ROAR OF THE WEST

Chapter 5: His Majesty's Fate

Chapter 5: His Majesty’s Fate

They took their seats, and turned their faces towards each other. Talked with their eyes for excitement? No (serious matters for the future of the Monarchy). Each one of them represented the pride of their states, waiting for the moment of surprise.

King Valter arrived, and immediately sat with them.

They couldn’t formally start the meeting without the other councilman, General Colin of the royals. They however, seemed to be bored of waiting.

Unexpectedly, an envoy entered the room, telling that the general will not be able to make it for some important reasons. Showing gestures of spoiled excitement, Councilwoman Tera of the Southern state suggested the cancel of the meeting.

“No. We need to take this seriously! We cannot move this meeting for some other time.” Councilman Clement of the North exclaimed. He raised his voice, filling almost every empty corner in the room.

“What’s with you Clement?”Councilman Noud of the eastern state responded.

“There is no need to rush things council man, perhaps too much spoiled excitement torn your manners apart.” Councilwoman Tera added.

The tension that filled the chamber made Valter decide.

“Calm down people. My loyal subjects, the meeting will be tomorrow at dusk.” Valter dismissed.

The birds chirped as rising up of the sun revealing the shadows of the mountain peaks and the tall walls of the Monarchy- an ordinary day for everyone indeed.

First thing in the morning, Prudence went to his son’s chamber. She took some time to talk to her son, and even spoiled the marriage plan she and the council arranged for Valter’s future.

“Isn’t this great? You may now choose your bride!” the dire words of Prudence.

“Umm… Wow. You’ve already arranged the gala. What about the daughter of the states?” he asked.

“They are readier than ever- finest, smartest, skilled maidens you’ll ever meet.” Prudence  answered.

“Mother, I thought you are against my early marriage? I’m only 29. There are a lot of things to do and accomplish in the kingdom.” Valter expressed his concerns.

“I’m sorry for dragging you into this son. Truth be told, I’ve already arranged everything.” She apologized.

Valter was surprised all of a sudden. His face turned pale with the agony his heart was suffering. Is it real? If not, how did his mother became that realistic? He must brace himself.

He knew he was about to do a battle of a lifetime.

King Valter secluded himself in a separate table away from the Council and the other royals. Blaming himself, the king realizes that he must’ve told his mother in an early manner. There’s nothing he can do right now because everything fell into pieces and all are done.

His heart pounded faster…  Even faster like never before. The threat of losing Zandra begins to trigger. King Valter was torn between his mother and the love of his heart.

Meanwhile, the king went outside.  He had not felt this kind of feeling since the day his father told him he’s gonna be king. The balcony seemed to be a quiet place, ideal for his broken heart. With all the pressure inside his chest, he never knew if he’s going to pursue the Law of Exception.

He left the castle that night and never attended the meeting. He never told anyone.

The stars shone bright, the trees are calm. King Valter took his horse and rode swiftly to a hill in the South with the moon watching over him. There he found peace, in an old ragged cottage he and Colin used to play when they were kids. Not much changed. He went inside the hut, sat on that wooden chair they themselves made for some 20 years ago. Puzzled, Valter reminisce his memories of his father.

“If only you were here… father.” Dire words condensed into the air. Inner peace, there he found what he was looking for. In that desolate yet peaceful place, an old friend saw a once happy kid in a gloomy king.

“I wouldn’t go here alone this late if I were you” a familiar voice echoed, suddenly awakening Valter’s senses. The king turned around, and saw an old figure hidden in the shadows.

Valter looked closely… Closer…

“…Old man Zach? OLD MAN ZACH!!!” he rushed towards him, grabbed his arms and hugged him. “I’ve never seen you in years. Last time I checked, you and your son moved to the suburbs.” Valter added.

The old folk seemed to be filled with joy upon the long waited reunion. It is as if he knew why fate and time once again crossed their roads. He bowed with great respect to the king.

“You were such an innocent young lad when we last met. And now, you are king. It is an honor seeing you your majesty. But, I’m surprised… What brought you here?” elder Zach supposed.

The two shared their thoughts. Valter opened up.

“I am in an impossible situation elder.” He sighed.

“What happened to the once cheerful kid I knew? Take my advice, if it’s about ruling the kingdom, then, try not to overdo it.” Zach replied.

“No. It isn’t what I meant. The council is forcing me to choose my future. They have the gala arranged. I feel so powerless. I do not even have the guts to refuse. What I’m feeling is against the law of the Monarchy. You see, I fell in love with a dame.” Valter asserted. His disappointment, shifted with his voice; his helplessness, sprang in his face making the old man fall in deep sympathy.

“If only father was here." he added.

“Quite an impossible position you got there eh? I know that I am in no place to tell you this and I know that I don’t give good advice just like king Fabian does… But please take these as words from an old man… Consider what your heart tells you to do. Putting yourself in such difficult situation just because you’re afraid of the outcome is something you must set aside. I know how well you did in ruling the kingdom… Pursuing not just your father’s but also the Monarchy’s legacy. It is time you follow your heart… Follow your happiness.” –words spoken from the heart of an old friend, gleamed upon a room of silence. Torn the young man’s heart apart, Valter knew his importance.

It is the time Valter decided to carve his own fate.

“Thank you elder.” He then expressed his gratitude towards the old man.

“Hope I helped you. This afternoon, there was this voice urging me to go back here and visit my grandchildren at the Southern state. I’m on my way home when I decided to spend the night in this old place… I was honored and surprised seeing you here.” the elder replied.

“I really am happy to see you your majesty.” He added.

“This hut earned a place in my heart. I seldom come here even after you and your family moved to the suburbs. I often come with Colin, spend some time talking and reminiscing things from the past. Jansen is a good friend of ours… And a rival too…” Valter smiled.

“Jansen, my son joined the patrol troops. He spends all of his days in the west. He seldom visits us. He became a great fighter and lived the teachings of the ancient Hiro, the stalwart swordsman of the South.” Elder Zach replied.

The stars smiled and the moon lit his way home. An advice from an old man, a father-like friend relieved his doubting soul. Yet a step ahead towards his happiness needs to be taken immediately, first thing upon his arrival.

Valter returned to the castle and summoned the messenger. “Reach the council. Tell them we’ll have important matters to discuss tomorrow at dusk.”

“(Nodded) What of the cancelled meeting and the gala sire?” the herald asked.

“Cancel the gala. Tell them I have a very important announcement to make.” Valter commanded.

“Very well your majesty.”

Valter's fate is revealed.