Once Upon a Time

By Lady Timedramon

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Copyright 2007 Hali Denenberg/Lady Timedramon - please do not reprint or publish elsewhere without my permission.

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Chapter 4

Ikarion was angry with himself. He had intended to keep his rank secret and draw as little attention to himself as possible. However he had been raised not to allow anyone to try to intimidate him. His response to the blue-skinned woman before him had been automatic and completely natural.

Kahana stared at Ikarion in surprise. Here was someone who, providing he was telling the truth, had the ability to sway one of the most dangerous beings in the world. Whether or not it was the truth, Kahana did not know. However, she could detect a strong aura of power surrounding Ikarion. She did not wish to take a chance by offending him. If Ikarion’s word was true, Lord Metaquarian could disrupt Inputia’s entire fishing industry or destroy a large portion of Inputia should he desire. Kahana was unsure of what would be the proper amount of respect to give one such as Ikarion, or what respect he should show to her royal charges. "Oh wow!” exclaimed Princess Cala as she pushed past her governess. “You know the Lord of the Seas and Oceans personally?”

“That I do,” returned Ikarion hesitantly.

“You must tell us about him!” exclaimed the princess. “Finally the chance to hear the truth instead of the legends!” Balleri and Naria looked as if they were ready to die of embarrassment. Kahana coughed to hide her discomfort at the princess’ outburst despite the fact that it served to diffuse a possibly dangerous situation.

“You are welcome to join my friend and I at our table,” returned Ikarion with a polite tilt of his head.

---

Lahar sat uncomfortably. Never in his life would he have expected to have the honor of dining with the royal princesses themselves. He moved self-consciously, afraid of offending their highnesses. Sithea would never believe this.

Ikarion had politely waited until the princesses had refreshed themselves before answering the princesses’ questions. Princess Balleri left shortly after the questions began. She wanted to return to her shopping. Cala and Naria, however, were both quite interested in speaking with Ikarion and continued to inquire about the lands beneath the sea. Both the princesses and the fisherman listened in awe as Ikarion described Lord Metaquarian’s palace. “Coral of many colors has grown into the very walls, making the building truly alive,” explained Ikarion. “Spaces in the coral are filled with pearls. My Lord’s dais is a giant shell from an ancient creature. The shell has been gilded with precious metals and studded with rare gems.”

“How did you come to be acquainted with Lord Metaquarian?” asked Naria, enthralled by the story. While the princesses were eating, Ikarion had realized that this princess was the woman who had come to Shichirou’s table earlier.

“I saved the life of one of my Lord’s sons,” he said. “I had been swimming alone in the oceans when I found a sea serpent trapped by a horde of Hongiarun – under-sea dwelling pirates. I chased off the Hongiarun and returned the young sea serpent to his home. I was surprised to discover that I had rescued the youngest of Lord Metaquarian’s many children. My Lord was most grateful. Later on, I saved another sea dweller from Kanparan fishing nets. I discovered that he was the nephew of my Lord’s mate. For those two events, I was made a knight of the Holy One’s court. One day when I was visiting my Lord’s palace, I uncovered a plot by his second son, who wished to overthrow my Lord and rule the seas and oceans. Since then, my Lord is ever appreciative of my efforts on his behalf and he has rewarded me quite well.”

Kahana listened and watched. She noted every word Ikarion said, trying to ascertain the validity of his story. She studied every mannerism he used. Her eyes darted between Ikarion and the princesses. As usual, Cala was firing question after question. Naria sat and listened quietly for the most part, only interjecting an occasional query. The man with Ikarion seemed to be little more than a simple fisherman. Kahana noticed that much of the time the younger princess stared at Ikarion intently.

“What is it like to live underwater?” asked Cala.

Ikarion thought about the best way to describe it. “It’s like your entire body has no weight. Breathing is different. Those of us able to live both above and below the water are able to breathe air and absorb that which is equal to air from the water. Moving is more strenuous. You must move your whole body through the water, while it takes only your legs to propel your body upon land. However, your body feels as if it has almost no weight. It is not something easily explained.”

One of the Felitaurs strode over to the table and whispered something to Kahana, who nodded. “This conversation has been most enlightening,” she said. “However, we must return to the palace before sundown, lest we anger the Rajah.”

“Ohhhhh,” whined Cala. “Must we?”

“We must,” returned Kahana.

“But I have so many more questions to ask!”

“Your highness, it is best to not anger your father,” advised Ikarion. “Unless you wish him to revoke your privileges.”

“Yes,” said Naria as she rose. “The last time we were late returning, Father refused to let us out of the palace grounds for six months.”

“It will take time to collect Princess Balleri,” added Kahana.

“Oh all right,” sighed Cala reluctantly.

“Besides,” added Naria, “if Sir Ikarion is visiting our capital, we shall perhaps meet him again.” She looked up at him shyly. Kahana stiffened at hearing the princess’ offer.

“I would like that,” said Ikarion with a smile. “But I can make no guarantees. Even though my Lord requested that I spend some time on land, I am still at his call.”

Those present, except Ikarion, prostrated themselves as the princesses stood. Ikarion gave a polite nod. Before the princesses left, they turned. “Digatama,” said Cala.

Digatama stood, approached, and knelt before the princess. “I am at your service, your highness.”

“Your food is worthy of the highest praise,” said Cala. “Your soup is incredible.”

“I agree,” said Naria. “Even our palace chefs have not made a rice pudding as delicious as yours.”

“I bask in the praise of my rulers,” said Digatama, touching the top of his head to the ground.

“Perhaps we will return the next time Father lets us come to the market,” said Cala.

The princesses, followed by Kahana and their Felitaurs, turned and walked out of the tent. Digatama jumped to his feet ecstatically. “Praise by the princesses themselves!” he exclaimed. “What a boost for business!”

Those patrons who hadn’t vacated the premises when the princesses arrived sat up and began chatting amongst themselves. The excitement at having dined in the same restaurant ran through the diners. Even Lahar was affected. “To have been so close to the princesses!” he said.

Ikarion smiled at his friend’s enthusiasm. Over the years, he had learned that common people seemed enamored of royalty, though today he found that royalty too could be smitten with more powerful beings While Princess Cala asked her questions about Lord Metaquarian’s undersea realm, Princess Naria’s eyes had been on him the entire time.

Suddenly, Ikarion became aware that all eyes were now on him. “Apparently, I have lost any chance of peaceful anonymity,” he whispered to Lahar. “I had come to Inputia to become reacquainted with life on land and to try to live a quiet life. I’m sure the news of my identity will quickly spread through town. Before that happens, let us return to the shore before we are inundated with curiosity seekers.”

Nodding, Lahar led the way through the market towards home. The fisherman had fallen into a stunned silence. Ikarion kept thinking about Princess Naria as he and Lahar hiked back to the fisherman’s cottage.

“Ah, how foolish I have been!” exclaimed Lahar, breaking Ikarion out of his reverie. “In all the excitement of the arrival of the princesses, and your unexpected revelation, I had forgotten that I wished to spend this afternoon felling trees to begin building a new boat. The sun now sets and I will be unable to start until morning. It will be several days before I can return to the waters!”

“Trouble yourself not my friend,” said Ikarion. “With my help you will soon be upon the waters again.”

Sithea was waiting for them upon their return. “My husband,” she said, “I had expected you sooner.”

“It has been a most wondrous day,” said Lahar. “I am certain you will not believe it, though there are witnesses to attest to the truth.”

---

Vizier Kuval Imaran climbed the stairs of Majister Wyn’don’s tower, a scroll sealed with the imperial signet in his hand. He began working on the contents since the meeting with the rajah ended. Now that the contents had been approved, signed, and sealed, the vizier was taking no chances. He knocked politely on the door.

The door slowly opened, revealing Majister Wyn’don’s bleary-eyed apprentice. The boy bowed respectfully. Beyond him, Vizier Imaran spied the Majister bustling about his equipment. He appeared to be searching for something.

“Welcome. Pardon the mess - I was looking for a piece of equipment,” explained Majister Wyn’don. “I had planned to start tracking down the source of the magic I detected, but I can not find a critical piece of equipment.”

“I have the message to be sent to Filan,” said the vizier.

“That was fast.” Majister Wyn’don raised one of his eyebrows.

“In light of the rajah’s previous resistance regarding potential suitors, I felt it best not to waste time, lest our ruler change his mind.” He presented the scroll to the mage. “An invitation to the King of Filan to send an envoy here to Inputia for a cultural exchange.”

“No mention of the princesses?”

“I had to remove any references to the princesses before the rajah would approve,” said the vizier flatly.

“No matter. I can send an additional note to my cousin to mention the princesses when he presents the invitation to his king.” Majister Wyn’don handed the scroll to Ziv. “Do not put this down. I will be sending it in a few moments.” Well acquainted with his master’s sense of organization, Ziv clutched the scroll tightly.

“Thank you,” said the vizier. “The sooner this is sent to Filan, the sooner we can expect a reply.”

---

The sun had set by the time Ikarion returned to his cave. After satisfying himself with a meal, he summoned Ruhollah.

“I am at your service, o friend of my master,” announced Ruhollah as he appeared from his lamp.

“Ruhollah, I wish for a small boat. One that it is small enough to be managed by one human, yet able to carry a few more if necessary. Make it sturdy enough to stand the harshest waves. Then stock it with those items a lone fisherman might need, but items that would not harm a passing water dweller. Set the boat out by the dock by the nearby fisherman’s cottage.”

“Your wish is my command. It shall be done.”

“One last favor this evening. Tell your master that this day I met a princess. A lovely princess who appears intelligent, yet of a gentle and kind demeanor. Ask him if the time has come.”

“All shall be taken care of.” Ruhollah bowed, then disappeared.

Alone again, Ikarion began to read some of the books in his library. Then he found a scroll of more recent news. Much of what was contained in the scroll he had heard from Shichirou. Ikarion read the news with a heavy heart. One day, the Emperor of Chandou would be made to answer for his crimes. But until then. . .

“The boat is where you requested,” said Ruhollah, appearing within the rock chamber. “Your news has been conveyed to my master. He agrees the time draws near. Lord Metaquarian says will notify you when the time is right.”

“Thank you,” said Ikarion. Ruhollah returned to his lamp. Ikarion returned to his scrolls.

---

Naria lay on stomach on the cushions. In her hands was the scroll she purchased earlier. She rolled over on her back and undid the scroll. The figure in the painting looked as if his mind was elsewhere. His eyes appeared thoughtful. Every time she looked away, she was drawn back to his eyes.

“You should be asleep, your highness,” said Kahana as she checked on Naria.

“I know, but I’m not very sleepy.”

“What do you have there?” Kahana looked at the portrait and gasped. “Where did you get this?”

“From a merchant in the market. Why?”

“This is a portrait of the long missing Prince Katsurou of Jindou.” Kahana’s face became somber.

“Yes. The merchant told me the story. Do you know more?”

“My sister Rehana was governess to the royal family of Jindou,” returned Kahana, her voice controlled and steady. “I had met Prince Katsurou on a few occasions when I visited my sister.”

“Really?” Naria sat up and looked at her governess intently. “What was he like?”

“He was an interesting boy. While there were two elder brothers and little chance of his ever becoming emperor, the emperor insisted Katsurou study at their sides and learn how to lead the country as well. I do not think the prince ever knew what he wanted to do. He chafed at his father’s insistence on studying to rule. On the side he studied writing, math, science. . . and it is his study of science that was his downfall.”

“How so?”

“Prince Katsurou wished to study the skies. Emperor Nobutaka, may his spirit rest with his ancestors, would have preferred that the prince turn his studies towards medicine. According to my sister, the late emperor’s idea was that, should the prince not succeed the throne, he should become the royal physician. Who would be the safest person to attend the imperial personage than his own brother? Yet the prince insisted. Hoping that Prince Katsurou would tire of his interest in the skies, the emperor gave the prince a far-seeing device. His highness would intently study the skies with my sister’s tutelage. One evening, the prince slipped out to one of the high towers without my sister’s knowledge to gaze upon the night sky. My sister refuses to give the details of exactly what happened. What was pieced together is that the prince gazed upon the moon. He must have laid eyes upon Lady Ilandere, mistress of the moon, and she caught him. Some guards said that a strange creature came down from the moon. Others say it was the lady herself. Regardless of who it was, the prince was stolen away.”

“And no one has ever found him?”

“No one. My sister was away searching for him when Chandou invaded Jindou.” Kahana looked sadly at the portrait scroll and sighed. “Now child, it’s time you were asleep. I will put out the candles.”

“Good night Kahana,” said Naria. The princess watched as her governess blew out the candles in the room, then silently slipped out. Sighing, she set her scroll to the side, then closed her eyes. That night, Naria dreamed of curling up in the soft fur of Ikarion and of being held by a prince with thoughtful eyes.