Gadolor

Interlude- Systenazo

Joy that had filled the people’s hearts had given way to sorrow. Cold shock replaced summer’s celebrations. The princess was gone, and the whole country knew why. She had run away with a commoner, a foreigner, an enemy. Some child of the South had stolen her away, and she had faded into obscurity. Just when the marriage of kingdoms was sure, the royal house was thrown into confusion. Austin questioned all his servants, but none of them knew how to find her. And in the turmoil, suddenly the prince of Astor had vanished. Some said the grief at losing his bride had driven him mad. He must have killed himself or fled into the wilderness. Others supposed Sombron had assassinated him.

Whatever the cause of his demise, now both the crown of beauty and the horn of strength had been wrenched from the people. Esthena and Astor had rejoiced in the coming marriage of kingdoms, but now it was lost. Worst of all, their kings would say nothing. The people reached for comfort to their rulers, but a vast silence had engulfed the royal house. Austin and Lorind retreated into their houses, and people imagined their windows were dimmer, their hearts colder. The kings would only say, “Weep and wait, and pray. The prince may yet return.”

But few believed it. The suspicion grew that both royal children were dead, leaving their parents to turn sick with grief. Near the border, men sharpened their swords, fearing attack. But the fighting passion had gone from their hearts. Instead of feasts, fasts were held, and people walked warily in their own homes. Many began to hide their treasures, sure that some disaster must soon strike the land. “For,” they said, “The head has been struck; what shall become of the body?”