Chapter 3: The Dark Order

Ushanti Erjeijl was late at night in the royal library and read one of her favorite books, which often dealt with the ancient legends of the country. Her slightly wavy, blonde hair reached over her shoulder blades and her ice-blue eyes made every man pant, including Ares. They met many years ago at a festival, when Ushanti was a dancer. Despite her age, she still looked very young and adorable. The two brothers entered the candlelit room and greeted their mother with a kiss on the cheek, which meant deep sublimity, respect and love. Ushanti was a very calm and relaxed person who looked at things objectively and thoroughly. She passed many of her qualities on to her son Eres, her beautiful hair and her unmistakable voice to Raksha. Yes, Raksha and Ushanti were great singers and dancers."Well, you two, sit down, you still have a lot of time, tell me about your day."
The two princes pulled up the armchairs in the corner, with the red velvet cushions and made of oak, and listened to the words of their mother, who always seemed to be happy.
"Today I read a lot here and helped your father a little with his activities. But now tell me, what did you do?"
"I was in the eastern granary," began Eres, "and looked for the overseer. However, he wasn't there. None of those present could give me information about his current whereabouts, which I find quite strange."
"You will still look into the matter, won't you?"
"Of course mother, I would like to carry out father's orders conscientiously."
"And my darling," she looked into Raksha's deep black eyes, who turned away, embarrassed.
"Yes I know I wasted my time again. I'm sorry ..."
Ushanti put her delicate hand on the cheek of her younger son and turned his head towards her, she looked at him for a long time until she said something."Raksha, nothing you do is a waste of time. Everything has a purpose, only we are not always willing to recognize it."
A smile crossed the young prince's lips. How lucky he was to have his mother, especially one who always understood him, which not many did.
A maid entered the premises and drew all attentions.
"The food is ready," she said in a deep bow.
"That is good to hear," said the Queen and rose, "then let's go to dinner, I am already dying of hunger."

Dark figures, wrapped in black coats, sat at a dimly lit table. There were four, one holding a silver feather in his hand, the second a golden tooth, the third a bronze fin, and the fourth a black rose. "Only the fifth element is missing, then it is complete ... then it is complete ..." "But what is the fifth element? What is it?" Asked one of the figures."It's a being ... a special being," said another. "This being, which is not yet aware of its powers, is very rare ... it can align its powers in two directions ... it is up to him ... only him." "Either in our favor," finally began the fourth, "or for another benefit ... the other. We want his strength, we want it ... and we get it ..."

Raksha was lying in his bed and looking out the window while a shooting star flicked through the sky. He was tired, exhausted from the day and shaped by his experiences. The young prince lay down on his stomach and listened to himself ... suddenly he heard a voice. It came from a woman who kept calling his name.


Sequel follows...