Mars Underneath The Sceptre of Eternity

The Captive Queen

The sharp, bell-shaped profile of the Captive Tower was standing in isolation from the rest of the palace buildings; it was specially designed for the important political prisoners and traitors. The tower was bounded by a high wall and a series of small houses with conical roofs, used as the soldiers' residence. The tower had two entranceways, built above the ground level for defensive as well as architectural purposes. It was not located on a cliff or beyond a moat; but in the midst of a grassland. The interior of the tower was no less than a palace. However, there was no freedom of movement for its present prisoner, Zealeoness.

Zealeoness woke up early in the morning like any other day and completed her brisk walk on the terrace adjacent to her bed chamber; but not alone; under the supervision of the guards appointed by the Grand Seer himself.

Today was no ordinary day; Ergonn, the usurper was going to choose his Eagle Guards for the Dark Conquest; he wanted to prove himself the rightful king of the land by following the old fool's advices like a servant. The Grand Seer was also playing a trick by declaring Ergonn, the 'King of Mars' a rare and most desirous title, all kings aspired to have. However, for claiming the title effectively, Ergonn required support from all the Martian kingdoms and he would not get that easily. His first royal decree of liberation of thrall had created a hue and cry in Terra Aquillaan; thralls in other kingdoms were also revolting. However, Zealeoness had no hope of winning the battle even if Ergonn lost support.

Deodara was a foolish woman; Zealeoness arranged Deodara's journey to her father's land and asked her to gather support for her son; but there was no news from the Kingdom of Sevrot. Zealeoness looked at the door; an adolescent girl of fifteen years, entered the room without knocking; she was carrying a gold tray full of food bowls, dishes, plates, spoons and a bronze water tumbler. Zealeoness knew her well; she was the daughter of one of her ladies in waiting, Alacria Temosk. The golden haired, blue eyed girl was as calmly as her mother Alacria. Zealeoness noticed that the girl was in an expensive dress and jewelleries. No doubt, she was looking good in the pink coloured floor length cup sleeve gown with white laces in its borders and floral embroidery on its bodice. Avanti, the daughter of Alacria Temosk was the only companion of Zealeoness in this lonely tower. Avanti begged apology for not knocking the door; she put the tray down on a wooden table just next to Zealeoness's bed.

Zealeoness was allotted a small apartment with only one bed-chamber, a narrow washroom and a petite antechamber. She required permission to go to the terrace or even in the balcony of her room.

"Avanti, no need to beg apology; both of your hands were occupied; you could not knock. I'm a captive here; so, I should not have privacy." Zealeoness said.

Avanti trembled a bit and poured Red Tea in a simple white colour ceramic cup, which had no decoration; Avanti asked for sugar, but Zealeoness replied, "My life is full of bitterness; a spoonful of sugar cannot sweeten it, child. Serve me plain tea."

Zealeoness sipped the tea; "Red Tea from Sargoshi; Grand Seer still cares for my taste."

"My mother has arranged tea for you, Your Eminence." Avanti started peeling of shells from the boiled eggs; Zealeoness smiled, "How is your mother?"

"Physically well, but not emotionally; she misses you a lot." Avanti replied.

"Have you got any news from your uncle Abjurenos?"

"No news." She replied.

The girl prepared bread toast with honey; poured salt and pepper on boiled eggs; cut fruits in a bowl and added cereals then poured milk over it. She kept banana at the other end of the tray and politely requested the former queen to eat.