A Heart of Darkness

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"I don't want to hear it!" King Elemakkil said his patience wearing. "The job was simple. Keep those that were talking, silenced! Convince them of their error. Keep those who were talking, silenced or at the very least, show them the truth. No matter what you were to keep these horrid rumors from spreading!" Elemakkil rubbed his temples. "Another round of rumors would be disastrous."

Elves in the Northwestern part of his kingdom were up to no good again. They had created all sorts of rumors about him. Elemakkil had tried to send many elves to persuade them of their fault, but none had succeeded.

"My King, you must know. They have compiled evidence of sorts. Enough evidence that, they believe, could unite the people against you."

"So, destroy it!" The King said placing 3 fingers on his forehead and rubbing it hoping that it would relieve his headache.

"Forgive me, but you do not understand. They..."

"I will go myself!" Elemakkil said standing up. "It seems I am surrounded by fools!" He said moving towards the elf commander. "I will complete this task myself." The King pushed the commander out of the door and shut it behind him.

Lifting his head to the ceiling Elemakkil sighed in anger. He rolled his head and flexed his fingers and walked back to his desk. "I am surrounded by fools." The King repeated, sitting down at his desk.

"Father!" Elemakkil heard from the secret door to his office.

Breathing deeply and regaining his composure he walked over and opened up the door. "Princess Miluineth!" he said. Bowing he continued. "I am at your command."

Miluineth lifted her chin. "I accept. You may kiss my hand." she said pushing her hand out.

The King lifted his head and looked his daughter in the eye. Together they burst out laughing.

"Oh, Father! How are you today?" Miluineth said after calming down. She then walked around her fathers oak wood trunk desk.

"I am King. It seems there is always something new that is wrong." Her father responded sitting down.

"Well, you have come to the right person! What help do you need?" Miluineth asked

"There is a situation in the Northwest that needs attending to. Many people have gone before and failed to control the people there. What would my advisor do?"

"Well, I would advise you to go and give the people one of your marvelous speeches. That would surely help control them. And perhaps, my King, your daughter could help by waving and smiling at the people to soften their hearts."

The King stood and moved to the other side of his desk and leaned on the top of it. "That is what I must do." He said his tone growing serious. "Mili, my dear, I must leave for a time to go to the Northwest. I am afraid that no one but myself can control this."

Standing Mili said, "I will be ready to leave in 15 minutes!"

Elemakkil stood as well and grabbed Mili's hands. "Mili, no. I must go alone. I do not know what it is like in that area; it may not be safe. I could not risk sending you there. Even with me."

Mili sat down. "But, Father!"

"No, Mili! I will not risk losing you!" As he turned around the shadows seemed to grow closer to them.

Mili sat mouth agape staring at her father. He was leaving? She understood why he needed to leave, but that did not make her like it any more. "You are sure there is no other way?"

"I am positive."

"Then you must go... And I will stay here."

"Thank you for understanding, my dear." Her father said dropping to one knee. "Know that I will think of you every day!" He grabbed her small hand and enveloped it in his. "I will miss you more than there are stars in the sky."