Shortly after dark drums began to beat throughout the city signaling the start of the festival of Kelaspin. The drums were audible from all over the city summoning citizens to the main road.
The procession began, led by musicians followed by residents of the city dressed in traditional dress which comprised of all colours imaginable. The men wore traditional hats matching their robes while the women wore scarves with colourful patterns along with their long, flowing dresses. The procession ended at the palace court before the palace where enough food, spirits, and drink were laid out for the citizens to feast on the night through.
The only people who could not participate were the guards of the city. Food would be sent to them at their posts but the need for security denied them any spirits. It was a rule which was never adhered to by the guards. And breaking it had never had any adverse consequences. But tonight that would change.
The residents of Kyrshom, oblivious to the army beyond the walls, thronged behind the official procession singing and making music with their own instruments. The procession walked the two miles along the main street of the city until it entered the Palace Circle. The gates, usually only opened for those with official palace business, were flung wide open tonight granting welcome to any and all for the celebration.
Kelaspin. The annual celebration of long life was held on the day of the King’s birthday. Many aspects of life were celebrated. The King’s birthday and life were the first and foremost reason for the celebration. Thanks were given for abundant harvests whether they were abundant or not. The belief was to give gratitude regardless of reality. The king gave a special gift of food and money to those whose birthday fell on the day of Kelaspin. The blessed people shared the gifts with their families and friends spreading the love and kindness of sharing and abundance.
On this day criminals who were deemed to have demonstrated atonement for their crimes were pardoned if the King chose to pardon them.
Everyone thanked the Gods and Goddesses and made token sacrifices to the Gods they worshiped.
The festival of Kelaspin was the one day in a circle that the city of Kyrshom was a paradise. The one day when every person demonstrated their love for every other in the city. It was like a dream. And a day of pleasant self-delusion.
Thieves, beggars, royalty, merchants, traders were all the same. There was no class on this day. No hierarchy although security was maintained around the royal family. From sunrise to midnight, it was a different world.
But from the moment that the palace bells tolled at midnight, the city reverted to normal. A cesspool of corruption and debauchery. Until a minute before midnight people could be still be hugging one another and then robbing or being robbed the moment the palace bells finished tolling to signal the end of the festival and the day.
The criminal activities were nevertheless much reduced immediately following the end of the festival as even the Black Cloaks and other criminals had more than their fill of wine and spirits. Many went home to sleep or passed out in the streets.
Many of the city’s residents forgot the harsh reality that danger still lurked after midnight until it was too late. But there were more careful and conservative ones who departed when the bells began to toll in order to make it home safely before the bells finished tolling. When the bells tolled for the last time, the Black Cloaks reasserted their underground laws. The Black Cloaks were a ruling underground network of criminals and petty thieves who ran all measure of illegal activity in the city. No-one knew who the Black Cloaks or Cloaks as they were more commonly known, were, but the Black Cloaks knew everyone. If they didn’t know someone, it did not take long to get to know anything about anyone of interest to them.
The Cloaks claimed night and protection taxes from business owners in the city. Business owners had long given up appealing to the King to try to do something about it and now, after generations, simply paid the tax. Payment ensured that their businesses would not be broken into or damaged. If they refused to pay, life would become increasingly difficult for them until they were ultimately forced to close down. Payment simply ensured that they could continue to operate their businesses and eke out a living as most of their income was taken in taxes by the Kingdom’s tax collectors if not by the Cloaks.
But some areas were declared off-limits to the Cloaks by the Cloaks leadership. These areas were designated for petty thieves and criminals to make a small living. Despite requests for help from the business owners and residents in these areas, the Cloaks refused to be involved in the areas. They would only become involved after a particularly serious event occurred such as a murder or a rape. Then they would track the offender down for a considerable reward and punish him personally. In such instances, they operated totally autonomously, and no-one ever understood the reasons for their actions.
But even on the night of the festival of Kelaspin, the Cloaks took a break from their underground rule. Tonight, amazingly, even they did not know what was coming. The plan that was being implemented this evening had been kept secret even from the Black Cloaks.
When the residents of Kyrshom had gathered in the Palace Circle, the royal family made its grand entrance. King Atomas appeared at the top of the palace stairs, his wife, Hester, the queen of Aleghor by his side. Their daughter Alexa, stood on the other side of Atomas.
The crowd grew still when Atomas appeared. There were few cheers for Atomas was respected by few. Whispers and comments passed through the crowd about Hester and Alexa. People were taken with their beauty and their dresses. Some remarked that their clothes were a slap in the faces of the people of Kyrshom considering how little Atomas did for the people. Others defended Hester and Alexa reminding critics of the work they did for the people of Kyrshom.
The royal family descended the stairs and King Atomas took his time as he greeted the wealthiest merchants in the city who were most faithful to him. They lined the red carpet laid out for the royal family’s descent from the palace and Atomas took a selfishly long time to greet those most loyal to him.
Finally, they reached the dais at the bottom of the stairs. The royal family climbed the steps onto the dais and the crowd grew silent.
Atomas stepped to the front of the dais and began his address.
“Beloved people of the Kingdom of Aleghor and Kyrshom, welcome to this circle’s Festival of Kelaspin!“
Atomas paused briefly as if expecting applause but there was none.
“This is the day when we all give thanks and gratitude for the favor of the gods. We pay homage to our friends, the Order of Keln who continue to demonstrate their expertise in living in harmony with the land. All over Aleghor we have yet again had bumper harvests this circle.”
The people remained silent knowing that Atomas was simply grateful for the bumper harvests as they served to ensure the treasury claimed more taxes than ever before. Atomas went on saying little more than he said every year. He finally reached the closing stages of his address.
“The kingdom thanks each and every one of you for your contributions and support. In return, we offer this night to you and your families to enjoy yourselves and eat and drink as much as you wish. But do not forget to be home before the tolling of the bells is finished at midnight.”
This remark was an admission by Atomas of his inability or unwillingness to rule despite the taxes that the kingdom levied on its citizens. This reminder brought jeers and boos from the crowd who held Atomas responsible for not being able to offer safety for the residents of the city. They all knew it was within Atomas’ power to do something about the crime, but he was too busy with his own interests to care.
As a result, rule over the Black Cloaks and petty criminals was not enforced. Those who protested too long and loudly about Atomas, were eventually removed by the palace guards. Protestors removal had become as much of a tradition as the festival of Kelaspin itself.
When Atomas’ address was finished, the royal family was seated at the royal table on the dais. Queen Hester was seated on Atomas's left side. Her long red hair was loose and her long red locks fell over her shoulders almost down to her waist. Her face was sprinkled with light freckles on her cheeks and she always seemed to smile despite hardships she endured being married to Atomas.
Atomas’ daughter, Alexa, sat on his right side. She looked more like her mother than her father. Her hair was auburn and she had blue eyes and a smile that was like her mother’s. Eighteen circles old, she was mature for her age.
Hester and Alexa were the primary reason there had been no revolt in the city of Kyrshom or the kingdom at large.
They spent much of their time traveling and visiting with the citizens of the Kingdom and giving to charitable causes which tempered the ire of the citizens. Both Alexa and Hester were dearly loved by the citizens of Aleghor.
Once the festivities began Atomas, Hester, and Alexa all enjoyed the food and drink with the residents of Kyrshom. Atomas only circulated with the wealthy merchants and minor royalty in the city. He spent little time with and paid little heed to the commoners of the city. As the night wore on, Atomas became louder and bawdier as he became drunker and drunker. He spent much time with a very wealthy merchant, Breeger. Breeger had four wives, none of whom seemed to be happy. Breeger and Atomas commented loudly on the young girl servants as they brought food to the table, making derogatory statements the girls could hear. They blushed or turned away as tears came to their eyes.Hester and Alexa circulated freely among the commoners and the wealthy making no distinction between anyone. They stayed until the last course had been served and then both Queen Hester and Princess Alexa excused themselves and departed, returning to the palace. Atomas departed soon after. As a family, they did not
After retiring to her quarters, Hester had waited for the knock that would announce her visitor. Her lover and companion. Dargo.He knocked on the door when he arrived and she let him in. “Good evening my Lady,” Dargo smiled as Hester closed the door behind him. He wrapped his arms around her and embraced her tightly planting light kisses on her face and lips. Finally, their lips met and they shared a long kiss saying nothing and simply enjoying each other’s presence.“I saw you at dinner,” Dargo said as he poured them each a glass of wine. “How could you miss the queen?” Hester joked.
The arrows were a signal for him. He put down his cup of wine and watched as the arrows peaked then fell back to the ground, their flames dying quickly.No shout went up from anywhere. None was intended to. Quickly he returned inside and placed his wine cup on the table. He ran into Hester’s room and crossed to her side of the bed. She breathed deeply, her eyes closed. Asleep. He considered waking her but then decided against it. She was upset with him and waking her would probably upset her more. Besides, whatever emergency was signaled by the arrows meant that he had very little time. If he woke Hester and tried to get her to leave with him, he would probably be too late.Best he left and returned another time when he could be sure that the emergency had passed and all was safe a
Hester stirred. Dargo was shaking her. Her eyes fluttered open. It was still dark outside. Sleep mixed with darkness and the remnants of sleep confused her. Somewhere in her mind, she seemed to recall Dargo leaving. Yet here he was waking her.“What is it Dar….?”A hand clamped over her mouth and more hands hoisted her up onto her feet. In an instant, she was wide awake. A man dressed in black from head to toe stood before her holding her shoulders in a firm grip.“We have taken over the palace and the kingdom. Resist in any way and we shall kill you. Do you understand?”Hester nodded fearfully.“Get dressed.” It was a simple but stern order that indicated it should not be disobeyed. The person added, “I suggest you dress warmly.”Hester tried to see the man who spoke to her. His face was covered too and she could discern no distinguishing features. She realized that he was not alone. The moonlight that poured through the balcony doors and windows outlined four companions. Hester reali
Benedict stood before Atomas. “I am truly not surprised. I had heard it all before we entered the city in any event. There is truly no end to your corruptness is there?”Atomas ignored Benedict’s question. “Who are you? How dare you come into my city? I will have you burned slowly and fed to the maggots.”“You have no city left Atomas. You have no kingdom. You are here to be sentenced for your crimes against the kingdom and its people.”“What crimes you fool? I am King!”“You were king. You are king no more. And for your information, even kings can be held responsible for committing crimes
Dargo entered the headquarters of the Black Cloaks. He did not have to send for his second in command, Tode. Tode was waiting anxiously when he arrived.“Thank the blessings of the Gods and the blessed Gods themselves!” Tode exclaimed rising to meet Dargo. “You are safe!”Dargo waved his hand dismissively. “A narrow escape. Thank you for the warning. What is happening?”“The news is not good at all. I fear Kyrshom is overthrown. One thousand soldiers entered the gates from the East shortly after the festival ended. The guards were drunk as usual on the festival night and were no resistance at all to the intruders.”“Who are they? Do you know?”“Not yet. But we are trying to find out.”“How did we not know Tode?” Dargo asked in disbelief. “How is it possible? Have we been compromised?”“I cannot say for sure but the gates were opened from inside.”Dargo was quiet as he absorbed Tode’s words. Tode was a short, round man with a bald head. Sweat glistened on his head in the lantern light a
“To all gathered here today, take heed and share the word. Anyone who does not know is deemed to have heard this announcement and non-compliance to the new order will not be tolerated.” The people looked at each other, confused. “King Atomas, Queen Hester and Princess Alexa, no longer rule in Kyrshom or anywhere in the kingdom of Aleghor. They have been deposed and anyone who still serves them as rulers of Aleghor is forthwith considered a traitor and will be sentenced to death if caught.” A murmur went through the crowd of twenty thousand people standing before the palace. The man reading the scroll looked up nervously, licked his lips and continued. “King Atomas has already been tried for his crimes and will be put to death shortly for crimes against the kingdom of Aleghor and its people.” Another murmur went through the crowd louder than the first. The man looked around nervously again. Fearfully. If the crowd decided to break through the barriers they could easily do so. He st
The city of Kyrshom was the capital of the Kingdom of Aleghor but it was not the only city in the kingdom which was overthrown. Every major city in the kingdom had been taken over in the same manner on the night of the festival of Kelaspin. Little or no resistance was encountered at all. In the months that followed people would continue to speculate about who had betrayed the kingdom to the people who now ruled. Blame fell on the Black Cloaks who had denied any involvement and put the word out that they had played no role in the change of rule in the kingdom.In the city of Galabag, the change that occurred meant little to Samnom who was fifteen circles of age.Samnom was a small boy for his age. As a result he was the object of many a bully’s attention and rage. He faced many beatings but always stood up again. He learned not to cry. His mother had died when he was born. He was brought up by his father who was the blacksmith of Galabag. His father always admonished him for getting bea