Chapter two: The mysterious stranger

The mysterious stranger

The clouds began to turn black and strange signs were seen in the sky and the moon was glowing in the full form and everyone noticed the strange occurrences in the empire and no priestesses could solve the problem which puzzled the emperor more and he knew there was more to it and they were not ordinary signs .

One afternoon as he strolled out to the deep forest in the kingdom,he came across a strange old man.

The man looked at him and sighed. Come over my child he said. "You are in the midst of darkness and a lot of havoc is being caused in the kingdom and no one can see above than I . You can't do anything to stop what is going to happen but you must be steadfast and determined because it is the will of the gods. You have not given birth since your marriage.I can see everything happening to you but don't be surprised and the gods have provided a solution for you"he said.

The emperor heaved a sign of relief and was listening to the wise old man with rapt attention.

"I don't understand what you are saying and wise old man how did you know about all this because you are a stranger in this place and how can you be abreast of all the happenings without being there? I am really surprised about everything but the most important part is how do I solve the puzzle?"he asked.

"Be rest assured my child as the gods are on your side and would not leave you "he reassured him.

"Then what is the way out because I have had a lot of sleepless nights and nowhere to turn to as no one has solutions to the problems on ground "he queried .

The wise old man made some incantations and looked at him.

"My child, you will have to endure and have patience with what you are about to do as without that, there is nothing you can do. Are you ready to fufill the task "? he asked .

"Everything that is required of me to fulfill this task I am ready for it he responded.

"The queen will give birth soon and the child is going to be a great child and be a strength for the empire and will overcome all the tribulations in the land but you have to be ready to be able to sacrifice for the task ahead of you and I also congratulate you on this" the wise man said.

Emperor Damien was overjoyed that he would have a child of his own but he was ready to surmount all odds and sacrifice everything for the sake of his child .

All your problems will be solved soon and take this. He handed a tassel made of tiger fur to him. And speak everything on your mind to it every day and I assure all your problems is over and make sure you don't neglect the empress he further advised.

Thank you wise old one and before he knew it, the strange man disappeared into thin air.

He ran as fast as his legs could carry him to the palace and walked majestically towards the empress palace.

The servants were looking at him with admiration and were smiling sheepishly at him but he overlooked it.

He was overjoyed to see the queen and he walked slowly towards the garden where she was enjoying the cool breeze and having brunch .

As the maids were about to announce his presence,he signalled to them to keep silent.

The queen was shocked to find him behind her staring at her with his hands folded behind his back and he was smiling at her.

She looked at him with a weird expression because it has been long the emperor smiled and she was happy to see him like that.

He sat down next to her and kissed her knuckles and said Hmmm! My empress is glowing and her beauty keeps radiating and I cannot seem to get enough of you.I hope you are at ease and you didn't stress yourself .

The Empress did not seem to understand his words either and gave him a puzzled look and he let out a loud laugh and she wondered what was going on with the emperor and just shook her head in disbelief.

His actions were weird and she knew it was mysterious and he had not being himself these days but seeing him like this she knew something was wrong somewhere.

"I am wondering what has the emperor been up to lately and how come he beams with so much smile these days. I hope that he is not falling for any other woman" she teased him and the emperor fixed a gaze at her.

It took him minutes to realize what the empress said and he gave her a scornful look and she pinched him taking the weird expression from his face.

Why did you do that to me! he asked.

I just had to take that crazy look off you because you looked awkward she responded and imitated his actions waiting to see his reaction.

He just sighed and took an apple and had a bite of it and put the remaining into the empress mouth to prevent her from speaking.

The servants were watching the duo love affair with admiration.

" The emperor really loves the empress and I wish my life would be perfect like theirs" they whispered among themselves.

The Empress frowned at the emperor and was shocked by what he did because she didn't expect it either but deep inside her,she knew this was one of the ways of display of love to her from the emperor.

"Wait for me tonight don't go to bed early i will come "he promised.

I will wait for you no matter what she said and he gave her a light peck and the servants looked away.

The king got up and went towards the throne hall and took the tassel out of his royal robe and looked at it and recited some poems before putting it back into his pocket.

He then carefully treaded his steps because he was anxious that he was going to father a child soon even though he was not aware of the gender.

He looked at the sky and thanked the stars for making him encounter such a wise old man who offered solutions out of his predicament.

He then reminded himself that he must not forget the old man advice and warnings because they are essential in the future of the empire.

"The wise man is really a messenger of the gods and he must have been sent on purpose "he told himself .

The commander of the royal guards knew all was not well with the emperor and he moved closer.

"What is wrong Your majesty"? he asked .

Nothing he replied the commander.

"I just feel anxious and the weather is changing and I am beginning to see the empire in a good light and I think everything is falling into their rightful places" he told him .

I understand the commander bowed his head and went to carry out his duties leaving the emperor to his thoughts.