Crowns And Shadows (MXM) (Book 1)

VI: Taverns and Strangers

Rowan

How often do princes get to spend time away from the castle? Quite often actually. My parents had never restricted my endeavors outside the castle walls but let's just say they felt that I had no business being out late at night. Particularly at taverns since I could be recognized. And one would think that they were worried about a scandal which was partially true... But they were more worried about my safety. They thought that I would be assassinated. However, the only danger I was in was that of a painful headache the next morning from all the rum.

And so I was walking down the cobblestone roads past multiple taverns with my good friend, Cassius. It wasn't hard for him to gain my father's trust considering that he was the son of the army's general. And so since childhood, we have been great friends who have constantly gotten into trouble from our mischievousness.

"Your father would have my head on a stake if he knew I was out with you this late." He said

"Oh please... You say that each time that we're out. And we've never once been caught. Even if we do get caught, I'll just say I was with you and my father will know that I was in great hands."

We stopped a foot from the door of 'The Outlands". This was the name of our favorite tavern but we could never quite place why it was named that. The rickety wooden sign hung on for its life above the double wooden doors. As we stepped in we were welcomed by lively chatter and the strumming of a lute. The tavern had a rustic charm with its wooden beams and flickering wall lamps. Laughter echoed from nearby tables clearly the effect of the ale. With his mustache that continued to gradually grey, Alfonso greeted us like old friends. He was a jolly rotund man with a round face that radiated warmth. His cheeks were rosy probably from the heat of the kitchen and his deep set eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. His presence exuded a comforting familiarity. We were loyal to his tavern and so he was always happy to be of service.

"It's been a while young sire. A little caught up in the royal duties are we?" He said as he slid me a pint of ale.

Before I could answer, Cassius replied, "You could say that. He's on the hunt for a Mrs."

"Oh you don't say... Have you found anyone to your liking. Has a fair maiden caught your eyes yet?" He mischievously raised his brow.

Again, Cassius replied, "He seems to be very smitten with the daughter of the Stalworth family." He took a gulp of the ale wiping the froth from his mouth.

"I heard about that. Took her all around the gallery and stuff. It's been the talk of the town."

Finally I got a word in, "Hyacinth is definitely a nice girl. And word could not have spread that fast."

"Well her mother simply could not shut up about the possibility of her daughter being the future queen. She's telling anyone who will listen." Said Alfonso.

I quietly took sips of my own pint as my focus wandered off to a corner of the bar. I had not drank as much so I don't suppose I could have been hallucinating. But right there with his own pint, sat the cloaked man that had plagued my thoughts since the ball. He of course did not have his mask on but what were the chances that there was another man in the town who dressed for a funeral on a basic day. I rubbed my eyes just to confirm but as soon as I opened my eyes again, he was gone.

But then my ear caught the sound of the bell at the door and I turned just in time to see him exit the building. With not as much as a goodbye and just muttered apologies, I rose from my seat and sprinted towards the door.

There I was standing on the cobblestone road and the cool night air embraced my skin. On the right I saw him and without a second thought I ran after him. He seemed to glide as his dark cloak swept the ground. The chase seemed endless until he disappeared into an alley. I took the turn but was met with nothing but a blank wall with a single black feather on the ground.

I picked up the tar-colored feather and studied it in the dim moonlight. My heart almost stopped when I heard my name called out behind me. I was very relieved when I turned around to see Cassius. He was out of breath and clearly not very happy.

"What on god's good earth caused you to run out like that?" He questioned in between breaths struggling for air as he held his knees. A sweat dripped down the side of his head glistening as it dropped to the ground.

"The man in the cloak. I saw him. He was at the bar. The one I told you about. I swear he was here but he just vanished. And look!" I held the feather in front of his face. "It's the exact same. It's a raven's feather."

"Listen mate, I think the ale was a bit strong tonight. I saw no such man. And what do you mean he vanished. Like ghost? Or into a cloud of smoke? And that feather could have been there long before you arrived. It's probably been there for days. Perhaps I should take you back." He squeezed my shoulder reassuringly trying to calm me down as the gears grinded in my head.

"Cassius, I saw him. I saw the man. And I chased after him. You have to believe me."

"I was right behind you. Just a few feet. I didn't see the man."

I held the feather in my hand and felt my forehead on the other. I wasn't any warmer than I usually was. Could it be a case of hysteria? The kingdom would have loved to have hear.such gossip. 'Future King Of The Kingdom Said To Run Mad. The Crown In Jeopardy'. That would be the headline of the tabloid. I could already see it.

"Maybe we should go back now and have a good night's sleep." Cassius suggested and I agreed. Because that was probably exactly what I needed.

As I walked down the halls to my chambers, my heart almost left me again when I heard a voice behind me. "Isn't it a bit early brother. Usually your escapades end with the sunrise." It was just Aria.

"Well we had a few unexpected hitch ups tonight so we wrapped up early. And how did you know I was out? And why aren't you asleep yourself?"

"First of all, I can sleep whenever I want. And second, I'm surprised that father doesn't know. It's not like you try to hide it. But don't worry. I won't gain anything from telling on you."

She then began to walk past me but I held her hand and hesitated for a second. Realizing my nervousness probably from my sweaty palms, she asked, "What's the matter?"

"Do you believe in magic?" I blurted out.

She looked at me quizzically for a second before she replied, "Like witchcraft and sorcery?"

"Yes."

"I've read books about them but I don't believe I could tell you whether it's real or not. At least not that I've seen."

"But do you believe that it's real?"

"Why are you asking all this? Did Cassius give you a bit too much to drink? I should scold him more often."

"I just really need to know what you think."

"That's odd. Normally my opinions bear no weight in your mind. But if you really must know, I think that it could be real. There have been a lot of unexplainable phenomenons and oddities through the past years. I wouldn't exactly hold witchcraft accountable but we can't cancel out the possibility either."

"Thank you." I finally let go of her arm.

"I would suggest you take a glass of water to wash out the liquor in your stomach." Was her final word before she headed out to her own chambers.

Lying on my bed I compared the two feathers and of course they were identical. They were both back and smooth and absolutely frustrating. I began to think it would be perfect to have the royal physician over during one of the following days.