Mystjestic
The Grand Illusion
By Bonita Highley
Copyright©Bonitahighley2022
The closed front door to an ordinary world suddenly opened. James, with dark brown hair, 6 feet tall, blue jeans with t-shirt, walk straight in, shut the door tight.
Looks straight at his younger sister.
Pulling out his new invention from his pants pocket .
Rayna, 5’2 with auburn hair, blue jeans, peasant shirt, sits on the couch with her legs folded upward. “James, It’s getting late.”
James, in awe. “I did it sis, I actually did it! My invention! The transmitter! Now, If I can just tweak it by adjusting the digital signals, it will transmit a whole new world for us to live in, apart from this loony bin we live in now. I’m telling yah Ray, we’re going to be rich. Are you ready to see?”
Rayna took notice. “And why, this is our parent’s house, they gave us this home, rest their souls. Ok Mr.
millionaire man, show me.”
James showed it to her with more emphasis. “Ray, this is our chance to change this world we live in for the better. Let’s do this.“ He places it on the floor, turns it on. Proudly pulled back to see for himself, his mastermind invention. A slight green light began to glow making warping movements from the device as
they stared and wonder at it. Then suddenly, burns out black. James visually stumped. “No, that’s not possible.
It worked today. I saw it myself. “He bends down to turn it back on again, -‘black’.
Rayna gave him a strange but compassionate stare.
James’ smile turned into disappointment. “No, this can’t be happening. I spent months perfecting it. Now it is just a piece of junk!” Taking hold of the device by hand. Sitting back down on the couch, raking his fingers through his hair with a flustered look on his face.
Rayna, sitting next to him. “ At least you tried. If it makes you feel better, I really don’t mind staying. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.”
James, takes a final look at the device, held it with regret, went to open the sliding glass back door, in anger, threw it hard, hurling it into the darkness, into the direction toward the forest like backyard setting, shut it. Sits back down to rest.
Rayna gives him the naughty expression. “Now that’s not very becoming of you.”
James sat sulking. “I’m not sure what I’m becoming anymore.”
Rayna, with compassion. “Oh, big Brother, Let’s see what tomorrow brings.”
In the quiet of the twilight night, An unknown dimension of shimmering light from another realm of reality world brightens, pulsating signals from the outside darkness.
Rayna turns see the bright light in the backyard.
James also turns to see in the woods as it pulsates.
They turn to look at each other, then back to the glow.
Out of curiosity, they stand up from the couch, walk closer to the glass door, stood just staring in a moment of astound disbelief. Then he proceeded as he opened the glass door takes a step outside and into the unknown. The bright glowing light shifted back and forth creating an open portal.
James nudged forward in curiosity.
Rayna grabbed him quick. “What are you doing?”
James paused. “Seeing what today brings.” He continues to move toward the portal.
Rayna, not letting go, follows him in caution.
Stepping into the portal, they see a paradise like garden showed a path to a castle like mansion. The emerald glowing continued creating an illusion of another world.
Upon the mountainside, a gallant squire sat on his horse observing them from afar distance. This man in the wilderness coming in from his duties, seeing the two strangers not from his world, he rides his horse toward them, sees them closer-goes to them.
Rayna tightens her grip onto her brother in apprehensive stance.
James’ eyes of exploration reassured her. “ Just stay next to me.”
Then seeing a man in ragged peasant clothing, a renegade, pull out his sword, slowly engaging them, they ever so carefully began to walk away backwards in caution from the renegade, then suddenly turned to run the other way, then seeing a squire on horse gallantly stood a few feet in front of them. Once again, immediately stopped in hesitation.
The squire, with a staunch poise of valor observed them closer, then at the renegade, pulling out his own sword in defense.
James grasped his sister’s hand tighter, quickly pulling her out of the way in safety.
The renegade pursued toward them.
The squire quickly dismount from his horse, grasp his sword tight, swung it at the renegade, as they commenced their dual, the renegade, losing his grip with his sword, fell to the ground as he saw the squire hold his sword to his opponent’s position, he swiftly lift himself off the ground, scurrying away.
James and Rayna cautiously gave him a curious stare.
The squire took a good look at them. “A thief in your midst. Welcome to the land of Mystjestic. Are you travelers, vagabonds?”
James strangely gives the man a courteous acknowledgement . “We have come here by accident.
And now, we are leaving back home.”
The squire gives them a warnful expression. “I don’t think so, it is too dangerous at this time of day to go back wandering. You must come back to my home
with me . In the morning, you can go back to your home from this other world from which you came from. Come on, you’ll be safe with me.”
James and Rayna looked at each other in question, than began to follow him back to the mansion.
The squire, kindly walked along beside Rayna, taking many full view glances at her. “So, may I have the honor of knowing your name?”
Rayna glanced back at him. “If you give me back the honor of your name...it is Rayna. This is my Brother James.”
James, watching him closely.
The squire viewed her “Very well. I’m Judah.”
Rayna gave him another view. “You mean like Judah from the bible, like Judah?”
Prince Judah gave it back to her. “Umm, yah, something like that. This is where I live, with my father, King Julian. In our land of Mystjestic.”
Rayna quickly looked back at him. “ Wait…..That means you’re a prince?”
Prince Judah smirked in honor. “ Yes. Do you see anything wrong with that?”
Rayna admired him, taking a longer, lingering look.
“NO.”
Prince Judah smirk lightly. “Good. Because I wouldn’t want you to continue with that questionable scowl expression upon your face with such beauty.”
James raised his brow in acknowledgement.
Rayna, directly gazed upon him.
As they approached the stone castle like mansion’s double doors, the scenery, like something coming from a book of fairy tales, the ambiance, like the atmospheric mist cooled the air.
Judah, taking the first steps to commence, placed his robust hand upon the door knob, turned the knob, then push upon the door as it majesticly open its threshold to all three. He proceeds to enter inside taking a royal step into the grand entrance of his home castle-like-mansion.
James with Rayna followed him inside. Their astounded eyes looking high up to the intricate imaged vaulted ceiling of fine gold. The walls décor of Coat of
arms banners from many generations, lined with fleur-de-Lis’, displayed an array of steel swords from legends of once long ago. Then in front of them, two rows of faced to faced commoners lined up standing in reverence on each side of a modern medieval tutor styled maroon colored carpet leading in the direction to a grandeur structured throne.
Judah, with his courteous hand extended outward to James and Rayna, inviting them in gestured polite manner, as he then ushered them to stand next to himself, next to his sister, Princess Tyra, next in line adjacent to the throne.
Princess Tyra, stood poised in her elegant clothes, her long sided locks of brown-blondish-braided hair, veered at them with a curious stare, as they enter.
Then with curious eyes, peered at James with first time fascination, then quickly turned away from his view of her.
James, with his curious lingered stare back at her, gazing her from head to toe in amazement.
Rayna, taking another view at Judah, as she saw him taking another profound view of her, then back to the event.
The official announcement sounded out loud at the forefront of the room. “His Majesty, King Julian!”
King Julian, in all his magnificent grand and glory, enters dignified into the room clothed in fine grandeur of kings attire, his long cloak wore masculine upon his shoulders with gold band fit upon his head, as he treads across the maroon carpet, toward his big wooden throne, then turn to stand majestic in front of his commoners, and his seat of authority. To the left of him, another empty throne once belong to his deceased queen. With only what remains of memories, he sits with pride.
Prince Judah, veered his attention to a trifle sound near the foyer’s door, sound he thought he heard.
With curiosity, he pulled away from the line to proceed at the door as another sound came near. Walking closer toward the door.
Rayna, with curiosity pulls from the line, seeing Judah checking the foyer, began to follow him.
Prince Judah, slowly his intuition served him well as he halt in place in a moment of time.
Suddenly, the double doors bashed open as a group of renegade bandits rushed their way through the two double doors as chaos erupts inside the room.
Prince Judah, his straight face quickly cringed, as he saw a group of renegades, swiftly pulls his sword from his scabbard directly taking Rayna’s hand pulled back ready to engage in battlement. “Stay very close to me, do not leave my side.” He adamantly told her as they witness the carnage in between his squires and the bandits’ fighting each other throughout the king’s court room. He stood next to her in protection.
Princess Tyra, quickly goes to James to guard him. Pulls out her dagger, ready for combat.
James, his face directly in front of hers, giving her a confused, outlandish look of expression, of this beautiful women-turned warrior.
King Julian, witnessing the chaos with carnage around him, stood from his throne. “Enough!!!”
Renegades and commoners quiets down to silence.
King Julian stood valiant. “Who brings this monstrosity into my kingdom?!”
Renegade stood vigilant. “King Julian, we want nothing more to do with your kingdom!”
King Julian stood valiant. “There’s the door, leave.”
Renegade stood adamant. “Not without our fair share.
We have served you for many years.
King Julian, with amusing question. “We all share everything in my kingdom.”
Renegade took another step. “We want more.” They resumed their fighting, swinging their swords once again.
King Julian, with a look of disapproval, he raised his hand in royal judgement. “Enough!!!!!!!!!” The loud vibrations surrounded the room, magically opened up all the mansion’s doors, pushing the renegades outside, like a hurricane blowing them out, then the door shut tight.
James and Rayna Observed in amazing surrealness.
James stared. “Rayna, I must find out how he did that.”
Rayna quite astounded. “I think we should leave now.”
James took heed. “Ray, if I could find out how…”
James, stopped his inquirement, then lead their hustled way with her back out of the mansion, back through the garden, then to the portal outside as they halt to see nothing opened. “Oh, no. No way, this can not be happening.”
James and Rayna looked at each other in emergency response, they Immediately searching franticly for the device.
James fast thinking. “Rayna, I’m sorry I got you into this position.”
Rayna, in a frenzy. “You didn’t think to test the thing properly before using it, did you.”
James frenzy with her. “We did, remember. This is proof, isn’t it?” His eyes widen. “Found it!” He recovers the device, holds it. In guilt. “I am sorry. I just wanted to improve our lives.”
Rayna sighed. “Oh dear Brother. I know you mean well.”
James stood. “We’ve got to go back to the mansion to find someone to help. We’ve got to find our way back home.” As they turned, about to go back, they see
Judah, Tyra, with the lot of commoners in front of them
James and Rayna give awkward expression.
King Julian greets them.
Prince Judah introduced. “Father, this is James and Rayna. He will need to our help to get back home tomorrow.”
King Julian observed. “You hold an electronic device.
You are a mechanic?”
James stated. “Actually, I prefer High technician.”
King Julian enlightened. “You are welcome to stay as long as you like. And while we wait, perhaps, a stroll in the garden with me?” He gazed upon Rayna.
Prince Judah stands observing all, with in between glimpse of Rayna.
Princess Tyra came to her father’s side in service. Takes another gazed look at James.
James once again, taking a lingered look at her.
King Julian veered at both. “Tyra, my daughter, will prepare your night’s stay until you find the solution.”
James revered him. Then another brief glimps at her.
“Thank you sir, King Julian.”
Prince Judah, looking Rayna over with wonder in his eyes. “So, You’re staying for a time.”
Rayna engaged her attention to him. “It seems that way.”
Princess Tyra taking her aside in welcoming.
Rayna’s face showed great satisfaction of love that surrounded her.
Later In the garden…King Julian and Rayna strolling their walk together, then stop at the end of the path.
Giving her a sparkled multi-colored rose. He touches her face softly. “ I must go for now.” He leaves back to his duties.
Rayna sat on the intricate scroll seat. Holding the sweet smelling rose to view the most peculiar rose she ever saw.
Prince Judah, comes walking slowly toward her. He sits straddling beside of her.
Rayna puts down the rose, attentive to him. “As soon as James fixes the portal, we’ll be leaving.”
Prince Judah takes her hand “Leave if you must, but take this back with you. I can’t stop thinking of you. If only our two worlds were the same.”
Rayna turns to him. “Judah, you make me feel safe and valued more than crown jewels. And I have constant thoughts of you. And your father has been very hospitable. But I have my own world I will be going back to. Until I leave here, you may lead me into your world, but then, I must go back home to my world.”
Prince Judah tightens his hand around hers. “Very well then. Let me show you my world.”
Prince Judah and Rayna walked hand in hand, leaving the garden and out into the misty forest, they approached an ancient castle. A soft toned, lyrical voice echoed throughout the trees. The stillness of the old moat’s water reflected from the blue sky with reminders of past imaged remnants of what used to be.
Commencing their tour, they wandered inside the big arch doorway, seeing the inner fortress immortalized in time of a once long ago place, a beam of sunlight shone through as a long moment of peaceful silence of holiness filled the room. With a slow wave of his hand from left to right, a sudden flash of fire sparked one hanging torch on the wall flickered it’s candle lit- like aura as another torch lit beside it, unto another, then yet another, like a burning ring of fire encircling them, lining up around the parameter of the room. And below the torches, ghost like translucent imaged ancestral apparitions of mere maidens from their ancestral generations transitioned into queens, briefly appearing under each torch light, grinned, then
bequest their welcomed blessed acceptance of gestured hands extended outward to her.
Rayna, stood in stillness, with a glance of apprehensive, she quickly turned to him, takes his hand in disbelief.
Prince Judah takes her hand in acknowledgement. “It must be quite a surprise for you, for me, nothing out of the ordinary. Come, I want to show you more.” With another wave of his hand, all the images fades away.
Rayna looking astounded. “Wait, hold on. How did you do that?”
Prince Judah raised his brows. “Pure magic. Come on, let’s go.” He looked at her with interest. As he lead the way out of the castle, then stopped on their way back, they walk among the golden wheat field.
King Julian, inside his room, stood viewing out the large majestic window to see them wandering in the field together. Seeing her gracefully walk among the field, his heart grew fonder for her, but also sees his son blissfully grabbing her in playful vigor, as she smiles back with laughter. With pride, he leaves the window to attend his duties.
Prince Judah and Rayna, In the middle of the meadow’s field, taking her hand, he directed her view at the sunset behind them as he ever so slowly wrapped his arms around her shoulders, holding her close. “What do you think?”
Rayna gazes. “It’s simply amazing.” She turns to him as they became mesmerized.
Prince Judah-“Good. Now, Maiden Rayna, let’s go fight.”
Rayna’s strange expression on her face as they began their way back to the mansion.
Prince Judah and Rayna stood in the practice room, James and Tyra stood waiting and watching taking occasional glances at each other.
Prince Judah stood ready to demonstrate. “The first thing I want to tell you, the swords don’t kill, they tranquilize. Then we pull our enemies bodies outside.”
He placed the steel sword up against the wall with a few other swords, then picked up two wooden sticks.
“Here, take this.”
Rayna set her eyes on the thinly cut piece of wood.
“This is a stick.”
Prince Judah verified. “Yes, it’s a stick.”
Rayna advanced her statement. “Well, why don’t we use the actual sword, you know, the kind of ones that are used in the movies? The ones made of steel?”
Prince Judah, verified. “Ah, we don’t use those for practice.”
Rayna, questionable. “Oh, really?” She picks up a real steel sword from the corner, swings it at him.
Prince Judah parries at her sword, as his mock-wooden sword knocked out of his hands.
Rayna stands self admonished. “A wooden stick is a stick. A sword,… is a sword.”
Prince Judah, accepting. “I see you’re ready.” Goes to retrieve another steel sword from the corner.
James, amused. “Ah,ha-ha-ha.”
Prince Judah giving him fair warning. “Glad you like that, because you’re next.”
James smirk dimmed “Ohhh.”
Prince Judah swings his sword at her carefully.
Rayna quickens in an agile stance. Parrying, parrying, slam, hit, hit-hit him in the gut-stopped, stood pointing the sword at him with a gestured warning, breathing heavy.
Prince Judah, holding his stomach. “Well done. James, Tyra, your turn.”
James eyes widen. “What?”
Princess Tyra retrieves, picks up two swords , taking them over to him, handing one to him.
James, gives her a gentleman adamant stance. “No way Sorry, I don’t hit girls.”
Princess Tyra gives him a rejected stare. “Is that what you see me as, a girl?” She swiftly swings her sword at him hard, knocking his sword out of his hand as it lands onto the floor.
James, looked at her in surprise, then with tough grit showed on his face as he ever so slowly picked up his sword, then swung his sword at hers nonstop.
Princess Tyra struck back with her sword nonstop.
James swung hard, knocking her sword out of her hands, then taking his sword, pushing her back up against the wall, holding her in place with his sword across her chest. “No, I see a woman. What do you see, boy or man?”
Princess Tyra-“Definitely a man.” Within an inch of their faces of each other, she kneels him into his groin.
James, swlftly pulling away from her, clinching his teeth bent over in pain. “Aaaghh!!....Definitely a woman!!!” Groaning.
Prince Judah nods his head in acceptance. “I’d say he has a new partner. And I’ll see you at practice
tomorrow. And, don’t forget our dance tonight.” He gives Rayna a look of approval. Then walks away to his other duties.
James goes to her side. “This is getting more intriguing, these electronic sword devices. I must examine them.”
Rayna, having her most curious eyes upon Judah with a slight smile . “Yah, very interesting I’d say.”
James, still reeling from a bit of pain, sees Tyra leave the room, goes after her into the corridor. ”Hey Princess! Don’t forget your play sword!” He gave her an unwarm smirk of injustice.
Princess Tyra, turns to him unamused. “Don’t blame me of my brother’s placement with you.”
James goes to her. His teeth grit. “And I don’t like being showed less than a man in front of others.”
Princess Tyra glared back at him. “And you deserved it with your underhanded statement.”
James, unsettled for the last word. “It goes both ways-Princess-warrior.” He snickered at her.
Princess Tyra, stumped for that last word, gave him a fowl expression of annoyance, turned from him walked away around a corner.
James, following her down the corridor. “Tyra!
Princess Tyra, “Oh what do you want now?!” Looked directly into his eyes with her wetted eyes.
James, seeing her tears, he slowed. “My last word!
You. Princess Warrior.” He clasps his hands upon her face, pursuing her lips as they simultaneously kissed upon each other.
Princess Tyra, pulls away, leaves him.
James, beside himself, turns to her. “Tyra!”
Princess Tyra, turns back to him. “Yes, James.”
James, quick to assess the science of attraction in his thoughts, straight faced. “Just between us please.”
Princess Tyra, in agreement. “Of course. My exact thoughts. The ritual custom dance tonight. Be there.”
She continued onward.
James stood in question.
James and Rayna entered into the king’s court, standing next to each other. While all commoners gathered.
King Julian entered into room, stood as majestic leader next to his throne. “Everyone, gather around. It is time for the ritual custom of dance.”
James leans toward his sister.“Ritual custom?” With funny expression.
Rayna leans towards him. “Don’t ask.” With side to side funny face expression.
James and Rayna Shook their heads gesturing, ‘Dunno.’
Prince Judah makes his way through the community crowd, taking Rayna’s hand, taking her to line himself up with her in dance form position, giving her a reverenced stance.
Rayna revered him back with a slight smile confirmed expression. “Judah, I’m not accustomed.”
Prince Judah reassured her. “Just follow my lead.”
The music began.
Coming together, with a look upon each other, a step forward, a step backward, they stood side by side to each other. They faced beside each other opposite of each other, light lilt lifts on their feet in round circle walk.
-pivot to opposite direction of each other…
-they joined hands, pivot a little faster…as the music rose louder and faster….
-then pivot opposite of each other, keep hands together, shoulder to shoulder…
-he swings her under his arm….
-everyone transferred into each other, dances interweaving in and out amongst everyone else, in a full circle formation until fully circled, coming back around to their original partner. Then the music slowly faded and ended…..
Prince Judah,remaining close to her, staring in her eyes, as if to hypnotize her. “The eyes are the windows to the soul, let me find you within.”
Rayna, entranced by his eyes.
Prince Judah, with a wave of his hand in front of her face, the room became distorted, changing into a background of another illusional realm as if placing a spell opon her. Walking around her once, he sensually drapes his fingers around her hair, then touches onto one shoulder, then slides his hand to her hand.
Rayna stood mystified with intrigue by him, as if he stole her will without a fight.
Prince Judah, takes her hand, pulls her with himself into a dim room of his imagination, his world of illusion, he mystically leads her into a his mind’s eye dream like state. He swings her under his arm, then let go of her.
Rayna suddenly stood with visions of the forest’s paradise appear around her. As she turns to Judah, he takes her hand, as they came upon a pond’s reflection like mirror, she sees her clothes of a medieval maiden.
She touches her dress around her chest, suddenly, she sees him next to her as he reappears as her knight in shining armor. As she veered at him, his original appearance recurs as he takes her hand to kiss upon it, then ever so gently, kissed her softly upon her lips, hers with him.
Prince Judah once again, with a slow wave of his hand, as they reappeared back into the father’s court room.
Rayna look all around her, her original attire recurred.
She pulled away from him, going to her room.
Prince Judah- Walking after her, he sprints faster to catch up to her. “Rayna! Rayna, what is it? What went wrong, why did you run away?”
Rayna stops to face him.
Prince Judah he stops in front of her. “Is it me?”
Rayna, confused. “No! It’s not you! I don’t know, maybe it’s you, maybe it’s me. Maybe…. it’s our two different worlds colliding. My world is changing around yours, somehow integrating.”
Prince Judah with questional expression. “And what’s wrong with that? We both breathe the same air, your world and mine, we work hard with our hands
[emphasis with hand] WE love and take care of our families unconditionally and would even die for them if came to that………just like I would with you.” He looked at her with tender devotion.
Rayna, silent as she also looked at him the same way.
Prince Judah, paused. ”And, I would never break your heart.”
Rayna, with loving restraint. “I wouldn’t want you to.”
She walks away to her bedroom.
Prince Judah standing there in heavy thought. Without regret, he also walks to his room.
Prince Judah and Rayna meet once again in the corridor standing together.
Prince Judah looked at her in gentle inquirement. “Did you sleep well last night?” Rayna concurred. “Yes, very well. Umm, about last night.
Prince Judah, impatient. “Did you not like it, our adventure?”
Rayna, struggling for words. “That’s beside the point.”
Prince Judah, searching for her words. “So you did like it.”
Rayna, scrunched her face. “That’s not the point.”
Prince Judah stood waiting for her response. “Well, what is the point?”
Rayna sighs. “The point is,… I just prefer reality over illusion.”
Prince Judah eyes lit up. “So, you enjoyed it.”
Rayna, put off. “I never said that.”
Prince Judah, confirmed for affirmation. “You never denied it either.”
Rayna, sighs once again.“Oh Judah, we’re only human, who wouldn’t?”
Prince Judah confirmed his part. “Well I did, I enjoyed it immensely.”
Rayna gave a straight look at him. “Well maybe it was good, our intimate embrace cut short, otherwise you would have enjoyed it too much. I’ve never denied your company or your touch.”
Prince Judah face lit up. “So you did.”
Rayna, one last sigh, she touched his face softly. “Right, I’m glad we had this discussion.”
Prince Judah smirk his dimples. “Right. Are you still gain for our sword fight practice today?”
Rayna, smiled. “With you, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Prince Judah, confused with translation.
Rayna smirks. “That’s a yes.”
Prince Judah- Smiles widely with a sly look upon his face as he sees her walk away.
Prince Judah, breathing heavy, in a moment of silence.
“Well done. Just don’t forget who taught you how to fight.” Looks at her with a pretense, walks closer to her. “We’re done for today. Let me have your sword.”
He quickly tries to grab it.
Rayna- She pulled backwards, tried to prevent him.
Prince Judah knocked her sword out of her hand, as it fell to the stone floor with a loud clink, then tried to grab the sword for himself.
Rayna, quickly rushing to retrieve her sword, she was intercepted by him as she falls to the floor in the process, but continued grabbing for it.
Prince Judah, practically sprawled, continues reaching for the sword.
Rayna,reaching for the sword, almost grabs it.
Prince Judah, grabs it before she does, then sits up, pointing the sword at her. “Game over….this time for real. Never, ever, let your guard down!”
Rayna, sitting up right next to him, she surrenders in heavy breath. “That was unfair!”
Prince Judah tossed the sword down. “Life is unfair.”
Looked at her with a passionate gaze. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t have happiness in life.” He reached his hands out for her clutching her face, then in loving affection, pulled her close to himself. Lend her his kiss upon her lips.
Rayna, surrenders back unto him.
Prince Judah and Rayna, hearing Tyra and James about to enter into the room,
they suddenly retreat, pulling away from each other in their shared secrecy.
Princess Tyra verified with her brother. “We’re here for our lesson. Times up for you two.”
James, with hope.“And I have prepared the device, we leave tomorrow.” He looks at Tyra. “Hopefully just for a short time.”
Rayna looks at her brother and tyra in acknowledgement, then back at Judah.
Prince Judah paying attention to James. “Right, I shall tend to my other duties now. He stands up, helping
Rayna up. Looks at her. “You did well.” He walks out of the room.
Rayna she watches him leave the room.
Rayna, while walking back to her room, sees an entrance without a door. Out of curiosity, she crept inside the temple like room, to front of her, an alter stands next to the wall. To her left, she tilts her head up looking at a huge ancient looking tree, her mouth slightly opened in awe. She crept over to the tree, slowly walking around it, taking her fingers touching the cracked bark on the tree’s trunk. Then she realizes her fingers are falling into a family ancestor’s lines of cracks dating back to the eighteenth century. She keeps following the generations, discovering the older generations names dating back to the twelfth century, but couldn’t reach far enough. Midway around the tree, she heard footsteps entering the room. She hid her face.
Prince Judah entering the room, he goes straight to the alter, getting down on his knees, he makes the sign of the cross mixed-circle insignia on his chest. “My holy lord, please guide me.”
Rayna begins to slowly and quietly taking steps creeping a foot away from the tree toward the room’s opening.
Prince Judah, looked downward to his side. “And lord!!
Please help me to help Rayna understand my love and commitment to her!!!” He shouts out to her.
Rayna turns to him.
Prince Judah stands, turns to her. “Amen.” Then joins with her next to the tree. “It’s magnificent, my family heritage tree, isn’t it. Just think of all my ancestors’
marriages down through the generations. Here is my father and mother’s names, with lines down to their children, mine and Tyra’s name.” He traces among the cracked lines going down. “Huhh, there’s a line across from my name, as well as Tyra’s. It wasn’t there a few days ago.”
Rayna gives him a questionable look. “So, what does that mean?” She touches the tree’s line, suddenly the tree’s trunk expands outward toward her, breaking cracks around the bark, creating an image of the name of ‘Rayna’ next to Judah’s name, and the name of
‘James’ cracking next to Tyra’s name. She flinches back startled.
Rayna, astonished. “This has to be a mistake!” She steps a few more feet away from the tree in uneasy expression. “Thank you Judah for showing me your
family tree. It’s quite impressive. But I’ll be going back to my room now.”
Prince Judah in attention. “Rayna!”
Rayna stops.
Prince Judah stood. “From within these trees are from generations of a thousand years. The prophecy will come to pass.”
Rayna, uneasement. “Perhaps you should take another woman from your kingdom that’s more suitable to be your wife. Someone who already knows your customs better than me?”
Prince Judah looks at her with sincerity. “I don’t want anyone else. And, there are no other women in my kingdom named Rayna. There is no other that is brave enough, strong enough, with great inner strength……
and as beautiful, than you. I need you to be by my side to fulfill this destiny of mine.”
Rayna,with an apprehensive look. “Judah, our two worlds are still greatly challenged?”
Prince Judah, attentive. “The world from which you came from? Or is it me that you fear?” He slowly takes steps towards her. “Or…..is it your brother, that is
what’s left of your world? And he is leaving. Rayna, I assure you of my devoted love for you. I will always protect you with my body and my heart, and you both are loved and accepted in this kingdom. My God, your brother has become my brother. And let me remind you that your brother has eyes only for my sister.” He came closer, standing in front of her.
Rayna looks at him tenderly. “Oh Judah. Please don’t make this any harder than it is. Alright then, I’ll take the blame. I’m sorry for the accidental attachment to you. Oh Judah. I have known of your great power, and what it has done to you and me, what you can do with it. And all the mystical spells you possess, can not change the outcome of our consequences between us……I never expected to feel close to you. But I did.
But your world of illusion you were born and bred in, while my world of reality, is exactly that- reality. Thank you Judah,…..for everything you have done for me and James.” She turned to walk away.
Prince Judah, with hurt in his eyes. Quickly grabbed onto her wrist a few feet away, preventing her from leaving. His face tilt down in adamance, his mouth clinch. “Rayna!”
Rayna suddenly stops to quickly face him again.
Prince Judah turns to look at her adamantly. “You are aware, that I’m in love with you?”
Rayna, clarified. “Yes, I know…..and my heart is bonded to you also. But like I told you before, we both know that we come from two different worlds. It would be quite difficult to sustain a relationship.”
Prince Judah continued to look at her adamant. “I don’t care…….I just don’t care. I just want you by my side.” In a moment of stillness.
Rayna, seeing the want in his eyes.
Prince Judah and Rayna swiftly took another step toward each other as he grasped his hands around her face, with uncontrolled passion for each other, kissing each other deeper than before.
King Julian, quietly walks in inconspicuously for his occasional visit to the heritage tree, then suddenly halts as he sees Judah and Rayna in an intimate embrace. He moves into a hidden corner of shadows waiting for them to leave. Jealousy spreads upon his face.
Prince Judah and Rayna, hand to hand upon leaving, Judah sees something off the side of his vision, but continues to walk out.
King Julian, ever so carefully peeks around the corner, then after their departure, he walks over to the ancient tree, searches for his name and his late wife’s name, then sees Tyra’s with interest. Then looks down to Judah’s name. Sadness spreads on his face, disheartened when he sees the name of Rayna next to Judah’s. He turns around, leans back on the tree in grief, peering at the cross.
“Oh lord god almighty, you have greatly disappointed me. Why lord, was it too much to ask of you, for me to have her for my wife?” Resentment spreads across his face. “No, it is not. I’m still king, I must have her.” He leaves to his court in haste.
Prince Judah and Rayna stand up against the wall observing their surroundings, quiet in their thoughts.
Prince Judah, takes a breath of acknowledgement.
“Rayna, I don’t want to alarm you about this. We were not the only ones in the heritage room. I think father was watching us.
Rayna, looks at him. “And how do you know this?”
Prince Judah, he sighs. “I saw a small part of his cloak in a nook as we were leaving.”
Judah takes her hand, kisses upon it.
James, going to them, sees them in intimate stance .
Gives them a questionable expression. “What’s going on between you two?”
Princess Tyra goes to Rayna-“Rayna, father has requested for you to see him.”
Rayna, hesitant. “
Judah stood gallant. “Forming an alliance, I’d say.”
James stood against him. “And what exactly do you mean?”
Prince Judah, faced him. “That she would, accompany me as my companion, when I’m in need of her.”
James, with grit. “I’ll bet.” He sternly looked at him.
“Rayna, for god sake Ray, we are about ready to leave!
You are my sister! We have to go back!”
Rayna gave him a frown. “James, stop it! Now is not the time for your sibling pecking order. Whatever this kind of life would be, only god knows.”
James resumes. “Judah, I want to make this perfectly clear to you, I’ve always looked after my little sister, especially after our parents deceased. How can I make sure of what your intentions are with her? She’s never been touched in terms of being with a man and I’d rather like to keep it that way, that is, until she meets the right guy. So you had better give me a damn good reason to entrust you with your motives with her.”
Prince Judah raised his brows. “So you say I’m not the right man? We have something in common, you and I.
A pure woman of virtue is most desirable I highly value, just like your intentions with my little sister that I see in your eyes of your desire. This I assure you. My intentions are to give your sister never ending love and
devotion and that I have faith in the same for your returned love for my sister and in God’s way. James, you have become like a brother to me. We need to combine our knowledge and strengths for a better future. Now that the portal is open to anyone, our enemies are sure to come. We must prepare. Do I have your agreement?”
Tyra stood with love in her eyes for James.
James, quiet for a moment. Looks at Tyra. Then at Rayna, then back at Judah.
Rayna in somber. “It is time to leave it all behind James.”
James stood in a moment of realistic decision. Taking the device out of his pocket, takes a good look at it.
“Ok, you won. Can I have first dibs on all of your electronics? I’ll need to find a way to open the portal up first.”
Prince Judah stood assured. “No need. Come, it is time.”
As they gathered at the portal, the glowing distortion.
Judah, stood straight with a wave of his hand, opened the portal.
James, with surprised, wide eyes. ”Hooow, did you do that?”
Prince Jude,with sly smirk. “With a wave of my hand, Brother.”
James, quirkingly accepting this unusual illusion, takes his device as he and his sister take the last look at their old world, recollections of their childhood into adulthood in mind, all friends had already left, gone anyway. Just the two of them is all that did remain with only the memory of their parents. Taking the device, he pushed a small button inside , knowing it could never be deactivated again, a light turns on as he places it onto the ground next to the opening, steps back from it.
A long sound as if fire screamed out of it, the emerald glow becoming brighter, began to spiral, it’s speed going out of control, becoming louder as it detonated.
James mouth clinched hard. “ RETREAT!!!” He grabs Rayna’s hand, swiftly ran from the site, as they all retreated along with him, in a flurry hurried rush.
Suddenly, like an air raid sound of an electronic sonic, a beam of intense light as they heard a loud boom!
Down, they all went hitting the lush green ground. As
they all looked up to see for themselves. Mission accomplished-the doorway to their old world closed forever.
James gave his brotherly gaze of, ‘it is finished’ to his sister. “Come on Tyra, lets’ go fix something.” He grabs her hand, quickly takes her with himself, running off.
Rayna stood up, began to walk toward King Julian’s court.
Prince Judah stood before her. “Rayna!”
Rayna halts, looks at him.
Prince Judah continues. “Steadfast, remember his feelings for you at one time, do take heed.”
Rayna acknowledges with a straight face, then leaves making her way to ,walks into his court. “Yes, King Julian, you sent for me?”
Prince Judah comes walking around the corner, hears their voices, stops next to the door listening to their conversation.
King Julian, sits proud in his throne. “Rayna, I have a question. You and Judah have been quite attached
lately.” He moves forward in his chair. “Are you in love with him?”
Rayna, cautious. “I am very fond of him……..we have a deep bond with each other.”
King Julian, gave a slight smirk. “That’s nice to hear, but you didn’t answer my question…... Do you love him?”
Rayna lingering caution washed over her face.
King Julian, in a moment of quiet. “Please answer me.”
Rayna, with a deep breath. “Yes, I love him with all my heart.”
Prince Judah, with a look of reassurance on his face, as he continued to listen.
King Julian, quiet. “I see. Rayna, I have been smitten to you. I’m asking for your hand in marriage. I can make you queen now. And, if you like, beget child, and I will have my third heir.”
Prince Judah head raises in high alert.
Rayna, in alert. “King Julian, respectfully saying, that’s a nice offer…….but, ……I can not accept it. I am preparing for battle that is coming.”
King Julian, once again in response. “I see. When the battle is over, as your king, you are to betroth me in marriage.”
Prince Judah, in mixed feelings with hurt and angst grew upon his face.
Rayna, with a put-out look. “King Julian, respectfully saying, I have to decline your acquiesce. I highly doubt to make it so. Because after fighting to save your kingdom, I will doubt to be sanctified for your betrothal bed of wedlock, by the bonded sacred touch from your son’s bed. Now, Please excuse me, I must prepare for the coming battle. ” She turns to leave.
King Julian stood adamant. “Rayna!”
Rayna turns to him.
King Julian, clinched mouth. “I will see you later.” He adamantly said.
Rayna, in clinched mouth. “We’ll see about that.” She turns in haste to leave, walking out the door in temper, walking toward her room.
Prince Judah steps around the corner and walk inside of his father’s court slow and casual, controlling his angst. “Father, I could not help but overhear your offer
to Rayna and I owe you an explanation. My love for Rayna Is great, my yearning for her will never leave.”
King Julian, in his royal stance. “So, you confirm your feelings for her also. Judah, I have seen the heritage tree with the prophecy of Rayna as your wife. But I am still king of this kingdom until I either relinquish it to you, or of my demise and I’m not going to hand it over just yet. My son, if you want her, you must wait until my demise to have her. No, I want her and I shall have her.”
Prince Judah tightening his jaw, he stands to one side of his father. “Father, you know I love you dearly, but let me remind you, that the prophecy is from god almighty himself. She is to become my wife and beget my heir to this kingdom, not you.”
King Julian gave him a strict look. “Son, if you want her, you’ll have to fight me for her.”
Prince Judah, giving his father a disfavored look, he pulled away in angry haste, walking out the door and into the corridor. He walks down the hall, then hears Rayna’s yelling out bust of anger. He sees her in his father’s room thrashing around his stuff. He runs to her, grabbing her around her waist to pull her out of
his room, out into the hall and up against the wall into her room.
“Rayna! Stop it! Save your angry energy for the battle.
I heard every word of it, you can break everything in here, but he’ll still want you. This is not the way to handle it!”
Rayna halts to look at him in tearful rage. “Tomorrow morning, your father will announce to everyone, his new wife and your new queen and god forbid, soon to carry his heir. Since the day I first saw you, I wanted to be with you. But now with your father’s demands, damn myself, I have been such a fool with my unfounded fears. Even now, I just want to be with you.” A teardrop fell from her cheek.
Prince Judah wipes her tears with his fingers .“ Then it shall be.”
Arron, the Commoner -“They’re coming! Prepare for battle!”
Prince Judah and Rayna look toward the shout.
Prince Judah looks back at her.” Now, go and use your temper, focus and mind your wits!”
Prince Judah and Rayna began their steadfast walk toward the court. Grabbing their swords from the corners of their rooms, they proceed toward the courtyard.
Prince Judah treads along side her.“And remember, stay close to me, and this time, do not leave my side!”
James and Tyra meeting up with them while walking to the courtyard as they all see their enemies come rushing in.
The room filled with loud clinking sounds as the battle begun. A few enemies falling one by one, to the floor unconscious, the battle continues, as more came rushing in.
Prince Judah swings his sword, slamming hard at one bandit
James and Rayna parried their swords into another two bandits.
Princess Tyra bangs her sword hitting another bandit as he fell to the floor.
The last few bandits ran in, one, coming up behind Rayna striking her side.
Rayna,feeling the strike, she bent over in pain but continued to fight, but her stamina and judgement slowly diminishes, as the tranquilizing effects began to immobilize her senses as she starts to fall, then lay on her back , closing her eyes.
James, in concern. “Rayna!!!” Running to her, he loses his focus as a bandit strikes his leg, falling to his side.
He falls down next to her, but struggles to keep awake long enough to cover his body over hers in protection, then falls asleep.
Prince Judah, seeing both James and Rayna on the floor, he raises his sword to the last two bandits in warning.
The last couple of bandits running away through the portal, back to their homes.
Prince Judah requested for one his squires. “Arron, help Tyra take James to her room. I shall take Rayna to my room. And Tyra, keep him with you tonight.” He gestured adamantly.
Princess Tyra gave him a clarified expression.
Prince Judah picks Rayna up into his arms, taking her limp body into his bedroom. Walking into his room, he
gently lay her softly into his extravagant bed. He slowly took one of her legs, slowly pulling off her shoe boot, then the other,placing them onto the floor. Sitting down on his bed, he takes off his shoes, placing them next to hers, then lay beside her to rest while he waits.
Rayna wakes up opening her eyes, immediately sits up, looking around the big sized room, then the bed seeing him, her long hair flowed around her exposed shoulder.
Prince Judah sat up next to her, face to face. “We fought a good victory. How do you feel?”
Rayna, loopy. “Trippy.”
Prince Judah reassured her. “Its ok, it will wear off.” He begins to caress her face with his hand.
Rayna, barely spoke. “Judah……”
Prince Judah, looked upon her. “A thousand years of family ancestral heritage can not be wrong. From my great grandfather, to my father and now, to me.
Tonight, we shall marry and you will beget me an heir.
His birth will not be denied. Do you not love me anymore, Rayna?”
Rayna, in assurance. “Yes, of course.”
Prince Judah- “Then become my wife and the shared privilege to beget our son together.”
Rayna, uneasy. “But, when your father finds out about this.” She warned.
Prince Judah, in staunch stance. “My father is not God.” He seriously looked at her kissing her tenderly once, then twice.
Prince Judah,Rayna, with her undeniable consent, pulling her closer, his mysjestic cross layered in between as to merge their bonding love for each other with a sealed covenant between them and God, as they lay down next to each other. A prophecy fulfilled.
The moonlight shined brightly through the window.
The next morning, the moon turned into sunshine.
They lay together in each other’s arms.
Prince Judah gives her tender kiss on her hand “Rayna, its morning , love.”
Princess Rayna awakens, opening her eyes. “I just got married and I don’t even know my last name.”
Prince Judah smiled. “You are now my wife, Rayna Hyland.
Princess Rayna smiles mildly. ”I like that.” Her smile turns into apprehension. “Oh God. My brother is going to severely scald me for this.”
Prince Judah, slyly smirked. “I wouldn’t think so….he married my sister last night.”
Princess Rayna-Returning to her mild smile. “Oh Judah, you are deviously brilliant.”
Prince Judah, in playfulness. “Yah, I know.” He pulls the cover over both of them in a playful mood.
King Julian and Judah,seeing each other in the corridor, about to pass each other.
King Julian stops as his son was about to pass him, looking at him. “Judah!”
Prince Judah stops a few feet away from him, looking away in disgust. “Yes, Father?”
King Julian, adamant. “Rayna did not come to me last night. Where was she?”
Prince Judah faced him. “She was with me, Father.
Rayna and I shared my bed last night. She is now my wife and she will beget my son and heir that will rule this kingdom.”
King Julian, fury grew upon his face. “Oh my son, you should not have done that!” He sternly warned.
Prince Judah, giving him a stern look back in return.
“And you should not have bribed Rayna with title of queen and tried to enticed her with riches you don’t actually have assets to, all because you covet in your heart and you’ll do anything to have what you desire, even taking what God almighty has already prophesied
what was meant for me, your son. I took what was rightfully mine!”
King Julian, pulling out his sword from his scabbard.
“Withdraw your sword!” He furiously swung his sword at him.
Prince Judah, seeing his father’s threating disposition, he quickly took out his sword from his scabbard, lifting up his sword to parry hard at his father, in a state of rage against him.
King Julian and Prince Judah, both unleashing their fury at each other, Julian taking a hit and retreats from Judah, as Judah waits for his father to recover. Then as Julian stands up again, strikes at him. watching each others moves as they encircle each other. Then Julian strikes at Judah, gets hit, falls to the floor. But more anger followed. Julian waits.
King Julian, in heavy breath.“Get up boy! Have I not taught you well on your practice?”
Prince Judah stood on his own in full focus. “I have strived to bring Rayna into our world, I’ve worked with her, eased her fears, taught her how to protect herself, and showed her my love, while you did nothing but walk her down the garden path.”
King Julian, in reason. “On the contrary. I offered her all she could want.”
Prince Judah, in none reason. “Accept for one problem, she wanted only me!”
King Julian and Prince Judah, striking at each other again.
James, Tyra and Rayna, in alarm, went to them. “Both of you, stop it!!!”
Princess Rayna, intensed. “James, do something!”
James, stood watching.“Like what,get slaughtered??!!”
Princess Tyra, stood vigilant. “Father, Judah-stop it!!!”
Prince Judah, hitting his father’s arm with his sword, he held his position, controlling his stance.
King Julian, bending over reeling from the pain, his sword drops to the floor.
Princess Rayna took a stanced step. “Both of you-stop it!!!”
King Julian looked at her in anguished pain. “So, you two became one last night.”
Princess Rayna, in reason with him. “Yes, we are one.”
She looked at her brother in clarification.
James, looks at her in acknowledgement.
King Julian stands with his pride still intact, takes his sword, then leaves to his room.
Princess Tyra, Rayna, James giving Judah a not so impressive look, as they see him also leave them.
Princess Rayna, standing in her room, she takes a moment to view herself in the mirror. An unsettled thought comes to her mind. As she walks the long corridor, She inters inside the heritage tree room, goes to the tree, sees a crack forming under her and Judah’s name, she gave a look of apprehension, then another look of elation as she lay her hand on her lower belly. She leaves to see Judah. While walking out into the corridor, he meets her almost walking by her, but stops. “Judah, I think it’s time to talk to your father.”
Prince Judah, stubborn. “I don’t think so.”
Princess Rayna sighed. “You’re just as stubborn as he is. Judah…..I’m with child….I’m carrying your heir. And the cracks in the tree are once again starting to form.”
Prince Judah stood with a look of surrealness covered his face as he looked down at her lower body. “Are you sure?” He gently touches upon her slight round belly.
Princess Rayna, sighed. “Yes, and, it has been three months now since the fallout with your father. You need to make amends with him. Before I even knew, he has noticed that I’m starting to show, and it’s hard
enough to be around him in my condition, he keeps giving me that look.” Show him your mercy and forgiveness, for the sake of our child and his grandchild.
A few minutes later. Judah enters his father’s court.
Prince Judah entered his father’s room. “Father, may I have a word with you?”
King Julian gives him a sorrowful expression. “What is it, my son?”
Prince Judah, humbled. “Three months is long enough.
It’s time for our truce. Father, my intentions were never to hurt you, please understand. I was entitled to her by god. And with my heart, I couldn’t bare to be without her.”
King Julian swallowed hard. “Oh son, what could I have done? Both of our hearts yearned for her, yet only one of us in god’s eyes could have her. And now, I see with my own eyes, she carries your heir. I suppose my arrogance is my consequence for this reminder. But now, I owe it to god to honor my grandchild’s future, with my legacy. And my own children, my son and daughter.” He puts his hand on Judah’s shoulder.
Prince Judah places his hand on top of his father’s hand in reconciliation.
Princess Rayna once again, she stood observing the big ancient tree. At nine months pregnant, she touches the area of where her child’s name will be.
Prince Judah walks around the corner to see her.
Princess Tyra follows her brother. “They plan on entering our city and mansion nonstop this time, even to our death.”
The tree suddenly expands once again, condensing the cracks together, forming the name, of ‘Jude’.
Princess Rayna, in startledness, she holds firmly on the tree, then suddenly bends over in labor pain. “Ahhh!!!”
Prince Judah runs to her. “Rayna!”
Princess Tyra also runs to her.
Prince Judah picks her up into his arms, takes a look at the name. “It is time, my son is about to be born! Tyra, you will assist her, while I prepare to fight with James.”
Princess Tyra smiled. “With honor, Brother!”
Prince Judah carries her into their room, laying her carefully in bed. “I must go fight.”
Princess Rayna, reaches for him. “Judah! Don’t you DARE leave me!”
Prince Judah, held position. “Childbirth is natural, Tyra will see you through it.”
Princess Rayna, screaming in pain. “I know that, you stupid git!”
Prince Judah, stumped. “So why act this way?”
Princess Rayna, grit her teeth in agony. “Oh, I don’t know, maybe it’s because, I’VE NEVER HAD A BABY
BEFORE!!!”
Prince Judah smiles at her. “Our son is about to be born, our heir. You will give life to our son, and I must fight to keep him alive by fighting his enemy.” He quickly kisses her, then leaves toward the door.
James meets Judah, coming into the room.
Prince Judah held position. “James, you will come with me to fight, we will be back later for you to see your new nephew.”
They leave to fight.
Handmaiden Mylee- Comes in to offer help.
Princess Tyra, invited her. “Mylee, please assist me.”
Handmaiden Mylee crawls onto the bed next to Rayna, holds her hand. “It must be a real honor giving birth to the Kingdom’s future heir.”
Princess Rayna looks at her. Her birth pain intensifies as she breathes heavy.
“Oh, SHUT UP!!”
Prince Judah and James, the fighting
intensifies…..while the enemy’s bodies are constantly being dragged outside by the commoners.
Meanwhile, the ancient tree quaked, breaking off branches, falling to the floor.
Princes Rayna, in pain intensifies, sweat accumulating on her face as she continues to breathe hard……
Princess Tyra, anticipates. “I see my nephew’s head.
Come on Rayna, he’s almost here!”
Prince Judah and James, sweat flying off their faces as they swing their swords at the last men of enemy’s…..
The ancient tree began to crack, splitting in the middle……
Princess Tyra, in support. “One more time Rayna!”
Princess Rayna, breathing hard and heavily, she grabs the girl’s hand hard with one hand, twist the blanket with her other, as she takes a deep breath, then bares down hard. ” JUUDAHHH!!!!” Takes another deep breath, then lays back into her bed hard, relaxes, as her baby boy cries out.
Like lightening striking, the ancient tree split in half from Judah’s 12th great grandparents, down to his line of his father’s King Julian descendancy, then to Judah, then to the last in line to the throne, his new born son’s name of Jude, a family prophecy fulfilled.
Prince Judah and James swing their swords at their last enemies, seeing them fall down. Sweat dripping from their wet haired foreheads. It is finished. Catching their breath, wiping off their sweat from their faces with the back of their hands, they hear the sound of a new born baby’s cry.
Prince Judah signal to his men of honor with his hand.
“Clear it all! Come James, your nephew and my son, a new prince is born.”
Prince Judah and James approached Rayna with the baby laying on her chest keeping the baby warm, as Tyra, sat next to her.
James sit down next to Tyra in exhaustion, as he lay his head back, closing his eyes to rest.
Prince Judah sat next to Rayna and his son, his head lay against the wall, closing his eyes in exhaustion.
Princess Rayna resting with closed eyes at first, opened her eyes for a brief moment, lay her head next to Judah , then closed her eyes again to rest.
Prince Jude-Baby Jude cries…..
Princess Rayna gets the baby…
Prince Judah holds out his hands to his son. “Come here, my son.” Lay him down on his chest. “There we are. Yes, my son, sleep tight. You’ll need your energy to fight tomorrow.”
Princess Rayna snickers in laughter, as she lays her head on Judah’s shoulder, stroking their son’s head.
Prince Judah smiles at her, while baby Jude sucks on his fingers and falls asleep.
Princess Tyra and James walk in.
James stood at their open door with tired eyes.
“Rayna, your son has a good set of lungs, I could hear him from our bedroom all the way down to the hallway.”
Princess Tyra snickered. “Well James, you had better get used to it. Because……. I’m with child.”
James gave Tyra a wide eyed look. “Huuhh?”
Princess Tyra sighed. “You’re going to be a father.”
James gives her his wider eyes, then looks down at her lower body.
Judah and Rayna smiled at them.
Six Months Later……out in the garden…
Princess Rayna, holding six month baby Jude on her waist side while walking outside in the sunshine viewing the flowers. She raises him up into the air in a playful manner, as Jude giggles out loud.
Prince Judah, coming up to them joining in playful manner.
Princess Rayna placing him onto her waist again. “Is that daddy?” She spoke to Jude in verbal play.
Prince Judah takes his son into his arms, playing, raising him up into the air as Jude giggles louder.
”Come here my son, my heir, my pride.”
Prince Jude smiles widely.
Princess Rayna, grinning next to them.
James comes running to them. “Oh god, the baby’s coming!
Princess Tyra, screaming in the background
“OOUUUGH!”
Prince Judah and Rayna,in disbelief. “Now?”
James, in urgency. “Don’t worry, just remember the motto, ‘keep calm and carry on’. Just get in bed and stay there, everything is ok, pleeeease.”
Princess Rayna led him. “James, just calm down. Let’s get her inside.”
Princess Tyra, screamed again. “OOUGH, I think the baby’s coming now!”
James, in freak out mode. “Oh god! Well, can’t you just tell our child to go back to bed and come back later?!”
Princess Tyra, screamed out. “HUHHH?!”
James and Tyra, hollered out. “Rayna!!!
A few minutes later……
Judah, Rayna, Jude sat next to James and Tyra as she held their little boy.
James, holding his newborn son. “The heritage tree cracked the name of Thom.” He said in serene.
Princess Rayna, Tyra, Jude and Thom- Ran around the big ancient tree.
Princess Rayna smiled. “Yes, boys, Jude’s birth created those cracks.” Her smile quickly diminished as she looked up and saw a disturbing sight in front of her. A long, big crack went down the wall. “Tyra?”
Princess Tyra went to Rayna seeing the crack. “Oh no.”
She took Thom’s hand.
Princess Rayna took her son’s hand. “Come Jude, let’s go back to your room to play with your toys.”
A few minutes later.
Princess Rayna summons Judah entering their bedroom.“Did you see the cracks in the walls?”
Prince Judah sighed. “Yes, I did. There are more cracks in other areas of the mansion. James says from the looks of the structured cracks, we have just enough time to prepare before it falters. We are gathering supplies, taking them outside leaving them in bins. This is something I’ve never seen before. And how was I to know that I were to be the last king of this kingdom?
And with our son, what kind of kingdom will he rule in
the next kingdom? And how am I going to handle this new world that we’re headed to?”
Prince Judah and Rayna take another look at a crack on the wall.
King Julian walks from his study room and into the corridor. Suddenly, he halts, grabbing onto the wall with his hand, his vision distorted.
Princess Tyra, having Thom with her, she sees him, she runs to him. “Father, what is it?! Come to your bed!”
She helps walk him Into his bedroom and into his bed.
“Thom, go get your uncle Judah and Aunt Rayna!”
Prince Thom runs to fetch them.
King Julian lay his head softly on his pillow. “Tyra, daughter. This is not the first of time of this. ”
Princess Tyra, in disbelief. “ What do you mean?”
Prince Judah and Rayna arrive with Thom and Jude.
Prince Judah goes to his father’s bedside on his knees.
“Father?!”
Princess Rayna, sitting next to him, Tyra and the boys.
James walks into the room, sees him, goes to honor his father in law. “Sir King Julian. At your service.”
King Julian, gazes at him. “James, in my room, on the mantel, is a device…..take it with you….I’m getting weaker every moment. Rayna, my last request, is just one kiss from you before I die.”
Princess Tyra, looking at him in disbelief, sorrow grew upon her face.
Princess Rayna looks at Judah.
Prince Judah with his sorrowful expression, he gestured his permission of yes.
Princess Rayna slowly bends her upper body down, her face toward his mouth, as she slowly lay her lips upon his.
King Julian, taking his hand around her face, kissing her tenderly. His hand going limp, falls to his side, his eyes close for the last time.
Princess Rayna, lifting from him, her eyes filled with tears as the teardrops streamed down her face.
Prince Judah kisses his father’s forehead, as he pulls back, sits down unto the floor below his father’s body, his head lay back in grief.
Princess Tyra stay hovering over his body, she lay her head upon her Father’s chest in tearful despair.
All the commoners gather around waiting for Judah and Rayna’s crowning in the court.
Princess Rayna looks at Judah. “Judah, I’ve never done this before.”
Prince Judah, looks back at her. “Just follow my lead.”
Prince Judah, Rayna, Jude, hand in hand, they walk through the grand golden doors and down between two rows of commoners. They stood in front of the commoners and next to Princess Tyra, James, and their son, Prince Thom, as they waited in ceremony of their crowning, their expressions of reverence.
Princess Tyra, stepping aside, takes a golden band crown from the alter, places it onto her brother, Judah’s head, then, taking another gold band, placing it onto Rayna’s head. She steps back into line. “All hail, our new King and queen! King Judah and Queen Rayna!” Announced out loud.
The Commoners all bowed down to them.
King Judah, Queen Rayna, Princess Tyra, Prince Jude, Prince Thom and James- Turned to witness the burial as King Julian’s’ body in back of them is lowered into
the enclosing casket, as a concrete lid slides open, his casket lowers into the concrete ground, shifted next to the last king, Julian’s father’s casket, then the concrete lid slides back over the rectangle hole in the floor, closing up with his families’ coat of arms seal tight.
Princess Tyra, with grieving eyes. “All rise!”
The commoners rise in respect.
Princess Tyra, with a dignified expression. “Let life commence!”
The commoners, one by one, leave back to their jobs.
King Judah stood lingering staring at his father’s and ancestor’s family coat of arms seal with a somber expression. “So, It was not me to be the last king of this kingdom, it was my father. But I am my father’s son.
And I will carry on his legacy throughout my life, even then, my own son will carry my legacy onto his own son. My God Rayna. What am I to do? How am I to rule over this kingdom I just inherited as it crumbles to the ground?” His eyes glaze in tear.
Queen Rayna turn to him, holding his hand. “Judah, have faith in God and yourself. I will always be by your side. Your kingdom is your people, not the building
they stand in. It is the essence of who you are that makes you a great king.”
King Judah, in dignity. “Right. I must consult with James. I need to gets things in order. There’s not much time left.” He turns to her, takes her hand to kiss it.
Queen Rayna reassured. “And I shall have your sister help prepare for this transition. ”They both walk off.
James goes into the former King Julian’s bedroom searching for the device. He pulls open a small hidden drawer in the mantel, sees the electronical device, takes it out. He turns to leave the room, then sees Judah looking at him.
King Judah stood in attention. “What did my father mean by ‘take the device with you?”
James stood in reasoning. “Your father had seen the cracks, he knew something was coming yet he knew he was dying. He entrusted me with his electronical device, yet I don’t know what’s inside of it.”
King Julian,in a moment of silence. “But yet, you did not tell me during that time.”
James in reason. “Judah, You and your father were not on talking terms, the man needed me, his son-in-law, to confide in. I honored my king at the time.”
King Judah, shifted his position.“I thought we were like brothers, apparently not!”
James, shifting his position likewise. “Judah, I’m still as a brother to you. Let me remind you of the reason for you and your father’s division and regardless of what happens now, I had made my oath to your departed
father and now, my oath to you as my new king to follow you. And as for my new queen, she is still my little sister, so you can take that fact to share with her in your bed! Now, your royal highness, please excuse me, I need to tend to my duties as servant.” He walks away.
King Judah inhales, then exhales, as he also leaves the room to check on his squires and other servants while he watches all the people checking the equipment, and taking things out of the old kingdom, placing items such as food, water, stockpiles of gathered swords into big bins in preparing.
He once again checks on the now, longer cracks in the wall.
King Judah and James, meeting each other in the corridor.
King Judah, being cordial. “James.”
James, being equally cordial “Judah.The cracks in the walls have become much wider I estimate, perhaps within a few months, it will falter. I think we should evacuate as soon as possible.”
King Judah, with a serious expression. “Right! Go gather everyone, we’re leaving now.” He takes off toward his room.
James, gives him a heads up. “Right with you.” He sprints across the corridor to inform others.
A sudden light rumbling noise sounded throughout the corridor.
King Judah stopped, turned to look at James.
James stopped, turned to look at Judah.
A quiet moment of looking at each other.
Then another rumbling sounded louder. With wide eyes, they hollered out.
”Rayna! Tyra!”
King Judah, in urgency. “Get them out of here now!”
A sudden rushing of commoners ran out of their rooms, down the spacious corridor filling up quickly of families, compact the hallway, as the rumbling became louder, rushing through the broken hole wall, to the outside world.
King Judah, racing to his room, he sees Rayna and Jude looking at him in great concern.
Queen Rayna, with astonishment. “Judah, what’s that sound?!!!”
King Judah urgently grabs Jude around his arm, then grabbing Rayna’s hand tight, jerking them out the door. “It has begun, we’re leaving now!”
Prince Jude, grasping upto his father’s arm. “DADDY!!!
WHAT”S HAPPENING!!!” He screeched out loud.
James, grabbing Thom and Tyra around their waists, pulling them out of the room. “We’re outta here!!!”
Princess Tyra and Prince Thom. “SCREECHHHING!!!”
King Judah, Queen Rayna, Tyra, James, Thom, Jude-Quickly ran outside.
James, putting his son down outside, remembers the electronic device. He pats on his pants pocket with his hand, feels nothing. “Damn! I forgot the device! Stay here, I’ll be right back!” He runs back inside the mansion.
Princess Tyra, with wide eyes. “James what are you doing, get back here!!!”
King Judah sees him. “What!? Stay here, I’ll get him!”
He runs after him following him inside of his and Tyra’s room seeing him grabbing the device. He clamps onto James’ arm. “What the hell are you doing! Get out of here!”
King Judah and James began to run back outside, James running ahead of him, rejoining his family.
King Judah, with quick thinking, halts for a moment at his father’s door, swiftly runs inside the room, taking his father’s coat of arms banner from above his bed, wraps it up, shoving it into his pants pocket, then races back out of the room. Hearing the rumbling turn into loud cracking sounds, then sees the heritage tree tilting, as it falls over blocking his escape. With frustration, he strategically looked around, taking another unplanned route,
Outside….
Queen Rayna, consulting her brother. “Where’s Judah?”
James looked back at the mansion. “He was right behind me!”
Queen Rayna looked up in high alert with wide eyes.
She looked at James and Jude having to make a crucial choice. “James, take Jude! Always remember, I love you!” She takes her hands around Jude’s little face, kissing it.
James, quickly took hold of her arm. “What! Wait!
You’re not going back in there!” He argued.
Queen Rayna, pulling from him. “As your queen, I order you to make sure that Jude becomes the new king in the new world.” She snaps at him. “
James, stares at her in disbelief.
Rayna, in reason. “James, You always wanted a just world to live in. Now is your chance to do it! If both of us do not make it out, you must lead with Tyra! I must go back for him, I will not let him die….and I can’t live without him!” Her eyes weld up in tears. ”Go lead!”
She turns to run back inside.
James just stands in anguish.
Princess Tyra takes Jude into her loving arms. “You heard what your queen said. Steadfast!”
James, with Thom in his arms , he gathers up all the people to safety.
Queen Rayna, running back inside the crackling mansion, she sees the tree had fallen, yet, no sign of Judah. Finding no way other way around it, she ran through out rooms she once was accustomed to, all the memories came back to her as she ran to each room, when they first met, when they danced together, the practice sword fighting, their first kiss, their marriage bed, the birth of their son. As she continued to search for him.
King Judah and Rayna, while both ran around a corner next to the court on opposite side of the room, they quickly ran to each other. Grasping each other’s arms, while standing in the middle of the rotunda.
King Judah, in dismay. “You’re supposed to be with our son!” He yelled.
Queen Rayna, likewise. “You’re supposed to be outside with your people!” She yelled back.
King Judah and Queen Rayna, hearing a huge cracking sound above them. They looked up to the ceiling to see the huge diamond chandelier about to fall on top of them. They pushed hard onto each other, knocking each other to the floor.
King Judah, with wide eyes, he urgently pulled himself up from the floor.
Queen Rayna, with astonished eyes, also quickly pulled herself off the floor.
King Judah and Queen Rayna, grabbing each other’s hand, they began their journey back toward the outside world. The walls cracking and splitting, columns tilting and falling over, as they continued to run around the carnage. Putting their arms in their faces, turning to prevent hits from the crumbling infrastructure, nearly stubbling over each other, grabbing, grasping, grappling each other, Judah grabbing around her waist flinging her around from harm of more loose debris falling around them. Then suddenly peered momentarily to quickly look at the floor to see his father’s tomb seal for the last time, then hearing an even bigger cracking sound, they looked up to see a huge slab of ceiling coming toward them.
Queen Rayna with wide eyes “JUDAH!!!”
King Judah picked her up into his arms. “Hold tight!”
Quickly treading over falling debris he struggled to move around, she clung to him tighter, hiding her face
as he , shifting and dodging, stepping quickly to his left, then to his right preventing being struck by crumbling architecture around them and into the last few treacherous yards of everything collapsing. Just before approaching the outside, a piece of a wall fell in front of the exit, blocking their escape. Taking his foot, he slammed hard into it, until the board broke through, as they made it through to the outside, where everyone was waiting.
James looks up to see Rayna in Judah’s arms. With a much relieved smile.
Commoners all bowed down to their king and queen.
King Judah brought Rayna to her brother, as they sat onto the ground with everyone else. Holding Jude with each other, they witness with James, Tyra, the rest of the city collapsing, as like in a domino effect, then, the last wall standing-fell! The dusk of evening over shadowed them.
6am, sun is shining, a gentle breeze blows through their hair while peacefully lay on the ground asleep amongst the commoners.
King Judah, Queen Rayna, Jude lay on the ground next to each other asleep, Jude tucked in between them.
King Judah wakes up, sees Jude and Rayna still asleep.
Prince Jude wakes as his father moves away from him.
“Daddy?”
King Judahputs his finger to his mouth. “Shhh, go back to sleep, don’t wake your mother.”
Prince Jude, awaken eyes. “But I want to go with you.”
King Judah, reasonable. “Very well, come with me, but don’t wake your mother.”
James wakes up to see Judah and Jude.
King Judah instructs. “James, come, let’s search through the rubble for anything worth salvaging.”
James gets up carefully not waking Tyra and Thom.
King Judah, Prince Jude, James tread over to the huge desolate pile of crumbled shambles, as they carefully
searched for what’s left over, only to see King Julian’s Coat of Arms seal still visable.
Queen Rayna, awakening to the breeze, she noticed Judah and Jude missing. She immediately sat up.
“Jude?! Judah?!” She swiftly sprung up onto her feet.
Princess Tyra, awaken by Rayna’s alert voice, looking at her.
Queen Rayna turns to see Judah, Jude and James are safe standing in amid the rubble. A sigh of relief washed over her face. Then looked to the left at her old home next to where the mansion once stood.
Seeing it demolished, she slowly tread over to the vestige. Step by step, everything around her, lay in ruin wasted disastrous rubbish.
Tyra, James,Judah,two boys followed her with a beyond stunned, numbing expression, as she approached her shambled home, she stooped low to pick up an old photo with her fingers from the rubbish.
James, trying to comfort his sister. “Ray, remember our decision.”
Queen Rayna looks up at her brother. ”It’s understood.
All for the kingdom.”
Prince Jude, by her side. “Mommy, who are those people?”
Queen Rayna looked up to see James, Jude, Judah looking at her in care. “These two loving people are mine and Uncle James’ mommy and daddy. They are your grandparents. “
Prince Jude looked at the photo in stillness. “Where are daddy’s parents?”
James pulls out his cell phone. “ They’re right here. I took these photos from Judah’s old documents.” He showed the photos to Jude.
Queen Rayna stood up. “Oh, James, you’re incredible.”
King Judah and James, giving each other a stronghold handshake. “Thanks.”
James slyly smirked. “Hey, disaster preparedness, what can I say?”
King Judah stood tall. “Rayna, we move on from where we are now. There is much work to be done.”
James takes Tyra and the two boys with him. “Right.
Let’s do it. ”
King Judah holds out his hand to her. “Our future is with our people now.”
Rayna takes his hand and walks away with him.
Prince Jude and Prince Thom verbally fight.
James, flustered.“Ok, they’re fighting again. We all need a break. Rayna, do you remember that old swimming hole we used to play in?”
King Judah, Princess Tyra, Thom and Jude followed James and Rayna to find their old swimming hole, now surrounded by big trees and lush bushes and wildflowers.
James, satisfied. “We’ve all been working hard, we need a break, let’s have fun. Judah, jump in.”
King Judah, giving him a strange look. “Excuse me. Do you realize who you are talking to? Are you ordering your king to jump into that pond?”
James, stood up to him. “Yes, I do. I think we found a safe place to metaphorically kill each other in.”
King Judah offended. “You do know what the penalty is for mutiny?”
James, wry his mouth. “Do you know what your real problem is? Your precious castle of illusion has been demolished, crumbled into small, tiny, pieces and you
can not simply wave your hand of illusion anymore, because it faded, dissolved, disappeared within your reach and you can’t deal with that fact-can you!! Get in or I’ll make you!”
King Judah, offended. “Oh, really?”
James grabs Judah by his shirt. “Yes, Really.”
King Judah grabs James by his shirt.
Both struggle pulling and pushing on each other, suddenly they both fell into the cold water.
James splashes a huge wave of water at Judah. “This is for getting mad at me, for putting me in between you and your father’s fallout and damn near losing you as my brother over it!”
King Judah splashes him back. “As I recall, you could have told me!”
James hits another big wave at him. “And this is for marrying my little sister without a proper ceremony!!”
King Judah threw another big splash at him. “At least you were invited to your own wedding bed!!”
James, another splash. “Yah, that’s because, your little sister is the love of my life that gave me the will to continue my inventions!”
King Judah followed by another splash. “Oh, really?! I fell in love with yourrr little sister the moment I layed eyes on her!”
James, bigger splash. “Oh, really! And another thing.
You’re the greatest king I’ve ever met and I’ve never met any before anndd, you gave my sister what she deserved-a great man!”
King Judah, extra bigger splash.“Oh yah! You came at the right time for my sister giving her a new way of life!”
James, double splash.“Are you having just as much fun as I am right now?!” He smiled.
King Judah, tripled splash. “Even morrre!!!” He intensely hollered, smiled back to him.
Queen Rayna ,amused.“I’m glad they’ve resolved their differences.”
Princess Tyra equally amused. “I’m glad they’re having fun.” Shall we join them?”
Queen Rayna and Princess Tyra, taking each other’s hand, holding the two boys, they all jumped in. Judah getting close to Rayna, James getting close to Tyra, all playing with the two kids.
Judah, Rayna, Tyra, James, two boys sitting on their wooden crates around the campfire along with others in their groups,
James instructed. “We’ll need to travel through the forest to find another building of shelter.”
King Judah, concurred. “Right, we shall leave tomorrow morning as the sun rises. Taking only with us our swords, supplies and what we have left of food. Jude and Thom, go around telling all our plans to all. We are finished for the night.” He rised from his crate like throne, following Tauna inside their tent.
King Judah and Queen Rayna, inside their tent, among other tents around them, she lays next to him in the bed, looking at him, as he stares upward.
Queen Rayna attentive.“What are you thinking about, my love?”
King Judah looks at her. “Once upon a time, you came into my world, but now, I’ve entered into your world.”
Queen Rayna sighed.“Yes, my love, but now it is our world, our new kingdom.”
King Judah sighed back to her. “Yes, my queen….but , see to it, that I am still your king.”
Queen Rayna, seeing the apprehension in his eyes, she touched his face softly with acceptance and reassurance.
Queen Rayna, with loving care. “Oh course, my love. “
King Judah, unassured. “Remember our agreement, you are my territory and I shall always be your king.”
Queen Rayna, reassured. “Have no fear my love, I will always be by your side, my king.” She gives him gentle kisses.
King Judah gives his return kiss back to her, then continues his passionate embrace into the night.
Queen Rayna, placing her golden headband around her forehead, she turns to see him stand next to her.
King Judah, placing his sword into his scabbard, he stands seeing all the people ready to leave. “Are we ready to lead our people in search for the new world?”
He said with a strong voice.
Queen Rayna, with assurance. “As always, my love.”
King Judah looks upon his son. “My son. You must continue to be strong during our journey.”
King Judah,taking Jude’s hand with Rayna, walk out of their tent and in front of their people. “Today, we leave our home from which we grew from. The journey may be long, there may be challenges along the way, but we the people as long as we stay together as a tribe, will conquer, just as our ancestors did before us. The goal, to find our new kingdom, in which my son will rule one day to continue future generations.”
James and Princess Tyra takes a glance at everyone, then back at Judah and Rayna in honor.
King Judah stood proud. “My God give us strength for our journey.” He said, as he makes the sign of the
cross onto his chest, they began their walk down through two lines of people in waiting, as they begin their journey towards their new future home..
James, Tyra, Thom following right behind them, As they all walked from the last of the two lines of people, the people began to walk with them also, with King Judah and Queen Rayna in the forefront leading, James, Thomas and Tyra in back of them. With vigor strength, they walk toward in search of their new kingdom. Judah picks up his prince son, placing him onto his hip and arm, then taking Rayna’s hand.
King Judah and Rayna, looks at each other with serious commitment with a common goal, then look straight ahead down the road.
James picks up Thom, placing him into his arms.
As all the people, from Judah, to James, to all the way back to the end of the one hundred people walking toward a new land.
The tribe of Judah and Rayna Hyland, once again settled for the night sitting around a brightly burning fire amongst their people surrounding them.
King Judah stood for announcement.“Everyone, get prepared to leave in the morning. We leave at dawn.”
Cyrus, the Commoner stands. “King Judah, some of us have been talking. We have become too weary searching for your promised land to leave. We want to stay here.”
James stood up looking at Cyrus in questionable disbelief. “What? You’ve got to be kidding me. Can you not see what’s on the horizon? We are almost there.”
Cyrus, The Commoner confused. “See what, a land in the long distance? Another mirage yet front of us? It is all the same we have here.”
James stood his stance. “Commoner Cyrus, This has been a very long journey for all of us .We are all weary.
You are not thinking straight.”
Cyrus The Commoner held his position. “ No. We will stay.”
King Judah stood his stance. “Are you their new leader?”
Cyrus The Commoner he looks at his group, then back at Judah “Yes, I am.”
King Judah, in stance. “I see. And as a new leader, how could you make such a decision of a big endeavor without consulting with me first as your king?”
Queen Rayna stood up with disfavored eyes at them.
“No way, this is not just about weariness.”
King Judah lifts his hand to Rayna in a ‘wait for it gesture’. “ Very well then. Stay with your tribe. And how will you survive by yourselves, this new tribe of yours?”
Cyrus The Commoner. “We have all the food we need here.”
James with uncertainty. “Not according with my calculations. They will not survive here by themselves.”
Cyrus The Commoner in pride. “We will need more supplies to survive.”
James gave Cyrus a cautious look. “And just where from this source of yours?”
Cyrus The Commoner with his new tribe swiftly goes after other commoner’s belonging of equipment.
Other commoners grabbing hold of their belongings from Cyrus’ followers as a scuffle commenced.
King Judah, James, swiftly took their swords, swooped in the defense of the innocent, jerking Cyrus and his newly formed Commoners with a clash, pulling them apart from among his own commoners, pointing their sword at them in warning to stay away.
Cyrus, swung his sword at Judah in defiance.
Queen Rayna, taking Jude, Princess Tyra, taking Thom in safety.
King Judah, Parried, struck back at him, striking him down to the ground, saw no movement. “To the rest of you, go back to your corner until further notice.” He shouted. “Right. Let him be. When he wakes, hopefully he’ll wake up along with his common sense. We leave in the morning.” His calmness returned, as he wiped a smudge of blood from his face, then sat looking at the fool while keeping warm around the built fire.
The morning sun rose on the horizon.
James goes to Judah’s side. “Judah, they still insist on staying.”
King Judah, not amused. “Are they then. Right.” He takes his sword, walks over to the middle of everyone.
Commoners, everyone sees Judah, the new tribe included.
King Judah places the tip of his sword onto the ground, then drags the sword’s tip across the dry ground forming a long line, then lifts his sword, reinserts his sword back into his scabbard. Standing on one side of the line, he looks at his people. “If any man, woman or child wants to follow me, step over this line.”
James, Princess Tyra and Queen Rayna join beside him.
Others walked over the line to him, then more and more, leaving only just a small group left in the Cyrus’
new tribe.
King Judah reinserts his sword into his scabbard “Right!
May God have mercy on you, for the rest of us, our journey continues.” He takes his sons hand with Rayna by his side, they resume their journey.
After an hours flight, children and teens ran around in front of them, while Jude and his cousin Thom raced after them. As the late afternoon sun came upon them all, the two kids asleep in their father’s arms, just over the horizon, the top of a huge domed building showed in front of them. Smiling at each other, waking their sons, they proceeded toward the building.
King Judah almost satisfied. “James?”
James, in acknowledgement. “It is a building that once belonged to our authorities. Everything we need, should be here.”
King Judah, a little more satisfied. “We shall rest here, then everyone, scout out the place, see what is here, then report back to me. Find your rooms for the night.”
King Judah and Queen Rayna, Jude walk into a huge tall ceiling master chamber.
King Judah inspects the room. “Very cushy.”
Queen Rayna viewing in awe. “I’d say.”
King Judah closes the door. “It’s bedtime. Our son fell asleep.” He climbs into their big posh bed.
Queen Rayna climbs into the bed close to him “Yes, I know. Very posh.”
King Judah began kiss her. “Yes, very posh. Do you….remember …our first embrace?”
Queen Rayna smiled mild. “Yes, I will always remember.”
King Judah kissing her passionately, lay her beside himself as the night becomes later.
James, Princess Tyra, Prince Thom enter into their room. ”Ok, The reports are in. we have all our needs here.”
King Judah completely satisfied. “Right, gather everyone were we first started.”
Outside….
King Judah stood noble and gallant, Queen Rayna by his side. “My people. We have found our new kingdom! We have plenty of food and water with other amenities and we will provide with cropping our fields, now go and settle into your own new home within this new kingdom of ours!”
Commoners raised their voices in loud cheering to their king.
King Judah, with a huge grin of gratitude, smiles his wide dimples back to them.
In dance celebration commoners lined up across from each other, take hands, move forward, cross over to
each other’s side. The commoner girls run to the men, men pull them up, as they swirl in rejoicing.
Into the evening….King Judah stands upon the hill overlooking their new land, Rayna goes to him in grateful demeanor, they look at each other, smile, he takes her hand in love, then look at their people down in the valley still rejoicing in celebration.
In their new grand master bedroom, he pulls out his father’s family coat of arms banner, spreads it out, placing it above the bed, a look of completeness on his face. The sense of his grand Illusion has been illuminated once again.
King Judah,Queen Rayna entering into the room, they saw James fixing the foyers sound system.
James, with a plug in his mouth, he rewires the wiring system.
Princess Tyra smiled at James. “Isn’t he wonderful with his hands?”
Queen Rayna with smugness. “You think that’s impressive, you should see him screw a nail into the wall.”
James, in busy thought. “Could you hand me that screw driver over there.”
Princess Tyra with glee. “Wow.”
King Judah in seriousness. “We must prepare for Jude’s twelfth birthday tomorrow. His rite of passage will be celebrated. He is considered a man now. James, as his uncle, you will need to be part of the practice with me and Jude.”
James raised his brows. “Rite of passage you call it?
From mine and Rayna’s old world, we called, voice-cracked adolescence with temperament. I have a gift
of legacy in that small metal box for Jude and as well for our Thom, their grandfather’s genuine original hologram.”
King Judah, Queen Rayna, Princess Tyra, James, Jude, Thomas-In the distance, like a mirage on the horizon, an image comes forth of two horses racing each other with Judah, Rayna and Jude on one horse and James, Tyra and Thom on the other, through among the trees toward the center of the forest’s clearing, both horses galloping hoofs pounding the lush green ground as the rhythm synchronized with the melody of tranquility that surrounds them, thence, they come forth to the center in full sight, circling each other in rotation, like merlin’s spreading his magic with the knights of the round table on ancient ground. Judah sitting in the middle, Rayna in back of him, and Jude, in front of his father and on the other horse, James in middle, Tyra in back of him, with Thom in front.
King Judah smiling in rambunctiousness. “Is everyone ready?!”
James showing his enthusiasm. “I was born ready!”
Queen Rayna and Princess Tyra, with their arms wrapped around their men, their heads and chins lay onto their husband’s shoulders, smiling at their silliness.
Prince Jude and Prince Thom, Grinning widely for more of their need for speed.
King Judah, with pride. “Good! Let’s see what you’ve made of.” Without warning, he quickly takes off riding away from James.
James eagerly takes off racing after him, gaining speed close to Judah, he nearly passes him by, as they turn around back to the clearing, to a slow momentum, then to a full stop.
King Judah graciously helped Rayna dismount from their horse, kissing her hand as she stepped onto the land.
James helped Tyra down with bowed honor.
King Judah and James, sliding off their horses, they pulled their sons off to prepare. Taking their wooden swords from their scabbards, his father gently swings his sword at Jude, practicing their fight skills using the technique in parrying.
Prince Jude stood. “Oh, come on Father, give me the real thing.”
King Judah, taking a steel sword from the extra scabbard, he handed it to his son. “Just like your
mother.” Taking a more advanced step, he swung his sword at him.
Prince Jude, being directly hit, he fell to the ground.
Giving his father a glaring stare, he picked himself up from the ground standing in position again.
King Judah, once again, swung his sword at him.
Prince Jude, once again, falling down.
King Judah, waved his hand up. “Get up!!!”
Queen Rayna, treading to her son, she gestured a signal of her waved hand at him to get up. ”Get up.”
Prince Jude, pulling himself off the ground, he once again stood in position, this time valiant.
King Judah, swinging at him yet again.
Prince Jude, parried his sword at his father, this time, hitting him back hard, then hard again, nearly knocking his father aside.
King Judah gave him a gestured look of pride.
Queen Rayna and Princess Tyra dance in support of Jude.
King Judah, Queen Rayna, Princess Tyra, James, Jude, Thomas strolling along the edge of a mountain.
Queen Rayna turns to the big rock boulder. “What’s that noise?”
King Judah, Queen Rayna, Princess Tyra, James, Jude, Thomas crept up the big rock bolder. They saw a small group of people spread out among the valley.
Prince Jude stare at the crowd. “Father, who are all these people?”
King Judah stood proud. “These are the people that you will be ruling over when you are king.” He lift his hand up in the air to the people, as to welcome them in his kingdom.
The group of people seeing his offer, began to leave their area, trekking up the hill to merge.
James inquired. “Judah, you do know, that these are the people we left behind?”
King Judah, with a wry look. “Yes, I know. I marked the trees so they could find us. Let’s conclude our celebration, shall we?”
King Judah, Queen Rayna, Princess Tyra, James, Jude, Thomas all smiled at each other, as they went a few yards to the center of the woods.
James stood with an electrical device in his hand.
“Prince Jude. To commemorate your special day, I, your Uncle James, bequest your legacy. I give you, your grandfather, King Julian!” He motioned his hand in reverence, crouched down to the small electronic device and pushed the button, as his grandfather’s hologram lights up.
King Julian Hologram, hurling his hand outward, a magic breeze of wind encircled trees and then around them all. His echoed voice shouted out in between the trees as the vibrations producing more of colorful dazzling effects of fireball-like illusions being tossed around as if Merlin himself spread out his magic, as it spread throughout in all the forest. The procession of the people gathered around merging once again with commoners in a circled formation of dance .
Saren, a shy young girl Looks at Jude.
Prince Jude looks at her and smiles.
Seventeen year old Prince Jude standing looking outside, he goes to his mantel taking his grandfather’s hologram device, crouched down, placing it onto the floor. Standing up, he takes his foot, pressed it onto the device’s button, as a green light shoots up into the air as tall as him, as his grandfather Julian’s hologram image appears in front of him.
“Grandfather, I’m nearly eighteen now. I know that my duties as a mere prince with eventually change to king someday.”
He slowly paced back and forth. His grandfather’s dazzling eyes followed him in the room.
“As I was growing up, I had seen two different words from both of my parents. Both had great challenges of fear, but also of compassion, understanding and love from my parent’s affection for each other and others around them. My father is a great valiant king and my mother, a great Queen. My Aunt Princess Tyra is Lady of Palace, my Uncle James’ knowledge of scholars and my cousin like brother Thom, that also like me, has his eyes on Saren, the girl we have both known since we
were all twelve. But we are no longer children and my heart is deeply bonding to her.”
He stands back in place gazing at his grandfather’s image.
“Grandfather, please have yours and father’s legacy guide me into this journey into adulthood, to prepare me for future king.”
He once again steps onto the device turning it off.
Couched down to pick it up, he puts it into his pants pocket, then leaves his room to prepare for his destiny.
Prince Jude standing boldly, feet shod spread apart at the front of a field of workers, sees Saren. ”Saren, what brings you here?”
Saren looked him over. ”I just came from your mother, she’s teaching me sword fighting lessons. I want to be like her.“ She said in shyness.
Prince Jude looked upon her in tenderness. “Perhaps you will be, soon. I’ve been seeing the way you look at me lately.”
Saren tilt her head down in her continued shyness. “I didn’t think you would have noticed.”
Prince Jude with slight smile. “Oh, I have noticed. You have turned away when I have noticed you. And so has our Thom. It seems that we both have eyes for you.”
Saren tilt her head down. “But, my eyes, are not for him.” She slowly look back up to him.
Prince Jude, with a relieved expression, he steps closer to her as a gentleman to see her reaction.
Saren stood waiting for his initiation upon her.
Swallowing hard, she raised her face toward his impending kiss.
Prince Jude approaching her with careful patience, he honorably kissed her with gentleness.
Saren followed his lead.
Prince Jude pulls back, but stood in attention to her.
“My memory serves me well from our first kiss.”
Saren, in her own assurance. ”Well, we were twelve at the time, with our innocence.”
Prince Jude, with wry mouth.“Yes, but we are older now, taking her hand to kiss it. “My heart has always been for you since then. It never stopped and never will.”
Prince Thom, witnessing their intimate embrace, walks up them. “Saren, I’ve been looking for you.”
Saren looks at him in apprehension. “What is it that you want?”
Prince Thom took her hand, kissed upon it. “I think you know the answer to that.”
Prince Thom, with smug face. “What are you doing cousin? Are you trying to be posh by trying to impress everyone by gaining their favor, or are you training to fit in with their trade?”
Prince Jude stood from Saren, smirked. “A righteous king would know the difference cousin.
Prince Thom smirked back. “One day, I too will rule as king.
Prince Jude smirks at him. ”Yah, but only after me.”
Prince Thom, in smugness. ”But, I bet I could rule better than you, now. But, who would rule better? Me or you?” lifts his hand gesturing toward the commoners. “My people to the right, yours, to the left.”
Prince Jude, gave a daring look to him, taking one step forward.” You Commoners to the left, you’ve done very well, now keep working for my kingdom!” Giving them a shout out.
The Commoners stood in place of their trades to look confused at Jude.
Prince Thom, taking his step forward, my commoners to the right, keep the good work going, make me proud!” Shouted out to them.
The commoners just as confused at Prince Thom, stood.
Prince Thom and Prince Jude, seeing their apprehension, glared at each other with strategic competition, then turn to look at the commoners. For a moment in thought, they suddenly holler out to them in obediance.
The Commoners, in freaked out fright, making them scatter from their trades. Everything in their hands falling out everywhere around them. Swiftly running here, there and everywhere Jumping over across a huge sunken floor watering pond, from opposite sides, then falling inside as everyone jumps into the huge sunken floor water fountain making a huge splash.
Saren, in uneasement, pulling away from them, eagerly walks away and back to the mansion.
Thom and Jude, trying outwit each other jump on top of a long wooden table, with used cups while boldly kicking off the cups ,walking toward each other, meeting in the middle.
Prince Jude sternly glared at him. “One more thing.
Don’t you EVER touch Saren again, is that clear?!”
Prince Thom, with sour look. “Sorry Jude, I don’t see a ring on her finger, yet.”
Prince Jude with his final statement “Well, it won’t be yours.”
Prince Thom, with smug look. “Be careful what you say cousin, for I and Saren may end up like that of your parents, to have her share my bed before you get her.”
Prince Jude eyes flared in anger at him, grabbing his shirt, nearly ripping it off his body, pushing him off the table, then up against the barn’s wall.
Prince Thom takes his fists punching back at him, hitting Jude in the abdomen.
Prince Thom and Prince Jude, smacking each other nonstop.
King Judah,James, at the mansion, sharing the binoculars from between their faces, hands it to James, showing a disfavored expression, swiftly goes to them.
Saren, making her way back to the mansion, goes to Queen Rayna and Princess Tyra.
Queen Rayna, Princess Tyra, walking amongst the grounds, seeing Saren, then the fight, scurried to them.
“BOYS, STOP IT!!”
King Judah, swiftly takes Jude, tearing him away from Thom “JUDE, STOP IT!!!”
James pulls him away from Jude immediately. “THOM!
CUT IT OUT!, KNOCK IT OFF, BACK OFF NOW!!!” “GO
INTO My ROOM with me NOW!!! He sternly said, practically pushing him into the room.
King Judah sternly ordered “IN MY ROOM NOW!!!” He walked into his room waiting for him.
Prince Jude, walks casually into the room, stands tall in front of his parents.
King Judah, with discipline. “Jude! What has gotten into you! First, you coerced our people just out of competing with our Thom of who would better king, then you and your cousin’s scaring our people into submission, then dividing our people while you want to play conquering king? Do you not understand the serious dangerous risk you two took? And now, a fight over a woman?! Jude, what is going through your mind, illusions of grandeur or just plain boredom!
Serious consequences I would say!!! My son, you are to become a chivalric king of valor, not a vigilante renegade!”
Prince Jude, with hurtful expression. “What else am I supposed to do? How else am I supposed to prepare to lead?! I’m not a perfect man, but I am preparing myself to be king.”
King Judah, holding back his temper.“ Not under my authority, you’re not ready.”
Prince Jude, in haste. “And that’s where you’re wrong Father!”He leaves the room.
Queen Rayna watches him leave. She sighs. ”Judah”…
King Judah, veers to her. “He is not to be coddled, Rayna. He’s behaving like a pompous prince and not a
proper dignified king. He needs to learn integrity, it is vital for the future of this kingdom.”
Queen Rayna, with understanding. “And how were you at nearly eighteen? His confusion of waiting to be king, learning to be leader and wanting to be part of the commoner’s lives. His heart is torn between these two roles. And as my memory serves me, the consequence for our shared loved for each other.”
King Judah looked straight at her. “I have never regret loving you. He must learn how to control his emotions.
He must learn to sacrifice for the good of his future kingdom. And only then, he shall see his rewards.”
Queen Rayna, in remedy. “Yes, and now, his love for Saren. It will never cease.”
King Judah looks at her with a sly expression. “Yes. And the heart can be treacherous. Emotional pain can hurt more than physical when it comes to our heart’s desires. Right. Rayna, go to Saren. Tell her that her king and queen requests obligations from her, and she will be greatly rewarded, by giving her hand in marriage with Jude, if he passes the royal test of loyal valor. Tell her, she is to reject Jude. Let’s see where his loyal duties belong.”
James, standing at the door. “Sounds good to me.
When do we start?”
King Judah and Queen Rayna, turned to him.
Queen Rayna, in question. “And, how long have you been standing there?”
James, smirked. “Umm, long enough. I had a talk with our Thom and I think you should be aware that his love for Saren was only for a love sick boy and that he has eyes for another girl. So I told him he is not ready for marriage, to give it time. But as for our Jude, he is more than ready. Judah, Rayna, Jude and Saren have had a deep bond with each other since they were twelve.”
King Judah, stands ready. “Right, let the test begin.”
Prince Jude knocks on Saren’s door.
Saren opens the door
Prince Jude, walks in, sees his cousin standing with Jude in personal look.
Prince Jude, giving her an undesirable and indecisive look at her of his growing hurtfulness. “Is this what you want Saren?”
Saren, with sad eyes of dread, she swallowed hard.
”Yes.”
Prince Jude, returning his sad eyes to her. “I see. Right, then you two deserve each other.” He hastily turns to leave the room, slamming the door shut, treading outside for a breath of fresh air. He continued his brisk walk to cool his building hurtfulness, walking in a decision of willful despair, or in the strength of conquering valor.
Prince Thom, runs up behind him. ”Jude!!!”
Prince Jude, kept walking. ”You got what you wanted, leave me, go back to your bride.” Controlling his temper.
Prince Thom, continued. “Jude, Your mother and father sent me to fetch you.”
Prince Jude, hastily stops, turns to him with caution.
“Careful with your words, be true to me.”
Prince Thom, in urgent. “The kingdom is under attack!!! They need you. What are you to do?”
Prince Jude, gave a questionable face. “What?” His hurtful angst morphed into commitment.“Right! lead me to it.” He focused his walk with his cousin following him, while giving him instructions. “Help me gather all who can fight, my father, mother, James and Tyra, including all the squires that are in training. You will fight next to me. But with Saren, she will stay in her room protected with guards, is that understood?” He kept his pace.
Prince Thom, walking along with him with a smirk.
“Yes, sir.”
Prince Jude, about to walk around the corner of the mansion to the back yard. “Wait, I don’t hear any loud battles of swords clinging together or hollering.” As he turns the corner, he sees his King Father Judah sitting at the garden table leaning back in his chair relaxed with his feet propped up onto the table, giving him a
sly smile, his Queen mother Rayna standing next to him, leaning up against his chair, his uncle James sitting forward watching the entertainment smiling widely at him, and his aunt Tyra, with her hand on James’
shoulder with her smirk. “What the?” With a huge strange look, he looks down in humbleness-a lesson learnt in manhood and kingship.
King Judah, amused. “He’s got his mother’s eloquence.”
Queen Rayna, also amused. “He’s got his father’s strength.”
Prince Thom, goes to his father and mother, giving them both high fives with their hands, as he sits with them grinning ear to ear.
King Judah, with a sly smirk. “My son, you have passed your royal test. Your reward stands behind you.”
Saren stands in the background waiting in faith of his possible continued trust and love for her.
Prince Jude turns to see Saren. He slowly treads over to her.
Saren, seeing his continued love for her, she begins to walk to him.
Prince Jude and Saren, with a quick embrace to each other, he grasped his hands around her face, kissing her deeply. Hand in hand, they gracefully went for a walk into the garden.
King Judah, satisfied. “Well, Our entertainment is over, must go back to our duties.”
James, Princess Tyra, Prince Thom-Getting up, James and Thom tackle each other playfully, as Tyra smiles at them, going back to their trade.
King Judah pulls Rayna over to him “Except for you.” As she falls onto his lap. “Rayna, I’ve been thinking during this whole ordeal. I don’t want to wait until my to hand over my kingdom to my son. I want to relinquish my kingship over to Jude now, with guidance. I want to see what we worked hard for. To see him become king, at the same time, watching any of our future grandchildren grow and spend the rest of my life sharing our bed together.
Queen Rayna, loving smile. “As long as I’m with you, that’s what I want. To share our bed for the rest of our lives together.”
King Judah kissed her hand. “Then, so be it.”
James places King Julian’s gadget onto the floor, turns it on, as the projection hologram imagery shoots upward. Lifting up his dazzling looking hand toward the commoners, the musical sound of swirling winds fills the atmosphere, like the holy spirit flowing quickly surrounds everyone, as the commoners peasant clothing morphs into elegant attire, while they step in dance synch altogether, taking one step forward, then one step backward, then continue with each melody rhythm throughout the celebration.
King Julian, sings out from his hologram.
King Judah, goes to his son. Relinquishes his kingdom to Jude by placing a golden band crown around his son’s head as new king. “All bow to my son, the new king of Mysjestic!”
Queen Rayna goes to Jude, places her hands upon his face giving him a motherly kiss upon his forehead of approval, then rests her forehead with his, as she pulls away from him, she steps over to Saren standing next to him, kisses her forehead of approval, takes her hand placing it into Jude’s hand. She turns to the
commoners. “All hail to Jude and Saren, your new King and Queen!”
King Jude and Queen Saren stands in reverence.
King Jude –“And…..my father and mother, Judah and Rayna, King Father and Queen mother of all!”
Queen Mother Rayna looks directly at her son with joy and sadness.
King Judah sees Rayna’s expression, goes to her, taking her hand, leading her to their bedroom, as everyone leaves the room.
Princess Tyra, Prince Thom, James stood seeing Rayna’s state of being of the winds of change, that changed a once, long ago unconfident young woman, into a dignified queen mother of all?.
James, with pride. “She will be ok….. she’s with Judah.
May they share their bed eternally, like us.” He kisses Tyra. ”Come, let’s all go fix something.”
King Judah and Queen Rayna- Are last seen, him, taking her hand, leading her into their bedroom, as he kisses her, She kisses him back, he guides her into their bed as they lay together, side by side, as if in a dream,
their world slowly starts to revolve neverendingly in love.
King Jude and Queen Saren- Walking hand in hand away from the throne chair.
The End
Prince Jude
Prince Thom
King Julian Hyland
Prince Judah and Rayna Hyland
James and Princess Tyra
Prince Judah and Rayna
Author Bonita Highley lives in Oregon, U.S.A.
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