5.

            Alvar

Forgetting all about the book and her appearance, Princess Valentina jolted up from her place and rush to the gateway to examine the situation herself. It was highly unlikely of Percy, her father’s horse, to complain at such an odd hour of the night. On top of everything, how did he manage to escape the stables to call out for her? She rushed out of her chambers, ignoring the alarmed calls of Katrina. Her heart was aching for some reason, and a bad feeling was clogging her mind. When the warriors standing in the corridors saw their princess running in her night wares jumped to various conclusions. Their first thought was the place was under attack. A few thought it might be just a play, whereas, others took the situation seriously and followed the footsteps of a concerned princess.

Lord Charles stirred from his slumber, hearing the sudden chaos outside his chambers. The name of his niece rang in the empty corridors. Immediately jumping out of the bed he rushed to enquire about the scene. His eyes widen in shock when he saw Valentina running towards the entrance- barefoot with fear written all over her face. Her long cherry blonde hairs that were left open flew in every direction as she ran with the air. Her white sleep wares followed her trail as she lurched forward, not minding the icy touch of cold marble.

Panting and breathing heavily, when she finally reached the gateway, saw Percy throwing his cobbled forelegs into the wet soil. The dirt coated his white furs still he helplessly kept on digging.

“Percy”       

The princess whispered in concern and tried to reach closer, but someone held her hand. It was Lord Charles. He shook his head and warned through his eyes, asking her to stay away as the animal was dangerous. The way it was acting showed how ready he was to throttle anyone who dared to step in his way.

“What is wrong with him?” Valentina cried out, and Lord Charles gestured at a few of his warriors to tackle the horse and guide him back to the stables.

“I have no idea, princess. Maybe he has flu or something. That wild horse surely knows how to present his displeasure or pain openly. Do not worry. The warriors will settle him down. Please go to your chambers and have some sleep. We are expecting the King’s arrival tomorrow.”

The lord whispered while caressing the hairs of the tired girl. She has been great today. Like a true royal, she took the responsibility of her pulpit in the absence of the king and sent the resources to help them. Nodding at the kind gesture of her uncle, she kissed his cheek and bid him goodnight, then headed towards the waiting arms of Katrina.

Katrina engulfed the princess’s frame into a long red hood and guided her back to the chambers.

Once they reached the giant bed with the softest bedding and cushions, Valentina lies gently, and Katrina immediately covers her body with the warm blankets. On accord, the princess closes her eyes, and in no time, sleep engulfs her.

***

KNOCK KNOCK

KNOCK KNOCK

Princess Valentina jolted up from her slumber when she heard the doors of her chambers. The powerful thud echoed aloud and somehow scared her resulting in raised heartbeats.

Knock

Another heavy knock startled her, and she immediately looked for her maid, Katrina. To her surprise, she was nowhere to be found. Her bed was all made up and cleaned as if someone has not even touched it. The last Valentina remembers that Katrina was sleeping right there with her little daughter Phoebe.

Slowly pushing away the covers from her frame, she climbs out of the bed and felt chilling air hitting her feet. The room was dark, yet the fire lantern at the corner managed to provide it some life. As she approached closer to the doors, calls out for someone.

“Who’s there?”                             

When no answer came, her guards immediately rose, and it took her seconds to reach for the sword lying under the mattress. She held it tight and once again approached the closed doors. Goosebumps erupted all over her flesh, and the body shivered, not liking the situation. Bracing herself, she opened the hatches and was taken aback finding no one.

“Valentina, my daughter.”

The soothing voice of her father rang in her ears and Valentina turned towards the direction from which the sound was coming. Stepping out of the chambers, her head whipped to the right, and she gasped watching his broad figure standing under the light of the moon, which was descending from a clean sky.

‘When did the rain stopped?’

She thought to herself.   

She was able to make out the dim outline of her father’s figure under the silver light of the moon.

“Papa!”

she exclaimed in disbelief with a lump settling her throat. Her eyes moisten and lips quivered, watching him looking extremely pale. It had been three days since she last met him. It seemed like ages since their last encounter. And after the events that unfolded in the past days, she felt this unbearable need to be in his caring and warm embrace.

“Papa!”

She repeated once again while moving towards him. However, the closer she moves, the farther he gets. Someone was bending this reality, she realized, that’s why she couldn’t reach him.

“Valentina, my dear, I am so sorry that I couldn’t be here with you anymore in all the difficult times. I am afraid that I will be leaving you now. You have to bear with all the hardships alone, my daughter.” Valentina could finally make out the contours of his face and this frightened her. He looked as pale as a ghost. Each crease and wrinkle was starkly visible.

The King of Alvar stands calm and serene, looking directly at her unwavering. She felt as if he could read all the emotions displayed by her heart, even those that she has kept buried in deep.

“No, Papa. Are you leaving me? Please do not leave. I am scared, more than ever. I am all alone and I need you to stand with me. Just come back home. Why is it taking you so long? I am worried.” She sobbed as she held out her hand towards her father. King Thales smiled sadly.

“I know, my dear. I also want that, but things don’t always happen the way we want them. You have to make the most of it and be strong, Valentina. You have to be strong to face what is yet to come. Papa is always there with you and don’t you forget that. Even when I am not around you, I will still rest in your heart. I am so sorry for making the wrong decisions, Valentina. Now I’ve made you very sad, haven’t I? Would you please forgive me?” Hearing his sad words, Valentina shook her head before gulping back the sobs. Tears flow down her cheeks freely and she shakes her head in negative.

“No, papa. You don’t have to say sorry. You have never made any wrong choices. You can never make any wrong decisions regarding me. I will be happy, I promise you. I promise.”

King Thales looked lovingly at his daughter and smiled kindly.

“How beautiful you have grown. So mature! So kind. So gentle. I feel like the luckiest father in the entire world. I feel proud.” He whispered and she smiled through her tears.

“And I am the luckiest daughter.” Saying those words, she no longer felt tied to the ground and sprinted in his direction. King Thales welcomed her with open arms and embraced her tiny form within his strong limbs. His soothed her and calmed the ragged storm inside her chest. She felt safe and surrounded by security. This was the place where nothing could touch her, hurt her, or break her. She was home now.

“It is time. I have to go now, my princess. Take care of yourself and stay strong.” He confirmed her fears and slowly his figure started to melt in the air. His arms that held her secure faded first, followed by his legs and then torso. Valentina gawked in shock until only his eyes were visible, full of emotions.

“No, papa. Papa? Papa! Where are you going? Please don’t leave me here. Papa!” But all the cries were useless as soon he disappeared completely, leaving only his essence behind.

“PAPA!”

Valentina woke up screaming. Her entire body was drenched in sweat. She was still on the same mattress where Katrina tucked her last night. Sun was already rising over the head and the skies have cleared, swallowing every last trace of the darkness and the dark clouds. The Chirruping of birds lingered in the atmosphere heavily that soothed the waking nature too.

“Princess, are you alright?”

Katrina was by her side in the next second. Her face was masked with solicitude as she watched the princess gasping for air. She rubbed her back soothingly and offered her some water. Valentina gulps it hungrily to alleviate her dry throat. Her hands shook all the while, unable to maintain a strong grip, so Katrina engulfed them with her palms.

“It is alright, your highness. That was just a nightmare. I am sure that the king would arrive soon…” But before Katrina could finish her sentence, sobs erupted from Valentina’s chest. She found it hard to control- this ache in her chest and constant longing. After last night, she felt as if a part of her soul is ripped mercilessly. Her loud sobs erupted in the room as she wallowed like a child. Katrina was taken aback by such behavior because she has never seen the princess in such a state. The princess was called the iron lady who was hard to rattle, yet today she is crying after waking up from a nightmare.

Only if they knew that the truth was far dangerous than this.

For now, Katrina could only hug and mumble comforting words to calm her down.

***

The doors of the fort were left open.

Every courtier and warrior stood near the boundaries looking at the deserted path. Their eyes desperately looked for the troop that has left four nights ago along with the king. It was time for the return. Princess Valentina rushed out of her chambers while slapping Katrina’s attempts to add more pins on her tightly tied neat bun. She was wearing her favorite dress to greet her father. The red fabric made her pale complexion look extremely beautiful and fill color to her pale cheeks. After that dreadful nightmare, she has been rooting on Katrina’s positive words and had prayed to God religiously for her father’s wellbeing.

The much-awaited arrival of the King of Alvar had everyone scurry out of their holes and eagerly look at the raw roads. Various possibilities were running around their minds. Multiple thoughts lingered altogether to tense their relaxed muscles.

What would it be like?

The king will arrive bearing what sort of news?

What could be the major exchanges the king had made to make a deal with Baden?

Has the king managed to draw out things of our interests?

The people thought, but none voiced them out, scared to put their opinions regarding the father of this nation. But as their eyes scanned the unattended path, they also noticed how beautiful their land looked after a heavy rainfall of three days. The drought was diminishing, and the skies haven’t dried up yet. It was coagulating a horde of more heavy clouds to quench the thirst of barren land.

It was surprising how the Lord of heaven was being generous to them all of a sudden.

The constant thoughts and multiple ideas came to a break when suddenly all of them felt the ground under their feet vibrate.

The small gravel and sand particle jumped comically, in an irregular manner after being subjected to the quiver of the ground. It thrummed the vessels resting beneath the thin flesh of people and resonated as drums within the bones. Music was heard from a distance, alerting everyone, even the sacred beings of lost jungles. The beating of the drum, melody of flutes and trumpets clogged the air as a non-existing second medium.  And to their utter shock, the sound was closing by. Frowns of confusion appeared on the waiting mob’s forehead as they concentrated to hear clearly.

Dum… Dum… Dum

Indeed, it was the sound of a drum. A big drum as the magnitude was high enough to be heard in miles.

Princess Valentina looked at her uncle, Lord Charles as if seeking the answers to this anonymous puzzle. Nobody carried an idea of the things transpiring around them. It seemed far joyous than they had anticipated.

Was the king coming back with gifts from Baden?

The King of Baden must have accepted the thought of helping the dying pulpit of Alvar.

The oblivious dwellers processed.

Then they saw it, a blood-red flag bordered by golden lace, flying high and mightily in the cool air. Their breathing immediately hitched, recognizing the color of Baden. Unlike Baden, the Flag of Alvar holds a green shade depicting prosperity and nature. How ironic.

The flag that was approaching the Fort of Alvar, belonged to the Baden. Doubts clouded the citizens of Alvar and they huddled closer in groups to whisper.

Where was their king?

Princess Valentina clutched the tiny locket tied around her neck, which belonged to her late mother. The sky blue crystal in it burned her skin as her smoldering and troubled eyes gawked at the flag unsurely. Lord Charles had no answer regarding the upcoming troop. Inviting Baden in their nation wasn’t the part of the plan. Something has gone wrong. He gestured at Katrina to take the princess back in the fort as it wasn’t safe to stand in front of the lingering eyes of foreigners. The obedient maid immediately jumped to fulfill her duty and drags a protesting princess inside the confines of solid walls that might help them to stay safe.

Lord Charles stepped forward with a few court men and great warriors of Alvar. Soon the gateway of the fort was also shut close to restrict all the entries.

Sweat trickled down their brows and jaws were clenched tight. Bad feelings were punctuating in everybody’s heart. This wasn’t the part of the plan. Baden wasn’t invited without prior information. They were supposed to seek permission before arrival.

As the distance between the uninvited guests and nervous pupil decreases, tension flares in the air. Lord Charles was taken aback when faced King Henry of Baden riding on an elephant. But he didn’t come alone. He brought a big army as if he was ready to battle the ground. Lord Charles gulped, sensing the fear in his heart. It was bad, very bad.

Trumpets were played as if a war has won. The humongous troop stood calmly facing the giant fortress.

“What happened to our spies on borders? Why didn’t they inform us of this?” one of the courtiers asked Lord Charles and the poor lord shakes his head, visualizing the only possibility. The spies didn’t arrive because they were all killed. Alvar was possibly surrounded by foes at the moment and they didn’t have their king to lead them.  The noble minister stayed silent, anticipating the next move of this uninvited power.

A messenger or soldier wearing the metallic and impenetrable armor stepped out of the horde while holding a long parchment. As he walked, the metals clinked and the minute sound echoed as tons. The atmosphere was engulfed in silence. Jerking the parchment tediously, the soldier brought it close to his eyes and started reading the contents in the infamous Baden’s accent.

"Listen carefully, the citizens of Alvar.

Three nights back, your King Thales had arrived Baden in hopes of seeking help from our nation to cope with the crisis and plague. My king accepted his terms and deals but kept one condition in return. He offered a trade. For granting the suffering pupil a part of his land to survive and move with their lives, he demanded the hand of the Princess of Alvar in marriage. The deal was simple and fruitful for both sides.

But your king refused the said proposal and instead of returning, insulted my king and his morals. The band of soldiers that accompanied the King of Alvar, attacked my lord, professing the undignified gesture of their king.

To control the situation, the warriors of Baden were ordered to punish them and in the midst, King Thales was attacked too and left this world. The recruits were slaughtered for disobeying the rules.

As the old king of this land had died by the hands of King Henry, Alvar now belongs to Baden. King Henry is the rightful master of the throne of Alvar by the rules. You may accept it and bow to the new king or die for showing disapproval and disrespect. Also, King Henry is ready to help the drowning Alvar if Princess Valentina agrees to marry him or step up as one of his mistresses.’

The blood in the veins of Alvar’s people turned cold as they heard about the demise of the King. The air they breathed burned their lungs and eyes filled with moisture to let the heavy emotion flow. It became hard to breath and their feet started losing the ground but still by Almighty's grace, they kept rooted in the same position and with puffed chest stand as unbreakable stones. The grief was high in the air but didn't show on their faces. They stood in unity as if a soldier just didn’t read the parchment of their death. Their hearts were turned cold and the patriotism in them burned like fire. Its flames were dangerous and hungry to gulp the tormentors that stabbed them on back. The flames of revenge were erupting from their bloodshot eyes.

Lord Charles didn’t feel the fear anymore. He foresaw the future when the soldier was reading the dreadful message to them. They may die on this date, but they will die fighting. He stepped forward and scoffed.

“Dream on.”

The moment his lips parted to roar those words. Immense courage wafted from the bulky bodies of the warriors of Alvar. The screamed and yelled in unison, showing their defiance.

“Alvar has never been the land of mighty kings, Henry. Alvar is the temple of God, a land of people who would die to save their nation. Alvar is standing on morals and respect, on the blood, and pulsing flesh of his people. It won’t worry him slightest if we gave him some more blood and set fires to our flesh to protect his dignity. God in heaven would be proud of our actions. So, bring it on, Henry, and do your worse, but you won’t be able to take the princess until the last one of us drops on this ground.”