Snippet #2705056

Twenty beads, the number was always the same, twenty beads. Twenty was not the standard, each one had it’s own amount depending on it’s crafter. But for Edmond, twenty was the number of beads his Spirit Beads had been made with. His previous set had been made with twenty five, each one representing some great moment in his life. But these beads were made by his sister using beads from her set, his and their parents. By all means they should have been more connected to his sister, but for some reason the bond he felt with them was strong, stronger than the one he had with his prior set. Even now as he held them, brushing his thumb across each one, he could feel the spirit energy flowing off of them. Edmond smiled, their connection to his parents and the fact his sister made them for him made them a priceless treasure. Granted every Belethian took great care of their Spirit Beads but didn’t remained joined by the wrist to them. But unlike his other set, which Edmond would leave in his room or office where they would be safe. Edmond never removed the beads from his body for any reason besides sleeping. Anywhere he went, they were on his body at all times, no more than a hand’s reach away from him, nor would they ever be any farther. Edmond would life his life with these beads on his body and be buried with them in the grave.

A knock at the door brought Edmond back from his thoughts. He looked up from his place at the window in his private chamber, “Enter.” Edmond called. Immediately an elderly man with a grey beard entered and smiled, “Young master, I came to inform you the princess will be arriving soon.” The man said. Edmond smiled at the Court Wizzard, “I somehow doubt that’s the only reason Flenior.” He said. Flenior frowned a bit and nodded his head, “Yes, you appear to be unsettled as of late. What ails you young master?” He asked. Edmond sight and looked out the window, “I’ve wanted to end the feud for quite some time Flenior. But then the my parents were killed, which forced us into a war with Theren and resulted in the death of it’s king who should have been kept alive for trial.” Edmond explained, “Now I am to married to the daughter of that king whom I believe might hold resentment towards us for the death of her father. What should have been a treaty to help a fellow neighbor and burry the sword of animosity has turned into an arranged marriage I’m sure she does not want. In short not only has my traitorous uncle caused us a mess of trouble but we are now bringing a less than pleased queen into our home. Whom I don’t know and probably won’t know where she stands.” Edmond finished.

Flenior nodded, “Indeed, you do raise very good points young master. But perhaps you can make her feel at ease. I remember many years ago you had a desire to court her.” He said. Edmond shook his head, “Yes and it was not a good idea then and not a good one now. She is very beautiful and if her reputation is like we’ve heard she has an attractive personality. But courting is a process meant to find love, you can’t just marry and expect love to come with it.” Edmond sighed once again, “ I will do all I can to make her at ease and end the feud with our generation. But regardless of how it turns out, Theren will be restored as I promised whether this marriage works or not.” He said. Flenior smiled, “You are indeed too kind young master. I know many who would have taken the lands and queen without a second thought and yet here you are worrying about the well being and independence of the country not only your neighbor but one which has been our enemy for three generations.” He said.

Edmond made a sour face, “Let’s set the facts straight, ed has not bethe fuen between Beleth and Theren, it’s been between the royal families of the two. Everyone else were just pawns caught in the middle of their game. I hope it will end with me and Queen Meera and bring peace for many more generations. But it’s out of my hands, all I can do is try to steer it along. In the end the fate of this feud lies in Meera’s hands.” He said. “Yes, indeed.” Flenior said solemnly. His mouth took a wicked turn full of mischief many elderly people find themselves full of, “Perhaps this old wizard can brew you a love potion should things not turn right? Or cast a spell of loyalty upon the young Queen?” He said playfully. Edmond scoffed and smirked as he cut his eye at the court wizard, “As if those will work. People may fear magic and wizards but lets face it, all you “wizards” do are just smoke and mirrors. A trick of the eye meant to frighten others into line and awe little children.” Edmond said with smug smile. Flenior smiled lightly and nodded, “Indeed, but with the New Ways spreading people believe magic to be dying out.”He said, “There are not many disbelievers but one day even I will be useless once the people accept the age of magic is over.”

Edmond frowned and stood, he walked over to Flenior and put a hand on his shoulder, “You my friend will never be useless. You are a wise man with many decades of experience and knowledge who any man would be honored to have as their teacher, mentor and adviser.” Edmond smiled reassuringly, “I know I am honored and the day you leave sue is a day I hope does not come for many years.” he added. Flenior smiled thankfully, “It is I who is honored to have such a kind and understanding man as my king. I thank you for your words and will endeavor to aid you as your council for as long as I am able.” He said. Edmond squeezed the man’s arm in a gesture of thanks, “Thank you my friend, now let us go. By now the Theren royal part is near and we should at least be in the royal hall to greet them.” Edmond said as he lead them out of the room, “Of course. But remember young master, I may be an illusionist, but I still have great skill in alchemy. Should you ever need it I can brew a more, “potent” love potion for your bride.” Flenior said. Edmond laughed as the true meaning of his words were not lost on him, “Of that I am sure not only would it work, but if she does not want me dead now she would after the effects wear off.” Edmond said as the two laughed at the implied after effects of the implied “love” potion.