Power and The Queen

Chapter One.🟢

Eight years later...

Zirk looked at the sky. The sun still shined brightly, it was just past midday. Excitement bubbled in his chest. He smiled, clutching his pockets; he had to make sure the money was still there. Zirk was happy all his hard work finally paid off. The newly appointed general bought all the swords he brought to the castle and paid him with twenty pieces of silver.

Now he could get his only daughter a present for her birthday. She deserved everything good. She had designed the swords he made and just sold. Zirk always counted himself blessed by the gods to have such a beautiful and talented daughter. He loved her so much.

Zirk walked out if the castle gates clasping hand with some soldiers. He took one last look at the castle, remembering his son, who he had not seen in six moons. Barun, his first son, had joined the rank of the knights and has been in the king's service for three years. He prayed for his survival every day.

Zirk struggled with the people on the streets. It was really crowded today. He traced his path to an alley. Few people went there. The buildings were tall, so the alley was dark. He looked behind him, checking if he was followed. The passengers passed without paying him attention. He walked faster till he found a door.

He pressed his body against the door and knocked on it softly three times. The sound of keys jingling filled his ear. A small window in the door was open.

"Name," a deep voice called.

"Tis aye Zirk." zirk whispered.

The keys jingled again, and the door opened, causing Zirk to stumble in.

The room was dark and was lit only by a lamp at the entrance. This was the second time Zirk had been here, but he was sure the place had no windows, of all the windows were constantly locked. He turned around and met the familiar huge figure grinning at him.

"Zirk! My old customer! I ain't seen you in many moons." He exclaimed.

The man aged face twisted into a smile. Zirk laughed and entered deep into the dark room. He started seeing the bright lights, like lights at the end of a tunnel.

The old man led zirk into the brightly lit room. Zirk's mouth fell open at the sight of the empty wall. He closed his eyes, shook his head and opened them again, but the sight remained the same. He turned to the old man, who was busy with some papers, and back to the wall. These walls used to be filled with books he had bought one for his daughter here before.

"What happened to the books?" Zirk asked, distracting the old man.

The old man growled, not feeling pleased. He came to Zirk and slapped his shoulder gently.

"I'm sorry could not tell you. I moved most of my books few weeks ago. The taxes are just too much compare to how much I make. Not everybody wants to read." The old man explained.

"It's my daughter's birthday and she loves books. She really cherished the last one I bought from you." Zirk said. The old man's smile was hidden under his grey bushy beard.

"I said I moved most of my books, I didn't say all of them." The old man said. He hurried to a cupboard too quickly for someone his age. He looked through the books on the shelf, mumbling to himself. Eventually, he raised a big black book in triumph. Zirk stared at the man as he moved around, searching for something. The old man found a rag and dusted the book.

"Here you go, I'm sure she'll love it." The man said, giving Zirk the book. Zirk stared at the book. It had black leather binding and cover. On the cover of the book, printed in gold, was the phrase 'The seven kingdoms'.

Zirk smiled at the man holding the book so dearly.

"Yes she will, many thanks to you sir." He said.

"That should be four silver pieces, but as a parting gift I'll give it to you at two silver pieces." The old man said, running his hands through his Beard.