Feeling the strength comming back to his body, Alexander opened his eyes and looked around. He was very amazed to discover that he was sitting on the edge of the cliff, the same cliff that he had fallen from. He had no clue about how he got there; all he knew was that he had help. That was sure, he was certain about it. Perhaps, one day, he will be able to find and reward that person.
He rose to his feet and observed to himself that the pain in his shoulder was gone. He looked under the shirt and, to his surprise, he was able to see a small scar. Not a wound, but a scar.
He sat again. He sat there, for hours and hours, not noticing the darkness of the night, nor the sweet light of the morning. He was lost, deep in thoughts. On one hand, there was the chaos created by Prince Nathaniel and, on the other hand, there was the miracle of him being still alive.
His stomach growled. He needed to move and find something to eat and drink. He looked around, his eyes hurting from the bright light of the day.
He rose to his feet once more and headed towards the forest, hoping fhat he would be able ro find a source of drinkable water. He was perched and almost dizzy from thirst, hunger and fatigue. When he entered the forest, the chilness brought instant relief to his eyes and senses.
After almost two hours of wondering around through the forest, Alexander came near a small river. The sound of the water caressing the rocks on its way, filled him with joy. He threw himself carelessly in the cold water, washing his face and drinking, while laughing and trampling. In the end, due to so much excitement, he slipped on a stone and fell flat on his back.
Back in Nyan, Nathanial was lying on the bed, wanting to fall asleep. But the sleep eluded him. He felt overjoyed knowing that, from now on, his people will be able to live a decent life, a prosperous and happy life. He was proud of himself for this achievement, for now, he felt like a true protector of his people, a king, indeed. He, then, fell asleep with a large smile on his face.
The warm light of the candles lit the Main Hall, where a gathering was taking place.
Nathaniel was sitting on the throne that once belonged to Alexander, looking at the men standing in front of him. They represented the army generals and the courtmen of both kingdoms: Niata and Jokoan.
Nathaniel stood and spoke in a loud and calm voice:
"I have summoned you here for the good of the people. We have come here looking for a better life. Our people was struggling to make ends meet, while your people thrived. Let us all live in peace as one, forever sharing the bounties of Niata! "
Upon hearing these words, the people that were present at the gathering, began shouting or talking amongst themselves in a low voice.
" Why should we share our food and gold with the jokoans?"
" What if they will take everything from us and make US live in poverty, like they did?"
" Why should we listen to Prince Nathaniel? He is not our king!"
" What if they want to kill us all and take over the land?"
"Will they work the fields with us or they will turn us into slaves?"
These question and many more could be heard comming from nyans courtmen. They were very worried about their future and, as one can expect in such situations, they did not trust Nathaniel.
Sitted on his throne, the new king was silently observing everyone and every word. He understood their worries. He knew it would take some time and a lot of effort on his side in order to convince the nyans that he meant no harm. An ironic grin appeared on his face: he had invaded and conquered their country and now expected them to trust him completely.
"That is so naive!"he said to himself. "The Nyans will never surrender to me completely. In their eyes, I will never be more than an invader...an oppressor..." he thought.
He was preparing to resume his speech when a whisper caught his attention:
"What about the princess?"
"What???What princess are you talking about???" yelled a raging Nathaniel. "Jonathan, come here!"
"Yes, my lord. I am here." said a tall man, before kneeling in front of Nathaniel.
"Tell me who this princess is!" ordered Nathaniel.
"I do not know, my lord!" Jonathan
answered, in a low and fearful tone.
"Who knows?" Nathaniel shouted furiously, looking at those present at the gathering, in a menacing manner.
"I do, my lord." came a deep voice from the back of the crowd.
" Then speak!" growled Nathaniel.
"She is king Alexander's younger sister, my king. Ten years younger than him. But now, she is nowhere to be found. She dissappeared, somehow."
"Jonathan! Gabriel! Take as many men as you need and find the princess! And bring her alive to me!" shouted Nathaniel.
Meanwhile, at the river, Alexander came to his senses and found himself in a very strange situation: he was hanging on a tree branch, because his shirt had gotten, somehow, caught in a tree branch. After many curses and struggles, he managed to detach himself from that awful branch and get to the shore, safe and sound.
He rested for a while, in order to catch his breath and to recover his strength. But little good did that do to him, because he was famished. He longed for some large steaks and warm bread, garnished by salads and cheese.
He gulped and he thought about drinking some water so that he wouldn't think about food.
He leaned to the front to drink but he stopped to observe his reflection: the deep circles under his eyes showed just how tired he was. Without thinking too much, he raised his hand and touched the surface of the water where his reflection showed.
He frowned and looked closer - he felt watched. He looked closer and closer, deep into the water, reaching his hand deeper and deeper. Nothing. He found nothing.
He pulled his hand out of fhe water and then, he heard it: as clear and refreshing as a child's laughter:
"Meow!"