After the events with the enemy ship, nothing of interest had happened. The rest of the voyage had been smooth and event-less. It was the day they were to arrive in Leoradan, and Marina was standing outside on the deck of the ship, savoring this last day of the at-sea life.
She had spent all morning in the hold keeping Nihlen company. It was only at his insistence that she get some fresh air that she had even come above deck. He’s handled the whole thing very well. I would be going crazy in that confined space for a month. But he hasn’t complained or appealed to Vel even once. His will is very admirable…
A sudden warmth radiated through her cheeks, and she realized she was blushing. She quickly rubbed at her face, before looking back out to the water.
“Hello young miss!” Vel called, walking toward her from across the other side of the ship.
“Hello Vel.” She said curtly. She had made it a point to be short and distant from Vel, to let him know just how she felt about Nihlen’s situation.
“I was just coming over to let you know we’ll be to port within the next few hours. You may want to prepare your things to disembark. Luckily for us, the port we are headed for is also where the palace is located. It is the grand city of Falshia, the jewel of the nation of Leoradan.” Vel said, acting like he hadn’t noticed her attitude. He had done that the whole time, making Marina’s efforts vain for all but her own satisfaction.
“I prepared last night.” She said shortly. “I have been ready to get off this ship for some time.”
Chuckling to himself, Vel strode off without saying another word to her, barking orders at his crew.
It seemed to be no time before land came into sight, and they were pulling into the harbor. Cal and Marina were waiting on the deck, when Vel approached them.
“I will be heading directly to see the Queen.” He said, stepping back to show them his clothes. He was wearing a very clean, white vested shirt and black slacks. He was even clean shaven, which surprised Marina. The appearance did not really fit the Captain they had seen and known for the last two months. Much too orderly and clean. “I would advise you to wait on this ship. If you must stray, however, do not wander off too far, lest you become lost.”
With that, Vel disembarked. Marina stood on the deck, watching as he slowly disappeared into the crowds loitering around the docks and vanished from sight.
“Cal, take some of the gold Jaylin gave us and head into the city. I want you to find us an inn. Whether accommodations are offered to us or not, we will be staying in the city while we are here. Come back to the ship when you are finished, and leave word if we're already gone.”
Cal nodded, and he too disembarked, disappearing into the crowds to take care of his work.
Once Cal was out of sight, Marina headed down to visit Nihlen once again. As she entered the hold, she saw him sitting as he always was. He was reading a book he had asked Vel for, and didn’t look up as she approached.
“The Captain has left to see the Queen, so you should be getting out of there soon.” She said, sitting down next to the cage.
“The day has finally come.” Nihlen said, shutting the book and looking up at her. “I’ll see the Queen, and find out what lies ahead on my Path.”
“You talk about your Path frequently, so you must hold a lot of faith in that ideal, right?” Marina asked. “I myself do not know much about the Faith. Perhaps you could tell me more about it while we wait?”
“Certainly. The Faith has existed for as long as people have, as far as I know anyways. It's said the belief was established by an old man long ago. His name was Morcalla, and the Path was his interpretation of life. He explained the life span of man in this way, and people accepted it. In time it spread across the world, and was embraced by many nations. The Faith is used to guide people as they grow, helping them realize choices they make have consequences. As I told you, our lives are a journey. The steps we take on that journey are the Path which we travel. Though it may branch off, and go in different directions, it always leads to the same place, no matter who you are. The only part which cannot be controlled is the destination. The rest is up to the turns you take along the way.” Nihlen said gently, placing the book on the floor. “As a child, many of the choices along your Path are decided for you by those around you. The older you get, the more choices fall under your own command. As we reach a certain point of life, the skills we have acquired, the experiences we have had, begin to help set the Path we will take. The Path can sometimes be backtracked, a new one taken. Other times it cannot. Some choices send us down a part of the Path there is no turning back from. You can only continue forward, trying your best to live with the Path you have taken, trying to never take a Path to regret again.
Marina contemplated him silently. She herself had no real belief except for in life itself. Everything else was just the things people told themselves to explain life. “I am guessing the end of the Path is death, since that is the only thing that would be there for everyone. What happens after that?” She asked.
“It is said at the end of the path, along with death, is the Creator. There he waits to welcome back the spirit of each of life's travelers. With the Creator, you will see the culmination of the Path you’ve taken. See it all laid out before you. The only way to truly know what happens at that point is to walk there yourself though.”
Marina simply nodded, and sat quietly outside the cage. The wait was excruciatingly long, or so it felt. She wasn’t sure how long it was before she heard the sound of someone descending into the ship.
When Vel came into sight, he moved toward the cage. “The Queen has agreed to see you lad. She has sent an escort to take you to the palace. I will take you outside at once.”
Vel quickly unlocked the cage, and Nihlen stepped outside, stretching appreciatively. “Let’s be on our way then.” Nihlen said, gesturing for Vel to lead the way.
As they were making their way out of the ship, Nihlen’s balance seemed off. He tripped slightly, and Marina reached out and caught him.
“Are you all right?” She asked, concerned. “Is you head hurting again?”
“Not at all,” Nihlen said, straightening. “I just haven’t moved much this last month. I need to get used to it again I guess.” He finished, smiling brightly at her.
Outside, Nihlen took a deep breath from next to her. “It feels good to be outside again.” He said, stretching his arms above his head.
“If you’re not careful, you’re going to get used to being held captive.” Marina said, laughing.
Vel turned around to look at her, and she quickly looked away. Oh no… He has no idea what really happened between Nihlen and I… She thought frantically, but Vel seemed to think nothing of it as he led them down from the ship.
Standing at the dock was a single man. He was an adult male, perhaps thirty years old or so by her guess. His black hair was cut short, his eyes as piercing as a hawk. He was wearing a brown coat that looked worn and well used. He had a look on his face that spoke of mild interest in the situation. When they reached the dock, the man put his hand out toward Nihlen.
“I am the Queen’s envoy, Galen Inglid. I will be escorting you up to the castle at the Queen’s request.”
“I am… Just Nihlen will do for now.” Nihlen said, shaking the man’s hand. “This is Marina, and we have a third companion. Where is he Marina?”
“I sent him into the city to run an errand for me. I will take care of him later. Let us be on our way for now.” Marina said.
“Thank you for bringing us here Vel, and sorry for any trouble we may have caused.” Nihlen said, bowing to Vel.
“It was no trouble at all lad.” Vel said, smiling. “If the Queen has accepted you, then I accept you as well. You are welcome on my boat anytime. Come see me if you ever want a job fending off pirates.” With a wave and a chuckle, Vel headed back onto his boat, whistling to himself. As soon as he was on board, he began barking orders for his crew to begin unloading their goods.
With a head nod,
Galen prompted them to follow him through the busy wharf. They dodged and weaved through sailors and other pedestrian traffic, until the city proper came into sight.
Galen led them through the city. He looked back occasionally to make sure they were still following him, but said nothing. Nihlen didn’t seem to be pushing for any conversation, so Marina decided to follow his example and remain quiet for the time being.
She looked around at the city as they walked. The buildings were enormous, and all seemed to be built from a white stone. The streets were very busy, just like the capital of Draven had been. Like the cities of Draven, the people seemed happy here. The streets were clean, and the noise of the people's daily lives surrounding her was positive. Inside, she felt a small twinge of sadness. Another beautiful place, why couldn't Rinh be like this? She thought sadly.
“That is the palace.” Galen suddenly said, pointing.
Marina turned to see where he was pointing, and gasped when she saw the structure. It was enormous, at least twice as large as the castle she had seen in Draven, if not larger. It sat on a large hill, looming over the rest of the city like a beacon. It was made of beautiful white stone, like the other buildings, and looked as smooth as if it had just been built. It was seamless, and almost seemed its soaring ramparts and great stone statues of mythical beasts had been carved from a single gigantic stone. To be so enormous, and still so far away… Marina thought, dumbfounded by its size.
“For as long as Leoradan has existed, so has this palace. Over countless generations since, it has been improved, and kept in a state of perfection. The palace is a symbol of our land’s greatness, and strength. There is not another palace in the world which can rival the majesty of ours. Designed by the greatest architects, and constructed by the greatest craftsman. There truly are few sights as magnificent as seeing The Great White Palace for the first time.” Galen said, his voice filled with great pride.
The closer the group got to the palace, the more looming it was. Never had Marina seen a building such as this. It almost felt as if she was approaching a mountain. Oddly enough, it made her squeamish as well, as if it was going to fall over on her.
“I’ve only ever heard this palace described by my father, and in books. To see it in person is truly breath taking though. It is definitely superior to any castle I have ever seen.” Nihlen said, admiration clear in his tone.
I’m surprised he would say that, considering he has a castle in his own land… I wonder if he really meant it. It’s hard to tell with him sometimes… Marina thought, glancing over at Nihlen. He was still looking at the building, and he did indeed look impressed.
“The Queen is already awaiting your visit. She cleared her schedule for you even. I am not sure who you are yet boy, but I am eager to find out. We will proceed straight to the throne room. You had better have manners before the Queen.” Galen said, eying both of them hard over his shoulder.
“Of course.” Nihlen said, flourishing a small bow as they walked. Galen nodded once, and turned back around.
Finally, as the castle seemed like it just couldn’t get any bigger to Marina, they had reached the gates. The guards flanking them, dressed in armor with gold and maroon tabards, saluted as they opened them. Galen continued to stride forward, his pace quickening. Into the castle they strode, and still Galen’s pace increased. They were walking so fast Marina couldn’t get much of a chance to look around. Everywhere she looked though, she saw gold and other precious objects. Large paintings of many kinds of scenes, and grand tapestries that looked very old, as well as ones that looked new. The inside was as breathtaking as the outside. The hallway was vaulted far above her head, reinforcing the enormity of the building she'd seen from the outside. It had quite an imposing, and impressive quality to it. She didn’t have time to look much though, as it took all her attention just to keep up with Galen and Nihlen without starting to run.
Down one hallway, a turn, down another hallway, up some stairs. Down another hallway. Galen quickly navigated the correct path from the countless halls, until they turned down a hallway that ended in two large doors made of a very fine oak.
“The Queen is just beyond those doors. She has asked to meet with you privately, but I will be right out here. If I even sense something might be amiss…” Galen began, but Nihlen put up a hand.
“I assure you we bear no ill will toward the Queen. Your Queen would not place herself in danger that could be so easily avoided. Thank you for guiding us here, Galen Inglid.” Nihlen said, flourishing him another bow.
With a nod of acceptance, Galen pulled one of the doors open, and Marina followed Nihlen through the door into the throne room.
Marina’s mouth dropped as she looked around. The room was enormous. The ceiling was a vaulted style, just as the rest of the castle leading here had been. The room soared so far up it was difficult for Marina to see the top. It may have been all the way to the highest point of the castle from the looks of it. The space was large indeed, and seemed all the larger because it was empty. Only the massive pillars in the room, reaching all the way to the top, marred the perfectly open space. Physically it was empty, but Marina could sense something in the room. It echoed of power and history. The center of those vibes was currently in the middle of the room, where a regal throne sat. On that throne sat a woman who fit with the power of the room.
The Queen of Leoradan.
“Welcome Nihlen, Prince of Draven. I did not believe I would be seeing you again so soon after the coronation. Welcome to your friend as well. I am Raylia Villemoore, Queen of Leoradan.” Queen Raylia said. Her voice was full, and not necessarily loud, but everyone in the room would have heard her. She had an interesting voice to Marina. It was soft as velvet, yet also had an undertone of command. It was flawless, and the perfect voice for a Queen.
Her appearance was nothing less either. An elegant purple gown, molding perfectly to her form. She seemed perfect in her entire body, and Marina actually felt a twinge of jealously. She knew she was blessed with beauty as well, and jealousy was rare for her. The Queen invoked that jealousy, and Marina was in awe of her. Her eyes were, if possible, more piercing than Galen’s, and the deepest green she had ever seen. She held a large scepter in her hand. It was made of a purplish colored metal she wasn’t familiar with, and adorned at the top with a crown nearly large enough to be worn upon her head. Perhaps it could be worn indeed.
She looked over at Nihlen, who knelt to the ground, his head down. “Thank you for your gracious greeting, your Majesty. However, I am not the Prince of Draven at this time. As I am sure you are aware, my country has been subjugated, and so I am now just Nihlen Draven, the missing son of a missing family that used to be royalty.”
“I am surprised you would see it that way, young Prince.” Queen Raylia said, standing up. “You are the Prince of Draven. Your family is the family charged with ruling the land of Draven. Just because your country has been occupied does not change these facts. If you truly saw it that way, you would not have come here seeking my help. Embrace who you are, and what you are after. I never want to hear words like that leave your lips again.”
“Yes, your majesty.” Nihlen said, keeping his head bowed.
Watching this interaction, Marina could not help but be impressed. They were both so graceful, and almost seemed to be playing a part in a play. The exchange between two leaders of two nations is not something a person like her would normally ever see. Yet the whole thing seems slightly ridiculous too… She thought. Prostrating yourself before another person, when you would normally bow to no one. The whole thing is kind of strange.
“And this young lady here is?” Queen Raylia asked, turning toward Marina. She looked directly into Marina’s face, and her eyes seemed able to see through her. It felt as if she was reading Marina’s entire life in a single glance.
Nihlen looked up from his kneeling position, and looked over at her. “This is Marina Elderol. She helped me when I was kidnapped, and has been traveling with me since
.” Nihlen said, bowing once again. “I am sorry for her manners, I did not have time to instruct her on the mannerisms of such a meeting.”
“It is of no consequence.” Queen Raylia said, still eying Marina. “I could tell from the moment she walked in she was not of nobility.”
A frown began to spread on Marina’s face. She looked over at Nihlen, who had a grimace of fear for what he knew was coming. “Well, your majesty.” Marina began, her voice dark and acidic. The Queen raised one eyebrow as she listened to Marina’s tone. “I do not care if you are the Queen or not. I will not have you talk down to me just because you think you are better than me. You will treat me with respect if you wish to receive any yourself.”
Marina looked over at Nihlen again, who had a pained look on his face. It looked like he might become ill on the spot. Marina turned her attention back to the Queen, who was giving her a hard stare.
She began to squirm under that gaze. Curse my hot blooded temper… She thought. I just insulted the Queen of a foreign nation in her own palace! I’ll be lucky if I escape capital punishment!
Marina didn’t break her gaze with the Queen though, standing defiantly. She just couldn’t give in to the fear. But suddenly, the Queens face began to change. The seriousness disappeared, and she began laughing.
Huh? Marina wondered, shocked at the sudden reaction.
The Queen laughed loudly for several moments, before letting it trail off, and taking a deep breath. “No one has talked to me that way since Jaylin Pascel, during our childhood. When we first met, and I gave him an order, he pushed me down, and told me that he didn’t care if I was going to be the Queen. I would have to treat him as an equal to become his friend. It was a lesson I’ve kept since that day.” The Queen’s face took on its serious aspect suddenly, and she looked at Marina. “You would do well to keep outbursts like that inside in the future. If you are traveling with the Prince, you may find yourself meeting other important figures. You could endanger what he is working for, as well as your lives, if you act like that ever again.”
Turning from Marina without another word, she looked at Nihlen once more. “That aside, there is much we must discuss now, Prince Nihlen. The situation in the land of Askrah is grave, but there is something far more grave at the moment.”
“What do you mean?” Nihlen asked. “What could possibly be worse than what is happening in Draven? My family missing or captive, or possibly…” He trailed off.
“It’s what you’re hiding under the hat, Prince Nihlen.” The Queen said, looking at him steadily. “I must ask that you remove that hat, and let me confirm what it is that hides beneath it.”
“Your Majesty… I do not believe that is a good idea.” Marina began, but the Queen’s face snapped over to her.
“Now is not the time for you to interfere, girl. This is a matter neither of you know anything about. Do not try my patience, and simply remain there quietly. Nihlen needs to show me that eye, so I can tell him what he needs to know.” The Queen said sternly.
Marina shut her mouth immediately. The commanding aura that emanated from her scared Marina to the bone. It was almost like looking into…
Without another word, Nihlen removed his hat, looking directly toward the Queen. Marina watched, waiting for her reaction. She made no sign at seeing the eye though. She didn’t react at all, even after looking right at it.
Why? Marina wondered, shivering when she involuntarily recalled looking into it herself.
“You show no reaction to it, which has definitely not been the reaction of anyone else who has bore witness to this.” Nihlen said, sharp as ever.
There’s no way he’d not pick up on it. Marina thought.
“How many people have seen that eye, young Prince?” The Queen asked, still looking straight at Nihlen with no signs of discomfort.
“Marina, Cal, some men in the Dark Forest, who are no longer of this world except for one of them. Vel and his crew, and the eight people on the Elharlian ship that attacked Vel’s ship at sea, though one of them is deceased by their Captain’s hand. And a man named Calden, who was also in the Dark Forest.” Nihlen added, almost forgetting about him.
“Not as terrible as it could have been, but there being living people out there who have seen that eye could be cause for concern.” The Queen said.
“Why would that be?” Marina asked.
“Nihlen, your father really told you nothing about that eye?” The Queen asked. Nihlen shook his head. “That man is so smart, and yet so foolish at the same time. It looks like I will have to tell you. This is a long story though, and involves traveling back in time quite a bit.” Suddenly she slammed the scepter into the ground three times, the sound echoing loudly throughout the chamber. Instantly, Galen moved into the room, kneeling between the two without even acknowledging them.
“Yes, my Queen?”
“Bring chairs for these two, so they may rest their feet while we talk. Also, have some refreshments brought up.”
“Right away, my Queen.” Galen said, backing out of the room.
The group waited silently for Galen’s return, the Queen refusing to begin her story until chairs and refreshments were brought.
When the items finally arrived, Nihlen and Marina were seated, with food and drink in their hands, the Queen began to stir. Clearly she was ready to begin. Nihlen and Marina listened, Marina on the edge of her seat.
“Long ago, when the island of Askrah was still the single nation of Askrah, they were seen as the strongest nation of the time, and it had always been so. There is much about Askrah, and its kings that is not recorded in history though, thanks to hundreds of years of work by both royal families. The eyes of the King of that realm were not normal. Through each generation, two ocular gifts were passed along. The left eye became known as the Eye of Kings. To look into the Eye of Kings is to see what the burden is to rule. Deep pain and devastation, all the heartache throughout history. He who bears the Eye of Kings bears the responsibility of the world. Throughout history, before Askrah fell apart, they were always looked to in times of great crisis. There were many times throughout the infinitely long history of the world where Askrah ruled everything. Their banner stretched to every continent. The consequences of the choices at that level are more difficult than anyone can imagine. The one who bears the Eye of Kings will make decisions that lead to terrible pain and sorrow, no matter how much he may not wish to.”
Nihlen reached up, and touched his eye. “Surely that is not all it does.” Nihlen said, seeming to struggle to find words for what he wanted to say. “When I have been confronted with battle, something inside me changes. I feel… Light, and my personal feelings become suppressed. All that exists before me is battle. I even killed five men in cold blood, and almost six before Marina found me and stopped me.” Nihlen said.
“There was a saying with the Eye of Kings. ‘It is black and red to match the blood that is shed, and the dark abyss of the pain of he who carries the eye.’ The Eye of Kings is like a double edged sword. The bearer is marked for all eternity, to cause terrible pain and sadness in anyone who meets its gaze. Its mark upon you will never disappear, even after you leave this world. In exchange, the power necessary to protect those that are entrusted to you is granted.”
“Power? I do not wish for power if it means I cannot restrain myself, and kill those who stand before me mercilessly.” Nihlen said, misery coating his voice.
“You must have wished for it though.” The Queen said, not sparing him even though he was in pain. “The ceremony you partook in on the day you were to be married had dual purposes. First was indeed as your father told you, to look into the future of your Path. The second though, was to suppress the Eye of Kings.”
“Why would it need to be suppressed?” Nihlen asked.
“Because you do not possess the second gift, the Eye of Gods.” The Queen said, taking a deep breath. “The second ocular gift the leaders of Askrah possessed was a right eye that also changed. However, looking in
to this eye does not create the same feeling as the Eye of Kings. The idea behind the Eye of Gods is to subdue the enemy without actually fighting them. Records on this eye though are limited. Probably due to those who bore the eye themselves, those of the Rinh line. There isn’t much I can tell you, but when Askrah was split, so were these gifts. It became apparent over time that possessing only one of the eyes limited the power that could be attained, and was even a danger to one’s life at times.”
“So that eye is going to kill Nihlen?” Marina asked, unable to contain herself. Words like death or kill always got her anxiety going.
“It could, but it is not guaranteed. Our nations are close, and your father has shared much about this hidden history with me. In the event of... Unforeseen circumstances, he entrusted me with information that may be able to aid you now. Like I said, your father is very smart at times, but very foolish at others.”
“What must I do?” Nihlen asked immediately.
“You must integrate fully with the Eye of Kings. What this entails, I am afraid I do not know. Your father did not delve into the specifics, only how to do it. The rest will be up to you. I will begin the preparations immediately, and will have you called on when they are complete. One more thing though, young Prince.” The Queen said. “There is a possibility that you could die from attempting to integrate with the Eye of Kings. The truth of the matter is, you awakened the eye in your time of desperation, after it was half-sealed. Now you must live with the consequences. Even if you do integrate, there is no guarantee you won't suffer effects in the future. That eye will follow you to your dying day, and it may even be the cause of your demise. I hope you will keep that in mind.”
Nihlen nodded, and the Queen turned to Marina. “I am afraid Nihlen will have to do this alone. Though nowhere near as delicate as the Path Viewing he was doing on his wedding day, the presence of others can still cause problems. If you would like to stay in the palace, I can arrange a room for you.”
“No thank you, your majesty.” Marina said, doing her best to simulate Nihlen’s bow. “I will leave Nihlen in your hands. I have lodging in the city. Please send someone to let me know when he is finished.” Marina said, turning to leave.
“I shall.” The Queen acknowledged.
As Marina exited the throne room through the large oak doors, she passed Galen, waiting once again out side. He dipped his head in acknowledgment, and led her back through the halls of the palace. As they walked, she kept her head down, fists clenched at her side.
She prayed to whatever power may be that Nihlen would be all right.
Chapter 9
Diving Deep With Little Breath