Chapter Fourteen—Permission

“Nana?” I asked, confused.

“Hello, my dear boy,” she smiled as we finally met. On her left, she carried a black, metal lantern while her other clutched onto her wrap.

“Nana, what are you doing here at this time of the night? You can get lost,” I said.

She chuckled. “Robert, you must have forgotten that I know this maze like the back of my hand. I’m one of the people who planned this maze. Therefore, there’s no chance that I could get lost,” she explained.

“Nana, even if you know this maze from the inside out, it’s still dangerous,” I replied, emphasizing the danger that she’s put herself into. “You’re in here, all alone. Someone can sneak behind you and do something horrible.”

“Son, I’m more than capable of taking care of myself. You underestimate me too much,” she answered as she held onto my arm. “What brings you here?” she asked as we walked away from the arc.

“I saw your lantern from my balcony. I didn’t know it was you, but I had to make sure who was taking a late-night stroll in the maze,” I said. “I was absolutely worried because anyone who’s not familiar with this maze can get lost so easily.”

“You need not worry anymore, son,” she smiled. “Let’s go back to the castle. It’s starting to get colder.”

“Just hold onto me, Nana,” I replied as I led the way back to the entrance. “Who were you talking to, by the way?”

“I wasn’t talking to anybody, son,” she answered. “As you can see, I’m all alone here.”

“Nana, I saw you talking to someone by the arc. You can’t deny that to me,” I insisted.

“I was just talking to myself, Robert,” she quickly responded. “You know me, son. I’m of old bones and gums. Sometimes, when I have no one to talk to, I would talk to myself. I guess that’s what happens when you reach such an old age such as mine,” she giggled.

“But Nana—”

“Don’t think about it too much, Robert. I appreciate that you look after my well-being, but you shouldn’t worry yourself about this,” she smiled at me with assurance. “Let’s just go back inside.”

I just nodded and continued walking. But I know that she was talking to someone a while ago and whoever it was, I have to find out. I feel something uncertain, like there’s a secret that’s being prevented for me to find out. A secret that I need to unfold in order for me to understand a few other matters within my life.

♔♔♔

Woke up to the sound of birds, chirping right outside my window and the rays of the sun entered through the window. After a quick stretch, I sat up and saw that my sister was nowhere in sight. She’s probably in the library again or having her breakfast with James and Bethilda.

A knock came upon my door.

I turned to the door. “Enter.”

The door opened and Gonzalo entered. “Good morning, Your Highness,” he bowed as he reached me.

“Good morning to you as well, Gonzalo,” I smiled, “On time and polite, as you’ll ever be. I salute you for your undying patience and never-ending service to me.”

“Thank you, young prince,” he bowed once more.

“What news do you have for me today?” I asked.

“I was sent by His Majesty. He requested that you look after Her Majesty while he’s gone for a quick voyage with the lords of the court,” he informed.

“Did he mention any specific day on when he’ll return home?” I asked.

“His Majesty said it could last from three days to a month. But he did assure that he will return immediately once everything is done and settled,” he replied.

“Well, I don’t see anything wrong with that,” I smiled as I stood up. “I have been looking forward to taking care of Mother.”

“Also, the duchess, your Aunt Bethilda, is looking for you and your sister. She said she would want for you to join her for tea this morning,” Gonzalo added.

I groaned as Gonzalo mentioned Bethilda’s name. It’s the very start of my day and hearing her name has added a bit of a sour tone to my day. My head twisted as I asked, “Must we really attend her dreaded little tea party?”

“Her Highness is already with her, sir. They’re waiting for you in the garden,” he replied.

My eyes widened. “Elizabeth agreed to her request?”

Gonzalo nodded. “According to her handmaidens, the princess didn’t want to be seen as rude or anything by the duchess.”

I sighed as I stood up from my bed. I wanted to do something else to prepare myself for everything that can possibly happen today. As much as possible, I want this day to begin with a cheerful tone. But it looks like I am to be irritated at the very first hour of my day.

“Tell them that I will be down in a while,” I said, unenthusiastic.

Gonzalo bowed and left.

I’m not quite sure what Bethilda wants with Elizabeth and me. I groaned another time and began my preparation for a tea party that I don’t want to be in but for the sake of my sister, I have to.

♔♔♔

When I arrived, they were already sharing a laugh together. Without any form of announcement, I walked towards them, coming up behind my sister.

“Robert!” Bethilda squealed as she stood up, an elastic grin plastered across her face. “It’s very delightful to have you with us!” she continued, incredibly excited.

“Would you like some tea, brother?” Elizabeth offered as I sat down beside her.

“No, thank you,” I politely declined as Bethilda sat down as well. “I would prefer to have something to eat.”

“Robert, you need to do something different to add more spice into your life,” Bethilda entered our conversation. “And since your father went on an important trip, I thought that maybe we could have some time together. We could get to know each other more.”

“What does my presence have got to do with your morning tea?” I asked as I leaned back onto the chair. “You can have your tea without us.”

She giggled as she opened her fan. “James mentioned that the two of you don’t really have tea during the mornings so I thought maybe we can do that together,” she explained as she moved her fan back and forth. She added, “It’s better to drink tea before eating. It refreshes your whole body just like how it cleanses the soul.”

“I was told that James left the responsibility of Mother to me,” I answered, changing the subject. Not another word about tea. We’re already in front of it. “I would be very busy today so I would like to keep this little tea party a brief one.”

“Don’t stress yourself too much, Robert. We’ll share the responsibility of taking care of your mother,” Bethilda said. “We all care for her. We all worry for her condition. There’s not one of us that wants Her Majesty to be suffering such a condition.”

“My mother isn’t suffering. She’s fighting,” I replied as I leaned forward, emphasizing my belief that Mother isn’t at all weak and frail just because she’s ill. “I’m quite offended you would think that my mother is suffering. The queen of King James never suffered. She only fought.”

“Robert, you have to step out of the reality that you’re living in,” she answered. “You can call it all you want but in real life, we call it suffering. You have to face the ugly truth sometimes. No matter what kind of flowery words you choose to call it, it won’t make any difference.”

Couldn’t she be more disrespectful towards my beliefs? I stood up, shaking my head. “I’m going to visit Mother,” I turned to Elizabeth.

“You haven’t had any tea yet, Robert,” Bethilda intervened.”

“You can clearly see that I have no interest with your precious tea,” I snapped, turning my head to her. “It might taste like poison.” Without any more to say, I made my way to the master bedroom.

♔♔♔

“How are you feeling, Mother?” I asked as I helped her sit up. I gently laid her back against the headboard of the bed, putting a few pillows to support her back.

“I feel weaker as the days continue to pass,” she said with a sigh, her eyes closed as she winced.

“Mother,” I sat down beside her, holding her hand. “Please give me permission to find you the cure,” I begged as I looked straight into her eyes.

“Robert, your Aunt Bethilda has already been giving me some of her herbal treatments,” she replied, pausing every now and then to catch her breath. She was so weak, she couldn’t say a single sentence without panting after. “She would put it in her tea so I won’t have to taste the bitterness of it.”

“Mother, I don’t care if she’s trying her methods to cure you. It’s clear that it’s not of any help with your health,” I hissed. “You have to trust me. Give me permission to find you the cure that the Medicine King told you. I’ll even start looking for it today.”

“Your Aunt Bethilda said her herbal treatments have worked wonders with her. She’s been administering it to me from the moment she arrived,” she explained. “We just have to give it time to take effect.”

“Mother, as of this moment, we don’t need more time,” I moved closer to her. “You’re growing weaker by the day. If her treatments are truly effective, you should’ve been cured by now.”

“But Robert—”

“Mother, please,” I closed my eyes, trying to contain my frustration with her stubbornness. “Let me help you. Let me find the cure.”

“Are you sure, dear one?” she asked, cupping my face with her hand. “I wouldn’t want for you to get into any trouble because of my illness.”

“Mother, I am ready to face any kind of trial, just to see you get better,” I cupped her hands within mine, bringing it closer to my heart. “I will see to it that you will get better.”

She giggled softly. To see a smile lit up her face eases my worries for a split second. “Oh, my dear boy. You’re so much like your father,” she remarked with a smirk. “You won’t take a ‘no’ for an answer. You’re willing to do everything to see things fit and put everything in its rightful place.”

“If I did have that from James then I’m very thankful for that kind of attitude in my veins,” I replied as I kissed her hands.

With a soft smile, she then put a hand on top of my head. “I give you my permission, then.”

My head shot up, shocked. I was lost for words. Did she really mean it? This is a surprise for me because she never wanted me to do anything when she’s sick. If there’s such a thing as a miracle, this is certainly one.

“I can see that there’s no way for you to stop this argument,” she teased.

I kissed her forehead. “Thank you, Mother. I shall return victorious.”

She giggled once more. “Take all the time you need, dear one.”

“Take you rest while I’m away. I will have some of my guards to watch over you,” I smiled as I stood up. After I helped her lie down, she slowly closed her eyes and went back to sleep. Not wanting to waste more time, I walked out of the room and rushed to the stables.

I need to find that cure and I will find that cure.

♔♔♔

I rode to the Mortal Realm in order to get to the Mountain of Heavenly Falls, where the ledoras plant is said to be found. Before I left, I visited the library in the hopes of finding some books that talked about the herb but to my dismay, I didn’t find anything.

As I passed by the town market, I caught a glimpse from the stalls inside. I couldn’t forget the day when I first came here and a sleazy man tried to take gold from me and then turned the people against me. All because I pretended to be a mortal who received a reward from the immortal from the sacred mountain.

Wait, that’s it!

People here know about the Mountain of Heavenly Falls! Perhaps Grandpa Ben and Laura are familiar with the ledoras plant. I turned around and headed to the bakery. I was close to the bakery when I suddenly came into a halt.

Why would I even bother going to the bakery if Laura doesn’t even want to see me? Does Grandpa Ben know what happened between us? Did she tell him about how I treated her on that dreadful day?

I know that right now, it’s an impossible feat to simply ask for forgiveness and expect for her forgiveness. I was disrespectful towards her, and I don’t deserve her kindness. I don’t deserve her.

But Mother needs the ledoras now before it’s too late. I know she’s trying to be strong but as the more days pass by, she grows weaker by the minute. I need to take this risk to save her from possible death.

I took a deep breath and proceeded to the bakery, getting off of Lady as soon as I reached the entrance. When I entered, my eyes immediately scanned the whole area for Laura but as expected, she’s not here. Then onto my right, I found Grandpa Ben, sorting bottles by the window.

“Grandpa Ben!” I called as I approached him.

Grandpa Ben turned to my direction. “Robert!” he greeted back, waving his hand high up in the air. “How are you?” he asked as he walked towards me.

Surprisingly, Grandpa Ben is happy to see me. Maybe Laura hasn’t mentioned anything to him yet. But I mustn’t let him notice that there’s something wrong with Laura and me.

“All is well, Grandpa Ben. Is Laura here?” I replied as I continued to look around, hoping that Laura could still be here.

“Unfortunately, Laura hasn’t been speaking to me for quite some time now,” he put his hands on his waist, thinking. “I don’t know what the reason is but now that you’re here, maybe you could tell me why she’s being so strange.”

Oh, no. I don’t want to answer this question.

“Her silent treatment of everyone started on the day that she visited you,” he continued. “Did she really visit you?”

“Um, she did,” I nodded, trying to keep my composure. Sweat began to form within my hands as Grandpa Ben asked more questions about why Laura isn’t talking to anybody. I continued, “She was able to come to our castle. But we had a little fight after. She just walked away after that.”

“Why did she leave?” he asked another.

“It’s a bit of a long story, Grandpa Ben,” I replied, scratching behind my neck. “But anyway, I have something to ask you, Grandpa Ben.”

“Ask away, dear boy,” he smiled as he crossed his arms.

“You see, my mother has been sick for quite some time now. She claimed that my aunt has been putting medicinal herbs in her tea to speed up her recovery but nothing’s changed. She’s still ill,” I started. “When I talked with the royal physician, he mentioned that there is an ancient plant that can definitely help Mother and he said it can only be found in the Mountain of Heavenly Falls. He said the name of the plant is ledoras.”

“Ah, the ledoras herb. That plant has saved millions of lives, according to legend,” Grandpa Ben answered as he nodded. “It is said that its home is within the mountain that no one has ever successfully taken one. Those who attempted didn’t return and those who did return died not long after.”

I took a big gulp upon hearing about the people who attempted to get the mysterious herb. Could that also be applicable to an immortal such as me?

“Do you know specifically where it’s located within the mountain?” I asked.

“After the ancient gods put a barrier on the mountain, its whereabouts have become uncertain,” he explained. “And those who had the chance to get a piece of it never disclosed where it can be found.”

Why would the ancient gods put a barrier around the mountain? Did the immortals do something in order for the gods to act that way? Did the humans abuse the power of the plant to the point where it’s about to be extinct?

“And it’s a perilous journey as well,” Grandpa Ben added. “The forests that surround the mountain are said to play tricks on the minds of visitors, according to some. The people who tried taking a quick stroll in the first never returned home.”

“I am aware of the danger that I’m trying to put myself into. But if I don’t take this chance, my mother can die at any moment,” I explained, worry has risen up to my face. The hairs on my skin stood up out of fear. Just the thought of seeing my mother as a lifeless corpse sends chills down my spine.

“I understand where you’re coming from, Robert. I would do the same if I was in your position,” he put a hand on my shoulder, smiling with assurance. “But on this journey for the ledoras, you have to be cautious and smart. Bravery and being impulsive will not help you on this one.”

I nodded. Grandpa Ben may not know a lot regarding the plant but he’s fully aware of what could happen once I step foot on that mountain. “Thank you for your encouragement, Grandpa Ben. I will take my leave now. Kindly tell Laura that I came here to visit her.”

“I’m absolutely certain that she’s somewhere within the area. She can’t go that far,” he encouraged, giving me a tap on the back.” She’s still not that familiar with every road within the market wall. It would be easy to find her,” he continued as we walked outside. Lady was already waiting for me at the entrance.

I nodded with a smile; hope renewed inside of me. “I’ll go ahead and start looking for the ledoras herb. I’ll also keep an eye out for Laura,” I said as I hopped onto Lady.

“Have a safe journey, Robert,” he replied. “And please, stay alert. Trust your intuition and let your senses lead the way when you’re in the mountain,” he put his hands on my shoulder as he looked into my eyes, giving me another reminder before my journey.

“Thank you, Grandpa Ben,” I answered with an assuring smile. As Grandpa Ben stepped back, I began my journey. Before heading to the mountain, I think I should see if Laura is at the hills. That’s the only play that I could think of.

♔♔♔

I stood in front of the entrance of the forest as I arrived. My mind still wondered where Laura was. When I checked the hills, it was closed off. There was a blockade before it. The people guarding it said that bandits entered the city and they didn’t want a quick escape for them. Certainly, Laura didn’t head there.

I wonder if she’s safe.

I shook my head, trying to get those thoughts out of me. Now is not the time to think about her. I have to focus on the mission at hand: getting the ledoras.

I took a deep breath and began my slow trot into the forest.

Birds were chirping from afar; the sun rays were giving light to our path as it pierced through the leaves of the tall trees of the forest. Rustling from the earth can be heard. Squirrels are scurrying from tree to tree.

I got off Lady and began walking slowly as I examined all the plants on the ground. The Medicine King has provided a brief description of the plant when I went to him for a quick visit to know more of the herb and its physical description.

I let Lady eat some of the grass as I knelt down to take a closer look at all the plants on the ground. I need to keep a sharp eye out for the ledoras.

“This isn’t a place where princes would go for amusement,” a woman’s voice spoke from behind me, a sword drawn before my neck.