CHAPTER 14

ACT 66

Tefon and Kydin arrived at the palace. The guards who followed them carried their catch on their shoulders. All the servants who saw the dead lion were shocked and terrified.

Maid 1 - Is that a lion?

Maid 2 - No. It's a goat.

She said sarcastically and hissed.

Maid 1 - Go away jorh.

The Grand Queen came out to welcome her Grandsons and was shocked to see the dead lion.

Grand Queen Zanlynne - What is going on here? Where did the lion come from?

Prince Tefon - Ahh. It was Kydin oh. You need to see how killed that lion. He was amazing and brave. He protected us from that vicious beast. I will tell you all at the feast.

Grand Queen Zanlynne - Very well let's go. Everyone is waiting in the dining area.

When they got there they saw many rulers of other Blue lands and their families were seated at the dining area. The Grand Queen called everyone attention for an announcement.

Grand Queen Zanlynne - My fellow leaders I am honoured to announce that the hunt was a big success. Guards please present the catch.

As the guards presented the bush meat and the lion everyone was shocked and surprised.

Grand Queen Zanlynne - Now my Grandsons will explain the event of their hunt. Servants please prepare the bush meat.

Two servants quickly carried the bush meat and went to the kitchens.

Prince Tefon - My fellow Royals I present the lion my Brother captured...

Tefon explained the events of the hunt with some exaggerated parts.

Prince Tefon - Cheers for my Brother and me of course.

The Royals cheered for the two Princes.

Royal Lady - (How brave at such a young age. I must introduce Prince Kydin to my daughter later. I'll discuss it with the Grand Queen.)

Two hours later...

The food was ready. The servants were serving the peppered bush meat and other delicious dishes to the Royals. The feast started and the Royals were eating, drinking and exchanging pleasantries.

Grand Queen Zanlynne - Please enjoy the feast everyone and listen carefully. I hereby declare Prince Kydin as the winner of the hunt. He protected his Brother and entire kingdom from a ferocious lion.

Prince Tefon - Cheers for my brother! Prince Kydin!

The Royals cheered again.

Prince Kydin - Thanks Brother. And also cheers for Prince Tefon for providing most of the delicious bush meat.

The Royals cheered again. The Grand Queen presented Prince Kydin with the power white bracelet.

Grand Queen Zanlynne - Please let the entertainment begin.

Suddenly dancers and musicians came out and began to perform in the Princes honours.

Yabiny knelt near the Prince and was feeding him the bush meat.

Yabiny - I'm sorry that you didn't win the prize my Prince.

Prince Tefon - It doesn't matter. He is my Brother and he deserves it. Besides I have a whole kingdom.

Yabiny - You are right my Prince.

Prince Tefon - Of course. Did you help prepare the bush meat?

Yabiny - Yes my Prince.

Prince Tefon - It's very delicious.

Yabiny - Thank you my Prince. I'm honoured.

ACT 67

The next afternoon...

The Grand Queen and various leaders of the Blue nation were having a discussion in the throne room. Yabiny had expected this. She knew Royals didn't just come for dinner but for more important things. She stayed near the back and started to listen.

She was able to get some information for about 10 minutes. She turned around and saw Prince Kydin behind her. She knelt down. He glared at her.

Yabiny - My Prince. I'm sorry I didn't see you.

Prince Kydin - What are you doing here?

Yabiny - I was looking for something for Prince Tefon. He said he dropped his horsetail around the throne room and sent me to retrieve it but I can't find it.

Prince Kydin - Well it isn't here. So leave.

Yabiny - Yes my Prince.

She quickly got up and left. Kydin looked at her. Something was off about her. He could feel it.

ACT 68

Kydin went to meet Tefon. He knew he would be under the mango tree.

Prince Kydin - Tefon I would like to speak to you concerning your new maid. She acts very strange. I don't like her.

Prince Tefon - Well she is my maid not yours so you have no business with her.

Prince Kydin - I've been noticing she sneaks about like she is looking for something.

Prince Tefon - I'll handle her.

Prince Kydin - Please keep an eye on her. She behaves like a thief.

Prince Tefon - Since you are so worried I will make sure she is always by my side or at least very occupied.

Prince Kydin - Good.

Prince Tefon - Or you just like her and are just saying all this to get her to be your maid. Come on Kydin are you just jealous I have Yabiny? I know she is very pretty.

Prince Kydin - Better don't deceive yourself. I don't need a personal maid. But honestly, you already had 6 maids before you picked her too. Weren't they enough?.

Prince Tefon - Please Kydin don't annoy me. Let me enjoy my life in peace. 7 personal maids are not too much for a future King.

Prince Kydin - Whatever. Oh and Grandmother has called for us.

Prince Tefon - Very well. Let's go.

The both left. Yabiny came out from a nearby hut and had heard everything.

Yabiny - That Prince Kydin wants to ruin everything.

ACT 69

Very late in the night...

Yabiny snuck out of the palace and past the guards into the Dark forest. 3 figures came out of the shadows. It was Prince Lebid and 2 other armed Dark men.

Prince Lebid - I hope you have useful information?! It has been 4 days since your last report! I was ready to send someone after you.

Yabiny - I'm sorry my Prince for not reporting sooner. But Prince Kydin was wary of me. Let me begin. The Princes had a hunt yesterday and Prince Kydin defeated a lion. He is becoming stronger. Prince Tefon is the main heir but he seems rather incompetent. The Grand Queen has discussed with other Royals and they are suggesting having Prince Kydin inherit the throne. But she doesn't seem to keen on the idea. She believes Prince Tefon will become better.

Prince Lebid - If you had done your job properly by reporting on time, we could have gotten rid of them during their hunt. But now this will have to do.

He handed her a small folded leaf. She looked at it.

Yabiny - What is this my Prince?

Prince Lebid - You will use that black powder to poison the 2 Princes. They need to be eliminated before they can ascend the Blue empire throne. When you are done. You are to return back immediately for another assignment. If you are not back in 3 days. Don't bother coming back or dream about seeing the next sunrise.

Yabiny - Yes my Prince. I understand. I promise you I won't fail.

Prince Lebid - You had better not.

ACT 70

The next day...

Meanwhile at Khana Village...

Reolita had fully recovered. She finished her morning chores and headed to the midwives huts. She went to the White hut to ask about Sister Deebia but no one was there. She looked around and soon spotted the guy she remembered and to her surprise she saw Pepin having a conversation with him.

Reolita - Hi Pepin. Long time no see.

Pepin saw Reolita and hugged her.

Pepin - Reolita I missed you so much.

Reolita - After the quarrel I had with Yuveta you must think I'm a bad person. I understand if you don't want to be near me.

Pepin - No that's not true. I ran off because my Mama needed the water. She's expecting a baby and she needed to eat. Besides Yuveta is a Brat. She has respect for no one. And I came back but wasn't able to find you since then.

Reolita - Thank you. Good day brother.

She greeted the man Pepin was speaking to earlier.

Pepin - Oh Brother Lankel I'm sorry. This is my friend Reolita. Reolita this is Brother Lankel. His Mother is the leader of the midwives.

Reolita - Good morning Brother. I'm sorry for interrupting your discussion.

Lankel - Don't worry. I was about to leave anyway. Here are the herbs for your mother. Greet her for me.

Pepin - OK. Thank you. I will come back later. Reolita what are you doing here sef?

Reolita - I came to learn how to be an inn maiden. I have discussed it with my Papa and he agreed.

Pepin - Wow. I am learning hairdressing and bead making.

Reolita - I also wanted to learn that skill but Papa couldn't afford the apprentice payments. There is very little payment in learning about herbs and medicine. So Papa said I should learn this skill instead.

Pepin - But it's not what you wanted.

Reolita - It's alright. I'll learn to like it.

Pepin - Maybe. But I'll start after this month. My parents are gathering money to pay for my skill. OK, anything they teach you at the inn, teach me and whatever I learn at the hairdressers hut, I'll teach you.

Reolita - OK . I will. Thank you so much. I'm grateful.

They hugged. Lankel was about to leave when he saw Deebia. He admired her as she passed. Pepin whispered to her Reolita ear.

Pepin - I think Brother Lankel likes Sister Deebia. She's the daughter of the best hair dresser in the village. Her mother is the person who will teach me. She always has the most gorgeous hair.

Reolita looked at her hair. It was filled with different coloured beads and they looked expensive.

Reolita - She is pretty. Wait she's the person I wanted to meet. I'll be back. Sister Deebia!

Deebia turns around and sees Reolita.

Deebia - How are you? I hope you are feeling better?

Reolita - Good morning Sister. Yes I'm fine. I would like to discuss something with you.

Deebia - Yes?

Reolita - I would like to learn about medicine as your apprentice. My father said he would also come later to discuss the payments.

Deebia - No problem. Tell him to meet me. As soon as he pays the fees you can start.

Reolita - OK sister. Thank you.

Reolita and Pepin left the huts.

Pepin - But you know you'll be taking care of a lot of sick people. Its kind of boring.

Reolita - I want to do it because I hate seeing people hurt.

Pepin - I'm really glad I'm your friend. You are a very good person. I have to get this herbs to my Mama. I'll see you tomorrow.

Reolita - OK bye.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Please, I would really appreciate reviews and criticism.