The Announcement

Ever since Silas had come to life, Ambrosia was in a mood of celebration. Everybody inside and outside the kingdom rejoiced at the return of their King. A special party had beem planned for the king that day and just as Ariana was about to leave her room to go for the party, she saw her father coming towards her room.

He hugged her so tightly as if his life depended on her.

He said, "I am so proud of you daughter. And I know that even though all the army-men are fighting for the credits for the safe keeping of Ambrosia, it must have been you, my bravest soldier."

Ariana smiled. Her father's words meant so much to her. She said, "Father, I am nothing without the rest of them. And about the credits, well I don't really care who gets it as long as we're all safe."

" And that is why I am here to ask you something of great importance Ariana."

                 ************

Ryan had come to know that Silas was fine. And this information had made him even more insecure than he already was. He knew that he had started the enmity between the two kingdoms and he was well aware of the fact that it could be very harmful for him in the near future. He called Brutus.

"Brutus, I want you to write a letter on my behalf to the King of Ambrosia. A truce."

Brutus was surprised but also relieved. This was the best part about Ryan. He knew exactly what to do and when to do it.

"Silas,

Heard the news of your well being and smiled ear to ear. What could be better than you becoming in charge of your Kingdom again. As you may have found out, I made a tiny mistake of attacking your Kingdom in your absence and I do regret it now. Ambrosia is a beautiful place and I promise never to wage a war against your land again.

I hope you shall believe me and make sure that Castillo remains unharmed in the future. It's in the best interest of both the Kingdoms.

Yours truely,

Ryan Ambrose."

              ****************

" Yes father, please go ahead. I am willing to answer all your questions."

"Today, at the party all the important people of Ambrosia will be present. I wanted to ask you if I can declare you my successor today itself. If you want to be my successor that is, Ari."

Ariana was at a loss of words. Never before in the history of mankind had a princess ruled a Kingdom. She would be the first one. And she knew the challenges that would  accompany this decision of hers. And yet, somewhere deep down, she felt like she was the best option. The right one. In a moment of joy and fear, both at the same time, she said, "I am a girl. But I am also a warrior. You've always loved me more than anybody else and I am so grateful for it. I would love to take care of Ambrosia, Father."

He left her room with great conviction. His kingdom would be in safe hands even after he was gone and it called for a celebration.

                   ***********

Ether had to stop Silas from making the stupid decision that he was about to make. No matter how strong Ariana was, she was soft and caring and would never be able to be brutal. It would be a disaster if a soul as pure as hers became the ruler of Ambrosia. But she had no idea how she would stop Silas. Silas didn't even know that she was alive.

Ether closed her eyes. Stilts of Ariana sitting on the bed in deep thought flashed in front of her eyes. Ether could sense her confusion and her inhibitions. Which means the proposal had been made and she had said yes.

Ether was distraught. She had promised Emily that she would keep Ariana away from the perils of war and resentments. However, she knew that this time there was nothing she could do other than wait and watch. Coming out of her cottage would be too risky for her and her life protected Ambrosia.

As she was about to go to sleep she felt a strong urge as if somebody was trying to connect to her, seek advice from her. She closed her eyes again.

It was Ari. She had used the technique she had taught her years ago. Ether had tears in her eyes.

"Don't say Yes Ariana. You are not ready for it." Ariana nodded.

She had to stop her father before it was too late. She started running toward the courtyard.

           ******************

Amidst the merry making, a women was shot with an arrow which had a letter tied to it. Silas asked Romero to open it.

The letter was read out aloud. Silas told Romero to take it to his room and keep it safely. He would think of the truce later.

"Respected countrymen, I have a very important announcement to make. Kindly settle down."

          †*****************†

Ryan wanted the answer to the letter. He was waiting for it desperately. Just then he saw Amada. He was painting something on the wall adjacent to Ryan's room.

Ryan went down to him and stood there for a while.

"Remember Brother, how we used to have painting competitions and how you always won? Haha. But tables have turned today. You're now the warrior brother and I remain the loner, writer, painter. I am sure I am better at it now. Would love to bring the old days back, you know? Where it was just you and I and our carefree days."

Ryan said, "You  should have thought of all this when you decided to run away from home and never return. You lost me that day itself and I lost my old self that day too."

Ryan left.