CHAPTER 19

ACT 91

The next day...

At Khana Village...

Reolita ran to the inn. She was so late. She had to fetch firewood but she had woken up late. So she couldn't eat breakfast and she was very hungry. She got to the inn and quickly changed into her white inn garments. She looked all over the place for Sister Deebia. But she couldn't find her. She decided to ask Brother Lankel for where she was.

Reolita - Good morning Brother Lankel. Please do you know where Sister Deebia is?

Lankel - I think she went out to get something and she said I should tell you to wait at her hut.

Reolita - OK. Thank you.

Reolita went into the hut and waited for her for a few minutes and soon she got bored and her stomach rumbled.

Reolita - I'm so hungry.

She picked up some scrolls and checked through them. She read about a herb that when mixed with honey could cure throat and stomach pains. She quickly put the book back so she wouldn't get in trouble with her teacher. As soon as she did her teacher came in looking very tired.

Reolita - Good morning sister Deebia.

Deebia - Good morning my dear. I'm sorry I came late. Since midnight last night we had to help a woman deliver a baby boy. He was coming out the wrong way but thankfully both Mother and child are fine. And I had to get pain reliever herbs. I'm sorry I can't teach you anything today. I need something to drink. My body hurts seriously.

Reolita - Is there anything I can help you with?

Deebia - I need fresh hibiscus flowers. I want to make some tea. Can you help me get them?

Reolita - Of course. I'll be right back.

She picked up a basket and ran towards the forest. She went to Pepin's house and asked if she could come. But Pepin had to help her Mother so she couldn't.

Reolita - OK I'll see you later.

She ran to the forest and started to call Collet.

Reolita - Collet! Collet! Collet! Where are you? Please answer.

After calling him for 2 minutes with no answer she decided to leave. Until someone jumped up behind a bush and scared her.

Collet - Booh!

Reolita - Agghh...

Collet - Got you. Ha ha ha.

He laughed at her. Reolita used her basket to smack him on the head.

Collet - Ouch. Hey!

Reolita - You deserve that. Good for you.

Collet - Whatever you say. What is with the White clothes? Are you some kind of inn maiden or something?

Reolita - As a matter of fact I am. So nice of you to notice.

Collet - You look like a ghost.

Reolita almost smacked his head with the basket but he caught it and carried her suddenly. He stared into her eyes and smirked.

Collet - I'm just joking. You look pretty.

She felt embarrassed.

Reolita - Ehh... Put me down now.

Collet - Oh stop it. You like that I'm carrying you.

She did but she would never admit that.

Reolita - Please just put me down. Please.

Collet - OK. What are you doing here anyways? Remember the forest is not safe. Especially with all the snakes and wild animals in it.

Reolita - I know but it is when your with me. I feel safe with you around.

Collet - Well so I'm like your body guard?

Reolita - Call it whatever you want. Please I need some hibiscus flower for my teacher. Do you know where you can find some?

Collet - I know where they are growing wildly but that part of the forest is very dangerous. I think I've seen a leopard there once.

Reolita - I know. But I trust you'll protect me.

Collet - You know I'm a thief right?

Reolita - I know that. But I also know you are a good person. And you promised to change. Remember?

Collet - OK. Fine I'll take you. Let's go.

They went deeper into the forest and saw a field of hibiscus flowers everywhere. It was the most beautiful thing she had seen.

Reolita - Wow. So many, it makes the place look so beautiful.

Collet - Come on the ones growing on the trees are the biggest ones and tastiest. I'll go and get them.

Reolita - Be careful please. Don't fall.

He climbed up and picked up a lot of them and put them in her basket. The basket was soon full with hibiscus flowers. Collet was still on the tree.

Reolita - Hey Collet are you not coming down?

Collet - Come up I want to show you something.

Reolita - OK. I'm coming.

She quickly climbed up the tree and continued to go higher until they could see the horizon and the Village.

Reolita - Wow. So beautiful.

Collet - Yeah like you.

Reolita - Huh...

Collet - Nothing. I climb up the biggest trees to enjoy views like these.

Reolita - Wow. So how are you and your family members?

Collet - Yes. We are doing great. We went to visit my big cousin that time I left. And goddess that man is a fool. After we sold all our goods, the fool took all of the money and ran off. Now my Uncle is in search for him and my Mama and I had to come back here to hide. It isn't easy hiding from the Empire city guards. Besides the village got attacked anyways. I just hope my Uncle is doing good and that fool gets what is coming to him.

Reolita - You know the way your feeling now is the way the Villagers were feeling when you took something from them too. The goddess watches all and rewards all according to their deeds. I'm not saying what your cousin did was right but what you did to the Villagers wasn't right either.

Collet - OK. Fine I know. I'll try not to steal anymore.

Reolita - You better. I don't want you to get in trouble and hurt others.

Collet - Yes oh wise one.

Reolita smacked his arm playfully as he burst out laughing.

ACT 92

After they talked for a while they decided to go back. As they we're about to climb back down they heard some noises. They hid in the trees.

Collet - Stay down and be quiet.

Reolita - What is it?

Collet - Shh. I don't know. Probably a wild animal.

They looked through the trees but couldn't see anything at first then they saw a group of 4 people. What was very alarming was that they were Blues. Fear shot through Reolita. She remembered the last time Blues showed up at her village.

Reolita - Those are Blue Men! What are they doing here?

Collet frowned.

Collet - I don't know but I don't like it at all. But we can't leave now they'll see us. Let's just hide till they leave.

Reolita - OK. But I'm scared.

Collet - It's okay I'm here. I'll protect you.

They watched as one of the Blues walks around as if he were searching for something. He was very handsomely dressed and regal looking. He looked like a Prince. Another was hefty looking and spoke up.

Chief Warrior Makillo - My Prince we have arrived and no one saw us coming. What are your orders?

Reolita was surprised.

Reolita - (He is a Prince. And a very handsome one too. But why would a Blue Prince leave his kingdom and come all the way here?)

Prince Kydin - Men arm yourself and get the plants as instructed. Subdue anyone that interferes but do not kill them. Understood?

Guards - Yes my Prince.

The men started searching the forest and were picking different types of herbs and showed the Prince. But he kept on shaking his head. The men where everywhere so Reolita and collect couldn't escape.

Collet - We have to continue climbing on the trees till we reach the edge of the forest near the village. And we have to be quiet.

Reolita - OK.

They started to jump from tree to tree. Unknown to them the Prince had spotted them and was following not far behind. After a few minutes of climbing from tree to tree they felt they were in the clear. But Reolita steeped on a branch and it snapped. She began to fall.

Reolita - Ahh. Collet!

She fell backwards from the branches. She thought she was going to die but she was caught. She was shaking when she realized she hadn't touched the ground yet. She looked up and saw Collet was still on the branch but he looked terrified.

Reolita - (If it wasn't Collet who caught me then who was it?)

She looked up and saw the handsome Blue Prince had caught her and was smiling at her.

Prince Kydin - Well, well, look what fell from the eagles nest. A pretty little Red girl.

Reolita was very scared. Was he going to kill her? She whimpered.

Prince Kydin - Don't be scared. I won't hurt you. But I can't have you warning anyone about my presence now, can I?

Reolita - Collet! Help me!

Collet jumped down from the tree. And brought out his dagger.

Collet - Let her go!

Prince Kydin looked at him with a smug look on his face.

Prince Kydin - Why should I listen to a filthy Red boy such as you.

Collet growled.

Collet - How dare you! Fight me!

Prince Kydin - Gladly.

The Prince gently dropped Reolita on a nearby large rock and pulled out his long sword and pointed it her. He looked into her eyes. Reolita was scared and shaking.

Prince Kydin - If you should run while I'm fighting this fool, I will definitely find you and kill you. So don't move.

Reolita whimpered at the sword pointed at her forehead.

Collet - Leave her alone and face me! How dare you come into our land and challenge us like that!

Prince Kydin - All bark and no bite.

Collet - Let's see about that!

They charge at each other.

Reolita - No Collet! Don't fight him!

But he didn't listen. The two boys were dodging and striking at each other. Until finally Prince Kydin cuts a big gash on Collet arm.

Collet - Arrgghh!

He knelt down holding his arm in pain. He dropped his dagger. The Prince kicked him backwards and pointed his sword at him.

Reolita - Collet! (I have to help him!)

She looked around and saw a sharp rock. She stood up to try and get it but Prince Kydin threw Collet's dagger at her and it missed her face by mere inches.

Prince Kydin - I told you to stay put.

Reolita ran to Collet and hugged him close. She glared at the Prince.

Reolita - Stop it! Just take what you want and go away. Stop attacking us!

The Prince was shocked. Looking at her she didn't look any better than the servants at his kingdom and she dared to command him. But even he had to admit that she was very pretty.

Prince Kydin - Whatever. He challenged me first. I can't have you alerting anyone. I'll stop attacking him if you come with me.

He smiled smugly.

Collet - No way you bastard.

Prince Kydin laughed at him with mockery.

Prince Kydin - You can't even defend yourself not to talk of stopping me from taking her with me.

Reolita - Both of you stop it. I'm not going with anybody! And you!

She pointed at Kydin.

Reolita - Just because you have a sword that doesn't mean you can do whatever you like!

Soon they heard some footsteps coming from behind the Prince. It must be the Prince's men. They must have heard the fighting.

Reolita - Oh no! Let's go Collet.

Collet - No let me finish with this Prince.

Reolita - Be quiet and let's go.

She helped him up and they started to walk back to the Village. The Prince watched them leave and his men soon arrived.

Prince Kydin - Quickly! Get those two.

The guards caught both Reolita and Collet. They struggled to get free but couldn't.

Reolita - Let us go!

Prince Kydin stood in front of her and looked into her eyes.

Prince Kydin - I'll let you go if you tell me something.

Collet - Don't answer that fool.

Chief Warrior Makillo hit Collet across on the head. Collet groaned in pain.

Chief Warrior Makillo - Shut up you stupid boy.

Reolita - Please stop hitting him! I'll tell you what you want to know.

Prince Kydin - Good. At least you are a beautiful and reasonable girl unlike this fool.

Reolita was speechless. She didn't know whether it was due to the fact that the enemy complemented her or that she found him handsome as well. Collet got even more angry. How dare he complement his Reolita like that. He glared at the Prince but kept quiet.

Prince Kydin - Do you know what a Gashe herb is?

Reolita - Yes. But why would you need such a plant? It's poisonous.

Prince Kydin - That is none of your business. Take me to where I can find some. And if you give me a wrong plant. I will know and kill him and you.

Reolita was scared.

Reolita - O.. OK. Follow me.

Reolita led them to a far end of the river. Kydin saw the mushroom herb everywhere.

Prince Kydin - Very Good. You pick enough to fill this bag.

The guard collected the bag and filled it with the herbs.

Reolita - I've done what you wanted me to do. Now let us go.

Kydin looked into Reolita's eyes.

Kydin - Very well.

He whispered in her ear.

Prince Kydin - You are a very beautiful girl and I kind of like you. But it's just too bad you are a red.

She looked at him surprised and she didn't know what to say.

Prince Kydin - Let them go. Let's move before they alert the whole Village.

The guards left them and they all hurried off. Collet yelled after them.

Collet - Why don't you wait you cowards!

Reolita - Be Quiet. They could come back and really kill us.

Collet tried to stand up but fell back down and groaned in pain. His head hurt very bad.

Reolita - Look your head is bleeding too. Let's go to my house OK?

Collet - OK. Let's go.

She helped him to her house and knew her father wouldn't be around. Reolita and Collet soon got to her house. They entered into her room.

Reolita - My father should be at the farm but he may come back anytime soon. So we have to be fast.

She quickly boiled hot water and used a clean cloth and some herbal concoction to clean it.

Reolita - I noticed that the herbs they picked are only common in the Red lands.

Collet - Yeh that painful. Take it easy.

Reolita - Stop behaving like a baby and stay still. Big baby.

Collet - Yeh! Yeh! I'll do it myself.

He collected the cloth from her.

Reolita - Anyway thanks for helping me today. I don't want to imagine what would have happened if you didn't come with me.

Collet - And I won't do it again. You really need to learn how to protect yourself. I always get hurt when I'm around you.

Reolita - Sorry. You should really go home before my Papa comes home. I'll tell him about the Blue Men.

Collet - Your right I will. But I think you should keep this to yourself for now because we weren't even supposed to be in that part of the forest at all.

Reolita - You may be right. But I will tell him anyways.

Collet climbed out of her window and left for the forest.

ACT 93

Ricktin and Diablo came back from the farm. Ricktin looked very tired and Diablo was sleeping on his back. She had been waiting outside for them.

Reolita - Good afternoon Papa.

She collected the basket from his hands and went to drop it inside the hut.

Ricktin - Good afternoon my daughter.

He gave sleeping Diablo to Reolita.

Ricktin - Take your brother inside abeg. He likes sleep just like you.

She went inside to put her brother in bed.

Ricktin - Ahh! My back. I have to stop carrying this boy.

Reolita came outside and sat with her father.

Ricktin - Reolita you will have to start following me to the farm. You can't be going to your apprenticeship everyday again. You will be going every 2 days.

Reolita - OK Papa. Papa I was picking herbs today and I saw some Blue Men. But I came back home immediately.

Ricktin - That's one of the things I wanted to discuss with you. The forest is no longer safe anymore. On my way back I saw some hunters report to the Chief that they saw Blue Men in the forest. They tried to catch them but they escaped. So from now on more going into the forest to play. If any of your friends go do not follow OK?

Reolita - Yes Papa.

Ricktin - I'm glad you came home immediately after seeing them. I'm proud of you.

Reolita began to feel guilty for lying to her father. She soon remembered something.

Reolita - Papa, I forgot to give these to my teacher. Can I go?

Ricktin - You can go but hurry back.

Reolita ran to the Inns as fast as she could.

Later that evening...

The town crier gave an announcement in the town.

Town Crier - Listen one and all. The King instructs that everyone should avoid going deep into the forest. Vigilantes will be placed around the forests for security. Parents should warn their children not to go into the forest. Heed to instructions.

ACT 94

Collet got home. His house was a make shift tent. He entered inside and saw his mother counting some money. Collet already knew it was stolen money.

Collet's Mother - What happened to you? Why is there a bruise on your face? Did they catch you stealing something?

Collet knew she didn't care.

Collet - I fell from a tree but I'm alright.

Collet's Mother - You had better be. I didn't train you to get caught. Want some Kola nut?

Collet - No. But I'm hungry.

Collet's Mother - Well there is no food. You have to go and look for some. Did you steal anything today?

Collet - No. I didn't find anything valuable.

Collet's Mother - You had better bring something good tomorrow. You hear?

Collet - Yes mother.

Collet's Mother - You can go.

He went to his room and brought out the hair bead he had stolen from the Blue Prince. It was very beautiful and looked expensive.

Collet - I'll give it to Reolita. She deserves it.

ACT 95

3 days later...

Prince Kydin and his men arrive at the gates of the Blue Empire Palace. Kydin jumps off his horse and runs to the throne room. He sees his Grandmother sitting on the throne. She was worried and lost in thought. She didn't notice him.

Prince Kydin - Grand Mother I'm here.

She looked up in surprised and went to hug him.

Grand Queen Zanlynne - My child you have returned.

Prince Kydin - Quick Grand Mother Where is my Brother?

They both went to the goddess shrine. Tefon was on the floor barely alive. The two other maids were also laid on the floor.

Prince Kydin - Chief Priest I have gotten the herbs. Here they are.

Chief Priest Bugalla - Well done, my Prince.

Immediately the Chief Priest started to grind the herbs and he boiled them. After a few minutes the herbal medicine was done. He forced Tefon's mouth open and made him drink. He also did the same for 2 maids. He began to say some incantations.

Chief Priest Bugalla - Now we have to pray and wait for them to recover. Kydin stared at his brother helplessly.

Grand Queen Zanlynne - Don't worry Kydin, Tefon will be fine.