A fiction novel
The Legend of Prince Jaras
of Cimora
by
Jim Key
Chapter 45 - Three Unhappy Souls Leave Their HomeThe day finally came to carry out the scheme to free the prince from the Tower of Glamizig. Jeshaiah went before the king, and asked to take leave from the court for a few days. His daughter, who had gone to visit a relative in the country, had not returned. His wife was frantic, he said, and he was also worried. He asked for permission to go with his wife to the home of his relative, and to find out what had become of Naamah. Kishtia wished to come along, also being very concerned about his daughter. All this, Jeshaiah told the king - and asked for leave from the court. King Visath sent his royal advisor on his way, accompanied by the king's royal escort. And so, Jeshaiah drove a regal outfit behind a team of horses, with his wife and Kishtia seated therein. And as they rode out the Eastern Gate, Jedidah looked back at the city - and broke into tears. But she wept silently, and did not say a word.Then Jeshaiah gave the soldiers of the royal escort an order. “Return to the city! Go back! And we thank you for coming this far!”"But we will accompany you all the way to the home of your kinsman!" said the officer."It is all right!" said Jeshaiah. And again, he told the men of the escort to go back to Arapa. "We will be fine from here on out! Thank you!"And as the men turned to go back, Jedidah said, "I wonder if we will ever see our home again. I will miss the old brownstone city."Kishtia comforted her, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live to see Prince Jaras sitting on the throne someday, in the grand old palace of Ancient Arapa."The three of them rode on eastward, coming after many miles to the Bridge of Javin. And since today was the day to carry out their plot to free the prince, there on the north end of the bridge waited Jekamiah, as planned. He sat astride his horse, and held the reins of Gaedilik whom he had brought with him.Jeshaiah, his wife and Kishtia crossed over the bridge reaching the north shore. Jedidah said, "Hello, Jekamiah! How are you, my brother-in-law? And how is Naamah?""She is well," he answered. "All is well. And, my brother, how do things go in Arapa?"“Not at all well, my brother,” Jeshaiah shook his head. “The prince's men are all in place, and I have managed to recruit every one of them who came to me from Ceathair. But the king's chief prefect is suspicious. He distrusts me. I am concerned that he anticipates a plot to free the prince! He hired mercenaries from Nimardom, experienced warriors, to man the walls of Arapa alongside my recruits!""What do we do now?" asked Jekamiah."It is too late to change our plans now," answered Jeshaiah. "I had hoped the prince could be freed secretly and quietly - and without bloodshed. But the day has come. All your men from Ceathair have agreed to act together on this night. It cannot be put off. It has to be done as planned - tonight!"And the brothers parted at the river.Jeshaiah, Jedidah and Kishtia rode off toward the northwest, on their way to join Naamah at Ceathair. Jekamiah crossed the bridge and turned west toward Ancient Arapa. He paced his horse's gait so that he arrived near the city after sunset. The moon was just rising behind him. Hopefully, Jekamiah thought, by the middle of the night the full moon would give sufficient light.And the midnight hour approached.