The Corin Chronicles Volume I: The Light and the Dark, page 21
The knock came again, louder this time, followed by the voice of Mariam’s daughter, Alexis. The Queen raced to the door and opened it. Alexis ran straight into her mother’s arms, with tears spilling down her face. Sparing a glance at the tall frame of her son, Ramon, standing beside the door, Mariam held on to her daughter as if running out of time to display her affection and love. She remained happy that Alexis, three years Ramon’s junior, was still below the acceptable age to take her place in the council, like her brother.
Alexis’s powerful personality, accompanied by her measureless beauty, caught the attention of the numerous men of Corin. Such was her appeal that Abaros himself made no secret of his wishes to marry her once she came of age. Along with Oncelot, Queen Mariam forbade such a union. Oncelot had gone as far as warning Abaros that any advances toward his daughter would end in execution.
Looking down at her sobbing daughter, Mariam lifted her face up. “Do not cry, my child. We will be fine.” Mariam desperately tried to ease her daughter’s pain and anguish. Holding on to Alexis, she noticed her son still standing in the hallway, with a serious look on his face. He entered the room, his tall frame rigid and straight, his thick chest out in a proud, almost patriotic stance. He looked as if he were ready to go to battle and die for his planet.
“Oh, Ramon!” Mariam could not keep the tears hidden any longer. “You are so like your father, always staying strong for the sake of Corin. It is okay to be scared.”
“Fear is for the weak, Mother,” Ramon said dryly. “You raised me better than that.”
Mariam put her hand to Ramon’s face, letting her fingers caress his short, curly, dark hair that only partially hid his almost pointed ears. “Come, my children,” she said. “Let us talk inside. It might be the last time we get to do this.”
She glanced at the tall, slender frame of her children’s carer, Merchanta, the daughter of a slave killed by an escapee from the Dark World. “Thank you, Merchanta. That will be all.”
With an elegant curtsy to her Queen, Merchanta left the room and returned to her quarters. Alone with Ramon and Alexis, Mariam shut the door to her chamber.
“What are we going to do, Mother?” asked Alexis. “Father has already gathered all of the firstborn children, and the summons starts in a few days.”
“We have to convince your father and the council that there is another way,” said Mariam. “We have to give them something. I just fear that your father is playing right into the hands of that animal, Abaros.”
“Mother, I cannot stand here and let you speak that way of a high-ranking servant of Corin,” interrupted Ramon. “As a council member, I have to remind you that it could be construed as treason,” he said, almost nonchalantly.
“Ramon, I do not believe you!” snapped Alexis. “Mother is trying to save your life, and that is all you can say to her?”
“Please, children, you must not argue.” Mariam wiped small tears from her eyes. “Ramon, all I am trying to say is that we have no guarantees that this will work. We know that only the master of a hyper lord can choose a suitable human host, so everything your father is doing could be in vain. You and all these other poor young men could die for nothing. You also know that even if successful, the transformation is permanent. You will be lost to us forever.”
“If it is the will of the gods that I die to gain our freedom, then that is what I must do,” said Ramon.
“But what about us?” said Mariam. “Do you find it so easy to desert us? Would you gladly give up your life, just like that? We must find another way.”
“Mother is right. We have to convince father to reconsider,” said Alexis. “Think about it. If this does not work, then Father could be killed for taking the lives of innocent people for his own pleasure.”
For the first time during the conversation, a look of worry passed across Ramon’s face, as he started to see beyond his blind patriotism. “Mother, you could actually be right,” he said. “It might anger the gods if we do this. A mere king, making the decision that only a god should make. This is now starting to worry me.”
“But you know what you must do, my child. Talk to your father, and explain to him what you have just said to me.”
Ramon walked toward the window. “No, Mother,” he said. “Father will not listen. He is losing the council, and if he backs out of this, they will start to lose faith in him. No, we need to go to someone who has the ear of the council, the very one who pushed Father into this decision in the first place.”
“No, that is not an option.” A scowl appeared on the Queen’s face. “I will not let you go to Abaros. You cannot trust him. He will twist it to his advantage. All he cares about is himself.”
“I know, Mother. But you know that Father cannot afford to back down without appearing even weaker than before. If we go to Abaros and reason with him, he will have no choice but to speak to Father. Otherwise, this tragedy will be on his head as well. Let us give him some of the responsibility by telling him our concerns.”
“Your father will consider that a betrayal, Ramon.”
Ramon knelt in front of Mariam. “It is for Father’s own protection. Besides, he has never objected to me counseling with Abaros in the past.”
Mariam tugged at her hair, twisting it into a knot. “I do not trust that man,” she said. “But I trust you, my son. Go to Abaros if you must, but take General Kratz with you. In fact, have Kratz set up the meeting.”
“But why, Mother? Why can I not go to Abaros myself?” Ramon rose to his feet, with both palms outstretched.
“Because, my son, General Kratz is just like your father. He is the only senior member of the council who will put the interests of Corin above his own, and with him present, Abaros will have no choice but to do what is right for this planet.”
“As you wish, Mother.” Ramon approached the door. “But I must leave now. I will speak to General Kratz without a moment’s delay.”
“Wait, my son,” said a very proud Mariam. She edged toward Ramon and held on to both of his hands. “May the gods watch over you.”
Ramon gave his mother and sister a serious but affectionate look before walking out of the chamber, his steps full of purpose.
4.3
SECRETS AND SCHEMES
Sharpening his sword, General Kirin Kratz glanced up at the Corin sun, which remained, as always, bright and unmoving throughout the days and the years. There were times he longed to see it disappear behind the hills, as legend said it once did, so that he could experience just one evening of darkness. It was a common fantasy among the residents of Isotap, his town of birth.
The winds blew and howled across his beloved city, but his keen ears made out the footsteps of an approaching Ikrenum. The sharp talons on its furry four legs made a distinctive clicking noise with each step it took, and glancing out the window, in the distance he could see the gigantic, unmistakable frame and hunched back of the half-man, half-beast. As it came closer to the general’s bungalow, the long, curly, dark hair on its head fell backward in the wind, exposing its expressionless brown eyes.
The hour was very late, and Kratz was not expecting a friendly visit. He grasped his sword and stepped out of the house. But as the footsteps of the Ikrenum came closer, he noticed the blue flame aloft the half-man’s head, indicating that the visitor was of royal ties. And soon he could see the curly locks of Prince Ramon appear in the midst of the blue light.
General Kratz immediately put his weapon away and entered his sleeping chamber to awaken his wife, Kristana. It was customary for all members of a household to welcome a visiting member of the royal family.
Walking into the general’s home via the open door, Prince Ramon could feel the warmth and love in the house.
“Greetings, young prince,” said General Kratz. “What brings you all the way out here at this hour…and without any guards?”
“Thanks to the both of you for your welcome,” replied Ramon smoothly. “I apologize for the hour.”
“That is quite all right, your highness,” said Kristana. She frantically walked around the room as she spoke, putting things in their rightful places. “Would you like something to eat?”
“No, thank you, my lady,” replied Ramon.
“Something to drink, perhaps?”
“Again, that will not be necessary, but I thank you for your warm hospitality.”
“Kristana, could you please leave me and the prince alone for a short while?” asked the general.
“Of course. Lovely to see you, your highness,” said Kristana. She curtsied before taking her leave.
“So, your highness, are you going to tell me what this is about?” Kratz’s tone was serious.
“You know I have the utmost respect for you, General, and I believe you are the only person in my father’s council that I can completely trust.”
“With all due respect, your highness, I do not want to discuss anything without the knowledge of the king. Secrecy was one of the things that destroyed our great planet. I know how hard it is for your father at this moment in time, and I know you have been asked to make the ultimate sacrifice, so please be straight with me, young prince. Tell me why you are really at my home at such a late hour.”
“May I?” The prince gestured toward a chair to his left.
“Please do, your highness.” General Kratz walked over to another chair and took his seat, maintaining his gaze on the prince the entire time.
Ramon cast his eyes around the room at the many fine, wooden sculptures and weaponry, trying to prepare for what he had to do. “If it is honesty we are speaking of here,” he said, “you know that I will never put my life ahead of Corin.”
“Please accept my apology, your highness. I did not mean to imply anything of the kind. I know what this must be doing to your family. By the gods, I would find it very hard to make such a sacrifice. I do not envy your father right now.” The general ran his hand across his forehead.
“That is the thing, General. I am ready to die if it is for the redemption of Corin, but I am not sure this act will achieve that.” Ramon leaned toward Kratz.
The general shrugged. “I am not following you, young prince.”
Ramon relaxed and studied Kratz for a few seconds. “Everyone knows that only Madoron can select a human host that can survive a bond with his hyper lord, Simus. Taking it upon ourselves to force this selection, by sacrificing every firstborn of Corin, could be seen as an abomination and an insult to our gods.”
“Might I remind you, young prince, that we do not have a choice?” Kratz spoke sternly. “It is the gods we are trying to bring back. The very gods that will hopefully bring stability back to our great planet.”
“I do not disagree with the words you speak,” said Ramon. “But what if all fails, and these sacrifices are for nothing? Both my father and Abaros will be held responsible, and it could lead to their deaths.”
“So what will you have me do?” The general raised his hands. “There is not much I can do to convince your father that you cannot do yourself.”
“That is just it,” said Ramon. “I do not want you to talk to my father. I know he will not listen.”
“I fail to understand what you are trying to say, young prince,” said General Kratz.
“There is only one person who can change my father’s mind, and that is Abaros.”
The general’s eyes widened. Standing up and walking around the room, his movements remained uncoordinated. “I am not sure I know what you are suggesting, or if I care to listen any further. Are you suggesting some sort of mutiny?”
“No, General, quite the contrary.” Ramon also rose from his seat and walked up to Kratz. “I only want you to set up a meeting between me, you, and Abaros. I want to talk to him, and if his decision stands, that will be the end of it. You also have my assurance that if this meeting does take place and word gets back to my father, I will tell him that I asked for it.”
“And where would you want this conversation to take place?”
“Within Abaros’s quarters. That way, we will not be breaking any laws. Please understand, General, that my actions right now are solely for Corin.”
The general walked toward the door. “I shall request an audience with him tomorrow,” he said. “I cannot guarantee that he will accept, but I will most certainly reach out to him.”
“That is excellent.” A smile emerged on Ramon’s face. “My family will be in great debt to you if you do this.”
“Make no mistake, young prince.” The general tightened his face. “I cannot guarantee that he will agree to this meeting, and if he does, and I find out that this is some kind of deception, my allegiances will always lie with Corin.”
“I will expect nothing less, General.” Happy with the proposal, Ramon placed his hand on the general’s shoulder before approaching the door. Smoothly, the general placed his right arm out in front of him and bowed.
“Please convey my goodbyes to your wife,” said Prince Ramon, making his exit.
The general stood at the door, watching the prince ride off into the glare of the ever-blazing sun, as Kristana walked toward him. Sensing her presence, he turned around and looked at her blankly.
“What is wrong, my love?” she asked in a worried tone.
Silence filled the house, as the general tried to find the words to describe his emotions. “I feel we are nearing a new chapter in our history,” he said. “We are entering very dangerous times.” He stared into emptiness.
“What do you mean? You scare me when you begin to talk like this.”
Kratz placed his hand on his chin. “We are about to destroy every oath we took in order to preserve our way of life,” he said. “And while we have a chance to possibly recover the beautiful planet that once was Corin, the consequences could mean the end of the world as we know it.”
4.4
THE PHILOSOPHERS
Prince Ramon felt uneasy as he approached Abaros’s quarters. It felt wrong, consorting with someone whose motives he did not really know, and without his father’s knowledge. But it seemed a necessary action, one that only he could carry out.
The steely glare of General Kratz did not make him any more comfortable with the situation. He found it difficult to read the commander of his father’s army. Although he tried to share a gaze with the general during their long walk through the palace corridors, Kratz would not meet his eyes.
“We are here, my lord,” said the general.
Ramon paused to take a few deep breaths as he studied the entrance to Abaros’s chambers. The large engravings on the door, of Baran in his higher physical form, reassured him that his actions up until now were justified. “We must go ahead with this,” he said.
“Very well!” Kratz said. Without hesitation, he knocked on the door, which was soon opened by a servant.
Following a deep curtsy toward the prince, the servant quickly stepped aside to reveal Abaros standing inside the chamber. Dressed in a pale blue robe, he motioned them both to enter. With a half-smile, Abaros folded his hands and approached them. “Well, this is most certainly a surprise,” he said. “General Kratz and Prince Ramon, requesting my sole counsel.”
“If I may, Lord Abaros,” said Ramon. “I asked the general to arrange this meeting, so I could seek your counsel,” interrupted the Prince.
“Oh?” Abaros poured a dark red tonic into a golden goblet. “And what kind of advice can I offer during such trying times?” he asked. “You have not sought my council in a long time. I must say, this all intrigues me.” He took two sips before carefully placing the goblet on the table.
Ramon walked to within a few yards of Abaros, studying him for a few seconds before speaking. “Let me make it clear for you,” he said. “It is no secret that I believe you have no loyalty toward my father anymore, but I do believe that your actions have been solely for the good of Corin. It is with that in mind that I seek your counsel.”
Abaros walked slowly toward the window. “Very well, young prince,” he said. “You have my attention. Tell me what I can do for you.”
Ramon edged closer to Abaros. “I believe my father is making a terrible mistake,” he said. “And I fear it will bring only turmoil to our great planet.”
Sharply, Abaros turned around and met Ramon’s gaze. “I take it you are referring to the sacrifice of the firstborn males of Corin,” he said. “This would not be because he has offered you as the first sacrifice, is it?”
“I resent that implication.” Ramon said, his eyes narrowing. “You have known me my whole life. You have seen me grow, and you know that I will always put Corin’s welfare before my own. I am a son of Corin first and the son of a king second.”
“Then what are we doing here, young prince?” Abaros walked away from the window toward the center of the chamber, where General Kratz stood. “Your father did not make his decision outside of the council’s knowledge. He is doing what he believes is best.”
“I agree, Lord Abaros,” said Ramon. “But I am not talking about the council. I am talking about the gods themselves. This act by itself is an abomination, and both you and my father know this. Only a child of Baran can choose a suitable human host for its hyper lord. No one, not even a king, can assume that responsibility.”
“My young prince,” said Abaros in a harsher tone. “It is that very sentiment that has left our planet powerless and without true leadership. This planet belongs to our gods, but in their absence, we have to lead it gallantly against all enemies, and that includes the great Auphora himself. Because make no mistake, young man—considering the state of our planet, he is an enemy of Corin.”
