Fall of Ima (Cycles of the Lights series)

Chapter Two

Carpecillero- 2186 Iman Year

Blue trees found only in forests of Carpecillero arched over a road leading east. Soft shadows danced amongst two sets of hooves. On the backs of horses were young men, aged fifteen and thirteen. The elder wore a patterned coat and worry. The younger wrapped a deep blue cape about his shoulder with winged emblems, his expression far more lax.

Glumness had hardly left Prince Jedrek of Carpecillero's face since the Priletorian King's passing two years ago. The nation bordered Carpecillero to the east and was home to his closest friend, Meliora. The last he saw her was at her father's funeral.

Haphazardly on the horse beside Jedrek, Kemuel played with a twig in his teeth. The winged emblems on his cape indicated noble standing from the Land of the Seraphims, the kingdom west of Carpecillero. With a grin he tipped back and gazed at the azure canopy. Thick vines clung to sturdy branches creating villages for little critters. "The sun shining through trees is exceptionally beautiful this afternoon," Kemuel said more to himself than his companion. The spring weather had been as unpredictable as recent politics. Meliora's father's passing raised lots of concerns, but summer's warmth spread fast. With it, Kemuel felt sure good things were to come.

Not hearing a response, Kemuel glanced to his friend. "Look Jej, Meliora's mother has been crowned active monarch already. I'm sure she's got it figured out by now. Besides, things always have a way of sorting themselves out." Kemuel kept to himself the rumors he'd heard of Queen Vesper's negligence. When the prince continued silence, Kemuel puffed another, louder breath.

"Kemuel, why're you so noisy?" Jedrek grumbled.

"Well sorreee, your highness!" Kemuel snorted. "I'll stop breathing for your sake!"

Jedrek sighed, "Sorry, Kem. I shouldn't have been upset with you. It's just... I haven't seen Meliora in two years."

Kemuel stopped his eyes from rolling as sympathy overwrote his sarcasm. "Don't worry," his voice softened. "Once we arrive in Priletoria you'll see she's fine!"

Jedrek forced a smile. "You're right. I guess I'm just not used to being apart from her this long."

"You write each other daily," Kemuel reminded. Jedrek's fondness for Meliora was no secret to all the lands. "Mel knows she's always in your thoughts."

Jedrek nodded and followed the sound of hooves on packed dirt. The rhythm merged with lyrical birdsong from overhead. He inhaled the scent of century old trees. "You're right Kem. It's lovely today. I should enjoy it more!"

Jedrek's connection to the blue forests of the north continent existed as long as he could recall. It was the largest landmass on the planet Ima. His home, Carpecillero sat in the center and housed most of the trees. The north continent stretched horizontally surrounded by jagged peninsulas. Priletoria resided at the eastern border. The western neighbor, Land of the Seraphims contained the ability of off-planet flight.

As the largest kingdom of the north continent, Carpecillero housed two palaces. One nestled near the western border and traded with the Land of the Seraphims. The other built over one millennia ago, sat near the eastern border. It was once used to defend against Priletoria. Having been at peace for centuries, the royals now chose to live there for its ambiance and proximity to shipping ports. To Jedrek's convenience, it was a mere half-day's travel to Priletoria's palace. And Meliora.

Kemuel voiced hunger. The two found a soft patch of earth near a bubbling stream and unpacked meals. After a leisurely rest and cool drink, they called back their horses. They rode for an hour before coming upon the remnants of a fallen tree. The large trunk jutted from dark earth with markings carved by couriers. It labeled distances to the Priletoria palace and surrounding villages. Jedrek's heart quickened. The tree always meant they drew near their destination.