1790 A.D.
Up here, it's like looking down at the world. You can see the trees, the flowers, the sea and the many busy people going on about the day. Up here it's like standing on a giant's back exploring the world with awe. This was my release watching the world and the small changes it made, we the great race of Gargoyles age faster take Princess Shaylee, not but five years ago she looked like a human on the brink of nine years of age. But now, she was more like a human of eighteen but for us, she was much so much older. The Queen knows her little Angel will stop aging now within the next four years she will be fully mature.
Only days later, I stand with my fellow soldiers, my fellow warriors.
Our swords gleamed in the cool moonlight. I knew that only one would walk away from this. My opponent's sword was stained with blood from my fallen brothers and sisters as they ascended home. I moved with practiced grace to the side and awaited in the attack, and, possibly, inevitable death. My opponent charged with a mighty cry but it would not hinder me. I dodged to the side in one fluid motion. My enemy swiveled in my direction. His menacing eyes were a blazing red and his dark hood made the rest of his features indistinguishable. He thrust his sword forward, only to be met by my ax. Both sword and ax met in the air with a resounding 'clang'. The demon was a master swordsman. Slowly, after days of battle, I was tiring.
'If I am to die, I shall fight to the last breath.' With renewed vigor, I slashed my blade back and forth. My wound began bleeding openly, but the demon was now just a pillar of flame, like a horde of scared beast once their leader was taken what was left of them scattered into the woods.
Gale was the first to me, his arm helping me brace myself. I sighed, "Time we returned home to heal, the battle was won," we will win, we might lose a few battles but the war will be ours. Today we have taken the Drin back and the land would regrow and thrive once again.
Never think for a moment that returning home isn't the holy grail of my life, that being here with my Queen and my Princess isn't the one true thing I seek. It all comes to me when I take my seat in the red room, Queen Lenore and Princess Shaylee sit their eyes soft but firm. I am seated first, Gale, and Jin with me as we must give the report. Our bodies bloody and covered in filth. The Queen speaks first, her tone was soft and passionate. "My dear Commander, please report so that you may go rest and heal," my eyes on hers until they flickered to the Princess, her soft slender face was filled with worry. She wore her heart for all to see, her mother at times did but she was sterner in her leadership and that was an advantage.
Each word came out with pure exhaustion, "My Queen, the battle lasted nine nights and ten days. We lost over one hundred of our warriors, but we killed so much more and won the Drin back. I sent word to the outlanders to return and restore their holy place to its former glory," I wanted to just rest, but this was my duty.
It was Princess Shaylee who took over, she was normally very silent now only speaking when she wanted. "Commander Gideon, please go to see Healer Jabra this meeting should not take precedence over your health you have an open wound and are dirty, infection is likely. After our feast tonight the meeting can continue, Gale and Jin please rest and see the healer as well," she stood and the Queen smiled standing as well, this was our dismissal. A rare thing, but we obey the Princess as we would the Queen and if the Queen stood, she was in firm agreement.
"So wise and caring you're my dearest child," the affection was like a blanket, warm and safe.
I grunted, "Thank you, Princess," and I was thankful for her.
When I think of her the words "If I'm distant if I need space if I can't echo your divine emotions please forgive me. I want to erase the negative effects of all this suffering and heal as if it never happened; I want to do that for us." come to me, she had my heart and would never know.
"One last word in private Commander, if you'll excuse us," she dismissed everyone but me, Shaylee bowed her head leaving to train with Ophir and Keziah.
My dark green eyes bore into the crystal-clear lake blue eyes of my Queen, "Is all okay?" my words worried, I could when needed pour emotion into my words.
Her face was even worried, "My daughter, she will stop aging soon and will have to marry. I have chosen Naul," my heart broke and rage-filled me, but I stay calm.
"If that is your choice, but how will the Princess feel about it. Take her into consideration as well, you hated the very idea of it being pre-arranged. Remember the ball so long ago, consider giving her that choice as well," I hated that foul little Gargoyle, he would never deserve our Princess.
"I shall, is that all you have to say?" her eyes are calculating so I looked beyond her into the wall where the fallen sashes of Theo, his painted portrait hung with it. "I have nothing more to say on it, she must marry." It was true.
I was healed, and resting in the bath the scents of orange and vanilla filled my chambers as it swirled with the immense stream of the water that was boiled and poured in. When Shaylee married, my mind concluded I would marry Helena and be done with it. The last time Princess Shaylee asked me a real question was in 1786, as she grew she reined in her un-controlled nature. You could see it raging in her purple eyes, but she never much acted on it.
After I was dry and re-dressed did I leave my chambers, sleep would come tonight but for now I walked down the stone hall's, we moved to America as it was infested and as it grew we were needed here. I saw her coming, Helena. She was tall with a slender figure, her hair was long and a medium shade of brown. She had been our friend since our childhood, she would make a suitable wife even if she never held a candle to the one who had my heart. I nod, "Helena, would you care for a walk after our meal?" each word was forced but she smiled her gray eyes bright.
"Yes, I would very much so,"
Right before, we parted ways Princess Shaylee and Kylie turned the corner heading to the library for a lesson. Her eyes never changed, her face devoid of emotion as she strode by us, her eyes never even bother to glance at me. "Helena," she smiled with a bow of her head, Kylie was once her little friend and now she was her handmaid until they stopped aging than Kylie would be a warrior.
Helena bowed low, "Princess Shaylee, off to your Mathematics lesson?"
Kylie groaned, "Yes, Helena,"
They leave us with no other words, Helena must go about her duties and so much I, so my feet carry me into the red room. Gale was already there with the Queen, Barachel, and Levi wait for my presence. "My apologies for my hinder to this meeting." Taking my seat as the meeting began.
"The Dark Prince has laid low for far too long. We agree he is up to something as large hordes are taking over certain areas across the Ocean, I want our legion to double up their efforts, for the time being, we can not afford to be weak. Commander Gideon, I ask you to send word by nightfall," she was wise as we all fell into an agreement.
I sighed, "Might I say, we all know the Dark Prince will come for her or trick her into coming to him. I blame myself but our duty is also to keep our Princess safe even if it is from herself," the Queen said nothing, but by this, I knew she wouldn't side with me if her daughter wanted to go in her mothers stead it would be allowed. This argument grew from nowhere into a tornado. In my rage, I was blind to our Queen, to the delicate petals of her broken heart and soul. I assumed I was right when I had no real reason to, she was our Queen.
She stood looking at me with her fierce devotion, "She will rule after I pass, she will be allowed in time to travel in my place. The time has yet to come but when it does, Commander you head this warning. She is her person," she was upset with me, and with a good right but she knew the danger her beloved daughter was really in. I just fume going over more intense battle plans with my fellow gargoyles, "You need to blow off steam, my old friend. Come on," Gale knew when to drag me away from this, from myself.
Being outside, on a rainy day like this there's just no point in heavy clothes, the only thing that'll keep me warm is my movement, the pumping of my legs and fast and brutal movement of my arms as my ax slams down. My armor and undershirt were forgotten on the bench as Gale and I stopped and started going hand to hand. We tear into each other and the anger subsides until it is gone, and when we finished, he put his hand on my shoulder. "My old friend, I will not speak on this again as to save you embarrassment. You should not lead Helena on, she is not the one with your heart, think on this," he leaves me in the pouring rain, but his words are already forgotten as I and many others dress for our last feast of the day.
Queen Lenore forgave me, she just smiled her fingertips touched my face. "You don't have to be strong all the time," but she was wrong but this time I chose not to utter another word against her.
I seat our Queen as Ophir is helping Princess Shaylee take her throne, sitting after I had indulged, eating more than many thought possible. First, I started on creamy nettle soup that felt warm in my belly, which I'd needed on a night as cold as last. When the bowl had been in front of me white wisps had etched themselves on the cold air, stretching out to caress my nostrils helping tune out her scent. It had been mossy green, with islands of orange floating through the broth. A handsome fish dish had followed. The kitchen staff had laid a silver platter in front of me on top of which sat a fleshy pink strip of trout, garnished with dashings of green herbs that some didn't know, but liked the taste of. The fish course was supplemented by a side plate of mussels. Their black shells lay open, the beige insides spilling out - sickening yet enticing. I had never eaten them before, they felt horrible on my tongue, slippery and nasty, but they tasted pleasantly of the ocean without an overwhelming aroma of fish. After the seafood dishes had been cleared away, the staff had returned from the kitchen with the main meal; a full spit-roasted pig, its skin a sizzling, mouth-watering golden brown, jaws prised around a forest green apple.
I turned to see the Queen and Princess in deep conversation, Shaylee was absentmindedly stirring her soup and touched nothing more, yet. I take the fruit and cheese platter holding out to her, she loved cheese and fruit. "Thank you, Commander," her gentle voice drifted to me, her eyes felt like they saw my inner demons, my soul.
"Always, Princess," she had taken some and for now I will say nothing.
The pig had been accompanied by potatoes that were diced up in a bowl with carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini topped off with a healthy dash of pepper that stung the throat in the most pleasurable way. Then after the pork, had come the desserts, the staff placing a slice of a cherry torte on the table in front of me. The pastry had been light, both in texture and color, with a thick dark brown crust, all of which contrasted with the beautiful cherry red sauce that poured out of it. The torte was topped by a thin layer of icing sugar as white as snow, but as sharp as salt.
The Queen was enjoying the torte while Princess Shaylee was eating cake, a favorite of hers since she was a youngling.
An hour passes when I sit in front of the Queen and Princess to finally give the report, Helena joined us since we had plans after. Barachel, Gale, and Levi sit with me each finished with their report. Bria was diligent as a scribe each word was written down without haste. My turn, " We never with intention thought the battle would last so long, but the Dark Prince must have wanted that land with a passion. My Queen, the battle lasted nine nights and ten days. We lost over one hundred of our warriors, but we killed so much more and won the Drin back. I sent word to the outlanders to return and restore their holy place to its former glory as you had requested. The sashes have been hung with care, tomorrow night you will need to give your words,"
Shaylee was watching, her guard behind her both watching me as well. Queen Lenore sighed, it was soft and painful. "I knew I could count on you, your skill will never be matched. I will prepare my words now, Levi and Helena please escort me to my chambers. My darling, sleep well," the way she touched Shaylee was love like none of us ever felt, or it gave the impression we never have.
I waited after looking over Bria's parchment, flawless.
Keziah nodded at me while she and Ophir left Princess Shaylee, who muttered something about wanting to be alone. Every desire was to follow her but for now, I wait for Helena who rushed to my side.
"I must ask Gideon, why?"
I answered as we walked close together, "I was thinking it is time for myself to find a suitable wife, and that is you," knowing I sounded so crude.
Her scoff could be heard down the cold stone halls, she was mocking me. "Gideon, I am not a trophy, you do not love me and never will. I want more than that and you can not give it to me," she rejected me.
She, Helena who once said she loved me was dismissing or refusing of a proposal made to her, by me. "Love is pointless," and it really was, look at me how very pathetic.
I at some point these last two years have seen Princess Shaylee as a woman, her strengths, her fears, her kind and gentle nature, her flaws and somewhere I fell in love with her. She was no longer the little girl who would up and vanish she was everything to me and I was nothing to her. I was hard on her from birth, treated her like a tiny soldier when she just wanted attention. Now, I would gladly give her all my attention any and everything her heart desired.
Karma came for me, Helena walked away as I stared out of the alcove window, I was going to die alone. The candle was small in her hand like a ball only squashed into an ellipse. It was pale green, bright though, like the new spring growth. With fascination I watched the flame moving softly, sheltered by her cupped fingers. Her chambers are doors from my own, I was her protector always. Barachel and Levi took chambers closer to the Queen, I was in the middle of the two most important women I knew.
Smiling, "You should be in slumber," her long hair moved covering her slender face before cascading back down her back. Her hair was so blonde it was nearly white making her face and body paler in the moonlight, she looked like a spirt.
Her eyes say so much more than her words, "Commander, you frightened me. I was just on my way, was just walking and thinking. Sleep well," she bowed her head before rushing into her room with the doors closing behind her.