As they approached the Hall of kings, they found others 

headed there. The subjects bowed to the prince, but every 

single one of them was surprised and seemed to whisper after 

Theo passed. It was all new to Theo, he’d never been there 

before. 

Royal subjects were waiting on large stepped and 

stoned pedestals on either side of the humongous hall, with a 

path in between, leading to a high pedestal in the centre which 

had two more pedestals on each side. 

Dena was seated on the one to the right. As he smiled at Theo, 

he felt a hint of comfort, but his heart was still racing faster than ever. 

He looked up and could see the vast blue sky through the art covered glass. 

It was a clear day and the sunlight streamed down the glass roof, 

highlighting the main pedestal. The glass roof was designed so, 

to seem like the heavens were blessing the king and the queen.

 

’How grand! I will stand there someday, and the world will bow 

to me.’ Theo’s thoughts were getting ahead of him when Sela 

interrupted,

’The pedestal on the right is for the king’s council of 

advisors and the one on the left is for the king’s assists.’ 

The latter were wearing the same robes as Theo.

Sela signalled Theo to take his seat on the left pedestal.

’Wait! Do you seriously expect me to sit there? With the 

assists? I will never. They do not deserve such honour,’ Theo 

was furious. 

’Sire......!’ 

’I’d rather stand by my father’s pedestal,’ Theo smirked 

arrogantly. 

Sela tried to convince him, but the bells rang intimating 

the arrival of the king and the queen. Sela quickly walked away 

without another word. The court room went silent, and people 

rose as king Durian and queen Visi entered the court 

accompanied by Kaleo, the chief advisor to the king.

’Hail king Durian and queen Visi!’ The hall echoed as 

they walked down. Once they ascended the pedestal there was 

silence. 

’Kindly be seated,’ Kaleo requested in his deep voice. 

Kaleo was older than the king and had been in the king’s 

council for many years now. He was a thin tall man, with a 

grey beard that covered his neck and a weary look, his eyes 

constantly seeking something. He stayed positive during trying 

times as he was gifted with foresight and was so witty that 

some people called him a wizard.

As everyone settled down, king Durian observed that 

prince Theoden was standing on the side.

 

’Prince Theoden, why don’t you take a seat?’ he gestured 

to the pedestal. Theo did not move a muscle; he did not wish 

to go there.

 

’My king, I request.........’ Theo intended to make a 

request.

We cannot proceed unless everyone is seated. We can 

carry on, if you have a seat,’ Durian’s tone was stern this time 

and his eyes ordered Theo to move that instant.

King Durian wasn’t as tall as his son or many others in 

the hall, but his voice roared above all if he had the mind for it 

and commanded utmost respect. He had kept the alliance 

intact since he assumed the throne after his father. Lords of the 

other Isles wouldn’t even dream of taking over. No one dared

to look him in the eye. He had a chiselled body with the 

strength of ten men and sword skills that could bring anyone 

to their feet in seconds. Though he looked older for his age, he 

was quite handsome with hair flowing down to his shoulders.

Theo walked to the pedestal and had a seat reluctantly, he 

understood that it was not the place nor the time for his 

tantrums.

 

’I have an important and exciting announcement to make 

today.........,’ Kaleo paused for a moment as though he was still 

unsure,

’Prince Theoden, the heir to the throne of Anmara,’ he 

pointed out, ’is now old enough to share some responsibilities 

of our dear king.’ Shifting his gaze across the hall he continued, 

’king Durian has come to a decision that prince Theoden will 

join the assists henceforth. He will be responsible for 

promoting peace amongst the kingdoms and remind everyone 

of the alliance. To make this possible, he will be travelling to 

our neighbouring Isles very soon.’ 

As Kaleo announced, Durian was filled with joy that 

conquered him.

Theo was infuriated, he did not like it. He wanted to 

retaliate that instant, but for a moment he looked at Sela, who 

looked worried, and gestured back to stay calm and do 

nothing. It was not in his nature, but Theo suppressed his anger 

and stayed still. Sela was astonished as this was the first time 

ever that Theo had listened to him, the situation must have 

made him do it but still, he was content.

 

The crowd in the hall started whispering as Kaleo took his 

seat but the whispers died down as the king spoke, 

’Come forth, prince Theoden!’ 

All eyes were on the prince now. He involuntarily got up, 

walked down to the middle and kneeled at the foot of the 

pedestal. King Durian came down the stairs.

 

’Prince Theoden accepts to fulfil his duties fearlessly with 

honesty and righteousness.’ he declared with pride in his eyes. 

The crowd applauded as prince Theoden rose to his feet 

and king Durian embraced him,

 

’I am proud of you my son,’ he whispered, ’now resume 

your seat.’

Theo walked back and Durian ascended the pedestal, but 

just as Theo was about to take his seat, he heard his father’s 

voice again,

’Prince Theoden will leave for the kingdom of Deladra 

within a few moons. The arrangements for this will be made 

immediately. Sela and Dena, sons of Kaleo, our chief advisor 

will accompany him.’ king Durian added.

Sela and Dena were taken by surprise, but they stood up 

swiftly and bowed in acceptance.

 

’I am pleased,’ Durian smiled and continued, ’I am sure 

and assure you that this is in the best interests of our kingdom.’

 

There were no words that could have described Theo’s 

feelings at that very moment. Every word from his father was 

thumping on his head like a huge hammer. He was breathless 

and wanted to yell at the top of his voice, but when he looked 

around at the crowd, he felt that voice silenced.

 

Kaleo rose, ’Let us all take our leave for now.’ His voice 

echoed as he announced.

 

The royal subjects looked at each other in surprise. It was 

the shortest proceeding that had taken place ever.

King Durian extended his hand to the queen, and they 

walked out of the hall. Everyone rose to bow to the king and 

the queen, and the bells were rung to mark the end as they left.