Kings of Fire by Luke Pontbriand (the reader ebook txt) 📕

then it’s useless.”
Daren, coming from a different background, struggled to wrap his mind around this concept.
Before Daren could formulate a response, his younger brother, came running along the mountainside in great leaps and bounds. Draykno Daren’s twin, born a minute later than he’d been. He was fiercely loyal, energetic but also serious. Daren thought he would make a great knight one day.
“Tutor told me to tell you that if you make him come and get you again, he’ll make you transcribe two chapters of the Book of Jund,” Draykno warned. Daren stood up slowly.
“All right, tell him I’m coming.”
Draykno ran off with just as much energy as before. Daren gave Jessica a hand up, only to be polite as he was sure she needed no help, and said goodbye. She was confused by his visit at first, but then decided that princes could do whatever they liked and the affairs of nobles were none of her concern.
Daren and Draykno’s tutor was a strict but kind old man on whom was placed the burden of preparing the future king for his throne. Some days the stress of such a responsibility got to him and he was prone to cranky fits and headaches. Fortunately, today was not one of those days.
“Draykno has run off again,” the tutor observed, rubbing his scalp and noting with alarm that the number of hairs up there was decreasing.
“But it doesn’t matter”, the tutor continued, pointing his cane at Daren.
“He is smart and not nearly as far behind in his studies as you.”
The accusation stung, but Daren knew it was true. Both princes had a habit of eluding their aging tutor, but he could be appeased if at least one of them was present. Recently however, Daren had been making more of these excursions than usual. He resolved to work hard to make up for lost time.
* * *
The King was sitting at his desk in small, but out of the way room which he often retreated to think. A large inkwell and various feather pens occupied one corner of the desk, and a thick volume of an ornate book dominated the other. The rest of the desk was taken up by various documents and scrolls detailing the trade disputes that threatened to break out into a war between the Realm of Sound and the Realm of Water. He was acting as an intermediary between the two and desperately hoped to finish the rough draft of the peace treaty before the delegates arrived. He was leafing through the book, which was written in starsign, an archaic language based on constellations, when his servant Simeon, peaked into the door and announced the crown prince was here to see him.
The King pushed aside the mess of papers on his desk and folded his hands.
“Send him in”. He said.
Daren entered tentatively and closed the door behind him. The King gestured for him to sit.
“Father, I…” he stammered, “I was wondering about something.”
The King raised his eyebrows.
“I should hope so, he said. Those who don’t wonder remain fools. Even a child knows better. Now, what were you wondering about?”
“Why did you give Jessica such an expensive gift?” Daren blurted out.
The King frowned, scratching his head as he tried to place the name.
“Jessica…the healer girl?” He asked at last. Daren nodded.
King Nicholas stood up and walked over to a painting on the wall. The woman in the painting had bright red hair and a brighter smile. The King stared at the painting for a long time. Daren waited respectfully, knowing better than to interrupt his father at such a time. Finally, the King spoke.
“I have been asked that question often. Different names, different words, but the same question.” He said, still looking at the painting.
“What did you answer?” Daren asked.
“There are many reasons to give.’ The King said distantly. “Rewarding those who do well affirms them and encourages the others to do the same. Giving without asking anything in return creates a loyalty that cannot be bought. Jund calls us to bless those less fortunate, whatever way we can.”
“Like the poor? Daren asked. The King smiled.
“Especially the poor.”
Daren thought about this for a moment, one hand on his chin, and asked,
“But why do you give?”
“Because their smiles bring me joy.”
“I should like to do this also,” Daren decided.
“There are rules for giving.” The King said. “The gift must fulfill a need to show that you understand. It must not be something they can easily acquire, and it must be beautiful to show that you care. Lastly, you must ask nothing in return for it is not a gift otherwise.”
Daren stood, “I will think about this Father.” The King nodded.
“See that you do. It is not so easy as it seems. Few things are, but I have confidence in you.”
“Thank you Father.” Daren said, closing the door behind him as he left. The King returned his attention to the mess of documents on his desk.
Imprint

Text: Luke Pontbriand
Publication Date: 10-09-2012

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