The Romantic Owl

A prince faces a dire ultimatum concerning him and his kingdom's good. What will happen?

Thick clouds rumbled with strobes of lighting as harsh winds and rain pelted against the tall castle. A man inside the highest tower looked at the torrential downpour through a narrow window. A warm fire burned in a long hearth inside the room he was in.

A knock came from his chamber door. He walked to it and pulled it open and there was a young man in a plain tunic that stood on the other side. He bowed. “Prince Ryen, your father has requested your presence in the main hall.”

“Thank you, Nithose.”

The servant Nithose bowed again and scuttled away.

Ryen ran a palm down his face and sighed as he made his way to the east wing where the main hall was. Ryen’s father wore a crimson cloak as he sat on an ivory throne. He stood at Ryen’s approach. “My son, have you reconsidered?”

Ryen looked down. “My choice has not changed.”

“But why?”

“I do not love her, father.”

“But think of the alliance it will bring to the kingdoms of Evercrest and Nimithar.”

“But, what of my own wellbeing?”

“You’re thinking selfishly, son. Remember how King Grithin has no male air and that when we both pass you will reign over both kingdoms.”

“I don’t care of power, but inner peace.”

The king scowled. “That foreign priest, Eutychus has confused your mind.”

“All the power and gold doesn’t give me peace. I want something more-deeper.”

The king scoffed and sat down hardly. “Perhaps I should forbid you from speaking to him.”

“You might as well rip my heart out!” Ryen stormed off, heading to his room. Once he reached his room he slammed the door shut and sat on his bed. He stared into space for a time. He folded his hands and closed his eyes. “Oh, Lord. What shall do? My father’s heart is so cold and hard. He thinks of power and wealth. But I seek spiritual fulfillment.” Ryen finished his prayer and gazed out the window. Sunlight was breaking through the clouds and the downpour was now a light trickle.

Ryen jolted as Eutychus appeared in front of him.

“How did you do that!”

“God has heard your prayer. Go to Princess Ithia, tell her the truth, and you will be transformed to be conformed to the spirit of the owl and live a transcended life.”

“I am not sure I want to take the guise of an owl or whatever that means, but I will do anything to be at rest with God.”

“Good. Make haste!” Eutychus vanished.

Ryen waited until midnight to steal away to Nimithar and speak to Princess Ithia. He peered down the hall and saw none. He dressed in a black mantle and slipped down the hall and through a back door that entered the rear quarters of the castle, where horses were stored in stalls.

Ryen quickly mounted one and rode off into the wilderness. A bright moon lit his way and soon he reached Nimithar. The outlying town was silent. Finally he came to the castle gates.

A guard on the top of the wall shouted out to Ryen. “Who goes there!”

Ryen looked up and made eye contact with him. “Prince Ryen! What are you doing here so late at night?”

“I wish to speak to Ithia.”

“She is in bed, but you may sleep until she awakes.”

“That will do.”

The prince walked through the gate that opened and a steward took him to the guest’s room. Soon he fell asleep. He had a dream. He flew through the air above a forest. The peace and freedom he felt was extraordinary! It was like nothing he had ever felt. He awoke.

A knock came from the door and Ryen answered it. Standing before him was Princess Ithia herself. She was stout with sea-blue eyes and long blond hair, and a glisten filled her gaze. She wore a simple opal-blue gown. “My love!” she said.

Ryen looked down. “I have something to tell you.”

“Yes?”

Ithia was indeed beautiful, and Ryen did recognize that, but he just didn’t love her. “I am sorry, milady, but…”

A look of dread filled her innocent face.

“I…do not love you.”

His heart fell as she teared up and she covered her face. Ryen cupped her cheek. “The right one will come. Do not fret.”

Ithia ran off weeping.

Ryen headed for the front gate.

Suddenly Ithia’s father grasped him by the hem of his garment. “You broke my daughter’s heart!”

“I am being honest. Would you like a man who does not truly love her?”

King Grithin reeled back and released Ryen’s garment. “I…”

“Your daughter is the most beautiful maiden in the land. I do not doubt she will soon be wed.”

“There will be no alliance. Our kingdoms will not be united.”

“You and my father are friends as it is. Who says you need a wedding? A formal charter signed in my father’s main hall would do.”

Grithin looked down. “Perhaps you are right.”

“I must leave. My best condolences, my lord.”

Ryen walked away. Once at the gate, Ithia came from behind him. “I wish you luck from whatever you do. I love you.” Ithia kissed Ryen’s forehead.

Ryen mounted up and made for his kingdom of Evercrest.

As soon as he entered the wilderness a mental and physical metamorphosis occurred. A beam of light came from his chest and he spread his arms, and the light consumed him and he took on feathers and wings. He shot through the air and he was free, and his very spirit soared into the sky as he took into the skies amidst the darkness of early morning. At last he was with the eternal presence of His Lord that was within him that carried Ryen’s eternal soul.