose to hide the truth from him. Overwhelmed, he needed to confront Sesa. Without saying another word, he stormed off, leaving Galli behind to apologise for his sudden departure. “Don’t be strangers!” The old man said as Galli excused himself.

Back at the cottage, Leo stormed in and went from one room to the next - looking for Sesa. “Sesa! Where are you?!” He yelled, consumed by rage. “Leo? What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Isabella come from her room and merely the sight of her, calmed him down. “Princess, I’m sorry, I urgently need to speak to Sesa. Do you know where she is?” He forced a smile, but she crossed her arms suspiciously. “She’s outside in her garden. What’s going on?” “Thank u!” Is all he said and rushed outside, leaving her standing in the hall.

“Sesa! We need to talk!” He searched the garden outside. “Leo, why are you shouting like a mad man?” Sesa straightened her back with difficulty, and supported her weight with the cane pushing deeper into the wet soil. “What can be so important you need to stomp my garden?” She stared down at his feet crushing some plants. “How can you lie to me! All those years I worshiped you; you were my everything! Still, you decided it would be better to let me believe Rogan is my brother. To question what I do wrong - for him to hate me so much?” He rambled on. “Shh, keep your voice down!” Sesa waved her hand for him to follow her into the forest. After a while, she stopped and turned around. “Who do you think you are? Speaking to me like that? Don’t you trust me? Have I done anything that was not in your best interests?” She poked her cane at him.

Dismayed, she shook her head and her eyes teared up. “I wanted to tell you… So many times, but what would you have done if you found out? Would you have taken up the impossible responsibility of being king?” She cried, to what he answered, “I never wanted the crown and never wished to become king!” He stared at her teary face. “Yes, but by protecting the lies of Rogan, you had to leave him be, even though he ruled with an iron-first. In your mind, he was the true heir and that is it. But what now? After you have learnt the truth, will you stand by while Rogan destroys the kingdom, or will you do something about it?”

“Duty to the people of this kingdom comes first.” He dropped his head. “Exactly, so now you feel obligated to take back the throne - to safe us all. And tell me, what of Isabella?” She shifted to a more comfortable position. “What about her?” He narrowed her eyes. “Rogan never turned anyone to stone, and now you understand why?” She saw Leo’s still confused face. “Because he doesn’t possess the curse, but you - you are my true blood and the son of my son.” She waddled over and took his hand. Suddenly, it dawned on him, “I won’t be able to take a wife or have children...” He said in a low voice, but then an idea came to mind. “But what about my mother, why was she different?” he asked with a glimmer of hope.

“You see, your mother came to our world by accident and was immune to our magic and the stone curse.  But not Isabella; she was brought here by the forest. That’s why I think she’s affected by it. I’ve watched how she responds to my magic and that of the forest; something is different about her. I fear, unlike your mother, she’s not immune and truth be told, are you willing to take the chance to find out?” Sesa sighed.

“No…” Was the only word he could utter after grasping the weight of the truth he held in his hands.

“Do you understand now? Why I protected Rogan’s lie for as long as possible? Knowing the truth, you won’t be able to sit back and watch your people suffer under his rule. And the moment you do that, you might lose her forever.”

“Since when has Rogan known?” He asked. “After your parents died, and he accepted the crown, he realised the stone curse didn’t affect him. He came to me for answers, yet refused to accept the truth I offered. He blamed your parents and from that day on, his heart changed to a pool of tar.” Sesa spoke slowly, as if out of breath. “After he tasted the power of being king, it overshadowed his heart, and he would do anything to keep his position. So, he plotted to kill you—his own brother!”

“I always knew Rogan had something to do with the attempt on my life, but refused to believe it.” He went to sit down under a nearby tree, stunned by all he has learnt. “Even if you’re not bonded by blood, still, you grew up together. That must account for something?” Sesa look down at him, resting his head in his hands before continuing, “So, we made a deal; If I take you away and protect his lies, in return he’ll spare you. And that’s what I did.” She grabbed her chest, recalling the painful memories.

“I am terribly sorry, my son. I only wanted to protect you from a sad and lonely fate.” She cried. He stood back up to hold her. After she calmed down, he asked, “Nana, why was it that the stone curse didn’t affect you and grandfather?” Sesa wiped away her tears and twisted from his embrace. “Do you remember the story I told you; of how your grandfather and I met?” She asked. “Yes, I do.”

“And about Ceci not taking well to me winning over her betrothed’s heart?” She asked again. “Yes? And what does that have to do with anything?” He warily asked. “Before we got married, Ceci’s rage and vengeance only grew worse. My sister, she only had one desire: to be queen. She only entertained the arranged marriage to become the queen. And now, I took that away from her, because marring your grandfather would make me queen. So, she gave us a wedding gift; ‘the best gift of all’, she called it.”

“And, what was that?” Leo asked in anticipation. “The stone curse... So that our children and children's children would never find love. After accepting the crown, everyone they touch would turn to stone." She answered.