Of Ancient Passages: Chapter 4:  Pawns Shall Ponder

Fresh wounds pound in his flesh. The pain is only a sharp reminder of a still bleeding memory. The pride and inherent trait of his people is devotion and protection.  Like dogs but with the will of a higher reservoir.

“My meaning of life has ended.” His head pounds against the bars. “My master, gone.” Tears slip down his cheeks. “My sacred death. Mine…denied.” Tsuk slips into whispers. “What should I do? Why, why, why me.”

Light floods the dark damp room. Queen Amaness enters, heralded by two guards. Quickly Tsuk composes himself. She wears all black; a veil clings to her face. The outfit of a woman who has been to a husband’s funeral. Only these bars separate them, it mine as well be worlds away.

“Leave us!” The Queen demands.

They do not argue. No use would come of it. Bowing her head silence sharpens the distance. The quiet disarms Tsuk. For it calms him, as it might calm a child. He waits for her to speak first.

The Queen’s emotions break as she tries to gather. Regaining herself, she tries again. “Did…did you kill my husband?”
With steady nerves, Tsuk presses to the bars. “No.”

“Did you?”

“No.”

Her voice rises. “Did you?”

“No!” A furious shout bursts from his lips. “How many times must I say it? I did not kill my charge, my master.”

The Queen’s voice is blubbery, nearly pitiful. “Please if ever you loved me.” She clings to the bars. “As my lover, tell me the truth. Let us hear it once and for all. Were you responsible for my husband’s death?”

“Yes. I…I should have been more careful. If I had been there a moment sooner I could have done something. His last vision might not have been sacrificed.” Crying the outburst echoes.

Amaness’ hand caresses his face. “Shhhhh. I was wrong. I was wrong. You did not have anything to do with it. I should have known better.”

“Thank you.”

“I have put an innocent man away.” Gently she touches the lash marks. “Look at what I have done. In another life, we might have been more. But destiny is not always kind.” Pulling him close she kisses him. Tongues work together to lust sensual beating hearts. Pulling away Amaness looks him over preserving the memory. “Tomorrow you will be free. I cannot be involved.” She turns to leave, panties wet.

“What will happen to you?”

The Queen stops. “In truth, I do not know. Eventually, I suppose, I will have to marry my nephew. The line must be preserved.”

“Goodbye, my love.” Tsuk says.

“Goodbye, my now forever dearest.”