The Enlightened Few - The Journey Begins

Unforgivable acts

At the banquet, many people were indulging in the varied feast of delicacies. There were dates and nuts in abundance, as well as spicy meats laid out on huge silver and gold platters. The aroma filled the air and engulfed their minds into this exotic ambience that was supported by large numbers of dancers and entertainers. People were staring in wonderment and gasping at the tricks and manoeuvres of these brightly clothed artists.

The King had arranged a low-lying table with multi-coloured cushioned seats at the centre of the room and surrounding this was the arena for the artists. The floor underneath them was soft and warm due to it being all sand; oil lamps were buried in it all around the room, creating a cosy feel.

Edan couldn't imagine that their discussion had not lasted long at all and now they all had gathered here as if there was nothing in the world to be concerned about.

He tried not to say much and bowed his head so as not to be seen looking around for unwanted conversation. What he wasn't aware of was that whether or not he looked up, someone else would create an opportunity to speak to him.

"So how did you manage to get out and be here in time?" King Mohan was an abrupt man, his demeanour had always come across as a form of an attack intentionally and unintentionally.

"What do you mean my lord? I am here with my father and upon his request? It would be a dishonour to him if I had not been on time."

"Don't play the fool with me boy! I know you are naïve, but do you think me stupid?"

"I would not ever dare to think such a thing my lord."

"Then explain to me why you are sweating on your forehead and why you look as if you are lying to me?"

Edan was speechless and began suspecting that there was something more to this story and may very well have been linked to Aden. He knew he had to be clever in his approach or they would be found out. His silenced had worked, King Mohan was not known for his patience and he pressed Edan further.

"I told you that you had my word, why did you run? Where are those silly friends of yours?"

"My friends are back at base my lord, this is a rather high profile event, think you not? I have your word? Well then I supposed you have something to deliver!"

"I suppose you are sweating because your daddy dearest doesn't know that your beloved is with you, stolen daughter of King Ailos."

Edan's eyes widened and he began to worry what Aden may have gotten himself into.

"Now, now, I thought we were friends", Edan added quickly.

"You know what? Something doesn't smell right, but I can't place it yet. I will though, in time, sure enough put my finger on it. I always do! I have a reputation to uphold." The King's eyes focused intently onto Edan.

"Meet me at the market stalls when all are in their chambers, go to the end of the market square on the far right as you come up the waterfall steps."

Edan nodded, he knew Aden would never feel intimidated and acted accordingly.

King Aris had noticed that his so called son was having a rather intense conversation with King Mohan and decided to make his way over to them. By the time he reached them, Mohan had disappeared.

"What did he want from you?"

"It's not what he wanted from me, but what he wants from your real son."

"Does he know where he is?"

"It seems he is suspicious in me and they have definitely met not long ago. There is a lot more to this story, but I cannot easily get to the bottom of it before exposing myself."