Legend of Antalasia

Chapter 15

Antalasia gazed at the sea of sparkling stars floating in the midnight sky. The moon gently rose above her and then traveled to the other end of the land, bidding her adieu. The sky lightened up, slowly engulfing the shining stars and the glowing moon. Like a splash of paint in water, pink orange and yellow slowly faded, giving way to the glorious golden sun.

There was a sudden shuffling noise behind her. Whipping around, Antalasia watched as a Kara tribesman made his way towards her. She knew that the old man was Baltasar but had never spoken to him.

"Haiyiti, if I may, I have a suggestion," said Baltasar. He was wearing a brown long robe which would have been pure white at one time. The red border was hardly visible, obscured with dirt and sweat. His once round cheeks sagged and hung limply. Haunted, tired pale grey eyes darted all over the camp in fear. Bony hands peaked through his long sleeves, fidgeting continuously.

Antalasia nodded at him to speak.

"I'm sure you have noticed. Some of us do not accompany the rest to the Centi-Rhazaqats' wool collection work. We head to the guards' quarters. Everyone here will refuse to speak of the ongoings there but, my time there has given me an idea for our dilemma," he said.

Pulling at his sleeve and his breathing shallow, he continued, "Have you ever wondered how we get water in this dry, arid land."

Antalasia shook her head guiltily that she never thought of it.

"The water comes from an underground cave. One of my jobs is to carry pails for their consumption and ours," he said, nodding at the guards' quarters.

He then fell silent and stared at the ground, drawing into himself and looking even smaller and frail.

"Go on, grandpa. You can trust me," said Antalasia gently.

"You don't understand. If they catch us, they'll know it is me. That I was the one to tell you. I'm the only one who goes there," he mumbled, trembling in fear.

Antalasia moved and sat next to him. "Whenever I'm afraid, I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Come on, do it with me," she coaxed.

Withstanding his doubtful gaze, she waited patiently with an amused smile. Mumbling, 'Its Haiyiti. We follow Haiyiti,' he did as asked.

Antalasia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She said, "Remember your parents. Remember your chieftain. Visualize them. Feel their love. Recollect all the good things in your life."

She waited and intermittently kept repeating until his hands stopped fidgeting and his breathing grew steady, deeper and regular.

Moving in front of him and placing a hand on his arm, she said solemnly, "You can open your eyes now. Look at me. Listen to me."

Making sure he was ready to listen not just hear, she continued, "I value our kingdom above all. That means the people of this kingdom and it includes you. I promise to always stand up and I will do everything possible to protect everyone. Now, tell me why you approached me."

The transformation in the old man was remarkable. His hunch became non-existent, the flickering fear in his eyes dimmed and his face glowed in hope. He appeared bigger and younger. With pride and trust shining his eyes, he said, "The rumors were true. You truly are Haiyiti. I shall tell you what I know. I care not anymore what happens to me. I will follow you."

He continued, "The underground cave has many passages. There's a rumor that long before my time, one prisoner escaped through those passaged. The guards were then made to fill that passage up. The soil has loosened over time and I believe we can dig ourselves out."