Words Left Unspoken (part of my 'Unfinished Work')
I wonder if she’s missed me. Hearing the sound of his footsteps on the marble walkway as he neared her, Allyn looked up from her book and smiled. She cast down her book, ran over to where he stood, and threw her arms around him.
“You’re home!” she said softly.
All at once Réo’s heart was filled with both joy and sorrow. He held her with one arm, keeping her at a distance instead of drawing her close as he wanted to.
“For a time, at least.” He said almost regretting the words as he spoke them.
The grief inside him grew larger and larger, suffocating all other emotions, until it finally came to rest underneath his eyes. He withdrew from her and hid his anguish. Turning his back to her, he walked over to the fountain that she had been sitting at and picked up the book.
“What this?” He said, holding it up for her to see.
“Just a book.”
Réo opened it and skimmed through its pages.
“This isn’t just a book. It’s a historic text, concerning the lineage of Solaria.” His eyes shifted to her. “Why would you want to know about that?”
“It intrigues me.”
“But the Solaria were our enemies. It was your father that overthrew their king.”
“I have come to believe that every society has something to offer in wisdom and knowledge. Some kingdoms are skilled in the craft of war and have mighty armies and strong fortresses. Others dedicate their lives to the arts, writing epic poetry and composing magnificent ballads. Just think of what could be gained by studying the kingdoms that preceded our own.”
The smallest of smiles appeared in the corner of his mouth. If only others thought as she does. He sighed in remorse. But they don’t.
“The Solarians have nothing to offer us. If they did, they would be dead.”
“Not all of them are dead.” She said taking the book from him. She studied it in her hands. “Did you know that the Solarian kings had three names? They received two at birth: one to serve as their common name and to hide them through adolescence and the other, the name of nobility, proving their right to the thrown. Solarians believed that the noble names were sacred and that if a king’s name was discovered by someone other than a member of the royal family, his rein would be cursed. Many men died protecting not only their king, but his name.”
What a waste! Réo looked up and saw that she was watching him. He quickly asked, “And what was the third?”
“The name of their lordship. Once a prince reached the proper age he would be revealed to his people and at his coronation he would receive a new name, one that he would keep and rule with for the rest of his life.”
“What about the princesses?”
Allyn grinned, seemingly pleased that he had asked. “They only received two: a name of nobility and a name of youth, but their common names were often more eloquent than the princes’.”
“So you mean to tell me that you’ve learned something to benefit our kingdoms by studying some old names?”
“Yes, I believe I have. Just as you have learned by choosing to spend your days in the countryside with only the ruins Lorren and a few peasant farmers to keep you company, even though you have a family who cares for you more you could ever know right here.” She turned her back to him to show her disapproval.
This is exactly why I didn’t want to come see you. He sighed. I don’t want you to suffer anymore because of me.
“I’m sorry I can’t be the kid you remember growing up with.” He said with a tear in his eye.
“So am I.” Allyn said under her breathe.
Réo turned and began to walk away.
“Ránnos has asked me to marry him.”
Her words were like a knife piercing his heart.
“And what did you say?” He asked softly and as calmly as he could manage.
“I told him I needed time to think about it.”
“I see.” He turned toward her and their eyes met for the first time during their conversation. “What does Leon think?”
“He said that Ránnos is an honorable man and that we are very fortunate that he was inducted into the High Council. He hopes that one day Ránnos might restore the council to its former glory, during the days of Jerak.”
Why did you have to mention that name? Even after all these years I still can bear to hear it.
“Réo? You know him better than anyone else. Should I do it?”
He took the deepest breathe he could ever remember taking. “Although I doubt the influence that your brother believes Ránnos could have on the council, he is a good man.”
“Thank you Réo. I knew I could count on you.”
“You’re welcome.” He coughed out, then left for his brother’s house, the house that had once been Jerak’s.