Chapter 17: Public Announcement

A knock came at Windfrey’s door as he looked at his reflection in his mirror. He fixed his hair one final time, took a deep breath and opened the door. On the other side stood his older brothers, William and Wren.

William smiled mockingly. “Wow, you’re still here. And look at you, dressed for the occasion. I thought you would have run away by now.”

Windfrey returned a much friendlier smile and patted the last wrinkle off his blouse. “I would never dream of it, brother. So, shall we go? The city is waiting for us.”

“Yes, let us go,” replied his older brother, distrustful of Windfrey’s pleasant mood.

The three brothers walked in silence down the halls of their royal abode. At the entrance of the royal tower in the citadel, an armoured vehicle spewing black smoke into the air waited for its passengers. One after the other, the Soffle princes climbed aboard their metallic transport.

Windfrey sat composedly, eyes closed and legs crossed, while his two brothers looked intriguingly at him. Not even the intense heat radiating from the coal engine whirring behind his back was enough to break him a sweat. Ahead of his public announcement, he was calm, unbothered.

A short while later, the vehicle carrying them came to a stop. From the confines of its metal walls, the princes could hear the chatter of a large crowd nearby. They stepped out in the open, greeted by a line of soldiers and officers.

Few clouds drifted in the otherwise clear sky, an evening glow shining down on the city. Beyond the Royal Army personnel that came with the presence of royalty in public, was a stone platform atop the wall separating the low town from the high town’s first level.

Windfrey approached the platform, followed closely by his brothers, who stayed a few steps behind him. On the platform stood a microphone connected to radios across the high town’s three levels for nobility to hear.

Ahead of him, thousands of commoners cramped in the streets of the low town like fish in a barrel waited anticipatedly for the prince to speak. Word had gotten around that a message was to be shared with the population, but no one knew more than that.

Upon seeing the young prince, the crowded streets grew louder, some even cheering at his appearance. Windfrey gave the city time to quiet down, waving at the people with a charming smile on his face, enough to irritate William further.

Somewhere behind the princes, sitting on a portable throne, was King Bartholomew, his energy drained from his earlier meetings. Nevertheless, seeing his most contumacious son about to deliver to the world the message of the Reas family’s capture put a deviously gratified smile on his face.

The boisterous crowd continuing to make noise, Windfrey raised his hand high above his head and spoke into the microphone. “Good evening, citizens of Winrol.”

As soon as his voice reached the ears of the ones impatiently awaiting his message, their loudness turned to stillness.

Windfrey lowered his hand and continued. “To those of you listening at home, I hope this finds you well, and to those of you standing before me, listen well. Today marks a turning point in our kingdom’s history. The information I am about to relay to you all may very well alter the course of your collective lives.”

Curious and nervous murmurs escaped from the crowd.

“As you all no doubt already know, it has long been the dream of the royal family of Vasilosse to acquire the legendary treasure of the stars, a treasure so bright it could grant whoever laid hands on it enough power to rule the world at large. Through many generations, countless royal families, treasure hunters, scholars and thrill seekers have searched for this elusive treasure, but none were ever able to find it. Across this myriad of ages and folks, it is said one man may possess the knowledge to find the treasure of the stars.”

The murmurs grew louder.

Windfrey raised his hand once again to shush the people. “You may have heard of this man before. His name is carried by the winds of Vasilosse, a man from our very own kingdom. His name is Travis Reas. He is without a doubt the greatest treasure hunter of our time, possible of all time. With his help, we can step closer to the treasure of the stars.”

Folks in the crowd exchanged perplexed looks, unsure what to make of this information. Meanwhile, Windfrey’s father saw his duplicitous grin grow wider.

“Sadly, Travis Reas is as elusive as the treasure of the stars itself,” the prince carried on. “Which is why, in order to draw out the man who will lead us to the promised treasure, the kingdom has chosen to capture members of his family. In the dungeon below our beautiful citadel are Silvers Reas, Travis’s brother and right-hand man, and Luck Reas, his nephew. Once word gets to Travis Reas that his last remaining family is being held captive, he will likely cooperate with us and help us seize the treasure of the stars.”

Upon hearing those words, the commoners of the low town became more hectic, raising their voices, some in discontent. Through the boos and confused blather below him, Windfrey turned to meet his father’s gaze, who returned a pleased look. Turning back to speak to the people, Windfrey caught William’s devilishly contorted smile. It was as if he enjoyed watching his younger brother betray what he had stood for his entire life.

Windfrey raised his voice to an uncharacteristically commanding tone. “That is the message my father, our king, wants me to tell you all. But what about you, citizens of Winrol. What do you want? What does the treasure of the stars mean to you?”

The king’s visage took a bleak turn at his son’s off-script rambling.

“Is it truly so important that innocent lives should hang in the balance?” asked Windfrey loudly. “My father wants the world to know where we stand in the race for the treasure of the stars. He wants to let other kings know he is in the lead, that the treasure is his for the taking.”

Enraged by his brother’s patronizing speech, William stormed up the steps to the platform and reached for the microphone. Without so much as giving him a look, Windfrey put his palm on his brother’s face and pushed him off the platform, sending him tumbling down the stairs.

The crowd grew even louder.

“If my father wants to tell the other kings something, he can tell them himself. Earlier today, I sent crows to the four other kingdoms informing them of our capture of the Reas family, as well as an invitation for a banquet, here, in our very own citadel.”

King Bartholomew slammed his hands on the arms of his chair and stood up in a spurt. His eyes were big and brimming with anger.

Windfrey exchanged a brief look with him, before continuing his speech. “Within days, the message will have reached all four other kingdoms, and within a week, they should be knocking at our door. Then, our good king will be able to tell the kings of the world what he wants them to know. But fear not for your safety, my people, for this is not an invitation of war, but rather one of peace. It is long overdue we establish international relations with other kingdoms. We do not have to view each other as rivals and enemies, when we can work together to bring forward a better future for all in the Five Kingdoms. And who better to lead this new era, than the king who will lay claim to the fabled treasure of the stars. I ask each and every one of you to stand alongside me as we bring forth change in this world; not the change my father or the elites of the citadel want, but the change you all deserve. Together, we can make this world a better place.”

Applause rang loudly in the streets of the low town, and while some withheld their enthusiasm, it was clear the prince’s message had been delivered as intended.

As he turned around, he was met with a wall of far more sinister faces, mainly that of his father, whom had he still the energy of youth in him, would have jumped on Windfrey a while ago. Windfrey pushed through the wall of soldiers separating him from his father and walked past the vehicle that had brought him here and into the streets of the high town, toward the royal tower.

Night had fallen on the city when the young prince finally returned home. Without needing to be summoned, he made his way up the tower’s spiralling stairs and into the council room, where his father and his brothers waited.

As soon as the doors closed behind him, William furiously stepped toward his younger brother, aggressively pointing his finger in his direction. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done!”

Windfrey went around his maddened brother and sat opposite to his father at the oval table in the middle of the room. The luster of the polished wood reflected the king’s emotions better than words could have.

William slammed his hands on the table next to Windfrey and continued shouting. “You had one job! One! How could you do so poorly!? Are you trying to sabotage us!?”

“Quiet down, William, father would like to speak to me,” calmly said Windfrey.

“Why, you- Somebody ought to teach you a lesson!”

A resounding wham brought William to a halt, and even frightened Wren, who stood on the sidelines, a drop of sweat forming on his forehead.

King Bartholomew slowly removed his hands from the table, shaking away the stinging on his palms. “I had almost hoped you would not have dared come back after that frivolous performance.” His voice was calm, but clearly heated. “I should have known you would use this opportunity to make a stunt, but never in my wildest nightmares did I think you would try to bring about our downfall.”

“That is not what I did,” responded Windfrey.

“You evidently have no idea what you’ve done. You’ve invited the enemy to eat and sleep within my walls as if they were my honoured guests. They will seize this moment to take control of my kingdom. I’ve had to recall General Ferne and Admiral Ace for protection, leaving the kingdom’s borders to mere commanders and vice admirals. We stand in the threshold of war, and you sit here with that smug look, thinking you’ve done us all a favour. I should have you thrown in the dungeon with that boy you admire so much.”

“Then by all means, father, throw me in the dungeon. I will let you deal with our oncoming guests by yourself. I’m sure your handling of the situation will prove more efficient than mine. Surely, as king, you will be able to avoid bloodshed.”

“You even mock me. Is this a game to you?”

“I assure you, father, my intentions are far from being lackadaisical. I’ve thought about this, and I’ve made my decision. Long enough have I stood in your shadow as you run our beautiful kingdom like an ant farm. Realistically, I will not be king before my hair has either turned gray or fallen off my head, so I had to do whatever was in my power to bring about change.”

“That change you keep speaking of will ruin us all, and you’re too blind to see it.”

“It is you who is blind. Blinded by your own hubris, by selfishness and by fear.”

“Under my reign, the Vasilosse Kingdom has become a nation more powerful than it had ever been. I have kept us safe for longer than you have been alive to complain about it. Without me, the Vasilosse Kingdom might not even exist today. And you would undo it all in an instant, and for what reason? To prove a point? To stand up to me? Your rebellious phase has long overdrawn my patience for it. Do you intend to have me killed?”

“No, father. I thank the gods every day that you and I are not cut from the same cloth. I would never think of making an attempt on your life.”

“That Reas boy you’ve befriended, he wishes to help everyone in need. You two are much alike. Stupid, idealistic and unrealistic. I will do with him what I would have had done to you a long time ago were you not my son.”

Windfrey frowned.

“I will have him executed publicly once the four kings have all arrived.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Oh, yes I would. I have never made an idle threat in my life.”

“What about Travis Reas?”

“I am taking a gamble that he may think the same way you do. If I kill his nephew, he will be even more likely to come forward to spare his brother from the same fate.”

Windfrey remained calm and closed his eyes. “Deep down, I knew it would come to this. So be it. You are king, and it is within your gods-given rights to take the lives of your subjects at your whim. I will even announce it to our guests once they arrive.”

“What are you playing at?”

“No games here, father. You are king, and the world shall know.”

King Bartholomew and his youngest son exchanged a long, dueling stare.

The king loosened up in his chair. “Very well. Windfrey, you shall be in charge of greeting and accommodating the visitors you so graciously invited in our home. Furthermore, you shall be held accountable for any and all damages done to the city and the kingdom. Do I make myself clear?”

“Abundantly, father. I will be the host you could never hope to be.”

“Enough out of you. Your mere presence irks me. Be gone at once before I choose to punish you right away for your insolence.”

Windfrey got up and bowed, while maintaining eye contact with the king. He pushed his chair back into place and silently left the council room.

William tsked bitterly. “You should have punished him harder, father. He continuously steps out of line and insults you. I for one would not take it.”

“Patience, my son. Sooner than he might think, he will be faced with the consequences of his actions. That will be ample punishment.”

***

Luck scratched the old polish off the wooden chair in his room, before flicking the residue from under his fingernail onto the wall. With Marco now gone, he had no neighbour to talk to, and time suddenly seemed to pass much slower. Jail life truly was boring.

Despite being at a late hour of night, he failed to fall asleep. Usually so empty-headed, today’s events had filled his mind to the brim.

His anxiousness was brought to a pause when someone entered the corridor and walked to his cell. It was Windfrey, carrying a solemn complexion.

“Hey there, princess,” Luck playfully greeted him.

“Hello, Luck. I’m afraid I come bearing more bad news.”

“Again? Well, let’s hear it.”

The prince took a tired breath. “You’ll be executed in the coming weeks.”

Luck puffed his cheeks and let out a nervous laugh. “That is bad news.”

“I’m sorry, Luck. It’s my fault.”

“Yeah, I overheard the guards talking earlier. You gave them quite a show, huh?”

“So, you know?”

“Word spreads like wildfire around here.”

“And you’re not… mad?”

“No use being mad about it now. You did what you had to do. I’m with you on this. I hope you can bring about a better future.”

Windfrey was taken aback by Luck’s forgiveness and positive attitude. “How can you stare death in the face and be so optimistic? I know I could never bring myself to smile in such a situation, yet for you it’s effortless.”

“I know Hunter and Taina are safe, right now, and while I would prefer if they stayed safe wherever they are, I know they’ll come looking for me. It brings me hope to know I have people who would risk it all for me. And so, I understand the risk you took when you spoke to the city earlier. You’re bringing hope to thousands.”

“I keep trying to tell myself that the trade-off is worth it. One life for thousands of lives, for a future worth living. Then I think about what I’ve done. I’ve forfeited your life, given you no choice in the matter. I think to myself, am I becoming like my father, that I would use the people as pawns I can simply discard?”

“Hey, you already had my consent to do this, remember? So don’t start second-guessing yourself. You took the first step, so keep on walking.”

“If only there were more people like you in the world. Perhaps then it would already be a better place.”

“Hey now, there’s plenty of goodness to go around. I’m sure you’ll find this world can be amazing if you greet it with open arms.”

Windfrey smiled. “Once again, I come to you uneasy and afraid and leave with a smile on my face. Yet you are the one behind bars. You will never cease to amaze me.”

Luck smirked gayfully. “Glad I could be of assistance!”

“If there is something I can do to prevent your execution, I will. I give you my word.”

“I appreciate that, princess. You should go get some sleep, now. You have a pretty big welcome party to prepare.”

The prince chuckled. “That I do. Farewell, Luck.”

Luck waved him goodbye as the prince left him alone again.

After everything that had occurred in one day, Windfrey began to feel the exhaustion washing over him. As he neared his chamber, he noticed Wren standing dutifully next to his door.

“Brother, sorry to ambush you like this,” said Wren as he bowed to greet his sibling.

“Wren, is there something I can do for you?”

“I was hoping I could speak with you for a moment.”

Windfrey yawned and opened his door. “Come in, but please make it quick. I could use some sleep.”

“Of course.” Wren closed the door behind them. “Brother, I’ve made up my mind.”

“What about?”

“I am going to work my best to become king.”

“Really? I’m glad to hear it. May I ask what helped change your mind?”

“It was you, brother.”

“Me?”

“Yes. Thanks to you, I feel confident enough to work on myself to that end. I’ve always been too shy and non confrontational to stand up for myself, to speak what was truly on my mind. I’ve always just been a background character in the family. And while it remains true that I would rather not be heir to the throne, after witnessing your bravery today, I came to the realisation that I can no longer live this way. I cannot let you carry the burden of bettering the kingdom alone. I will strive to be a good king, and when I am, you and I will make this world a better place.”

“That’s wonderful, Wren. Truly wonderful. I would show more excitement, but my body will barely stay standing.”

“Of course. You should get some sleep. I’ll be seeing you, brother. Thank you again.”

“Thank you, Wren.”