ECHOES

When ancient kings ruled and had authority over all that existed in their domain, Ajad was a young prince who would soon have this authority and many things hung on his shoulder, he had to smile right, breathe right, lead right and also marry right, for just like some out there he also more than anything wanted a happy life, or more so a happy married life, but would times allow him achieve this, well trying has always been the best option on this sort of things, so Ajab was going to try too.

Once when he set out with his Father to perform the usual rites at the ancient temples, he met someone who would forever change his life.

The temple priestess had a young child who everyone adored, she was as beautiful as one could ever imagine, she was decisive and firm, everything in her care had a way of turning out right,and as the child of the priestess she also was priestess in the making and everyone thought this a thing of joy,as now the temple would have a bright future for in good hands did it lie. When Jezreel was born it was said that the walls of the temple shook and the the candles lit of their own Accord , a rare phenomenal, even the briths of the great kings and princes don't shake nothing, a real bright side for the great Temple of Dorom of the great Kingdom of Izz. She had followed her mother Priestess Morriba,the High Priestess of Dorom, to perform the usual rites. But this time it would be different for it would be her first time assisting the High Priestess her mother with the usual rites, the king would be present and so would the entire royal family, it would be Her First time experiencing it for she had never been of age for the usual rites up till now,or rather had never completed her training, although she was the youngest coming of age priestess in the history of Priestesses, even the current high priestess did not finish her own training as fast as Jezreel did. It took the young priestess half the time it took the others to complete their trainings.

As per custom the king and his heir would come before the Stoned pillars with heads bowed and knees bent in sign of reverence and await the words of blessings from the high priestess.

The priestesses would appear with veils covering their faces and figures, perform their due diligences, have their dances and speak of the future of the Kingdom.

As the dances started, it was in the atmosphere, there was nothing wrong with it, it could definitely be felt that there was something different about this year's own, well of course only Ajab could feel whatever this was, he lifted his head to try to understand what was causing this, looking over the fairy like figures dancing, it wasn't his first time seeing this dance,but this one was in every way different but he could not pin point exactly what was different until he set his glances on her, she looked like everything, he couldn't tell what was behind that veil or what the hidden figure inside would look like or what it was, he only knew that whatever it was it was beckoning on him,his heart was getting cringee and longing, and for the first time in many times he wanted to behold whatever that was whatever it was.

After the fancy dances came to an end it was time to hear what the high priestess had to say. The King lifted his head and then realized his son's attention was else where.

"You do realize that as King, others should not be able to discern what exactly has you distracted " He said to his son

"Sorry father" Ajab replied as he brought himself back to order.

Knowing his son as one to never loose focus he too was intrigued as to what caused this. He smiled mildly as he came to the realization of what had taken place.

"I am sure she would not be running away ,if my guess is correct she should be the Future High Priestess, daughter of Morriba, you could always seek her audience after the rite ceremony " He said to his amazed son who had no idea how his father could tell what exactly was on his mind

"And why are you telling me all these father?" Ajab asked trying to not seem so obvious.

"Oh .... And when have I ever been wrong, besides you're not fooling anyone with your bravado, also I'm your father so I know, now concentrate"

Ajab took a deep sigh and wondered to himself why he could not keep his majestic father off his back,his father always said he was too easy to read just like his mother, but in honestly his father only knew what he wanted him to know, just that today's events even took him by surprise, but why would his father say seek her audience and not request it, he always said all was his..

Every where fell silent even the enticing smooth musicals had come to a pause, the fancy dances to a halt and all heads were bowed and only that of the King and his heir were lifted to behold the high priestess as she was about to bask in what would look like a glorified display.Her hairs long and floating, her feets closely elevated, and the wind surrounding her as clothing, she looked like what one would describe as a floating goddess who had just descended to comfort her minions. With her eyes glowing white she faced upward and after a mild time she stared right into the face of the King,

Ajab who was experiencing this sight for the third time could not really shake off the feeling it always brought, it was to some extent an overwhelming sight even when this gaze was not directed at him. The first time he had this experience was after the death of his grandfather-The Great ruler'_', when the future of the kingdom had to be prophesied. Even though referred to as The great ruler, Ajab couldn't help but think that his grandfather died a lost cause, he had always looked lost to him,although he only knew him from his deadbed, he still couldn't shake off the feeling, the second experience was the day before the great siege, and now this. But why was he not informed,usual rites as it was called bore no resemblance to it's name,one would wonder why 'The great Ruler' choose such a name for it, his grandfather really deserved death. With the Temple, rites happened quite often, the king himself enjoyed paying his respects, but the usual rites was a once in a Seven years event, and this was his second of such attendance.An attendance that required the entire kingdom to come as one to pay their respects,and the king had to forehead the ceremony as the Father and King of the Kingdom.

As The High Priestess stared at the King she spoke and her voice was as that that came from the depths of a well,mixed voices echoed like splashes of the rivers, like great tides and heavy storm she spoke " THE VOID SEEKS THE PACT AND THE LIGHT BE CLOTHED WITH HUNTS FROM THE PAST, THE LIGHT SWALLOWS ALL" she said the last parts with a grin on her face and the direction of her gaze had shifted, they were now directed and upon Ajab. In that moment the chilling overwhelming pressure and presence that came with prophecies,now that those growing eyes were fixed upon him and he was staring right into those white abyss, he felt not what he did before, but had a new sensation, he felt afloat, like he was dreaming, for a moment he felt like he would do anything to please those eyes. Then it occurred to him in his deepest thoughts, were he had all his 'beautiful' conversations, aside the ones he frequents with Elmah of course. 'Is this not what is said about charmers, I mean in the books I stubbled across, how their eyes make men flutter, is the High Priestess a charmer?' as soon as the thought came out, normally he would burry it,but it made sense, just that charmers don't have glowing eyes and they don't float or do they?

The silence that followed after this new prophecy filled the area, after a few moments the sound of scribers using their only tool of survival could be heard as they documented what would be as they would always refer to about their 'excellent' documentaries, "a profound echo of the Thousand voices" . Elmah would always debate that they exaggerate too often.

The gusting wind settled and the priestess was on her feets again and her eyes where back to normal, but she looked a little too pale, it would seem that the echoes really echoes on her. She took in deep breaths and now said in her normal but enticing manner

"It seems the Echoes can not be suppressed nor do they follow our ways, what would be a day of blessings has taken a bigger turn to be a wonder and a sign of better and continuous Flourishment " as the words left her mouth cheers and shouts of joy filled the temple from the people gathered . The usual rites would normally take the form of a blessing day, a day the kingdom pays her respect as one and have the priestess bless her, but now a rare sight of prophesy came without warning, it really was a thing for Joy.

The High Priestess took a bow of courtesy and withdrew her self from the podium, which meant it was time for the Father of the Kingdom to speak.

The King lifted himself and stood tall, one could see why he bears the Title Majestic, He's shoulders were broad that any armor worn over them would be great disrespect to those delicate features, His hair were radiant Thick black and glowing, his beards were made for nothing but his majestic face , his eyes looked like the flowing water fall, and he had his height to better compliment things, as if the other features were not enough, he was tall enough to be seen from any position, and his voice, the perfect instrument for order, he spoke, his voice radiating through out the entire Temple

"We have seen hard times" he started , taking his time to express each word

"We have had our lows, We have paid sacrifices, we have worked , we have worshiped, we have payed dues" he paused, then with a very elaborate smile and overbearing confidence he said

"But what are we,who are we, what is, what exists, what stands before us?" He then echoed with authourity

"We are Izz, The Great Izz, we remain , now let the ceremonies begin" The whole Temple echoed and shaked with cheers and shouts.

Ajab nodded his head, his Father never seizes to amaze him, always saying the weirdest of things with confidence,'The heck does he mean by 'what is and what exist' , he couldn't help but sigh, but he had to give it to the Man, he did know how to stir the crowd, and that was all that mattered, who cared about what are or what not.

Just then a figure moved in a smoothy orderly fashion towards the Prince and whispered to his hearing admist the now lively atmosphere, the musics were back on and so did the dances.

"Your Highness it would seem that your mastery over your expressions are really dwindling, most people would misunderstand and take ur earlier expressions as a sign of disapproval and opposition to what the King was saying, wouldn't it be better for you to avoid thinking about anything opposing at such moments?"

Ajab rolled his eyes and sighed in an almost frustrated tone "Elmah would it kill you to try being supportive and positive minded, and believe me only you would think the expression I had had anything to do with disapproval or even notice an expression at all"

"Your Highness needs serious retrospecting" Elmah responded almost immediately

"And I would have your head , for your tongue"

"I only speak the truth your Highness, and I'm always in your favor, and of course as your Highness knows my mind is more than positivily minded"

Ajab looked at him and couldn't comprehend this fellow's level of insensitivity and bold claims

" More than positively minded indeed, more like a mule on a mule"

"Those words make no sense your Highness"

"Your head, I really would have it. What do you want Elmah? " Ajab blurted out in frustration , if not that this personal attendant of his was really good he really would have had his head. But thinking about it, he definitely would not. Elmah has been with him since he could remember, he was brought to him when he was Four and he had been in his service since then, just that he was too honest for his own good, but then he had never been wrong before, his mind was the sharpest that could be found in the kingdom at least amongst their generation, their sharp minds run in their lineage, long story, but despite only being a year older, Elmah always seemed too advanced, wiser than meets the eye.

"That reminds me" Ajad turned to look at this attendant of his, they shared the same height and had the same hair color,dark brown, his eyes were clear and mostly empty, they looked like that of a veteran killer

"Why didn't you inform me?"

"Of what your Highness?" He responded a little confused, he was very sure he bore no information with him that was of use to His master at the moment

"About the Prophecy"

"Ehn..?" Elmah couldn't help but blurt, what was he on about now?

"Yes the prophecy, why didn't I get a heads up from you that there'll be a prophesy today?"

How outrageous, what on earth and earth above was his master on about, who anywhere ever has such information with them, even if they existed he doesn't remember applying to be their apprentice to acquire such skill set, besides did the high priestess not make it clear that it was an on the spot happening, why is his highness looking for an excuse to put him in a tight spot

"Are you looking for an excuse to have my head your highness?" He couldn't help but ask

"I don't need an excuse for your head, I thought you had all the wisdom?"

"And I thought your highness was above foolishness?" He couldn't help but ask

"Treason, you're calling your master a fool and inconsiderate"

"Your Highness really should pick new hobbies" The heck was his problem

"Move along, and work on your eyes they look like death" Said Ajab as he started walking towards a certain direction, he really enjoys probing his attentant, but this one of his just makes everything backfires at him.

"Your Highness used to say my eyes carried truth,how is it death now?" He asked as he followed him closely

"We both know they really look like death, stop using things I said years ago to try to feel better"

"But I feel okay "

"Why are u following me?" Ajab asked

"Your Highness really enjoys jokes" what sort of question was that. It would seem his Highness wanted to do something unorthodox....

They took a turn and now they could barely be seen from where the King was, for he was still at the Stone pillers, but this time he was having what looked like a cheerful moment with rhe High Priestess.

Elmah could not help but notice the eyes of his highness, it kept focused like it was following something, he had the same expression he usually has on his hunts

"Has Your Highness spotted a boar" he couldn't help but ask

"And why would you think that?" Ajab responded without adverting his gaze

"Or is it a pig?"

"A pig?" Ajab couldn't help but glace at him, and why would there even be a pig here of all places, This his Attentant ready needed to be checked,

"Or is it the dancing flower?"

At this point Ajab halted his steps, turned to the face of the fellow following him,looked him directly into those dead eyes of his and asked with all curiosity, like a beast that felt it's prey looked strange.

"What dancing flower?"

Elmah wore the same expressionless face he always wore, one thing that sets him apart from even dead corpses,his face, they never had emotions on them.with this his glorious face and expression he responded

"Well was your highness trying to be discreet?"

"Can I not have a time where I do me?"

"Your Highness it is my Job to ensure that never happens"

There was a moment of silence, Ajab could not hold it in again... He bursted into laughter. He laughed loud enough to be heard by anyone around, but the musics and jeering prevented that..

Still laughing he said "I really should have your head"

Elmah continued "Well would it not be better to wait till after the ceremony, considering who she is.. the best time would be after She is brought before the King, definitely His Majesty would want you two acquitted"

Now Ajab had a lot of questions, he was puzzled,no doubt any Information from Elmah could be trusted, but firstly, why were they so certain about who she was, not even that, how did they know who he was even looking at, is he really that open, was it so obvious ,then how does everyone know who she was except him, and why was everyone giving him advice on how to approach her, who was he, what on earth above was the matter, are you sure he's not the attendant and not the Prince, The Prince,... He could not help but sigh.

Knowing what could be on the mind of His Highness, Elmah spoke to clarify

"Firstly I'm sure the High Priestess would have spoken about her daughter to the King, besides she is one of a Kind in all the history of Priestesses, it is a great thing for the Kingdom, so there's no way His Majesty wouldn't be informed, though He might not have seen her due to customs, with the information and who he is it would not be difficult to at least spot her in a crowd, even when veiled, besides as you can see..." He said using his gaze to show what he was referring to "she's endowed with a unique apparel, looking closely one could see that the veil over her is of a different shade,it is the type worn by Future High Priestesses, she would probably soon stop with the dance and join the High Priestess for the final ceremony of cleansing, which your Highness would have to be there so that the Dorom smoke can touch you, I'm sure His Majesty would soon be seeking your presence. Your Highness is usually first to spot this sort of things might I ask the reason you're not yourself today your Highness?"

And what would that mean, but then Ajab could not help but wonder his problem today, well seeing as how his father's attention was also on the dancing platform that explains how he knew what he was looking at, but then ,Elmah

"Well as for me ...."

Not wanting to bother himself with how this tycoon of his knows, Ajab just raised his hands to cut him short,

"Don't even bother"

He then turned to the dancing platform for it was quite elevated, he noticed the figure his eyes had been on since was no where to be found, he could no longer spot her, a little agitated he increased his pace,but it was unique,it was like a flowing water, a unique footwork, one that could not be obtained by one just sitting on their hands, if the scribes had seen or known what it was,it just might have been included in their " excellent documentaries". He still could not spot her, he then turned slowly to look at his 'all knowing blabbermouth ' he had better have an answer or this time he might have his head.

"Your Highness it's time for the cleansing Smoke" Elmah responded, despite knowing why his highness was giving him that look. Why should he bother to explain anything, clearly his highness had lost his sanity today, if he was paying any attention he would know where she should be, besides didn't he just say his dancing flower had to assist the High Priestess, he could not help but sigh.. this Highness of his really baffles him somethings, when he's not in his best, every other thing is really...well he couldn't bear to say, and thankfully he could have all this thoughts to himself and self alone, with no request for his head. He then gave a slight bow and started walking back to where His Majesty the King would be, whenever His Highness gets himself he could come join,he couldn't bear the sight of whatever this was.

Seeing His unruly attentant blantantly ignoring and moving away from him, Ajab had the urge to take off his boots and smack the living hell out of him, but he felt something was amiss, he really was missing something, then like a smack in the head ,it all began to come to him, 'if she left the dance podium, and going by the information he had gotten so far, she would be with the High Priestess for the cleansing ceremony' ah that explains a lot, he really has been losing it, maybe he would have to visit the Palace physician once all this was over. But even at that he couldn't help but fume at his attentant, why did he have to treat him like that, 'it is I, I am me, I exist' on a second thought he might be sounding just like His Father, okay now he really needed to see the Physician, and it had to be today.

He then hurriedly followed his lousy attendant that was clearly walking majestically in front of him, now he began to wonder who was the real prince amongst them

"And it's cleansing Incense, you dimwit not smoke" he hallad at him

Well he couldn't care less as he continued his graceful pace, thankfully all this display wasn't noticed by anyone else, it would seem that professionals have their own methods.

Just then the sound of the bells where heard....