Ronodin's Backstory

Part 9

One Year Later...

Ronodin read the note carefully. "Ronodin, I can't even begin to say how thankful I am for everything you've done for me this last year. I never dreamed I could improve so much, but you've been the most incredible teacher. Finally, I decided to apply to the Guard. I know I didn't tell you, but I figured it would be a good surprise if I got in. And... I did! I made it into the guard! I hope you know none of this would've been possible without you. From Cairnon."

Ronodin pursed his lips, and flipped the paper around, revealing the back to be blank. "That's all. Short and sweet, I guess." He felt his hear sink as he reread the note and noticed no hint of anything more than congratulatory. Why had he been such a fool to think there would be any mention of hidden feelings? It seemed he was the only one gripped with such a dilemma. He rose from his seat on his bed and went to open the door, hoping to be able to sneak out and go see Cairnon.

Bracken stood at the door, looking uncomfortable. "Ronodin- hi. I was just about to knock."

"I see that."

"Look, I have some... bad news. From the Queen. You might've heard that Cairnon's initiation into the Guard is tonight."

Ronodin fought to keep a straight face. Of course. Cairnon had failed to mention that in his letter. "Yes, uh, I know that."

Bracken frowned. "You can't go."

"What do you mean?"
"The Queen- she said you can't go. You can't be there. You, uh, you have to stay in your room. From now until after his initiation." Bracken refused to make eye contact.

"Great," Ronodin muttered.

"Ronodin-"

"Just go, Bracken." Ronodin shut the door.

For a moment, it had seemed hopeless. Clearly the Queen realized Ronodin had managed to train Cairnon, and now he was being punished for it. But there was no way he was missing Cairnon's initiation- he had a plan, and he was praying he could pull it off.

That Night...

Ronodin stood in the corner of the large ballroom, invisible. He had to time it perfectly- because he couldn't light walk forever. He could do it longer than at first, much longer, but it was still difficult to go beyond ten minutes. He was just hoping he had timed it correctly.

"Cairnon, please step forward," The Queen said in an obviously strained voice.

She couldn't bear to see Cairnon succeed despite her best attempts for him not to. Ronodin smirked.

"Against all odds, you stand here before us to be imitated into my Royal Guard," the contempt she held for him was clear. "It is... a very unforeseen accomplishment which you have done."

Ronodin clenched his fist. She was going off script, and instead of honoring him she was mocking him.

"I can only hope you will try your best to mend the wound your family has caused in this kingdom."

Cairnon stood in obvious discomfort, and with each word the Queen spoke, Ronodin grew more and more angry.

"I hereby accept you into the Guard," the Queen finished. "However foolish I may be in doing so."

That was it for Ronodin. He flickered into view, yelling "What is your problem?"

The small crowd gasped.

"Ronodin," The Queen said dangerously. "I thought I made it clear you were not to come."

"So you could insult Cairnon with no rhyme or reason without someone calling you out on it?"

"Watch your tone, nephew."

Ronodin laughed. "It's embarrassing to be related to you. Cairnon has done nothing. The past of his family has nothing to do with him- you just can't accept that, can you? You feel the need to destroy anything that I've ever cared about, don't you? But why? What I don't understand is why!"

The Queen regarded him coldly. "Everyone please vacate this room in a quick and orderly manner." The guests quickly complied and filed out of the room. She gestured for Cairnon to stay behind.

"Ronodin, you have disrespected me for the last time."

Ronodin rolled his eyes. "Oh, have I? What are you going to do? Lock me up? You've already done that. Kill me? You wouldn't dare."

"Ronodin..." Cairnon mumbled. "Just drop it."

"I'm not going to-"

"You would do well to listen to your... friend," The Queen said. "You think the worst has already happened... but you shall soon see what happens when you go too far. And today, nephew, was certainly too far."

Ronodin frowned.

"And as for you, Cairnon," the Queen continued. "I would hope you're willing to do anything to redeem yourself and your family?"

Cairnon quickly nodded. "Of course, my Queen."

The Queen smiled coolly. "Glad to hear it. You're dismissed."

"Cairnon-" Ronodin called but he was already running from the room.

"He's not yours, Ronodin. You would do well to stop acting like he is."

Ronodin turned on the Queen. "I'm going to bring you down," he growled. "One day, you're going to suffer like I have."

"So melodramatic," she laughed. "We both know that day will never come."

"You have always underestimated me. And that will be your downfall. You can't kill me, it would be too obvious that it was you. You've already locked me up, forbidden me from leaving, but I've found ways around that. You can't hurt me any more than you already have."

The Queen laughed again, the sound echoing through the empty room. "Oh, my young, naive nephew. Those are words you will come to regret."

"What-"

"You are dismissed."

Ronodin held back a retort and marched from the room, the Queen's words ringing in his ears.

"Those are words you'll come to regret."

He most certainly would.