2.

Alvar

The fort of Alvar stood in mournful silence as another life falls in the arms of the death.

A grieving widow wailed and threw her head on the chest of the fallen man. The onlookers kept their ingenuity low, feeling guilt and pain gnawing at their throats. Tears shined in their eyes, and lips quivered, but no sob was released. They forced themselves to stand and subject the agony of the woman as she clutched her husband’s limp hand to her chest. She cried to him to wake up still, the soulless body didn’t oblige. He kept lying their unmoving with dark marks slathered all over his skin, a trait of all who have come in contact with the plague. The woman cried her heart and shook with painful gasps in between. The other maids standing in the corner, cupped their mouths to muffle the tsunami of emotions lurching forward.

As one more dead body added to the pile, another woman stood up in the line of the windows.

Lord Charles couldn’t help but take off his eyes of the scenario in anger. They have failed the hopes of another loyal man. Those days aren't far where they all will lay at the same place except they won’t have anyone to cry over them. Ache hits his chest in a ton of bricks and he stumbled over a chair before bringing his head in his hands. The healers standing at another corner watched with emotionless eyes as this wasn’t the first failed case they have seen in a long time. Deaths such as these are happening every next day, what sours their heart are the facts proving that the number of victims is diminishing.

By God's grace, they weren’t aware of the reason. Either the cure was working in saving the people or there isn’t much left to die. The population of million was sinking to thousands at a fast rate. Even if the plague came under control, the hunger would kill the most. The devil must be enjoying the show of suffering souls. The healers cursed the ill fate within their minds and, after paying silence for the deceased soul, left to save what was left.

Two soldiers clad in dark garments stepped forward and lower themselves beside the mate they have lost today, the sharpest archer of the kingdom. The dead man was a soldier too. As they leered closer, the widow lost her wits and started screaming while throwing her powerless blows over the intruders that had dared to touch her husband.

“No. No. Stay away, please. I won’t let you take him. Go away.” She screamed until her throat closed with violent coughs. Two maids stepped forward to take the matters in their hands as the body has started to rot, and if it wasn’t removed sooner, they’ll catch infection too. The maids embraced the crying widow and rubbed their hands on her back soothingly.

“My husband.”                                                                                                                                             

The woman cried to heavens, and her pitch resonated in the entire castle. It hits the roof and came back, stabbing the onlookers. The maids hushed her while crying themselves, well aware of the ache because they have lost loved ones too.

The soldiers picked up the fallen and carried him to the gates, to bury him with respect.

The widow fainted at sight and was ushered to servant chambers.

As Lord Charles wallowed in silence, beating himself over failure, a hand landed on his shoulder and squeezed gently. He took a deep breath and clutched the soothing hold.

“I have no idea when it’s going to stop.” He mumbled, and the Princess of Alvar kneeled beside him, watching the tired maids carrying an unconscious woman. A fat tear slipped from her eye, and she looked away from the sight.

“I am certain that it’s not ending any time soon. Uncle Charles, can’t we shift our people somewhere safe? That way, we could save a few lives. I am tired of watching innocents fighting to survive.”  Princess Valentina suggested with her eye brimming with anguish. The lord scoffed before looking at her.

“What makes you think we didn’t consider that, my Princess? When the King saw how the plague was swallowing the people, he immediately sent messages to different kingdoms in hopes that they will permit us to stay for some time. But when negative replies were pressed, where the other kings refused to pay attention to the erupting crisis, we were left dejected. There’s nowhere to go since the entire kingdom is reeking with an infestation. Due to some miracle, the bricks of the palace fought hard and kept the disease out, henceforth saving our lives.” He replied, and the princess looked away, not able to meet his scared eyes.

“I wish father comes back with good news. May the King of Baden show us some mercy at this time of crisis.” She whispered, and Lord Charles nodded as it was their only hope.

“I hope so too, Princess Valentina.”

Acknowledging his words, Princess Valentina left the hall and ascended towards the highest minaret of the fort. The fort had five minarets, built in the respect of the mighty Kings who have died protecting their land valiantly. Walking the uneven stairs put together with the help of stones of a desiccated mountain, she picked a fire torch after wrapping a long cape around herself. Once reaching the top stair, she opens the door that wasn't opened in a long time. Stepping under the heat of a scorching sun, she scanned the dried area where once greenery was spread like a sea. Her feet almost gave away as she took in the withering condition of her empire. Vultures and crows were circling the area like the predators. Their red eyes focused on a particular spot, and large wings fluttered in the open sky, ready to lunge at the prey. She gasped in fear when suddenly an eagle flew past her and after circling her, settled on the peak of the minaret, not much far from her. The scary yet wise-looking bird examined a beautiful specimen for some time and then let out its piercing screech.

Princess Valentina smiled at the eagle as it sat silently, just gazing at her as if she was a muse for his amusement. Taking a deep breath, she raised the burning torch startling the eager bird, and lights the fire of the minaret that has not been lighted since the first body fell due to the incurable disease. She lighted the fire in respect of those who have lost their lives fighting the plague.

The giant bird tilted its neck and watched curiously, bringing his whole focus on her.

Slowly the fire got bigger.

“This is for those who have passed away fighting the inevitable. God didn’t give them a chance in the living world. May he let them cross over towards a place where they can bask in peace.” She mumbled before backing away and rested her tired spine against the brick wall.

Even in the daylight, the red flame of minaret glowered angrily and was perceived from miles. As it glows, the people sitting outside the small camps and worn out sheds, in the heart of the city, looked above towards the fire of the minaret with dead eyes.

Suddenly, a gust of cool air slapped Princess’s sweaty face, and she rejoiced the moment by closing her eyes. Her long and wavy, cherry blonde hair flew along with the wind, caressing the wild locks with gentle care. It’s been a long time since the air has blown the heat that way. Her heart bloomed with new hope, and she immediately opened her eyes. From a distance, she saw heavy, dark, and big clouds approaching her direction. Her breaths hitched in surprise, and the air got knocked out of her lungs.

A thunder broke across the horizon and engulfs the burning sun in a cold veil. Lightning cracked the sky in half, and the ground vibrated with the powerful prowl as the two clouds collided with each other. A laugh broke from her chapped lips, and she pointed at the coming hope.

“Look, bird, God is bestowing his blessing upon us, finally. Look, the cries of my pulpit have melted the skies and forced them to cry with them. Heaven has decided to grant us the mercy for the sins we’ve committed and shower us with the essence of purity.” She said, feeling delighted and opened her arms in the air welcoming the new guests. The clouds thundered hard as they shadowed over the Alvar. Sobs racked her chest, and her body shook as she cried in happiness. Kneeling on the ground as her legs felt strained because of climbing so many stairs, she didn’t budge her warm brown orbs from the ethereal sky to make sure that the clouds don’t escape. As if her glare would root the roaring rebellion in the sky in one place.

The eagle screeched once again and fled away to find a safe shelter sensing the changes in the atmosphere.

The pulpit standing on the solid ground frowned at the darkening sky. For a moment, they almost confused it with the night only to realize that the sun did rise a few hours ago. For them, it was a dream they’ve been watching for a long time. The heavy sky was a hope they have collected in the doomed years, yet it shocked them, watching the clouds full of essence hovering over them. The ground beneath their feet vibrated with need as the dark clouds collided, creating a sonnet that descended to the burning core of the earth.

Kids jumped out of their houses and glued their broken eyes upward, amazed by the turning events. Females screamed in joy and collected in a circle, crying and sharing their deep buried sorrows.

After five years, five years of excruciating pain, the gods have answered their prayers.

As the first fat drop fell from the dark sky, the dried ground leaped for it and absorbed it until the drought-ridden area found its true color. Slowly, as more drops escaped the once blue yonder, people started coming out of their houses in disbelief. They opened their arms, welcoming the heavenly essence, and the ground swallowed every drop that fell eagerly.

The sweet azure of heaven mixed with the salty tears of awaiting mobs quenched the thirst that has been gnawing their throats from so long. The greedy horde begs for more and more unable to resist the shining pearls.

The ponds and lakes that were left vacant for a decade now drank the aqua falling from the welkin.

Small animals that have been hiding in the abandoned woods raced towards them, tumbling and falling in the way. The greedy saliva fell from their tongues and gut twisted, unable to wait to bath in the neck-deep solace.

Princess Valentina, who was standing on the tallest minaret, smiled tearfully, watching the mob rejoicing under the mercy of gods and closed her eyes facing the endless sky.

More clouds were approaching them, and it was a sign that the dying Alvar won’t perish anymore, instead, it will live and bloom once again to tell the story of a traumatic past to the future.

Princess Valentina removed her cape and threw it off the boundaries of the fort.

“Open the gates, Lord Charles, and let the new air come inside. Our time has returned, and from this moment, we won’t disappoint our people anymore. Make sure that every being in the premises are fit and send all the healers to tend the ill and teach others the ways of curing and preventing the dreadful symptoms.” She ordered stepping in the role in the absence of her father.

Lord Charles, who was standing there all this time gawking at the beautiful sky, nodded obediently and left to work according to his princess’s wishes.

There was a new jump in his steps, and he couldn’t help but thank the Lord, who he blamed numerous times before.

***

Baden

The country lies outside the southwest borders of Alvar and had the largest black forest known for its evergreen scenery and traditional villages. Baden is situated in the mountains and is the home of wild beasts such as mountain lions, cheetahs, and wolves that could swallow any uninvited guests within a blink. Small streams and waterfalls are its greatest assets as people have to never worry about the constant supply.

King Thales of Alvar was still unaware of the change that strode towards his lands unannounced. He and the guards have finally reached the borders of Baden after a journey of two days. They were all tired and thirsty when they kept their foot on Baden. Thankfully, the passing females that have been pulling clay pots of water from the well, offered them some to quench their thirst and wash the sweaty appearance.

Once they found themselves inclined and ready, they moved towards the Castle of Baden to see the mighty King.

Oppose to Alvar, Baden was the biggest chunk of land compared to the neighboring kingdoms and held a greater population than others. The land was rich in sources that are scarcely scattered on other empires.

Alvar has a soft heart for everyone whereas Baden was standing on the blood and bones of innocents. The country was known for its mean and cruel ways and was often pointed as the most dangerous conceit. To even pass the borders, you have to seek the permission of the King.

King Thales shuddered in pain but looked away as the merciless soldiers of Baden, who were openly disrespecting a woman in the middle of the market and hauled her on their shoulders. The pleadings of the female rang in the dreadful atmosphere, but not a single being steps forward to help her. The soldiers carried her struggling body towards a cottage and closed its door. The warriors of Alvar, out of habit turned to help the poor lady, but one glare of their king silenced the brewing storm inside them and forced them to be rooted in a single place. They clenched their jaw feeling helpless and continued their journey in the forsaken kingdom biting their tongues. Their conscience died a thousand deaths as the painful screams of the woman echoed in the silent sanctum.

“Cowards”

One of the warriors of Alvar gritted under his breath and glared at the feet of his King. Only if this was Alvar, they must have beheaded those monsters by now for even laying their filthy fingers on an innocent. King Thales stayed calm and walked over his anger because he was here to seek help, not to create a feud with the last resolve. Although, his patience was rolling on a thin thread, and he feared that he might lose his calm in the next seconds. Clenching his fists, he moved forward and nodded at a lord that bowed in front of him, wearing a cunning smile.

“Welcome to Baden, King of Alvar. King Henry received your message four days ago and is eager to see you.”

The lord sang gleefully, hiding the distaste in his tone well. King Thales was about to address the issue for their visit when a cry caught his attention. His heart melted and begged to release the fire at the sight on his left.

Various soldiers were whipping the tied citizens using a leather leash.

This land truly belonged to sinners. He thought quietly. His blue eyes dug in the bleeding and torn flesh of their backs as they cried for mercy.

“Oh, don’t mind them, your highness. This is a regular practice for those who failed to pay the taxes on time. Please come inside the castle so you can see the King.” The Lord interrupted the King of Alvar, successfully having all his attention.

“Lord Evans, I am here to visit the King of Baden to discuss a private issue and give my blessings to his newborn. These cruel acts that you’ve been pulling to terrify my warriors aren’t inflicting the slightest effect other than immense disgust. Make sure you descend to being kind because when I leave Baden, I don’t want to carry its bitter memories with me.”

Hearing the hidden warning in King’s polite words, the lord nodded gulping nervously before guiding the warriors and the King Thales towards the meeting hall.

“Stay here along with your soldiers, your highness and in the meantime, I will inform my king of your presence.” The lord didn’t wait for King’s reply and disappeared in the corridors.

As soon as the cunning wolf left, the chief commander, General Bahadur of Alvar whispered to the King.

“My king, I have a bad feeling about this place. We shouldn’t have come here.” He pleaded, and the king’s jaw clenched. He didn’t want to breathe another second in Baden, but when the crying and broken face of a defeated pulpit came in front of his eyes, he was left with no other choice but to comply. He nodded acknowledging the words of his commander and whispered under his breath.

“I understand your concern, General Bahadur. Stand with me for some time. If we feel the situation slipping from our fingers, we will leave immediately. Hold your courage, everyone.” His gentle words strike the bent spine of warriors, and they immediately straightened in respect of their generous King.

Soon, loud footsteps echoed along with the clatter of fine boots.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

As the boot fell on the marble floor, it creates a unique sound that reverberated in distance, alerting the rest of the soldiers of a powerful presence.

King Thales looked at the curtains that will soon reveal the King Henry of Baden, but unfortunately, when they slid, a line of servants marched the meeting hall holding numerous trays carrying the refreshments for the visitors. The warriors of Alvar, when inhaled the delicious aroma controlled their urge to break on food, remembering the clear instructions of their King to not touch anything. He has specifically told them to not even drink the water of the castle as it could turn out to be hazardous or poisoned. You never eat anything in a foreign country until you make sure that it was safe.

The hungry saliva rolled on their tongues, and stomach grumbled in protest, but still, they stood intact, showing no emotions.