A Little More Than Kin-Chapter 14

"A Little More Than Kin"

Chapter 14

By: Crystalis Blade

Edgar walked over to a small little supply closet in the main hall and grabbed a small lamp. He lit it and tipped toed through the halls as to not wake a soul. He sneaked around and out the side staircase up to the upper-battlements.

The blue hue of the moon shone perfectly on that one spot of the castle. Edgar smiled. "I see why Sabin loves it so much up here." The mountains to the far north were beautifully lit amongst the clouds and moonlight. He set the lantern down on the ledge and looked out for a moment; a perfect mirror whose image was about to shatter

Suddenly, Edgar's stomach became a tight knot. It was finally starting to sink in about what he was about to do. He felt queasy He leaned onto the ledge and bent down putting his head down, taking deep breaths. They became short, then turned into gasps, and finally, they turned into sobs. He tried to control them, but he couldn't. He put his left hand to his forehead and crossed his right arm diagonally over his stomach and leaned against the shelf. Slowly, he sank down to the ground, rocking, letting the tears flow.

He wasn't going to miss his father

Sabin laid in bed watching the seconds tick by on his clock. Meet me on the battlements Edgar had told him.

"Why," Sabin whispered to himself. He was curious at to what his brother was up to. Upon that thought, Sabin pulled the sheets off himself and set his feet on the ground. He sighed and stood, rubbing his hand through his shaggy hair. He kept it there and again whispered, "what are you up to, Eddy?" Sabin finished his nervous twitch and sighed again. He stood straight up and turned to the stairs; he didn't bother with getting dressed or putting shoes on.

He walked down the stairs and opened the door. He quietly closed it and padded over the sand. He entered the main foyer and treaded lightly to the side door; he walked right past his father's door.

He kissed his fingers and placed his hand on the door and walked away.

Sabin slowly walked up the stairs, pushed the door open to the battlements and quietly walked up behind his brother. Edgar was standing and leaning on the ledge again by the lamp, looking out at the mountains. His stern face had a hushed glow that made his features stand out more; he seemed older than he should. Edgar heard his brother's approach behind him and turned around to find Sabin with crossed arms.

"You rang," Sabin said.

"You came," Edgar breathed.

"I did What did you call me up here for, Eddy."

"SabinI know that dad's death has" Edgar began and let the sentence drift off as Sabin put his head down. "I know this is hard on you, just as it is on me, but what can I do; what do you want?"

"What do I want," Sabin asked looking at his brother somewhat harshly, dropping his arms. "I want out! I don't want someone calling me "your majesty" and waiting on me. I want my dignity, but especially my freedom," Sabin said looking solemnly into Edgar's eyes. "You said you were sick of it too, right?"

"" Edgar whispered. The one thing in the world he could never have, but that his eternal soul would long for. He was a bondman; forever trapped in what people thought they wanted to be and no one ever understood what it meant to be "king." He would serve his people without complaint when deep down inside If they only knew he would muse to himself.

"EdgarI know you feel the same Out, freea life to live—"

"But what would happen if we both leave, Sab," Edgar interrupted. "You and I both know we can't leave our kingdom."

Sabin put his head down; he knew it was true. What would happen if they both leave? Figaro would fall apart piece, by piece. Traitors—that's what they'd be; bondmen—that's what they are.

Edgar noticed his brother's meditation and added, "what would dad say?"

"I know, brother. I know," Sabin said finally looking up, lost.

Edgar stepped forward and said, "let's settle this with a coin toss." Edgar pulled out a coin and began to roll it up and down his knuckles like water in a stream.

Sabin recrossed his arms as he stared at the coin, glistening in the moonlight. "What's the catch?"

"If it's heads, you win, and you get your freedom" Edgar said flipping the coin about eye level. "but if it's tails" he caught the coin and flipped it again as Sabin watched intently. "I get mine. Whatever the outcome, we'll choose whichever path we want, without regrets. Okay?"

Sabin thought for a moment. What if he wins? Can I handle this alone? I meanwill I be a good enough king; strong enough to handle this? Butwhat if I win? Sabin looked up at his brother who was still flipping the coin in front of them.

"Well?"

Sabin only nodded.

"We'll choose whichever path with want, without regrets. Okay?"

Sabin nodded again.

Edgar finally stopped flipping the coin and gave one final meaningful look to his brother. And Edgar knew, it might have been his last.

Edgar turned and breathed.

"This is for dad"

He threw the coin high into the air and let it disappear as a star among the black night. It shone when it hit the round glow of the moon at the peak of the toss and finally, it began to fall

Multitudes of thoughts struck each brother's mind; but especially Edgar's. He raised his head and looked over to his brother to find Sabin staring up at the coin, as though an eternity had elapsed. The coin started to come crashing down to the deck. The gold piece of fate kept spinning until it began to slow. Sabin leaned over and looked down as it began to stop. Edgar didn't have to. He only whispered,

"good byebrother."