Someone Else's Kingdom, BOOK II - Scene LXXI

Bedrizzled, bearded and shoddy, the King of Tunid finally made fall upon the Brynnyfirdian coast. His ship, the Merbird, looking remarkably pristine and beautiful given the severe journey it had made. Its heavy linen sail a stunning white totem upon the light breeze as it settled to dock. As he left the ship and stepped foot on land few recognised him as royalty. By sight alone he could have been just another fisherman or sailor returning to shore. Even as he announced himself and requested conference the people remained unsure if it was even he. They ushered him on towards Colm and the other island elders, in a state of casual doubt. The muddy path towards the centre of Eldersway fittingly un-kingly. Adding to the lack of confidence.

Colm headed down to meet the possible king, and as he spied the small coterie of foreign men from afar, he himself did sense something of a regal air. Though his internal thoughts could divine no particular reason for this. It was more just a gut sense, based on subtle cues. Then, as the two groups came closer, all doubt was cast.

"Father!"

Even through the autumn beard, and eons of time, Estorie instantly recognised his father's face. He gripped him firmly by the hand as he moved in closer, forgetting all formality - though on the rainy island little was expected anyway. It took a second longer for the king to return the favour, his now-tall son grown beyond all memory. Still, the eyes and features within the wider frame were unmistakeable. The young prince, his flesh and blood, still so true to his mother's beauty, even in the flush of adulthood. To Estorie it brought recall of when his uncle, Prince Reach, had arrived on the island many months earlier. This element of slight strangeness making him briefly doubt his joy. He looked out to the sea's edge, to his father's bright ship, as if double-checking that the scene was real.

"The sea was like a dragon," noted the King of Tunid, his haggard temples and reddened cheeks giving truth to the utterance, "Only the gods have stopped it from swallowing me."

"How is my uncle doing?"

"He's off fighting in the eastern seas - hopefully with success."

Colm clocked the greying clouds that were dragging across the sky as he listened to the two Tunidan royals. Anticipating heavier rain he welcomed the king warmly and insisted that they head inside. The King of Tunid grateful for the hospitality, but much more eager to speak, and not just with his son. He too perceiving the damp clouds with a sense of foreboding. His desire to bridge the situation quickening. The crowd of men headed onwards to the grand hall. Where warmth, drink and conversation awaited. As they hurried along some of the Brynnyfirdian men were already eager with their own questions.

Simultaneously, not too far away, Essen had arrived back on the island too. The very eyes of the earth seemed to be looking in its direction.