Once there was Darkness

Sandstorm

Part 7

After Kessa was dismissed, she went to the barracks. It wasn’t long before a horn blew. Kol knew where she went. A group of weary men and women went walking toward the barracks. Kol knew the Bejhar were everywhere. He just wasn’t sure where. Two climbed onto the beach from checking the platform. Two left the group that was taking down the burnt market place. Someone was climbing down from the rebuilding of the bell tower. Two came out of the palace. As quickly as they left their post, other soldiers filled them. She never ceased to amaze him. He patted his son on the back, “I think, my son, we both have a lot to learn from Lady Kessa.” He waited a couple hours before he too went to the barracks.

He found the men in the large bath in the front room. One of them realized he was there. They started to get up. “No,” he waved them down. “Rest.” He finally found Kessa in her pool of white liquid. Her pool of white liquid; how did he know that. He laid down by the edge of the pool where he could face her. “Are you alright?”

“You ordered me to rest. I’m resting.”

“You’re upset with me.”

“I’ll get over it, my king.”

He closed his eyes, “Kes,” he whispered.

She moved her head and opened her eyes. Silent tears were rolling down his face, “Whom are you crying for, my king?”

It startled him. He took a deep breath before he answered, “everyone.”

“You need rest as well.” With a milky hand, she caressed his cheek.

“You are more suited to rule than I.” His voice was low.

“What filth do you speak?” He took her hand and held it against his cheek.

“You know that I will be blamed for the storm. The public will be in an uproar. They will want my head.”

She moaned, “then we shall pray.” There was a moment of silence. “Why will they want your noble head? Not that we can’t pray.”

“The people will blame me for the storm.” He would not let her move her hand.

She smiled a bright smile, “that’s what you have us for. To protect your royal head.”

He smiled and soon fell asleep. Something inside him woke him. Kessa was gone. “Kessa.” He panicked, “Kessa!” He slid in the milky water feeling for her. She had slid under. “Kessa!” He pulled her out, laying her over his knee on her belly. She was breathing. But how was that possible? This stuff was covering her, “Kessa.” It took her a little while to come around all the same.

“I’m,” there was a moment of silence. “I’m alright.”

“You scared me to death.”

She gave a wicked little smile, “not worried about being persecuted anymore?”  

He was shocked. That comment hurt, “Did you do that on purpose?”  

“No.” She closed her eyes as she shook her head.

He carried her to the corner of the room where she soon fell asleep.

Kol woke to the sound of a voice, “my king. My king.” It was Max.

“Kessa,” he jumped. She was still asleep.

“Max,” he hissed. “She fell asleep. I fell asleep. She slid under. Does she do that often?”

“It’s happened a couple times. The water will not kill her.”

“I don’t understand.”