NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: This is an entirely personal story I wrote up. Roania did not have any participation in the creation of this story, so don't jump down his throat for anything you might find "out of order." This was something I did in my spare time. One other thing, I strongly recommend that no one else does this kind of thing (taking another's character(s) and doing a story with them) as he kinda chewed me out on that...sorry Roania, once again...

1-Meditations

Sunlight danced its ethereal candor upon the rolling waves that crashed upon the golden sands of the beaches. Salty water crept up the beach, swirling and gravitating back to the demanding waters of the ocean. Offshore, several fishing ships could be seen coming in with the day’s catch, riding low in the ocean, making their way slowly to the harbor. Dolphins frolicked about the bows, leaping high into the air, water glistening off their silvery bodies, before plunging gracefully back into the blue.

On the beach, a child stood still, watching the fishing boats coming in. The child has an expression of pure wonder and daydreaming upon his face. Underneath the child’s feet, lay a makeshift sand boat could be seen protruding upwards in defiance to nature, the creation of the boy’s own mind. Then, breaking from his gaze, the child turns and suggests something with an air of excitement to the other children playing on the beaches.

The child pauses, looking up the sheer cliff, having spied the man standing there motionless. He watches him for a few moments, wondering at the mysteriousness of such a man. The boy is drawn back to his friends, who have begun moving and picking up their things.

A whoop of laughter and joy floats upwards on the brisk wind as the children race as fast as they can toward the harbor, their toys swinging carelessly in the wind.

Such innocence…

Soft blue eyes follow the boys as they run away, occasionally stopping to inspect something found in the sands. The eyes turn back to the awesome sunset sinking slowly into the ocean, casting the surface of the ocean in dazzling lights, occasionally broken by the swelling of a large wave as it rolled lazily toward land.

He sits carefully upon the rocky outcropping; making sure his footing is sure. His hand moves to rest his forehead in it, as the man sits there reminiscing of the twenty-five years that had passed in his life, years that filled with great waves of many things, some pleasant, others...not. A tear rolls down the man’s cheek, rolling over his rough skin and hanging precariously off his chin. Yes, he experienced the joys of life, but he also had experienced war, bloodshed, murder…


Now I will tell you what I’ve done for you
50 thousand tears I’ve cried
screaming deceiving and bleeding for you
and you still won't hear me
don't want your hand this time I’ll save myself
maybe I’ll wake up for once
not tormented daily defeated by you
just when I thought I’d reached the bottom
I have died again*


His hand moves down to cover his mouth and nose, as his tearful eyes watch the last of the sunset disappear below the horizon. The eyes close, and he lets out a deep sigh. He remains still as his mind whirls through the emotions that course through.

The pain hurts…

The faint cry of seagulls can be heard from the harbor, crying for the fishermen to take heart and share their day’s catch. The man does not look toward the harbor.

The seagulls…so much like the world around me…demanding everything I have.

He suddenly gets up and turns away from the ocean, looking back upon the car he had left on the road. He walks toward it, feet brushing the soft waves of grass aside as they step forward surely. Soon, he arrives at the car; a Chevrolet Camaro; a vehicle that has seen many miles, and many towns, cities, countries. Maybe too many…

So much like him…


I’m going under
drowning in you
I’m falling forever
I’ve got to break through
I’m going under*



Inside, the key inserts into the ignition, pauses, then turns, bringing the rumble of the engine to life. The headlights are flicked on and gears are shifted. The foot presses down on the accelerator, and the car rumbles into action, driving down the dirt road with a cloud of dust to follow.

Twenty minutes later, he arrives at his house, pulling the car into the garage that lay to the right of the medium sized home. It wasn’t a house that demanded attention, but neither was it downright despicable. Turning the car off, he gets out and walks into the house, closing the door softly behind him. The house is silent except for the hum of the electronics being powered.

He heads to the bedroom and begins stripping the day’s clothing off, a blue polo shirt and beige shorts. He makes his way to the bathroom, turning the shower on and setting the temperature. Moments later, the man stands under the shower scrubbing shampoo into his hair. The shampoo rinses slowly down his body, encouraged along by the water running down upon his body.

Tomorrow I’ll go see her…

Ten minutes later, the man sits down at his desk and pulls out the letter. His fingers unfold the creases carefully and reveal the handwriting to his eyes. He rests his arms against the desk as he holds the letter and begins to read:


[code:1:593e6ca97f]Dearest John,

You will probably never understand the frame of mind I am in right now. I can hardly believe that only two years ago I did not even know who you were. I was a carefree person those days, my father demanding to take care of everything .My life changed for better or worse on the day he died. I do not think I could have gotten over the assassination of my father, had I not met you. I never did thank you for being there, for giving me the light that shines brighter than the stars and the moon on a dark night. You have brought new life to me, and have become my life spring for all eternity.

I cannot put into enough words the loneliness I feel right now as I long for you to return. I can only fool myself everyday by diving into this chaotic mess of my job as Princess of Roania. The work does not satisfy me, but at the least, it passes the time. I then look at a clock, and realize that only hours have passed, and still, you are not here with me. I then wonder what you are doing at that moment, wondering if you are thinking about me, wondering if you are soon to be finished with your work.

Do you remember the time that the assassins almost claimed my life as well? As you know, the first attempt for my death failed, but the second one is what I want to talk to you about. When you yourself took the poison dart meant for me, I don’t think I ever felt my heart break as much as it did at that moment. Your death both scared and infuriated me so much John. So much that I took up that damned rapier and slaughtered the remaining assassins, including the one who shot you. My father’s infamous coldhearted rage reflected through me at that time…I have never gone back to that, and I never want to. I hate how it runs in my blood, how I can be the daughter of such a vicious man. Yet, it is still there. When you first looked at me, after having fallen unconscious from the poison, I knew right then and there that you were whom I would love for all time.

On a happier note, Daniel is being the energetic bundle of joy as always. He sometimes asks me, “Where’s Daddy?” and I tell him that you will return soon, that you were off being Champion of the World. He is such an adorable young boy, he has your eyes, which I love so. He carries the same cool gaze that you have, watching the world carefully, always looking for who knows what.

Return soon, my love, and fulfill my heart and yours to the brink again. I pray for your safe return. I love you.

Love always,
Malissa[/code:1:593e6ca97f]

The man closes his eyes and weeps tears of love that are hot against his skin. A month had only passed since he last saw Malissa and Daniel. How he missed her. He missed her touch, her voice, and her embrace. He missed his son as well, whom he had taken quite a newfound love toward, the love of a father. He pulls out another sheet of paper, and his pen, and sets to writing a letter back to her. Thirty minutes later, he signs off, and carefully places the letter in an envelope and seals it shut. He writes Malissa’s name on the front and sets the pen down.

Soon my beautiful soul mate, soon I shall return…

He looks out the window, casting his gaze upon the passing cars on the road that lay a mile to the south of his property. The night sky was finally bringing the dark colors of black and purple to the western portion of the sky he could see.

His life was a mirror of these passing days, starting in the darkness before dawn, the daylight becoming the good times of his life. The bad times came when the moon became a solar eclipse, casting darkness upon the Earth. And it seemed to him that the moon repeatedly was returning to these eclipses. Were the Fates were taking the string of his life and subjecting it to the many cruelties imaginable? Nevertheless, he would persevere, and keep hoping for all that was good.


Blurring and stirring the truth and the lies
so I don't know what's real and what's not
always confusing the thoughts in my head
so I can't trust myself anymore
I have died again*


The definition of good does not exist without the definition of bad. Such is true with life. All that yin-yang stuff that those Chinese are always preaching about… pure brainwash. This world is in a constant battle, an age-old battle that takes its dues as it pleases. How one wields their sword and fights does matter, for only then, does the good of human nature come.


I’m going under
drowning in you
I’m falling forever
I’ve got to break through*


So, why do I suffer from the battling? Why do I hold such pain when I have so much good to rejoice in? Is it to remind me of how I came to receive those joys? Or, is this all one big joke, from which I will be cast down into eternal darkness, deprived of all I have fought for?


So go on and scream
scream at me I’m so far away
I won't be broken again
I’ve got to breathe I can't keep going under*


With a deep sigh, he gets up and moves to the bed where he crawls in and turns the light off. Soon, he falls asleep, his last thought of Malissa in his mind, before slipping into peaceful darkness of the night.
_____________________________________________________________

* Evanescence “Going Under”, all copyrights to them. The last few lyrics will be omitted, but only to fit the story better.

2- Advice

“Good day, Prince John.” calls out the gate guard as John pulled up to the gate in his camaro.

“Good day, Jonas, how’s life treating you these days?”

“Oh, just the usual, the missus being who she is,” the guard replies with a wink, “and keeping me on my toes twenty-four, seven.”

John braked the car while another guard walked alongside the vehicle, holding a pole with an upturned mirror underneath the edge of the car, searching for explosives and other things that were considered violations of security. He is given the go-ahead signal.

John chuckled, “Well, you tell your wife I said hello.”

“Yes sir.” Jonas replied and pushed the button inside the booth.

A loud buzzing noise is heard, as the gate swings open, alerting all within the compound of the newly built palace that a new arrival had entered. John drove the car slowly, coming up upon the parking garage and drives in, parking next to his two other vehicles, both much more expensive and newer than the one he drove now. At the least, he kept the camaro clean and well serviced.

With a whistle in his voice, he got out and slowly strolled to the elevator nearby. Checking his watch, he noted that he was early by a few minutes and smiled. By the time he got to his mother, he would be exactly on time. He had always been good about his arrivals, either arriving just a few minutes before, or exactly on time. Except for a few minor situations when he was caught busy doing other, more pressing matters… such as the secret meeting he had with Malissa in the beginning of their relationship. They had been in the Roanian palace, taking care of…matters… Both had arrived at the party late, but few had seemed to notice.

The elevator chimed a single note and slid its door open, allowing him to enter. Moments later he was walking out of it, and into a large, well decorated foyer. He looked about, once again marveling at the architecture and designs that had been so artfully included into the palace. It rivaled the best of the world’s architecture in more ways than one. On the wall across from the elevator hung an expansive national flag, an emerald green flag with a portrait of a red dragon in the center. His eyes linger upon the dragon, admiring the intricate details upon the crimson color of the scales and features of the dragon.

John turned to his right, and began walking down the long corridor past rows of doorways that led to the many offices of the upper honchos of the government. Three doors down from the King’s own office; his father’s office; was another doorway that opened to another corridor leading to the private sector of the palace. Nodding to the guards stationed on either side of the door, he made his way down the corridor. Although John was now officially a ‘Consort to the Princess’ in Roania, he still received respect and some freedom of movement in the palace, thanks to his biological relations to the Marshall royal family, despite his name change to John Black, fitting him in with the Black royals.

He walks through another guarded doorway and into a living room of sorts, but one made to fit a royal family well. He saw her instantly.

“Mother…”

She turns to face her son. She walked over, clasping his hands and receiving a hug. She was an elegant and beautiful woman, despite her age that was beginning to show its toll upon her face. She had strong blue eyes, and fair skin that was almost as smooth as silk.

“John, so good to see you again, my son…”

“As it is to see you again.”

“How is Malissa and your son doing?” she asked him, watching his face carefully.

“They’re fine.” was the reply. His mother tsked slightly.

“John, tell your mother what troubles you. I see it in your eyes, you cannot hide it from me.”

John turned and looked away. “I don’t know, I don’t want to burden you with such things…”

His mother’s arm reached out to gently hold his arm. She gripped her hand tightly momentarily.

“I’m a mother, you can tell me for I’ve seen many things. There is very little that you can say that will bring shock to me.”

John looked back at his mother, a sad look in his eyes. He turned his body to face her once again. Slowly, he spoke, and with some hesitation at first.

“Do you remember the story that Grandfather used to tell us all, about how the vampires took control of the government? How he became a vampire?” John waited for a nod of her head. “And do you remember how once again, our people rose up against the vampires in that small civil war five years ago; before I was given the presidential position; before Tarlachia became a Kingdom?”

John’s mother could see where this was going. She had seen it in her husband’s eyes as well. The shame of the rage of murder, which unwittingly took innocent lives. When he paused momentarily, she spoke softly with a mother’s love.

“John, what you did back then was defended our nation against a strong enemy and prevailed. You cannot keep holding yourself for the things you regret. Focus more on the joys you have come by since then…Malissa…your son, Daniel. Are they not worth the effort to survive?”

John spoke again,

“But I did not know then that I would be meeting Malissa. I could not find much to motivate myself to keep going, except that I did not want to see you abused by those vampire guards ever again. In those years, I was almost uncontrollable. And in my uncontrolled rage, I killed several men, women and children in that house that blew up after I left the building. Surely you remember this? How it was blared in the news for the next several weeks?”

John collapsed into an antique armchair, his head in his hands as he sobbed quietly.

“I killed them so easily. I feared that they were supporting the vampires. Then, when the investigation found that they had done no such thing…their…their faces will haunt my thoughts for perhaps… the rest of my life…”

She sat down upon the arm of the chair, and held John close, holding him tightly and with great love.

“Shhh…I know the pain hurts my son. You did not know…I’m sure that if they were alive, they would forgive you. They would probably have even thanked you for releasing them of this infernal world, free from the constant threat of the hunger of the vampires…”

She thought back to the days of the discussion, and compared it to the current times. Much had changed since then, and the vampires had returned to the darkness of the night. She thought of the name of one of the upper vampires, the one who had led the initial assault upon the presidential compound all those years ago, supposedly trying to get better representation for the immortals. Maximus Destroi, destroyer of the mortal. Even now, he had evaded attempts to kill him, even now he still roamed the night. She wondered if Maximus would ever be brought to justice. John let out a sniffle followed by another sob.

“John, you need to end your trip now. This place brings too many dark memories to your mind. Return to Malissa, return to your son. Focus your life on them with all your heart. Let them be your motivation that you fight for. And most of all, release yourself of the guilt that you hold. There is nothing you can do about it anymore. Forgive yourself and move on.”

She turned his face to hers with her strong yet soft fingers holding his chin.

“Do you promise me?”

John nodded slowly, his face moistened by the tears that had covered his face.

“Yes…I promise mother.”

“Good, now, come and eat breakfast with me, and let us not talk about this anymore.”

John pulled out a kerchief and dried the tears away, before getting up and taking his mother in his arm and leading her to the dining room. He pulled her chair out, to which she promptly seated herself and scooted in. John sat across from her, and momentarily several servants appeared out of the shadows, carrying plates of food for both. Soon, the two were laughing over the good and the humorous things that occurred within the palace every day.

An hour later, John kissed his mother farewell, after calling the Roanian security detail that had accompanied him in his own Roanian private jet. He commanded them to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice as soon as he arrived.

“Remember John, you have a life now to live, a role to fill. Go and be the wonderful father and husband I know you are. And always remember, I love you.”

“I love you too mother.” John hugged her, feeling her tight loving embrace before she let go.

“Tell your wife I said hello. Tell Daniel that Grandmother loves him.”

John nodded slightly, before giving her a final kiss and leaving the room. A half an hour later, he was at the airport and seated in his private jet closing his eyes as he prepared himself for the trip.

Over the aircraft speakers he heard the pilot declare destination and travel time, two hours and 45 minutes. The jet lurched into movement and was soon in the air flying high toward Roanian lands. A half dozen fighter jets also flew alongside the jet, ensuring aerial security. It was typical Roanian paranoia over security. Now, two years since he had first entered Roania he had gotten used to it.

3-Home Sweet Home

“Mr. Black?”

John opened his eyes to find the personal flight attendant looking down at him. She had an air of servitude in her voice. Little did John know, the flight attendant and the co-pilot were Shadow Angels; a feared Roanian secret police; sent to keep a close eye upon John.

“Yes, what is it?”

“We are about to be in final approach into Roania International Airport. I’m going to have to ask that you raise your seat to the full and upright position as we do so.”

John nodded and pushed the electronic button and felt the leather chair under him slide backwards and up into position. The attendant cleaned up his wine and returned to the flight kitchen.

John turned his eyes out the window, watching the white clouds pass by. A feeling of joy could be felt as he thought of his wife waiting for him.

Soon enough Malissa, and I’ll have you back in my arms once again.

The intercom pinged dully and the pilot’s voice came on.

Roania International, ten minutes. Please return to your seats and strap yourself in. Please return your seats to the full and upright position. Weather at Roania International is sunny and dry with temperatures at 38 degrees Celsius. Some clouds are present, and a pleasant breeze at fifteen knots. Thank you.

Ten minutes Malissa, and you’ll see me walking out…

The jet bounced twice before completing touchdown and immediately began braking and turning into the gated government terminal, which was bordered by high fences and had two fences to the wall. The space between the two walls was where guard dogs were kept on duty. Any person or creature stupid enough to try and get across this ‘dead zone’ deserved the mauling they would undoubtedly receive. The terminal also had a number of soldiers at their posts, heavily armed.

The plane came to a complete stop in front of the terminal and opened its door. Immediately, a tall stairway was rolled up to the door and locked into place. John gathered the few things he had taken with him and stepped into the harsh afternoon sunlight. He breathed deeply, taking in the hot desert air of Roania. He made his way down the stairs and toward the waiting limousine that had pulled up for him.

The door opened, and out came Malissa who broke into a slight run. Closely following her were four of the Royal Guardsmen. John moved faster to her as well and within moments they had their arms wrapped tightly around each other. Malissa placed a long and hungry kiss upon him, and her eyes shone her delight at his return.

“John…oh I love you. I’m so glad you’re home. I missed you terribly!”

John placed another wondrous kiss with Malissa’s lips, tasting her sweetness and enjoying every bit of it.

“I missed you too, Malissa. Never a day went by without my heart crying out for you.”

Malissa smiled and ran her hands along him, reminding herself of how wonderful he felt in her touch. John’s own hands were doing the same as well.

“Mother says hello. And she wants me to tell our son that she loves him.”

“He’s here with me right now, in the limo. Daniel, come give your father a hug and welcome him home!”

A large man crept out of the limousine and beckoned to the unseen occupant inside. The man was a Derricksman, a guard that was assigned to the heir of Roania, and in this case, Daniel.

“Come Lord Daniel, your mother is calling.”

“Yes suh!” came the child’s voice from inside.

From the interior of the limo came the little feet popping out the door, and soon followed by the rest of his body. His little two-year old body half ran, half stumbled slightly as he approached his father. Of course, in keeping with Roanian protocol, the Derricksman kept close to the child.

“Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!”

“Daniel! Come here big guy!” John lifted the boy up into the air and hugged him tightly, but carefully.

“Tell me Daniel, have you been good for your mother?”

The little boy looked up at him with those big light-blue eyes of his, the same color as John’s. His eyes danced in happiness.

“Yes Daddy, I kep’ Mommy safe. I beat up th’ bad guys an’ tol’ dem No.”

John looked over at Malissa, a laughing look in his eyes. She smiled and laughed in return. Daniel was only telling stories, but it was all in good fun.

“That’s wonderful, my boy! You’re becoming a real man now!”

The boy beamed at his father and mother, his face radiant with pride.

Malissa stepped forward and wrapped her hands about John again. The two kissed passionately once again. Malissa took his free hand in her own, her soft hands lovingly embraced by his stronger but gentle hand.

“Come. We should get back to the palace.”

“That we do.” John replied, allowing Malissa to pull him toward the limo. The three got into it, and settled into place upon the leather chairs. They were accompanied by the random but respective guards for each person. Daniel soon got off and went back to playing with his toys on the floor of the limo. John pulled Malissa closer, wrapping his arms about her, holding her close.

“How was your trip? Did you get what you needed to sort out done?”

“Yes, it is time I buried the past in peace, and focus on the present and the future.”

Malissa, delighted, kissed him and rubbed his stomach and side.

“I’m so glad. Now I don’t have to see that dreadful look in your face every time you are thinking about them.”

Flashes of memories of the innocents’ faces came before John’s eyes, but this time, they didn’t scream at him with their mournful eyes. Rather, they seemed to be thanking him for releasing them. Then, as soon as they had come, they disappeared.

“Yes…I have made my peace.”

“You know you’ll have to go to confession…” Malissa said softly.

Confessions in Roania were quite different than confession given in churches elsewhere in the world. They were strict in procedure, and often, the one confessing would be subjected to incredible exhausting physical means. However, with John being a noble, he would not be subjected as harshly, but harshly nonetheless.

Malissa got up and moved to his lap, turning sideways to face him as she did so. She leaned her head forward to touch with his, their noses brushing slightly. She whispered out of hearing range of their son.

“I missed you so much. Getting sleep at night was very hard for me in a cold bed. I’ve got your entire evening already planned…”

Malissa grinned playfully and brought her lips to his him lustfully. John chuckled in response, wrapping his arms around her as she rested her head alongside his. The two turned their attention back to Daniel, who had begun to make shooting noises as he chased one toy car with another. John smiled. It had only seemed like yesterday that he had first seen Malissa in that very elegant and perfectly form-fitting dress on that first day. And now, they had a son playing at their feet.

Some time later, they arrived at the palace and immediately went inside. Soon, the three royals and their guards arrived in the hallway outside Malissa and John’s bedroom. Several other governmental figures tried to approach Malissa and ask her audience, but she simply stared them down and waved them away. They would not bother her, not when John was finally home…

Daniel walked slowly, his Derricksman by his side watching him carefully. The child and his guard soon were on their way to Lord Daniel’s own room. Once there, Daniel’s eyes looked about the room as if inspecting it. His eyes fell upon the wooden swords sitting on the chest in the corner of his bedroom. He picked it up and turned to the Derricksman. He moved clumsily about as he attempted to poke and slash at the Derricksman.

“I gonna git you!” cried out Daniel.

The guard smiled slightly, and proceeded to instruct the young Lord of the proper method of Roanian sword fighting.

“Lord Daniel, if you used the same tactics you are now, for hunting the dire wolves, you’ll be eaten alive in five seconds. Here, let me show you how to properly fight, Lord Daniel.”

The guard picked up another wooden sword that lay upon the chest. Within minutes he was beginning his lessons for the young Lord.

Back in front of Malissa and John’s bedroom the two kissed. Malissa the closest to the door fumbled her hand behind her back as she found the door handle and swung the door open behind her. The two moved in, their bodies pressing into each other, exchanging the heat between them. John had definitely missed holding Malissa while he was gone.

Continuing their wanting kisses, John’s hands moved to slide Malissa’s dress upwards, exposing her body to him. The dress slid off softly and was discarded upon the floor. Malissa pushed herself into John and began to remove his own clothing. With a strong yet gentle grip, John picked her up and laid her gently upon the bed. His kisses were received fully as Malissa ran her hands along John muscular body. How she loved him, loved his mind, loved his heart. He was the only one for her; no one could replace him by any degree.

Some time later the two lay next to each other, resting. Malissa slept in John’s embrace with a slight smile upon her face. John caressed her hair and face as he lay there staring up at the ceiling in silence. Nothing crossed his mind for he was content to just sit there and gaze. Malissa stirred, causing John to look down at her momentarily. She was so beautiful, even after all these years of living in the strict Roanian society. It didn’t look like the years had even taken any toll on her, but had passed her graciously, allowing her to keep her innocent appearance. He sighed slightly, making sure to not wake her as he drifted off to sleep, slipping into the quiet darkness of his mind.

4- Purification

John sat on the edge of the bed, quietly putting his shoes on. He had taken a shower and had dressed already.

Today, he would go to confession. Today, he would resolve the torment of his deeds once and for all. No longer would he suffer at the memories. John reached down and pulled on the second shoe quickly tying it and adjusting his pants over the top of them.
A stirring sounded from behind him and a moment later her hand slipped over his shoulder and across his chest. Her head rested upon his shoulder.

“Where are you going John, so early in the morning?” she whispered, still half asleep.

“I’m going to New Agua. I’m going to see Leopold the Inquisitor for my confession.”

“Leopold? Why not talk to someone closer to here, like the Royal Chaplain?”

“The Royal Chaplain will only give me a slap on the wrist and have me say a few prayers. Then he’ll tell me to put money into the church. That’s all he’ll dare have me do, especially since I’m a noble, and your husband nonetheless. You know that very well. I need to set myself through a penance that forces me to put my heart and soul into this confession. It is the only way I can be sure that I have fairly paid my price for absolution.”

“I hope you know that Leopold will not let it be easy for you. However, if this is what you have to do, then so be it. I cannot stand in your way.”

Malissa’s hand turned his face toward hers. Her eyes shifted between his eyes, as she silently told him of her love for him. John’s own face held a remorseful look to them, yet he was also determined. Malissa whispered to him, kissing him when she was finished.

“I wish you the best strength in your penance. Remember my love for you John.”

“Forgetting is not an option. Failure is not an option.”

A double knock sounded on the door. John knew who it was. It was the twelve-man security detail, consisting of Roanian Legionnaires, whom would accompany him for his trip to Agua, the headquarters of the Inquisition, and where Leopold would be.

Malissa kissed him again, caressing his cheek as she did so. John closed his eyes, breathing her in, collecting himself for his trip. Slowly he pulled away, his hand holding hers until his increasingly farther steps finally released their fingers. He opened the door, and faced the twelve men standing at attention.

“Ah, good. Let’s not waste any time eh?” John said somewhat cheerfully. The legionnaires did not respond beyond a simple, “Yes sir!” They fell into their predestined positions around John as they walked out of the palace and to the limousine. A short while later they arrived in the same airport John had landed into the day before. This time however, they were taking a smaller jet, but would still comfortably fit John and his escorts. The flight to New Agua would only take a half hour, a quick hop to the southwestern coast
.
Once in New Agua, the entourage moved quickly to the Inquisition headquarters. Even from the airport, the tallest portions of the Holy Roanian Inquisition headquarters could be seen peeking over the rooftops from the center of the city. The limousine pulled up into the parking garage and the entourage continued its movement deeper into the Inquisition compound. Following the signs on the wall, they soon found themselves in an elevator, headed to the top of the building, where Leopold’s office was located.

The elevator doors slid open silently as the group found their selves facing outward to a hallway that led to double doors at the far end. Along the way, there were several other doors leading to unknown rooms. They knew where to go, the leader of the Inquisitors would have gotten the only room with double doors. Their footsteps echoed slightly as the sounds bounced off the walls. They arrived at the office, where John knocked loudly upon the door. At first, nothing was heard. A voice called out over the intercom on the wall, “Enter.” An electronic buzzing noise could be heard as the door unlocked itself.

John grasped the handle and swung it inward to reveal a large office, with elegant designs and trophies of skulls and other artifacts of past hunts, ranging from the heads of vampires to the strangest creatures John had never seen before. He looked about eyeing the many articles of success. He turned his eyes to the desk that sat straight ahead. In the chair behind the desk sat a man, wizened from age, but not old in appearance, just…experienced.

The man looked up, and immediately stood as he recognized the visitor. He bowed respectfully before casting his eyes back to the visitor.

“Prince John, what brings you to my office?”

John waved away the security detail, to which they immediately left the office the way they had come, and went to stand outside, closing the door behind them. The doors were soundproof; they would hear nothing said inside the office.

“Leopold, I’ve come here to cleanse myself of my sins, sins I have harbored for some time now. I cannot hold them in any more, and have decided that confession is absolutely necessary.”

Leopold nodded, beckoning for him to continue with a slight wave of his hand offering a seat to John. John accepted and seated himself as Leopold leaned backwards across his desk slightly and kept his attention on John as he continued to confess.

“Some time ago, I was in the hunt for a vampire back in Tarlachia. Maximus Destroi is his name. A nasty creature he is, one that has killed many. Anyway, during a hunt to exterminate vampires, and in particular Maximus, In time, I was led to believe that one family in particular was deeply tied into vampiric relations, offering support and the likes…”

John began to break down in tears as he came to the next part.

“I…I killed them all… three men, one woman, a boy and a young girl. I found out afterwards that this family had been completely innocent and honest with me when I had demanded answers from them…”

With that, John put his hands to hold his face shamefully as he cried tears of woe, though still remained relatively silent as he did so. In front of him, Leopold began to pace thoughtfully, back and forth over the rug that had apparently seen plenty of this type of foot traffic.

“Prince John, considering how truthful you have been, and by the powers of retribution that the Lord Almighty himself has invested upon me, I tell you to go to the tallest mountain in the Derricks region, upon which you will find a monastery at the summit. Once there, you will be taken care of…However, considering the area, you will need to take at least twelve men and your own assault rifle for you to use, as the wildlife there will be dangerous, even deadly to you and the men.”

John wiped the tears from his face as he looked up at Leopold, a sense of relief upon his face from finally releasing the dark secrets of his younger life. He stood, and shook Leopold’s hand gratefully as he spoke:

“Thank you…you don’t know how much this means to me, to finally let this go…your commands for penance are good and justified, and I will bear them willingly.”

“Good luck Prince John.” The head Inquisitor replied, a rare thing he ever said to anyone. Then the man spoke again:

“Prince John, wait, why don’t you allow me the honor of buying you a drink? Embark on your journey tomorrow at dawn, but tonight, let’s toast your confession, no?”

John smiled as he continued to shake Leopold’s hand.

“That would be great. Oh…please, call me John.”

“Wonderful.” Leopold says as he looked at his clock, “Looks like we can catch happy hour. Let me finish something up here, then let’s go have ourselves a drink.”

“Sure thing.” John replied as he left the office. He didn’t see behind him as Leopold went to a corner of the room where a vase sat and picked it up. Underneath it was a microphone. He tapped it twice, before replacing the vase exactly as he had found it. Moments later, his cell phone rang silently, to which he pulled it out and muttered into it.

“Did you get all of it?” he asked, before replying after a few more seconds, “Good. Make sure all the Inquisitors hear it.”

Leopold joined John and soon the two were on the way down the elevator, crammed in with the agents with them.

“So tell me John, how is Princess Malissa?” Leopold asked, making small talk as they waited for the elevator to reach the bottom floor.

John smiled at this as he warmly thought of his wife waiting for his return.

“She’s doing wonderful now. She is a wonderful woman, so full of life and love. I could not ask for anyone else. And I can tell that even years down the road, our love for each other will be the same, if not stronger than when we had met two years ago.”

Leopold chuckled. “And little Prince Daniel?”

“Absolutely a wonderful son. He’s got that charm of children, that innocence that they have. I’m talking about him having the innocence of being oblivious to the realities of the world, the cold harshness of it.”

Leopold nodded thoughtfully, “Yes, I know of what you’re talking about.”

The elevator door slid open, announcing their arrival on the first floor. At once, the agents exited and led the way down a hallway to a side door. John and Leopold found themselves entering what appeared to be a large garage, filled with a variety of vehicles; ranging from limousines to vehicles obviously meant to hunt down larger creatures of the Earth. Leopold caught John admiring one in particular and led him over closer to it.

“This one here is one of my favorites. It’s meant to contain a good number of vampires and other creatures of strength. Inside the ‘cockpit’ is a lever that is used to snatch these creatures up and deposit them into a controlled entrance at the top of the vehicle. It drops them in, keeps them from escaping until a panel slides over and seals them in. Once that is done, the bottom simply drops out and it dumps the creature into the holding cells of the vehicle. These cells have been extremely reinforced, and have been blessed and sealed from any attempts to set them free, which means, once they’re caught, they’re never heard from again, for we bring them here, and lead them into the subterranean complex below ground, where we…interrogate them…”

John whistled slightly, obviously impressed at the vehicle. Leopold led him toward another vehicle, a limousine this time and got inside, soon followed by John and their agents. Leopold called out to the driver:

“The Sapphire Restaurant and Bar, Tom.”

“Yes sir.” The driver replied, as he pulled out of the garage and out onto the streets. Several minutes later, their ever-loyal posse of agents out once again followed the two men as they entered the Sapphire Restaurant and Bar.

The two made their way to a table in the back corner, and the agents took their own seats at adjoining tables. The waitress came, took their orders for their drinks, and was back within two minutes with their drinks. She then moved on to agents to take their orders for drinks. They merely shook their heads negatively, and asked for water instead. Such was the decree of the agents while on duty. No alcoholic beverages at any time. Violators were taken away, never heard from again.

An hour later, John and Leopold left the restaurant, with Leopold taking up the tab for himself and John. The agents on the other hand had to pay out of their own pockets. Back in the hotel where John would be staying for the night, Leopold wished him a good night, then departed into the night. John faced his men once again, but said nothing before turning and leading the way up the elevator and to his room. The agents took up their pre-designated positions about the room, but still allowing John plenty of room to maneuver about as he got himself ready for the night. Out of courtesy for the men, he got changed in the bathroom, and then made his way immediately to the bed where he promptly fell upon it and fell asleep. An agent turned off the lights, submerging the entire room in darkness. However, they had night vision goggles that they put on, thus allowing them to secure the room even more.

5- Penance Isn’t Always Easy

John awoke early the next morning and yawned as he stretched. He looked about the room to see half of the agents asleep, and the other half wide awake and still as sentinels.

So lovely to feel like the world’s most important man… he thought to himself sarcastically.

“Morning boys.” he said to them as he got out of bed and got himself ready. Once finished, they entourage left the room and was quickly on their way in the limousine out to the borders of the city. There, a Hummer sat, under guard by several soldiers. In the back were a number of heavy-duty weapons, as well as a number of tranquilizer weapons. John got into the Hummer, as well as the others with him. Moments later, the vehicle was traveling quickly northward to the Derricks region, where the monastery would be.

Several hours of driving through the already hot and barren desert, finally ended, at the base of one mountain. This mountain reached far up into the sky, a pinnacle of Mother Earth, defiantly piercing the blue sky and disappearing into the clouds that formed from the rising hot desert air colliding with the falling cool mountain air. John looked up, surprised at the height of the mountain. This was going to be a tough climb for him, he knew, as he could not find a trail.

John turned back to the agents behind him, who were holding the gear and weapons. He knelt down to switch his shoes to mountain climbing boots, taking a few steps to make sure they fit correctly and snugly. He was handed a tranquilizer gun, to which he looked at the agents with some curiosity.
“This is the Derricks Region, sir. Dangerous creatures roam this place, including the Firebirds. However, by law, none of us may shoot to kill these birds. Thus, we have these tranq rifles, and the catch net which will be accompanying the helicopter that will be keep guard over you.”

Just then, the beating of the rotors of the helicopter became audible from a distance as it flew its way to the small group of men at the base of the mountain. It threw up clouds of sand and dirt into the sky, forcing all the men to look away until the rotors slowed once again. Out stepped its pilot, a burly blonde soldier who approached John with a cocky style. Upon being front and center to John, he saluted, to which John saluted back.

“Mornin’ sir. Lieutenant Jerald Hanhill reporting for duty.”

“At ease, Lieutenant,” John said, to which the man instantly did, “I’ve got my own mission up this mountain here. Seems that you’re here to help, should I run into any trouble with the wildlife.”

“Yes sir.” the soldier replied.

“Good. Well, let’s get this thing on the road.” John commanded in a louder tone, addressing all the men gathered around him.

Hanhill returned to his chopper, and John turned to the mountain, taking a deep breath, before walking to the base and beginning to climb.

Several of the agents looked at each other with a confused look. Surely John knew of an easier way to summit? Alas, as duty required, they began to climb as well.

John’s fingers gripped the hot rocks with sure strength, ascending and pulling himself up steadily. Time passed as his fingers searched higher for secure holds. Before he knew it, several hours had passed. John stopped his ascent on top of a slight overhang, keeping his grip tight upon the rocks. He turned to look outwards, surprising himself at the raw beauty of the barren desert that lay before him. Far in the distance, the faintest sign of human civilization shimmered in the rising thermals of the unforgiving desert. John was covered in his sweat, completely drenched, his muscles sore from the climb.

The overhang was large enough to hold several men, and was soon filled up by the remainder of the agents who had trailed John up the rock wall. Some were panting with exhaustion, but their eyes were still strong, still showing determination. John pulled out his canteen, drinking hungrily but carefully at the sweet cool water inside. The agents were doing the same, and a few were using some of the water to pour over their heads.

“How far have we gone so far? Anyone know?” John asked, as he continued his gaze upon the terrain far below them now.

“About three point six thousand feet up sir.” one of the men reported as he checked his altimeter.

The helicopter rose above the level of the overhang, the pilot looking down at John and his men. A loudspeaker suddenly blared as he pilot began to talk.

“You’ve got another couple thousand feet to go. You ok sir?”

A couple thousand more feet??!!

John was about to reply when all of a sudden, a loud horrible screeching noise came from above. John looked up to see a large firebird nose-diving straight for the men on the overhang.

“Shit! Look out!” he cried as he swung his rifle about and shot blindly upwards at the same time as he pressed tightly against the rock wall behind him. The bird’s screeching stopped momentarily, then increased as its rage filled its voice. However, John had not missed, and suddenly, the tranquilizer began to take its effect. The large bird plummeted past John and the others, losing its control over its flight. The helicopter dove below, giving chase to the creature. Moments later a net ejected and safely caught the stupefied bird. With a triumphant grin, the pilot moved upwards once again, past John and the others as he headed toward the nearest nest, from which the bird had come. He deposited its cargo securely into the nest, watching as its body collapsed unconsciously into the crudely made nest.

John turned back to the others after this and spoke,

“We better get back to climbing…”

The agents nodded their agreement and followed John as he slung his gun about again and began climbing upwards once more. Higher and higher they went, occasionally haunted by a solitary firebird, to which the agents took care of, each safely caught and returned by Hanhill.

During this stretch of the climb, John and the agents found themselves having to deal with looser rocks, and rocks that jutted out sharply. His hand grasped onto a single cranny, only to suddenly be released under his weight. John yelled as he dangled precariously off the rock wall on a single hand. An agent reached upward and steadied John’s leg against the wall, eventually allowing him to gain his control once again.

Too close…John thought to himself as he steadied himself and tried to slow his racing heart. Despite the hot air of the desert that still swirled about them, John shivered from his fear of having almost died.

Malissa would have been heartbroken…and Leopold would have taken the blame…

The sun was already well into the afternoon hours as John and his men finally reached the summit of the mountain. Hoisting themselves over the top, they slumped to the ground, and turned to look out once again. The view was spectacular, miles upon miles of desert landscape stretching in any direction they looked. John sighed, rubbing his aching muscles and inspecting his cut and ragged hands. A steady cool breeze from the mountains rushed past them, heading on its collision course into the hot desert air.

John sighed, as he finished off the water in his canteen, pouring the last bit upon his head. He closed his eyes as he felt the refreshingly cool water run down his body.

“Welcome to the Sanctuary.”

John nearly leapt out of his skin when he heard the voice. He whirled about, coming face to face with a monk that was kneeling down to him. The monk smiled in response.

“I assume you’re here for penance?”

John let out a relieving sigh as he nodded and replied, “Yes. Yes, I’m here for that.”

“Good. Follow me.”

John scrambled to his feet, casting a raised eyebrow to his men as he followed the monk into the trees.

That’s odd…trees upon a barren mountain…

Shortly thereafter, the men were led into a monastery built of stone and mortar. As they walked past, a number of monks came out of hidden rooms, smiling slightly as the visitors walked by. The guide motioned for the agents to remain outside, as he led John into a large room, in which a basin stood in the center. John peered into the basin, noting the water that stood within.

“Here, you shall be cleaned of your sins. After that, you may take rest until you are ready to leave.”

“Thank you.” John replied, watching as the monk stood to the side of the room, beside a dozen other monks who stood attentively. A few moments later, another monk wearing a slightly different robe, one that signified his rank, walked into the room. He closed the heavy doors behind him.

“Welcome to the Sanctuary. Which of you is here for the Cleansing?”

John replied, “I am. Just me.”

The monk beckoned for him to approach the basin. John did so.

“By the grace of God instilled in me, I resolve you, John Marshall-Black of your sins, never to be cast judgment by Him, for you are forgiven!” the monk spoke with an air of authority, and a strong hint of reverence for God. He pulled John’s head down over the basin, cupped the holy water with both hands and doused it upon John’s head, reciting the same thing in Latin. Finally, he released John, who stood before the monk.

“Go and take your rest. You are forgiven John.”

John looked at him curiously, “How is it you know who I am?”

The monk chuckled, “You are known to just about every Roanian. Surely you didn’t think that being the husband of the Empress would keep you in the shadows?”

“Of course not.” John replied, a little embarrassed, turning to exit the room, only to be led by the guide once more to the sleeping quarters. There, John lay down upon a bed, quickly falling asleep. Several of the agents collapsed onto other beds offered and were soon asleep as well. A few of the agents remained awake and stood guard over John as he slept soundly.

Two hours later, John awoke again, feeling rested, but sore all over. He groaned slightly as he stretched his muscles and stood once again. A monk promptly arrived, upon hearing the men moving about once again from somewhere nearby.

“Do you feel better now?” he asked.

“Yes, thank you. Much better.”

“Good. Right this way then, sir.”

John followed the monk back out of the room and toward the courtyard. There, a number of monks stood in a large half circle. The lead monk stepped forward with a smile.

“You are ready to go now yes?” he asked, receiving a nod in reply, “well, the entrance is over there, beyond the garden. It will take you straight down the path to the base of the mountain.

John looked at him in disbelief.

“You have got to be kidding me…” he said, as he looked back to the agents. They merely shrugged at him.

The monk affirmed that his words were true. “Yes, there’s a trail. However, I find it quite admirable that you have taken a journey that required much dedication and faith in God to complete. God is pleased, I’m sure.”

John merely let his jaw drop slightly. He turned back to the agents, “Who knew there was a trail?”

Three of the agents stepped forward.

“And you didn’t tell me??!!” John demanded.

“Sir, we were told that you wished to accomplish your mission the hard way up the mountain.” one of the agents offered.

John glared at the man, and then surprisingly broke out into a smile.

“You are correct. Those of you who were honest enough to admit this, I want your names. I shall put in a good word for you, to the best of my power. Now, let’s go home.”

“Yes sir!” all the agents chanted in unison, as they all began to walk back down the mountain, this time, down the trail. Soon enough, they were out of sight and earshot of the monastery.

Back at the monastery, all the monks suddenly burst out laughing, some even laughing so hard that tears came to their eyes. Yet, despite the loud laughter, they were unheard by John and his agents. Not that it would have mattered…for the most part. They knew that he had felt rather stupid for not searching for the trail first off.

“Fool! All this to prove to himself!” chuckled one of the monks as a second round of laughter went about the group.

“All right! Enough! Back to your chores for the glory of God!” commanded the lead monk. He walked back toward one of the buildings and disappeared into a room. The remainder of the monks silenced themselves and went back to their assigned chores without a moment’s hesitation.

John wearily got into the Hummer sitting silently at the base of the mountain, and moments later; the entire group was back on their way to the palace. They would drive straight there, and not stop until they arrived. The chopper that had accompanied them up the mountain, had long since returned to base, it’s pilot now most likely sitting at home and enjoying a good meal.

John sighed quietly to himself, as he thought over the day’s events. It had been difficult, and both physically and mentally exhausting to complete the penance, but in the end, he felt good about it. He closed his eyes and drifted slowly to sleep, lulled by the rumble of the Hummer, but not before thinking to himself:

Finally, I can rest their memories in complete peace…

6 – Peace At Long Last…

Malissa rolled over, resting her arm across John’s chest, while tracing her finger along his muscles. She looked up at him, her eyes searching his own, silently begging him to reveal his thoughts. John had been quiet for most of the day. She had figured that he was simply trying to gain his strength back once again, but she knew him better than that. John usually got into this state when he was deeply contemplating something, which in itself could last for several days. However, this time, he was slightly different. And it made all the difference. He was at peace…

“John, dear…do you want to talk about it?” she asked him softly.

John looked down at Malissa, and smiled slightly as he wrapped her arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. He spoke with a calm tone, low, yet audible. As he spoke, his eyes turned back to the ceiling, but gazing past them. He had that thousand yard stare in his eyes once again, one that meant he was silently contemplating something of significance to himself.

“I’m just releasing the victims to heaven from the clutches of my mind. It feels so wonderful to have God’s grace and forgiveness. An eternal peace is how I can barely describe it…”

Malissa replied with a smile, “That’s wonderful, John. I’m glad you’re happy again. It was terrible to see you so plagued by their memories…”

He felt his eyes grow misty, clouding his view, distorting reality’s perception. A tear rolled softly down his cheek as he closed his eyes. He felt Malissa’s hand gently brush the tear away, then lean upwards and kissed him. Malissa sat up and gently rolled John over, to which he complied without complaint. She straddled upon his buttocks as her hands worked the strong muscles that were still sore from the previous day’s exertion. Her hands were soft, yet firm in their pressure, gently working his muscles as she sang softly to John a song she knew he loved to hear, especially from her. John’s soft moans of pleasure as she worked his back lovingly could be heard.

“Wonderful…thank…you…”

Malissa leaned forward, resting her torso upon his backside, her breasts noticeably felt as she whispered into his ear:

“Always, my love…and John?”

“Yes?” he whispered back to her, turning his head sideways to look at her from the side of his eyes.

“I want more kids…” she whispered once again, wrapping her arms underneath his torso and holding onto him gently.

“Are you sure?” he asked her carefully, wanting to confirm what he had just heard.

“Yes…after all, I don’t want Daniel growing up by himself. He needs others his own age. He needs to know what it is like to be a child. I don’t want him growing up too quickly, to lose his innocence.”

John smiled and nodded slightly. He understood her concerns, and it was obvious that she had been thinking about it for some time now. Malissa slid off him, facing him as he moved in closer to her, each kiss becoming more passionate than the last. In under a minute they had stripped off the remainder of their clothing and soon settled into the loving embrace of each other.

“I love you, Malissa.” John said softly as he kissed her some more. Malissa merely responded with a stronger kiss, their tongues exploring each other as their hands moved deftly about each other.

Several hours later, the two lovers lay together in bed, exhausted but satisfied. Malissa had drifted off to sleep in his embrace, her shallow breathing barely felt upon his skin as she slept. John turned his gaze down to her, smiling slightly as he saw her content look upon her face. With a sigh, he closed his eyes and allowed his thoughts to overtake him again.

My life is redeemed. My sins are forgiven. Time will only tell if God blesses us with more children to grow up in His name…

His thoughts drifted back to Malissa’s coronation, an event that surprised many in the empire. History had been rewritten that day, and the empire had taken a turn for the brighter path of Life. It was a path that gave soft waves of harmony; of peace and unity between all inhabitants. How long this would last, John did not know, but he knew he would treasure the rest of his life with Malissa, and their children, should more come after Daniel.

John hoped that this would occur. With that, he closed his eyes and drifted to sleep himself, but not before placing a final kiss upon Malissa’s forehead, confirming his promise made to her at their wedding: To love and to hold, in sickness or in health, till death do us part…

7 – Larger Than Life

(Several weeks later)

A shriek suddenly pierced the quiet room. John bolted upwards from his sleep upon hearing his wife’s scream. He began to quickly scramble out of bed, but stopped when Malissa came running into the bedroom from the bathroom. She leapt onto the bed knocking John back down and giving him a big kiss.

Between kisses, John managed to ask with a still sleepy look upon his face,

“What? What is is?”

“I’m pregnant!” Malissa nearly shrieked again with joy, peppering John with plentiful kisses once again.

“Really?! That’s great!” John laughed as he returned her kisses, a tremendous sense of pride and joy rising quickly within his heart. He was now fully awake, and who wouldn’t expect him to be otherwise?

I’m a father to another child! he thought excitedly to himself.

“This is absolutely wonderful!”

“Yes it is! Yes it is!!” Malissa replied, smiling greatly. She gave him yet another kiss.

“Well, what should we name the child?” John asked as he held her close.

Malissa drew back and looked him in the eyes. She smiled as she replied, “I’ve already thought about that. If it’s a boy, his name is Damien. And if it’s a girl, her name will be Rachel. And there’s no discussion about it, John.” She looked at him, slightly daring him to oppose.

“Excellent names, Malissa, you always knew how to satisfy us both when it came to names for our children.”

“Of course, why wouldn’t I?” she replied with a giggle.

John rolled Malissa over onto the bed, pressing himself into her as he kissed her passionately. He trailed his kisses downward until he reached her stomach, where he stopped and whispered,

“Welcome to Life, my child…”

Malissa laughed and pulled him back up, “Don’t be so silly, John…”

John smiled as he looked her in the eyes, an arm slipping underneath her backside, “Hey…I’m hurt…” he replied, feigning a hurt look upon his face, before breaking out into laughter once again.

Several more weeks later…

“Empress Malissa, I’d like to first congratulate you and John. You’re not going to have a single child, but twins!” the royal doctor reported. He handed them the copies of the sonograms.

Malissa was in tears of joy as she hugged John, before turning her face back to the doctor. She had already found out the good news, but John had arrived late, having to have to rush from a farther location to her. “Do you know what gender they both are?”

“That I do, your Highness. You’ll have a boy and a girl. And I’m sure they’re going to grow up quite good looking, considering the parents…”

Malissa smiled warmly, “Thank you, that was very kind of you.”

“Nothing but the best, your Highness.” The doctor replied with a smile. John shook the doctor’s hand and looked back at Malissa once again. He glanced his eyes downward at her abdomen, and rubbed his hand lightly across her growing stomach. Malissa smiled and held his hand there as she whispered, “Say hello to Damien and Rachel, dear.”

“Hello Damien and Rachel, God bless your growth…” he replied with a loving smile as he kept his eyes locked with hers.

“Amen.” replied the doctor as he handed John the papers for their records, as well as the sonograms. The doctor bowed to Malissa, before holding the door open for them to the waiting room, where Royal Guardsmen stood at attention. They returned to the palace in the limousine that had brought them to the doctor’s office. Once there, they got out and walked hand in hand into the palace, both beaming radiantly with pride as several government officials rushed forward and were told the news. Merkenoff appeared off to the side, to which John smiled greatly and called out to him, “Two, a boy and a girl!” Merkenoff smiled in return keeping his place as he congratulated the couple, watching as they made their way into the private sector of the palace.

Simon appeared just as they were leaving the foyer and asked Merkenoff, “What is it?”

Merkenoff replied quietly, “They’ve got twins. A boy and a girl…” He heard Simon let out a slight gasp, before replying, “God bless them and their children…”

“Indeed…indeed, Simon.”