Chapter 5: Precaution

Song: N/A

Near the Venburg kingdom was an Indigenous land called Ahotea. There, the Ahotean tribe lived and practiced their ancient rituals and customs. Within the tribe was a 14 year old boy named Mingo, whose father Atsa worked as a shaman for their tribe.

Mingo was considered very wise for his age, showing signs of the same abilities his father possessed. The dark-complexioned boy dressed in his tribe's customary buckskin pants and tunic, a colorful blend of turquoise and bone beaded necklaces and amulets around his neck. Some small feather earrings dangled from his ears, caressing his neck. His long black hair was braided all over his head, entwined with beads and feathers. His dark eyes held a mysterious depth to them that could have rivaled that of Angel's when he was younger.

Although Eirik had found a companion in Emile, Mingo was another person whom he'd allowed into his very small bubble several years ago when Mingo (six years old at the time) had travelled to the castle with his father. Mingo had found the king fascinating, asking him questions about the castle, the paintings of Amber and James, the castle workers, and everything he could think of. Patiently, though he wasn't used to children, Eirik had answered all of his questions and soon gained a fan and a friend.

Since his tribe was nearby, Mingo had made it a habit of visiting his friend as often as he could, whether to spend quality time or complete a mission from his father—he was more than happy to do it. However, his most recent mission was one he hesitated to complete, considering the circumstances.

The day before, Atsa, his father, had just finished receiving a vision as he sat nearby a roaring fire outside the family's small home. At the time, he'd seemed concerned, which was unusual for the normally calm and collected man. When asked what was wrong, he immediately sought out his son. "You must warn King Eirik," he'd told him gently after explaining the situation. "I know how close you are to him, so perhaps it would be more meaningful coming from you, Mingo…"

Mingo inhaled slowly before releasing his breath as he trekked up the usual flight of stairs leading to the castle entrance. He waved at a few guards, who recognized him instantly, and they allowed him in. When he stepped into the castle, he saw Emile approaching him. "Mr. Emile," he acknowledged kindly, his right hand instantly lifting as a form of respectful greeting. He smiled as Emile did the same, having learned his customs long ago. "May I speak with Eirik, please? It's urgent."

"Certainly, Mingo. He should be finished dressing for the day, and I believe he should be making his way toward the throne room soon. Perhaps you can catch him before he enters."

"Thank you." Mingo hurried down the long entryway, turning a corner that led to the throne room, and he stopped once he saw a familiar head of long blonde hair and a hand grasping a hefty staff. "Your Majesty," he called out, since he also realized many people (advisors and other courtiers) were around him. He knew to be respectful and traditional when in the presence of others. Seeing Eirik turn to face him, he bowed once, lifting his head to stare at his friend seriously. "May I speak with you? Please?"

Eirik could tell something was wrong. He nodded and beckoned Mingo to his side, and then he placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll go to the garden," he whispered before turning to the others. "Please, everyone, tend to your usual duties. I'll be back soon."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the uneven echo of responses followed, with numerous people dispersing in different directions.

Mingo's fingers caressed the floating lily pads in the fountain where he and Eirik were sitting, the falling water a soothing sound to his ears. He was more in tune with nature than most, and while the garden was half natural and half manmade, he did appreciate the peacefulness it offered.

They'd been sitting for a few moments, waiting just to make sure no one would bother them, before Eirik decided the time was appropriate to speak.

"What's going on?" he asked, a bit concerned with Mingo's unusually quiet nature. He was usually so inquisitive, so full of energy, that this worried him a bit.

"My father had a vision," the boy explained simply, noting the skeptical look on his friend's face. "I know you do not understand his abilities, but I am serious, Eirik…"

Eirik didn't know much about visions or mystical things in general, so he wasn't really sure what to do with the information he'd just received. "Mingo, I—"

"Please, Eirik. Be careful around here, because I'm afraid something will happen to you." He lifted his hand, shaking some of the water droplets from his fingers, and sighed. "My father spoke of a shadow man who lurks in the darkness, just waiting for you to show any weakness. I'm worried about you, Eirik. I don't want anyone to hurt you."

Seeing that he needed to comfort his friend, Eirik simply nodded and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I will have Emile take care of it. He can request a bodyguard or magical protector, or someone with strong abilities to be with me for protection."

Mingo smiled somewhat wryly, sighing lightly. "I thought you didn't believe in magic…"

"It's not that I don't believe in it, Mingo. I just don't understand it. But I know from knowing you and your father that it's a useful thing, when in the right hands…" He lowered his hand to his staff, which rested on his lap and the ground. "Do me a favor, would you? Fetch Emile."

"All right." Mingo hurried back into the castle, returning with the lead advisor moments later.

"The boy said you needed to see me?" Emile asked, frowning curiously. "Why are you both out here?"

"Privacy," his friend responded. "Do me a favor. Reach out to someone in charge of the strongest guards or protectors you can find. In fact, see if you can put in a request for a magical protector for me."

Emile blinked in confusion. "Whatever for, Eirik? You're not in any danger—"

"Aren't I?" the king challenged. He briefly explained the scenario Mingo had brought to him, knowing full well that he could trust the other man, and that he would believe the boy. Seeing the look of realization on the advisor's face, he added, "I also know that I'm not getting any younger, and my body sometimes feels twice my age. If what Mingo says is right, if I fall and no one is around, or if someone ambushed me, I could be in trouble. If other kingdoms hear about this weakness, they might jump at the opportunity to overtake our kingdom."

"Having someone with him at all times could be the safest thing," Mingo concluded, looking at Emile earnestly. "Please, Mr. Emile… It could be what's best for the kingdom, and for Eirik."

Emile nodded in understanding, his gaze turning toward the king. "I will reach out to Malango the Magnanimous from the Conjuror's Board. I hear he is responsible for many placements of that nature. I'll let you know as soon as I hear back from him." With that, he turned and headed back into the castle.

Mingo frowned, folding his arms. "Eirik, I'm so sorry if I've caused you any stress from this. I know you have a lot to deal with already, and I hated to bring this to you…"

Eirik just smiled, pulling his friend into a comforting side hug as he set the staff on the ground. "I'm appreciative of you telling me, Mingo. That makes you a good friend, and your father a blessing to me. Now, we must wait to see what kind of response Emile will receive. In the meantime, invite your father to the castle this evening. We're having dinner together—the three of us."

The young teen smiled and nodded. "Thanks, Eirik."

A few days after Emile had sent notice to the Conjuror's Board, he received a prompt response from Malango the Magnanimous himself. After reading over the message, he found Eirik sitting in the dining hall after he'd just finished lunch, and he beckoned him into a small corridor.

"What is it?"

Emile unfolded the letter, passing it to the king.

Attention: Emile, Advisor to King Eirik

Greetings to you, Emile.

We have received your urgent letter and have sent out numerous inquiries to our connected partners to take this case. While many have responded affirmatively to the query, I have one particular person in mind who might be a good fit for this case.

Isolde is a former sentry who used to work directly for me, but she now works as a private magister regent. She is efficient and swift at her job, and she has numerous references stating that she has been a dedicated and effective worker in situations like these. I have contacted her supervisor, Master Qiqiang, the Chief of the Royal Private Magistrates Headquarters (RPMH), and I expect a response very soon.

I will follow up with another letter to let you know the outcome, likely before the end of this current week. Please tell King Eirik we have his best interests in mind, and if Isolde is unavailable, we will find someone else. I assure you.

Regards,

Malango the Magnanimous

Conjuror's Board

"Isolde," Eirik mumbled, frowning thoughtfully. "I think it's the first time I've heard of a woman taking on such a dangerous role."

Emile smirked, folding up the letter and pressing it into his friend's hands. "We really need to get you out of this castle more often. You've missed a lot."

The king shrugged, sighing. "So… Now we wait?"

"Now we wait."

To be continued…

Next Chapter: Role Reversal