Cheilin Saga ~ 26

 Cheilin Saga ~ 26 Hestors Passing 

By Len Morgan

Aldor entered the small room and looked down at the bundle of blankets on the floor and the pale battered-looking face, barely recognisable as Hestor.

“How is he,” Aldor asked.

The physician shook his head.   “He has been cruelly tortured; it’s just a matter of time...”

Though still fatigued from his exhaustive scan of Zofira's mind, he made an immediate decision to enter Hestor's mind. He was met by confusion and anger at this final invasion. ‘It is I, Aldor’ he said gently and respectfully ‘I know you would like my head in a basket but we have very little time.   Do you know what they plan to do?’

‘They are seeking the death of my old friend Dan.   I have refused to aid them but they are holding his son Gavein.   They intend running him like a puppet, to use him as an instrument, to bring about the demise of the Empire and the Emperor.’

‘Your mind can rest easier, on that count, Gavein is back in the palace and safe out of harm's way’ Aldor assured him.

‘You do not understand, she holds dominion over his mind and free will.'

 ‘I had suspected as much’ said Aldor, ‘is it a physical or chemical bond?’

‘It must be the latter, she only had him for a short while; they used physical means in their attempts to turn me, over a much longer period, and they were not successful.   Have a care Aldor, she is ruthless and totally lacking in humanity.   I shudder to think what harm she has done to that boy's mind…’

“We know of it and will wrestle him back from her, but at this moment our main concern is you.’

Hestor raised a grim smile, ‘No need for pretence with me Aldor, I know the truth of it, there is just so much punishment an old carcase like this can take, and this one has been pushed way beyond the brink.   You would be well advised to vacate, as soon as possible, before the spark of life extinguishes trapping you in my empty shell,’ he warned ‘the man in black has been standing patiently at your elbow these past few minutes, waiting to take me at the conclusion of our conversation.’

Aldor smiled, displaying a confidence he didn’t feel, ‘Dan knows you remained loyal; even if you had not; he said he would still double your stipend and increase your standing to induce you to return to his side.   He misses you terribly and wonders how he can go on without your wisdom and support.’

 ‘You are too kind, he will find others, less argumentative Tell him I wished him well; and will wait to serve him, to the best of my ability, in the next life.   May the wait be long…’

Aldor was forcibly ejected by the shock of his passing.  He stood shaken and unable to move, for several seconds, then he glanced towards the physician.

“He’s gone!” 

Aldor looked down at the man he had known for almost ten years, watching his still warm flesh seemingly turn to wax before his eyes.  Slowly the man exhaled, and he saw those bright intelligent eyes lose their sparkle, becoming dull and inert, his life force had departed.   He watched as the physician closed the eyelids, for the last time, placing two small coins, one on each of his lids, to keep them closed.   His eyes watered in silent absolution.   He hadn’t liked the man, discovering only at his death, the motivation for his life vindicated all his past actions.   Hestor had been a good man.   Service to Dan, his friend and Emperor, had always been uppermost in his mind; he had indeed been a selfless man.

 A full search of the building found nothing of interest confirming they did not intend to return.

 Aldor cast his mind back to Zofira who had not known of this place, because of the cell system, but he knew they would contact her soon that was not in doubt.   At this moment the needs of the empire were more immediate; the games would start today. Today an attempt would most certainly be made to end the Emperor’s life, and perhaps more than one.   He felt the weight.   The safety of the Emperor, the Empire, and the future of the Tylywoch rested heavily on his shoulders.

.-…-. 

“I’m sorry your friend is gone, but your main consideration now must be the Empire.   You must carry on in public as if nothing has happened, and do your mourning in private” said Rhynor.

“I know you are right, he would have counselled likewise, but to think I will never see or speak with him again fills me with despair,” his eyes moistened and he turned away.   Rhynor intuitively walked to the window gazing out, beyond the gardens and parkland, to the city beyond.    His eyes returned to the lake where he saw nameless faceless people roaming its banks, swimming in the warm water, and sailing boats with brightly coloured triangular sails.  

“Life goes on” said Dan finally, putting Rhynor’s thoughts into words.

“Yes,” he replied absently.

 (to be continued)

 

Copyright Len Morgan