Once there was Darkness

The Dance

Part 2

Priest Solomon stopped them. “Fine job. Fine job. May I have a word with you my king?”

Kol turned to Violet, “would you give us a moment?”

“My king,” she bowed her head.

Kol turned back to Priest Solomon, “you may.”

His eyes darted back and forth between Kessa and Frego.

Kessa tapped out a message in Kol’s palm. He spoke. “Perhaps we should go to your office?”

“Yes, of course. Please follow me.”

Once they were inside his office Kol broke the silence, “speak your words.”

Priest Solomon took a deep breath, “I owe you an apology.”

“I thought Sister Sheryl was your apology.”

He gave a weak smile, “I owe you one from my lips to your ears. No one has ever included all the children in our gaudere. The church has included the children in the temple but not all of them. You included your son and his friend.” He pointed at Frego and smiled. “The cookies.”

Kol interrupted him, “that was the queen.”

“But you could have stopped her. Told her no.”

“Why would I?”

Priest Solomon was speechless. He looked back and forth between the three of them without saying a word. Finally he squeezed out, “You are nothing like your parents.”

“I will take that as a compliment.” Kol looked at Kessa. As if he was gathering strength from her. Then spoke, “allow me to ask. Do you tell your flock to abandon their children when they sin?”

Priest Solomon fell in his chair. “No. I can’t tell another adult what to do.”

“Yet you allow others to do it to you.”

He jumped up. “I thought I was doing the right thing. Based on the knowledge I had. I thought I was doing the right thing.”

“My wife and I will continue coming to worship as duties allow.” He kissed the top of her hand. “She has an over abundance of faith. And is willing to share.” He turned to Frego, “my son is a man. Worship is his choice.” Kol stared directly at Priest Solomon, “the church and the royal family must have a united front.”

“I will give up my post if that will make it easier.”

“No you will not.” Kol leaned over the desk. “You and I have a lot to work out. And you will not get out of it that easily.”

Again he repeated, “I did what I thought was right.”

“FOR WHOM!” He shouted.

Frego jumped. Kessa put her hand on his back. It was his turn to take a deep breath. “My apologies.” He turned to Kessa and Frego, “to all of you.”

Kessa softly spoke, “this can’t be the first time you’ve had an adult child questioning the actions or inactions of your involvement in their development?”

“My queen; I can assure you, it is. Most,” he made eye contact with Kol. “Are grateful the church was involved in their upbringing at a young age. They say it has made them better adults.”

“I credit the army for that. I spent more time there than I did with you.” Kol turned and left.

Kessa turned to Frego, “Violet is waiting.”

“My lady.” He bowed his head.

“Frego,” she called after him. “Will you make sure Max is in for the night?”

“My queen.”

She turned to Priest Solomon. He started to speak but she raised her hand. “Please sit.” She sweetly suggested. He cautiously sat down. “If I may suggest, I would like to encourage you to come clean. Pray about it. Sister Sheryl was very sweet. She was kind enough not to speculate in front of the king. You were a willing participant in the events of his childhood. Pray. Let God be your guide.”

“It’s not that easy.”

She smiled, “yes it is.”

Luke was waiting for her outside. “ He’s in the garden.”

They ran to the palace. Luke stopped at the garden gate. Kessa found Kol on his knees and elbows. “Husband.” She wrapped her arms around him. He was shaking. He raised up, leaning into her.