Winds to Light up the World

Chapter 2

Cove had a very tumultuous week. The news of the queen's death struck the palace like a lightning bolt, leaving everybody rattled and more than one person in smolders. Since Cove was close to the prince, having spent most of their childhood together, he considered her aunt. Her death hit hard but Cove couldn't imagine how the rest of the royal family felt.

That was why he was on his way to Crown Prince Madron's private chambers to see if anything could be done or just to console his friend.

In a passing window Cove checked his appearance, making sure he was presentable. Admittedly, Cove's honey blond hair needed a cut soon, but it'd do for another few weeks. His blue eyes which had a beautiful almond shape were especially bright today. The only thing that always annoyed him was his nose. It was just a smidgen too long. But he thought that with the rest of him it could be ignored.

He greeted the guard and explained the reason he was here. The guard let him in without hesitation and shut the door to the receiving chamber. Cove made himself comfortable on one of the green plush couches.

As the whole royal family were Greenies, the whole room was filled with all sorts of plants. Cove knew they were there as much for decoration as for defense. Greenies controlled plants, being able to make the grow or move at their will.

The colors of the furniture resembled the royal colors: green and gold. The receiving chambers were furnished lavishly; a half a dozen couches and chairs, a desk and a few bookshelves filled with books about statecraft.

After a few minutes Madron came in. He looked as though he hadn't slept for days. His usually fluffy black hair was matted down and his mud green eyes were dulled with sorrow.

Cove gave him a pat on the back. "Just came to check on you. If you need something, I'll be more than glad to help. My father and I agree that we will do anything to help you through this time. My father is helping the king. I will be here for you. If you ever need anybody to talk to, I'll be glad to listen as always."

Madron had a grateful look on his face, remembering all the times they had confided their worries to each other. "Thank you, Cove, I really appreciate it. I must tell you something very important. I just have to share my suspicions with someone."

"I'm listening."

The price began, "A couple of years ago a seer made a prophecy. I don't remember the exact words and it wasn't finished, but it was something about that Iphya will be consumed by eternal darkness and despair and only a winder and a companion with a good heart can save it.

"I think that someone is you. You are such a kind person and I think if I would have to trust anyone with saving our kingdom it would be you. And I think the prophecy has started now that my mother has been," his voice broke, "murdered. Our family has been consumed by shadows and darkness and if we don't stop it, it will consume whole Iphya."

Cove was taken aback by this news. "You've got to be kidding me! A winder? A person with wind magic. Those people who hide themselves so well because society has shunned them for centuries due to their magic, chaos magic if I might add. You're saying I should find a winder, which seems impossible because they don't want to be found, and save the country with him- "

"Or her"

"– I don't really care. I don't want to be that person. Why me?" Cove had a frantic look on his face.

Madron tried to calm him down. "Please Cove. I don't know any better person who could do it. Please do it for me. I love Iphya. It can't perish! If you see yourself as the person I see, you must leave soon. Today or tomorrow. I will talk to your parents. Please!"

Cove was silent for a good few minutes. What was there to gain? Death? Renown? He actually preferred his comfortable life in the palace. But there would be no more lavish days if no one was going to help Madron. "Fine," Cove agreed, sighing deeply. "But I'm only doing this for you and Iphya. This evening I'm going to leave. Do you know where I have to look?"

"Follow the west side of the Great River. Follow it to its source. The winder and the solution can be found on that stretch. I'd come with you but unfortunately, I have duties and can't leave my father alone. But I wish you the best of luck."

Madron embrace his friend whom he trusted with the fate of his beloved country.

Cove left the prince's chambers in a hurry and by nightfall he was on his way to the west shore of the Great River. 

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