Heir

Chapter 3, Scene 1

Having ridden through the night, Prince Neirin arrived at the capital just as the sun was peeking over the horizon. Highcastle was built on the spot where the Silvervale River, flowing down from the north, and the Adalene River, coming in from the west, both flow into the Dawnwater Bay. The city wrapped around the entire bay, which housed the King’s Harbor. A high outer wall protected the city from an assault by land, but the gates remained open to traffic from sunrise to sunset. Neirin entered Highcastle just moments after the gates had been opened for the day. He rode through the streets where people were just beginning to stir out of doors. He crossed the Silvervale River by means of a massive stone bridge and was soon at the gates of the castle itself.

There was a somber air in the castle as Neirin made his way through halls and corridors to the east wing where the king’s chambers were. He found his uncle Balderik, the Steward of Highcastle, gazing out a window distractedly just outside of his father’s bedchamber.

“Uncle Balderik,” Neirin said, “how is my father?”

Balderik turned slowly towards the prince. His expression was grave.

“I am sorry, My Nephew, your father has died.” The words felt like a weight on Neirin’s chest that made it hard for him to breathe. His legs were suddenly weak. He just barely could continue to stand.

“When?” Neirin asked.

“Only a few hours ago.”

“Can I see him?”

“Of course.” Balderik replied. He had moved next to Neirin and clasped his arm firmly in one hand while putting his other arm around the prince’s shoulders. “His body still rests in his bed.”

“Thank you.” Neirin said, appreciative for the support. As his uncle eased away, the prince pushed through the doors to his father’s bedchamber. The room was more brightly lit than it had been while his father lay ill, but the atmosphere was still somber. King Caiden’s body lay neatly composed in his bed, with a blanket pulled up to his chest and his arms above the covers, hands folded gently over his waist. He looked so much worse than Neirin had imagined. His skin was almost white. His hair had grayed and thinned considerably. He looked at peace, though, as he lay there.

Neirin had really hoped that he would arrive while his father still lived. He wanted so much to tell his father that he loved him. To tell him about his son whom he meant to do right by. He hoped that his father would approve. Now he would never know. He would never have the chance to speak with his father again.

Neirin didn’t stay long at his father’s side. He couldn’t bare the silence. When he returned to the corridor, Balderik was still standing outside the king’s bedchamber.

“Am I the only one of my brothers to have come?” He asked.

“Prince Seimon arrived only an hour ago. I believe he is in the library now. I expect the others to arrive within the day.”

“What about Carys and Roan?”

“Deidra took them with her to Darkmoor in order to break the news to Kylian.” Balderik explained.

“Thank you, Uncle.” Neirin said. “I must speak with Seimon.”

It had been a while since Neirin had spent any considerable amount of time in Highcastle Keep, but he had grown up there, playing in the halls and courtyards with his brothers. He still recalled where the library was and the quickest way to get there from the east wing. In a short time he had arrived there to find Seimon sitting at a desk with a mountain of books stacked on either side of him. He looked up when Neirin entered the room. The weariness in his eyes was obvious.

“Neirin, my brother.” Seimon stood up to greet him. They lingered in a tight hug for a few moments. “How are you?”

“I cannot lie.” Neirin wiped the tears from his eyes. “My heart is broken, Seimon.”

“Mine too.” Seimon knew his brother well. For all of his charm and confidence, Neirin had always been the first to shed tears when tragedy struck. He hugged his brother again more tightly.

“What is all this?” Neirin finally asked, gesturing to the books that lay open on the desk and stacked in piles round about.

“Research.” Seimon answered. “I’m searching for a precedent from which to solve our dilemma.”

“What dilemma?” Neirin was confused.

“Our uncle didn’t tell you?” Seimon was surprised. “Our father failed to name an heir before he died. We have no clue which of us is meant to be king.”

*****