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The town was buzzing with joy, people all around the kingdom singing, trading, eating, and dancing. And here I was getting my pockets drained by three very hungry mouths, soon to be four, I couldn't help but smile. The children were happy, Anástaciá was cheerful, the town was ecstatic and I finally had time to spend with them.
“What do you think?” “I think this Elote is fantastic.” She struggled to speak without having her food falling out her mouth, I just chuckled. The sudden blow of trumpets scared Paco into crying, while Lourdes and Analiya raced from the light pole to the bridge to overlook the coming circus and carriages.
I picked up Paco, placed my arm over my Aná, and walked over to our girls. “Hey! Go easy on that railing he’s old!” “It’s a bridge, not a man, Papà! You’re so weird!” Lourdes shouted, “Yeah you’re so weird!” Analiya followed.
We managed to get to them before more people gathered on the streets. The air was light and filled with smells of all kinds of food, the sounds of people cheering and singing surrounded us.
We watched as a band of colorfully dressed people did backflips, jumping off of each other's heads, and walking on their hands marched through the streets. People started getting louder though when the music troupe started to come close.
People started to grab each other's hands and sing together as if they knew the strangers next to them their entire lives. Lourdes started to swing back and forth from the railing, and Analiya danced with Anàstacia.
Paco started to calm down, I pointed at the animals that started to pass under the bridge. “What’s that one, Paquito?” “A spoon.” A spoon?” I stared at the crocodile. I just sighed and nodded. He started reaching out to Anà, I just looked at her. She seemed so beautiful.
“You want mamà? Okay here’s mamà.” I kissed her on the cheek and Paco climbed into her arms. “Oh Paquito gordito.” she cooed at him
I turned to my girls, they were starting to get cross with each other. I scooped them both up, “¿Ahora?” “She won't stop copying me!” “I am not!” My ears were about to start bleeding. Time to work dad magic. “Is that a bear in a pink tutu!” “What!” “Where?! WHERE PA!”
I'm not going to be hearing by the time I'm 45. The girls couldn't spot the ballerina bear and started to lecture me, I just went along. But soon the cheering turned to awning as the carnival people in their eccentric costumes and high-energy music went away.
The Carriage of El Rey came into view. I put the girls down and we rushed over. It was big and glistening in gold, the blue and yellow ribbons made it look mythical.
The crowd was silent in amazement before they started to throw flowers and chant out a blessing for El Rey. The girls rushed over to Aná and started begging her for the bouquet I bought.
She placed Paco in my arms and she grabbed a flower for them. “Not yet, wait for it to get closer okay.” They just nodded their head, before throwing their flowers. I laughed as Anà just slowly hid the bouquet away.
We continued to watch it from afar when suddenly someone stood on the carriage. People gasped some even cursed as a woman with a colorful and vivid suit popped up from the box and did flips and tricks on top of El Rey’s carriage. What was shocking soon turned out to be loved.
People started to applaud and roar in glee. People started to try and throw their flowers at her, she would do tricks to capture them too. Paco waved his chubby hands at her through the bars, she blew him a kiss, and he started to tug on my sleeves in excitement when she did.
Then unknown and artistic women quickly caught everyone’s attention. Something felt off though, call it 6th sense or a soldier intuition, I quickly started looking for something that felt wrong. there was an old-looking man, following the women closely through the crowds.
He didn’t seem like the a townsfolk, and he was definitely foreign. He just kept staring at the woman on the carriage. He looked at the women with pure defeat and worry.
I pointed it out to Anà but she simply shrugged it off. His sad eyes stuck with me even as we made our way to our seats at the stadium. I played it off as best I could despite many things denying their truth, but I am here to enjoy an extravaganza with my family, I cast it from my mind and focused on the four beside me.
The present peace quickly turned into a moment I would only look at fondly in the future, as the kids started to get fussy.
The air was too hot, Paco was breathing too loud, there was no space, when was the show going to start, I'm hungry, Analiya won't stop copying me, and the light hurting my head. These were just a few of the many complaints the kids had.
Anà and I were starting to get overwhelmed too. I figured it was best to take the kids for a walk while Anà got some peace and bought some snacks. I put Paco over my shoulders and carried Lourdes as Analiya ran ahead, I chatted away the time with them and entertained Lourdes's jumbled-up rant about her dreams.
Paco wanted to be spun around every so often which luckily went along with the hopscotch Analiya wanted to play. we made it halfway to the other side before we started getting tired. “Come on I'm sure mom’s back with food.”
The kids rushed me back to the seat, they all sprinted out of my car when they spotted Anástaciá. the field soon started to get filled with people rushing to set up props and barriers.
Soon the seats filled and people hushed down as the lanterns were dimmed and the spotlight focused in on a round little man standing on a barrel. He didn’t say much he only introduced themselves and praised the kingdom's beauty thanking El Rey for inviting them.
The light moved to a high-up balcony above everyone and seated there was El Rey and some advisors.
“Now wondrous people of Dirathiel. We, once again, give our most sincere gratitude for welcoming us to the beautiful kingdom. And without further interference, we present! The tales and talents of the world!”
The man quickly bowed and suddenly, before anybody could sheer, someone came swinging by taking him away and the barrel dispersed, and a flock of colorful birds shot out.
The kids went to the edge of their seats and the crowds clapped as the birds flew all around the arena and over them, singing and screeching. They soon gathered at a wire tree in the back of the arena and jumped about each other.
After a few moments where everyone could behold their arrange of colors, they swarmed to the center, and as the flurry of feathery color subsided, standing in place of their small hurricane where people dressed in glitter-drenched half dresses, radiant feathers in their hair, their faces covered by mask or layers of striking and vibrant makeup.
A multitude of birds sat comfortably on the arms of almost all of them. Their smiles were wide as the crowd ate up their sudden appearance and glamorous image.
Then in a pattern, like a domino effect, the ones on the farthest sides broke off in a jump as the birds flew from their arms.
Soft drums slowly build up and quickly start to become thunderous as they start to match the dancer's fast movements.
They jumped away from the line and started to form two. The lines parallel to each other as they moved around like snakes with feathers. The birds rejoined and moved above them as if they were their spirits dancing together.
They merged circling the wire tree as they pulled feather fans from their half-dresses, fanning and covering the entire base of the tree.
Till the drums suddenly banged so loud that the tree caught fire as if on their command. Their fans catch flying sparks and burn off their dress to reveal shimmering suits and long loose frilly skirts.
Everyone was shocked as their amazed gasp turned to silence. We all sat restlessly eager to see what would happen next the children cheered with the crowd.
I clapped my hands as it was interesting to see them pull off. Then as if something crept deep within, I felt a sudden urge to be on guard. Something was wrong and I don’t know what.
I looked over to Anà, she seemed completely unbothered. She looked over at me with that beautiful smile of hers that quickly turned to slight worry. “You okay? You seem stressed.”
She reached her hand out and placed it on my shoulder. I grabbed her hand and gently squeezed. I kissed her and assured her that I was feeling fine.
“Imma go get something to drink you want anything, mi vida? Kids want something to drink?” They bearly turned their heads to me as they leisurely told me their answers. I chuckled a little in defeat before Ana kissed my cheek.
“Some water would be nice.” I kissed her in return and ruffled the kid's heads before getting up and walking down the steps.
The dancers were quickly finishing up their act as they twirled feverishly towards the exits and elephants and large animals started to make their way onto the floor.
I absentmindedly walked to the drink stand as I kept my eyes on the acts. I figured I traveled past the drink stands as I was almost approaching the entrance hall to the backstage.
I almost left without a word till I noticed the royal guards… guarding the gate.
I stared for some moments longer before deciding that it wasn’t important. “Nope, I'm off duty. Nope, nope walk away to find the drinks-“I noticed a rush of them coming in they seemed to be in distress.
I walked closer over to the edge of the hall, they were trying to arrest a man. He was trying to push past them and get into the backstage. I shook my head believing that he may have been a drunkard who became aggressive.
I watched on anyway but my interest didn’t peak till the assumed drunk started to speak in a different language, I stood up and got closer to hear better till I noticed it was the man from before.
The strange man I pointed out to Anà, near the women during the carriage march. I looked around and saw my friend Arlo. I whistled at him and he whipped around and bursted into a smile when he saw me.
He got someone else to take his spot and walked to me with his hand out. “Oyé, Emiliano! ¿Que tú hace aquí? What are you doing here man? No, que “Oh I’m off duty.” Ayy, mister family man.”
I shook his hand and chuckled while disapprovingly shaking my head “Ya, ya basta con eso. What’s going on here? I thought you were somewhere off protecting los mercados .”
“¡No, no que mercados! Im royal guard.” “A sí? Then what you doing over here dealing with a drunk man?” “Mira, there is a royal family in that tent que este hombre is trying to get to, okay.”
“Que chingadera es eso, that carnival's backstage tent” He gave me a look like was an idiot, and I gave right back but with more confusion, and then he shook his hands slightly with the same face but more annoyed and wider eyes.
Then I was genuinely confused but a vague idea of what he was getting at came to me, I looked at him with subtle surprise, seeking confirmation. He nodded his head with the mocking smile of an idiot.
“Pinche tonto, soldier my ass.”
I shoved him slightly and made my way towards the others. They greeted me with a slap on the back and some jokes but I turned my attention to the old man.
He wasn’t calming down and even tried to get up multiple times. The others were all just deciding to throw him in a cell till he sobered up.
I was starting to agree with them and think that I was simply reading too much into it. And when all was decided and the man realized he wasn’t getting in he sat down and started to go down to his knees and plead.
He was speaking very calmly and softly with a mixture of underlying feelings trying to seep out. It was only then that I was able to understand what language he was speaking.
I shushed Arlo and listened closely and I could make out the words he was saying. “Please… please sir I beg you. I need- I need to get to her I need to talk to her! It’s urgent please sir. Please please.” “Are you,” I cleared my throat and tried again.
“Are you speaking Dehlivany?” He looked up at me with brightly lit eyes with threats of tears. “Dehlivany! You speak Dehlivany!” He said pointing at me with a smile and nodding his head.
I made a so-so gesture and sat down next to him to talk. “Who are you?” “Otho. I’m Otho, please sir I must get in there. My daughter is- must talk with her!” He started to talk with panic and I quickly started to lose my understanding. I got him to sit down and relax.
“Okay, I understand Otho.” I turned to the others and told them of Otho's situation, they shook their head with sympathies but their decision, their oath as royal guards was final.
“Otho they will not let you in, they have their duties and they have to protect someone very important-“ “it's my duty to protect the most important person in the world, my daughter! and you are all telling me I can’t because one person is in the same tent as her!”
He was about to force himself through again, I grabbed him before he could and turned him away trying to lead him out of the entrance hall.
“I understand Otho, I'm a father myself of two little girls and one boy with another on the way.” He was paying close attention and I was slowly leading him out
“But if you continue to try to force your way through then, they the royal guards,” I pointed towards the others and waved my hand, signaling that everything was fine,
“They are going to throw you into a cell, and then you won't be able to see your daughter any time soon.”
He seemed defeated and looked back at the hall before sighing. I don’t know why but I felt equated to this man. He paced around a bit, he explained that he was a worker at the carnival and that his daughter is the star Trapeze.
He was always with her to make sure to catch her, no matter how high up, if something went wrong he took the risk of endangering himself so his girl was safe. I resonated with this old man, I know I would do absolutely anything and everything for my kids.
I offered to buy him food and have him sit with us. He seemed taken aback and looked down towards the hall. “You’re not getting in there, it’s better to just wait it out.
It’s smarter to come with me than get yourself thrown in jail.” He was reasonable enough, though extremely hesitant, to see what I was saying made sense and followed suit.
I remember to snag some water, before heading back and even bought one for Otho. I chatted about my life as a soldier, my family, and how festivities such as these are rare in Dirathiel and so are visitors.
Anástaciá noticed me first and waved then locked eyes with Otho upon realizing that he was following me. “Ya finalmente… who is this? Hello?” I handed the water to the kids and one to Anà.
“Amor, this is Otho he’s a friend?” I looked back at him and looked back to Anà “he’s a friend.” “Oh, hello Otho, im Anástaciá.” He shook his hand but looked nervous and only said his name with a smile.
“He’s not from here, he speaks Dehlivany.” Ana was surprised but was still friendly. I introduced my kids and they all greeted him kindly and respectfully though truth be told he didn’t understand, simply nodded and smiled.
I sat him down next to me and continued to talk to him and Ana was also interested to know more about Otho.
“So Otho, this is my family.” He smiled at me, “You are a very lucky man to have such a big and beautiful family. In Kurastorv, it’s a very important thing to have a big family. One of the most crucial things within Kurastorv culture is family.” That made me feel proud of myself, I looked back at my family and just felt relaxed whenever I laid my eyes upon them.
It made me wonder, I turned back to Otho. “Otho what was that you wanted to talk to your daughter about.” He let out a deep sigh and looked out towards the magicians in the center ground capturing the attention of all.
He looked back at me with a very serious, almost angered look, he hesitated but I could see his resolve build up in his eyes. “I think- no I know, someone is trying to kill my daughter and…” he took a deep breath and tightened his hand as if to give himself the courage to speak,
“I think… I think it's someone of the royal family.”
I felt all the curiosity and slight concern slip into a cold freezing apprehension mixed with a sudden growing alarm of a grave error. “Otho… what, what do you mean?”
I had an anxious look as Otho was starting to become shifty as if saying the words aloud somehow truly set them in stone, made them the inevitable.
“Now I know its major thing to say that,” he was starting to become increasingly loud and put his hands up and shaking them as if they would do the talking for him, “but I really, do think that’s what’s going to happen.”
“Otho, what?! What do you mean?” “Well like I told you my daughter is the acrobat! But she’s been skipping her practice for at least five to 10 months now, what she does has to be regularly practiced! It wasn’t like her because she’s very passionate about this!”
Ana tapped me on the shoulder and she seemed concerned. “¿Todo está bien? your friend is getting pretty loud and is starting to gather some eyes.”
I looked around and noticed the annoyed faces of children, followed by the disgruntled words of their parents. I looked back at Otho and managed to get him to stop yelling.
“You’re drawing a lot more attention than you already have. So what if she started skipping out of practice, falsely accusing royalty is a major crime if someone-“ “But I'm not! It’s the truth I know it is! She started skipping because of someone.”
I shrugged my shoulders and waved out my arms with an irritated expression. “So? Otho, you saying this could get me in major trouble” “All alright then just answering me this! did your sovereignty go out at any point during the last few months?”
“Yes, why do you think we’re having this whole-“ “Okay! So the timeline matches up! And that’s not the only thing! She was pushing, to come here of all places. She was dead set on coming here, this “untouched fortune” of a place, which in your own words is a rare place to have festivities much less foreign entertainers!”
I sat up from my disbelieving slouch. Maybe he was onto something, the pulse the royal member Arlo was guarding backstage could only mean one thing.
Suddenly everyone was cheering and we all turned our attention to the center of the arena. Soft and melodious music started to play very low and become grandiose when a group of people started to make exciting entrances.
Blackfliping off each other, cartwheeling in circles, others in giant wheels all making their way to the center. Otho grabbed at my shoulder as he launched up from his seat.
He seemed sick and fearful he raced to the bottom step yanking me slightly as he dashed off. I was still shocked by what he was saying and still in awe of the group of acrobats.
Anà despite being intrigued by the group noticed with great concern Otho’s sudden departure. I kissed her hand asking her to stay where she was, if what I was thinking was going on it was going to be something monumental is going to happen.
I raced down to Otho who was muttering something that I couldn't hear over the cheers and music.
“Seven, eight, nine, ten… no no. This can’t be right where is Lamija?! One two three four five”. “What?” He waved at me to shush as he counted to move his head his eyes shifting, observing the performers.
“She’s not there…” he said with heavy breaths, “who? Who’s not here.” “Lamjia, lamjia she not here!” “Lamjia? Is she your daughter?” He didn’t answer and ran off, I followed after I knew where he was going.
He made it to the backstage hall before I could catch up to him. He stopped in his tracks, I'm assuming the guards had left the area. He was starting to build up a determined look and started to walk but I was able to grab him and convince him that he just go to jail.
“I don't know where Lamjia is…” he turned back around towards the performers and began counting again. I just watched him trying to catch my breath while keeping him from coming down the hall. Arlo came up to me later, with questions. I had some of my own.
“I thought you said you take care of him, why is he here?” “He’s still looking for his daughter… es nada no te preocupes.” He shook his head as he watched Otho pace around. They made sudden eye contact and Arlo had won that small match.
“¿Oye, dime la verdad? He says his daughter was in contact with a royal family member and well you're here guarding someone very important in that backstage at a rare festival.”
I gave him a look and made extra sure to have my tone-filled assumption. He shrugged, sucking in air through his teeth and looking away.
I smiled slightly and shook my head. I walked back over to Otho who was still pacing around and muttering under his breath, I couldn’t wait to tell him how proud he must be.
“Did he say anything, can I go look inside? I need to find Lamjia.” No, we can’t go inside yet” he stopped dead in his tracks crouched to the ground, and covered his mouth as if he was going to throw up.
I was surprised and went to try and pick him up. “It’s getting too close, I need to find her I should’ve never left her-“ “Otho, what’s wrong! You don't look good, are you okay?”
“No I'm not okay, someone is trying to murder my daughter and her act is getting closer by the minute and I haven’t even found her! Oh great goddess above please, please let me find my Lamjia… please.”
I slapped him on the back and chuckled. “Otho relax, I think I know what’s going on.”
He looked up in tears with sickly-looking eyes. “What’s going on? Where’s my daughter?” I just chuckled and raised him he was crouching slightly. “Why are you smiling? What do you know?”
He was starting to put volume into his voice. I started to lead him back to our seats, “Relax Otho, if I'm right which I most likely am, then there’s nothing to fear. Your daughter is safe, she’s more than safe she’s protected and soon will be someone of very high honor.”
“What are you saying? I haven't- I don't understand a single word that’s left your mouth.” “Well, I can’t exactly tell you directly because there’s a taboo surrounding such things but afterward I can talk all about it. Promise.”
His eyes were wide and had some red tinting under them, he stood where he was tentatively looking at me. I held out my hand and ushered him to follow, “Otho I promise I will tell you everything.” “So tell me now.”
“Well like I said there’s taboo to talk about beforehand but I can tell you that it's a tradition and it's an extremely high honor to be the participant, and you're a royal member the moment you agree.”
He looked slightly mortified, he marched up to me and grabbed my shoulders. “Agree? Agree to what, what the fuck are you talking about?”
I was slightly taken aback by this reaction, but I could hardly blame him nor be intimidated considering I was still having to look down to look him in the eyes.
“I told you I can’t tell you exactly but your daughter is now someone of very high regard even higher than El Rey.”
He looked with utter confusion. I pulled his hands off and sighed. “ Your daughter is very safe, and soon your fear is going to turn into pride, I promise.”
He shook his head still not understanding. “It’s cause you don't know our traditions well enough, that you're confused but trust me, your daughter is going to want you to see her for this so come sit down with us and relax.”
He seemed lost and doubtful but ultimately sat with me.
He continued with his counting and nervous glances, constantly scooting out of his seat to try and get a look towards the entrance hall.
I was enjoying the tricks the acrobats were playing and they even laughed at Paco's big reactions when they swung up and jumped from each other's arms to the next.
However, I will say it was a slight scare when they made it seem like they had slipped from the swings only to jump back up into the air by the trampoline net.
I was smiling but I looked back at Otho who looked like he was on the verge of throwing up. I shook him lightly and told him to calm down. But he seemed only annoyed so I gave him my water so we wouldn't get to see what he had eaten for breakfast.
Afterward, the people bowed and the crowd screamed in joy, the small man seen in the beginning reappeared thanking us for having them, wishing us the very best of nights, and before he could finish his final farewell, a big hawk flew right over his head and dropped a little red paper over his head.
Everyone was murmuring and chattering. Ana turned to me with confusion and I just looked at her with a smile and kissed her telling her I was right. I turned to look at Otho, but he had stood and looked afraid.
“Uhh, most beautiful of ladies and bravest of men, in the most fantastical of events it’s not only us who are grateful for you but your very king. Here in this little red note, with his seal.”
He flipped the note to us and just like that Otho began to make his way down the stairs. “The king has written, that he has planned for something…” The light panned away from the man and towards the large balcony box seated on the east of the arena center.
Inside stood the El Rey, he dawned his formal clothing as if he was going to a ball, and to his right the advisers dressed in their traditional purple and gold uniforms.
He spoke loudly, it was quiet enough to be able to hear him from backstage as they started to line entertainers started to pop out from their hidden rooms.
“Señoras y Señores, you have given me your blessing to be your king. To be your guide through this century and the next. Mis antepasados le preguntaron a sus antepasados to entrust them with the power and responsibility to rule over you all. Y ellos pidieron prueba que nosotros be willing to make the sacrifices. So we have made the sacrifice of our bodies,”
He let his cape fall off his shoulders revealing his arms were made of intricately detailed pieces of copper metal that had some form of magic holding them together. He let them fall off onto the ground to reveal the scars on his body, his symbol of sacrifice.
The pieces quickly built themselves back together “Con esto ustedes confiaran en nosotros, but every ruler must have their guide beside them,” he turned around and held out his hands.
Out of the shadows the woman from earlier the one who made a great buzz by performing on his carriage appeared, she wore her hair down and it mixed around to the puffs of her long sleeves that flowed down past her hands. Her shirt had a long ruffle train the colors of a speckled sparrow egg.
It was beautiful and shimmered as if the diamonds were embroidered into the dress. The pants shaped her strong legs as she jumped up from the terrace floor to the railing. She waved out to us and blew kisses, some of the reactions were met with a few mutters, and others started to cheer, while the entertainers pointed out, trying to figure out the situation some starting to argue with the small man trying to figure out why she was with the king.
“Lamjia! Lamjia!” Everyone turned to Otho who was trying to call out to the women and climb over the wall barrier. Her eyes flickered towards him before shifting back to just staring over all of us. I pulled Otho off before he got the attention of the guards. “Otho! Stop it! What are you doing-“
“You said she would be safe! And she’s not!” Otho started to scream at me waving his hands in the air and starting to talk so fast I started to mishear him then the king began to speak and the little that I could understand got mixed or drowned out by the voice of the king.
He only stopped when he noticed something happening with Lamjia, I turned only to hear the last words of the king as Lamjia took a bar swing in her hand.
“She understood this sacrifice and wanted to close this book of her life doing what she loved before she started her new life looking over and protecting the people Dirathiel”
Suddenly she jumped onto the bar and pushed off. The crowd erupted into cheers and happiness as they understood what was happening, too started to clap my hands and cheer out her name and soon everyone followed suit.
Except for Otho and the Carnies called her name with fear. I turned to Otho still confused, “Otho, why are you so scared? This is great news this is the part where you're supposed to cheer on for your daughter?”
The smile on my face was replaced by confusion. Otho looked like the world was ending. “ no…no she- Lamjia is in danger!” He started to run but
I grabbed him and went by his side, “What are you talking-“ He pushed my hand off of his shoulder and looked angered,
“She can’t be on the trapeze bar with that type of clothing! There’s no net! She hasn’t been training! If she slips which will happen there’s no net to catch her, my daughter will die from that height!”
He ran off before I could say anything
I looked up at Ana and the kids they were enjoying the show and then I looked down the path watching as Otho ran down to the entrance hall.
I looked at her and called out she looked at me with a smile and mouthed the words “You knew about this, didn’t you.” I chuckled and did a smile wink before singling I’d be back she looked out to see Otho running and nodded her head.
I ran towards the hall to find no guards. I rushed inside and searched over the sea of costumes and make-up hung-up lights and squeaking uncared birds.
I could a clanging sound close by slightly overpowering the loud and muffled cheers outside. I race further down trying to figure out the maze of small homemade dressing areas, props, and a sea of randomly placed clothes.
A small glass bottle suddenly flew past my face stopped me in my tracks and led me out to the curtain-lined exit. I pushed through and found a small riot between the guards and the carnies.
I was surprised and out above the arena were the people of Dirathiel cheering on the future Reñía soaring high above us all.
I heard that familiar clanging sound from the clanging of the guard's armor getting hit by wood sticks held by angry people while others held metal bars and hammers along with every piece of fabric they had.
They were screaming out saying they needed to make a net, stop getting in their way, murders, and a long list of profanities in their language and ours.
I spotted Arlo holding up well against the fighters and Otho pushing forward the best he could holding a long piece of fabric and some poles. I rushed to Arlo pulling the people off and accidentally pushing them to the ground.
“¿Qué carajo está pasando? Why are you fighting them?” “¿No vas a preguntar si estoy bien, idiota?” “Answer me, Arlo!” “Ellos estan tratando de detener la coronacion.” My mouth was left wide open, “Estas mintiendo, are you serious?”
He shook his head, before pointing towards the direction of Otho. “Tu amiguito is the most frustrating one to deal with and we could use some help, you go deal with him.”
I nodded and walked off, I found Otho walking back about to take a running start I got in his path. “Otho! Stop it, what you’re doing is very very bad, especially for your daughter!”
“Lying is also bad!” “I wasn’t lying!” “You were, "Your daughter is more than safe she is protected" Those were your words! Now look where she is! my daughter is 60 ft in the air, with no net to catch her! And you’re stopping me from saving her!” “I’m stopping you from going to jail Otho! Just put down the stuff and don’t try to interfere!”
“Interfere! Interfere in what, the murder of my little girl!” “Why don’t you trust her she knows what she’s doing!”
“Oh I trust her,” he pointed at me “What I don't trust is your king or this weird island or you! This entire time you’ve been leading me away from the truth! Your king soldiers stoping me from going to see my girl, you pushing me to not do anything and hiding the truth from me with the excuse of some cultural taboo nonsense."
"Now suddenly Lamjia appears by the king's side ignoring me, ignoring her friends and family. Ignoring her safety! You all, no this entire messed up kingdom is in on something dark and we are just your victims aren’t we? Well, that’s where you fucked up! You’re not going to get my daughter, I’d kill all of you before I let you do something to Lamjia.”
I was astounded by his illogical tangent. “Are you serious?” “You want to find out just how serious I am.” He threatened me and grabbed one of his metal bars ready to use it as a weapon.
I wasn't phased by this, he was a father doing what he thought was right but I'm also a father and this is what’s right for my children and not just them but for the kingdom itself. Otho was a sturdy-looking man and seemed determined.
I however was a trained soldier with not only the future of the queen and my people on my hand but the future safety of all I hold close. I didn’t hesitate to attack first.
Otho didn’t seem to expect it but didn’t stumble to swing the bar down on me in dodge him, grabbing his hand and holding the bar forward. He was quick to think on his feet and tried to headbut me I leaned back and noticed him still holding onto the other bar and fabrics in his hand.
I latched onto and roll of fabric and ripped it from his hands he panicked and tried to reach for it dropping everything else.
I kept out of his reach, in an attempt to get him to stop and think for a moment but then suddenly he wrapped himself around my stomach and pushed all his weight onto me with momentum.
I fell, the fabric rolled out of my hands opening out in the arena field where the future queen was swinging high above. the crowds shouting out her name in praise. Otho pushed my head into the ground and ran out towards the arena.
I grasped his ankle and looked up at him now feeling adrenaline and the very sudden feeling of need to protect my home. He looked back as he fell understanding that he was going to have to fight me to be able to do anything.
I started to stand when Otho suddenly grabbed the closest person and dragged them down on top of me. It caused a domino effect of the entirety of the small fight to collapse on each, more specifically me.
He raced out there onto the arena and screamed out to Lamjia, she looked down for only a second. Her concentration broken she looked down away from the crown and the crowd to face her father down below.
She missed the moment to jump but risked it any way turning away from the impending height between her and the ground below. Her finger grasped onto the bar and as she raised herself, her grip did not hold.
She slipped but just as soon as she thought she felt the hard, crushing pressure of gravity something grabbed her and flung her back onto the bar. She looked up to see the arms of the king she looked at him to see him smiling at her.
She felt her spirits lift, as she was only seconds ago, and continued with her flight with confidence.
Otho down below found a little terror creeping into his mind, he looked at the king sickened by his face, and he quickly searched the ground for the bars and fabric, setting a large makeshift net.
I quickly got myself, out from under the pile of fallen fighters and actors. I saw Otho and anger started to seep into my face as I looked up to see the net he was setting.
Before I could even think of what was happening or what to do, I found myself standing behind an enemy of the crown, an unsuspecting enemy. I felt my knuckles wrap around the sword I had taken from a fallen guard and raised my arm.
I felt no shame in taking his life I was a soldier, and he was an enemy to the queen. Whether he meant to be or not, whether it was because he was a father or not, he was objecting to her crowning, putting my kingdom in danger, it was a mistake to be his friend.
I raised the sword only hesitating when I heard the collective gasp of the crowd, my eyes shifted to the mass and I found myself turning to face the section where I was supposed to be with my wife, with my kids.
I found their little faces among the crowd, I felt shame then. I turned back to Otho who was still, his hand moving farther down his leg. I quickly shifted my hold, and just as he swung a small dagger from below I raised my leg to kick the knife out his hand.
I took the sword and bore the handle into the back of his head. He felt the sand in his hand and joined the rest as he went limp. I faced away from him and to the king who still had his eyes on the future queen.
I dropped the sword to the ground, it plunged deep into the sand and I bent down, raising my wrist to the king. After 10 seconds I rose and bowed, I picked the sword up again and faced my family. I dropped it and went down to the ground to bow to them.
An apology for what they had seen and for breaking my vow to stay beside them. I grabbed the sword, pulled the bars out of the ground quickly placed them all into the blanket grabbed Otho by the ankle, and dragged him back to the entrance.
I tossed him down to the guards who nodded and tied him up next to the others. I tossed the things to the ground and handed the sword back. I walked up to Arlo and we stood there for a minute not talking.
I faced the open arena where the queen was still taking the spotlight and faced the carnies who were still pleading for us to let them go. Arlo started to help sort out what to do and where to put the ones who started fighting.
He came by and put his hand on my shoulder, “Gracias por ayuda, we’ll handle things here, ve con tu familia.” I shook his hand, “claro, cuídate compadre.”
I made my way towards the backstage again when Otho put his foot in front of me. I looked at him with annoyance, he looked at me searching for sympathy.
“Please, you're a father yourself. You know what’s going to happen! Please I'm begging you don’t kill my daughter, take me if you must but please don’t take Lamjia!” I looked at him and keeled to his eye level.
“That's not your girl anymore, she’s La Reina, a protector of Dirathiel, and you all are conspiracists.”
He looked at me with a mixture of emotions, but the main one was fear. I didn’t want to entertain him any more than I had to but at the same time, I felt a slight pang for him.
I remember what he did and how I reacted to such an act, especially in front of my family, I quickly burned that empathy. I marched out slightly upset, I would only grow anxious when I heard the whisper and saw them turn their heads when I walked by.
I got to the stairs and looked up to see Anástaciá looking out towards the arena she looked down at me her face was hard to read. I slowly and shamefully made my way up to her, the kids leaned to look at me, and they smiled and waved before turning away.
I sat down and grabbed Anà’s hand. I thought of what to say but couldn’t think of anything, I simply squeezed her hand gently and sat back with my head down.
She very quickly did the same and interlocked our hands. I smiled and went for a kiss she raised her hand to stop me, and I pulled back and simply raised her hand to kiss it and lined up my shoe to hers
We watched on as Lamjia was finally closing up her act, it was very beautiful to see despite the uncomfortable yelling out down below. Otho was screaming out her name trying to get her attention.
I simply shook my head as it was obvious Lamjia was ignoring him. Suddenly the light on the king shone again. He looked out to all of us. “Mi gente maravillosa, it was soon within the birth of our kingdom that we realized we would have enemies that were far stronger than us, far bigger than us, and smarter."
"They looked down on us, they stripped our land barren and laid waste to our identities. But the one thing they never could beat us at, never could take from us was our pride. Our strength within not only ourselves but each other, and our communities. And our spirit only grew stronger the more they attacked. It wasn’t long after that our founders were able to figure out how to stop these attacks, but it came at a great sacrifice, the first of my line was ready to lay down her life as she had already done. But her husband came forth. He decided it was time for him to prove his willingness to bear the responsibility of caring for us all. He gave his life, he allowed himself to be the first to protect the lands from all who wish harm. We only would’ve made it so far if it wasn’t for those who were willing to die for their people. Since then future Reinas y Reys or nuestra familia were willing to lay down their lives to join the others protecting these lands. And now it’s time to add a new protector to our realm.”
He let the light shine away from him as it made its way to Lamjia, who sitting atop a bar. “Lamjia Venla Rohesia, is from this point on our Reina,” he said with a smile slightly hesitating to continue, “A decir la verda ella es el amor de mi vida,” she blew a kiss to him and he closed his eyes.
“Lamjia, Reina de Dirathiel, do you swear your life to Dirathiel y su gente?” “I do.” “Lamjia, do you understand that once you agree to this there is no going back.” “I do” “…Lamjia, do- Lamjia may your name be used to grant prayers and may your soul forever be a blessing to the land of Dirathiel as you be freed on this plane of existence and rise again as a protector.”
She simply closed her eyes and stood on the bar. We all bowed to her, it was a great sacrifice that she was willing to make and in turn, we must make sure to honor her name as we have honored the rest.
We took a moment of silence, it was blatantly disrespected as Otho continued to call out. It was only when it was silenced I thought that they finally gagged him.
We looked up to see La Reina let go of the chains and fall, after giving a final bow and kiss. It was quick as we saw only a blur of blue and black twirling to the ground. There was a slight and soft thud.
We bowed to her again as we started to see red, pool around her body. We were silent but then began to cheer. Everyone called out, shouting prayers to Lamjia thanking her for her sacrifice. We could see the king's advisors make their way down toward the body.
They all circled her and held hands. Staffs came out the ground beside them as they all twirled around, grasped onto the staffs, bared them into the ground moved to connect the lines into a circle, and then branched out making their path and signs on the ground.
They joined together again near her body. They dove their hand into the ground and dug little paths for her blood to flow into the crevices they drew.
They stepped back to the end of their path and recited the first prayer to the protectors of the land, they dove their staffs into the ground kneeled in front, and held their wrists up the them.
Their murmurs grew softer and then seemed to contradict each other but the blood started to overflow from the impressions on the sand. They started to join together and build their signature.
That tunneled itself into the ground before started to turn orange and then color started to float off the blood, like little balls of light, leaving it a clear glass color.
The light started to form into a shape, into a faceless silhouette of a woman, soon a face appeared and it was the soul of Lamjia. The advisors kept their wrists high above their downward heads as they made their way to her.
They lined up before her and it wasn’t long before other colorful beings approached her, they came from the color of the colored robes of the advisors. They hugged and greeted her and welcomed her.
They all turned to us were we bowed and put our hands above our heads, we collectively gave thanks for their sacrifice for our prosperity. Soon they all misted away the color returning the robes, duller than before.
Lamjia looked out towards El Rey and blew him a kiss with both hands then faced her friends with a soft smile, hoping that maybe they’d understand her side one day.
Then she was gone.
Everyone raised their heads and cheered may be left to go celebrate in the towns, of our la Reina and give thanks for our new protector after all it was tradition.
My family waited a bit before leaving to avoid the crowd but they soon came to gather La Reina's body, to clean and prepare her for her entombment.
Many started the studying of her signature and color, it was necessary to add her to our solemnities, to add her songs and her prayer of protection to our hearts and to honor her nobility properly.
It wasn’t till many had left and we had started our departure that they started to transport the conspirators and that’s when I saw Otho again. He is hands tied behind his back, his mouth was covered with a cloth, and he had to be practically carried by others.
His eyes were red and puffy with tears still flowing, I pitied him. Anyone could understand his position but he could never understand ours. To outsiders, this was barbarism and murder.
Maybe they were right but it was a necessity for our protection, for a secure future for my kids. That’s how we have been so prosperous, so well hidden, the ability of the soul, of people so willing to die for us, giving their entire being for us to live better than in the past.
So that people like me, soldiers, and guards, wouldn't be needed anymore. So our kingdom can become a land that fosters true freedom so that our kids live only to share the stories of our history to never repeat them.
I would make sure this was a future my kids grew up in. So I felt no sympathy for him, nobody here would. What his daughter did was no such little thing, she would be honored, immortalized, and revered by us forever.
This couldn't possibly be as horrific as he must believe if his daughter, a person who never grew up with our customs or fear of war, was willing to die for us to get closer to a better future.
Otho caught a glimpse of me and I could tell all that he had left in him the pain, the loss, the horror, and grief had boiled and mutated into a dark, demented, blinding resentment.
In his red eyes, growing darker the longer he looked at me, replaying what happened to his daughter, I was to blame.
I had killed her, and in a way, I killed him too.