WARNING
1149 Words
Ishtun was soaking in the calm waters of his personal pool when one of his servants barged in the large vault, his footsteps echoing around on the humid tiles.
-Sir, there is an old woman at our gates – The boy spoke in a rush – She says there is a big threat coming our way, and insists it is imperative that she talks to you.
-Why are you bothering me with the ramblings of a demented old woman? – The young ruler complained – Just take care of it and send her on her way.
-We tried, but she refuses to leave, and the Elder happened to be around. Once he talked to her, he said he senses she is telling the truth, so he sent me to tell you. He thinks you should at least listen to what she has to say.
-Fine! – Ishtun waved at him impatiently – Send her in then, what are you waiting for?
An old white-haired lady was escorted inside by two guards not much later, her fragile frame supported by a wooden cane as she slowly paced inside and stood before him in silence.
Once his men left her standing by the edge of his enormous pool, the woman remained quiet, her eyes trailing and scanning the young man's features with an impassive face.
-And well? – The teenager urged as he started feeling uncomfortable under the lady's scrutinizing gaze – Speak then, Elder! Say whatever you came here to say.
-Where´s Imohen? – The woman asked – I requested an audience with the ruler of Mavaer.
-My father is dead – Ishtun responded, his face contorted in visible pain, and sniffling boldly – You are talking to the regent ruler now, so go on and speak your message.
-I am sorry for your loss – The woman nodded at him. Her eyes filled with kindness – I was not aware of this… He will be deeply missed. As for what I came here to say, I must sadly confess, it is not a message but a terrible warning. Lowland's gate has fallen at the hands of vicious invading outsiders, and now they are coming to get the rest of our land, starting with yours.
A brief sparkle of fright crossed the young monarch's eyes, before he leaned back and extended his arms over the edge of the pool, giving her a smug look.
-Let them come then – He said, smiling proudly at her – We have an army after all, they will have to go over them first.
-And they will – The woman responded imperturbable – Lowland's gate had an army too, and they did not last a day. Do not think for a second that these are ordinary intruders, they possess very lethal weapons, weapons that will burn holes in your men's chests and will make them fall like flies.
-How… How do you know about all this? – Ishtun asked, unconvinced, his voice trembling with a hint of preoccupation.
-Because I saw it with my own two eyes – The woman nodded at him – If your people stay here, they will not stand a chance.
-What about the Yahurians? – The ruler pondered carefully – I could always ask for their help, after all, they were the ones who freed us the last time we were under attack.
-I am afraid that Yahur has a lot on their plate right now – She replied, shaking her white head- And even if they could come to your aid, you do not have that much time left.
-How long until they get here? – The teenager asked, adopting a serious demeanor, calmly exiting the pool. His youthful, virile body displayed for a moment, before he covered it with a bright green robe.
-It took me a phase to get here – The old maiden explained – As we speak, they should be readying to march, they are strong, and they are ferocious, so you must have no more than that to evacuate the city.
-Evacuate? – Ishtun cried out with incredulity, pacing around – No! We are not running away like cowards and letting them have our city without even putting up a fight! This is our home!
-It is, but if you stay here, you will not survive to live in it – She responded, looking pleadingly into his eyes - Hear me out, son… You need to do what's best for your people. You need to save them from the claws of death!
-But how do I do that? – The young heir asked in frustration – You said it yourself, they are coming to invade. Once they get Mavaer, Midland's gate will be gone next, and then the rest of our land. So, there is really no safe place to go anyway!
-You are right, there is not – She agreed – But there will be. My grandchild is working on getting Lowland's gate back with a group of rebels, take your army and your people there, then join forces with them.
-Are you seriously suggesting that we run precisely towards the origin of all this conflict and help Lowland's gate while I let them have my home?
-I know it is a hard choice, the one that you are forced to make... And I'm sorry you must carry this burden on your shoulders at such a young age. But trust me, you won't be letting them have your city for good – The old woman nodded at him – I am not asking you to do that. This is only a temporary measure… Sometimes receding is the only wise move left to make. That does not mean you will not get a chance to strike back later.
-I can see why it makes sense… - The monarch concurred – To team up, and present a united front... But I would still have to bring this to the council first.
-Do as you must – She bowed respectfully to him – But do not take too long, or you won't have enough time to clear your people out of the reaper's way.
- Are you sure this is the only way, Elder? – Ishtun muttered, running his hands through his wet hair nervously – How do I know I am not making a huge mistake?
-Because this is the only scenario in which your people get to live to fight another battle. One within your conditions, one in which you will be stronger and prepared... But if, after hearing my testimony, you choose to ignore my warning, then you will all perish along with these walls.
-Then… We must let them have our land and stay back – The young man breathed out resignedly, tightening his lips.
-Yes – Anam muttered - But only for the briefest of times, my child.
- Writer
