The Heir of Fire- A Short Story

The huge Temple Hall was silent but for the last chords of music. The cavernous interior was well lighted by the winter noon-time sunlight pouring from high windows lining the walls. The High Priest of the Mother called for the regent to approach the wide lofty dais as the echoing music faded away. Even as the old royal stepped onto the dais the High Priest banged his silver staff twice and called out.

"Is there any mortal with greater right to the divine throne of Drasward? He may step forward or keep silent evermore."

The nobles and royalty seated in the front rows promptly lowered their gazes as the custom demanded; as did the line of guards behind them; as did the throng of citizenry overflowing from the wide open doors. Silence reigned again for a few seconds; then the High Priest repeated the declaration. Almost immediately a young woman stepped out of the crowd into the aisle. Tall, red hair framing an angular, almost gaunt, face, thin lips and high cheekbones were covered in make up; but the green eyes glinted with determination.

"I claim the right. By blood."

A collective gasp by the crowd was followed by the noise of shifting and turning nobles. The guards had turned toward her, clutching at the pikes and hands on the hilts. The High Priest banged his staff.

"Who are you to interrupt this august ceremony?"

The woman stood straight, her gaze pinning the regent for a breath before she said.

"Reyna, daughter of King Torman and Queen Loxane."

The regent almost immediately responded, face unmarred by emotion, he ordered the guards.

"Arrest this imposter."

"I have the signet ring of my father." The woman raised the ring in her hand for all to see. The nobles were already whispering about her red hair and green eyes. She addressed them as she stepped back from the guards.

"I can prove myself by lighting the Flame of Drasward."

"Show me the ring?" The High Priest shouted out.

By this time the guards had caught the woman.

"Take her to the dungeons." The regent roared, stepping down from the dais.

As the nobles cowered away from the regent and the claimant; two guards started to drag the woman physically towards the doors. She was shouting now. "What are you afraid of uncle? If you are sure I am an imposter. The Drasward throne is not yours..."

A wad was stuck into her mouth by the captain of the guard. But it was too late. The people had heard her. They wanted to hear more. A spark of hope had traveled through the crowd and nobody from the doorway moved. The guards slapped at them, punched them, even hauled them out of the way. There were just too many and there were only two dozen guards inside the Temple.

The woman suddenly flailed out with her feet, kicking at her captors. The captain acted fast and brutally. Jabbing a dagger into her right leg and with the other hand punching her in the ear, knocking her out.

The High Priest, who had also climbed down from the dais and was approaching her bellowed.

"Enough! This is the Temple of the Mother." He gestured towards the priests. "Carry her to the infirmary." He turned to face the crowd which now appeared somber. "The Long Night is still four days away. We will see if the Flame of Drasward will be lighted after all these years. Now, brothers please disperse so we can sort matters out without violence."

The regent whispered something to his general who started to politely but firmly herd the nobles out. Soon The High Priest, the regent and a few guards led by the captain, who had subdued the claimant, were the only people in the Temple Hall. The regent turned to the High Priest.

"Your grace.."

The High Priest cut him off. "Majesty. I don't wish to involve the Temple any further. She will, however be treated here till she can walk fine."

"I ask for nothing more your Grace." The regent gave him a cold smile. "Just as you said. Let her stay here only. My guards will be stationed at all the exits. She could be a dangerous imposter, after all."

The Priest nodded and headed towards the main building. The regent called the captain. "Captain Theira, that was a good job. You did not kill the woman."

"I did not get a chance." Captain said through gritted teeth. "Though, the wound will keep her immobile for many days."

"Good. You will of course, be commended at a formal ceremony."

"I did my duty. Your Majesty." The captain replied accompanying it with a crisp salute.

Reyna was tired and in pain, lying in the Temple Complex infirmary, she could not sleep. It was Nine years ago that her parents were murdered in their own beds by a gang of mercenaries. She had been kidnapped, a bonus for their efforts, they claimed. She would have died, or lived in conditions where death was welcome; but for Huzan. Huzan was a rouge Steelheart, a desert warrior of uncanny ability. Reyna had managed to spark some old honor in him, she still did not know how. Huzan had killed the room full of mercenaries and had carried her away. He had told her the truth- that her mother had conspired with her uncle- the kings brother, to kill the king and Reyna. They would soon marry. But there was a chance for Reyna. The High Priest could not crown the next king, in case of unnatural death of the previous one for nine years. For this time the council of four would rule. The four people were: Reyna's uncle- as regent, The High Priest- for the church, The General - for the Army and The Minister for the nobles.

For nine years Ryena had trained under Huzan; politics, language, mathematics and fighting. She had come to the capital weeks before and contacted Theira- then her guardian and now Captain of the guards. They had guessed the regent's response and so planned for it. The wound to her leg was merely superficial; Theira would take her to the Prayer Square on the Long Night.

The regent and the nobles were gathered in all their regalia. The Prayer Square was well lighted by torches and surrounded by guards. There were more guards than the invitees to the ceremony, precaution on which the regent had insisted. The High Priest stood near the white marble altar, the far side of which was the marble stone column holding the ancient torch- Flame of Drasward. At a signal from one of the priests the High Priest began.

"It is nearly midnight. And in the absence of a true heir to the throne; once more with a heavy heart I shall proceed to light the divine Flame of Drasward."

"Wait father! Do not Move." Captain Theira rushed forward followed by another guard. Before anyone could react the guard had reached for the ancient torch. She had not even picked it up when a small blue flame burst into life at its mouth. The flame grew white and blinding before it burned pale again. The guard set the torch back into it's column and removed her helm to let her red hair flow down. Reyna gazed at the High Priest, who after a heart beat went to his knees.

"Welcome back your majesty."

A clash echoed around the square as all the guards and many nobles followed suit.

PHOTO CREDIT: PEXELS.COM