Arthur II Book II Chapter 31

 

31.

 

The wedding of King Arthur to his bride, Lady Guinevere went as scheduled with the guests from the land of the Lords and the Chiefs, and he knights to celebrate their union and to hail the new Queen.

“I bring to you, the Queen of Camelot and all of my lands.” King Arthur called out to the gathered guests in the new Grand Hall in Camelot. The Grand Hall was decorated with the fine tapestry of the finest shade and cloth. The Grand Hall was covered with four long tables that could seat thirty guests each and at the side, were more chairs for the ones that were named on the tables. The food was lavishly spread from meat to fruits and vegetables and bundles of bread. The King and the new Queen was seated at the table facing the three long tables. The King’s table was seated by five on each side next to the King and new Queen. Merlin sat by Arthur, followed by Lamorak, Percival, Belvedere and the last seat was Lancelot. On the new Queen side were Lady Igraine, Lady Elaine who made it to the wedding, and Lord Ban and Bors.

The other Roman families were not present although invited.

“Why are we not seated there?” The Elders asked of their leader, Elder Amish.

“Hold your tongue or I will remove it. Elder Amish looked at the two Lords that took their seats up there. He felt the slight of the move but kept his peace. It was good not to see Antonio or the other families. A breakaway of them from Arthur may augur well for the Elders.

Guinevere looked from the corner of her eyes towards the man who had taken her heart and purity. He had avoided her stare that evening. She looked at the King seated next to her. He was rejoicing at the feast, with his unshaven beard coated with meads and meat. She had asked herself many times since her return to Camelot.

“Do I want to be Queen?”

“Yes, you must. Arthur is the one to offer you protection. Your father Utter Pendragon has many enemies among the Lords and Chiefs. He was respected but not liked by them. He had made enemies when he battled Lord Gorlois and was banished from here. He had return triumphant and yet he bared new enemies. He may be killed by his allies; those were his friends and sworn to fight next to him, yet they divided his land upon his death. I think they have a hand in his murder.”

Those were the lengthy words of Lady Igraine when she met Guinevere on her return to Camelot. All Guinevere wanted to know who murder my father.

“I am not sure. I heard that Lancelot was there. He may have done it. He disliked your father. He was one of the enemies.” Lady Igraine told her. That may have sealed the fate of her feelings towards the man she thought she could love.

“Are you certain?” Guinevere asked.

“I am sure he was there when your father was killed. He was said to have buried him.” Lady Igraine said.

“Did he kill my father?” Guinevere pressed on.

“I am …... Why are you so fixated on him? I know he protected you but that does not mean he has no other motives.” Lady Igraine was agitated that Guinevere seems to be protective of the other.

“Was there … Did he do you harm?” Lady Igraine asked Guinevere. The latter shook her head.

“You must be honest with me. If you are to wed Arthur, your heart and …. The soul must be pure. You cannot have any doubtful feelings.” Lady Igraine pressed on. “Only Arthur can protect you. Even from Lancelot.”

Guinevere took some days to think her feelings off. She was also conscious of her body. She had hoped that their consummation will bear no marks on her. She heard of the older maids talked of morning sickness and the bulging belly. She feared that it was onto her, she will be cast aside.

Guinevere made her mind.

She will marry the King.

If she was with a child, it will bear his name.

Lancelot had buried his face with meads and food. He refused to look at Guinevere. Ever since they returned to Camelot, she had stay hidden in Camelot while he returned to Joyous. He had not heard from her or made any attempt to see her. That morning after their consummation she had washed in the stream and then got dressed without a word to him. She rode her horse while he was still packing his own. He caught up with her but now words were exchanged. They rode in silence and then reached Camelot. It was days later when he got the invite to attend the wedding of Arthur and Guinevere.

It then broke Lancelot’s heart.

“Do you know the meat will be taken if you are eating?” Lancelot turned to look at the one who spoke. It was Merlin. The druid was in a joyous mood and then dragged Lancelot to the outside yard. There they were alone and could speak.

“Are you well, Lancelot? I have not seen you since your return here and then you left for Joyous.” Merlin asked him.

“I am fine, druid,” Lancelot replied coldly. He still harbored the ill feelings on Merlin from the forest.

“I have known you for a long time, Lancelot. Like a son to me.” Merlin burped on his drink.

“I am not your son and never will I be.” Lancelot brushed the druid off. “You have a son now in Arthur.”

“So, it’s Arthur you are upset with. Was it his wedding to …?”

“Druid, you are mad. The mead had influenced your mind.” Lancelot said.

“And mead has covered your feelings?” Merlin laughed. “It’s not only you who had lost his love before.”

“I have to go now.” Lancelot pulled away from the druid. Merlin did not stop him for he knew what was on Lancelot’s mind. The pain of love could only be dulled by the mead or the loneliness of isolation. Or none. He had feared what he had seen was happening. He had seen the aura of Guinevere upon her return, to her consent to be Queen. It was disturbing for there were signs of conflict. He had thought it was her father’s death and then he recalled his dream. He had woken to see Lancelot with Guinevere and it was not pleasant to look at.

“Hello, I am Elaine of the Augustus…” Elaine stepped up to the druid. She was dressed in a blue gown with the frills on the skirt, and a shawl over her shoulders.

“Augustus? The …” Merlin frowned at the name.

“The Roman nobles. There are not many of us here.” Elaine added on. “I would like to…”

“I am needed inside.” Merlin stepped away rudely. Elaine looked to the departing druid. She was not surprised that the locals may resent her presence but she was there to find friends and allies. Among the families, her’ was deemed the weakest.

“I got you now.” Gaheris had seen the lady out there and when he saw the departure of the druid, he approached her. He hugged Elaine from the back.

“Did you miss me?” Elaine was shocked by the move and pulled away. She turned to look at the Equities rider.

“Gaheris, please behave. We are not in the creek now.”

“If we were, would you like me to…?” Gaheris is ever hopeful he could rekindle their relationship.

“Please behave, Gaheris. We are being watched” Elaine told him off. She had seen Gawain looking at them. To her, both brothers are tempting but they don’t have what she needed.

“I must go back now.” Elaine took off back to the feast. Gawain then approached his brother.

“Gaheris, Elaine is not yours anymore. Please behave …” Gawain was pushed on the shoulder.

“She is not yours, to begin with.” Gaheris glared at the other. “I don’t know what she sees in you, brother?”

“A lot more than you will ever be.” Gawain snapped back. They almost came to blow but were stopped by Percival. He had stepped out to get fresh air and saw Elaine walked back to the feast. He then saw the two brothers in the argument.

“Behave yourselves before your brother sees the two of you,” Percival told them off. Gawain and Gaheris have their respect for Galahad. Both brothers returned to the feast by different entrances. 

“You are still the Decurion, Percival.” It was Galahad who spoke. “I am up against my shield with two miscreants of the same bloodline.”

“They are still brothers although they have their view on the same lady,” Percival replied. He then looked at the eldest brother.

“What is your choice, Galahad?” Percival asked.

“Of the lady, I am not in agreement. She is of noble lineage while we are peasants turned warriors.” Galahad smiled. “To the brawns among the useless.”

“I will not say so. You are a legionnaire and above all, Equities to the rank. We are above them all.” Percival was ever proud of his riders. “I asked if you are considering settling with a lady.”

“Or man?” Galahad laughed. There were instances when the men have formed bonds with each other and lived together. It was not the physical attraction but the years of living and fighting together have them a purpose.

“I have my time full with them. I have no time for any other family squabbles.”

“Indeed, we are all one huge family.” Percival hailed his riders.

Out at the settlement, the feast was ongoing with peasants and the settlers with the hunters returning with their prey. Among the gathered sat two ladies at the long table taking sips at the mead.

“Why are you not at the castle?” The man asked the ladies. “You are too well dressed to be here.”

“We are? Then we must go then.” Morgause stood up. She looked at Morgan.

“Are you coming?”

“Soon.” Morgan stood up and the food on the table turned into gooey stuff which overflowed to the ground.

“I am now.”

Guinevere sat up on the bedding and her movement woke up Arthur. He stirred on the bedding and looked at her.

“Is it dawn? The night had passed so quickly.” Arthur said.

“Good morning,” Guinevere spoke back.

“Oh, I am sorry. I should have said good morning.” Arthur replied. “I am not used to …”

“It’s okay. I will get the water ready for your bath.” Guinevere stood up and walked to the washbasin. She was dressed in the white soft gown that was given to her by Lady Igraine for her to wear that wedding. Arthur sprang up from the bedding to approach her. He noticed the spot of redness at the helm of the gown and smiled.

“Was I rough?” Arthur held her. Guinevere slipped into his embrace and shook her head. She was embarrassed that she had on the mark. It was done by Lady Igraine to show her purity. She could not recall much of her own when she lay with Lancelot. It was all so fluid when both people were in need.

“I love you, Guinevere.” Those were the words that Arthur had not uttered before. Guinevere heard the words but she felt confused. She was unsure of whether she no more the same as before.

“I need to get ready. I have things to attend to.” Arthur pulled away and then walked to the washbasin. He stripped off his tunic and stood there to ease himself into the night potty. Guinevere looked at the body that she had shared in the hours before. She was grateful that the chamber was only lighted by the two distance candles then. Arthur had stepped in when she was lying on the bedding. She closed her eyes when he approached the bedding. He smelt of meads and food. He leaned over to kiss her on the forehead.

“I will need to wash and change,” Arthur said. She did not see him but she heard the sound of clothes being removed and the sound of the water on his body. She turned on the other side. He felt him climbed into the bedding and then he spooned her from the back. He smelled better but his intention was obvious. She could feel his hardness and then he reached for her tunic.

It was not she did not enjoy it but her mind was on another. She let him have his way and moaned to his thrust, not of pleasure but more of the intrusion. She felt violated then but endured it. She was imagining her lover and wished it will be over.

At that time in the darkness, Lancelot had got his hardness into the wench he had picked up from the feast. He was unsure of her name but she claimed to be the daughter of the Chief. It mattered not much to him then; he was in need to satiate his lust and took it upon the young lady. He rolled over to his back and looked at the unfamiliar surroundings then. He recalled that he had taken a chamber in the tavern with her.

“Was it good, my Lord?” The lady on her side with her limbs over his body. Lancelot did not reply to her and then turned to get up. He was naked and walked to the potty. He eased himself there and saw the castle from the window opening. He saw the dark shadow of the cat that was perched on the window sill.

“You can see me but I can’t of you,” Lancelot mumbled. He was wondering how Guinevere was faring. He smiled that she was probably enjoying herself with her lover then.

“Ye, Arthur will…”

“Did you say something?” The lady had approached him. Lancelot turned to look at her covered in the quilt that they had made love on.

“I need to use the potty.” The lady told him. He stepped away to let her have her use. He stepped back to the bedding and reached for the goblet of mead that was on the side table. He gulped with it. He felt the mead flowed down his cheek and then to his chest. He felt the hands that clasped him from the rear.

“Are you ready?”

“What is your name?”

“Maggie of ….” The lady was cut off when Lancelot took her hands and pulled her to the bedding. He climbed in between her legs. She was willing and he was demanding.

 End of Book II

Arthur II Book II Chapter 30

 

30.

 

Camelot was almost complete when Arthur returned. The two walls were up and so were the three high towers. The main castle was built and the side of the castle that extended to the lake below by the cliff was almost ready. Arthur praised the masons and then took to stand on the newly constructed palisades. He looked at the bigger settlement beyond the walls.

“Build sentry post structures out there. We want to be alerted on any attack.” Arthur told Lamorak. “I also want more men. Fighting knights will be good.”

“Prime …... Arthur, our treasury is barely enough to pay the men now. We need to be prudent.”

“Then find more coins. Get the other Lords to pay. We will offer them protection in return. Tell them their threats of the Anglo Saxons are over.” Arthur told Lamorak. “Get the families to pay. They have much to gain.”

“Arthur, they are protected by the Senate. They have rights.” Lamorak reminded the other. He looked to Percival who was there but the latter was facing elsewhere. He felt dejected that the other was not to assist. He felt alone then.

“They do? On my land. They refer to me. Tell them that or they can wait for the Legion to ride to their rescue.” Arthur was upset. He had survived the war and the others whom he was to protect will not appreciate his victory.

“And where is the druid?” Arthur was impatient. “How may I ever get the druid?”

“By my name, Arthur. Call it out and I will be there.” Merlin appeared for he was standing nearby. He preferred to be discreet. He was still finding his way among the others. He knew Lamorak was cautious with his influence on Arthur. He had met the returning Percival but that one was too preoccupied with his men than Arthur. Percival was fuming with rage that the Equities were left out of the final victory.

“My riders replaced by mercenaries?” Earlier, Percival had tossed the goblet of mead when he was told of it at the Equities barracks. He was with the brothers.

“Decurion…” Galahad spoke.

“I am no more Decurion. It was the Prime…. No, Arthur had decreed it. He is now King Arthur.”

“You are still Decurion to us. If I may speak for …” Galahad wanted to speak for Aubin but was turned down.

“I will hear no more. Arthur asked me to join him at the palisades.” Percival stormed off.

“Percival, did you hear me call you?” Percival looked to Arthur.

“No, Arthur. I was distracted.”

“I want your riders on the perimeters as scouts. The war is not over yet. There are pockets of the Anglo Saxons out there. I want them hunted and terminated.”

“Yes, Prime.” Percival saluted the other in the usual manner.

“I am not the Prime no more. Get used to it.” Arthur snapped back. He then turned to the druid.

“Where is Lancelot?”

“I bear no news, Arthur.”

“Find him or be gone.” Arthur walked off the palisades. Lamorak approached the druid.

“Is this your doing, druid?” Lamorak asked.

“No, Lamorak. It’s not mine. It’s Arthur himself. He is trying to be the King here. As King, he held a heavy responsibility than his previous rank. Here he answers to no one but he holds the well-being of all in his care. He does not have the treasury of the Senate to pay his knights nor does he have their protection.”

“As King, he is alone. All of you must help him.” Merlin continued.

“He can always return to the Legion,” Lamorak said.

“The Legion has no concerns here. More it, Britannica does not concern the Senate. The Legions are withdrawn down South or to Gaul. Your King has done to ease the war here. They won’t come in unless….”

“Arthur falters?” Lamorak cut in.

“Perhaps. But it may not be. We are here in the North does not offer much to Rome. More to it, we are still a wildland with no real use. Except to panhandle by the families.”

“Of which none new ones have arrived.” Lamorak cut in. “The land here is … not of use to them.”

It was not the same in the thoughts of the Marcellus family. Antonio Marcellus was with his mother. They were discussing the land deals.

“I heard the Meleagant have demolished the old monastery. I don’t know why.” Antonio told his mother. They were with Adele who attended to their drinks there.

“Maybe they need the land. It’s fertile there to grow crops.” The Mother replied. “I am more concerned about Lady Igraine. She has the protection of the one named Arthur after the death of Utter Pendragon.”

“Was she not a servant under the Augustus?” Antonio asked. His eyes averted to the lady who served him the drinks.

“Yes, she was. She remained hidden till Utter Pendragon called for her. I will need to check on her. I hear she is …”

“A witch, Mother? Surely, not all the older…” Antonio was cut off.

“Do not mock me, Antonio. I will be in my chamber if you need me.” The older lady got up and turned to leave. She turned to Adele.

“Entertain him for all I care. He will not be yours in the end.” The older lady hissed at Adele before he left. Adele looked towards Antonio with an angry expression.

“The bitch knew of us and she mocked me.” Adele tossed the goblet from the table. Antonio approached the lover.

“Mother is being …”

“Spiteful? She is more of venom. Do you know she told the servants to acquire adders to be brought to her?” Adele reveals the morning events. “I was … I dislike serpents.”

Antonio consoled his lover. He knew of the serpents. His mother held plans for it.

Plans were afloat too with Augustus.

Elaine Augustus pushed the man off her body and then stood up. She straightened her clothing while the man she had chosen to lay with her drew up his tunic.

“You make me excited, Elaine.” The man held his erection to show her.

“Be away. I have no desire to be with you. Take your coins and depart.” Elaine tossed the coins to the man. “I need to be away.”

Elaine walked to her horse and mounted it. The man had rushed towards her but Elaine had prepared for it. She drew the dagger from the saddle.

“Come any closer, and I will cut myself,” Elaine warned the man. “You are paid to keep me happy. Since you did not, I have paid you regardless.”

Elaine rode off. She missed Gawain and Gaheris. She heard that they are back but not at the Wall. They reside at the new castle named Camelot.

“I will ask Father for permission to get to Camelot.”

At that moment, Auric Augustus was in discussion with the Elders and the two Lords; Ban and Bors. They were in discussion on the lands that were under Utter Pendragon. He was unhappy with his share.

“I paid the knight to remove the Lord. Why is my share so …?” Auric looked at the others.

“We are many here, and more to that, we led the Lord to your trap. We need to hold these lands for our needs.” Lord Ban replied. He was not too happy then with his share for the Elders held the most.

“What of the Elder who betrayed us?”

“He is being held prisoner at the dungeon. His share will be split by us.” Lord Amish replied. Lord Amish had taken over that share. The other Elders were powerless to challenge him.

“I demand…” Auric Augustus raised his voice.

“You will demand nothing, Roman. We stand as it is or you can see to the Centurion. He will keen to know your deeds here.” Lord Ban snapped at the Roman noble. “Be content. We leave now.”

Auric knew that he was without the power to fight the Lords and the Elders. He cannot rely on the Legion or the Senate. His messages have not been replied to. He looked to the departing group and cursed at his misgivings.

“Father, I want to go to Camelot.” It was Elaine who had stepped in.

“Not now, daughter. I am in need to…”

“I can help, Father. I can get you the new power over them.” Elaine cut in. “I heard the conversation. You need allies, Father. I can get it. But not here. It has to be at Camelot.”

With all the planning there, Lancelot found his plans to travel back to Camelot was a slow pace. They were on horses but Guinevere was taking the slow trod and was not in a hurry. She rode next to Lancelot with her mind back at the village.

“Do you think Joanne will be pleased with her son?”

“I think so. Why do you ask?”

“Her lover is not there. He has not returned as yet. Does the father not want to know his son?” Guinevere asked. Lancelot did not reply then for his mind was on his father. He had not known of his father beside his fame. He was raised by another and then sent off to the Lake.

“Do you want to see your son if …” Guinevere asked? “You never told me of your family.”

“Huh? I have …. My father died when I was very young. I hardly knew him.” Lancelot replied.

“And if you could, would you like to know him?” Guinevere asked. “I would but my father was not with me. I wished he was but he only knew me recently and then he died.”

“Utter Pendragon?” Lancelot asked.

“Yes. I will avenge his death. That’s why I needed to see Lady Igraine. She will know.” Guinevere said. “Would you do the task for me? I am willing to pay you…. Anything.”

Lancelot remained silent then. Then he spoke up.

“Arthur can help you. He is King and he is supposed to help his people.”

“Arthur…. He is King but he… “

“Know the man, and you may…”

“I know Arthur, Lancelot but does he know me? We are so …... different.’ Guinevere laughed. “He is so …old. He is not like you.”

Lancelot looked away when he heard that.  He saw a creek ahead and suggested that they rest there. He tended the horses while Guinevere took to the stream there. He removed the saddles and the bags. The lady did not travel light for her gowns were heavy. He felt the soft materials on the gown and felt aroused. It was smooth like her hands.

“Lancelot, can I wash n the stream?” It was Guinevere standing behind him. Lancelot did not turn his back and nodded.

“Then can I have my small bag?” Guinevere requested. He handed it to her without turning back.

“You must not peek,” Guinevere told him.

“I won’t. I will stand there.” Lancelot replied. “If you need me, please shout.”

Lancelot stepped to the removed saddles and tended to them. H felt so silly with the helm of his tunic raised but the weight of the armor had covered it. He removed the straps on the saddle and then grabbed the cloth to wipe the seat. The seat of the saddle was smooth and silky. Lancelot smiled at the thought.

Unseen by him, Guinevere pulled her gown higher to sit in the cold water with her legs spread. She felt the soreness in her body withered with the flowing water. She untied the strings on her bodice to loosen it. She peeked back to Lancelot and saw he had his back towards her. She then lowered the bodice from her shoulders to her bosom. She scooped the cold water and splashed it onto her chest.

It was so refreshing.

Guinevere thoughts went to Joanne who was milking her newborn.

“He is impatient like his father. The men cannot resist our breast. They will cuddle kiss and even bite at it.” Joanne had told her. “He is without teeth or there will be marks on me.”

The two ladies laughed. Guinevere being the naïve one asked the other of the acts that were forbidden to be spoken by the others.

“Oh, you still pure. Once you are into it, the feelings are so different. When Brian and …. myself…” 

“I thought you and Liam ….”

“No, we did not. He did ask but I said no. He was insistent at times. He even showed me but we never did.” Joanne blushed. “It was not with Brian. He was forceful, and when he did, I was all over him.”

The ladies laughed.

“And he was big inside.”

With that thought, Guinevere left hand cuddled her left breast. She kneaded it like Joanne was doing. Instead of milk, she felt the nipple there pout out. She touched the tip and felt the sensation coursed in her chest. Her heartbeat all the faster. She took her hand away and dropped it to the water. The flow of the water pushed her hand in between her legs. She felt herself there and widen the clefts there to let the cold water flowed in. It was a sensation seldom felt. Maybe in her dreams or her bath. She felt the blush on her face.

“I ….” Guinevere could not stop the need to express herself. She bent forward onto her chest, immersing her breasts into the water.

“I…” Guinevere needed to feel herself. She kept her head down and let the water be her lover.

Later, she changed into the simple tunic she used to wear at the village. She felt refreshed and folded the wet gown to carry with her. She approached Lancelot who was still tending to the saddle.

“Can we rest here tonight?” Guinevere asked.

Lancelot nodded to her. He had regretted turning to look when she was nude in the stream. She had removed the gown and was washing it. He wanted to turn back but he couldn’t. He was admiring her as if she was a Goddess. When he saw her turning to look up, he turned his back.

Lancelot felt that he needed to sort out his feelings.

Guinevere was not his. She was Arthur’s.

When the dark skies covered the campsite, Guinevere slept on the blanket provided to her. Lancelot was at the campfire stoking the fire. He had stripped the armor and wore the cloak over his tunic. He sat there facing her and she turned on her body to face him. She did not notice it at first glance, but then she did later. It was the way he sat by the campfire.

He was enticing. That was what Joanne had said of Brian. Or was it Liam?

She felt the warm sensation in her body and her body was quivering from the feel. She rubbed her legs together and it made her more uncomfortable. She saw Lancelot stood up and turned to his side. It was the odd way he looked like then with his tunic protruding. He bent down to adjust the blanket and then slept on it.

Was it the cold or the loneliness? Guinevere sat up and looked over to the man sleeping near her. She got up and dragging her blanket, she walked over. She laid the blanket down next to him. He was not moving at all. She lay down next to him and then turned to lay her arms over him. He stirred in his sleep and then turned to face her. His lips reached for her’ and kissed her. His arms went over her waist and held her. She moved her legs over his and then her hands reached for the hem of his tunic. She raised it and he protested.

“No, we must not…” Guinevere silenced him with her lips and then pushed his face to her bosom. Lancelot nudged his face into the soft breast of Guinevere. He bit with his teeth on her clothed bosom. She reached down and gripped him by the growing erection. It felt so different holding onto it where the blood was coursing through the organ to make it bigger.

Lancelot left hand had snaked down towards her and he touched her. She shuddered at the intrusion yet she welcomed it. He wasted no time and raised her tunic to the shoulders. He then buried his lips onto her left breast while his left hand kneaded the right breast. He rolled on top of her.

“I am … pure.” Guinevere whispered.

Lancelot stopped then and pulled away.

“I can’t. You are not mine…. I am sorry.” Lancelot stood up and walked to the stream. He stood there letting the cold water soothed him.

“Why not?” Guinevere had reached him and her arms went around him. “I love you. I don’t love Arthur.”

Lancelot turned around and looked at the naked lady. He removed his cloak to cover her. He was to speak when she led him to the grass bank.

“Make me yours.” Guinevere looked at him. She spread her legs towards him. “I will be …”

Lancelot bent down on his knees between her legs. He took the dare to her challenge. She called out his name when he was in.

“Lancelot…. Yes.” Lancelot heard her cry and he buried himself in. They were joined as one.

It was then Merlin was awakened from his rest at Camelot. He sat upon the bedding.

“What have you done, my son?”

 

 

Story Write Compilations Volume I Stories 20

 

The piper plays his pipe...

 

Author's Note:

Another old fable with a hash and dash for today's audience.

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Must it be always a land far away and why not land nearby so that people can visit the land, but I guess we just learned to visit than learned to belong.

 

So our story began.

 

If you are the Mayor of this small town with a population of five hundred and twelve plus one Mayor, you will have those headaches which I am having daily. The town is divided into two groups; the singers and the musicians. They both numbered six on the band and two hundred and fifty supporters on each side of the support fans. Me, I am no fan of both nor do I sings or likes the music they play.

 

It's not that bad every time, for the town is united when the tourists came during the festivals and weekends. There the two groups; singers and musicians would get together and serenade your blues away. As one tourist put it in her blog on her return from this village;’ it's a splendor to be with them, so loving and caring that I even come back to forgive my cat for eating the fish in the aquarium.’ Sure feels nice to be a mayor of the town.

 

But once the crowds are gone, the animosity starts between the two groups. They walked by each other with their sulking looks and grimace in imaginative pains. I would just sit there and ponder the issue every year. I saw a bag left by a tourist, and it was a pipe and a ‘book with the title 'how to do it the other wrong way of playing the pipe.’

 

I took up the book and the pipe, and look right; look left, and finally look upwards. I told HIM; ‘I am not stealing. I am just holding in trust for the owner if he does come back.’

 

But these are not the only items I have added to my list of ‘lost items’ or ‘lost owner items’ in my office. But I was fascinated with the pipe. As said, I am no singer nor a musician so what could be it be that interests me about the pipe?  Well, there are no pipers in the musicians, and I reckon the singers may require a piper musician to back them up on these days. I turned to page one of the book to start my first lesson.

 

It said; ‘put your mouth to work and shut up’. Wow, that's rude by any writer’s standards, but I did as I was instructed. When I did that, the pipe started to play as if I am blowing it and beautiful music came out of it, followed by voices that sing beautiful lyrics with it. I tried to put down the pipe, but I find myself drawn by the music. I find my music got some ‘uninvited guests’ showing up to listen to the sound the pipe is producing. There were the home rats, all five of them; the termites, big pillars of them; the roaches with their queen in the paper carriage, and many others.

 

Then the music sweeps itself across town and the other pests soon appeared. They all congregate at my house to listen to my music. I could see the pests’ all around and inside my house so I walked out of there. They all followed me to the road. When I walked down the road, I attracted more pests; following me with a keen ear to my music.

 

It was then I had a brilliant idea. I walked to the Foundry factory ( the only one we have ) and I got the foundry caretaker to open the foundry doors. I directed my music into the burning fire, and true to my expectation, the mass of pests’ all marched into the fire. It's unbelievable but I have cleared the town of all pesky inhabitants. The townspeople were happy and they rejoiced at my effort.

 

But they soon turned back to their old ways. That made me very sad again. So I looked at the book again. It said on the second page; ‘there cannot be too many stars in one sky’.

 

And an idea came to his mind. I plan for over a week before I raise the pipe to play again. This time I got a following of the singers and their group of supporters who accompanied me. They joined me on the street and it was like a festive parade; as there were dancing and good loving among those people. But there was a difference; all of them loved my music and their favorite singers joined as my backup piece.

 

I marched them down the street and out of the town and into the far hill. Soon the remaining town folks were the non-matching musicians and their supporters who were only the ones left in town. Soon they heard the loud bang sound, and the far hill collapsed. When the debris and smoke cleared, the town people could only see a wide ravine where the hill used to be. They find themselves not able to cross over to the other side. So they went back to the town and tried to continue their life again.

 

One boy who was following the singer's group came back alone to said 'he saw me leading the people into the cave and was not seen again'.  The next day, they saw me walking back to the town. I was alone and I had no pipe with me.

 

‘What did happen to the singers? Did they all died?’

 

‘Nope, they are alright. We went through a tunnel to the other side of the hill. They now lived across the ravine in their town. Incidentally, I am also the Mayor there. If you want to go across, you need to use the bridge I am going to build.  But I am here to secure a pledge from you all before I allowed you to cross the bridge. ‘

 

‘Oh, please. We all agreed. We do miss the singers and we feel we can’t live without them. Tell us what is to be done.’

 

‘Well for one; if I allowed all of you to live together under one town, you will revert to your old self soon. So I decided to create two towns so that you can live comfortably without being associated with each other. But you are all of one community, so I will be allowed you to be together on those occasions when there is a need. Or on other occasions, you may go over but not stay there longer than needed.’

 

They all agreed and I walked back to the other town. The singers there also agreed to the pledge.

 

When the tourists came this time, they have a bigger place to visit; two towns to be exact and they need to cross over a bridge with a token payment of ‘one needs to keep on smiling when over the other side’. So the two communities learned to live comfortably with each other and value each other’s contribution.

 

I lived to old life with the name of Hamelin but I was more remembered as the Piped Piper Hamlin, although I only play the pipe twice. The pipe and the book are still with me but I am not reading Page 3. Not now, but maybe one day.

 

( Separate to unite than to be united and then separate. )

 

 

Story Write Compilations Volume I Stories 19

 

My once fallen Angel

 

Author's Note:

The story of an Angel

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“I could feel the wind then as it tickles all over my body. It was a great feeling to feel it but the wind unlike me is a free entity that flows where it wants to go and no one can hold it all. If you do hold the wind, it will just shut down and start somewhere else. That’s the magic of the wind. I wanted to be like the wind then until you showed up. I did not know then that you existed as I can’t see you like others may do so. But soon in me, I know you do. You came to me that day to hold me in the dark and led me back to the light. I guess I needed one then and you knew.  It's not like I was a lost child as I been around for years but I was getting tired that day and wanting to end it all. Before you came, I had no one to looked for anything I need.  There were some guiding hands but they showed me more specks of dirt in me that I have to cleanse.  But not you as you held me close and kept me secured. I know I should not be asking it now, but do you really love me, or are you just passing by in my lifetime. If you are the former, I would love you to hold me more. If you are later, leave me when I close my eyes as I cannot bear to part with you when I am awake.  If love is blind, then I am in love with you.  But be true in yours for me at least during the times you are with me.  Like the wind, let it flow and hold nothing back. When you do stop, it will crumble to nothing and it matters not anymore.  You can hush my lips but you cannot hush my love for you, Jac.”

 

Those were his words but it was him who has to leave as the works of an Angel, even though he was once a fallen one, is never completed. His revival in my love has rejuvenated his gift to heal and he is now doing that as I dream of him.  But sometimes, an angel does forget that one he was once in love with and healed him. If he was to know, I too need his healing gift as I lie on the bed to await my operation to correct my sight. Let me see you one more time, Angel before I lose my blindness.  For its in blindness I saw you, and with my sight restored I may lose you for good. But he did not turn up then and he will never turn up now after fifty years. A sight restored and a love forgotten is not a good bargain but one I had to accept as angels do work in their way.  This time I will close my eyes, not to blindness but life as I am leaving here. So I asked again the same request I did then.

 

Would you be with me again as the wind? And this time it's not a bargain from him but me.

 

 

 

Story Write Compilations Volume I Stories 18

 Romeo's Other Love

 

Author's Note:

Romeo and Juliet; eternally the pair that everyone knows. But do you know of the other love?

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We all know about Juliet in Romeo’s life, but we never asked if there was anyone else in his when he was courting Juliet.

 

So our story began.

 

“Romeo, where art thou? I have waited for hours and the pies are cold" That was the thoughts of Rosaline who was secretly in love with Romeo. She knew that Romeo was with his other love, Juliet, but she cared not for the other woman, as long as Romeo has a place for her, even though it may be very small compared to Juliet.

 

As she sat there, her thoughts went back to the unsanctioned liaison of the two by their clans on both sides. It was all over a stupid brawl which resulted in this curse to the lovers, but no for Romeo, if he had seen his ways better; he would not have had to suffer this pain. It all began at the Ball Dance. He was to see me at the Ball but instead, he took up with Juliet. It was not as I planned for the night. I was in the powder room waiting my turn when someone who took too much raw oyster had to detained all of us longer. It was then the moment of a coincidence that Romeo met Juliet when he came looking for me in the powder room. Juliet was the last in the long queue, so Romeo asked her if she has seen me, Rosaline.

 

‘Rosaline Capulet? No, she must have stepped out. I am Juliet Capulet, her cousin. Are you a Capulet too? I thought I knew all the Capulet’s suitors.’ Now the young man was amused at the introduction of this catchy spunky lady in the marron dress.

 

‘I am afraid not. I am Romeo Montague, the loving son of your fathers’ rival and the bitter enemy now. But I am ever pleased to meet you and more so when she is a Capulet.  Had I seen you in a cat-fight before? I guess not, as it may not be your style to kick someone’s butt.’ Romeo ever the infallible man of his trade, had on his ever-charming smile.

 

‘Oh, Romeo Montaque, only your presence could have made the oyster bad to our taste today. Did you bring it tonight to peek at us in this long queue?’ Juliet is a true Capulet and a firm supporter of her dad. But a Montague is still one who never resists a good fight even though he may waste them on these new pantaloons he is wearing tonight.

 

‘Oh, pardon me for the oyster, but we did not know you had no cold room. Why should you had one when the ladies are so cold; they can freeze even hell itself.’

 

Juliet was upset at the remark and said; ‘I shall prove to you my coldness’. She took him in her arms and lay a kiss on his warm lips, which smell of sherry and some brandy added in for the extra taste. Romeo not to be undone returned her kisses with the passion of a Montague. Between the anger and the tasteless oyster lips, a lover bond was created that evening.

 

From that night, Rosaline regretted not getting her diaper on or she won’t have to spend much time in the powder room from Romeo's side. Her would-be love, Romeo was taken away by Juliet that night. Her heart was more than broken; it got crushed to bits when they consummated their love without the parent’s blessing. Juliet was to marry the Count as she was advised but the Count has withdrawn his request later. Given the same choice, anyone would have to. Bitch!

 

Rosaline was also sad, that she consulted the Friar for the potion to end her woes of a heartbroken lady, but he was too inquisitive into the details. She had to lie to him lest he asked too much; and said it was for some lost lovers friends of hers. He must have seen her lies and made a sleeping potion instead. She was told later he could only make the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ potion.

 

Rosaline gave Juliet took the potion to take when her father said she cannot marry the man named Romeo. Rosaline thought that Juliet would die and she would be next in line to received Romeo's love. But Juliet slept like a dead lady but she did not die.

 

Romeo went into grief on her death-like sleep thinking that she did die. Romeo drank the other potion of his which I know not of and sadly he died from it. Romeo ought to know that self-prescription sometimes is fatal. But as he laid dead, Juliet woke up and on seeing her love dead, also took the same cheap potion to follow suit. It was unbelievable as any silly girl would just grief for seven days and then back to the hunt for another admirer but not silly Juliet. She died in his arms that night.

 

As for Rosaline, she ended up baking pies in the name of her ‘would be dead lover’, and hoped he will come back to eat them. Fat chance at that, as she ended up eating them all by herself. It did pay off for her as she now has a successful franchise called ‘Julia’s Pies; the taste to die for like lovers when you eat it’. She re-named me to Julia, so one day hoping someone will tell her side of the story. Well, I did it for her and she paid me with her measly pies as rewards.

 

Guess I should have read the small print on the packaging before I took the task.