RECOVERY

THE OUTER REALM

Long straps of strange breeze kept on as the night’s sky spoke of danger to Raven and Pavalon as they watched green skinned monsters moving to and from the whispering caves. “What are they?” “Spiros” Pavalon told him. “I’ve never seen  one before.” “I’ve seen quite a couple on patrols before they disappeared.” “They disappeared?” Raven asked. “Yes.” Pavalon answered and looked at him in amazement. “You are ignorant of many things aren’t you?” “Well you can’t blame me. Your King had us all locked up.” “He is not my King.” Pavalon told him firmly.

“Seems the ...” “Spiros” “Whatever, are obviously back.” “Year I can see that clearly for myself.” They had fallen into immense luck for they would have served themselves to the Spiros had it not been a few of them who were walking around the area when they (Pavalon and Raven) got there. Now they watched as the Spiros got out of the cave and started off away from it and this time, it seemed like they were off for good but Raven and Pavalon remained put for fear that it might not be all of them and furthermore, they had lost their swords in their little fellowship with the King.

Back in Zorak, a soldier hurried his way to seek the attention of the King who was in conversation with his daughter while at table. “My liege we’ve received reports. The old priestess has been spotted.” The king looked at the soldier in deep thought then excused himself and walked a little distance with him. “Where?” “The Isle of bones.” “Fetch Simon for me.” The soldier left and the King returned to the table with mixed feelings because of what he was about to tell his daughter.

Simon had just finished fixing a meal for himself and was about to get to it when he heard footsteps outside. He lived in a hut quite some distance away from the palace. The house was partially covered with grasses that remained green irrespective of the seasons. Many suspected powerful magic to be the cause of such phenomena. The soldier stopped advancing towards the house when the old door cracked open and revealed Simon – the man whom the King feared or better still, the man who did not fear the King.

“The King has sent you to fetch me hasn’t he?” The soldier was startled. “How did you get to know that?” “Let’s just say I am old enough to guess things correctly.” “Alright then what do you say we get going. The King is waiting” “Did he ask you to return with me to the palace?” “No he did not, only that it was of the greatest importance.” “Go on then, I would be on my way shortly.”

The soldier left and Simon returned to his meal. He had not planned on fixing a good meal for himself only to abandon it and hurry off to attend to anyone – not even the King. Back at table in the palace, the King looked at his daughter having returned to the table where he was narrating his experience with the red dragon and the rebels who made an attempt on his life but Tarin cared very little about all he was saying and would kill to get away from his presence.

What a family. Father just told daughter that some people tried to kill him and she didn’t show any concern. Good thing was that he totally understood the reason behind her hostility and coldness of heart. “Tarin, have you ever heard of the Outer Realm?” “I am not in the mood for talking.” “O please come on, you were the one that wanted to talk before.” “I’ve changed my mind.” “Tarin this is very important.” “Okay fine I’ve heard of it” she said exhaustingly. “I have reasons to believe that something of great value I have been looking for was taken there and...” “By something of great value you mean the breath of Kings don’t you?” “How did you get to know about that? I have never spoken to you about...” “You know I don’t just sit around all day doing nothing since my husband was killed.” She said angrily.

“Fair enough, I have found a way to go there and retrieve it.” “You speak of it as if it is something that belongs to you that you lost. It’s not yours, get over it and yourself.” “The point I am driving at is that in my absence, you would act as queen. I don’t know for how long I would be gone but not to worry, I will have Simon serve you as an adviser.” After all these years he still thinks I need a baby sitter. Tarin said to herself. “Tarin did you hear what I just said?” She was jolted out of her thoughts and returned to the table “Yes” She answered trying to conceal the fact that she had been absent minded. “For how long will you be gone?” She asked him. “You have not been listening now have you?” He had caught her.

“What’s the point? You always end up doing whatever you want.” Tarin raised her voice and the King did as well. “I am your father all I have ever done was because I care for you.” “The only person you care for is yourself.” “If you knew of what I had to do to see to that wedding, you would...” “I’ve had enough.” Tarin stood up and left the table, storming her way to her chambers. The King placed both his hands on the table and bent his head. He was down and did not hear Simon’s footsteps when he walked in until he spoke to him.

“You sent for me.” The King stood upright and looked at the old man. “The Priestess has been found.” “Are you sure?” “Of course I am, I have been preparing for this for a long time.” “No I mean you sure you want to leave the kingdom in her care? She doesn’t seem to be...” “I know that but what can I do? And besides you will be here for her so I have nothing to fear.” “What can I say?” Simon looked at him. He knew the Outer realm because he had been there once so he understood what the King was getting himself into.

When he was prepared to leave he told Simon “Help me tell her I love her and please try to make her believe it because she does not.” “You take care of yourself and make sure you come back in one piece.” Simon told him as he walked away. He gave instructions to the guards at the door as well as the soldiers who had assembled where his horse was packed full with provisions waiting for him.

The resounding remark was – “If anything happens to my daughter while I’m gone, you’ll have me to deal with.” Well it would seem the Kind does care for his daughter indeed but he was terrible at showing or making it felt.

The cave where the Spiros had occupied briefly, provided descent shelter for Raven and Pavalon who were now roasting and preparing to eat the rabbit they had caught after the Spiros left, then Raven started to say “The King would be dead by now had it not been for that stupid creature.” “Had it not been for that ‘stupid creature’, we would both have ended up as the dead ones. What were you thinking? We had him but you were only concerned about yourself. Do you think we could have survived another blast from the fluke?” Pavalon yelled at him. “That’s totally on you. You should have told me about the flukes.” Raven fired back.

“You are unbelievable. Do you ever accept that you are wrong?” Pavalon asked puzzled. “Yes, when I am.” “I doubt if we would ever see the King again but just so you know, the justice that was averted today was because of you.” Pavalon looked him in the eyes as he said the worlds then walked out of the cave leaving Raven to digest them.

The clouds were becoming darker and the King knew it would soon start to rain which meant he needed to find shelter. He reckoned he would find one in a cave he could see not too far ahead of him.

Back in Zorak, Simon knocked at Tarin’s door. “Who is it?” she asked from inside. “It’s Simon, I was hoping...” “I am fine go away.” He opened his eyes wide, gnashed his teeth and turned around. That went well He muttered to himself as he obeyed her interim Majesty.