The Revival

The music lulled on, filling Princess Myra with the joys of childhood. A young, lean fiddler masterfully played a merry tune. The reminiscent melody always shaped as a wide, magnificent lake in Myra's imagination. Its delicate, crystalline water mirrored the cloudless baby blue that canopied the sanctuary. The gentle waters occasionally lapped against its muddy bank and tickled the flourishing, lush flora. Rays of golden sunlight fell in the middle of the lake, creating a rainbow- a spectacular spectrum of colour.

Just as the final, slow notes played, Myra heard the sudden clamour outside the Great Hall's walls. The fiddler had finished his song and stood silently, waiting for his princess's order.

"The song was beautiful! Thank you so much for playing the songs I asked for! Father once played those songs for me." Myra fell silent.

"His majesty can play much better than I. I had heard him when I was invited to the Royal Banquet at eight. I-it was a pl-pleasure playing to you, your highness." Toby had turned red under his freckles.

Myra smiled. "It's always a pleasure hearing you play. Don't let that talent run away. It's more precious than any riches I have seen. Thank you again. Toby, you may now have your leave."

Toby bowed, his long face now a cherry red. He briskly walked out of the back door of the hall. Myra walked out into the corridor, curious to know what the bustle was about. She heard a woman's shrill voice scream at the end of the dark corridor. Myra couldn't make out the words the woman was shouting. Myra pulled up her long emerald skirt and made her way swiftly down the red carpet. Her heart was thudding, beating so hard she thought she heard a drum beside Toby's melody that still rung in her ears. Myra had already reached the portrait of the great lion when she finally made out the woman's words.

"The King is DEAD! The King is dead!"

Father. Myra stopped dead in her tracks. The notes in her mind disappeared into menacing silence. The lake now reflected a blanket of ominous clouds, threatening to engulf Myra into a ruinous storm…