Legend of Antalasia

Chapter 13

The atmosphere in the prison camp changed considerably after Angelo's recapture. He would forever be singing rhythmless songs or cracking jokes. One of Angelo's favorite songs was 'The Man and The First Dragon.'

There was once an unlucky young man.
His crop failed and there was no food.
His wife said, 'No no no, this will not do.'
'I'm hungry. Go, get some food.'
The man spent all his money on a goat.
But the goat did not give milk.
His angry wife said, 'Don't come in'
'Until you get some food'
The man couldn't sell the goat.
He cursed his God, the Omvish, 'Get rid of this goat!'
The Omvish gave him a dragon who ate the goat.
The man came home with a dragon.
The wife cried in fear and ran away.
The poor man was left with a dragon and no wife.

The children listened in fascination. Michaelo especially hung on every word uttered by Angelo.

"You are looking very pretty today Daisy," complimented Angelo.

Antalasia watched in confusion. 

'Under the blinding sunlight with not even a glimpse of the clouds, everyone was sweaty, tired and haggard. With dirt smeared over the body, yellowing teeth, hair askew, threadbare clothes hanging on under-nourished frames and bones sticking out, no one looked pretty. So, why was Angelo complimenting her?' wondered the princess.

"What are you looking at Princess?" asked Angelo, amused at Antalasia's expression.

"Do you find her pretty?" she asked innocently.

Angelo replied, "There's nothing wrong in complimenting a person. It keeps them happy."

Antalasia asked, "It's bad to lie. Aren't you duping her?"

Angelo roared in laughter. "How is it that you are so innocent? Fascinating!"

Angelo continued with a glint in his eye, "It was a small lie. She's happy now. There's nothing wrong in spreading a little bit of happiness. But, sometimes you have to lie to get things done or to help someone." 

Angelo asked curiously, "Have you never lied?"

Antalasia shook her head. "No. Papa never approved. I also never complimented anyone. It was not expected of us."

"Try now," urged Angelo.

Antalasia looked around and finally approached the hunched old woman, "Your singing is beautiful. I really enjoy it and your songs calm me." 

The old woman beamed in pride.

Proud of herself, Antalasia made her way back even as Angelo tittered, "That was not a lie Princess. Never mind, we'll get to that soon, my serious Princess."

"Darn it, Angelo! Why are you with her again?" groused Lydia, dragging Angelo away.

Michaelo followed Angelo like a puppy dog. It was amusing to watch Antalasia's reaction. With a scowl on her face and trying her best to act nonchalantly, Antalasia would observe Angelo out of the corner of her eyes.

'Why is Angelo so popular? Even Michaelo hangs on to every word. Everyone looks up to Angelo. I wish they looked up at me. Ugh! I never thought I'd be self-centered,' pondered Antalasia jealously.

Angelo always had a wicked grin on his face. He greeted everyone cheerfully and praised them with unbelievable exaggeratedness, making everyone laugh while admonishing Angelo at his antics.

"No! Your lips are stretched too wide," giggled Lizzy.

"Now your eyes are too wide," said Lizzy and burst out laughing. Antalasia glared at her.

"Your lips are pursed now. You look like an evil witch. No more Antalasia. My stomach is hurting," said Lizzy, rolling in laughter and clutching her stomach.

"What's going on here?" asked Angelo, curious to see the girls so happy. Michaelo followed him like a little lamb.

"Nothing," replied Antalasia promptly.

Lizzy couldn't hold back and with tears streaming from her eyes, she told Angelo, "Antalasia was trying to be like you. She smiled so weirdly that the young girl mumbled an apology and moved away."

Antalasia glared at Lizzy who paid no attention. Huffing in embarrassment, Antalasia turned away and glared at the vast, flat horizon.

Lizzy continued, in between bouts of laughter, "Antalasia went to that old man and said, 'Mister, you work very hard. I am truly impressed.'  She said it so seriously that the old man said, 'I'm sorry. I'll work harder.' The old man then ran away. She was so funny Angelo. It's not even funny."

Antalasia growled and snapped, "Fine, I know I didn't have Angelo's flamboyance to pull it off. Now, stop laughing."

This only made everyone around her laugh even more. Antalasia suddenly realized that being an open field, the voices had reached far and everyone had watched her antics. Blushing, she covered her face.

"Silly little Princess. If it's so hard, focus on the good. Everyone has some. Haven't you ever observed people?" teased Angelo.

Never before had Antalasia struggled so hard. Nor had anyone teased her. John had bugged her, but he had never laughed at her. With a never-die attitude, Antalasia tried even harder.

After struggling a great deal, Antalasia learned to loosen up and found own unique way of putting everyone at ease. She originally had a stiff, haughty expression and a 'holier than thou' mannerism. She shook away these bad habits and developed a calm, inviting demeanor. With a gentle welcoming smile, Antalasia always had a kind word and greeted everyone with humility. 

The changes in Antalasia were not lost on the remaining prisoners. Unable to resist her sweet charm, they began to grow warmer. Without anyone realizing, Antalaisa became the light of the camp. Everyone gravitated towards her, eager to hear her tinkling laugh and starving for her praise. Her twinkling eyes and sweet words brought peace to the soul. Her unwavering belief that everyone would escape brought hope for the future. All the while, Angelo continued to keep the camp in stitches with his antics.

"Angelo, this is the longest you've stayed without attempting an escape. Do you like her so much?" asked Lydia quietly.

Angelo looked at Lydia quizzically and asked, "Like whom?"

Lydia answered sadly, "The Princess."

Confused, Angelo replied, "Yes, I do like her."

As Lydia despondently walked away, the bulb finally went off in Angelo's head.

Hoping Lydia would listen to him with an open mind, Angelo said forcefully, "Wait up Lydia. That's not what I meant. I see her as a sister not as a lover. I also see her as something more for the future but, not the way you think."

Angelo continued pensively, "I'm the joker. I lift people's spirits up. But, she gives everyone a reason to live. I always thought of escaping alone. Not once did I think of taking anyone with me. I know it appears as though she's trying to compete with me. She's not."

Angelo continued pensively, "I only greet the prisoners. Antalasia greets the guards as well. They have softened up towards her. I'm not sure if you have noticed, but even the dragon-horse Rhazaqats are not that aggressive towards her. She's observing and tracking routines. Every time we are alone, she quizzes me on weather and the lay of the land."

In a serious tone, Angelo said, "She makes me want to be better. I want to fight for others as well. Not just for myself. I've decided to stand by her side no matter what. She's become the hope for the rest of the prisoners here and she hasn't realized that. Don't make trouble for her, Lydia. I've already told you that I'm not interested in a relationship right now. I know you love me but I don't want any of that right now."

Lydia's face had initially lit up but grew crestfallen by the time Angelo finished his speech. She stared at his back longingly as he walked away.

Thank you for reading so far.

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