Ch 15 Trial and Honor part 3

     Trial and Honor Part Three



Why did time seem to fly when everything was going smoothly, yet drag on endlessly during the worst moments? Purk couldn't make sense of it. Now, on the sixth day of the trials and facing the fifth challenge of the games, they were finally approaching the end. This challenge promised to be a true puzzle—without a doubt, the toughest one yet. It would require nothing less than sheer knowledge to conquer it. How strong was their memory? How intelligent did they believe themselves to be? Would they demonstrate wisdom through diversity?

The test would soon unveil its results. The princess who achieved the highest score would earn an additional ten points to their final tally, while the other contestants would receive nothing. As the arena began to fill, each warthog princess stood at the sidelines, poised for the ultimate run. They motivated one another to perform at their best, fully aware of the significance of this moment. The arena buzzed with the energy of the lively clans, and the crowd was raucous. The King and Queen of Hog Hill were the first to make their entrance, quickly taking their seats. They were shortly followed by the four other kings. Prince Purk was escorted into the arena, accompanied by his tribute to the throne. The female warthogs in the audience erupted in delighted squeals as the handsome hog made his entrance.

He felt grateful to be seated where he was, away from the bustling crowd. He flinched but shifted his attention to the princesses as they made their way to the stage last. Each one settled onto their clan's colored mat, where they were presented with paper and charcoal to write with. Naturally, they would be using their mouths for this task, which posed a significant challenge for animals. They would have to be careful, swift, and precise. It was no surprise that those observing understood the nervousness surrounding the final race. Before the competition could commence, King Muck stood up to make an announcement. Clearing his throat, he began to speak clearly.

"Hello again, my friends! I'd like to remind you that this is the final challenge, and tomorrow we'll announce the top two winners. I hope you've enjoyed the journey so far. Now, let the games begin!" he said eagerly.

Queen Torlia approached the podium and paused for a moment, surveying the princesses before her. She then began her address. "Please prepare your charcoal for writing. I will be posing ten questions, each assigned a different point value. At the end, the individual with the highest score will award their clan an additional ten points. May the best hog prevail."

The princesses experienced a wave of anxiety. Hazel took a deep breath, while Aruba nervously chewed on her bottom lip. The others closed their eyes, trying to conjure positive thoughts. The Queen observed closely, biding her time for the perfect moment to begin. When she felt ready, she asked each question slowly and clearly, pausing between them to give everyone ample opportunity to write their answers before proceeding.

"My first question for you is: who was the first clan to arrive at our ceremony?" Torlia inquired. She followed up with two more questions, then paused before asking the fourth, "Who was the warthog's tribute that got stuck in the mud pit?"

Torlia continued with four additional questions, patiently waiting for the contestants to complete their answers. "Question number nine is: what were the seconds and minutes recorded for the longest breath-holding challenge underwater?"

The females struggled to dig deep into their memories to find the correct answer. Finally, Torlia asked, "What are the most honorable traits necessary for performing Queenly duties?"

Once they reached the end of the questions, it was time to submit their responses. Torlia and her tributes would soon begin tallying the final points.

"Kindly set your charcoal aside while I review the correct answers. I have four tributes nearby who will be marking your papers," she stated.

Once she had reviewed the answers, Queen Torlia requested that they submit their papers for her assessment. Thirty silent minutes passed before the Queen completed her evaluation. She instructed her attendants to tally the scores of the submissions discreetly.

"Thank you once more to everyone who participated in today's final challenge. We won't be disclosing the total points today, as we typically do. We'll have them tallied and prepared for tomorrow's ceremony. As the King mentioned earlier, we will announce the top two winners then. Enjoy the rest of your day, and we look forward to seeing you back in the arena tomorrow morning." – Queen Torlia.

In an instant, the games came to an end. Everyone dispersed to enjoy food, socialize, shop, and unwind. Purk felt more anxious than ever, knowing it was finally over. Uncertain of what to do next, he headed off to grab a bite to eat, hoping it would ease the growing knot in his stomach. Unfortunately, it didn't help; he still felt that unease, now mixed with a feeling of fullness. He grew dizzy and nauseous. Requesting to return to his burrow for some quiet, Purk settled in to rest. Despite his efforts, he found himself overwhelmed with worry.

Cautiously, he dozed off for a brief moment, overwhelmed by a flood of anxiety.

"What if I'm not cut out to be a great king? What if she doesn't desire me? What if I can't bring her happiness?" he questioned, in agony over his thoughts.

Emerging from his burrow with a sense of inner turmoil, he opted for a leisurely stroll, accompanied closely by Roz and Haze. Conversation was scarce; he only glanced back at them occasionally, unsure of how to articulate his questions. He continued walking until darkness enveloped the sky, then turned to head back for dinner. In the recesses of his mind, he held onto a flicker of hope that the meal would help quiet his thoughts and ease his worries.

Reunited with the royals, Purk's mother had requested a night meal of sautéed mushrooms accompanied by a crispy salad with a hint of locust crunch. The dishes were light and delectable, bringing smiles of satisfaction to everyone's faces as they savored the delightful flavors. In the background, soothing music played softly, creating a tranquil atmosphere that contrasted with the usual lively ambiance. There were no performers in sight, as the queen desired a more intimate gathering—just a serene evening spent among friends and clans.

As she observed from a distance, the queen noticed her son appeared lost in thought. As he approached, Torlia nuzzled her chilly snout against his cheek. Surprised, he turned to her, the sudden coolness pulling him from his reverie. The queen offered him a warm smile, her eyes radiating kindness. Only a mother could wield such a gaze.

"Is there something or someone on your mind, Aya Ameer?" she inquired.

He nodded in agreement. "There's a lot to consider, both in terms of something and someone being real," he said.

She grasped his feelings. There was a time when she herself had shared the same uncertainties about leading the future kingdom and her thoughts on the King. She pondered whether he would love her and if she would be deserving of that love. She hoped to comfort her son, assuring him that everything would fall into place.

"Listen to me, don't allow what you can't control to dictate your life. Let it go. You'll be okay. Everything will eventually fall into place." she encouraged.

As always, she was right. He returned his mother's kiss on her cheek and completed his meal. Like clockwork, it was time to clock out and head home for the evening. Purk granted Roz and Haze the night off to enjoy themselves, certain that they wouldn't be required, at least not tonight. He anticipated a peaceful, solitary evening. While everyone else joined in the final night of the week's festivities, the sounds of laughter and celebration gradually faded into the dark as he drifted off to sleep. Time continued its relentless march, as it always did, indifferent to his presence.

The morning unfolded beautifully, with the vibrant orange sun rising slowly against a dark horizon. The town lay still and empty, enveloped in an eerie silence. No one had stirred yet; most residents having slept in after a late night of festivities. Soon, the deep blast of a horn would echo, calling everyone to the arena. Inside Purk's burrow, he was the first to rise, before anyone else had awakened. Waiting for him outside was Roz. They walked together at a leisurely pace toward the arena. Purk settled himself onto his throne as Roz took his usual place beside him, eagerly awaiting further instructions. The King and Queen arrived next, followed by the warthogs of the Hog Hill clan, and then the other kings trickled in slowly. Finally, the beautiful princesses made their grand entrance, greeting the guests. The arena was the last to fill up with the guests, signaling the importance of the day ahead—a pivotal moment in a series of three for Purk.

He, along with everyone else, would soon discover the winner. Without further delay, the scores were finalized and swiftly brought to King Muck. Rising to his feet, he happily made his way to the podium to start the ceremony.

"Shh, everyone, please be quiet," he said, clearing his throat before continuing. "Welcome, everyone. The scores are in and they're about to be revealed. Here they are in my hoof, just for you. Are you ready to hear them?" He asked, energizing the crowd.

The audience burst into cheers of "Yes!" Delighted by their enthusiasm, King Muck quickly replied, "Alright, alright, let's get started."

"I will start by addressing the two contestants at the bottom of the rankings. It is with a heavy heart that I announce the contestant in last place, with seven points, is Zeema from the Hollow-hoof Clan. I truly regret this outcome, dear one, and wish you all the best on your future endeavors. In third place, with eight points, is Izumi from the Harvel Clan. Thank you both for being part of this wonderful week; your performances were commendable, and I hope to see you in upcoming events," King Muck said supportively.

The audience erupted in applause, sending their best wishes to the two contestants. King Muck then turned back to the crowd, saying, "Now, let's shift our attention to our top two contestants. In second place, with thirteen points, we have Hazel from the Wimble Clan, and in first place, with an impressive total of nineteen points, is Aruba from the Ruff Tusk Clan. Congratulations to both of you!" said Muck. 

The crowd erupted with cheers. " Let me continue, we eagerly await the decision my son will make regarding his bride tomorrow. For those departing from the Hollow-hoof and Harvel Clans today, we wish you safe travels, and we look forward to future events with all of you," concluded King Muck. Before Izumi and Zeema returned to their clans, Purk approached them for a final embrace and a gentle nuzzle on the cheek. He wished them all the best and expressed his hope that they could remain friends, encouraging them to come back to visit anytime. Turning his focus to the winners, Purk felt a rush of emotions. While he believed he knew his choice, his heart ached for the other female Aruba he had come to love as well. Unfortunately, only one could emerge victorious. He offered them a nod and a smile before swiftly moving on to speak with Roz. Feeling too anxious to eat, Purk was in need of wise counsel, and his friend was the perfect person to turn to. They spent hours talking, with Roz not only serving as his tribute but also as a comforting shoulder to lean on. With genuine concern, Roz offered the best advice he could muster, hoping it would bring some solace to Purk.

He stayed with Roz as they engaged in an ongoing conversation about what he should do, how to make the right choices, and how he would even recognize what was right. By nightfall, Purk had made his decision. He was thankful that Roz had taken the time to support him through it all. Roz, feeling satisfied that his friend was at peace, felt ready to leave. He returned to his role as tribute guard, temporarily setting aside his friend's concerns to resume his duties. That night, Purk drifted off to sleep to the soothing sounds of crickets serenading the moon, and he awoke to the joyful melodies of birds greeting the morning. He felt rejuvenated and eager to embrace the day ahead. As the ceremonial horn sounded, signaling it was time, he got out of bed and made his way to the arena, where a single stage awaited him and the two victors.

All attention was focused on them, and everyone was eager to hear his decision. Who would become the future Queen? The arena was less crowded than in previous weeks, with only the surviving clans remaining, and Hog Hill among the top three. A hush fell over the crowd as they waited nervously for the announcement. The King and Queen sat regally upon their thrones. Rising from his seat, the King moved toward his son, enveloping him in a warm embrace. He then turned to face the audience and began to address them.

"What a splendid day it is! I am thrilled to introduce my son, Prince Purk, as he selects his first mate for the consummation ceremony. Without further ado, let my son unveil his final choice—the one who will reign over this Kingdom," declared King Muck.

Purk trembled, his knees buckling beneath him and his stomach churning. He gulped and remembered what Roz had advised him.

"You are a courageous warthog, and courageous warthogs make sound choices." He grasped the significance of what was being said.

The brave hogs were careful and intentional in their choices, in contrast to the timid ones who reacted impulsively out of fear. Consequently, the latter found their decisions leading to failure and disaster. Bolstered by this encouragement, Purk took a deep breath and began to articulate his thoughts with clarity and purpose.

"I've made my choice...and I... I choose the one I've always wanted from the beginning. Hazel, will you be my Queen?" Purk asked.

Tears streamed down the faces of the two princesses, each for her own reason. Hazel wept with joy, while Aruba's tears were born from sadness. She gently rubbed her wet nose against Hazel's cheek in a gesture of comfort before turning away and heading back to her father, deliberately avoiding Purk. Her heart ached too much. He too felt a sting of sorrow, a warm tear escaping down his cheek. A whirlwind of emotions swirled within him; the feeling of love blended with guilt was an unpleasant burden to bear.

The King addressed everyone once more. "It is with great pride that I introduce to you the winner and my son's bride, Hazel. May you both enjoy a lifetime of happiness together. I hope to live long enough to witness the day you hand down your own child. One day, you will understand the immense pride that brings. But enough of my musings. It is now time for you, my son, to kiss your bride and embark on your new life together in the burrow that has just been built for you two." He said, beaming with joy. Purk rushed to his bride, gently pressing his snout against hers as they shared a long, tender kiss. They turned to face the exhilarated crowd, which erupted in cheers and applause. The arena was filled with joyous noise, and the newlyweds couldn't help but smile widely, stealing glances at each other with twinkling eyes.

Purk guided his bride away, leading her towards their new residence. Nestled in a peaceful spot beneath an African Marula tree, it was a considerable distance from the arena.

"Brides first," Purk said to Hazel, gesturing with his snout for her to enter the warm burrow.

He observed as her alluring silhouette slipped into the entrance. Purk felt a rush of warmth surge through him, stirring his desires. He quickly followed her, finding her waiting in the center of their living space, a playful smile gracing her lips. No longer would he be an inexperienced warthog; he was determined to connect with his bride and to love and cherish her deeply.