The Sugilite Prince

The strong guard grabbed the intruder gruffly by the arm and took him captive tearing his sleeve at the shoulder. He pushed him along taking him inside where he could be interrogated. The intruder looked around in awe at the opulent surroundings afraid of what would happen to him next.

“M-m-y lord...I- I mean no harm. I just got lost in the wood. I’m not from around here,” he cried.

“You are lucky to be alive. That is the beloved prince of our kingdom that you threatened,” Jeon said.

“I threaten no one! I-I- am unarmed!”

“How dare you gaze upon him!” The well-built guard said.

“I apologize and will leave straight away,” Jimon stepped back.

“You cannot leave unless he commands it. No one may gaze upon him. It is the law.”

“But why such a strange law? He has the loveliest violet eyes!”

The guard gazed at him and then his men in disbelief. How can this be true? “What is your name?”

“Jimon of Kaythana, I guess I was staring but he is very attractive. Please let me apologize to him.”

The elf guard looked at him strangely, “First I need to question you. What were you doing at night in the woods?” He did not trust any stranger considering the clandestine attacks the villagers had suffered during the wee hours of the night. The innocents had been slain in their beds with a single but deadly slice to their throats.

Jimon’s alarm was written on his face realizing the danger he had put himself in. “I was looking for the road and I got lost in the dark. I returned to my village to find everyone gone. Afraid to stay there, I traveled on. I came upon this pretty place and was trying to find a place to stay but no inn would open the door to me.”

“An evil presence hovers in the veil between the dark and our world. It poisons the minds of those near it. Those we once counted on as friends now attack us mercilessly. Our king knows not whom he can trust. We just suffered an attack by our enemies who lurk in the shadow of the night. No one would let a stranger in for fear of being killed. People are losing trust, even in their own king, even in their own kin. A great threat is building. No one is safe. Not even our beloved prince.”

“I was not aware. I have been away from my home working on a trade ship. News of this had not reached us!”

“I will speak to him and ask what your fate will be. Wait here.”

“Please! Let me speak to him! I meant no harm! I am not one of these killers you speak of.”

Sugi sits at his desk staring by candlelight at his most prized possession. A beautiful broach belonging to his elvish mother that she left him before leaving for the undying lands. In the center a brilliant jewel precious and rare as was her beauty.

The soft glow of the candlelight flickered in the gold and illuminated the book on his desk. At the sound of the guard’s approach, he put down the book.

“Come in,” Sugi says as Jeon opens the door to his chamber.

“Your Highness,” Jeon says looking down in a bow.

“Jeon.”

“I have questioned the prisoner and he doesn’t seem to be dangerous. He had no weapon on him. My instincts tell me he’s just a simple farmer’s boy.”

“What was he doing here?”

“He says he is a refugee looking for a place to settle down since his home and village were burned down by enemy soldiers. He lived in a town south of here. What should we do with him, your highness?”

“So ... he isn’t from here,” Sugi says placing his pale hands under his chin. “I’m curious. Let him stay here as my guest for now. Find him a room and have him clean up. Give my guest something appropriate to wear. I will dine with him tonight.”

“Are you sure it is wise?”

“Jeon, you are my bravest knight and my dear friend. If you wish, you may stand guard at the door as a precaution. How often can someone look me in the eye and not die? I am intrigued by this stranger.”

Jeon crinkles his nose, “This lad has been living on a trade ship and smells of salt and fish. Let’s hope he has some table manners sire, but I doubt it.”

Sugi tilts his head back and laughs. “Yes, me too.”

After some time, Sugi leaves his chambers having changed for dinner. He is excited to meet the intriguing guest and look him in the eye. The thought of having a face to face conversation with someone excites him. He is curious about this stranger and hopes to make him a friend but he wonders if the blond is not frightened of him after their extraordinary meeting.

Sugi walks into the dining chamber welcomed by the roaring fire and the enticing smells coming from the sideboard. The promise of good food and friendly conversation increasing his appetite.