Menygma and Kyron
He
was sitting in the throne-room, trying not to give in to the feeling of
approaching menace which stole upon him. The cry of sorrow shouted by a
new-born reached his ear. Lyla, his chamber-maid, broke the silence in
the impressive room with a shy cough. She kneeled before him and held a
little wriggling heap in front of his face. A little boy with big blue
eyes was staring in his face and started to scream out of protest
against the shivering cold which reigned in the large place. As if
awakened by this agonized cry, he also shivered of the piercing cold. Or
was it because of the feeling of upcoming disaster which lay heavily on
his soul? He took a close look at the little crying boy. His son, his
own flesh and blood…his first-born. A shiver ran upon his spine again.
Never again! This was the only son he would ever have; the only child he
could have. With a short wave
of his hand, he dismissed Lyla. He wanted to be alone with his troubled
thoughts and mixed feelings. Why was he so scared? Because of what that
old lady had said? Who said she was right, maybe she was just an allay
of one of his enemies who tried to bring his kingdom to ruin. But still,
what if her prophecy was right? He couldn’t take that risk! Sunken in
his thoughts, he hadn’t heard the surgeon come in.
‘Lord Gorix, have you reached a decision?’
‘Yes, go on with the procedure, surgeon. Let’s get over with it once
and for all.’
‘But Lord, you do know that it’s very risky. I’ve never done this
before…’
‘Are you my surgeon or not?! How do you dare to question my
judgement?!’
The surgeon bowed his head and walked back towards the door.
‘Surgeon, do your very best. I couldn’t stand the thought of losing
my beloved queen. But it’s necessary. I can’t take the risk at
getting an other child.’
With a little nod of agreement, the surgeon left the room and started
with his difficult work. The imminent feeling welled up inside of Lord
Gorix. Was the surgeon right, was it too risky? Indeed, he had never
heard of taking away the little place inside a woman’s belly where
children could grow. But was the surgery more risky than having another
child that could ruin him and his kingdom which was in his family for
decades? No, he had made the right decision! While he was trying to
convince himself of his judgement, he heard a nervous stir in the room
nearby. But he didn’t want to listen to it, he wanted to shut the
entire world out for just a moment, to ease his simmering fear inside.
The sudden, awkward sound of silence filled the entire castle and broke
through his musing. The craving fear popped up again. The heavy oak door
opened with a squeak and the surgeon entered with his head bowed. With a
sorrow face he nodded his head. That sign said more than a hundred
words. No, it couldn’t be: not his beloved Cyna!
It felt like his soul got torn up by all the demons that chased his
life. A loud desperate scream of pain slipped from his lips followed by
a deadly silence which resounded in the entire castle, because no sound
is louder than the one of a broken heart. After hours, or was it just
minutes, of staring blinded by grief, Lyla carefully tapped him on his
shoulder. By her appearance, the image of the little wriggling boy
popped up again.
‘The boy…’
‘I have taken your son to another woman to nurse him, my Lord. She had
a baby herself recently and plenty of milk. But you still have to name
him, my Lord.’
Mixed feelings raged through his body: happiness and proud, but also
fear, grief and anger. This boy had taken away his lovely Cyna, who had
stand by him through all of his trails. She was his rock that gave him
solid ground to build on in goodness and bad. He didn’t want to let
her go. It was to soon. Oh, Cyna, my dearest!
‘I’ll call him Cynax, after the mother who gave her life for him and
the only woman that toke my heart away with her today to Tenebrys.’
Lyla putted on a doubtful face. It sounded as if Lord Gorix wanted to
curse his son by giving him the name of his unfortunate wife who’s
soul was taken so brutally tonight. Being cursed for being born, what a
dreadful way to start your life, Lyla thought.
‘It wasn’t his fault, my Lord.’ Lyla whispered softly. ‘He
didn’t ask to be born.’
As struck by lightning, the painful truth got through to him. If he
hadn’t… Torn by his grief and guilt, he started crying like a
little child. Lyla took his head on her lap and caressed his hair until
he fell asleep, exhausted by all the emotions.
The
years passed by and as they say ‘time heals all wounds’, but also
left un-erasable scares on Gorix’ soul. But life went on and Time
didn’t stand still by his grief and loss. It had been four years ago
since… He still couldn’t think of his beloved queen without tears
welling up in his eyes. Suddenly a beautiful, fragile singing reached
his ear and drew him towards the open window. A faint smile fled over
his face: Lyla. God hasn’t left me completely, he thought, because he
has send his angel to watch over me. Through the past four years she had
been standing there by his side in silence in his shadow. She understood
him without saying a word and he knew he could trust her with his life.
Cyna had also been very fond of her. They rather seemed heart’s
friends instead of queen and servant. Lyla was the kind of woman he
could fall in love with. He probably wouldn’t feel the same profound
love as he had felt for Cyna. But since that day, she was the reason why
he still got out of bed in the morning, the motor that kept him running.
Oh, what was he thinking! She was just a servant! But she had always
been very discreet, maybe she wouldn’t mind that she couldn’t be his
wife officially. And the craving of filling the huge emptiness inside
his soul became to strong. He knew that Lyla couldn’t fill that empty
spot entirely, but at least it would ease his pain.
Lyla felt a piercing look in her back and turned around. She saw Gorix
and sent him a sweet smile. A feeling of compassion welled up inside. It
had been a long time since Cyna had passed away, but his grieve was
still fresh. If only there was something she could do… A lot of maids
swarmed a round him like flies on honey since the decease of the queen,
hoping to take her place on the king’s side. It was pathetic the way
they threw themselves before his feet. But she knew that they didn’t
stand a chance, because they didn’t understand him and his grieve. She
on the other hand did. Cyna had always been her best friend and her
confidant, so she also suffered a great loss. But because of her work
and caring for Gorix and Cynax, she had moved on with her life. She knew
he appreciated what she did for him and that it probably was Cyna’s
wish that she took care of him. And as time passed by, she started to
enjoy her task. She loved it when they sat together in silence with a
cup of thee late at night, sharing the feeling of mutual understanding
without saying a word. The thought made her smiling spontaneously and a
warm feeling rushed through her body. Was it…? Could it be love?
Oh,
you silly girl!
Lyla thought. He’s a king and
I’m nothing but a humble servant. I’d never be good enough for him!
So stop with this nonsense and start working!
With determination and as an attempt to chase away her castle in the
sky, she continued her tasks with devotion. That way, time flew by and
before she knew it, the radiant sun had made place for the pale light of
Luna. Like every night she went to Gorix’ chamber to bring him his
thee with camomile so he’d have a better night’s rest. But when she
entered his room, Gorix was poring wine inside a glass.
‘I’m bringing your thee, my Lord.’ Lyla said with a little bow.
‘I’ll skip thee for tonight Lyla. I’m sorry, I should have told
you.’
‘That’s alright, my Lord. If there is nothing I can do for you…’
‘There is something you can do, Lyla.’ Gorix interrupted. ‘Please,
drink a glass of wine with me.’
‘Thank you, my Lord.’
‘And please, call me Gorix, now we’re alone. ‘My Lord’ always
reminds me of my duties and I’d like to relax tonight. Have a seat.’
And he offered her a glass. The wine glanced ruby-red and a delicate,
fruity smell reached her nose. She took carefully nip of the wine.
‘I hope you know how special you are to me, Lyla. Since Cyna passed
away, you’ve been taken good care of me. Thank you for that.’
‘It’s just my duty, my L…, I mean Gorix.’
‘No, that isn’t true. What you’ve done is beyond your duties.
You’ve become my stand-by and support, my counsellor and above all, my
best friend. You’ve succeeded in taking away the emptiness in my
heart. Cyna would be very grateful to you. Now I understand why she was
so fond of you.’
Lyla blushed. ‘I don’t know what to say, Gorix.’
‘Then don’t speak.’
He took her in his arms and kissed her passionately. An excited thrill
rushed through her vanes. What was she doing? Could she give in to this
feeling? Her heart was pounding of excitement and when she looked up,
two bright eyes were looking at her with tenderness and the innocence of
a young child. He panted softly of desire. Yes, this was right, she knew
it! Gently he took her in his arms, lifted her up and carried her
towards the bed. And all she wanted that moment was drowning in the
deep, warm ocean of his love.
Time
flew by and finally it seemed that the sun was shining every day and
chased away the dark clouds that had been hanging over them for the past
years. But Faith has a cruel sense of humour. And after a few months the
soft vault that announced a early pregnancy appeared. When Gorix saw
Lyla’s condition, he turned as pale as death.
‘What have you done!’ he jelled.
‘It’s what we’ve both done, Gorix.’
‘How long do you know this?!’
‘About four months. Why are you so upset?’
‘For heaven’s sake! Why haven’t you told me sooner! This child has
to be removed!’
‘What are you talking about? I’m not giving up my baby!’
‘You have to! I demand it!’
‘You can demand all you want but the child exists!’
‘Not for long! Maybe the surgeon can remove it…’ Gorix said
precarious.
‘You want to lose me too?’ Lyla replied.
Touché! Gorix didn’t know what to say on that remark and turned away
with a painful grin on his face. She was right, he had already lost Cyna
and he could nearly stand the thought of losing her too.
‘Why can’t we have a child, Gorix? For me, it’s like a dream come
true: having a baby from the man I love. Don’t worry, I won’t tell
anyone that its yours. Cynax won’t have to share the kingdom with this
child.’
‘It’s not that, Lyla. I’m not ashamed of you or the child you
carry, but this child could ruin me.’
‘I don’t understand… How…?’
‘When a king’s child gets born, the entire nobility brings gifts for
the new-born. When I was born, one of them brought an old lady along who
was gifted with the second sight. She foresaw that our clan would
disappear after me and she said that my second born would destroy me.
That’s way I can’t have this child with you. I can’t take that
risk!’
‘But maybe she meant a second child with Cyna.’
‘We don’t know that for sure, Lyla. Imagine if it’s not…’
‘And you belief her?’
‘She has never failed before.’
‘I still won’t get rid of this baby.’ Lyla said stubbornly.
‘Don’t worry, I won’t take the chance of losing you. We’ll
figure something out. There must be a solution.’
But the clock kept on ticking and the foetus grow bigger and stronger
every day. And Lyla approached her labour-time.
The
only thing I can do, Gorix
thought, is to kill the child
when it gets born. Then it won’t be a full citizen yet, so no one will
ever find out.
But when Lyla felt she had to give birth, she ran off and hide away. For
ten days she remained trackless. Gorix waited anxiously for her return.
But on a bright day she arrived early in the morning. He was waiting for
her in the throne-room.
‘There you are! Where have you been? I was worried sick of you!’
‘I’m sorry, Gorix, but I did what I had to do. May I introduce you
to your daughter, Menygma.’ and she showed him the little girl that
was lying peacefully in her arms. Two black eyes were starring at him
with an intelligent and observing look.
‘Isn’t she lovely?’ Lyla sighed with the tenderness of a young
mother.
‘She’s a threat to my throne! I’m sorry, Lyla, but she can’t
stay alive.’
‘You can’t kill her! She is ten days old! That means she’s a full
citizen and killing her would be murder according to the law! So if
something happens to her, don’t think I’ll shut my mouth!’ Lyla
fumed and fret like a lioness that protects her whelp.
Damned,
Gorix thought, she has seen
through my only escape. I shouldn’t have underestimate her!
‘And if she’s not welcome her, than don’t worry, I’ll be
leaving with her. That way she’ll never be able to hurt you or your
precious throne.’
Gorix turned away his face and tried to swallow down his tears. No, he
couldn’t handle it to lose the woman he loved once again!
‘Please, Gorix, look at her. She’s a little girl, not a strong boy
that could dethrone you or Cynax.’
He looked again at the baby which smiled with sweet innocence.
Maybe
she’s right,
he thought, it’s just a little
girl. I can’t take the risk losing Lyla and this child means the world
to her. I could hide her from other people and lock her up in the
Eastern wing that isn’t used, that way she won’t be able to hurt
anyone.
‘You’re right, Lyla. But you have to understand that I want to
minimize the risk, so for the kingdom’s safety, her staying will be in
the Eastern wing.’
‘But no one ever comes there… Why…?’ Lyla protested.
‘The reason is that there she won’t be able to do any harm. But you
may visit her every time you want. If we solve it like this, we’ll
both have it our ways: you can keep your daughter and I won’t have to
fear the destruction of the kingdom.’
Lyla sighed. She knew he wouldn’t give in anymore and this way she
could keep her beloved Menygma and give her a good life. At least she
hoped.
‘Oké, Gorix, we’ll do it your way.’
They both went to the back of the castle and mounted the winding stairs
on which no man had walked on for ages. Each step brought them closer to
the tower-chamber that would be Menygma’s little world. They finally
reached the end of the winding stairs and when the door opened a fuggy
smell came to meet them. But although the room hadn’t been used for
decades, it was clean and not dusty at all. It had four little windows
in every direction of the wind, which gave a surreal view on the landed
estates which lay near the castle. Menygma looked around with open and
curious eyes as far as her little head could turn. Gorix stared Lyla in
the face and gave her a short decisive nod. With tears in her eyes, Lyla
gave Menygma carefully a hug and a kiss.
‘Mama will be back soon, my precious. I love you.’
Then she laid her daughter on the bed, putted some pillows on the side
so she wouldn’t fall out and tucked her in. She closed the door and
when she turned the key, she burst into tears.
Since that day, Menygma never left the tower-chamber and for years her
mother was her only companion. But Lyla wanted a good education for her
daughter and in the same time Menygma would have a nice pastime. After a
lot of arguing Gorix finally gave his permission to let Yukaro, an old,
wise Chinese man, to teach Menyma everyday. Very soon, the old man got
fond of her and was every time amazed by her intelligence and quick
comprehensive. It looked like she could appeal on the memories of
ancient spirits who shared their knowledge and she adapted that
information easily to the present situation.
‘Yukaro, why are there people walking outside? Or should I say: why am
I condemned to this chamber?’
‘It’s not my duty to fill you in on that, Menygma. All I can say is
that it is the wish of the king.’
‘Well, I wish that I could get out of here. I would like to meet those
people.’ But instantly she blushed. ‘Not that I’m not happy with
you and mother.’
‘I know what you mean, Menygma.’ Yukaro smiled. ‘But
unfortunately, I think that Lord Gorix wants to end our meetings.’
‘Why?! Oh no, Yukaro, please say you’ll keep on coming! I beg
you!’
‘Don’t worry, I’ll tell him that you’re a mentally deficient
child and that it’s very hard to educate you, but that I consider that
as a challenge. That way I hope he’ll give his permission to stay.’
So said, so done. By deceiving Gorix like this, Yukaro continued
teaching his brilliant student.
Years went by, even in the little tower-chamber where Time seemed to
stand still. But the snowflakes which were falling softly from the
blue-grey sky, reminded her that winter and the Ice Queen had arrived
again. Her thoughtful silence got broken by the footsteps that were
approaching. And the soft squeak when the lock turned was the sound of
freedom.
To
be continued…
See Menygma's Dragons here!
Menygma is a candidate for Lantessama
Isle |