STORIES
149 - Destiny
2009
ZAM:
… 'Chi-chi do ya think the youngster’s OK?
SHICHI:
‘Course she is.
ZAM:
She’s been with that priestess an awful long time.
KARANTHIR:
If Phae wants to see Zyfan, she’s going to need to go
through Syrrah. She's very protective of her little brother.
SHICHI:
Seems to me that you are as well.
KARANTHIR:
Zyfan doesn’t need my protection. However, he’s under a lot of
stress and I see no reason to add to it. On the contrary, I've made it my
personal mission to help … relieve that stress whenever possible.
ZAM:
Isn’t that nice of him 'Chi-chi? What a very good friend you are.
This is very tasty. Can I have some more, please?
KARANTHIR:
Help yourself.
Meanwhile, in Syrrah’s sitting room ...
SYRRAH:
I am not one to beat around the bush, as my husband would say, so I
shall get straight to it. Why is your name not on the List of Potentail Brides?
PHAE:
I am not yet of age to be considered.
SYRRAH:
And yet you expect to alter this?
PHAE:
Many say it is time for one of the Forest Clan to be on the throne. It’s been
six generations since this was so. Yet the Council prefers to let only
the Mountain Clan rule. We are a united nation, our two clans, and there
are none on the List to represent us. I have been selected to amend this.
SYRRAH:
A valid point. However, you are still under age.
PHAE:
I am the favorite among my clan due to my family’s success in business.
The List was prepared prematurely. If the Councilors had waited, as is
the usual protocol, I wouldn't have been forced to take such measures.
SYRRAH:
I see. So your parents and supporters sent you here, alone?
PHAE:
I’m not alone. I have my advisors and escorts, Shichi and Zam.
SYRRAH:
Shichi is not of your Clan. I should think your family
would be more concerned for your safety.
PHAE:
Shichi is a trusted guide. As for the Prince, he would never hurt me.
SYRRAH:
So you have met my brother before?
PHAE:
Not exactly …
PHAE:
... but I’ve been following his actions for as long as I can remember.
And I saw him once. He was being honored in a parade. You should
have seen him! He was magnificent.
SYRRAH:
And he found you in the crowd?
PHAE:
How did you know? His eyes locked with mine. I get goose bumps
just thinking about it. I remember thinking how sad he seemed. It
broke my heart. I decided right then to embrace my destiny and
do what was needed to become his chosen one.
SYRRAH:
It is your destiny to marry my brother?
PHAE:
Oh yes. Mother said so. He needs me. He really does.
SYRRAH:
I see.
Back in the dining room ...
KARANTHIR:
You still haven’t told me where you met that blond firecracker.
SHICHI:
Phae needed a guide and I needed a job. A mutual
… acquaintance arranged everything.
ZAM:
'Chi-chi, I think I ate too much.
KARANTHIR:
And she wants to marry my prince.
SHICHI:
Your prince?
KARANTHIR:
Every last inch of him.
SHICHI:
She’s pretty determined. She comes from a very wealthy family and I guess she’s used to getting what she wants.
KARANTHIR:
Yes, I’ve heard the Beren name before, it's well known
in the realm. Ah my prince ...
ZYFAN:
Forgive me, I did not realize you had company.
ZAM:
'Chi-chi, I definitely ate too much.
KARANTHIR:
Zyfan this is Shichi. Years ago, he accompanied Fin and me
in our wanderings. Oh and this is Zam…
KARANTHIR:
…It seems our conversation hasn’t been as stimulating for him
as it's been for us.
KARANTHIR:
… ‘Chi, meet my consort-ee.
ZYFAN:
Karanthir?
KARANTHIR:
I’ll explain later. I believe it will amuse you.
ZYFAN:
Greetings to you Shichi and welcome.
SHICHI:
I am honored to meet you Prince Zyfan, but please don’t let me
interrupt your evening. I’m happy to excuse myself. I’d like nothing more than a hot bath and a soft bed – if it isn’t too much trouble.
ZYFAN:
That is easily be arranged. Oh and Karanthir, your
brother called. He and Brynie expect to arrive sometime tomorrow.
SHICHI:
Your brother - Fin?
KARANTHIR:
None other - and won’t he be surprised to see you.
KARANTHIR:
… Now just what should we do about your tiny friend here?
SHICHI:
He’ll be fine.
KARANTHIR:
Suit yourself. Your bath awaits. This way please.
SHICHI:
Looking forward to it. Care to join me?
KARANTHIR:
Thank you for the offer but the prince is quite possessive
of me. I don’t think he’d approve.
ZYFAN:
I would not.
