For the Want of a King
an excerpt

Lurai watched as the old man slowly and gently pulled Tallis closer and then the old man whispered something to Tallis. Try as she might, Lurai could not make out a single word. But she did watch Tallis’ features as they softened.
“It is good to meet you, Tallis, son of Tugani and Kamirallis,” the old man said loud enough the entire group could hear it. It was the first time Lurai had heard the names of Tallis’ parents. They seemed familiar to her, but she couldn’t figure out why. Shrugging off a chilly feeling that had settled over her, Lurai stepped away from Vesla, no longer afraid of this new visitor.
The old man turned to Mitau. With an outstretched hand, he stepped closer to the dark-haired one. A look of fear flashed across Mitau’s face, but Lurai couldn’t tell if the old man had seen it or not. She bit her lip. If anyone was going to react without thinking, it would be Mitau.
“And you, Mitau, son of Michan and Joyatau, greetings.” Again, the names seemed so familiar to Lurai but she couldn’t remember where she had heard them before. They had never talked about their parents, each of them upholding the unwritten rule that had pressed on their hearts for some untold reason. Yet this old man was now naming them, naming where they had come from. It sent a shower of chills down Lurai’s spine.
The old man smiled but Mitau did not take the proffered hand. Lurai watched as Mitau slowly crossed his own arms over his chest, closing off any contact the old man might try.
“You know our names,” Mitau said, “but that doesn’t mean that you are well met just yet, old man.” He stepped away from Tallis and the gray-haired man.
It didn’t seem to phase the visitor that Mitau had been rude and cold. He continued, moving his gaze to Vesla. Lurai drew back the smallest bit to give the other girl space. Something told her that these greetings were holy.
“Daughter of Venzur and Marnla, I greet you, Vesla.” The old man bowed low to Vesla and Lurai though she saw a blush creep into the red-head’s face. It only took a moment before Vesla responded with a curtsy. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady,” the man continued.
Vesla, for once, didn’t respond. Then, the old man turned his attention to Lurai. It felt as he took her in and searched her soul as he looked at her. Was it a lifetime that he held her gaze or just a moment? She couldn’t tell. But she did know that this man, whoever he may be, was more than he showed.
“Son of Tungani and Signgi, you are welcomed, Tangi.” The hand went out once again and Lurai watched as Tangi lost no time in accepting it. Then, they dropped hands and the man turned to her.
“And you, Lurai, daughter of Leeum and Solrai, special greetings to you.” He stepped closer, bowed, and then after rising, he kissed her on the cheek.
Lurai couldn’t respond. Despite the commands she was giving her body to curtsy and repay the greeting, she could only stand there, frozen in time. It wasn’t until the old man smiled and winked again that she found her voice and ability to move once more.
“Greetings,” she managed to mutter.
The gray-haired man leaned in close again. The smell of fresh grass filled her senses as he put his lips up to her ear.
“Do not fear, gentle daughter. To those who are willing, strength is given.” The voice died away and the man had stepped back.
Lurai felt her knees go to water and her vision shrank, darkness closing in quickly. She tried to speak but found her voice once again held hostage in her throat. The world disappeared.

*****

Remember the time of Kings,
When magic and faith embraced.
Look back in your heart and find
Mystery dancing with grace.

Where is the ruler of this once great land?
Why are the stones falling down?
Who will look after the people now?
Who will wear the crown?

Oh land, cry out, let your tears fall.
Let the shrill cry of misery ring.
Weep for your pain and for lost life,
Weep for your absent king.

Look to the east, where the sun rises-
From there will come your salvation.
When hope will rise to put right the wrong,
They will lay a new foundation.

Then once again, the crown shall glisten
And a fair hand will rule the land.
When righteousness sits at the foot of the throne,
The kingdom, in honor, will stand.