Tides Of Bones

2. THE FIRE (Picture of Princess Caleena)

*3 Years Later*

King Cyrus sits quietly in his stone Throne as his expert in finance goes over the reports of their fiches. It was slim, just like every other Kingdom. They were all running out of resources.

"My King, we have one more matter to discuss." He rolls up the scroll he had been reading from. "The late Kings chambers. They are the last to be worked on since the fire. We are waiting on your approval."

Cyrus makes no sign that he had heard the man. He had instructed them all those moons ago to fix the rest of the Castle first, and to not touch his father's room. He does not believe there was anything of value now, but he does remember one thing that he would like to find before they get rid of the room.

His mother's emerald hair comb. His sister was supposed to inherit it, and while his mother had no intention of giving it to her she had little choice in the matter now.

When would he lose the feeling of cursing them at the thought of his sister?

But she held no ill will towards them and their cruelty. She craved their love and every day, even though the answer was always no, the first thing she asked for when she had the strength to wake was a chance to see them.

He fights the urge to spit on the floor. "Very well, I shall clear it after we eat. Sir Leopold," He instructs the guard closest to him. "Send for Captain Kaiden." After he had been placed on the Throne, he had given Zav the title of Captain and changed all his council. He trusted none of his parents council.

"Yes, my King."

One of his footmen steps in the room and bows. "Sir Dearon Roscloth would like an audience."

"Let him in." Cyrus gets off the Throne and dismisses everyone. Dearon stands tall as he comes to his friend. His blond hair is tied back and he holds a book In his hand.

He bows in front of Cyrus.

"None of that, Dearon, we are alone." Cyrus rolls his eyes.

"I have just returned from my travels. Thought I might check in before I head to the scholar room."

"And how was it? The west lands?"

"Plenty of women, scantily dressed and eager to please." He laughs and Cyrus grins. "I am afraid the lands are bare. Cyrus, I implore you," he whispers, growing serious. "we must look elsewhere if we are to find any food for the season. My studies have not brought much news in our favor."

The desert lands had been their last hope. Cyrus curses.

The Dasos Kingdom sat on lands of green and rock, for when the Gods had come down, thousands of years ago, his Royal bloodline was given the power to bend the element Earth to their will. Cyrus himself had created a path through the thick forest last year, so his Researcher and Historian Dearon could travel and see if there was hope.

His Kingdom, like all others, was close to starvation. A plight, no doubt, brought on by their deep hatred for each other after the Great War hundreds of years ago. But with no ties to the other lands there was no trade, and with no trade each Kingdom had to rely on their own resources for far too long. His waters were out of edible sea creatures and the mainland was scarce in meat. For the last two years their source of food was plants. Luckily, since his powers controlled such, they wouldn't have it as bad as the other Kingdoms. That being said, it was putting a target on their back.

"Alright. Hey, get some rest." Cyrus pats Dearon's back before heading to breakfast.

He finds Zav picking an apple from the basket on the table. "My King," he puts the apple back and bows.

"I have some business to conduct. Please escort me to my father's chambers." Cyrus nods to the apple basket.

"Of course." He takes the apple and they walk to where the old sleeping corridors had been.

Once the fire had been put out, it was realized most of the damage had been contained to the bedrooms. The fire had traveled to the right side of the castle, but no further than the private kitchen.

"I am looking for that comb. The black one, sat in her hair." He tells Zav once they enter the rooms. In private, Cyrus liked for them to drop the formalities and speak like the old friends they were.

"It had jewels in it, right? Green ones? Can I ask what for?"

"That's been passed down from generation to generation."

"And that means something to you?"

"No, but it means something to Caleena." It had been three completed moon cycles and she still mourned for the parents that never cared for her.

They continue to look in silence.

A lot of their belongings had burned into a crisp and whatever had survived the fire was dirty or wet. There had been a hole in the roof from the fire that was never repaired, allowing the elements to get through.

Cyrus stops in front of a painting that had been on the wall for as long as he could remember. It was covered in soot, completely ruined, and barely hanging on the wall. He picks it up and puts it on the floor.

That is when he notices a tied piece of cloth in the back. Two small nails came from the back of the painting, a cloth tied to each end, holding a journal in place.

He opens it and is surprised to see his mothers handwriting. She must have hidden this from his father.

His mother had never been a nostalgic type, he is surprised she had kept something like this.

"Found it. It was in this box, not a scratch on it." Zav says, holding up the comb. "What is that?"

"Some kind of journal." He debates leaving it but then shakes his head. "Is she awake? My sister?"

"Yes, actually. She was asking for you, said you promised to take her to the gardens today."

"Then, let us enjoy the sun."