Chapter 70 Unpleasant Conversations
The rooms of Heinrich.
Wulfhelm in an uneven voice: Onkel, may I attend the royal court meeting?
Heinrich: Why? My job at the meeting is to create division among them in order to delay the decision.
Wulfhelm: Yes, but you said that a Lord used others as advisors at the meeting yesterday. Perhaps we can do the same.
Heinrich: Part of the plan created by your mother is to make sure they do not think about you. We want to hide you until the time comes to crown you.
Wulfhelm sadly: Is that why she did not tell me the plan? She never asked me if I wanted to be king. Did she ask my father if he wanted to rebel? Did she decide everything for him like she does for me now?
Heinrich: She began preparing many years before explaining it to him. She simply wants our people to be freed from the kingdom. She wants us to return to living under the king of Blasser Hafen.
The young man remained silent for several minutes. He looked into the eyes of his uncle, who had been like a father to him.
Wulfhelm: How many men from our cities died in the revolt? How many blonde women have dark-haired babies because of the rapes following the failure of of our army?
Heinrich sighed: Thousands of each.
The young man looked at his uncle with genuine fear: If her plan fails, how many more will die in my name? How many women and girls will suffer after my death?
Heinrich: It is impossible to stop the plan now. The fleet will arrive in a few days. Marisela will seize the ports, and we can use her castle to gather forces and attack the royal castle.
Wulfhelm spoke in a sad voice: I understand. Then, I want to attend the meeting to see who might become an ally.
The man shook his head: That is not a good idea.
The count stood up: Onkel Heinie, I have never given you an order. Please do not force me to give you one today.
The warrior stood up and hugged his young nephew: Get dressed then.
The office of the Count of Arms.
Warden Manuelo stood facing the Count with his gaze fixed on the ground.
Manuelo: Count, I have no defense. A prisoner escaped from my custody without anyone noticing. I have failed in my duty and I accept my punishment.
Esteban: The prisoner who escaped was not an ordinary man. And he received help from off the island. As of now, you are not among my priorities. The guards will put you in a secure room with that prisoner. Please ask him how he escaped. I am sure it is an interesting story.
Manuelo: I understand, Count. I await your decision.
In the bedroom prison.
Clemente: Good afternoon, Manuelo. The maids will bring food and beer soon. You like beer with lunch, do you not?
Manuelo sat down on a bench on the other side of the room: I would kill you, but it is possible the count will not execute me.
Clemente smiled: I will die in less than two days without your help. You were a good jailer. I am sorry to cause you trouble. Believe me, there are others who will suffer more than you because of my actions.
Manuelo: I thought you were a frail old man. Now I know you are crazy, and my family will lose me because of your madness. How did you escape? Do not lie to me now.
Clemente: I carry within me the spirit of the All-Mother. I used her magic to summon a young Pegasus who brought me to this city. I could have escaped my captivity any day, but it was necessary to wait for that moment.
Manuelo: Why? What do you know?
Clemente: I do not know anything. She knows the future. She is using me to save three races from destruction.
A room in the west wing of the castle.
Octavio: Everything is falling apart in the castle. We need a strong king who can control the nobles, fight against Aurelio, and restore our kingdom to its former glory.
Valero: Guillermo, you must support me now and completely.
Guillermo: I want to be the Prince of the Isles. With full authority.
Valero: We are in agreement.
Bartolo: Very well. If I am the Steward, I can control the servants for you. This castle will be like it was in the time of the Conqueror.
Victorino: Yes, and the army will have no opposition in the kingdom.
Octavio raised a cup: King Valero.
Three of the other men: King Valero.
Valero drank without saying a word. Guillermo left first and Bartolo second.
Victorino: Father, him? The Prince of the Royal Isles?
Valero: When the crown is on my brow, you can cut his head from his fat neck.
In the small prayer room.
Tatiana: Danilo, I need to talk to you before the meeting. And Esteban does not need to know about this conversation.
Danilo: I never want to lie to him again.
The warrior raised her knee and slammed it into his stomach. He fell to the ground coughing and gasping. She grabbed him by the shoulders and lifted him up like a child.
She spat her words in his face: You felt comfortable lying to him before. Do you have a conscience now?
Danilo: What do you want?
Tatiana: Support him at the meeting and in everything he needs. If he decides to forgive you, love him unconditionally. He loves you in a way he cannot love me. I will share my husband with you, just like I have this past year. If you hurt him again, I will kill you. He has your love, but I have your life, understand?
Danilo, in a weak voice: I understand. I am sorry, and thank you for...
The woman covered his mouth and nose with one hand and pressed the forearm of her other arm to his throat. She held him like that while he tried unsuccessfully to remove her hand from his face. As his eyes began to close, she let go of him and looked at him as he breathed rapidly from fear.
Tatiana whispered: He has your love and I have your life.
The rooms of Emiliano
The priest sat in his office drawing. He was reading a description of Unicorns written by one of the first priests who had lived in the Greenwood for years studying them.
The drawing showed a Unicorn with its tail held high, its horn held to the right almost touching its shoulder, and its left front hoof in the air in front of its chest.
The chambers of Marisela.
Marisela and her maid Patricia sat down next to young Francisco. His breathing was becoming increasingly irregular.
Marisela: Patricia, is Paco going to die?
Patricia: I think so. I am sorry, my Lady. He was a boy of honor and loyalty.
Marisela, with tears in her eyes: He deserves to be with his family tonight. Can you do something special for me? You will need the help of your ladylove.