Chapter 13
1196 Words
Chapter 13
“Please be honest with me, Aragorn. Are you really going to kill me?” Sphyra asked, not overreacting, not being emotional. She was calm, waiting for his answer. “I was there, and I heard it. Are you really here to capture me and bring me to the citizens of Caspian?”
“No, Sphyra. I am here to talk you because I believe that the fire was not because of you. I won’t do that to you. I promised you that I won’t let anyone capture you. I may be weak, but I don’t break promises.”
He didn’t break promises, but he also promised to the citizens that he’ll capture Sphyra and will face them to the citizens. He didn’t do that to prove himself. He did that to stop the citizens to be the one to capture Sphyra. If he would volunteer, then they will only wit for him to capture the phoenix.
“Good, then. I assure you, Prince Aragorn. I am not the one who caused that fire. The palace of Caspian is rich in flint, steel, and coal pad. Anyone could create a fire at a village made by light materials.”
“That was my point. I think that there’s really someone who have a grudge on my father. Someone who wanted our image to be destroyed by the people. Someone who can take over the palace.”
Sphyra wanted to help Aragorn but she only knew few names in the palace. She only knew people that she had interaction in the market, the fruit vendor, but he didn’t look like he had the grudge to destroy the kingdom.
“I only heard this and I’m not sure, but the only people who can take over the king are his son, his daughter, his niece, and even his younger brothers. Do you know someone in your cousins or uncle whose greed and wanted to take over the position?”
Aragorn stopped for a moment, thought of a name he could give to Sphyra, but he can’t. “I am not close to any of my cousins or uncle. We barely talk and we barely see each other even though our houses were close to each other.”
“That’s it. Someone in your family wanted to take over the palace. There is a myth that I heard in the marketplace when I was a child. Until now, I can still remember it. It is something to do with your father’s position.”
Aragorn thought of something he can remember, but no ideas were flowing into his mind. “What is it, Sphyra? It might be helpful to me. I must investigate this matter so I can’t let you live like a normal citizen. So, the citizens would be able of not thinking of you. They wouldn’t hurt you.”
He’s doing something for my good, Sphyra thought. She was embarrassed by the time she thought this person was a villain. But he became the one helps her. She thought he was weak, but he’s smart.
“What is your next step, Aragorn? What would you then?”
“I can’t stay permanently in the palace, but I can make an ocular visit. I’ll investigate them, show everyone who is able to do the fire. Show someone’s lies and bad behavior.”
“Goodluck to your journey then.” Sphyra said, smiling. Aragorn also smiled at him, that glorious smile. She faced his back, his handsome back and tunic as he slowly progressed away from him. She wished for his safety and sanity. She hoped he’ll return the next day.
“WE can’t let you alone, Prince Aragorn. Master Leo said that we shall follow you,” Azrael said when Aragorn insisted to be alone in the path to the royal palace.
“I can take care of myself.” He wished he really can. What if he faced the person who did the fire? What if he’s about to face his death?
“You are still not ready to face the phoenix, Prince Aragorn,” Yosef insisted.
They were right that he cannot face that creature until now. But he was not going to face the phoenix. The phoenix, whom he was helping, won’t be a roadblock on his way. There were plenty of dangers in the way but he’s certain that it was not the phoenix.
“I’m only going to visit my parents in the royal palace. I’m not going anywhere else.”
“Still, we have to be with you. If Master Leo is also here, he would insist this matter to you. We’ll stop arguing with you once you stop insisting to be alone in your path,” Hideo said.
Aragorn can’t help but to let someone be with him in his journey to the palace. “I can only have one with me.”
“I volunteer, Prince Aragorn.” Azrael confidently stepped forward, smiling from Mercury to Neptune. He’s goddamn curious of the royal palace with its golden finishes and expensive pottery.
“Sad to say, I won’t let you to be the one to join Your Highness,” Hideo countered. “Azrael, we all know that once you face the phoenix, you aren’t going to cost your life. You just wanted to see the inside of the royal palace. If it is your only intention, you cannot join the prince alone.” He faced Prince Aragorn. “Your Highness, what I can suggest is that you have to pick between me and Yosef.”
Azrael crossed his arms. It is his only way to see the inside of the royal palace. He’s still older than Hideo but was still countered by him. Hideo always has the authority to decide. He hoped he can do also.
“You can be with me, Hideo,” Aragorn answered.
“Thank you, Your Highness. I promised that I’ll protect you no matter what happens.”
The two prepared their horses, their weapons, their food, and water on the way. They said they’ll return before sunset. Aragorn and Hideo both mounted on their horses. Azrael and Yosef waved to them. They hoped they’ll be safe on their way and won’t face the phoenix.
Halfway to the palace, Aragorn felt his throat being dry. He reached for his canteen on the southeast part of the horse’s back. He observed Hideo being calmed and steady while riding the horse. As he reached his canteen, he gulped and intake water like a camel.
“Stop!” someone said authoritatively. Aragorn and Hideo stopped, and they roamed their eyes around. One by one, rebels appeared from the lump of trees and grasses.
Rebels…
- Writer
