Exiled Goddess

By MARINA KLONARI

 "Water springs, flows, rises, floods, recedes and covers her, makes her powerful, turns her into a Goddess, adored and hateful, life-giving and punisher. Water is everywhere, just like she is, as she flows in it. Adapts to every passage, travels far, changes shape, but she is always there… And, her name?"

 When young prince Arres, challenges his brother over the throne of Himur, he is assigned with the mission to find and bring back to his city the demigoddess priestess that lived at the Ancient Temple of Himur five hundred years ago.

 Hunted down by his enemies, he begins his quest for this mysterious woman and follows step by step the journey of an Exiled Goddess, as he seeks out her traces and investigates previous beliefs altered through the passage of time, in different cities above, as well as in the Underworld. His mission will bring him up against stubborn Gods and wake up fierce mythical creatures.

 "How can you find a Goddess when you don't believe in her?"

• Language: English
• Publisher: MARINA KLONARI
• Release date: Jan 22, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224531875

MARINA KLONARI

Marina Klonari was born in Thessaloniki, Greece. She graduated from Experimental School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and continued her studies in Statistics and Insurance Science at the University of Piraeus, Attica, Greece. After completing her studies, she returned to Thessaloniki where she now lives. Her love for reading has led her to her own writing attempts in the field of fantasy literature. She draws inspiration mostly from mythology. Already author of two published books by Greek publishing houses, she is in a constant search for new ways to contact the reading public and share her stories, after all, stories are made to travel, not to be left as a pile of paper locked in some drawer.

Book preview

THE WISH OF A DYING KING

The door of Arres’s bedroom opened quietly and closed again, almost immediately. The prince was lying on his bed, when he heard the light footsteps of a person approaching. With a slow, careful move, he reached for the knife hidden under his bedding, trying not to wake up the women sleeping next to him and of course, not to become noticed by the intruder.

He heard the stranger kneeling next to his bed, leaning slowly over him. He quickly turned around and put his knife on the intruder’s throat. He suddenly stopped when he finally had the chance to take a better look at this person. A young girl was standing there on her knees, a servant. She had got so scared by his attack, she almost stopped breathing.

Please, my lord, don’t hurt me, she whispered to him. I’m only here to serve you.

Arres kept his knife steady on her throat until he finally recognized her face. She was one of the two young servants he had seen a few days ago inside his father’s room. She was now staring at him with fear.

Really? the prince slowly removed the knife with caution. And what good spirit brings you to my bed, then?

She caught her breath and began to speak again Your father sent me.

Arres smiled. Is that so? After taking a better look, he added, Are you a virgin? He put his hand around the girl’s neck and pulled her face closer to his, ready to kiss her.

Sir? No! astonished as she was, she confused her words. I mean, yes! I mean, she shook her head to finally get it out right. I mean your father has sent me to fetch you. He wishes to talk to you.

He let her go and got up at once. He got dressed quickly in front of the surprised eyes of the young girl and when he was ready, they both sneaked out of the room quietly. They moved across the dark hallways of the palace and Arres admired the maid’s ability and precaution to choose the darkest and quietest route, in order to lead him to his father’s chamber without anyone noticing them.

When they arrived, she opened the door and after taking a careful look inside, moved aside discreetly to let the prince in. Then she closed the door behind him, leaving the two men alone. The room was peaceful and there was no other light except for the moon’s coming in from the window.

Arres walked toward his father’s bed with slow careful steps. Father? You‘ve sent for me.

King Salfarres rolled in his bedding and turned toward his side. He stretched his trembling hand. Come son, kneel next to me. We need to talk.

The prince obeyed his father’s will. What is the matter? Why did you invite me in the middle of the night in such secrecy?

The king turned round a bit more and passed his fingers through his son’s curly hair. My sweet boy, he smiled at him but after that he remained silent.

Arres waited for a moment and then encouraged the old king to carry on, Father?

What is it like outside, son? The city? he finally asked almost out of breath.

The city is doing fine, father, safe and powerful!

And the people? Are they happy? the king insisted.

Well, yes.

Good! That’s the way it should be! And it must always stay like this... This city will need you, my son, now that I’m about to leave. Arres raised his eyes on his father’s. Our city will need you when I’ll be gone, the king repeated his words one by one, clear and serious.

I have always served our city! the prince confirmed.

And you will do so, again! Arres, you must make it! There is no other way! Himur has no other chance to survive! When the time comes, you will have to challenge your brother over the throne and you must be capable of doing whatever is necessary! You need to prove yourself worthy of the task! his voice silenced as once again the king couldn’t catch his breath.

A challenge over the throne? Alright, I will make it! Arres nodded after finally understanding what his father demanded of him.

It was only eight days ago when the gates of Himur opened to welcome back victorious young prince Arres. He was the riding chief of the army, dressed up in his official uniform which bore the emblem of the city. Riding just behind him, his two generals, and good childhood friends, Paruso and Kalimu, followed by all their fellow warriors, men of Himur, exhausted and overworked, wounded by last year’s hardships that soaked the sand of this shore in blood and turned the sea red.

Arres had achieved a severe blow against the army of the islands of Daradia. After the first battleship, he ordered the fleet to retreat and remain to a far hidden gulf, letting the enemy believe that Himur was finally vulnerable to a siege. When Daradians began to gather more military force, he waited, knowing that Himur could endure. He waited until the largest number of their finest warriors was finally here camping on his coast and the best ships of the islands of Daradia were sent as well. Then he stroke. First, he sent his fleet to cut off the enemy’s supply chain and communication line. Then, he and a small group of men went out of the gates in secret and set the enemy’s fleet on fire. Risky as it was, it actually worked just fine. The army of Daradia was ambushed and as the fire consumed their ships, they knew this would be their final battle. But they were not prepared for the strength of the attack when the gates opened and Himur’s army was unleashed. The warriors from Daradia were chased down to the last one of them and they all shed their blood on this coast until there was no more blood to be shed. None of them was left alive.

When Himur’s army finally returned, people from the city ran to approach them and reunite with their husbands, brothers and sons. They were also reaching out to their prince, they wanted to touch him and embrace him, while laughing and singing to praise his name. Words of relief and happiness were coming out from everyone’s mouth and there were smiling faces everywhere.

Alas, young prince Arres had returned from another victory only to find out that king Salfarres’s condition had gone worse over the last year during which he was away, chasing the army of Daradians. His wrinkled skin and thin, all white hair, reminded nothing of the strong man everyone feared once. The old king was lying helpless, beaten by a severe illness and left to wait for the spirits to come and lead him to the Underworld where he could meet again with his ancestors, all the other great kings of Himur.

The circumstances under which this meeting with his father had taken place, all that secrecy, made Arres feel very insecure. Under the joyful atmosphere of the festivities for his victory that’s been enchanting the people of Himur, lurked a more and more obvious nervousness about his brother’s imminent succession. As the prince was now quickly passing through the corridors of the palace, everything and everyone looked suspicious to him. All these servants getting up so early to do the chores, drunken courtiers lying on day beds, exhausted by last night’s merriment, were they really asleep, or in fact watching? And what about the guards? He could not recognize every one of them and not all of them were members of his army. He could never be absolutely certain of their loyalty to him... Perhaps, some of them were here only to serve his brother.

He returned to his room but even there, he was not feeling comfortable any more. What about the women who spent the night with him? All that drinking? He picked up a cup and brought it under his nose to smell the last drops at the bottom. He should have seen it earlier... the palace was no longer a safe place for him. It was the place where his brother dominated while he was away. He left his room and headed to the barracks.

He walked alone all the way in front of common people’s houses and small yards, and through the market, in front of the traders’ stalls and the masters’ workshops. He had never felt the need to be accompanied by any personal guard when he was out there walking in public. People were always happy to see him and each time he was passing by, there would always be someone to call him by his bench for a treat or just to chat for a while.

That morning, however, things were different. He continued to walk fully alert, searching for people among the crowd without smiling faces. It did not take him long to notice those who’ve been following him, yet he continued his way.

He left the busy square behind him and entered a narrow street nearby, leading to the dorms, the gymnasium and the army’s warehouses. Two men took the same street and followed him like shadows. Arres did not slow down nor sped up. He continued to walk as if he had not noticed them at all, but at the same time he was also prepared to fight back if necessary.

He reached the barracks where he was greeted with respect, without any troubles and his men welcomed him. He soon felt a lot better. He searched for his friends, Paruso and Kalimu. They were at the arena watching the fight between younger soldiers who’ve been practicing in wrestling as well as in the use of weapons. They also spotted him and waved at him to join them. He approached with slow steps, looking very serious and troubled. His friends couldn’t help noticing it.

What’s the matter? Kalimu asked him first.

We need to talk, the prince answered and took a look around searching for more spies.

What is troubling you? it was Paruso’s turn to ask.

Not here, let’s go somewhere more private. I don’t want anyone to listen.

His two generals got up and followed him. The barracks were near the city walls. They took a secret passageway that very few knew about and went outside at the beach. Now it was just the three of them. Arres told them all about what had happened the night before.

So, it’s been done just like we had expected to? Anuz sighed. Back in the royal residence Arres’s older brother and lawful heir to the throne was getting a report concerning his brother’s activity from his consultant.

Yes, my lord. My men reported that your brother was seen leaving the king’s bedroom, right before dawn, Mesula confirmed.

Old fool thinks he can still pull a trick like that without me knowing about it. He took a step forward and looked out of the window the city lying ahead of him. Fools! Both of them are fools! he added still furious. What about my father’s health? What does the doctor say regarding his condition?

He is a lot worse now, my lord. Doctor Mandas told me he is not responding to anything anymore, he has completely lost contact with his environment and it is only a matter of a day or two to start his journey.

So, he has finally let the spirits sit around his bed! Good! A faint smile appeared on his face.

His wife, Verinia, also present in the room has been listening to them talking but she remained silent.

Considering the fact that your brother controls the army, should we worry about a military coup, my lord? Could this be the subject of their late night conversation?

Anuz smiled bitterly. It is true that my father is fonder of my brother, he has been all our lives. However, to bypass my lawful rights, to do something so radical? No, no, that is not the way he would do things. My father has always shown respect to our traditions and as memorable as he wishes his farewell to be, he would never go against those traditions he devotedly served all his life. He stopped for a minute to think about it and finally added, In order for Arres to sit on the throne instead of me, there is only one way according to our laws, and if this is really my father’s wish, he would encourage him to do it like that. Yes, my father raised my brother making him believe that he is capable of achieving everything, filling his head with big ideas. He turned toward his consultant giving him a serious look. What we should really worry about is the kind of mission I will assign him with, when he comes to challenge me. When that moment comes, we need to be prepared!

Do you want the throne, Arres? Paruso asked his friend, looking at him straight in the eyes.

Well... The way I see it, next time the Daradians return, my brother, ‘the king’, will choose to force us into submission instead of fighting back. Why? Because he could never lead an army to victory all by himself and because he would be too proud to ask for any assistance! Not from me, not from any of you... He definitely won’t let me be in charge and he will make all the wrong decisions, he is going to lead us all to slavery! And what about the people? He has always been very distant! He has chosen to enjoy all the luxuries inside the palace away from everyone. I don’t understand how he could possibly... he stopped for a moment and tried to control his nerves. He took a deep breath. So what choice do I have? Yes, I want the throne. How am I supposed to leave a man like that to rule us? Someone who is only interested in power and knows nothing of being in command! Someone who does not love this city as much as he should!

That is probably because this city has always loved you more, Paruso added carefully then he smiled.

That’s really... Arres was about to say something but then he changed his mind. He waved his hands with a grin on his face. What am I supposed to say about this now?

Nothing! Just give us your orders! The army is with you, whatever you decide to do! Kalimu responded and sounded very serious.

Now both his generals were looking at him, waiting for his decision.

After a moment Arres spoke again, No. He shook his head and repeated, No, no, my friend. He reached out and held Kalimu’s hand. He finally sounded calm again. I want the throne, there, I’ve said it! But that’s not the way to be done. We must follow our traditions, like my father suggested. You said it, people love me right now. And, yes, they love me more than they love my brother, but if I use violence against him and usurp his lawful rights, people will only fear me. I need their love if I am to become their king. My only option is to challenge him according to our laws.

It’s an old, forgotten law, protested Kalimu.

When the time comes, he will assign you with something extremely difficult. You must expect that from him! Paruso almost ignored Kalimu’s comment and spoke his opinion.

Difficult? A short laughter came out of the prince’s mouth. More like impossible, my friend! More like impossible!

I’ve been thinking, Mesula continued after a short moment of reflection, this mission must include a cause that will send prince Arres somewhere away from this city and from all the people who know him and care about him.

To a place far away where he is going to be on his own, even further from all the places our caravans have traveled to... perhaps, into the Unknown World! Anuz agreed.

To a place from where he could no longer find his way back? Verinia suggested with a smile.

Yes! So that he will stay there to rot! the older prince growled.

Then perhaps, somewhere he could be... killed? she concluded.

Both men turned round to look at her for a moment, and then Mesula continued with his reasoning.

If he is to be sent so far away, his quest could concern perhaps, a search? Yes, that might work for us, Mesula thought about it a bit more. He will be forced to walk through difficult and most dangerous roads in order to find... something extremely rare, maybe?

That’s not good enough! He should be looking for something he could never possibly find! Something that doesn’t even exist! Anuz demanded, determined to get rid of his brother.

RITUALS

Despite the words spoken in the dark, the festivities for prince Arres’s victory continued to take place. Just like the days before, this one also started with the long march all the way to the temple of god Mansoon, father of the spirits that guide humans through their actions in life, as well as after they pass away, because it’s the spirits who will also lead them to the Underworld and in front of the higher court of the souls.

At the front of the marching line, young men and women from the city walked, fully disguised with painted faces and arms, dressed in grey tunics covered with ribbons, tree leaves and feathers of birds, representing the spirits. They were chanting with the priest who was following next, standing in for the high priest of the temple, none other than king Salfarres himself, whose poor health had kept in bed. The priest was bringing along a bull, the animal to be sacrificed. The two princes, Arres and Anuz, walked behind him, one next to the other, followed by Verinia and little Merif, her son. Behind them, the rest of the priests from the temple of god Mansoon chanting like everyone else. Next in line, the generals of the city with their soldiers, they were here as well, to ask from the spirits to guide them safely and from Mansoon to be a fair judge to their fellow warriors who lost their lives in the battle field. At the end of the marching line came the rest of the citizens, all the people of Himur.

After the procession and the sacrifice of the bull at the altar in front of the tall, mud-brick temple at the center of the city, it was now time for a great feast, with delicious food and plenty of wine to wash away the pain from their bodies and drown the sorrow at their losses. The citizens of Himur were going to get drunk, sing and dance around the bonfires from morning till dusk. This way, even the souls of their dead soldiers who were now walking the Underworld would be able to hear them and rejoice, knowing that they had not fought and died in vain.

Night fell and found prince Arres, once again, slowly sinking in a state of drunkenness. He was silently mourning for the imminent death of his father, while considering this new burden that had been placed upon his shoulders.

Do you see any ship of the Daradians approaching? Paruso asked him.

They were sitting on the beach outside Himur’s walls. Fire burned in front of the rugs laid on the sand and the women they had made love to earlier were now sleeping peacefully among them. Arres had his eyes set on the dark sea while caressing with his hand the naked back of one of the women. With his other hand he was holding his cup. He brought it to his lips and drank some more before answering his friend.

No... Neam is taking care of this from where we’ve left him, he finally spoke, referring to his third general who was assigned to remain on the coast for a little longer.

Paruso smiled. Our dear Neam is missing all the fun!

Neam is very handsome, Arres admitted also with a smile on his face, then added, There’s no need for women to get drunk in order to sleep with him! He burst into laughing and the woman who was lying next to his feet moved a bit in her sleep. It’s you I’m worried about my sweet Paruso! Arres quipped as his fingers went through the dark hair of his beautiful sleeping mistress.

Paruso laughed too. I get by... as long as I hang out with you, there is always something left for me as well!

Arres lay back on the pillows with a sigh. His smile slowly faded out. His eyes tearful shone in the dark when he started talking again.

Paruso, I love you. You and Kalimu and Neam are my loved ones. The brothers I have always wanted to have, my best friends, my companion... He sadly smiled and stopped talking as if it was difficult for him to continue.

Paruso who has been listening patiently, decided to encourage him, Yes, we’ve been together since we were children and we’ve gone through many things...

Arres shook his head. No, no, no, he repeated.

All of a sudden, a cry of despair came out of his mouth and he got up quickly. The women lying next to him woke up scared. The prince made some unsteady steps on the sand tripping and stepping on his loosen clothes due to his drunkenness. He walked toward the sea, but very soon fell on his knees again. His fingers sank in the sand and another cry came out, along with tears this time. Paruso ran up to him and sat down beside him.

What’s wrong, my prince?

My father is dying, Paruso, my father is dying, Arres moaned.

I know, brother, but you need to be brave as always! Paruso tried to console his friend and placed his arm on his shoulder.

The prince moaned again and then collapsed on the sand. Alas, Paruso! What bravery can save us now that the enemy is already leaning over the throne? His eyes opened widely and took a deep breath. The enemy is already inside the gates. He is here waiting... waiting for his turn to come!

Calm down, my lord, please! Paruso tried to hold him down in vain.

Arres got up and started to drag his feet toward the walls. He opened up his arms, stretched his neck and shouted at the city as loud as he could.

Himur, Himur! Your lover is impotent! Oh, you great city! Can you hear me? He is impotent! He got rid of his clothes with fast sudden moves and stood completely naked in front of the walls. He screamed again as loud as he could, Impotent! Impotent!

What are you doing there? Paruso was about to burst into laughing. He rushed to his side before he collapsed again.

The women had now woken up for good and they were laughing with their screams and the sudden madness that got into the prince’s head.

Arres laughed again and let himself fall helpless in his friend’s arms. My sweet Paruso, I thank the spirits for having you! You don’t seem to be as drunk as I am! You think you can get us to our rooms?

Paruso tripped as he was trying to carry his friend. They almost fell down. I was trying not to drink too much, so that I could keep an eye on you, my friend. But to be honest, right now I’m not so sure how to get back myself... Don’t worry though, we’ll find the way! he gasped and continued to carry him as their feet were sinking in the sand.

Then take me to the women instead! Arres ordered his friend by pointing at the girls who were still lying on the rugs now laughing and waving cheerfully at them, inviting them over. We will lie down and make love to honor the last great king of Himur! To the women, my friend! To the women!

Mesula was wandering about up on the battlements. He seemed very troubled. He had spent the whole night with his lord, prince Anuz, studying old maps and manuscripts from Himur’s library, in order to find cities very far from here and other unfriendly places to send prince Arres when he would come to challenge his brother over the throne.

They looked for old treasures and heirlooms, relics, charms and sacred vessels, precious stones and herbs with magic powers, old enemies, forgotten heroes and warlords, wild beasts and fierce creatures, secret caves and dark passageways where Arres would be forced to enter and hopefully, never come out. Names and words, legends and ancient stories, marks on maps from places that were now covered with sand, cities that turned to dust, everything was spinning inside his mind.

The young prince should be forced to leave on a long journey in a place out of reach with no one to be able to assist him, no one to recognize him, somewhere in the Unknown World without being able to find his way.

He finally stopped to walk. He leaned on the battlements and sighed. Even after they had stopped the research and he was back in his room sometime before dawn, he still could not get any sleep. He would lie awake in his bed with eyes wide open and a mind full of thoughts.

He set his eyes upon the sea, wondering how far it reached and how deep the water was. Then he turned toward the opposite direction, trying to distinct the borders of Himur and the land that lay beyond them. He looked up to the sky, but the sun blinded him, so he lowered his eyes again at the sea in front of him.

As soon as his sight was clear again, he saw the Sages down by the sea. Hela Me and his people, dressed in their blue cloaks, were walking along the sea line to perform one of their incomprehensible and long forgotten rituals. They were the Old Ones, the Wizards, and for some strange reason all the kings of Himur until this day, have accepted their presence here and their coexistence with the rest of Himur’s citizens.

The small procession stopped, and the Sages placed the vessels they had brought with them on the sand. They all stood in a line, side by side, facing the blue waters and looked at the sun ready to present their offers.

Mesula’s eyes suddenly got wide open. His mind started working again and his thoughts were moving toward a new direction. The very next moment a young girl, member of the group of the Sages, turned her head around and her sight traveled all the way up to the walls. Mesula never noticed her, of course, because he was already gone. He was now walking fast all the way back to the library. His mind had captured an idea and he needed to continue his study.

King Salfarres, the sixteenth king of the glorious city of Himur, died the eleventh day of the celebrations.

Look at them Mesula, Verinia said with a low voice.

Her husband’s consultant and she were standing behind a curtain, since they were not allowed to be present at the same room with the deceased. She had her eyes set on the two princes who were sitting quietly, one opposite the other, with their father’s body between them wrapped in strips of linen.

According to the custom, the dead man’s sons should sit next to him for three days and three nights to farewell him and because he was the king, as well as the high priest and the first general of Himur, in the room with them were members of the council, some of the priests and the two generals Paruso and Kalimu.

Servants have been gathering the late king’s favourite belongings, his golden cups, bowls and plates, everything he used in order to eat and drink, also all kinds of sanitary and cosmetic articles and some small tools. They were all placed in beautiful pottery. They also collected his finest pieces of jewellery, golden beads and precious stones, his favourite talismans and everything he loved to wear was carefully placed in cases made of silver, alabaster and lapis lazuli.

Arres commanded his soldiers to prepare the chariot his father used when he was younger and still head of the army, his helmet and armour, the weapons he carried, his favourite sword and all the smaller daggers he brought with him in battle, his beautifully decorated shield, also his bow and many arrows when out hunting. Finally, the best masters of Himur were commissioned to manufacture a mask of shiny gold to cover the king’s face when he was going to be put inside the sarcophagus, as well as several smaller figurines and a seal. They were also assigned to prepare many plates, engraved with stories of the late king’s numerous achievements of his glorious past, to be placed in the tomb with everything else.

They look so different, Verinia continued. Her voice sounded tired and sad.

Indeed, my lady, Mesula agreed and added by keeping his voice low, king Salfarres married three times in his life, he had countless mistresses, seven legitimate children and who knows how many... not legitimate ones. From all these wives and children, only the two of them survived. There were wars and diseases, accidents...

Verinia turned around and gave him a look full of doubt. Inside the room, apart from the sad chant of a priest there was complete silence.

There were some inexplicable deaths too, of course, he rushed to admit.

Arres had taken after his mother and his physical features were indicative of her distant descent. She had first arrived in these lands one morning, about twenty-five years ago, following a caravan coming from the north. She was a beautiful young girl, member of a troupe. Like everyone else in the group she danced and sang from town to town to earn money. Her amazing beauty didn’t pass unnoticed by the king who decided to invite her to his palace and very soon he took her as his third wife.

A year later, prince Arres was born, the youngest son of king Salfarres. A child with light brown curly hair, pale skin and bright blue eyes like no one else’s in the city. All grown up now, tall and strong, with a hardy, muscular body and suntanned skin, he was sitting quietly opposite the only brother he was left with, the king’s first-born son, prince Anuz.

Anuz, on the other hand, had the typical features of the people in their tribe. His mother, king Salfarres’s first wife, also hailed from Himur. She was the daughter of one of the city’s oldest and most powerful families. Prince Anuz had black hair, brown eyes and dark skin just like everyone else around here. His body, a bit overweight and untrained, made the two of them look even more different.

By the time he met his third wife, king Salfarres was already a widower to his second wife and had lost his older son from that marriage. Nonetheless, his first wife remained as powerful as before, since she still had the right to live in the palace and every day, she was making sure that nothing could harm the privileges and interests of her oldest son, Anuz, and those of her two other children. Unfortunately, it was faith’s will the two younger ones not to survive after all.

It was only natural for the first queen not to accept the king’s third marriage light hearted, let alone, the birth of another son, who, although, was the youngest of all the king’s children, was indeed able to distinguish himself from the others, all thanks to his perkiness, his stubbornness and of course his cleverness.

Everyone felt sad over the sudden loss of the king’s third young and beautiful wife, who passed away only a few years after the birth of little Arres, but chose not to comment on the fact that the first queen stood over the dead woman’s bed with a smile on her face, dressed up with her fanciest clothes and expensive jewelry, as if she was celebrating a secret victory of her own. But then, years went by and, one day, it was her turn to leave with the spirits, long before the king she had loved at first and later hated so much.

Arres was still in his teenagehood when his father realized that his youngest son’s agility as well as his skills in tactics planning and decision making in warfare were by far better than his older son’s and indeed more effective. Also, his bravery in battlefields and his outstanding skills in using weaponry, finally led the king to entrust him with the command of the army, announcing him to be the first general of Himur, contrary to what normally happened in the past, when the first born prince would take the leads of the army and succeed the king.

Still, Mesula said, more as if he was talking to himself, I could see a certain resemblance between these two. Verinia gave him a look to encourage him to continue. I’d say they are both extremely ambitious and determined.

An inappropriate, under the circumstances, abrupt laugh came out of Verinia’s mouth. She quickly placed her hand in front of her lips. Aren’t we all? she whispered.

THE CHALLENGE

Three days and three nights had passed and king Salfarres’s body next to all his favourite belongings was by now placed inside his tomb with full honors.

Later that evening, Arres heard footsteps outside his bedroom. His unknown visitor was approaching hastily, but with light footsteps, making sure not to become noticed by anyone. The prince remained seated on his bed, with his sword close to his hand and waited. The door opened and quickly closed, as Verinia entered the room.

She had her face and hair covered with a vale, so that no one could recognize her. When she lifted it her eyes instantly met with his. She took off her coat and walked slowly toward him. Arres did not move at all. She stood in front of him, dressed in a tunic made by some fine textile that highlighted her beautiful curves.

Well, the prince finally spoke, What brings you here?

I’m here to talk to you, she smiled and slowly sat on the bed next to him.

Arres turned his head toward her and waited as she lowered her eyes upon his sword. She raised her delicate hand, covered with shiny bracelets and precious rings, and placed her fingers on the blade.

Aren’t you going to offer me something to drink? she asked.

The prince smiled. You know your way around this room very well! Why don’t you serve yourself that drink?

Verinia was annoyed by his curt manners but she chose not to show it. She got up slowly and walked with grace to the small tripod where Arres kept a wine jug and some cups. He watched her as she moved, and she knew it. She filled a cup and brought it to her lips but before she drank, she turned around to speak to him.

Stop staring at me with those strange eyes of yours!

The prince smiled. You used to take pleasure out of it!

Oh, you think you’re so tough!

Arres continued to stare at her as she was standing there, just like she had done many times in the past, at the very same spot, letting him admire her beauty, dressed up or completely naked, after they had slept together. It was back then, when she had come to live in the palace as Anuz’s bride, but Arres felt such strong attraction toward her that he wanted her for himself.

Verinia soon developed the same emotions and she was quickly drawn to that charming young prince who controlled the army and was well known for his sharp mind, his brave achievements and his great physical strength. The first time her light steps led her to his room, he held her up against the door and took her there, the minute she walked in, ignoring the risk of someone passing by might recognize her screams. She gave herself easily to him, without second thoughts, passionately, and after that first time, she came back again and again, asking for more.

At the end, of course, she chose the power she would hold if she remained at Anuz’s side when, one day, he would become the king of Himur. So, there she was now, back in his room, standing in front of his bed.

And now that you’ve got your drink, are you going to tell me why you are here?

She slowly returned to his bed, sat next to him with a smile and finally spoke, You’ve went to see your father in secret before he died. She waited for a moment to see his reaction.

Arres managed to hide his annoyance and made his voice sound almost careless. So, what if I have?

Anuz knows that Salfarres has urged you to challenge him over the throne.

So, what?

So, Anuz and that consultant of his are in the royal library right now, unfolding every map they can get their hands on, in order to find the most distant place to send you to, when you challenge your brother over the throne!

The prince smiled. And they have sent you here to talk me out of challenging him? Tell them to keep looking!

Verinia laughed. I’ve always loved that wildness in you!

Then you are here because you wish to sleep with me for one last time, before I’ll be sent away?

This time she couldn’t hide her irritation caused by his constant ironic comments. She suddenly got up and put her cup down at the tripod. Then she turned around and gave him an angry look. I want you and I want you to have the throne! she shouted at him.

Arres laughed. He got up and grabbed her by the arm. You had me but you settled for the throne! He pushed her away and turned his back on her.

You can change this now and I can help you! she insisted.

Change what? You see, I know that I can have the throne, but what makes you think that I’m even interested in your help?

I could inform you in good time of their intentions, so that you can prepare yourself. I could even convince Anuz to ask for something that is not so hard to be done... I could try to persuade him to ask whatever you want, just name it! As long as you take me as your wife afterwards!

Ha! I’d be crazy to ever want you back! I’d rather sleep with a she-dragon instead of you! he yelled at her. There’s nothing in you that attracts me anymore!

That insult infuriated Verinia. How dare you? How dare you talk to me like that? Who do you think you are? You think you can do everything all by yourself? Your brother is going to send you on a journey as long as the one the spirits will take you on one day! Maybe even further! You are not going to make it without my help!

I don’t need your help! I don’t want it either! Now get out of here, leave me alone!

Are you mad? Verinia tried to reason him. Do you really believe that you can do everything? You’ve got nothing, and you are all alone! Arres, you will be sent to the Unknown World all by yourself!

So, what? I’m not afraid of the Unknown World! I’m not afraid of anything! The prince had completely lost his temper. I’m not afraid of Anuz either! Whatever he asks from me, I can handle it!

Verinia shook her head in frustration. Anuz is the lawful heir to the throne and you are going to claim what he’s been craving for all his life! Whatever you may say now he is not going to leave it like this! He’s got many men to hunt you down and you will be out there all alone without your army to protect you! He is going to sit on the throne while you are away and who knows when or if you will ever come back at all! He is going to reign, and his son will succeed him, while you are not leaving anyone behind to carry...

Oh, come on, now! Stop this nonsense because I’ve had it, you hear me? And we both know very well whose son Merif is and he is definitely not my brother’s!

Verinia remained silent for a moment. Arres had spoken the truth. Then she finally added, Still, he thinks the boy is his child and so does everyone else. Yet, you don’t have anyone to carry your name after you’ll be gone... Unless, you’ve got a bastard with any of those whores you’re sleeping with!

Arres took a step back as he sighed with resentment. "You are no better than them. You’re just dressed in more expensive clothes! Now be gone by my sight! You shouldn’t