Hello all! Okay, you may be wondering why I haven't put the next chapter up
in say six months. To cut a long story short, I left the disk which had
this file on it in another country so I had to have it sent over by mail.
Nevertheless, here it is. On a side note, a few explanations of words,
people and places will be described at the end of this chapter.
Disclaimer: I no ownie! Boo hoo!
Chapter Two – An heir
Deeper and deeper into the forest he went, losing track of direction and destination. Pound, pound, pound, the continual beat of horse hoofs banged around in his head blocking out all rational thought. It resounded over and over in his head, like an echo in a vast canyon. The dark canopies of trees above him blocked out all but a few patches of sunlight, though Endymion could still tell the time of the day. It was late afternoon.
The fast-setting orange orb sat lazily on the horizon and through the canopy thick, a warm glow slipped through the greedy fingers of the trees and down to the thick blanket of dead leaves below, as if to offer them one last taste of life. It seemed that no matter how looming the giant trees seemed, the atmosphere this forest emitted was that of peace and tranquillity, so, as Prince Endymion rode further and further from the palace, he felt his anger subside for a while. Slowing his horse down to a leisurely trot, he calmed, smiled debonairly and began to take notice of his surroundings.
Endymion could never understand the reason why the Lunarians called this great expanse of wood the White Forest. In fact, it was anything but white. Most trees had dark brown trunks of all shapes, sizes, textures and heights. The leaves that sat atop these majestic plants were usually a multitude of green in colour though now, most leaves had turned red, yellow and orange. To the trained or untrained eye, it was apparent that it was late autumn in the south and the drastically dropping temperature ensured a blisteringly cold winter.
Endymion sighed and ran a hand through his ebony hair, a nervous habit. Despite his new-found sense of freedom, he still felt on edge. His eyes darted frequently side to side, waiting for a hoard of soldiers to jump out behind the trees and accost him. He would not be very surprised if his fears proved true. After all, was he not the crowned prince, the only heir to the throne and he had fled his home. But he felt he had no choice but run. If he stayed, it would mean a life of following orders like some lowly soldier. And Endymion was a man who liked his freedom.
In a mere four months he would turn twenty-one and 'become of age'. He dreaded that loathed day. Not only would he be forced to take over the empire like so many predecessors before him, but also to take a bride (of the king and queen's choice of course) to ensure a future heir to the throne. Unlike his father, Endymion had no desire to take the throne. Much to his father, the king's dismay, he did not have the thirst or determination for power that is a necessary asset to a future ruler.
Endymion was always content to while away his days riding, hunting and duelling with his comrades, the four generals of the royal army. He was also quite fond of the local tavern and enjoyed inviting local wenches into his bed. With his daring good looks, ebony hair and unforgettable deep blue eyes, no woman had ever turned him down. If they did not lust after his looks, the appeal of perhaps becoming Queen certainly won over even the most reluctant woman.
In truth, Endymion was the ultimate womaniser and drunk and was obviously not willing to face his birthright. Yet, as the kingdom's only heir to the throne, there was no choice in the matter. In his father's eyes, Endymion was a great disappointment.
"Come now Jadeite. You can do better than that. If you do not watch out, I shall cut your hand off." Endymion shouted. That telltale dangerous glint was in his eye.
Jadeite swallowed hard, sweat sliding down his brow to drip on his already drenched navy uniform. He looked directly into Endymion's eyes, attempting to predict his next move. Suddenly, Endymion lunged, sword drawn. Jadeite was fast but obviously not fast enough as Endymion knocked his sword out of his right hand and then pointed his own sword in the middle of Jadeite's chest. Jadeite smiled nervously and held up his hands in defeat.
"Touche."
Endymion stared at him for several seconds, a vicious scowl on his face then, to Jadeite's great relief, lowered his sword and also smiled.
"Good match."
They both bowed respectively as a sign that the match was over. Jadeite ran to pick up his sword that was lying on the grass several metres from him and both he and Endymion started their climb from the training area of the palace grounds up to the palace itself.
Suddenly out of the palace scurried a small page. He rushed up to the two comrades quite out of breath.
"Your pant highness, your father requests your presence in the conference room." Endymion and Jadeite exchanged looks.
What does he request of me now? Endymion sighed.
"I will be there promptly. Thank you." he replied formally, with a hint of aggravation in his voice.
The page then turned and ran back up to the palace. Endymion and Jadeite followed suit, but at a more leisurely pace.
"What do you believe he requires of you?" asked Jadeite.
"I am uncertain. But when I am summoned to the conference room, I know it is something momentous. Of course," Endymion shook his head. "....he never insists on my presence unless he requires something of me." Endymion frowned.
I have a bad feeling about this
Both men reached the entrance of the conference room where the other three generals awaited. Nephlite, Zoicite and Kunzite bowed their heads in acknowledgment and followed him into the conference room itself.
Sitting at the head of the large oak table on twin thrones was the King and Queen of the province Earth, and of Titan. Endymion bowed arrogantly, a slight mock smile on his face. "You required my presence my liege?"
Staring up at his father, Endymion saw a flash of rage glint in the King's eyes before they resumed their usual steely glaze. "Yes Endymion. Sit." He gestured to a chair on his right side. Endymion sat down stiffly.
Upon first meeting, both King and the Crowned Prince appear to be the spitting image of one another. Both sported a powerfully built frame, ice blue eyes and an extremely frightening temper to match. But the similarities stopped there. The King liked to rule his country with a firm and strict hand, not yielding to such things as compassion and mercy. Under his rule, productivity within the population of Titan increased, and taxes for the army grew.
For no reason that Endymion could guess, his father's pride and joy was his army. It was about three hundred and fifty thousand men strong and included the cavalry, the artillery, foot soldiers and the navy.
There are some who would speculate that the King is power-hungry, lusting after the faraway provinces of Neptune, Uranus, Saturn and Pluto across the sea. Others claim he was afraid of loosing his grip on Titan to the Rebels. Whatever the case, Endymion was unsure of whether both or either were true. This appeared odd to him for after all, his very own bodyguards and companions, the generals, were leaders of the army. Jadeite was general to the artillery and cavalry faction, Zoicite was in charge of the navy, Nephlyte governed the foot soldier faction and Kunzite oversaw them all.
The four generals were currently sitting on four chairs at a respectful distance from the high seats. None of them had mentioned to him of any campaign to take over the outer provinces. Endymion frowned. If his father didn't pay heed to the cries of the people soon, he may find himself in more than considerable misfortune.
The King's booming voice suddenly brought him out of his reverie. "Endymion, as you very well know, your 21st birth cycle will come to pass in a mere four new moons. . . ." Endymion rolled his eyes. ". . . . and that will also mean that it is time for you to accept your responsibilities."
Endymion's heart dropped to somewhere around his toes.
By my word! I knew this day would come but I never thought that day would be so soon Endymion suddenly felt very tired.
"I trust you know what these responsibilities entail?" Endymion nodded solemnly. The King stood up.
"Therefore, your mother and I have taken the liberty of choosing your bride. She is the Lady Micheru of Neptune. I think you will find her pleasing in countenance and the ties she bring will strengthen our empire and union to the outer provinces. The wedding shall take place two days after your birthday therefore the Lady Micheru shall arrive in two months. I expect you...."
The King was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Enter!" commanded the King.
One of the army officers strode in. He bowed. "Your majesty .... I have an urgent message for you and the generals."
The King frowned. "Can this not wait?"
The officer started shaking slightly and spluttering. Although being one of the top officers in the army, like everyone else, he was dead afraid of angering the King. "Well .... uhh .... n .... no your Majesty, it is an urgent message from the fifth company stationed in Neith, Venus Province."
Kunzite sat up. That was a company under his authority. The King sighed. "We follow forthwith."
The King and Generals stood up and followed the officer into a smaller adjoining room leaving Endymion and the Queen alone. Both regarded the other with a stiff formality.
Sitting rigidly on the throne, the queen gazed tiredly at her son and sighed. She understood what he was going through. After all, she was the victim of an arranged marriage as well. With her soft brown eyes and wavy dark raven hair, the Queen of Titan was a mere thirteen years when she was taken from her home and family in Mars to be married off to the Prince of Earth. All for the sake of trading ties.
"Are you not going to say something? Surely you do not agree with the King on this matter?"
The queen sighed again. "The decision is out of my hands. If I could change it, I would, but I cannot. I am afraid you must do what is best for the unity of this country."
Endymion stood up abruptly, knocking over his chair. "You coward! You sheep! Why do you not stand up to him? After all, he is your husband is he not?"
The Queen's brow furrowed with worry. "You know I cannot change your father's opinion once he has made up his mind. I have little more influence over him that I have influence over the setting of the sun."
Endymion glared at the Queen savagely and sat down. How tired she looked. Like a sad, old, worn out boot realising too late that it is of no more use. Throughout his whole life he never understood his mother, or women in general for that matter. From his experiences with women, and there were a lot of them, he concluded that they were all simpering mindless fools only after one thing, money and power. And the only way they achieved this was by coaxing unsuspecting men into their beds, like singing sirens leading men to their deaths. Let there be no mistake, behind their painted on faces and welcoming glances; therein lies the scales of a snake. He never had a high opinion of women.
After several minutes the door opened and Nephlyte poked his head through the door.
"There will no longer be any need to wait. The King has left."
Endymion stood up abruptly and stormed out of the room in a fury, forgetting the usual protocol of bowing to his mother. How dare he leave me waiting like some common servant! He thought furiously.
Storming out of the room, Endymion did not relent his vigorous pace until he reached his private chambers. Nephlyte ran to keep up with his companion and superior. There, the rest of his guards were assembled.
"What say you all to this!?!?" Endymion roared.
The guards exchanged uneasy looks as Endymion began to pace up and down the chambers. Although each were, in theory, competitors when it came to rank and position in the army, in truth, none could find four comrades more devoted to their future monarch and to each other.
Kunzite was the unspoken leader of the four. His cold and clinical demeanor complimented both rank and his long silver hair and piercing ice-blue eyes. Many a maiden heart had been enraptured by the mystery behind those eyes.
Nephlyte was more of a rugged kind of man. He mostly relished the simple enjoyments of life, such as riding his horse and training amidst his men. His calm, disarming nature, unbound chestnut hair and quirky smile hid a quiet and reflective intelligence not known to all but a few. Though some nobles and men of power whispered that he was little better than a savage (His part heritage to a Jupitarian woman attributed to their disdain), he was still respected and beloved by his men.
Zoicite was the tactician of the group, modestly claiming both the capacities for reason and worldly knowledge to his name. He sported both long sandy blonde hair and captious green eyes that saw and analysed everything. Thought somewhat the introvert of the group, Zoisite had more often than not prevented many a foolish adventure from occurring (most often initiated by Jadeite).
Jadeite was by far, the most mischievous of the group. When life got too serious, Jadeite always opted for a night at a shoddy tavern in order to relieve the tension. He always had a witty retort to every comment and his short wavy blonde hair complimented his bright, casual attitude.
"What do we say to all what?" Jadeite retorted. The Prince looked at him exasperatedly.
"What am I to do about this bloody princess, who at this very moment is travelling here in order to bind herself to me for all eternity?" Endymion sat down in an adjourning chair and put his head in his hands.
Jedite's eyebrows marred as he stated very slowly, "Well, you see, what happens when a woman becomes your wife is you ignore her the whole day while she goes about knitting or whatever women do when we are otherwise occupied. Then when night comes, you take her to bed and...."
Endymion threw his hands up. "No you fool! I mean, what am I to do about preventing this marriage. I refuse to be a pawn in another one of my father's plans for total domination."
Zoicite spoke up. "It pains me to say this Endymion but, well, I am afraid it is your duty as heir to wed whomever your parents chose. This same protocol had occured ever since the migration."
Endymion stood up abuptly from his chair. "Protocol! Protocol! Do not talk to me of protocol! I have been the slave of 'protocol' my whole life and, frankly, I am sick to tears of it. I weary of being a puppet on a string that my father can manipulate then discard when tires of play."
"Endy, no one here, I suppose, can claim to understand your emotions or comprehend this turn of events, as we are not the heirs to the Titan Empire...." Nephlyte stated, ".... however, if you just calm and think a little more rationally, you may view this situation in a different light. A better light, that is." Endymion stopped his erratic pacing and glared venomously at his third-in-command.
"I believe what Nephlyte is trying to say, very inarticulately...." Zoicite quickly corrected, "Is perhaps this alliance cannot be as bad as it appears at first. After all, do we not rely on the outer provinces for a lot of imports and exports as well as military assistance against the peasant rebellions? I believe this marriage may increase our bond with the outer provinces."
Jadeite spoke up. "Besides, I hear the pricess you are betrothed to is very lovely and amiable. Zoicite would know. His navy base of operation is on the coast."
Zoicite nodded affirmative. "I admit I have never met her, but I have seen many a painting to her likeness. Of course paintings are never a true indication of its muse but from what I can deduct the lady is.... very pleasing to the eye. In Neptune, she has often been hailed as the 'pearl of the deep'."
Endymion rolled his eyes. "Does it appear as though I care what her pleasing attributes are? I have a harem of beautiful women at my beck and call who are likely to be far more divine and pleasing than she."
"I believe you would care if you had to marry her." Jadeite stated matter- of-factly. "Be thankful she is not called 'the serpent of the deep'." All the guards broke out in grins.
"Har har! Very amusing Jadeite!" Endymion retorted sarcastically. "But I still refuse to marry her. I have already stated to you all. I will succumb to my father's 'almighty will' no longer. I am not a child any more."
Kunzite, who had remained silent during the entire conversation, finally spoke up. "May I offer a suggestion on the matter?
Endymion turned to face him. Here was a man whose opinion demanded attention and regard. "Certainly."
"It would not be presumptuous for me to assume that you need some time to think on this matter? I, by no means, intend to go against you opinion but I do believe some time away might clear your perceptions a little." Endymion nodded tentatively.
"Therefore, I suggest that maybe the best idea is to get away from earth for a while. Go to your father and request a leave of absence under the pretense of going on campaign. At least while you think on the matter, you will have something interesting to look at. After all, Endymion, you have never been out of the Earth province and you should at least cite the land you will inherit."
Endymion contemplated this idea, turning the thought around in his head for a while. After a moment of anxious deliberation, he finally said, "I suppose that would be a good idea. I do need to get away for a while." All the generals breathed a sigh of relief. The anger had abated.
Yes, the idea was starting to appeal more and more to him. Why had he not thought of this before?
"And while your away, you could impregnate some tavern wench and make her unborn child the heir." Jadeite voiced. Everyone in the room except Jadeite laughed.
Jadeite looked puzzled. "I was not kidding."
Ignoring that last statement, Endymion nodded his head affirmative. "It sounds like a plan to me. I suppose it will give me three months to mull it over." He smiled relieved. "I now see why my father made you second-in- command to me Kunzite."
"And what are we? Household furniture?" Jadeite muttered jokingly to Zoicite and Nephlyte.
"I shall tell your father forthwith of your plans." Kunzite bowed and the other generals took their leave. Kunzite was also about to exit when he turned around and remarked warmly,
"I believe there is no shame to get away from your problems for a while. Everything always appeared simpler when you are alone with your thoughts and stepping out into the unknown." With that, he exited.
Endymion sighed and sat down in the nearest available chair. Stepping into the unknown. That was a novel idea. But if only it were possible for him to step out into the unknown and not come back for a very long interlude. A life lead by his own accord and not one dictated by his father, or the empire for that matter.
Endymion sat up bolt right in his chair as a plan came to him. Perhaps he really should abandon the watchful eye of his father, and everyone else for that fact. Leave the palace under the pretense of this campaign and when the generals are not looking, steal away and lie low for a few months. The generals would be too afraid for their lives to sound the alarm. Then after his twenty-first birthday had pasted, he would return to an insulted ex- bride and a life left unaltered.
Endymion smiled at his own genius.
And that is exactly what he did. The King, of course, accepted the idea of a campaign, delighted that his son seemed not to object, after the first proposition, to the betrothal proposal and was ready to accept the Kingly role. Therefore the very next morning Endymion and his four Generals set off, banners flying, on campaign. Within seven hours, Endymion had given the four generals the slip and escaped into the White Forest bordering Earth. He was free.
Oreka
Earth: In case you didn't get it, the Earth province is meant to be like medieval England.
Sirens: (In Greek mythology) woman or winged creature whose singing lured unwary sailors onto rocks and to their deaths. Nasty little sods aren't they?
Commands: Endymion: First in command, leader and figurehead of the Titan army Kunzite: Second in command, unannounced leader of the army and overseer of the other three factions. Zoicite: Third in command, battle tactician and leader of the royal navy fleet of Titan. Nephlyte: Forth in command, military trainer and leader of the foot soldier faction. Jadeite: Fifth in command, leader of the artillery and cavalry faction.
P.s. In desperate need of an editor. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!! E-mail me at orekachanhotmail.com if you are interested.
Disclaimer: I no ownie! Boo hoo!
Chapter Two – An heir
Deeper and deeper into the forest he went, losing track of direction and destination. Pound, pound, pound, the continual beat of horse hoofs banged around in his head blocking out all rational thought. It resounded over and over in his head, like an echo in a vast canyon. The dark canopies of trees above him blocked out all but a few patches of sunlight, though Endymion could still tell the time of the day. It was late afternoon.
The fast-setting orange orb sat lazily on the horizon and through the canopy thick, a warm glow slipped through the greedy fingers of the trees and down to the thick blanket of dead leaves below, as if to offer them one last taste of life. It seemed that no matter how looming the giant trees seemed, the atmosphere this forest emitted was that of peace and tranquillity, so, as Prince Endymion rode further and further from the palace, he felt his anger subside for a while. Slowing his horse down to a leisurely trot, he calmed, smiled debonairly and began to take notice of his surroundings.
Endymion could never understand the reason why the Lunarians called this great expanse of wood the White Forest. In fact, it was anything but white. Most trees had dark brown trunks of all shapes, sizes, textures and heights. The leaves that sat atop these majestic plants were usually a multitude of green in colour though now, most leaves had turned red, yellow and orange. To the trained or untrained eye, it was apparent that it was late autumn in the south and the drastically dropping temperature ensured a blisteringly cold winter.
Endymion sighed and ran a hand through his ebony hair, a nervous habit. Despite his new-found sense of freedom, he still felt on edge. His eyes darted frequently side to side, waiting for a hoard of soldiers to jump out behind the trees and accost him. He would not be very surprised if his fears proved true. After all, was he not the crowned prince, the only heir to the throne and he had fled his home. But he felt he had no choice but run. If he stayed, it would mean a life of following orders like some lowly soldier. And Endymion was a man who liked his freedom.
In a mere four months he would turn twenty-one and 'become of age'. He dreaded that loathed day. Not only would he be forced to take over the empire like so many predecessors before him, but also to take a bride (of the king and queen's choice of course) to ensure a future heir to the throne. Unlike his father, Endymion had no desire to take the throne. Much to his father, the king's dismay, he did not have the thirst or determination for power that is a necessary asset to a future ruler.
Endymion was always content to while away his days riding, hunting and duelling with his comrades, the four generals of the royal army. He was also quite fond of the local tavern and enjoyed inviting local wenches into his bed. With his daring good looks, ebony hair and unforgettable deep blue eyes, no woman had ever turned him down. If they did not lust after his looks, the appeal of perhaps becoming Queen certainly won over even the most reluctant woman.
In truth, Endymion was the ultimate womaniser and drunk and was obviously not willing to face his birthright. Yet, as the kingdom's only heir to the throne, there was no choice in the matter. In his father's eyes, Endymion was a great disappointment.
"Come now Jadeite. You can do better than that. If you do not watch out, I shall cut your hand off." Endymion shouted. That telltale dangerous glint was in his eye.
Jadeite swallowed hard, sweat sliding down his brow to drip on his already drenched navy uniform. He looked directly into Endymion's eyes, attempting to predict his next move. Suddenly, Endymion lunged, sword drawn. Jadeite was fast but obviously not fast enough as Endymion knocked his sword out of his right hand and then pointed his own sword in the middle of Jadeite's chest. Jadeite smiled nervously and held up his hands in defeat.
"Touche."
Endymion stared at him for several seconds, a vicious scowl on his face then, to Jadeite's great relief, lowered his sword and also smiled.
"Good match."
They both bowed respectively as a sign that the match was over. Jadeite ran to pick up his sword that was lying on the grass several metres from him and both he and Endymion started their climb from the training area of the palace grounds up to the palace itself.
Suddenly out of the palace scurried a small page. He rushed up to the two comrades quite out of breath.
"Your pant highness, your father requests your presence in the conference room." Endymion and Jadeite exchanged looks.
What does he request of me now? Endymion sighed.
"I will be there promptly. Thank you." he replied formally, with a hint of aggravation in his voice.
The page then turned and ran back up to the palace. Endymion and Jadeite followed suit, but at a more leisurely pace.
"What do you believe he requires of you?" asked Jadeite.
"I am uncertain. But when I am summoned to the conference room, I know it is something momentous. Of course," Endymion shook his head. "....he never insists on my presence unless he requires something of me." Endymion frowned.
I have a bad feeling about this
Both men reached the entrance of the conference room where the other three generals awaited. Nephlite, Zoicite and Kunzite bowed their heads in acknowledgment and followed him into the conference room itself.
Sitting at the head of the large oak table on twin thrones was the King and Queen of the province Earth, and of Titan. Endymion bowed arrogantly, a slight mock smile on his face. "You required my presence my liege?"
Staring up at his father, Endymion saw a flash of rage glint in the King's eyes before they resumed their usual steely glaze. "Yes Endymion. Sit." He gestured to a chair on his right side. Endymion sat down stiffly.
Upon first meeting, both King and the Crowned Prince appear to be the spitting image of one another. Both sported a powerfully built frame, ice blue eyes and an extremely frightening temper to match. But the similarities stopped there. The King liked to rule his country with a firm and strict hand, not yielding to such things as compassion and mercy. Under his rule, productivity within the population of Titan increased, and taxes for the army grew.
For no reason that Endymion could guess, his father's pride and joy was his army. It was about three hundred and fifty thousand men strong and included the cavalry, the artillery, foot soldiers and the navy.
There are some who would speculate that the King is power-hungry, lusting after the faraway provinces of Neptune, Uranus, Saturn and Pluto across the sea. Others claim he was afraid of loosing his grip on Titan to the Rebels. Whatever the case, Endymion was unsure of whether both or either were true. This appeared odd to him for after all, his very own bodyguards and companions, the generals, were leaders of the army. Jadeite was general to the artillery and cavalry faction, Zoicite was in charge of the navy, Nephlyte governed the foot soldier faction and Kunzite oversaw them all.
The four generals were currently sitting on four chairs at a respectful distance from the high seats. None of them had mentioned to him of any campaign to take over the outer provinces. Endymion frowned. If his father didn't pay heed to the cries of the people soon, he may find himself in more than considerable misfortune.
The King's booming voice suddenly brought him out of his reverie. "Endymion, as you very well know, your 21st birth cycle will come to pass in a mere four new moons. . . ." Endymion rolled his eyes. ". . . . and that will also mean that it is time for you to accept your responsibilities."
Endymion's heart dropped to somewhere around his toes.
By my word! I knew this day would come but I never thought that day would be so soon Endymion suddenly felt very tired.
"I trust you know what these responsibilities entail?" Endymion nodded solemnly. The King stood up.
"Therefore, your mother and I have taken the liberty of choosing your bride. She is the Lady Micheru of Neptune. I think you will find her pleasing in countenance and the ties she bring will strengthen our empire and union to the outer provinces. The wedding shall take place two days after your birthday therefore the Lady Micheru shall arrive in two months. I expect you...."
The King was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Enter!" commanded the King.
One of the army officers strode in. He bowed. "Your majesty .... I have an urgent message for you and the generals."
The King frowned. "Can this not wait?"
The officer started shaking slightly and spluttering. Although being one of the top officers in the army, like everyone else, he was dead afraid of angering the King. "Well .... uhh .... n .... no your Majesty, it is an urgent message from the fifth company stationed in Neith, Venus Province."
Kunzite sat up. That was a company under his authority. The King sighed. "We follow forthwith."
The King and Generals stood up and followed the officer into a smaller adjoining room leaving Endymion and the Queen alone. Both regarded the other with a stiff formality.
Sitting rigidly on the throne, the queen gazed tiredly at her son and sighed. She understood what he was going through. After all, she was the victim of an arranged marriage as well. With her soft brown eyes and wavy dark raven hair, the Queen of Titan was a mere thirteen years when she was taken from her home and family in Mars to be married off to the Prince of Earth. All for the sake of trading ties.
"Are you not going to say something? Surely you do not agree with the King on this matter?"
The queen sighed again. "The decision is out of my hands. If I could change it, I would, but I cannot. I am afraid you must do what is best for the unity of this country."
Endymion stood up abruptly, knocking over his chair. "You coward! You sheep! Why do you not stand up to him? After all, he is your husband is he not?"
The Queen's brow furrowed with worry. "You know I cannot change your father's opinion once he has made up his mind. I have little more influence over him that I have influence over the setting of the sun."
Endymion glared at the Queen savagely and sat down. How tired she looked. Like a sad, old, worn out boot realising too late that it is of no more use. Throughout his whole life he never understood his mother, or women in general for that matter. From his experiences with women, and there were a lot of them, he concluded that they were all simpering mindless fools only after one thing, money and power. And the only way they achieved this was by coaxing unsuspecting men into their beds, like singing sirens leading men to their deaths. Let there be no mistake, behind their painted on faces and welcoming glances; therein lies the scales of a snake. He never had a high opinion of women.
After several minutes the door opened and Nephlyte poked his head through the door.
"There will no longer be any need to wait. The King has left."
Endymion stood up abruptly and stormed out of the room in a fury, forgetting the usual protocol of bowing to his mother. How dare he leave me waiting like some common servant! He thought furiously.
Storming out of the room, Endymion did not relent his vigorous pace until he reached his private chambers. Nephlyte ran to keep up with his companion and superior. There, the rest of his guards were assembled.
"What say you all to this!?!?" Endymion roared.
The guards exchanged uneasy looks as Endymion began to pace up and down the chambers. Although each were, in theory, competitors when it came to rank and position in the army, in truth, none could find four comrades more devoted to their future monarch and to each other.
Kunzite was the unspoken leader of the four. His cold and clinical demeanor complimented both rank and his long silver hair and piercing ice-blue eyes. Many a maiden heart had been enraptured by the mystery behind those eyes.
Nephlyte was more of a rugged kind of man. He mostly relished the simple enjoyments of life, such as riding his horse and training amidst his men. His calm, disarming nature, unbound chestnut hair and quirky smile hid a quiet and reflective intelligence not known to all but a few. Though some nobles and men of power whispered that he was little better than a savage (His part heritage to a Jupitarian woman attributed to their disdain), he was still respected and beloved by his men.
Zoicite was the tactician of the group, modestly claiming both the capacities for reason and worldly knowledge to his name. He sported both long sandy blonde hair and captious green eyes that saw and analysed everything. Thought somewhat the introvert of the group, Zoisite had more often than not prevented many a foolish adventure from occurring (most often initiated by Jadeite).
Jadeite was by far, the most mischievous of the group. When life got too serious, Jadeite always opted for a night at a shoddy tavern in order to relieve the tension. He always had a witty retort to every comment and his short wavy blonde hair complimented his bright, casual attitude.
"What do we say to all what?" Jadeite retorted. The Prince looked at him exasperatedly.
"What am I to do about this bloody princess, who at this very moment is travelling here in order to bind herself to me for all eternity?" Endymion sat down in an adjourning chair and put his head in his hands.
Jedite's eyebrows marred as he stated very slowly, "Well, you see, what happens when a woman becomes your wife is you ignore her the whole day while she goes about knitting or whatever women do when we are otherwise occupied. Then when night comes, you take her to bed and...."
Endymion threw his hands up. "No you fool! I mean, what am I to do about preventing this marriage. I refuse to be a pawn in another one of my father's plans for total domination."
Zoicite spoke up. "It pains me to say this Endymion but, well, I am afraid it is your duty as heir to wed whomever your parents chose. This same protocol had occured ever since the migration."
Endymion stood up abuptly from his chair. "Protocol! Protocol! Do not talk to me of protocol! I have been the slave of 'protocol' my whole life and, frankly, I am sick to tears of it. I weary of being a puppet on a string that my father can manipulate then discard when tires of play."
"Endy, no one here, I suppose, can claim to understand your emotions or comprehend this turn of events, as we are not the heirs to the Titan Empire...." Nephlyte stated, ".... however, if you just calm and think a little more rationally, you may view this situation in a different light. A better light, that is." Endymion stopped his erratic pacing and glared venomously at his third-in-command.
"I believe what Nephlyte is trying to say, very inarticulately...." Zoicite quickly corrected, "Is perhaps this alliance cannot be as bad as it appears at first. After all, do we not rely on the outer provinces for a lot of imports and exports as well as military assistance against the peasant rebellions? I believe this marriage may increase our bond with the outer provinces."
Jadeite spoke up. "Besides, I hear the pricess you are betrothed to is very lovely and amiable. Zoicite would know. His navy base of operation is on the coast."
Zoicite nodded affirmative. "I admit I have never met her, but I have seen many a painting to her likeness. Of course paintings are never a true indication of its muse but from what I can deduct the lady is.... very pleasing to the eye. In Neptune, she has often been hailed as the 'pearl of the deep'."
Endymion rolled his eyes. "Does it appear as though I care what her pleasing attributes are? I have a harem of beautiful women at my beck and call who are likely to be far more divine and pleasing than she."
"I believe you would care if you had to marry her." Jadeite stated matter- of-factly. "Be thankful she is not called 'the serpent of the deep'." All the guards broke out in grins.
"Har har! Very amusing Jadeite!" Endymion retorted sarcastically. "But I still refuse to marry her. I have already stated to you all. I will succumb to my father's 'almighty will' no longer. I am not a child any more."
Kunzite, who had remained silent during the entire conversation, finally spoke up. "May I offer a suggestion on the matter?
Endymion turned to face him. Here was a man whose opinion demanded attention and regard. "Certainly."
"It would not be presumptuous for me to assume that you need some time to think on this matter? I, by no means, intend to go against you opinion but I do believe some time away might clear your perceptions a little." Endymion nodded tentatively.
"Therefore, I suggest that maybe the best idea is to get away from earth for a while. Go to your father and request a leave of absence under the pretense of going on campaign. At least while you think on the matter, you will have something interesting to look at. After all, Endymion, you have never been out of the Earth province and you should at least cite the land you will inherit."
Endymion contemplated this idea, turning the thought around in his head for a while. After a moment of anxious deliberation, he finally said, "I suppose that would be a good idea. I do need to get away for a while." All the generals breathed a sigh of relief. The anger had abated.
Yes, the idea was starting to appeal more and more to him. Why had he not thought of this before?
"And while your away, you could impregnate some tavern wench and make her unborn child the heir." Jadeite voiced. Everyone in the room except Jadeite laughed.
Jadeite looked puzzled. "I was not kidding."
Ignoring that last statement, Endymion nodded his head affirmative. "It sounds like a plan to me. I suppose it will give me three months to mull it over." He smiled relieved. "I now see why my father made you second-in- command to me Kunzite."
"And what are we? Household furniture?" Jadeite muttered jokingly to Zoicite and Nephlyte.
"I shall tell your father forthwith of your plans." Kunzite bowed and the other generals took their leave. Kunzite was also about to exit when he turned around and remarked warmly,
"I believe there is no shame to get away from your problems for a while. Everything always appeared simpler when you are alone with your thoughts and stepping out into the unknown." With that, he exited.
Endymion sighed and sat down in the nearest available chair. Stepping into the unknown. That was a novel idea. But if only it were possible for him to step out into the unknown and not come back for a very long interlude. A life lead by his own accord and not one dictated by his father, or the empire for that matter.
Endymion sat up bolt right in his chair as a plan came to him. Perhaps he really should abandon the watchful eye of his father, and everyone else for that fact. Leave the palace under the pretense of this campaign and when the generals are not looking, steal away and lie low for a few months. The generals would be too afraid for their lives to sound the alarm. Then after his twenty-first birthday had pasted, he would return to an insulted ex- bride and a life left unaltered.
Endymion smiled at his own genius.
And that is exactly what he did. The King, of course, accepted the idea of a campaign, delighted that his son seemed not to object, after the first proposition, to the betrothal proposal and was ready to accept the Kingly role. Therefore the very next morning Endymion and his four Generals set off, banners flying, on campaign. Within seven hours, Endymion had given the four generals the slip and escaped into the White Forest bordering Earth. He was free.
Oreka
Earth: In case you didn't get it, the Earth province is meant to be like medieval England.
Sirens: (In Greek mythology) woman or winged creature whose singing lured unwary sailors onto rocks and to their deaths. Nasty little sods aren't they?
Commands: Endymion: First in command, leader and figurehead of the Titan army Kunzite: Second in command, unannounced leader of the army and overseer of the other three factions. Zoicite: Third in command, battle tactician and leader of the royal navy fleet of Titan. Nephlyte: Forth in command, military trainer and leader of the foot soldier faction. Jadeite: Fifth in command, leader of the artillery and cavalry faction.
P.s. In desperate need of an editor. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!! E-mail me at orekachanhotmail.com if you are interested.