IO

This will be my next story for my project :-)

Io and King Orestes

Long long time ago, in a large and wide country called Navarro there lived a great king. His name was King Orestes. He was kind and just. He always concerned with his people’s welfare and security. Under his reign, Navarro turned into most powerful and prosperous country. His marriage with a commoner bore a beautiful little daughter whom they named Iola meaning Violet. She was often called Io. People loved the royal family.

Once a month, The King took his queen and Io into disguise to visit his citizens. They were not escorted with guards or maids. They often disguised themselves into foreigner merchant family who travelled from a far. The King would bring his family to spend the night at one of villager’s house. Next, the King would talk to the villagers. Often, The King helped them to solve their daily problems. By this way, King Orestes knew well the true life of his citizens and whether the monthly report he received from his ministers was right or false. The only royal guard that would go alongside the King was Lucius. He was most trusted and loyal friend of King Orestes.

Io loved to play with the kids villagers. They climbed into trees and raced with horses. She was also fond of archery art. Her skill in this field improved steadfastly. Lucius taught her to use sword for self defense. As the crown princess, her life could be in any jeopardy at anytime. The King himself let her learn those skills even though she was a girl. The King used to say that Io “remember Io, learn all you need to know. Knowledge will give you power but ignorance is only a bliss. There will be enemies at the state…you have to be ready.”

When they visited one small village called Skydra at the Southern border of Navarro, Io was given a given most valuable gift, a white stallion. Under the sunlight, the stallion gallantly galloped approaching Io as if they were friends. It was like there a shinning beamed from the white mare. It was not take long for Io to tame the beast. Io called him ‘Argos’ meaning shinning. From then on, Io never got parted with Argos. She got training how to manage a horse while carrying and shooting a bow.

A Treason against King Orestes

But as what most stories uncovered, there was always evil even in the bright places. Minister Eresbos who was King’s most trusted advisor envied King Orestes. He long had an ambition to be crowned as King of Navarro. He despised the queen who was a commoner and never agreed the marriage from the beginning. Over the years, he gathered allies from the noblemen and lords. He abetted the royal guards to overthrow the King.

Secretly, on one darkest night during winter, he held meeting with those whom disliked the King, noblemen and lords who were thirsty for power and wealth. In one of the dungeon below the palace, they gathered. A small damp room with stone chairs and tables was lighted by some torches. Minister Eresbos had ordered his most trusted guards to seal the place from any uninvited guests. He sat on a big stone chair facing his allies that sat in a moon crest shape. Upon ensuring that the room was safe, he stood up and spread his gaze around.

“He had married a commoner. This is a disgrace to our Kingdom. She could not bore any son. The King is too fond of her. Our King had travelled across the country and mingled with peasants and villagers. What next? He will be appointed peasants as commanders. We shall not let this happen, shan’t we? “Exclaimed Eresbos fiercely.

There was a murmur followed. Some argued that King Orestes had many followers. It would not easy to seize the throne from him. Royal Guard, Lucius, also had many loyal men who would sacrifice their life to protect the royal family. Further, Navarro had long been in a peaceful and prosperous state. People would go against them if they betrayed their king.

“You, cowards… why do you afraid of things that not happen yet? They may be having strong influence on people. But, my dear noblemen and lords, they have no power over the dark power. Can a dragon live without its head?” asked Lucius cunningly. “If we kill the King, Navarro will have no king to rule. Princess Io is still too young to rule. And who do you think will be her custodian?”

“Indeed, you are so clever, Minister Eresbos. It never crossed my mind. The question now, how and who will execute the plan? Killing the King while Lucius is around will not be easy. “said Lord Desmos.

“Ha..ha..ha…that will not be a problem Lord Demos. The matter has been taken care of. If you all swore to support my being a king, I promise, each will get more power and wealth in return for your loyalty to me.” Replied Minister Eresbos.

The wind gushed and swirled wildly outside the palace. All except the guards on patrol seemed had slumbered on their bed in the chilly frosty cold winter. But, in the damp room where the secret meeting was held, a fire seemed consumed the whole palace. The night insects’ cry and the howling of the hounds seemed trying to spread the conspiracy against the king.

Meeting an Unexpected Friend

The royal family was all fast asleep. All was wrapped in silence, and all that could be seen was the moon peacefully illuminating darkness. Io suddenly woke up by the sheer creepy gusting wind coming from her open window.

“How strange, I had locked the window. Was it because of the wind?” Io murmured. The chilly night wind had brushed her skin and made her shivering. As she tried to lock her window, she saw a shadow flashing at the palace wall.