The King's Advisor

The nymph of Beron

Algus Rommer is back in his homeland, Beron, after years of being sold to the Berserker house. The young boy approaches the gates, riding on his painted horse as if only a few years ago, he never had been deterred from his home and his position under the cruel command of his father, King Charles Rommer III.

“Algus, make sure to give the best impression to your adversaries of Beron,” Korban exclaimed. He and Algus had grown up as brothers in the lands of Almira, the home of the berserkers, the fiercest warriors of the 12 kingdoms of Argon.

“By adversaries, you mean my blood brothers, Korban...” Algus added, while his mind got immersed in Beron’s great market, reminded of how large, rich, and powerful his father’s lands are. His vague memories returned momentarily, and homesickness made him feel welcome again.

Now that his father has passed away, his older brother, Judas Rommer, has inherited the throne, the same one that permitted Algus to return to his homeland. Besides the non-consanguineous siblings, he earned in Almira, Algus has three biological siblings by father and only one sister by mother. Plus, one or two other bastards he is not informed. Upon entering the king’s hall, his brother, Judas, greeted him with pleasant familiarity. It was almost as if it had not been six years since the last time.

“My goodness, just look at you,” he said, “you’re a man ready to be engaged,” he embraced him and shook his hand.

Algus, full of confusion and with no idea how to reciprocate his affections, just nodded his head with a welcoming smile. However, not a single word escaped his lips.

“My goodness, you must be quite timid. You don’t say a word after such a long time,” Judas retorted, accompanied by a couple of laughs.

“Algus is many things but not bashful at all, your majesty.” added Korban _ “perhaps he has forgotten how to speak Berones.”

“But how would that be possible? Beron is his motherland!” Judas cried in slight annoyance.

“Yes, a mother who abandons,” Korban claimed to him firmly.

The tension and displeasure grew in the eyes of both of them. Then, at that moment, Algus felt it necessary to speak out, _ “Your majesty, ignore him; in our house, Korban is known for his obnoxious sense of humor.”

“Well, this is your house now.” Judas said.

Algus went to the courtyard and saw some small creatures hiding in the bushes. They were dancing and singing strange hypnotic lyrics. Algus, without hesitating, followed them through the dense flora of the abandoned garden. He walked so far that when he looked back, he had lost his way back.

“What...” he stammered. _ “By the nine circles of hell!”

Then, he felt profound embarrassment when he realized he had lost his way in his own home. However, the fascinating apparition of a celestial body dazzled him completely, falling under the spell of its enchantment.

“A Nymph,” he thought.

But as he approached so precipitously, his footsteps made a bustling sound as the branches of the trees broke. The beautiful creature turned and caught him red-handed.

“I won’t hurt you!” Algus exaltedly exclaimed.

Then, what appeared to be a nymph lay naked, submerged in the waters of the magic lake, and replied, _ “Even if you had the intention, it would be much harder than you think!”

When Algus heard him speak, he knew the boy was not a nymph.

“Magical creatures do not know human languages.”

“There is one or another creature that has learned to speak, my lord; I have seen it.” The stranger retorted.

“So, are you a Nymph that can speak human languages?” Asked the little prince.

“No, I am, but a slave, my lord.”

Algus was skeptical at the news that such beauty belonged to a mere slave. Then he said to him, _ “Who made you a slave?”

“I don’t know, my lord, but one day they put chains on my wrists and feet, and since then, I have never been free.”

Then under much outrage, he said to him, _ “If I were to rule these lands, I would never put chains on you. On no person or creature that crawls over my lands.”

The beautiful human creature smiled and said, _ “That is why it will never be. Noble hearts always perish first.”

Then, he approached the ear of the naive prince of Beron, adopted by Almira, and murmured, _ “But I will pray to the gods for you, my lord.” The young prince’s heart had discovered a new sensation before the haunting gaze of a slave.

As night fell, Algus struggled to get over the chaotic encounter with that beautiful young man about his age with gray hair and honey-golden eyes. For moments his mind transported him back to that moment when that boy’s face was close to his, enough to feel his breath on his cheek. Each time the thought invaded his mind, some anguish and guilt accompanied the memory. An unsettling feeling stole his sleep, so he decided to go out into the courtyard.

Near the fountain was the balcony of the room where his brother Judas was sleeping. And in an untimely glance, he noticed the gray-haired young man coming out of his brother’s quarters. The expression on Algus’ face betrayed all his thoughts, and the insensitivity of surprise prevented him from moving or pretending that he did not see him. Instead, the young man crouched down, looking Algus straight in the eye with a ruthless smile. Algus felt naked before his gaze again, and as soon as he sensed his brother Judas approaching, he hid behind the fountain. Holding his hand to his chest, Algus felt like a witness to a terrible sin. But at the same time, he believed that his mind and soul had also sinned grievously.

Thank you for starting this fantasy adventure with me.

Sincerely Smiley Mars