The Plant
The king was sitting on his throne, scratching his beard, distracted. Concentration left him all day after the meeting with his queen. He knew what would happen, but the reality was worse than the imagination. “Your majesty, your majesty.” Alcott raised his head with monotony. The citizen in front of him was exposing his problems, and he didn’t hear anything. Alcott waved his hand, indicating his adviser to come closer to him. Asta, with his hands clasped in front of him, walked without hesitation towards his monarch. Centimetres from the king, he lowered his head, saying, “My king, what can I do for you?”
Alcott watched his adviser and thought about what to say to get out of this predicament. He had no intention of staying here any longer. Listening to the complaints of the citizens of Mahala. Some of the cases were ridiculous. Like the man who came before him, claiming that one of his mares had been impregnated by his neighbour’s stallion. He was requesting justice for his defenceless animal. As if equines were able to think rationally. The king shook his head, thinking how ridiculous the people were. Any of his representatives could well take charge of this matter.
Asta patiently waited for his king to instruct him. Taking his time, Alcott said, “My body is not in good condition, and before you raise any concerns, let me tell you that I do not need the assistance of the royal physician. My discomfort is something that I have to eliminate by myself. I don’t have the head to be here right now.” The adviser listened with trepidation to the words of his king. Thinking that Alcott would walk the same path as the king who preceded his father, he was alarmed. King Roma lost his head and was overthrown by his brother, King Teo, the father of King Alcott. After all, the disease ran in the family.
Alcott, seeing the assessor’s face, shook his head in frustration. He knew that no one would understand. So without saying anything else, he got up from his throne. But before he could leave the throne room, his stressed adviser said, “Your Majesty, please. Don’t leave me in this state of ignorance. I need to know that you are okay.” He, from where he was, slowly approached his king, and being a few steps away from him, he whispered in his ear, “My king, no one will find out if I call the royal doctor. Your secret is safe with me.” Asta waited for Alcott’s response anxiously. The king, knowing what his adviser was thinking, closed his eyes for a moment, containing the volcano that was surely going to erupt if he didn’t calm down.
Once the king recovered his mind, he opened his eyes, and seeing the adviser direct to his own, he said, “Asta, enough is enough. I’ll leave here, and you won’t do anything, do you understand me?” Asta moved his head up and down. Alcott gritted his teeth in frustration, asking what kind of advisers does this court have? The king patted Asta’s shoulder, and at the same time said, “I leave everything in your hands.” With that saying, the king went on his way.
Alcott, seeing himself released from his responsibilities, went to the west tower. From where he was, he had to cross half of his castle to reach his destination. As he walked the halls, his servants bowed their heads in respect. But Alcott without giving them any more attention went on his way without being disturbed. He quickened his pace, eager to get there.
As he reached the east tower, the king opened the wooden gate that guarded it. A spiral staircase was now in front of him, so he closed it and began ascending. At the end of these, Alcott opened a second gate and entered. As he took a single step inside the tower, a voice greeted him, “You arrive earlier than we agreed, your majesty.”
He closed the door and walked toward the middle of the room, where there was a table with chairs. As he sat down, he propped up his feet on the next chair and crossed his arms over his chest.
Alcott watched as Shadow walked over to where he was, and took the seat across from him. “Yes, my affairs ended earlier than I had thought.” He commented without giving any further explanation.
“Oh, I see.” Shadow knew what was tormenting the king, but decided not to pursue the matter further.
“My king, do you want us to start? There are a few things I need to report. What we had thought is not as terrible as reality.” Shadow’s words alerted the king. He straightened up in his seat and raised his head. His eyes focused on Shadow’s face, trying to absorb every gesture. “Give your report, Shadow. Whatever it is, I must know.”
Shadow nodded, and began, “Investigating a lead I had on the traitors, it led me, right into the kitchen. Unfortunately, I didn’t detect anyone, but I did find this.” Shadow approached the king, and from his pants pocket, he took out a piece of cloth. He put it in front of the king on the table. Alcott eyed the object cautiously. After inspecting it closely, he said, “What is this?”
Shadow opened the cloth, revealing the contents. It was some kind of plant. Alcott looked up at Shadow, “A plant? Is this what your clue led you to?” But Shadow responded without giving the king another chance to express his discontent. “This is not just any plant, your majesty. It’s a rarity. It is believed that it became extinct a thousand years ago. Its value in ancient cultures was such that it became more valuable than silver. Its name is, Silfio.”
The king still did not understand what a plant had to do with all this. But Shadow didn’t leave him in the dark for long. “When applied correctly, this plant can prevent women from expecting a child, or if they are already expecting, it can cause their termination.” Shadow watched his king and knew exactly at the moment that it all made sense in his head.
The king rose abruptly from his chair, stepping back, still looking at the plant. After a few more moments, the king faced Shadow. Shadow swallowed hard. The king’s eyes were terrifying. He felt sorry for those damned fools who dared to cross the king. At this moment, the king looked as if he was slaying his enemies on the battlefield.
