Chapter 10

KING CONRAD POV

Meanwhile I was in my court room alone going through some bills that I had to append my signature on when the doors suddenly burst open and the royal priestess Amin walked in angrily looking like as if I had done something to offend her. The royal priestess rarely pays home calls so I know that this must be serious. I wonder what news she had from us? What could she had possibly seen that would guarantee such a look. She didn’t even dress in here ceremonial priestess robe.. Well this time she was dressed in her usual tattered clothes, with trinkets tied to her calabash and her walking stick.

If anyone could see the two: the high priestess and the royal doctor, they wouldn’t believe that they were the same person.

Is there a reason why you are barging into my court room unannounced? I don’t recall sending for you. I said my eyes glancing briefly to see who it was before going back to the bills he was ready.

I came bearing a message from the gods. She said as I raised an eyebrow in trepidation.

Okay, what could they possibly want now? I have done everything they have asked of me, since I became king. Is there anything that I have missed? I said as I stood up from where I was seating on my throne as Amin walked up to me.

Do you remember the last time I talked to you in the temple, when your daughter was born? She said as I replied.

Of course I do. What happened? I said as Amin sat down on the ground, crossing her legs together as I sat down, waiting.

Amin brought out a golem, tied up with hays, in form of an inanimate form, then brought two more, plus stones and sticks and scattered them on the floor. She arranged the golem in the middle and used the sticks and stones to place on one of the golem.

What do you see? She said gesturing to her display items as I squatted down pursuing my lips. this was a dangerous game. She wanted me to play a game with her. why didn’t see just say what was wrong without the usual beating around the bushes.

I am waiting for an answer. Last I checked, silence wasn’t a language I could understand. She said as I sighed again.

I can see sticks, and stones and inanimate golems. I said as Amin nodded her head in affirmation.

Good, you got that right after all. Sit down on the floor, this is going to take some time. She said as she scattered what she had arranged, removing all the stones and sticks from the golems.

I grunted as he sat down. I called for my guard who was standing outside the court room.

Hermes! I said as the guard quickly ran inside the court room, bowing before he stopped.

You sent for me, my King…you are on the floor. He said in shock as I waved it off.

Don’t bother yourself about that. Just make sure that nobody enters the court room until I say so. I do not want any distraction, at all cost. Hope I am clear? I asked as the guard genuflected.

Yes, my King. I understand and nobody will cross here. I will be outside if you need anything else. Hermes said as he glanced at Amin who was busy closing her eyes shaking as if she was having a panic attack, but it was normal for her.

This was one of the reasons, he didn’t like seers. They were too abnormal to be normal.

He turned and left the court room as he knocked the door in front of him as I looked at Amin who just opened her eyes and the whiteness cleared as the pupils came to meet me.

The gods have a game for you. and you are to play. She said as I nodded my head.

I am ready. I said after heaving a deep breath.

What was the prophecy that I gave you back then? she asked as I was taken aback.

Prophecy? You? I don’t think you told me such things. Are you sure of what you are saying? I said as Amin was busy looking at her golems playing with it, before she stopped grasping me by his arm said,

What did I tell you? as soon as Amin made contact with me. It was as if I caught a glimpse of something as he remembered that day, Amin, grabbing his cloth as she said something to me, and her eyes were glazed over, just like how her eyes was now.

I gasped as what she said came rushing back to him.

There are two who will lead to your downfall, and the other your success. A day will come when you shall be usurped and the prisoner released. Your daughter will be the savior or destroyer. Kill her now and be sure of the future. Don’t and know what happens next is entirely your fault.

"Good" Amin said as she brought another golem and dropped. What did I say about the myth in this kingdom? She asked as I replied

You said that there are a cave where a thousand year old creatures stays right now, as we speak and breathe. I said as Amin nodded her head.

That there, was a lie. She said as I looked at her flabbergasted.

"Wait, what do you mean it was a lie. Were you lying but seers don’t lie." I said confused as Amin looked at him and said.

"I wasn’t lying, I did say that there was, but you didn’t look for the cave and now the creature has been released from his cave and being set free. He roams the woods as we speak. Death will follow him closely and soon every one will soon cease. Amin said as I stood up from the ground confused more than ever.

Why don’t you skip the games and tell me the fact in plain Where is he? How was he released? Who released him? Where can I find the person? I said as Amin picked up her items from the ground and put in her bag.

She stood up and said,

It seems we will continue the divination games later, when you are ready to find out the whole truth, come find me. I will be in my temple, but hasten because my time slowly fades away. Meanwhile, the gods have a new message for you.

"What is the message? I said as Amin looked at him.

"Give the heir what she wants, and bring back her heart in the right place. The heir will both be in your destiny and the presence of both of them can make or mar you. Do not let the sun fade away, be mindful of the one who said she cares for you. Both are after power and revenge. In the end, is where it all begins. Find her and kill her by your sword. She is your greatest enemy. She is your own…." Amin said before turning to leave as I was utterly confused.

Wait, I have no idea what you want me to do. What do you mean by give the heir what she wants, and bring back the heart in the right place? Who cares for me? Amin please. Just tell me what all these means. I am lost and I need your help. I said as Amin shook her head.

You know what to do. It has been on your mind. That is your clue. She said smiling a bit as she left the court room. As I collapsed on my throne. The door opened as Hermes walked in saying.

Is everything all right, my King?

Not now, I don’t want disturbances. He said as Hermes paused in his tracks.

I can help? Do you need a drink? Should I call the doctor? You look faint. Your majesty.. He said slowly as I opened my eyes.

Just then, it was as if a light bulb has been switched on in my head as I shot out of his throne startling Hermes at the same time.

Give the heir what she wants, I said again as Hermes looked confused, as he looked around the court room.

Was the King talking to him? or what he just musing? Should he reply or should he keep quiet? He was confused.

My King…he said slowly as I latched my eyes on Hermes and said in a cold voice.

Prepare the chariot. Tell the driver that we are going to town, this instant. There is something that I have to do and I have to do alone. Make sure that my wife and daughter doesn’t know about this at all. I said standing up as Hermes nodded his head and walked out of the court room, heading to get the chariot ready.