Legend of Antalasia

Chapter 6

For the first time in centuries, members of the Karas tribe were visiting the kingdom and trading goods. The entire Karas tribe drifted in various groups and every group had frequented the Dragon Kingdom frequently over the past five months.

"Your Highness, the Karas we engaged with are nowhere to be found. The village is deserted. The Karas who have been visiting our kingdom deny knowledge of the Chieftan's whereabouts" informed a soldier.

King Charles hummed in dissatisfaction. Despite his attempts, the Chieftan was nowhere to be found. The King desperately wished to discuss a sensitive matter with him.

"Your Highness, if I may suggest. The Karas talk about our princess with reverence. Maybe we could ask her to question the tribesmen," suggested the soldier, his voice fading away as he felt the King's glare.

Another soldier ran in shouting, "Your Highness. Your Highness. A Kara tribesman is here. He is seeking an audience with you."

King Charles became sharper and ordered, "Bring him in". The first soldier drew a sigh of relief thankful that the King forgot about his suggestion.

A white robe with red border drowned the thin, lean man as he walked in confidently, taking long steps. Big, round spectacles hid his pale green eyes that reminded one of the stormy clouds. Bowing he said, "Your Highness, I'm Lehrer. I'm the Karas Chieftan's grandson. I am well learned and request you to grant me the position as the head librarian."

This was extremely strange as not only do Karas always travel in groups but they never stay in a single place for a significant period. Leher offered neither reason nor explanation. To appease the Karas and in hopes of meeting the Chieftan, King Charles immediately agreed without asking any questions.

That evening, when Princess Antalasia went to exchange her book, Lehrer blocked her way.

He said, "As of today, I am the librarian. If you wish to return a book, you must correctly answer all the questions I ask. The questions will all be related to the book you borrowed. Additionally, you cannot pick any book. I shall pick the next book for you to read."

Antalasia crossly threatened, "What is this nonsense? I shall complain to father."

With an amused smile, Lehrer replied, "As you wish Haiyiti. However, I am the librarian and these are my rules."

Antalasia was stumped that someone could refuse her, angry that someone dared to do so and frustrated because she had no wish to go to her father. She felt it was useless to go to her mother because she had no say in such matters. Stomping her foot in irritation and too prideful to approach her father, Antalasia decided to indulge Lehrer.

"Alright, what book will you give me?" she asked haughtily.

Lehrer gave her a philosophical book. "No, I don't read Philosophy. Give me something else," she demanded.

No matter how much Antalasia protested or threatened, he did not budge. This continued until she finally gave in.

Normally, Antalasia would only read books on the history of the Dragon Kingdom and on strategies involved in conventional warfare. After Lehrer became the librarian, she was made to study poetry, literature, culture, philosophy and politics. Forced to read topics that were not to her liking, Antalasia slowly began to come out of her shell and notice her surroundings.

Reluctant to read her new books, Antalasia suggested, "Michaelo, Lizzy, let's go play."

"What do you want to play? We can catch a frog and put in John's desk? Better yet, we can put some red ants in John's pants," suggested Michaelo mischievously.

Lizzy banged Michaelo on his head and snapped, "Stop being mean!"

Ignoring their silly antics, Antalasia leaned over the parapet and looked over the village. The village children were playing in a small empty land.

"Let's go play with them," announced Antalasia pointing to the village children.

"Huh! What? But, Why," protested Michaelo and Lizzy.

Ignoring their whining, Antalasia dragged her siblings into the village.

"Princess. You wish to play with us. Umm, very well," said one of the boys reluctantly, scratching his head.

The children began to play and just when they were all beginning to have fun, the ball hit Michaelo.

"RUN! The king will punish us," screamed the village children and ran away.

"No, wait! We won't tell anyone. Please come back," shouted Michaelo to no avail. Michaelo grew distraught over the thought that they ran away because of him.

"Don't worry Michaelo. It wasn't your fault. What can we do, Antalasia?" asked Lizzy sadly while consoling Michaelo.

"We'll come again and try," replied Antalasia adamantly. Antalasia was stunned that someone would run away from them. She was determined for that not to happen again.

So every day, the three children religiously went and played with the village children. Over time, the village children got used to the Prince and Princesses. They no longer ran away and began playing freely.

Lehrer advised Antalasia, "Haiyiti, pride and anger have no place in life. Go to your father. Go to the warriors. Resume your training and start dueling again. A skilled warrior is one who religiously practices."

Agreeing, Antalasia went to her father, "Papa, I would..."

The King responded sharply cutting her off in mid-sentence, "Not now, Antalasia. Can't you see I'm busy?"

Antalasia then went hunting for someone she could practice with. Wherever she went, the soldiers were busy arguing amongst themselves.
"No, we should kill them all."
"There is no proof. Besides, I don't see the point. They are dying as well."
"But they are killing us."
There seemed to be no rhyme or reason to the strange atmosphere in the castle.

One afternoon, as the children approached the castle gate, they heard loud shouts.

Ten villagers were surrounding the gatekeepers. They were shouting at the top of their voices, "How can the King not see us? The King must address our issues. We came all the way from village Zelpha. Please, you must let us see him."

The gatekeepers forcefully pushed the villagers away and shouted, "No, the King has no time to address your silly concerns. Matters are grave right now. Go away."

The children watched quietly even as another soldier came up running. "Princess, Prince. Please allow me to accompany you. The Army General has ordered me as your permanent guard whenever you leave the castle." Nodding, the children went to the playground.

The heightened tensions in the castle soon became apparent to all. The higher-ranking nobility and soldiers were on edge. There were constant arguments. The commoners who came for counsel were sent back without being seen. The mood in the castle spread throughout the kingdom and the villagers grew unhappy and fearful. The children did their best to stay out of the way and began spending more time in the village and in the library with Lehrer.

Thank you for reading so far.

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