Liar's Shadow

4

Esteber Estanee sighed as the next petitioner was summoned. It was Noon on a rainy November day. The flocks of petitioners let in drafts of wind, and the floors were littered with muddy puddles. The kings face was red from windy gusts of cold. He huddled into his furs like a savage. He had hoped that the rain would deter the crowd for a day, but the people were as always determined to see justice served or to find favor with the king by accusing supposed traitors. He hoped that in time the people would open their eyes in the court and recognize that he was a mere pawn in the elvish game. He dreamed of being rescued with his son, to hide away with the mountain monks and live out the rest of his life in peace.

The guard cleared his throat arousing Esteber from his day dream as the petitioner was brought forward. Esteber had a negative impression of the man brought forward. Something about him that made the king think he was dishonorable.

"Terrance Silver, your grace, regarding accusations of treason."
The King waved him forward, and Roland roused from his thoughts at the word "treason." It seemed to excite more than it enraged the elf.

"Your grace," the scrawny man with a long goatee fiddled at the drawstrings of a coin purse as he spoke. His fine clothes spoke to his nobility, however the king could not place him.

"I was having an evening with my sisters family when I went out in the garden for air. I leaned on the wall as I lit my pipe and a loose stone fell out of the crevice. I found this hidden within.

The elf snatched it from the man before the guard had a chance to take the pouch from him. It was another cache of Lotus leather coins.

"It seems that we have an uprising on our hands, twice now we have seen evidence of these leather Lotus coins bearing the traitors symbol. Obviously the orchestrater of this, this... petty endeavor is not very intelligent. Our nobility is loyal and would rather see justice served than betray you Esteber Estanee, rightful King of Mooramani. They don't have one leg to stand on without a king.... Although sadly for your sister the act of treason is punishable by death.

It was then that Esteber spoke out, defying the elvish ambassador.
"I will have mercy, and she shall serve as a maid in the palace, along with her children. Her husband shall work in the stables while we investigate these matters. They are to be questioned however.... what were their names?"

"House of Alabaster, Knight of Moorefield, Duchess of Moorefield." supplemented the man.

and you sir, shall be rewarded for your loyalty, see the royal steward to claim your reward. Next!" barked the elf who slipped in a puddle. He cried out loudly and clutched his knee. The guard made the mistake of laughing at the Elf's outburst who did not take kindly to it.  The king witnessed the grim look of revenge in the elves eyes, and he knew that the guard would be punished, before he turned to the king and gave him the same look. He picked himself off the floor and stormed out of the throne room to freshen up no doubt. The king had earned ten minutes of justice in his court during the elves absence.

***

Young Shelro was not escorted by the usual guard on his way to his chamber that night. The young prince had grown attached to his guard Oliver who liked to tell him stories before bed to help him sleep. He would stand outside his door all night and tell tales of his own children until he thought the young prince had fallen asleep. His children were especially fond of oranges, so the prince would sneak them from the table and give them to the guard for his children. Sometimes Shelro would even give his toys to the guard, while well intended he refused but thanked the boy kindly and sang the songs his wife sang fondly around the house.

As he approached the door to his room he asked the guard,
"where is Oliver? MY guard?"
"He has been relieved of duty your highness." The new guard ignored further inquiry and the young prince cried that night. He was unable to sleep through his worries, refusing to come out when the governess beckoned him for his morning lesson.  She was a pudgy woman with tightly braided hair, a round face and three distinctive moles, one on her collarbone, one on her upper lip, and one on her right cheek.  He called them puppy spots. She did not care this as she bossed him out of bed. She barked at him fondly,
"take care child before the day runs off!" She then relieved him of his covers in a quick swoop,
"Are you unwell child?" She didn't bother letting him answer, what would a child know of such things? She felt his head and looked into his eyes which were red with circles of exhaustion. His tears made him sniffle,
"Well you aren't warm but you seem ill. Have you caught the chill child?" She said softly changing her tune.
He groaned and curled up on his pillow.
"Madame Winffrey?" He sniffled.
"Yes child," she coo'd
"Where is Sir Oliver? Did some thing happen to him like mommy?"
"Oh dear child, here" she scooped him up and swaddled him in her large arms, "now you lookie here, your momma was unwell. Sometimes the pain of bearing a child takes a toll, you understand? She was sick. No one did anything to her."

"That's not what father says." Shelro whispered, he stared hard at his bed.

"Your father was grieving young sir, tis normal to look for people to blame when we lose someone. She was in a lot of pain. Be at peace knowing she is suffering no more. I don't know what has come about Sir Oliver, but I am sure it is nothing that should trouble you. It is your job to learn your lessons, and to be happy knowing that you are safe, in a castle fill of trained knights who would die to protect you." She had obviously not understood. Or maybe she trusted the elves. Now he truly had no one to talk to that he could trust in the castle.

"You rest for today, we need you better by next week for your birthday celebration!" She exclaimed over enthusiastically to try to brighten his spirits. He dreaded the feast of boring nobles buttering his father while they are cake and pretended to be happy. He usually hid and that was his only joy, watching the maids and knights scurry about the castle, raising the alarm if his spot was particularly clever. "The prince has been kidnapped!" It was usually Oliver who found him. Shelro sank further into his feather bedding and sighed. But he promised his daddy he would not to do it this year because of the mean elves.