****

Julian was awakened from his sleep, sleeping chamber door bumped close. After a while he had imagined was dreaming, when he saw a dark figure disappear through the door. But his ears are accurate, however, heard footsteps outside the door, so he realized that it was not a dream and sat up. When he was fumble a moment he found a tinderbox and a candle. Kindled a candle, which dim light, he saw the parchment on the night table.

Brow furrowed, he watched the parchment. It was certain that it hadn't been a bedside table as he went to sleep. Someone had brought it and that it was probably someone who had just disappeared out of the room.
Julian took the parchment in his hand and read the message. His face turned pale with fright, when the content of the message revealed to him.
"What have I done", he gasped in horror and rose from the bed, so that the coverage went as the floor. He knew that it was in a hurry and cared nothing about his own safety after the rush of that man, who had been leaving a message.

Candle in his hand, he ran out of the room and came to a plateau, but too late. Julian saw how the three men attacked that thin man who was wearing his royal clothes and sank the sword in his chest over and over again.

"No", Julian said quietly, and he realized then that he could not just stand there and watched how defenseless man were beaten, "Guards!" He roared so loudly that his voice echoed dreary along the silent castle and saw how those three ran away, after hearing his voice.
 

He didn't hesitate, but ran down the hall and directly to Erik's creates, who lay motionless in place next to the wall. Gendly Julian turned him on his back and saw how Erik's horrible pale face looked horrified. He saw how terrified Erik was, but he had no time to talk say anything to him, when he heard running steps, which was approaching fast.

"My lord, you called", Said breathless guard, who was arrived at the scene running feet, and the second came soon after him.
"One of you get the best healer of mine here as soon as possible and the other goes into alarm. Those men must be get caught", Julian shared the orders at a fast pace. He knew that it was in a hurry.
"Happens right away, my lord", Soldiers belt out to one mouth and run fast to carry out the given orders.

Julian waited, and it felt like a long time, when he tried to stanch bleeding wounds that Erik had a lot of his midriff.
"How didn't I realized earlier", Julian said quietly, and felt a twinge in his heart. That man had saved his life, although he had been cruel and nasty to him. "Erik." He said quietly.
"Forgive me, this is all my fault." Erik slurred barely louder than a whisper and Julian saw how this raised his hands to protect himself, like he would expect to receive a clip on the ear. He put his hand on Erik's hands as a gesture to calm him down, because he saw how terrified he was.
"It's me who should apologize for you", Julian said, not knowing how to get Erik to understand, that he didn't want to hurt him anymore. "Don't try to move, you're badly wounded", he added that what was true.
Julian had concerns about all those deep wounds that Erik had been on his chest. He saw that they were deep and deadly. Nevertheless, he expressed the hope that Erik would survive.

"I ... I have to clean up this mess. "Erik slurred and tried to get up.
"No, you will need to lie still, cleaning isn't hurry now", Julian said, and in the same time soldier came back, with two physician, who at once rushed to help Erik.
"Good, and now you'll go and wake my son Lucius. I have a mission for him", Julian said, turning to the soldier side.
"Immediately, my lord", Said the soldier, and ran to seek Lucius.
 

Healers brought Erik to stretcher and carried him to infirmary, folloed by Julian. He wanted to be there and hoped that healers success to save Erik's life, even there wasn't much hope.

After a while, Lucius walked into the room, soldier behind him.

"Father, you wanted to see me", Lucius said, and looked at his father. He didn't know what father wanted, and the soldier hadn't told it either.
"Yes I wanted to. You must find Brother Ignatius to your hands, he is the only one who knows where Erik's wife is", Julian said and tell where he could find Ignatius.

"Why do you want her here?" Lucius asked puzzled.
"Maria is the only one who now can to infuse will of life to Erik", Julian replied.
"Very well", Lucius answered, even he didn't quite understand what father meant, and left.
"Hurry up, time is of the essence", Julian said, before Lucius disappeared through the door.
"No... no... Please... I pray... Let Maria to be", Erik applied for and all the feelings that he had had to include so long, broke out. Tears rolled down his face rampant, "please, not Maria... Please be so kind, not Maria", he slurred inconsolable crying leave, it was afraid of what Julian would do to Maria.

"No, Erik. Now you've got me wrong. I don't want to hurt her, I want her here to help you", Julian said, and tried clumsily to calm Erik down, who clearly was terrified and feared for his loved ones.
"You have to leave now", Another healers said because she understood that the patient wouldn't calmed down, before Julian left the room.
"All right, but please come soon to tell if there is any changes in his condition", Julian asked, emphasized that, before walked out of the room.

Julian felt a deep guilty for what he was done to Erik and now began to understand what kind of man he really was. Down in the dumps, he walked over to the throne and hardly noticed at all that his wife arrived at the site.

"Julian, what's going on?" Margaret asked, and received the Julian cringe.

Margaret was awakened noise and noticed that Julian wasn't by her side, as usual. That's why she had risen and come to see what was going on.
Julian was first silent, and looked thoughtfully at his wife, who stood still a few wrinkle caused by concerns on his forehead.

"I have done something unimaginable evil, and it may take noble man's life", Julian said quietly, and felt how tears escaped from his eyecorner and rolling on the cheek.
"Then what have you done?" Margaret asked, and looked at her husband, which she had never been seen like this.

Penitent, and in a quiet voice he explained to his wife what he had done, and what farther he got, the more Margaret's facial expressions changed.
"Why on earth did you do that?" Margaret asked at last, but Julian could not answer.

He bowed his head down and felt a deep guilty and repented yet more deeply-making that was so shameful and cruel that he should never have to do it. Margaret knelt down next to her husband and took this hands her own. She looked at the serious face which now drew their outline in deep furrows.

"I know that you have a whit of goodness in you, otherwise you would have been so kind and loving to me and your children", Margaret said, and lightly stroke the light ringlet off her husband's face, "You just have to be adapted to your sins and ask for forgiveness to Erik. I know that you do all you can to get him into shape and make up for him all the things you've done to him", she went silent and Julian nodding barely louder than significant.
"He's just so horribly out of shape, I don't know, he will survive, whether he even see the morning", Julian said, looking to his faithful Margaret, "I sent Lucius to get Maria here. She is the only one who might be able to help him", he went.
"I knew that there is something good in you", Margaret said, and pressed a gentle kiss on the her husbands forehead.

****

On the other hand Lucius rode like gust of wind way forward, towards the monastery, the location of the father was told. Trees teemed in his eyes and the horse's hooves drumming country steadily, taking him to fast-forward.

It was dark, but somewhere far away on the horizon began twinkle the light of day. Only a small thin stripe, it was yet, but as soon as it magnifies and the sky met all of the red and gold colors.

The sky glowed rose-red when he finally reached the monastery yard. He landed almost swing down off his horse and went almost the same way for the monastery to the door, which he start to bang hard. It took a moment before the door was opened, and in the doorway stood a monk, who looked at him confused.

"What's the matter?" Brother Fransiscus asked, and wondered how someone was so early in the move.
"I ... I should need to see Brother Ignatius now", Lucius said.
"Why?" Fransiscus asked, but let Lucius inside.
"Since I have things to him, and it can not wait at all", Lucius replied impatiently and strode inside behind the monk.
"All right. Wait here", Fransiscus said, and disappeared to search for Brother Ignatius, who was preparing the morning worship.

Ignatius stood in front of the altar and studied the Bible, wondering what he would spoke to the people this morning, when monk, who had opened the door to Lucius, came running to the scene.

"Brother Ignatius, I'm sorry to disturb your peace, but one man wants to meet you", Fransiscus said.
"Why?" Ignatius asked, sensing that something wasn't right now.
"He didn't tell me, but he said that it is urgent", Fransiscus answer.
"Very well, I will come right away Brother Fransiscus." Ignatius said, and made a quick sign of the cross and strode after the monk.
Fransiscus gave a brief Lucius, and soon they came to the lobby, where the monk was Lucius left.

"You wanted to see me." Brother Ignatius said, and looked at the young man, who seemed to be very nervous.
"Yes I wanted to, because I need to find Maria MacBear right away." Lucius said.
"What you need her?" Ignatius said, and began to discern evil.

"Her husband is badly wounded." Lucius replied, wondering could he make the monk believe.
"Are you talking to now certainly true?" Ignatius said, and felt a longing slip in his stomach. Something very bad had happened, and this is certainly not end well, he thought.
"Yes I do." Lucius said, and began to despair. Who knows what father would do if he were to fail now and would return back with empty hands.
"All right, but if this is a ploy, your father is not going to happen very well." Ignatius said the deterrent tone. After all, he certainly would do anything himself, because it was not the church's responsibility to share your judgments, but of God.

"This is not anything like that, and if we're wavering here longer, I don't know if no one can help anymore", Lucius said.
"In that case, we assume without further delay", Ignatius said, though felt little doubt within him. He still hoped to Erik's because of that all would be well, because he had been in his life, enough of adversity.

They didn't discuss any more, but went out to where the horse was imported for Ignatius. They rise on the horses back and set out. During the trip, Lucius told Ignatius all he knew about the incident, which wasn't much, since he was awakened from his sleep, when soldier had come to awaken him. and either father haven't told him much.

Some time after Ignatius slowed steed canter to walking, Lucius making the same. He didn't know why they slowed down, until he saw before him a square surrounded by thick forest, were was a small cottage. In the cottage yard was two boys who were practicing fencing, or so it seemed at first in Lucius's eyes.

Then he looked at another boy in more detail and something disturbed him. The second was definitely a boy, but the other seemed somehow more feminine. Features were softer and slender, but otherwise, the two were so looking so much each other. Lucius estimates for those two to be at least fifteen years old.

"Who are they?" Lucius asked, and stared at the other boy, which he realized now after seeing closer was a girl.
"Erik's and Maria's, twins. Edmund and Elisabeth", Ignatius answer.
"Erik's children", Lucius said quietly.
"Yes", Ignatius said, and thought, wonder if Erik cope for so long, that would have time to see his children at least once and his wife, which he wasn't seen in years.

Edmund and Elisabeth had stopped fencing, noticed entrants. Each will found the young man out of curiosity, but they were silent. Elisabeth saw face and the essence of Ignatius, that something was wrong. Ignatius came down off the horse and young man followed him. They took the horses pen aside and walked to the cottage door, when the twins were followed them silently.
Ignatius knocked on the door politely and then stepped into a small huts, young man, and the twins.

"Good morning, Maria. I am sorry to disturb you so early, but something serious has happened. "Ignatius said, warmly saluted first, Mary and guide her to sit.
"Ignatius, what has happened?" Mary asked, looking searchingly man's gentle, solemn faces. Only then will she saw Lucius and got up.
"You," she yelled, and looked at the young man, eyes sparking with fury.
"W. .. what? M.. Me? "Lucius stammered, frightened and confused. He didn't understand why the woman reacted so strongly.

"After all those years you dare to show your face in here!" Maria screamed and her hand rose. She did not have time to hit, when Ignatius grabbed her wrist caught and brought back to sit down.

"Calm down, Maria." Ignatius said softly.
"But..." Maria began and Ignatius understood. The woman was confused Lucius to Julian, which he certainly reminded very much.
"He is Lucius, Julian's eldest son", Ignatius said.
"Lucius", Maria said, speaking calmly, "I still don't want to see him or his descendants here. Not after what he did", She went, her sound shakeing emotional power.

"I'm really sorry about my father's actions", Lucius began humble and continued, "my father sent me, because we need you", he went and looked a little scared that strong-willed woman, whose face time and internal woes had taken their toll.
"What does he want? Where am I needed for?" Mary asked coolly, as she was sworn in her mind that she wouldn't help Julian, even if he was dyeing, because he was done so badly to Erik and his parents..

"He said that you are the only one who can help", Lucius said gently.
"Tell me just one reason why I would help your father", Maria said.
"No, now, you understood me wrong. My father doesn't need help, but our servant Erik", Lucius said.
"Erik?" Maria said, and felt a nasty slip in her stomach. "What happened to Erik?" She asked and felt bad.
"He was attacked and wounded very badly", Lucius said, and told what he knew about it, and what his had heard from his father.
"Noh." Maria gasped and felt how tears began to roll on her cheeks. She was afraid to Erik's behalf, and hoped that he'll survive or even cope even that long, that he could even see his family for the last time.

"I am very sorry", Lucius tried clumsily to comfort, but saw that it would not make the situation any better, "I know that my father is to blame for this and I would help you if I could. I ... I like Erik. He is so kind, helpful and friendly", He tried.
"That is Erik." Maria said, and sob inconsolably.
"Well, it is a hurry, so don't we would go already." Ignatius suggested because he saw that Maria need something else to think about.
"What about me?" Elizabeth asked, and it seemed that would come along, even if by force.
"You too." Ignatius said, because it would be good if Erik could see his children, although these began to be almost grown. The girl had already marriageable.

Lucius was also noticed her to and as his eyes wandered stealthily girl over and over again. Elisabeth also looked curiously every now and then to Lucius. She wasn't met many boys, in addition to his brother. None Of these weren't her peers. Sunday school were only a few younger boy and one much older boy. None of them had aroused any kind of feelings in Elisabeth, because she had already known them since she was started Sunday school with her brother.

But after watching curiously Lucius, Elisabeth felt something quite new, which has not yet been felt ever before and that feeling wasn't just a curiosity.
Ignatius also notised those looks that young man cast to the girl, and vice versa. He thought it would be good to discuss the matter with both of them, as long as the Erik's matter get managed first.

That small group get the horses, which of two had to be prepared, before they got to go. But when the hand was more pairs, they were soon ready to go.

So they raced forward, landscapes scurry past them. First there was the forest for a long time, until the trees began to thin out and become a hilly terrain, lush green land. They took everything out of their horses as they get, because each of their mind banged, that time was becoming increasingly less, and less.

***

Julian walked restlessly back and forth in front of the sick house door, and waited anxiously for news about Erik's condition. He expressed the hope that the man survived this ordeal, or even cope hang on to edge of life until his wife would have time to come the castle.
The opening of the door switches Julian thoughts and he stopped, looking expectantly to Nadia, who had come to tell the news. He saw a woman's face, that the news, wasn't very good.

"Well, how is that? Is he going to survive?" Julian said and looked at her expectantly.
"If God wants, he may survive, but I regret to say that the wounds he received are too deep and a few have been hit by a very bad place, thus undermining hopes of survival", Nadia said. "But we will do everything we can, so that he would be comfortable", she went, leaving at the end floating in the air like a dark storm cloud.
"How long... before?" Julian asked quietly, and felt a heavy weight come down on his shoulders and it was guilt.
"I don't know. Maybe hours, maybe day", Nadia replied and looked at Julian's face serious.
"Thank you", Julian said, barely louder than a whisper. He had never before felt so bad, as it is now. He didn't know how to offset against to that injustice what he had done. He was just trying to do the best that Erik's final time would be pleasant as possible and with minimal disruption, "can I... Is it okay for me to go to see Erik?" He asked, feeling very humble and penitent.

"Yes, but I must ask that you do not under any circumstances unnerve him any more. He has experienced enough of thrill", Nadia said.
"Thank you”, Julian said, and walked behind the Nadia to the infirmary.

He didn't really know what to say to a man that he had so long plagued and which is unlikely to want to be a friend, even that he did a noble act that would perhaps requires his life. Julian sat down on a chair and looked Erik, who was lying on a bed so very pale.

"Well ... Um ... I wanted to come and see how you feel", Julian finally said, awkwardly.

Erik didn't answer, just looked back and Julian could see the fear in his eyes. It doesn't abated away. It was as if a man would have expected to receive a stick, or perhaps spaces. The moment was very quiet, and Julian didn't know what to do. He wanted to help this man, but didn't know how, and how should understand this. He knew that it was going to be difficult, when Erik was so long accustomed to being the one who was pull apart, threatened and punished, sometimes even for no reason.

"I ... er ... I want to apologize", Julian said, breaking the profound silence, "I do not know how I could replace you with all the things I have done to you. I now understand what a great and noble man you are. "He went on and felt piece stuck in his throat.

Erik still didn't say a word, but just watched Julian, which weighed down his eyes.
"I know how you feel now, because at the moment I am ashamed of myself", Julian continued breaking the silence again, "I am ashamed of what I've done and I know I can't undo it. I don't to be forgiven", he went quietly, feeling the familiar tingling in his eyecorner.
"This was my choice", Erik said quietly and put his hand on Julian's hand.

Julian felt how cool Erik's hand was, and how the work hardened and roughening.
"But I drove you to this." Julian said. "It was my actions that make this happend", he added miserably.

Again became silent, and neither a single word was said. They did not know what to say. Julian felt weak pressure in his hand, as Erik was trying to encourage or cheer up. He wondered how Erik continuously be so kind to him, after all that, what he had done to him. Pressure, which had been the already weak, weakened more and Julian saw how Erik's eyes began to droop almost forcibly closed.

"Tell me something, anything you want, as long as you're talking to me and stay awake", Julian said, and grabbed Erik's hands, but not very hard, because he didn't want to hurt Erik any more.
"Why can't I fall asleep?" Erik asked in a quiet voice, "I'm so tired... so very tired and I just want to sleep", he continued voice almost disappears into nothingness.
"I can't let you fall asleep, because I'm afraid you'll never wake up", Julian answered truthfully.
"When did you begin to fear for me?" Erik said quietly, and chuckled in small ways.
"Then, when you saved my life", Julian answered truthfully and looked Erikiä earnestly.
"All right", Erik agreed, and began in a low voice to tell about himself and his live, when Julian listening him.

The farther Erik proceeded his story, the worse Julian felt, because he knew he was to blame for all the suffering that Erik had his life been suffered. Now he really knew how much he was ruined Erik's life and how much Erik had been forced to give up. Here's how to take hours and Julian listened to Erik's quiet, weak voice, which told the story of his life, in spite of all the evil which could accommodate some very happy moments.

"You know I wished for when I was still free, that I could be like the others, just an ordinary man. I didn't even my dreams imagined, that I was a noble descent, and I still can't believe it. I was hoped a life without that mark in my hand. That no one would no longer calling me names, throwing me stones or kicked me out", Erik said and unpleasant memories of running like a dark shadow in his eyes, "I hoped that I would have had my own family, and perhaps my own house, even if only a tiny shack in the woods, and maybe a tiny coin of land, which to cultivate, but I never received it. I got a family, even if I didn't have long to keep my family with me. ", He added, and sighed heavily.

Julian was silent and fell down a guilty look. He realized how little Erik would have been content, and how little wished for himself, even though he deserved to get a lot more.

"I am very sorry”, Julian said with a thick voice, and realized now how much Erik had had to give up because of him, "I know that I can't entirely replace everything I've done wrong to you, but I can say from my heart, that I'm very sorry and I'll try my best to pay my debt to you", He went and swallowed.
"If... if I hadn't been in your dungeon, I would never have met... Maria", Erik said quietly, "so, indirectly, you helped us to meet each other", he said, and a small little smile came on his lips when he remembered Maria.
"I've done wrong to you more than any good", Julian reminded bleak.
"Yes", Erik said wearily, "I have long wondered why you did, like you did? Why me?" He asked then.

"Because I was a power-hungry fool", Julian said truthfully, "I wanted power, I wanted something that even wasn't belong to me, and I opened my heart to evil, so my eyes couldn't see the evil, which I did to get access to what I wanted most", he went quietly.
"The devil always comes up with a way to get people to do as he wish", Erik spoke quietly and remembered what Ignatius had taught him, "but if you know how to ask for forgiveness, you will also forgiven, it is what our gracious lord taught us", he went and pressed weakly Julian's hand.
"I don't understand you", Julian said, "I've been a monster to you, and yet you are friendly to me."

"Since our Lord has taught us to be merciful to all, even to those who have done wrong", Erik replied quietly, "he also taught that a good deeds you make good and evil to evil. Good deeds to outweigh the bad", he continued kindness and warmth in his voice.
"I still haven't earned your goodness", Julian said. "I know where I go when my time comes to leave this world. I don't avoid that judgment, for I have put myself in that soup", he continued.
"Let the past be, when we can't no longer change them", Erik said a peaceful, conciliatory in tone.

"I see now that you are a true king, inherited, as by nature and that is why I want to return this back", Julian said, and then took the crown of his head and fell to the small nightstand next to the bed.

"I think that I'm not going to enjoy it", Erik said quietly, "I know that my time is running out", he added, as he felt pain, which is roasted in the entire torso.
"I'll do anything to get you into shape and then we'll go to one tavern to beer and have fun together", Julian tried to cheer up Erik.
"It could be a lot of fun", Erik smiled, though he knew himself, so that would never happen.

They continued their discussion for a long time, hours rolling by slowly. Day began to turn to for the evening and the shadows lengthened. Serene sky began to glow golden, red and orange tones by the setting sun.

Julian saw how Erik became more and more tired. Erik looked like it would have been increasingly difficult to keep his eyes open and his voice began to be choppy. Healers were a couple of times to exchange pandages and Julian had asked of a them, whether after all, was a small chance that Erik would survive, but they weren't given any hope of recovery.

***

Since that date Erik was Julian's servant and was forced to do everything ever came up with Julian's mind. Although Erik was a servant, he was treated like a slave. He had to toil from morning to night and every day, which was followed by another, and every year that went forward was the same. He was the first to awake, before rooster singing and the last one who went to sleep.

Every evening Erik, fell tired in pile of hay, which was his bed. He hoped he would never wake up again, but always inevitably morning arrived, as well as new chores.

Erik would certainly plod himself to death a long time ago, unless the other servants and subordinates would have done part of the work that has passed on him.

Erik lost weight again, for he hardly got to eat. He had been passed so much work, that he had no time to eat with the others. And he didn't even dare, for the fear to get beaten on, if something wouldn't be done because of a short break.
Until late at night, he was able to check out whether the kitchen had left scraps to eat, and if nothing was there, he went digging the rubbish heaps, in the same way as when he were a beggar. Usually he found only a very little of anything eatable to compost heap and after that he went to drinking water to rain water barrel. He didn't dare to ask of anything better to drink.

In those very rare moments when Erik happened to have some extra time, he went to the village chapel, praying and slowing down. It was a place where he felt more at home than anywhere else, besides the monastery.

Even Juliankin wondered that Erik ever tried to escape, even though he would have been more than one opportunity to do it. Of course, escape had been Erik's mind several times, but the fear was greater on behalf of loved ones. He was afraid that Julian would find Maria and the child to his hands and revenge to them, if he would run away. That's what he didn't want to happen, so he remained at the castle, and not even considered to escaping and tried to take it all, even if sometimes the suffering and sorrow seemed to be unbearable.

Erik never smiling, nor laughing with the others. His gaze had become sad and empty, scrolling years leaves the deep mark on his face. He only hoped that the death of have mercy on him soon, because he no longer felt that he would cope any more. Mourning the death of the parents was great, but even more he longed to Mary and this smile, a gentle touch and loving nature. He longed to Mary, so much that it was painful.

Erik hid his feelings deep inside him and work almost like an involuntary doll. Julian notice how Erik's appearance changed, and how much he start to look older than what his real age were. At times he felt the sting down inside his heart, but he silenced it quickly.

At no point in Erik didn't think to revenge to Julian injustice for what he has suffered, because it just wasn't his nature. Especially when he had seen how much Julian loved his family and how much cared them, even if he did treats other very cruelly sometimes. Erik doesn't have a heart to even think of that kind of ideas that fought against of all what he had ever learned.

Thou shall not kill, so read in the Bible, and so was Ignatius taught him and he was going to follow it. Maybe he was too nice, but he hadn't learned from life much else, because usually he was left alone, and now he even pulled aside, with longer wanted to make friends with anyone, because he knew that those ties would be cut brutally. He didn't want to experience that gnawing pain again.

Horses were probably the only creatures which Erik cared and who cared to Erik and listened to his worries and sorrows which in those silent hours, which Erik spent whit their company. He took care of those noble animals with care and tenderness, and made sure that they get the best apples and juiciest carrots and the best fodder to eat and clean water to drink.
 

***

One day, Erik was once again taking care of horses that when he heard the three steps, which approached the stables, and finally came to a halt outside. He continued to quietly work with horses which because he didn't want to interfere in any way which if that entrant were Julian and some of his friends. After a while it was quiet, until those three men began to talk, and Erik realized that Julian wasn't with them.

Erik knew that he now have to be even more careful, because the weight of the voices of those men, he was able to read, that this wasn't belong to his ears. Erik knew what men could do to him, and thinking about it didn't make him feel any better. Silently Erik continued preening horse and moved to other side of it, that these men wouldn't see him immediately, if they walk in the stable. He heard every word that these men were saying.

"I've had enough of him", Said the first voice.
"We must act quickly, because if we get caught, he is not very friendly to us", another voice said, "and the thought of his dungeons makes my skin to goose bumps", he continued.
"Don't even remind me that place. I've heard so horrible stories of it and I really don't want to get the whole place, if I can avoid it", joined third voice in the debate.
"He doesn't kill you right away, but first tortured his prisoners go insane." Another voice continued.

"One more word about the dungeon Henry and I'll throw you upon the manure pile", first voice snarled.
"I'm sorry, Sir Nathaniel", man called Henry said.
"Good." Said man called Sir Nathaniel satisfaction in his voice, "now we just have to make a plan how we cast down him", he continued.

"Well..." The third voice began.
"So Samuel?" Asked Sir Nathaniel a little impatiently.
"Would it be better to discuss this somewhere else. I mean someone could hear us, and tell to him", Samuel said cautiously.
"Who you would think hear us here? The horses?" Sir Nathaniel asked derisively, even knew that he was now dangerous waters, when considering such a high-ranking person's murder.
"Someone of his servants", Samuel replied.

"I don't think that they want to tell. They want to his death as much as we do", Sir Nathaniel pointed out.
"However, some of them may tell", Henry insisted.
"He's scared them so that they don't dare to disagree with him", Samuel said.
"Well, if someone tries tell and we'll get him, he'll be as badly as his master", Sir Nathaniel said viciously.
"All right, but I would feel better if we discuss in a place where there wouldn't be any extra ears to listen." Henry said.
"I'll give up. Meet me at my house in the evening. I'll make sure that my servants isn't there to listening us. "Sir Nathaniel agreed.

Erik heard their steps going away the and yet discuss low. He already knew who those men were planning to murder, even if it weren't said at aloud. Because he had already heard how other servants were murmuring, but they never were to do anything, because they were afraid of, such as Erik's, too much to Julian and his punitive measures.

Sounds completely dampened and Erik was left alone whit horses. Absently, he gave the horse a carrot piece, which it took and ate with great satisfaction. After a while the horse poked its chub to Erik lightly on the shoulder, as if to say,; give me more to those carrots.

"All right." Erik said quietly, and gave the horse a carrot and another stroking the velvet soft chub. Horse guffaw with satisfaction and looked at the man, which was enough to the time and kindness to it, unlike the soldiers, and the court lords.

Later, when Erik had been stable stable work done, he moved on to work inside the castle. He waited for the right time to tell to Julian, what he had heard. He knew that he could stand back and not to tell, but because he wasn't that kind of person, he wanted to tell. Finally, an opportunity came and he walked uncertain steps to the throne and looked cautiously to Julian, who seemed to be immersed in his thoughts.

"My Lord." Erik said quietly and bowed.

"Now what?" Julian snapped rudely and glared at Erikiä who had dared to disturb his peace.
"I have something to tell you." Erik said, and swallowed. He was afraid of how Julian react and would he believe is what he had heard during the day.
"Well, come on." Julian react and said, and looked at Erik, who was standing thin and scared of him. He noticed how much Erik had changed over the years. Clothes hanging above him like empty bag and deep furrows was seared on his face. There were dark circles under his eyes and cheeks were sunk wells.
"My lord, I am very evil that I have to disturb your peace, but I heard how some people were planning to murder your Highness", Erik said, and told everything to Julian.
"What nonsense is this?" Julian react and growled and rose abruptly stood up, causing Erik cringe and retreat away from the throne.

Erik was silent, he didn't know what to say and looked scared to Julian who didn't seem to believe.
"N.. nonsense, n... no m... my lord. Not nonsense, b... but the truth", Erik was finally called, even if the heart beat with fear.
"How dare you present that kind of accusations against men who are upper than you", Julian react and growled and glared at Erik like he was a dirty rat.

"I... I'm sorry, my lord", Erik said, and fell on his face on the floor, "I'm sorry." He spluttered quietly and waited to the penalty. He realized, that Julian wouldn't believe, and not going to try it again.

Julian saw how Erik was trembling with fear, and how small he seemed to be. His hatred relented slightly and for a moment he felt pity for this man.

"Get back to your work, and never said a bad word against Sir Nathaniel, who has been a my long-term friend and my support", Julian said, and felt a little pleasure when receiving subdue to Erik.
"Very well, my lord", Erik said quietly, standing up and bowed, and then he disappeared into the kitchen, where the chef already anxiously await him.

Just as Erik had guessed, Julian hadn't believed in him, and he had, therefore, to protect this in secret, even if on the other hand he doesn't deserve it. So Erik observers midst of his work environment in to be able to intervene if he would see those men trying to carry out their plans.

It took days and weeks, so nothing happened, but Erik was still alert. One summer day Julian had invited guests to his castle and also those three men whit them. These men seemed to be satisfied, because they now had the opportunity to implement their plans. Erik constantly be near to Julian, so that the men had none of right moment to do anything.

"Shall we go to ride?" Asked Samuel, who thought that perhaps it would be easier to make the murder, somewere else than castle where the king's servants constantly rotating around him, like now, that one skinny servant.
"Why not", Julian said, because it was nice to get out of the castle walls from time to time.

Erik saw that Henry pull the dagger out, which he was holding, so that Julian. couldn't see it. Apparently, the other two didn't agree with the one who had suggested the riding trip, Erik concluded. He lifted the tray and walked toward guests like to offer them something to drink and like accidentally he bumped into a Henry who were holding a dagger.

Erik felt how cold blade slashed a deep wound on his side, but he didn't let it to stop himself.
 

"You idiot!" Henry shouted and slapped Erik to the face with open hand as hard as he could, "now look what you did to my clothing, you clumsy fool!"
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry", Erik slurred and hold his stinging cheek and bowed deeply.

The side hurts, but he bit his teeth on and tried to take it. He couldn't show that he had been hurt, the way those three would quess what he was trying to do and the consequences could be terrible.

"What is this? You haven't been clumsy before?" Julian said, looking Erik. with dissatisfaction.
"It was an accident, I tripped over my own feet", Erik said, "I am deeply sorry about what happened, and I promise it will not happen again", he went to the same polite, apologetic tone.

Julian looked silently to Erik, because he could not believe that he was quite clearly lieing, and he hadn't done so ever. He could not understand what was going on, he didn't really had time to think about because his guest, took his attention.

"You should put your servant into the fold." Henry hissed angrily and glared at Erik very ugly. He wasn't so much a cranky on spilled wine, as spoiled try assassinate Julian.
"He'll get his punishment later", Julian said to calm down Henry.

He wrinkle brows, when he saw a red coin spread to Erik's right side, although he tried to cover it up. Erik was perhaps, after all, telling the truth, Julian thought and saw how Erik's face had gone pale even further, so that the place where Henry's palm had been hit, shone a nasty red.

"I'm sorry, but I changed my mind, I'm not going to ride with you today, nice as it would be. But if you still want to go, my servant may put the horses ready for you", Julian said, and broke the momentary silence. Something was going on, he knew it, and wanted to avoid the risks for now.

"All right." Samuel said, but seemed to be a disappointed, when his plans fell through too.

Erik nodded silently affirmatively sign and headed to the kitchen to prevail upon the tray and broken glasses off before he could go to the stable as to prepare the horses ready for men. He heard how those men were shouting obscenities and mean things after him, but he didn't cared about them, he was already used to hearing those kind of words and mean things.
 

****

Erik began to prepare horses for riding trip, when he heard steps outside of the stable. They stopped and impatient, irritated voice began to speak to the other, which answered back almost back angrily.
"You and your riding trip", Henry snorted.
"You wasn't successful either when that clumsy servant ruined everything", Samuel replied.
"Since this doesn't work, then we need to act at night", Sir Nathaniel said.
"During the night, then", Henry buckled, even if he knew how risky it was.

Erik knew that he should prevented it at all costs, and he thought that he wouldn't sleep at night, let alone to see the next morning. He worked as usual and took the horses to men.

"Get lost you clod", Henry hissed and aimed at well-directed kick to Erik, "and watched that the rooms are in good shape when we get back, or you get that kind of penalty, that you don't sleep on your back on a week", he snarled.
"Yes, my lord," Erik said quietly. He was a long time ago used to command and intimidation, so he didn't care them now either. Sure, he would do what he was commanded, when he doesn't have any other options.

When men leave out of the gate, Erik headed to manage other chores, which was enough for him. That's what he just didn't know that Julian had seen what had happened in the yard, and was followed how Erik went to kitchen head bowed and shoulders hunched. He knew how to conscience knocked and thought, if he could just ease Erik's workload a litle bit. But it was forgotten when other things took his attention.

After receiving a small respite, Erik tied the wounds and took care of all the chores conscientiously, which belonged to him, even though the side hurt hard.

Men returned from a late night riding trip, and they weren't any more happier than they were when left either.
Nathaniel came down steed back and let Erik take care the horse. Erik was able take horses tostalls and began to take away from these equipment, when he saw Nathaniel arrived at the stable with his friends.

"Hey you!" Henry snarled.
Erik startled at the roar, interrupted his work and turned to see a man in fear.
"Yes", Erik said quietly and stayed humble wait to see what the man had to say.
"Come here, we want to talk to you a little", Henry commanded rudely.
"All right", Erik said, and stepped out of the stall, closing the door behind him, so that the horse wouldn't escape.
He had hardly got outside the stall, when Henry grabbed him in to lapel and threw him against to the wall. Frightened peep escaped from Erik's lips and he raised his hands instinctively to protect himself.

"We know what you're trying to do, you nasty rat", Nathaniel hissed and glared ugly at Erik.
Erik dared hardly breathe either, and didn't answer. He knew, however, that it would be no any use anyway.
"No need to whine, because your master is unlikely to help you", Nathaniel continued and Henry pressed Erik harder against the wall, and he struck the back of the head badly on the wall.
"I beg you, please don't do it. Don't sink to his level, because you aren't murderers, but men of honor", Erik said quietly and looked pleading to men. He didn't want to, that men shouldn't come murderers of one man's sake. He didn't want the innocent family would suffer these men's actions. It wasn't right.
He was now between the devil and the deep sea and decided to not even try to get men to retreat, that it took care of a bloodless, without anyone's honor would stained.
"We will do what we want, and you, stay out of our way, or you will go wrong!" Nathaniel snarled angrily.

Erik could only nod, because he understood very well that men wouldn't give up their plan. So he had to go in between, whatever it will cost. Henry struck his fist Erik face, before let him go. After this, the men took off their separate ways, leaving Erik alone.
Erik had become accustomed to the pain, so not even this was no exception. He suffered all in silence and continued to work, even if the head and face acheing unkindly.
When he had been treated horses, he could only wait. Hour after hour passed and the castle fell a deep silence. Finally tried a moment when Erik was able to move off.

He sneaked into the Julian's office, took a piece of parchment and began to write;

Dear King Julian

I don't know what else I can do, but you didn't leave me any other option. I warned of the danger that threaten you, but you didn't want to listen to me, so this is the only way to save your life.
I can understand if you look at it appropriate to punish me for insubordination, but I just can't stand by while your family torn aparts and the innocent will suffer. It is contrary to everything that I have learned in my life and that is why I have to act like this.
I'm sorry for everything, but I hope you understand.

As Brother Ignatius said to me once; Our lord, has said that we all are his children and we have to take care of them.

Over to the Lord.
Erik MacBear

Erik looked yet the message that he was written on parchment and stood up. He walked in the night as quietly as he could, and took the parchment Julian's bed chamber, leaving it on a bedside table.

After this, he wore Julian's royal outer clothing and quietly faded into the throne room, stepping with steady steps on the stand and sat down to the throne for wait.

****

He didn't have to wait long time, when those three men rushed out the shadows. While the men were dwarfed by the face detection hampering, Erik recognized them easily. He remained in place and was waiting for, even if he felt how fear bridge the cold tentacles around him. He heard steps and silent curses, when the men approached the tenacious in throne which he sat and waited.

"I heard from one person of your intentions and I decided to wait", Erik said in lofty tone of voice and stood up, even though he was afraid. It's got the men to stop. "I didn't have to disappointed. Now I would like to know what you want from me", he continued in the same prestigious voice, which had crept into some faltering.

"What are you doing your master's throne, and why you are wearing his clothes?" Nathaniel asked, disgust in his voice, stopping at in front of the throne platform, and recognizing Erik. He was infuriated that he had gone so cheap.
Erik didn't answer but stood there like a statue.
"You could tolerated to sanction for your insubordination", Nathaniel said, and rose up the steps to Erik's create, by Samuel, and Henry following in him.

Erik didn,t have time make a single sound, when those three attacked him and he let it happen. He didn't care about the pain, because he was numb it the passing of time. The attack was fast, powerful, and cruel, so in no time, when the men were ready.

They were going to head to the Julian bed chamber, when they heard his roar coming from the upper platform. Men escaped and pushed Erik passing over him, so that he rolled down the steps to the throne.

He stayed lying at the foot of the stairs, with blood appearing chest wounds and a, spreading into a deep red pond under him.

Although the forces were disappeared from his limbs, somehow he managed to turn himself on to stomach and lift up on to his hands and knees. Slowly and painfully he began to drag himself towards bucket of water which was near the wall, because his confused mind banged compulsive thought that he have to clean up the mess, before Julian arrived on the scene.

Forces stopped completely after he was reaching to the bucket and he managed to accidentally knock it over.

Wash water is spread with a splash on the floor and on top of him, watering a fine robe soaked. Vague, fearful utterance escaped his lips and fear turned change to the horror. He didn't know what to do, when he heard bare feet leaving a soft tone against the cold noble stone. Someone was coming.

***

Days pass by in and changed to months, when Erik was learning new things. He even tried to learn swordsmanship, but soon realized that it was not his strength. He knew that would have had to learn that skill from an early age, now it was a little late to learn all of it, not to mention the fact that he did not even really want to hurt anyone, let alone fight.

Richard also saw that Erik wasn't created to kill anyone, because so strong were the teachings of the monastery in his mind. Richard was surprised that Erik was not on that wretched period of time, before settling in the monastery, had gone into evil ways. Some higher power must have been guided Erikiä, to this rocky road, he concluded, and thought that, yes this still be a good king , even though he was not keen on fighting.

Around the same time Maria had noticed changes in herself, which are telltale pregnancy, which come into full fruition over time. Erik think that Maria looked even more beautiful than before, when she aglow with future motherhood.

Erik was nervous about Maria's pregnancy and he wanted to protect her from all evil, and hoped that their children would have a better life, than what he himself had been.

Although he didn't talked much about it to Maria, he was afraid that the coming child would like for him was happened and in his mind he hoped and prayed to God to protect the Maria, as well as the unborn baby.

***

Richard decided it was high time to introduce Erik to the people, it became subordinates to know what kind of man they would get their ruler when the crown would change ownership. Erik was very nervous about coming day, as he was supposed to give a speech to the people. He decided to be honest and tell all about that shameful mark. He didn't want to be secretive about this matter any further, because before long might happen that someone would see that mark and accidentally blabbed it to the world.

Finally arrived that day, and they walked a large podium, which was built in the market place. They sat on the throne, and Erik saw people looking at them partly honor, partly expectantly, as Very rarely the royal came out, behind the stone walls in the middle of ordinary citizens.

King Richard stood up and spoke to the people, the end of which was followed by cheering and clapping. When the people were silent again, Erik rose cautiously to his feet and take a uncertainly step further. He was scared, but this was to be done. He looked at the people below the surging, took a deep breath and began to speak.

Erik told them the whole story, even he wanted to forget most of what he had experience.
"I will not force you to like me and if you think that I do not fit your king, I can give up the crown. I just wanted to be honest with you, so that you will know what I am . "Erik said gulping quiet and silent.

People was quiet, no one cheering, nor patted and Erik started to expect the first spawn ammunition, which would striking at him. He was used to it, and didn't felt the physical pain, but the inner hurt even more. He turned and walked slowly back to the throne, until suddenly started to hear screaming, cheering and clapping. Confused, he turned to look at people who clapped, cheered and chanted his name.

This was new to Erik, as he had been used to hear the name calling, slander, and received only blows, kicks and rotten vegetables and fruits. Small embarrassed smile spread on his lips and for a moment it seemed to him that everything will go in better way, when suddenly a very familiar figure rushed up, along with a couple of other men. Before anyone had time to do anything Julian had already slashed the king's throat open and attacked to the Queen.

Erik looked horrified at this, but realized that he had to act now if wanted to get his wife to safety. So he jumped to Maria and pulled to this with him, Ignatius striding behind him. They ended up in an isolated street, where they stopped for a moment.

"Ignatius, best friend of mine, I beg and pray, take Maria with you and take her out of here, get her to safety", Erik asked and looked at his old friend begging for.
"I will", Ignatius said and strode to Maria.

"Erik, no. I don't want to leave you", Maria asked.
"Mary dear, go. I don't want anything bad happen to you. Be so kind", Erik asked and looked at his wife unhappy. It hurts so much that he had to leave her like this, but it was the only way to protect her.
"All right", Maria said, tears streaming to her cheeks, and go with Ignatius.

Julian didn't noticed this until it was too late and Ignatius had rode out of the city gates, Maria with him.

Erik watched as the two fainter and finally disappeared from the view. He wished that they may get escape and and save from Julian and his subordinates. He didn't do anything to escape, but stood still in place, even when the two thugs arrived and took him over to Julian.

"Did you try to escape." Julian said, and looked at the estimates Erik.
"I didn't try", Erik said, to stood there and watching the tips of his shoes.
"Then why did you run away?" Julian said.

Erik was silent, and did not answer. He looked silently to Julian knew that he did not have to tell him, because Julian already knew what he had done.

"I guess you help your little wife to escape", Julian hissed viciously to got Erik cringe to stepped back. He almost ran thug, who standing behind him and nudged him away from himself.
"So what", Erik said and get rough nudge to his back from thug who stand behind him.
"That little escape will not last long, and when we catch them, you'll look at when they are executed", Julian said, the great satisfaction in his voice, when receiving Erik's clearly fear.
"Julian, I beg you let her live. I'll do anything you want, if you just let Maria go", Erik begged and tears rolled to his cheek.

Just when he thought he was expected to live in peace, all of it was destroyed and taken from him again. His parents were lying dead in front of their thrones and Maria was, hopefully, safe with Ignatius. No longer he had anything to lose and he would die gladly, if it only guarantee to protection of Maria.
"Anything?" Julian asked crooked smile on his face.
"Just about anything", Erik said, and took the crown off his head and handed it to Julian, "I even die, if you want that", he added quietly, hoping that man front of him, have mercy upon him and let him of this pain that gnawed his innermost so much.

"No, you're not dying yet, not before I wanted so", Julian said, smiling contentedly, even though he was a little annoyed at the same time because of how easily this has gone, "I need a servant, and you fit for the job well", he added and dropped the crown on his head.

Aerosmith – I don't wanna miss a thing

The Bangles – Eternal Flame

***

But even if they had walked slow, they were deemed to be too fast to sleeping chamber door. They entered, and each was frightened at first, when something crashed into the open door directly to Erik's neck. They calmed down when they saw that the surges was Mary.

"Erik, I was worried", Maria rebuked Erik, blushed and then take a step further away from the man, when she saw the King with him. "Excuse me, Highness." She said embarrassed and made a court curtsey.

"Maybe I'll leave you two alone", King said, amused and retreated back to the door.
"I'm sorry for my behavior", Maria apologized.
"You don't have to apologize", King chuckled and twinkle had returned to his eyes it, which it hadn't seen since the birth of his son, "well, it is just that you take care of him", he went on smiled broadly.
"Thank you, Highness", Maria said, curtseyed again and pressed her head into a small bow.
"I'll leave him now into your hands, Maria", King said, and left, leaving young people togeather Erik's sleeping chamber.

"I'm so sorry, Erik", Maria said as soon as the King had gone.
"It's all right", Erik said, felt a deep affection for the maiden to produce. He realized that she would always remain by his side, and never go away. Erik pulled Mary close and kissed her tenderly, "I love you", he whispered softly, when they diverged from each other.
"I love you too", Maria said, still holding Erik's hand to her own.
Erik felt how soft and warm and slender maiden hands where to compaired to his own work hardening hands.

After a while they were just close to each other, to feel each other's touch. Erik finally sat down on the edge of the bed, Maria continues to put on hold chores. He was followed by Maria view and felt involves mixed emotions of her. Erik loved deeply to that maiden who answered his emotions so mindedly, and didn't fled screaming in the horror when seeing a nasty burning mark on his arm.

However, he did not want to judge the girl at the same hell, where he himself had lived his life. His heart was overwhelmed by these conflicting feelings, hopes and the bitter disappointment which he had experienced more than he wanted to.

"Erik, are you okay?" Asked Maria, who had seen the varying emotions of his melancholy and pale face.
"I am. I ... I'm just wondering whether this will work even then", Erik said at last, and sighed heavily, "I mean, I'm happy now and I want to spend my life with you, but I'm afraid that I condemn you as well to the same hell, where I have been all my life", he finally said, and pressed his eyes on the floor in shame.
"Erik, if that happens, I'll be there with you", Maria said, and sat down next to Erik, "you've been alone for so long, and I want to help you by sharing your burden, if it is my destiny", she went and stroked gendly Erik's thin arm.
"But ... I could not forgive myself if you put to shame because of me. I can't do that to you", Erik said unhappily.
He understood, how strong young woman, Maria, was, and that she'll be standing behind her words, but, after all, he wanted to save that innocent creature against all evils of the world, which he had already encountered.

"I understand you, and I'll say it again, that I stay by your side at all times, no matter what happens." Maria said, and pressed a gentle kiss to Erik's cheek. Erik felt Maria's warm breath tickle to his skin. How soft and gendle her lips felt like. . "I love you, not your crown, not noble ancestry, but you. And only you", she went and looked at Erik's eyes.
"But what your family would say if they knew", Erik said, worried and put his hand on top of his left upper arm.
"Oh, they don't say anything, because my parents died when I was just a litle girl. I have no siblings and my my grandmother, who raised me, died before last winter", Maria said, and felt sad, because she understood Erik well and because of this she love him so deeply. She wanted to be close to Erik, make him happy because for so long he had been without it.
"Forgive me, I'm so sorry, I should have realized", Erik said, embarrassed, and looked at his toes tips.

"Don't be", Maria said softly, "you've been without family and I, if no one, knows how it feels." She went.
"You will still have always been a support and security", Erik said, "in my life, there have been only a handful of people, to whom I'm ever indebted to, and you are one of them", he went and smiled sadly.
"Now you been silly." Maria said, cheeks glowing in red and smiled shyly.
"I'm serious." Erik said, and finally his lips curved to a small smile, "I owe you, because you kept me alive in that hell hole, even though I didn't see you that often", he continued.

"Oh, Erik." Maria said, blushing stronger.
"I love you, Maria." Erik said, looking directly into to her gendle eyes.
"I love you too." Maria answered his and looked at Erik's dark brown eyes, which she could see the sorrow that had been left into the dark depths of his eyes.

Deep silence fell in the room, both of them just watching each other. Unnoticed as their hands roamed over the body anothers. Lips find on anothers lips. They startled when the door opens and jumped apart, when they hear a light amused cough at the door.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness." Maria slur and looked at the Queen, face glowing in red.
"Perhaps we should have the wedding as soon as possible, otherwise the two of you are doing something irreversible", Queen said with a smile and looked at both of them.
"Yes, a wedding", Erik muttered confused.
"Erik, your father wants to have a party on your honor", Queen said, and looked at her son happy that he had been back to her.
"Party", Erik said, and went more and more confused, "I don't know. Not really set the party.", he added, embarrassed. He wasn't just never celebrated anything. Only once in the monastery he was celebrated his birthday, when he reached the age of majority.
"But your father would want”, Queen said, looking lovingly at his son. She well understood reluctance. For him it was only now that so many things to become clear and acclimatization to a new life would still have time.
"Well, alright", Erik reluctantly agreed and asked that the party doesn't render very large for him.

"Wonderful." Queen said with a smile and pressed a light kiss on his son's cheek.
"Uh ... well ... Mother..." Erik started tangled, when he didn't know how he would be expressed his case, "well, as I would like, that we would have our wedding to a small scale. I don't like loud uproar because of it. When the ... when this is new to me", he went on to explain his case in snatches and twisted his fingers nervously.
"Anything you want, my dear son.", Queen said softly and gently touched his son's chin, "let's see what I can arrange."
"I would like that Brother Ignatius would marry us. He is authorized to do such a thing, and he's a good friend of mine", Erik continued and calmed down a little, when his request doesn't knocked out, "in fact, the only friend of mine, in cluded to to Maria", he continued and looked at his toes.
"It fits very well”, Queen said, stepping to the door, then turned, "Maria, would you come with me", she asked kindly.
"Yes, your gracious Highness", Maria said, and bowed in small ways, "bye then Erik. I'll see you again later", she said, and kissed Erik quickly, before almost ran after the queen.

Erik was left alone and sat down on the edge of the bed. There he sat for who knows how long, and stared front of him at the happy smile on his face . Still, he hesitated a little bit of that big case, but he knew in his heart what he wanted and he wanted to be alongside to Maria until his death.

A little later, Maria came back over to Erik, who stared at this, for the maiden was now a breathtakingly beautiful, on a derss suitable for a princess.

"You're beautiful." Erik gasped out without taking his eyes off Mary.
"Now you been silly again." Maria said with a smile and cheeks glowing red.
"I have never seen a maiden than you." Erik said, and felt how the heart banged hard in the chest.

He just wanted to be with Maria. Wanted to take care of that maiden and protect her like the fragile flower in his hand. His feelings towards to that beautiful maiden than you was strong. He felt what those feelings were ablaze in his chest like a fire. Those feelings were stronger, perhaps because for so long those feelings were banned from him.

"Erik, you speak so beautifully", Maria gasped and looked at him happily. She saw the sense of the fire in the eyes of the man and knew that one thing would lead soon to another, if they would stayed togeather, bit longer, "I just wanted to come and see you before I go to bed", she said.
"I thank you", Erik said stepped forward and gently took to Maria's hand to his own and kissed up on her cuddly hand, "good night, my love", He continued and pulled the woman closer to pressing a passionate kiss on her red lips.

"Good night, Erik my love", Maria said, and walked out of the room.

She was a little bit on other worlds, because she had seen how strongly Erik felt and wanted to be alongside with him. She wanted him to have to experience everything the other ordinary people. All the things that he had been missed out in his live.

***

A few days later celebrated to Erik's and Maria's wedding, but there was not for many people, because Erik didn't want to keep the noise, and he doesn't even know who to invite. Because none of the monks to the monastery, wouldn't come, except the abbot, and Ignatius was already in the castle. Erik thought that Luke would not have time to come, as he had a monastery to perform and Erik didn't want to interfere with this, so he sent him a letter and tell him everything that had happened to him.
 

However, the wedding went according to the formula by which it was to go into royal, even though the wedding was modest. After the wedding was a small-scale party, and after that Maria and Erik retreated from the room prepared for them. At last, they could be togeatger. At last they could now show feelings to others, without being unauthorized.

Erik pulled Maria's close to him and kissed her passionately.

He felt the woman's warm body against his own and felt her hands that curiosity roamed along her body. His own hands roamed along the woman's body, touching her gently and with care, like the this would have been the most fragile glass. It all happened by itself they had both affectionate to each other, because understood time was right for both the first. They were waiting for each other give each other time, touching each other affectionately mind hand lips. Until late at night they fell asleep to entwined each other and slept down until the morning.

Erik woke up first, but not the heart to wake a sleeping still Mary, her sleep looked very beautiful. He spent his time watching Maria's's face, which are reddish-blonde hair framed beautifully.

Erik did not know how long it had been looking at Mary, when she opened her eyes and looked back with a smile. There they rested close to each other watched each other, without getting enough of it.

Maria's soft fingers made excursions along Erik's body, and he gave it to happen. Woman's gaze glided along the arms, the chest and fingers brushed lightly his scarred back.

Maria felt how to Erik shuddered to her touch, and saw how he closed his eyes, like he was ashamed of his scars.

"Ssh. There is nothing to worry about", Maria said quietly pressed so close against Erik, that their lips touched each other.
"Forgive me", Erik said quietly, and gave his fingers brushed lightly Maria's smooth skin and explore to her soft shapes. "It takes a long time before I learned, if I ever learned", he continued and looked at Maria's face with a gentle, warm smile.

"It's all right", Maria said, and pressed a gentle kiss on her fresh husband's lips, "I love you with all your scars", she added with smiling.
A room of silence descended and the both of them just enjoying each other's company and wanted to weigh every moment of mind, as this was one of the best moments of Erik's life.

"We should probably get up", Erik said at last and toyed gently with one light strand of hair, which finally brought gently to one side Maria's's beautiful face.
"Yeah, I guess", Maria admitted, though she didn't really want to get up from the bed yet.

She wanted to be Erik's company forever, but she knew that they could not be just lying on the bed the whole day. There was so much to do and Erik had still a lot to learn.
That serene moment lasted half an hour, until the servant came in and brought the breakfast tray on a table nearby.

"Your breakfast, your Excellency", ervant said, and bowed.
"But you didn't have to", Erik said, confused, "I had thought to come the kitchen for breakfast", He continued, as he really wasn't used to the fact that the food was brought to him.
"Why your Excellency would bother to come the kitchen?" The servant asked confused.
"Well, uh..." Erik stammered and embarrassed. This was another one of those things that he should learn, "the old way", he muttered at last and stared at the his fingers.
"Your Excellency is welcome in the kitchen, if you wish so, but I would advise to enjoy your breakfast in peace and quiet here", servant said, smiling and hinted eye, "and you don't need to bring a tray in the kitchen, one of us will get it later", he added, bowing and left, leaving the young couple to their own peace.

Erik was silent and just sat still. He was embarrassed, but it was new, and he was still not used to being served. When He was used to being the one who serves and does the work.

"Erik, are you all right?" Maria said and wrapped her arms around Erik.
"I am. I just... this all is so new to me and I don't know how to be properly served", Erik answered her at last and looked at Maria's gentle face.
"I understand, you're been through a lot and you know how brutal the lower caste life can be at its worst", Maria said gravely and pressed a gentle kiss to Erik's cheek, "but you are a noble and kind man and that's why I love you so much", she added, a small smile coming back to her lips.
"Thank you, Maria. I do not know how I would cope without you", Erik sighed and pulled himself closer to Maria. That he knew that if he would have to give up Maria sometimes, live doesn't longer be worth of living, "I'm sorry, I'm not a perfect dream prince", he sighed and wondered miserably again for the umpteenth time, that could he be the ruler after all.

"Erik, I've said that I don't care about the titles or the jewels in the crown. I love you just the way you are and how you met for the first time”, Maria answered him, wondering how much remains to be needed, before Erik evolved into exactly the kind of king than expected.

She wanted to be the man's aid, because that is what he was in need, especially now that his was to fall on the shoulders big burden of responsibility. Maria knew that the thing was a big deal for Erik and this felt that it was in a different way, as if he had lived his life in the castle as should have been if that disgusting man, Julian, had been in existed.

"But ..." Erik began, but received complete a sentence, when Maria put her slender fingers to his lips.
"Ssh, my dear, do not talk. I'll be with you always, and I'll never leave you. I want to be by your side at all times, wherever you go. I go with you", Maria said quietly and looked straight into Erik's dark brown, which had a melancholy look, "I love you, just as you are, because I can see how good and honest you are, even if you have to face so much injustice in your life", she continued and pressed a gentle kiss on his lips.
"What I'd do without you", Erik said with a rough voice, and response for his wife's gentle kiss.

For a long time, they didn't see anything else but each other and just felt each others light touch. Breakfast would have been forgotten from those two, if Erik's stomach would rumble loudly. Erik blushed and Mary got a small giggle, which she quickly tried to suppress.

"I'm sorry." Maria said, looking tenderly Erik.
"It's all right." Erik said quietly and added, "It is high time to eat."

So they enjoyed the castle chef conjured up from breakfast, which consisted of fruit, bread and wine. After breakfast, they laze around for a while, before they dressed on. However, Erik was accustomed to from an early age to work and take care of everything, so this kind of slacking off was new for him, and he still had not got used to it and hardly ever be come get used to.

Maria noticed Erik's uncertainty and occasional gloomy thoughts, who visited like shadows on his face. She saw the how low self-esteem his was pressed and knew that it would take a long time, until it could be fixed, if ever. After all, a man has been a slight change for the better, but would a long way to the front, and not the way it be come be easy.

Maria hoped that her love would help and she felt more strongly desire to be the man alongside with and support this. Because love, acceptance, warmth and kindness is what that man needed right now, because for so long he had been without it.

"What are you thinking about?" Erik asked, and looked searchingly Maria's face.
"You," Mary answered and smiled. Erik didn't say anything, but he smiled.

Both fell into silence again, because company of each other was enough for them.

Later in the evening they went to the great hall, where there was a sumptuous dinner.

It seemed like a tasty for everyone, but Erik ate very carefully, as always, for he was still not used to such a large quantity of food, having lived for so many years by a narrow and sometimes very one-sided diet.

***

Erik recovered slowly and injuries healed, but the internal wounds were still open, because it took time to heal, and not all of them never healed. Erik recovered slowly and injuries healed, but the internal wounds were still open, because it took time to heal, and not all of them never healed. But when Erik began to be in better shape, he also got to be up, what splinted leg only allowed.

Erik walked along the castle with Maria, who was a guide to Erik, telling the history of the building, what I knew. Sometimes he himself roamed rooms watching and admiring the wall murals or beautiful hand-woven fabrics hanging on the walls. He had never seen anything like this before, not to mention that he not even dared to dream of that kind of things.

He particularly liked one of the big room on the wall hanging fabric that flame deep red and gold. He liked the picture, which was of any color, fabric yarns embroidered on because it. He often went out just looking at the picture, but not dared to touch it, even doubted it to feel soft fingers.
Picture fascinated him, and he felt that there was something very distantly familiar, a bit the same way as those feelings that he had received from his mother humming and delicate floral aroma.
 

One day, while he was standing at the picture and had raised his hand to touch the fabric, when he heard cough near him. Erik got scared and pulled the hand away from the fabric and heart pounding he backed off the door.

"I... I'm sorry", he faltered and stumbled anxious towards the door and got entangled in his own feet and crutches and fell against the door.
"I'm sorry", he said again, and felt the horror of creeping in him. "I... I leave right away", he stammered and tried to get up off the floor and open the door at the same time.

He heard how someones the steps towards him and he was trying to panic to escape, but was so nervous that he didn't get the door open and pulled his hand instinctively protect himself, like fearing to have once again met with punches and kicks.

King stepped out of the shadows, but stopped at some distance from the door, because he saw how positively trembled with fear was and realized that the past years had left deep marks inside him.

"Erik", King said at last with a gentle, quiet voice, and approached him calmly, because he did not want to put any more of this terror, "take it easy", he said in a friendly and bent over to help him up to his feet.
"Y. .. you", Erik had a stammer and and looked at the king settles down a bit.
"I didn't mean to scare you", King said, and directed Erik to sat on a wooden padded bench.
"I thought... I thought that I had no permission to be here", Erik said, embarrassed and looked down.
"What are you talking about. Of course, you have permission to be here, this is your home", King said gently, because he realized how much Erik had been suffered in his life, how limited his life had been.

"I'm sorry. I just not have use to all of this yet", Erik said, and began to feel stupid.
"You've been watching that picture often", King changed the subject.
"Yes", Erik admitted and felt his cheeks flushed, "I have a strong feeling that I've seen it before." He then dared to say.
"It may be so", King said calmly, and then sighed deeply, "I showed it to you the day before you were taken", he then said quietly, and looked at the picture.

"I don't remember that day", Erik said, "I think I was very small", He added, speaking more to himself than to King.
"The baby only, but even then you liked that picture." The king said, and turned and looked at Erik, who was now calm down. "If you want, you can watch it closer." He added lips curving into a sorrowfully smile.
"Thank you." Erik said quietly, and rose to the bench.

He walked over to the fabric and look at it more closely, studied the colors and admired the hand skills with which the picture was made a long time ago. Carefully, he raised his hand, approached the picture and gave fingertips to touch it. He felt how soft the fabric was and closed his eyes, letting his fingers move on the surface of the fabric. As flimsy as distant and unclear dream images, he saw how he had once before touched the fabric. He swallowed and involuntary silent sob escaped from his lips, but he did not yet removed his hand from the fabric.

"Erik?" Said King, who had walked Erik's side.
"Yes?" Erik said, and put his hand down.
"Are you all right, or of course you're not, but I mean", King was trying to say.
"Yes I am", Erik replied, and looked to the king with melancholy smile, "I still have a lot to learn, because I have lived my life elsewhere, and I don't know anything about court life, and I don't know all the things I should do or know ... as a prince", he said then gently and smiled in small ways.
"That can be arranged", King said calmly, a smile illuminating his face for a long time.

The two discussed for a long time and many things, but the king never once asked Erik to his past life, because he thought that he would tell himselfthen, when he was ready to do it.

***

Julian squat on the cold floor of the booth and waited for the day when he would be executed. He was angry, harbored revenge and was thinking about wearing out his head, and figured any sensible idea to get to escape from that hell hole.

Julian knew he needed the keys, or any other way the get the booth door open. However, he had noticed a long time ago, that one of the guards didn't seem too smart, so in all likelihood he had any chance to get away.

So he then put his brain nodule in motion and soon came up with the plot, which would free. Then he suffered injustice revenge royal family. So he threw himself on the floor when that big guy come and lay on the field like dead.

Julian had been right guard was not particularly intelligent. His acting went into full to guard, who turned his heels and ran to seek help, leaving the door open. It was an opportunity that Julian had been waiting for.

As soon as the guard had disappeared, Julian jumped to his feet and fled through the open door and then to the corridor. Then he made his way out of the dungeon. Somehow, he managed to avoid the guards.

First thing on the outside the front door, he looked for a suitable hiding place where to be, until the worst of the commotion would be over. He hoped that he would have time to come up with a plan to get that Royal family out of his way and get access to power which he lusted for so much.

****

Erik and the king had sat for hours on a bench and talked of the many things. Slowly, Erik had dared ask about the things that interested him, and the slight hope, live inside him. Hope that this might be permanent.
Suddenly, their conversation interrupted the soldier who ran puffing in the room and then came to a halt in place and did honor to his king as a soldier should be do.

"Excuse me, Excellency, but I came to announce that Julian has fled", Soldier said, and was looking forward to the king's orders.
"Find him immediately. No one doesn't rest until that crook is caught", King said, standing up.

After the soldier was gone became silent, and the king stood there looking increasingly in the direction of where the soldier had ran head over heels.

"I guess it was then that", Erik said sad and felt how good mind flowed slowly away from him, and despair took over the area again.
"What are you talking about, you don't have to go anywhere", King said, and turned to see Erik, whose posture had disappeared and he was sitting in its field head bowed.

"What's to stop Julian from telling all the people from that cursed burning mark which burned to my flesh a long time ago", Erik said quietly, "if he has time to tell everyone, people have time to hear, and they don't want to cursed god-awful man to a prince, and the Ruler", he went on and slowly rose to his feet.

"But that mark has burned in to your skin under false pretenses", King said, and tried to think about how the matter should be cleared up once and for all, as it seemed to be only harm, it is thought any standard.
"People don't care about that, they only see the burning mark and think that it will bring bad luck, even death among people. They want to get rid of it", Erik replied with an empty hollow voice, which tells to the king of sorrow and anxiety, which he felt for the cause.
"There has to be way, because I don't want to lose my son again", King said firmly and looked at Erik, who had seen more of life and its seamy side than the other of his peers ever, "people need to understand, either good or bad", he went on to adamantly voice.

"No, Father. Don't hurt your people, they are just people, and in a way I understand them", Erik said and looked at the king's face seriously, "I was hoping that I would have a home here, but I guess fate has told otherwise, and I do not have permission to ask for more than I get", he sighed and with heavy heart he began to walk back to his room.
"No, you don't need go anywere. You live here with me, and you have a future monarch, no matter what people said", King said after stepping Erik, turned this around and pulled this close to him and hugging his son for the first time since the early childhood.

"Father", Erik said quietly desperate voice, and answered a hug.

"I miss you so much and I was afraid you were dead. But now you are here and I don't want you to get separated to your family again", King said with emotion, it was indeed all these years, hoping that he could see his son before dying. He saw how Erik had grown up, and saw that he was older than his real age, and grown wiser and would be a great ruler, if an accursed burnmark and wicked counselors Julian, wouldn't have been a ruining all of this.
"Father", Erik said, and take a step farther, "I don't want to leave, now that I've found my family, but the best thing to do would be for me to leave, and I wouldn't shame your own house", he continued speaking, his father seriously.

"No. We are looking for a solution to this, for you have suffered quite enough and I don't want you to suffer any more", King said, a determined voice, "and now I'll take you back to your room, because you need to rest. Perhaps Maria is waiting for you", he added, and hinted his eye, smiling mischievously.
"Father", Erik began, but saw his father's face look that objections been good enough, "all right", He agreed and walked beside his father, when he led the him through the corridors of the castle, towards the sleeping chamber.

King was in no hurry, because he wanted to be as long as possible with his son's company and because he saw that Erik's foot wasn't yet in that good condition that it would last harder going. King watched silently, Erik, and he saw that that burn mark and Julian jailbreak was plagued with his mind, so, even though he tried not to show it.

They stopped sometimes and King told stories about fabrics or weapons hanging on the wall. Stories of the men of his family, who at the time were ruled to the kingdom and lived in these halls.

****

Erik was the days of high fever, and did not know what happened around him. He did not know how well they taken care of him. Only much later he became aware of his surroundings and realized dimly that he was safe. He remembered the situation that had led to this, though they was flimsy, vague images, and he could hardly believe that he was saved. Nevertheless, he silently thanked God that he had given his mercy, yet another possibility, although all had seemed to be at the end.

Still, he doubted that even this wouldn't last long, for so many times he had been disappointed, so many times his life had collapsed and hope had been taken, as he had thought that all would be well. It was because of that cursed mark.
He still doesn't know how to blame Julian for this, even tough he knew, that Julian had been behind it all. He still had a lot of questions, and so many holes in the fabric of his life, which in some places was so miserable that he did not want to remember it.

So he was just stayed in place and waited for what was to come. He was afraid that this dream would be end and that he would wake up again a prisoner booth, or perhaps out of the gutter, where he had spent most of his life. He had learned to fear and learned to know disappointment, and therefore could not enjoy this level, without fear of a new disappointment.

Erik hardly dared to speak maidens and healers, which held a steady pace to see and to take care of him. The hardest thing was talking to Maria. He didn't know what to say and thought how easy it had been to talk to her other side of bars. But not now, when she was very close and he was able to touch her. Many times he just looked when she did her chores, and doesn't dared to interfere her.

Maria talked to lot to Erik and improved the time of held pillows or blanket position or check if bandages needed exchange and Erik let it to happen. He dared not prevent any of Maria
Although the quality of life now seemed considerably improved, Erik could not enjoy it, especially when the nightmares plagued him constantly, and one of them was one that he had seen a young age.

***

The room was softly lit and he hear soft humming borne near. Erik knew that voice, but didn't know who it belonged to. He tried to see the source of the sound, but didn't succeed, and almost in the same atmosphere and the light changed. It got dark and heavy-handed hands grabbed hold of him.
He tried to wriggle free, but could not, the other one was much stronger than him.

Erik knew that he was taken to somewhere in and around the he heard steps, and the promptings of the metallic clang when the heavy iron door was opened and closed. He didn't understand where he was taken to and why, until I heard a buzzing sound and crackling, and the sound from the bars, which fell at regular intervals. He turned his head and saw a glowing hearth and flames leimahtelua between red-hot firebrand. Someone rolled in something, which soon raised up.

That someone was approaching a long metal object in his hand, one end of which glowed redder than the firebrand of the crucible. Erik could feel the heat that it glows on it and cried out in fear. He could not move, and someone was holding tightly onto his left hand in place. Then, quite suddenly, he felt a pain that has not yet been remembered ever experienced. It burned and sting, and he could smell of his own burning flesh.

Scream of horror erupted from his lips and he woke up. Sweat droplets roll down his face, mixed with tears that rolled down his cheeks. Chest heave his passionate breath and he found himself holding onto his left hand, as the fire was still burning it, as that bad luck mark would have been still fresh.

The new cry erupted between his lips and he threw the blanket aside. In panic, he rose from the bed and collapsed on the floor, as the broken leg has not yet been holding his weight. Another subdued cry erupted from his lips and soon faded into long sobs when he realized that he was safe. There he squat on the floor and wept violently, as the dream had been so real and horror it had brought didn't seemed to go away as usual.

From across the room he heard steps that approached, and as soon as the door was opened. Erik was preparing to escape, as he had been used to do all his life. He tried to move, but the splinted leg was not working and he looked terrified of what would happen to him. Although the voice of reason was trying to say that there was nothing to be afraid, that he no longer evicted out, yet the fear and horror blurred completely rational thinking. He wanted to run, wanted to get somewhere in a corner, which he would be safe. He was like a wild animal locked in a cage, who wanted to break free, but the bars weren't around him, but inside him.

Erik looked up at last saw Maria, who looked back with sadness. Behind her stood a beautiful woman with a golden crown on her locks and sad expression to her beautiful face. Inadvertent desperate squeak escaped out a from Erik's lips, and he instinctively pulled away, like he was fearing to beat up again, although part of man's rational mind still tried to say that there was nothing to be afraid of.

"Oh, Erik." Maria said sadly, and ran to help the man back to bed. "You should not even get up from the bed." He added gently to push the blanket on top of Erik's, when it was received this back on the bed.
Erik breathed still violently, but gradually began to settle down, Maria hustle and near the to put the bedclothes back to where they had almost fallen down when Erik was juped of bed.
"I saw ... saw... "Erik started intermittently, but received sentence the end, but weighed his head sobbing, in his hands.
"It was just a dream." Maria tried to appease and sipaisi ringlet down Erik's face.
"No." Erik sighed and looked somewhere over Maria. "I saw when I got this." He added, raising his hand to the left upper arm, where that shameful mark still were. With tears flowing down his cheeks, he pressed his face in his hands.
Maria would have liked to do more of Erik's good, but not dared because the presence of the Queen.

The queen walked over to bed and sat down on the edge of it, gently stroking Erik's hair and began to hum a song which Erik remembered from his dream. He knew that voice, and lifted his face up to his hands and looked at the Queen, whose beautiful face were serene, gentle expression and sad look in her eyes. Confused, he noticed that the Queen's eyes were the exactly same shape the same color as his own eyes.

"You..." Erik started Erik started but words stifled to nothing and doubt tried again to lift it's head, but he silenced it, because he wanted to believe that perhaps he would have a family here, perhaps even these noble, proud people.
"Yes, my dear son." The Queen said with a gentle voice and a bright tear roll on her cheek. Gently she stroked Erik's right front elbow where that royal birthmark were.
"Mother." Erik said quietly, looking dazed woman.

He didn't remember her much, and had not seen her since early childhood, which he had little memories, just a flimsy dream-like snippets here and there.
"Mother." He repeated again and embraced that woman, who had for so long been away from his life and whom life he had been away.

"My son." Queen gasped and replied Erik's embrace. In it, they both embraced each other and cried.

Erik felt good light floral bouquet to his nose which he remembered, too, but it was so very distant memory of a time when he had been a happy normal baby. A time when his life hadn't yet been taken from him. All the feelings that he had kept inside him whole his life, seek out now, and he realized how much he had been missed. Although he would have been entitled had he not still been able to hate Julian, to that power hungry counselor.

"You've grown a fine man. Yes I've heard of Brother Ignatius." The queen said softly, looking with a smile Erikiä.

"I do not know." Erik said, modestly and nervously fingered the edge of the blanket and felt his cheeks flushed.

He wanted to ask about many things, wanted to talk, but didn't know anything to say, now, when he saw his mother. With his father, he had not yet talked to, he had mostly been a dream, or a high fever when he went to see him.

"I wish that you rest now. We have time to talk to many more times." The Queen said, as would have read Erik's thoughts.
"All right.. .mother", Erik said, it would take a long time, that he get used to that word, and learn to know his real parents.

The tears rolled on Maria's cheeks, for that emotional storm also affected her, too. She was standing a little further away, smiled and cried at the same time. She was happy to Erik's behalf, but she knew that this was the son of the king, and the king's sons don't married maids.

Maria was going to leave the room, when she heard her name to be called.

"Maria, do not go away", Erik asked and looked at the maiden, so that her cheeks began to glow red, "you were my light and my hope, when I was trapped in that dark hellhole", Erik went and got the blush deepen to Maria's cheeks.
"How about that one." Maria said shyly and nervously fingered the apron hem.
"Mother, I know that one day I should take spouse royal maiden worthy of me, but I don't think I could find anyone else like Maria", Erik said, looking at first Maria, and then the Queen.
"What ever you want, my dear son", Queen said with a smile and kissed Erik's forehead.
"Thank you", Erik sighed and looked happy .at Maria.
"Erik I just want you to be happy, because you're already suffered so much, it is about time, that the sun is shining on the path of your life", Queen said, and smiled warmly, "maybe I'll leave you two alone now", she went knowing smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes.

After the Queen had left the room, Maria ran to Erik cheeks still glowing red.
"Oh, do you really want to marry me?" Maria asked, because she couldn't believe her ears.
"Yes, I do", Erik said, and watched happily Maria's beautiful face.
He really meant what He said, because he had never felt anything like this to against any others.
"Oh, Erik", Maria sighed happily and almost accidentally their lips met. Erik felt how soft Maria's lips were and how they tasted strawberries and summer.

He just be stunned that feeling, but common sense still acted and he knew not to go further, because it would not have been appropriate. He would have to wait that their union would be official.
From that day on Maria was much more often with Erik. She nursed him and soothed when he woke up screaming to his nightmares. The Queen and Brother Ignatius also visited often and Erik discussed many things with them.

The only one who had not yet gone to visit Erik, was King. However, he had responsibilities as King, but he still doesn't know how to deal with the matter, although already knew how things really were, the main reason would be the fact that he didn't know what to say to his son, which he wasn't seen since when he was a small baby.

****

Since that day, Erik was back on his own. He did not go to the village because people who lived in there knew him, and would certainly be stoned him if he would go there. In his mind he wanted to go back to the monastery, as he longs for a few moments there and Ingnatius brother, who had been his support and security to the last.

Erik's path took him to distant lands, and on his journey he was trying to do as much good as to what was taught to him in the monastery. Finally, he arrived in the city, which he hadn't been since his birth, but he doesn't know it, and he did not intend to go to first to demand his rights crown.

He wanted to do otherwise, and perhaps look a around little. So he walked along the cobbled streets of the city, until ended up in the chapel.

He fell to his knees before the altar and prayed himself for the protection and the force to carry out his task. He doubted, however, anyone would hardly believe him, especially if they saw that shameful mark first. After praying he came out of the chapel and the sky began to darken at night, so he find the street place to sleep over the night.

He didn't go to Inns, because there were easy to get trouble, as he look like beggar, and he had no money. Even bigger noise would rise, if by chance someone would see the mark of shame. These experiences were pretty enough to him, so he would rather be avoided them if possible.

He snuggled up in a secluded corner, dragging a trip consumed clothes more tightly around him. He was going to get up at dawn and then continue his journey to the Royal Palace. But that did not happen, because before morning he woke up to the fact that the two soldiers shook him roughly.

"Get up." Another snarl and kicked hard to Erik.
"All right." Erik said quietly and got up.
"And then you come with us." Another soldier spat the command out of his mouth and grabbed off Erik's arm
"What I have done now?" Erik asked, anxious.
"We'll find out soon enough, now move on beggar," another laughed and nudged Erik's sharp command to the accompaniment of movement.
"But..." Erik said, but he thought it best to obey the soldiers, for he knew that if he'll resist the soldiers it would follow only more trouble.

The soldiers dragged him along the castle and there dungeons. They shook him in one small dark booth to wait for a continuation, another guard stayen guard. Second guards went to search the King's counselor Julian. Erik knelt on the cold damp floor on the booth and cross his fingers. He prayed and wondered, could things change worse than they already were. He waited and waited, until finally he heard the approaching footsteps.

A moment later, the door opened and stepped into the booth to fine dark man dressed in a costume, behind him a soldier, who carried the torch in his hand.
"You asked to report if we find him, my lord," soldier said, and bowed to him..
"I thank you," Julian said, streching quiet sound, which could heard through the cold and emotionless tone. After that, he turned and looked at Erik, who still squat on his knees on the cold floor.
He made a small mark and another soldier walked over to Erik creates the right hand and pulled the sleeve up, the birthmark became visible.
"Indeed, it is he. It is a miracle that he is still alive. "Julian said with dissatisfaction.
 

Erik didn't say a word, but looked man puzzled. He couldn't understand what the man was talking about, he had never seen him before, even now, when he looked more closely at his face, it seemed vaguely familiar. He did not know when and where he would have encountered him. Perhaps casually in his travels, he thought, but not expressed it out loud.
He was still silent and still, not knowing what to do or ask. He didn't wanted to provoke any of those three, and waited calmly, what would happen next. Suddenly the man tore the sleeve off Erik's left arm, so the brand marking was revealed.

"You still have this, too", Julian laughed coldly and looked pleased to Erik's fearful appearance, when he pulled in shame the sleeve up and tried to cover the mark, "you know what to do," he finally said, and turned to look at the two soldiers.
"Yes, my lord." Soldiers said at the same time.
"He had this with him," another soldier said, and the handed the parchments to man, which he had been seized to Erik earlier.
"So, you know," Julian said coolly, looking Erikiä accurately.
"Not all of it", Erik said truthfully, and already began to discern the reasons why he had ended up here.
"In that case, you stay here as long as I want to", Julian said, and stepped out of the booth, the soldiers behind him.

Erik was left alone in darkness, not knowing what was going to happen to him. He had found his roots, even though there was still gaps in the information, but he knew now that somehow this man was responsible for the events and for some reason, this man wanted to ged rid of him. Hardly anyone would miss him, and because he had not met the Royal family at all, not even these would know of his existence.

Erik noted that the situation seemed hopeless, and probably not getting any better, if wouldn't happen a miracle. If things were bad, they were bright side, after all, he had a roof over his head, well sort of. But he didn't know how hard his life could still be.

Erik very quickly lost sense of time his in the dungeon, because there were no windows and the eternal twilight surrounded him and got all the time to feel the same, boring and meaningless. When he was left alone, he continued his interrupted sleep. When he woke up, he found outside his cell a girl, who was a bit of a younger than himself. Girl was dressed in a maid outfit. The girl looked at him curiously and startled noticing he was wake up.

"I brought you some food. Feeding of prisoners includes many of my duties," she said, pushing the bowl of soup, some bread and drink water between the bars, "what is your name? I heard the guards to reflect on that, you stay here for a long time", she asked curiously.
"My name is Erik," the young man said shyly. He was entirely enchanted by her beautiful face and reddish-blonde hair.
“Well hey, Erik. I am Maria",she introduced herself in turn, "We'll meet often."

There were shout in the dungeon staircase. Maria glanced nervously in the direction of the sound.
"I have to go now.'ll See you again, Erik," she shouted again, before hurried up the stairs to basket with her.

"I'll see you. I can not wait," Erik muttered like charmed in response to the blank walls.

Erik, could not stop thinking about the beautiful Maria. The girl brought food the young man every single day for, and little by little they got to know each other. Maria's visits became Erik's highlight of the day, and when she wasn't so busy, she stayed a chat with young man.

The girl does not wince Erik's burning mark, but was very sympathetic towards the hard experienced young man. Erik told Maria, his life in the monastery and Maria again entertained the boy by multiplying inside things of the castle walls. Very soon, the young man realized that he was fallen in love whit that happy girl.

One day, the advent of spring to Erik became hot in his cell when sun warms the castle stone foundations. He rolled his sleeves up and lie down on the floor. He doze off until he heard Maria's familiar steps approaching. He rose with a smile to sit waiting for the girl handed him his dinner. After that Maria sat down in front of the cell. After a while they were talking about this and that, until Maria's eyes widened with surprise and she raised her hands up her mouth.

"What's matter with you?" Erik asked, worried, until he noticed Maria's looking at his birthmark wide-eyed.
"Why didn't you tell me you're long-lost prince?" Maria whispered in shock.

Erik told her to calm down, and quietly began to tell the day on which he was expelled from the monastery, and he went to search of his roots. From time to time he stopped hearing the sound, in order to ensure that the guards wouldn't listen to him. Eventually, he got it into the night, when he had been arrested and locked up the castle dungeon.

"As you can see, my situation is hopeless," Erik decided to report. "Please, don't tell anyone what I just told you. You would only get troubles and they take away the last of my joy." Maria blushed to hear words of a young man and promised not to tell anything to anyone. She however, decided to try to get the young man free.

Maria handled the end of the round, which was not passed very long time, because Erik was the ultimate booth of the deepest corridor and the only prisoner of the whole corridor. Erik did not even know others existence, because they sounds have never reached to his dark little booth. He had begun to wait for those moments when he saw Maria, but his misfortune that budding friendship was discovered, and Maria was no longer allowed to come anywhere near his booth.

She was very tempted to break this new rule, but was too frightened of what it would follow. So then Erik was all alone, and no longer have even food, as the guard soldiers didn't bother to bring it to him. Erik had always been very thin, and now he's lost weight even further and started to be just skin and bone. But he did not care about it, he had experienced hunger before imprisonment, and this was no exception.

From time to time thirst bothered more than hunger. His mouth was constantly dry and he was waiting for every drop of water, like rising moon, albeit Guard soldiers brought water when they brought water when they remembered and sometimes it took time for so long, that in the meantime Erik had time to be an uncomfortable feeling, and he had to drop in to questionable means to obtain even a couple of drops in his mouth. He does not like to do so, but sometimes his had to, if Guard soldiers was not seen for days. At other times he was resting peacefully corner, because he knew that overwork could only make it feel worse.

In these horrifying moments of discount he hoped that God would help him and it brought little comfort to him, even if the thoughts ran away sometime to the old life of the monastery, and sometime to Maria, whom he had long ceased to be seen. It had been his only pleasure and it was now denied from him. He knew very well who was behind it. It was that horrible man, who had not yet been told his name, and who seemed to be enjoying some level of this situation and the fact that he was able to make his prisoners life, if possible, even worse.

If life had been hard, so it made it now like a hell by the fact that this man came up to put the guard soldiers to beat him up from time to time, so that the dorsal skin was now a bloody streaks, which could hardly touch anything.

After the first time Erik was just lying down corner, unable to move, because every little movement seemed to wake up stinging pain his dorsal skin.

He couldn't prevented tears to come, and he hoped at the time of death, more than ever his life. He know as if he could somehow escape, life still wasn't a treat.
Although Erik was still a young age, he had aged prematurely. Deep grooves had appeared his face and dark tangled hair was decorated with a few gray stripe.

Sense of time went worse mess, just that he knew that was the day and even the summer, when the hot sun warmed walls of the hottest times of the summer. In winter, it was cold, and if possible even more humid.
He did not know how many years had passed, when one day they watch the soldiers came back and tied him onto the roof hanging chain. Erik was preparing to receive the hits, which should once again. It was as if he were numb with pain, because hardly noticed any of the first hits that slammed in the back. Those hits were followed by new and new, until the guard finally stopped.

Guard soldier ordered his colleague to remove Erik, who fell bundle on the floor. Doldier guards didn't care where he were walked, but he stepped on a large armored legs so powerfully Erik's lower leg, that was a powerful popping sound, which told the lower leg bones broken under the weight of a soldier. It wasn't needed much, because Erik's bones were brittle due to starvation. It did not take the pain away and Erik howled in pain, which tore his leg. He cried until unconsciousness pardoned him.

After long darkness he woke up, and a small involuntary movement was wake up the sleeping pain in his leg and make him groan in pain. He didn't move from his place, because every little movement made the pain of a broken leg flashback. He was able to see in low light, how badly warped his skinny leg was and thought that no one would take care of it right. The next thought was that it is unlikely to have to fix, because merciful death might take him before it.

Time passed slowly in the dark, and after a long time he heard to the steps in the corridor, as soon as they end. Was a key ring clink, thud and whining noises when the door was opened. Soon the two guard soldiers stepped into the booth. Another was holding a torch in his hand, and the other walked over to Erik. Behind them walked that dark man dressed as a proud and slick looking like before.
 

"Well, I think this start to get enough", said Julian and smiled with satisfaction. Erik saw how his eyes flashed in the light of the torch, "now, we'll put an end to this. We need only the consent of the King, and I want that he sees you and that you see him, before you are executed for treason and conspiracy to the King." He went on calmly and smiled with satisfaction.

Erik didn't answer, because what he, a minor ragamuffin, could make in this situation. He was completely under power by this man and even though if he would try to tell someone, so who would believe in him, except Maria. No one, and especially if they see the mark of shame, then even less. So, he just squat position head down and hoped that even the end would be a quick, because he had already suffered enough of this miserable life. He also hoped that no one dear person to him would to have been need to see what was going to happen, especially he did not want that Maria and Brother Ignatius never see, because he wanted them to have better memories of him.

"Yank him that, because first we're going to see the King, he want hear your underhanded." Julian said with satisfaction.
"He certainly wanted to hear what you have done." Erik laughed joyless and was immediately rewarded shock on his face.
"You keep your mouth shut." Julian growled and Erik thought he heard a slight fear of this sound.
"Or you what?" Erik asked mockingly. "Is there anything you haven't already done?" He added, and flat-footed guard stepped on his broken leg and caused him to scream in pain.

"As we talk about later. Keep your mouth shut or I cut your tongue out. "Julian growled angrily.
"What ever, although who would believe me anyway. I'm a prisoner, and god-forsaken man", Erik laughed bitterly produce a joyless laughter that sounded mostly like croaking, "You've taken everything from me." He added quietly, and scream in pain again, when the soldiers pull him up and broken leg announced its existence.
"Let's go." Julian gave angry and commanded Guard soldiers dragged Erik with them, no matter how much he was hurt.
Erik tried not to cry in pain every single time a broken leg hit paving stones or somewhere else. He tried to move a little himself, but a broken leg didn't supported him at all.

He blinded in sunlight, when they came out of dark pits of the dungeon and arrived in the courtyard, which he was dragged across. There was a day, but Erik didn't see anything because his eyes had become accustomed to low-light conditions, so that the bright sunlight hurt his eyes. It took a a very long time, before he began to distinguish anything.

The soldiers pushed the large oak door open and stepped forward until they stopped and shook him the stone floor. Broken leg hit badly on the floor hard and made him groan in pain. Erik stayed in his place and looked carefully around him, when his eyes to get used gradually to a slightly softer light.

He saw before him a platform with two thrones, one of which sat a proud man, and another beautiful woman and we both had a golden crown on their heads.

Although Erik knew about the birthmark, which was inside of his right hand elbow, and that the those two may have had his real parents. Doubts arose in him, and he thought that he couldn't possibly be a descendant of those noble people. Not in him was nothing grand, he was just a god-forsaken ragamuffin, he thought, and weighed miserable his gaze to the stony floor.

Maria had followed the soldiers and bright tears rolled by her cheek when she saw how miserable condition Erik was. She had hoped for a better to that man, though now it seemed that there was no hope. She was going to run for Erik's create and defend him even at the risk of loss of her own freedom, when she felt bony fingers gripping her shoulder. She was barely suppressed exclamations, and turned to look slim monk's robe dressed men who stood hidden in the recess. The man raised his finger in front of his lips to indicate silence.

"Forgive me, Miss, I didn't mean to scare you", he said kindly.
"Who are you, and why don't you let me help Erik?" Maria asked, looking stern man, although this clearly was God's servant.
"I'm Brother Ignatius and I'm sorry that I did this, but there is another way. Besides, do you think that they believe the service maiden just like that. "Brother Ignatius said, and was right. “At the moment that counselor have more power than you and Erik. Let me handle this, and you can nurture Erik later, if I succeed", He added, and sighed heavily.
"What are you going to do then?" Maria asked now calmed down, but still felt that he should go to Erik's side.

"You'll see it then. I may perhaps have power over the crooked counselor, I mean words, even though I think he's trying to do everything possible to get his plan done", Brother Ignatius said, eyebrows wrinkled.

"Julian, what is this?" Said the king, standing up from his throne and looked questioningly at his counselor, gaze moved slowly a vibrating unstuck lying on the floor.
"Oh, your Majesty, I wanted that you see a man who has accused of planning against you." Julian replied slick voice, bowing deeply at the same time.
"That ragamuffin?" The king asked, and he saw how tormented look over there on the floor squatting man had. His eyes were sunk deep wells and pale face was almost skull-like, because pathetic creature was so skinny.
"He indeed, oh Majesty." Julian said, nodding. "I would suggest that he was executed as soon as possible and left to hang from the gallows a warning to others." He went on and glanced at the same time Erik, feared that he would say something.
"I want to know whether the prisoner something to say in his defense." The king said, ignoring the opinions of counselors.
"Oh, your Majesty, he is not worth it. I know what he has done. "Julian hurried to say.

"Be quiet, Julian, you know the law." King rumbles and walked over to Erik creates.
Steps to hear Erik gently lifted his gaze, but pressed it back down soon, as felt that he wasn't worthy of that noble man.
"What do you say for yourself?" The king asked, and Erik looked him with caution and fear in his heart.

"I don't have anything to say to your Majesty." Erik said quietly and avoided the king's investigative gaze. "I ..." He began, but fell silent, as the same he saw Julian, who standing behind King, moved to towards his hand uplifted.

Heart pounded in his chest, when he stood up on his shaky feet, he ignore the pain, which is a slight weight calculation yielded a broken leg. He arrived in time to push the king's side, when Julian became up. Instead of being hit by the king, Julian's beautiful dagger blade sank in Erik's chest.

Erik heard the king, confused exclaim and Julian's ugly cursing to the soldiers, witch take him to tight grip. Erik stood swaying in his field and felt detached from the whole of this chaotic situation, which sounds soon became vague porridge in his ears. He swaying worse, until without warning all the forces seemed to have disappeared from his members, and he sank on the floor, without hitting cold stone pavement, because someone grabbed him in his arms.

The king stood up and looked dazed to Julian which now stood before the soldiers tonglike statement. His gaze moved to that man, who had just saved his life, and who now rested in the arms of a monk. who have appeared on the scene. Next to Monk appeared the maid, who looked sad, this man who was getting old before his time, even if he was a young.

"Now I want to know what is going on." King said firmly because he was puzzled, and many of the questions that rose in his mind, wanted an answer.
"Excellency, the issues will have to wait for a while, it's now required of a physician," Brother Ignatius said sensibly. "I promise to answer truthfully all your questions with the information that I have, as long as my protege must first be submitted to the treatment."

The king commanded the two guard carry Erik as soon to his personal healer creates and and promised Brother Ignatius that his rescuer should get the best possible treatment. So began the most difficult struggle Erik's life until that - the struggle of life. He was starving, bruised and lost a lot of blood.

Healers were working night and day to try make his condition stable. Broken leg was splinted and he received food and herbs dagger sting. All the time, he was plagued by terrible pains and even a high fever caused him to have nightmares. Maria not even once left beside the young man, who was struggling with his life.
Julian closed in to the same cell, in which Erik was once got so bad treatment, and wait for the coping of truth and his destiny.

When Erik was obtained from the treatment, Brother Ignatius stayed to discuss with the king. He told the monarch Erik's stages of life, how he was orphaned and had since been walking around to belong to anywhere. He told him about mark of shame that was falsely burned to this flesh at a young age.
The king heard Erik's step monastery and deportation.

After that story came a point when which events of Brother Ignatius didn't know until a year ago, he was worried when Erik's letters were been stopped at all. The monk had arrived at the scene to search for Erik, however not to find this.
Slowly litle by litle he was find out Julian's plans, and he had begun to think about how to get Erik out of the hook. Then it all was gone very wrong and Erik had a dagger on his chest.

"There's no doubt about it, I've actually read the stories and seen the birthmark. Erik is your long-lost son. Now that I've seen a your gracious face, I know I'm right," Brother Ignatius decided his story.
The moment the king could not say anything.

"You call him Erik. Gave that name to my only son," said the king granted, through the eyes of sorrow. "Let's take a look at the boy. Birthmark to prove the matter. We will finally know if my son alive. If this is the case, you expect a great reward."
"For me, I don't want anything, I'm a monk, after all, and I have given God vows of poverty. Erik's happiness is enough reward for me", Brother Ignatius said as they walked towards the sick room.
"What is the young man's situation?" the king asked the healer.

"The Son state is a bit more stable and it is more likely that he will survive", one of the healers said.
"That's good," said Brother Ignatius and wrinkles caused by concerns smooth on his face. "God is still with him."

He walked over to the young man to the right side and lifted the sleeve. Bear's paw-shaped birthmark revealed under the dirty surface of the skin. The king gasped sharply. Tear rolling on the king's cheek while he was watching to this young man, his son, suffering. He decided at that moment Julian execution. Though that former counselor should languish in that booth and wait for the execution until Erik would be in better shape. It seemed that Erik's healing would take a long time.

Here is few extra picks. :)

The Village

Erik is a childish

I was really thinking that I will wait a few days, but the temptation was greater, so here comes a new chapter to you to read, when once it is out there, I have already translated it.
As I have already told at the beginning of the previous section, a big thank you goes to these texts to another author, who has been involved in the writing of this. So big and heartfelt thank you Mustang.

Oh, this part is involved in another character, Luukas, as well as Ignatius, also based to one of the actor, which I admire.

I found a good song in that describes this chapter pretty well; Moment of Peace

****

The morning was beautiful and sunny. Erik opened his eyes and looked around ascetic room for a moment, remembering the previous night events. He remembered Brother Ignatius, the man, who had been so good to him.
"Our Lord has said that we all are his children and we have to take care of them. And I don't want, that no one is forced to be alone outside in this weather at Christmas", he had said to him.
That thought confused him. Erik returned to his room, where he had eaten and washed. He went to the stone tray, and washed his hands and face in the refreshing water. Ignatius brother came into the room.

"Good morning, Erik," he said with a smile.
"Good morning, brother," Erik said.
"Did you sleep well? "Brother Ignatius then asked.
"Better, than for many years. I owe you so much", Erik said, and his eyes got a melancholy tone.

Brother Ignatius still smiled warmly and led Erik's for breakfast. There were other monks who took Erik's warm reception. The young man didn't remember when he last had been so happy and feeling belong to somewhere. The day was a variety of chores. The monks advised him with patience and Erik was anxious and quick learner. In the afternoon Brother Ignatius and Erik were once again the two.

"I know that the issue is sore for you, but could you show me that mark your on arm again?" Brother Ignatius asked to Erik.

Erik dug mark up in shame. Burning sign was round. It is bordered snake, within the middle was a tree. It was a grotesque and ugly, like a festering wound that never healed. All the people who had seen the mark, to avoid him like the pestilence. But not Brother Ignatius.

"Ah, now I understand, and all that you have told me makes sense., The snake in the mark means to the biblical snake, which entices Eve evil ways and the tree means forbidden tree of Paradise. Symbol was used to mark those who are abandoned by God. People are afraid of being cursed, if they are dealing with you, not to mention to helping you", Brother Ignatius said.

Erik's posture slumped. So he was a hopeless case. He was beyond help. Just the same, if he would die out. He should be left to monastery, before he would cause evil to them and curse the only people who had been good to him. He rose slowly up and tears were streaming down his face.

"Thank you for everything", he said, "I guess I'm leaving here, then continue the journey."
"What are you talking about, good man?" Brother Ignatius asked confused to Erik, "it's not human matter to judge people, only God has the power to do so. I see your eyes, you're not evil and hopeless. Your soul is pure and you deserve a second chance."

Erik looked confused warm hazel eyes, with a sincere gaze made him tremble and new hot tears rolling down his cheeks. He hugged this man who was so good and fair.

"What must I do to be come like you? I'm going to become a monk and begin to serve God, because of him there are still good men", Erik swore then.

Monastery of the rules was that the new novice would spend months meditating in isolation from other, enjoying only the necessary amount of food. The candidate also came to give up all earthly possessions, which did not cause any problems to Erik. As he didn't own anything besides his old ragclothes. Erik withdrew from the isolated chapel for quiet down, to purify himself and pray. After one month, After three years, would be the ceremony in which Erik would give his oath, and he was consecrated as a monk in the mass. He felt finally found a direction in life.

Later, Brother Ignatius led the Erik to meet the abbot Luukas the leader of the monastery. He had earlier told Luukas what had happened, and what he himself had noticed. In addition, he had promised to take responsibility for the boy. Luukas was very understanding and now wanted to see the boy, who had have clean, but stark and rough clothing on him.

Erik was standing next to Ignatius, and wondered what would happen. The fact that Brother Ignatius stood in a very calm to his place, was likely to calm the frightened boy's mind and so Erik gave his eyes to circumvent the Abbot's room, which itself was austere, but the shelves behind desk were filled with parchment rolls and thick leather-bound books.

There was more parchments on the desk, which also was a bottle of ink, a quill, a small ornate cross and a big book, which undoubtedly was the Bible. Otherwise, a desk, a chair were very simple and the room walls were white-washed and the light flooded into only two small windows.

The abbot stood up and looked closely to Erik with his pepperblack eyes. Erik looked carefully back and noticed that the abbot's hair was already white, and this serene and tight face of was lot of wrinkles left by the appearance of years.

"I've heard that you would like to join us." Abbot Luke said at last, and his voice was much deeper and darker than the Brother Ignatius.
"Yes." Erik said with caution, and the fear that he was thrown out of here too, woke up.
"Ignatius has probably already told you what our policy is and what you must do to reach the value of a monk." Said the abbot, a disinterested tone.
"Yes." Erik said, and the fear grew even more inside.
"Good." Luke said and his sound was slightly softened, but still staying very authoritative. "Know, therefore, that you agree to the rules of monastery and work for your food. Your novice time is three years, during that time you have the opportunity to leave if you want. "He continued, long bony finger up.

"I solemnly promise to comply with you rules and do everything you just want me to do, and if I violate you, I suffered my punishment without a murmur." Erik said, and bowed his head in a small bow.
"Good", Luukas said, running a little twinkle in his dark eyes, "Brother Ignatius has told about your... hmm.. small problem, so maybe it's better that you stay inside the monastery. Thus you avoid problems, and neither do we get them", he added referring the burning brand to Erik's upper arm, which was currently hidden under sleeve.

"Well..." Erik began cautiously, "I don't remember how I got that mark, or why. I do not even remember my real parents. And the woman who raised me, didn't tell me anything. She also denied me to showing my birthmark to anyone", He continued gaze darted apotista Ignatius. He lifted his sleeve, exposing the right arm, which was now clean. Near the front of his elbow was that birthmark, which was shaped like a bear's paw print.

"I'm not afraid to show it to anyone, because I thought that too is a bad sign." Erik said, looking men fearful.
"That's not a bad sign", Brother Ignatius said and looked at the boy with a smile.
"Not at all", Luukas said, and tried to see the the mark more closely.
"If that's it, what I think it is, then I wonder why..." Brother Ignatius began thoughtfully, and then went quiet.

He remembered that the Royal Church books was marked with all children to born the royal their names and identifying details. That bear's paw prints shape of birthmark had mentioned in there. It wasn't in this church. But it was church from neighboring country where he had been travels and looked those important papers, because of another case, which only a few were allowed to read. However, common people have touched those at all, because most of them doesn't even know how to read.

"Well, anyway, now you know my opinion. Brother Ignatius will guide you and you can ask him more", Luukas said.
"I thank you." Erik said with humility and gratitude, and he bowed his head, to a deep bow.

Quietly, he followed Brother Ignatius who led him back to the chapel and promised to come pick him up later. Erik wanted to ask Brother Ignatius, why he had said, what he was said, but decided to keep quiet. Would certainly not have been appropriate for grill to his helper things that didn't belonged to him, he thought, and knelt before the altar to continue what was interrupted this short visit to the Abbot's room.

Although Brother Ignatius reaction confusing him a little bit, but didn't reduced his gratitude and changed his decision that he wanted to stay. He knew that the abbot was right when he said that he would be better to stay inside the monastery walls. That's what he wanted to do, he didn't want to put to shame on the monastery. Erik decided that sooner he would die than allow anyone to do harm to these people, who had been so good to him.

Time passed and Erik enjoy about being in peace for once. It was a bit confusing, when no one didn't come kick him or shouting insults and oust out like the vermin. He strictly followed the rules, Brother Ignatius had taught him, punishing himself, if he found himself doing something wrong.
He was a modest, kind and humble, and did everything what he was asked to do. He helped others without asking, and learned from all kinds of chores, as well as to read, write, and speak Latin, a language most of the religious works of the monastery and the church were.

Although he sometimes wondered what happened to the outside world, he didn't missed there, because he had found himself a place where he was accepted as the way he was. A place that he could call as a home. He carefully warning not to speak or showing that creepy mark on his left arm. Erik knew that after seeing that mark the other monks, would no longer treat him very kindly.
It was enough for him that Brother Ignatius, and Luke knew about that mark, and that he was able to discuss it with them, if it started to bother him.

Three years passed, and Erik was satisfied with his life, and almost happier than had ever been in their whole life. Little food and water were him as a banquet every single time, because before entering the monastery, he was starved and had for days without eating, unless found something rotting leftovers to marketplaces or rubbish heaps. Every single time Erik thanked God for his meals, as he believed that God had led him on that cold night, and had not abandoned him.

Erik believed that he was received more than he dared to ask and hope for and he wanted to pay his debt, but he didn't have anything else to give but himself. He was content for a while anyway, and remained thin, as did most of the physical work of helping others in the common work. These included, among other things, a small herb garden care, as well as occasional heavier work in the field.

Brother Ignatius, was that person to Erik that which he could keep as a Father. For Ignatius was guided and advised him gently and patiently to everything. That man was the only one who Erik was able to discuss matters. He hoped that he might in some way to replace to everything to Ignatius, because without his kindness, he would probably have frozen to death that night, which was now the best of all his Christmas, he had spent in his whole miserable life.

Then came the day when Erik was consecrated as a monk, and he he got a new name. He became the brother Simon.
He lived an ascetic life now as a monk, with which was better life than his life in street had ever been. He prayed a lot, fasted, which did not produce any problems to him. He didn't longed the outside world, because he wanted to remain at the place, which he now could call home.

One day, he was a brother Thomas in a field when he tripped and fell. The robe sleeve was torn off and revealed his left upperarm. He pulled quickly detached sleeve higher, but Brother Thomas had already seen the sign and jumped back in shock large eyes.
Ashamed Erik pulled robe sleeve coverings of his mark.

He felt a blush rise cheeks and tears of frustration burning in his eyes, when he saw the disgust and fear Brother Thomas' face. Shovel were posed, Brother Thomas's hand. The that moment a he could not help but stare.

When this had survived the biggest fright, he ran back to the monastery.

Brother Simon sank into muddy ground and let tears become loose. He prayed for guidance and protection to God. He knew very well that his luck was at risk, when other monks could become aware of his shameful secret. It was likely that he have to leave the monastery.

Brother Simon waved himself and said prayers out loud and crying made his voice shaky. He didn't know whether worn for hours or minutes, when he felt a comforting hand on his shoulder. He looked up and saw Brother Ignatius comforting character.

"Let's go in," He said to Brother Simon.

Brother Ignatius helped his protégé up and half-dragged him towards the interior.

He helped Brother Simon to freshen up and applied for a new robe to place the torn one. Other monks watched them litle glareing as they walk past. The word was already abound.

Brother Ignatius helped brother Simon to rest. After a while, one of the new novices came to inform him that in the evening would be held the consultation of the fate of brother Simon. Sorrow filled Brother Ignatius, who knew that Brother Simon was a good and humble.

Evening came, and Brother Ignatius walked to Brother Simon's support towards the chapel. This evening and this consultation would solve Brother Simon's future. They entered the Abbot of the room where the other monks and novices were already assembled and Abbot himself, who was looking Brother Simon through the eyes of sorrow. Chatter filled the room when the young man walked in. There he was now. Disgrace of the Church.
When the last of the members had arrived on the scene, abbot became the consultation.

"As each of you have certainly heard the brother Simon has come through the past, as we do. Perhaps the past is darker than many others, but in the course of it Brother Simon hasn't been able to influence. Me and Brother Ignatius knew from the beginning of that brand, that man has burnt Brother Simon's flesh, when he was a baby. He has been our responsibility and acted in an exemplary monk, it is unlikely any of you can't deny" The abbot spoke to the monks who listening to the speech almost hypnotically.

"I think it is unfair that you never told us about brother Simon's mark for the very beginning," Brother Thomas shouted. "I think he should leave, before disasters strike all of us!" He went on and got approving murmur attention.

"We didn't tell, because we knew how to some of you react! People don't judge anybody abandoned by God, yes, you should know that as you are man of Bible", Brother Ignatius cried out against whit a furious eyes.
Brother Simon had never seen that man so gentle angried.
"We can not know whether God really abandoned him," Brother Thomas said, her eyes sparking.

"I can not do anything else than let you vote., However, I would like to make it known that I do it well with a heavy heart, as I know Brother Simon, I think he is a good, clean and fair-minded. People are already punished him to sin, which he isn't to blame himself. I would humbly ask that you think about it, before you pass judgment on this man, and take him for everything he has", The Abbot spoke using his last statement.

Eventually, it came time to vote. Brother Simon's leaving in favor of all the others, except the abbot and Brother Ignatius. Brother Simon gasped sharply. His worst fears had been come true. He could not stay in that room the gaze on all people, in which a field he had been so happy. Brother Ignatius followed by Brother Simon in this room. He helped him to pack and packed good snacking to kitchen to him and brought his protégé to the monastery gate.

"I am very sorry that this happened Brother Simon. or should I say Erik, because you will now get back your birth name", Brother Ignatius said sadly. Erik hugged Brother Ignatius.
"You have nothing to apologize for me. I owe you my life. Personally, I know that God has not abandoned me. Don't hate these people, who have decided that it is time to me to leave here, they are not bad. They are just scared."

"You have grown wise and noble man," Brother Ignatius said with a smile. Tear glint in his eye, "oh yeah, I nearly forgot. I think that you should start to looking for your roots", Brother Ignatius said and take parchment scroll sheds of his robe and handed it to Erik.

Erik opened it confused. There was a distant Royal family marks, a list of all children born
and specialidentification marks. In this particular Royal family passed inherited a birthmark. Exactly the same, which adorned Erik arm. His heart was pounding, as he took his hand on the next sheet which described the tragic story of a young prince, who was kidnapped when he was baby, and which do so since heard nothing.

Huge reward had promised to finding young prince, as the other sons was never born to the family, to continue the tradition of the crown, and the King's family was dying. Erik's age matched perfectly to the story. Eyes glowing with wonder he hugged brother Ignatius again and whispered, "Thank you, for everything."
"What's in vain. You have earned more good, than what you've got", he said, and look the young man fatherly. gentle For a long time, he followed Erik's back move away from monastry the and hoped that the sun would shine a young man's life, which so far had been so hard and rocky road to travel.

A very big thanks goes to the second writer, who was also writing this chapter, as well as part of the future chapter.
Thank you so very much Mustang

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And here is the music that I chose to this chapter.

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The years passed and Erik traveled here and there. He tried to get a job now and then, but no one wanted to take him to work, not even the lesser work, most of which were the work of slaves.

So, he confined itself to to beg or dig up heaps and ate what he get on his hands. While he was in the woods, he enjoyed the gifts of the forest, but with caution, as the ruler of the kingdom is hardly liked that someone to hunt his prey without permission in his forest. So he preferred to just small prey or just berries and mushrooms, if they are found or the fish if suitable water hit the a position.

His place to sleep was usually under the open sky, because no one was willing to give place to stay during the night to beggar, who had a sign of shame on his arm. The clothes were already so torn that was almost impossible to hide that mark from people to, even he tried it very much. So he stayed away from other people and lived a lonely life, without any friends.

***

It was Christmas Night and snowflakes floated down slowly and covered the small village under the white envelope. The windows shone with a welcoming light that told the warmth and joy. It was just the kind of evening, when families and a little bit of the unknown people were together, shared their gifts and enjoy table offerings.

All had welcome, except for one young man, who at this very moment walked out in the cold night, and was looking for a sheltered place where to spend the night.

Erik shuffled forward shoulders down and wrapped rags more tightly around him, even they didn't warmed him at all. That young man, hardly fifteen years older, had lived his life on the streets. He was not popular, even beggars and other poor people who lived in the streets, and did not even get in to the poor shelter at the night.

He could not remember his own parents, just a woman who had raised him as her own, until he had reached the age of ten. Then, for some reason, she was arrested, and he had not seen her again. Erik knew he was different, because his left hand was a sign on the upper arm. When people saw that mark, most of them either were terrified and fled or then angrily ordered to him to get lost, and sometimes even beat or kicking him or throwing him to stones or roe vegetables and fruits.

He also had a different mark in the right arm. It was a small footprint of a bear-like birthmark, which he had not dared to show anyone. It was now hiding under a thick layer of dirt. That second one as shameful and seemingly scary mark again had such that it had concealed properly and not even the rags covered it properly.

A deep sigh escaped from Erik's lips and he looked sad, small windows and the wonderful welcoming light. He wondered what it was like to be there with others like a normal human being, with no worries and sorrows.

Slowly, he turned his eyes away from the windows and continued to walk towards the village church, hoping to get a place to sleep for the night, even indoors, as the night was coming to the coldest in many years.

Cautiously, he walked up the steep stone steps and he felt a cold on his bare feet. He pushed the heavy door open and stepped into the church, where the only light came from the candles on the altar.
He walked along the aisle and stopped in front of the altar and looked at the crucifix hanging on the wall above. He knelt before the altar, cross bony fingers and looked beautifully done crucifix again.

"Lord, if hear me, so I only wish that I could spend the night in your room. That's all I want. "He whispered softly and leaned his head down and hot tears roll silently on his skinny, pale cheeks.

He read a silent prayer, and drew a sign of the cross in the air, and then walked right in the back of the Church. Erik settled down on a hard bench to rest on a, just his own rag.s for blanket. After all, the bench was not a particularly good place to sleep, but it was still a better option than sleeping outdoors.

Erik doesn't even have time to close his eyes, when he heard the smooth steps with an echo bouncing dreary in the stone walls. Cautiously, he sat up and saw a man dressed in threadbare costume steps from the mark along the aisles. He stood up and slipped out, because he knew he was not welcome to anywhere, so why even this would have been an exception.
He went away willingly, before evicted, because he didn't want to pick a fight with anyone, especially at Christmas.

The cold wind was ravaged by Erik's jagged, dirty rags, who did not like the cold chilling away. He shuffled forward shoulders slumped and shaking cold in the dark. Eventually, he snuggled up to a sheltered corner. After all, it wasn't warm, but offered at least some protection.

Bitter salty tears roll on his dirty cheeks and frozed in the cold. He glanced again lighted windows and hoped and hoped that he could have been even a one night inside warm and maybe get something to eat.

Erik finally bowed his head down and wrapped rags more tightly, around him even if they aren't banished the cold off. He knew that if he froze to dead now, no one would miss him, no one. He even didn't have food, as he had donated the last piece of bread two days earlier to two hungry infants, who were in his opinion, needed it more than himself.
Erik felt a strong sense of despair and exhaustion, and thought that maybe it was, after all, better to just die away, so he wouldn't bother anyone any more. After a while, he didn't felt the cold anymore and tiredness caused his eyes to settle on.

"There you are." There was a dark, warm and friendly voice that made Erik's cringe awake from its lethargy.
He looked at the man frightened and tried to escape, but her body was numb with cold.
"You're just frozen", he said kindly, and landed right in Erik's level, looking at this gentle look in his hazel coloured eyes. Before Erik could do anything, the man began to rub his numb hands and feet.

"Don't you... don't you chase me out? "Erik asked quietly, and looked at the man confused, as he was not used to getting friendly treatment from anyone.

"Why would I do that?" The man asked, puzzled and looked at Erik corners a little wrinkle.
"I do not know", Erik said quietly, his and pressed his eyes down, "because everyone is doing it", he went in the end.
"But that is what I don't do", man answered and looked Erik gentle face serious.
"Thank you." Erik said, and looked at the man gratefully.
"Well, then, can you stand up?" The man asked kindly.
"I do not know. Maybe", Erik said while moving slowly his benumbed feet, and stood up.

"Well, then, and now we are returning to the church, there is warmer than out here", he said cheerfully, and then asked, "do you have a name, son?"
"Yes", answered Erik, and almost tell the man about those the numerous nasty names which he often was called and shouted after, but then he decided to tell his first name. "Erik."
"Erik", he said, as if probing the name and looked smiling to,Erik, "I am a Brother Ignatius and I belong to a nearby monastery brotherhood", he said then.

"I will stay eternal debt of gratitude to you Brother Ignatius", Erik said gratefully, "that was long ago, when no one has been kind to me", he said and lifted rags out of the left arm, so Ignatius could saw the burning mark, which was many years old.
"Where did that mark come from?" Brother Ignatius asked, and added, "it looks pretty old."
"It's ... it has been with me for as long as I can remember", Erik said, looking away in shame, and weighed his eyes down.
"Well now, let this be, and think of that later," Brother Ignatius said and looked at Erik warmly, "because first we managed to fix few things, starting from the bath", he added.
"Why are you so kind to me?" Erik asked, confused, "I'm not worth it," he said miserably.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Brother Ignatius asked, and looked gently Erik, "Our Lord has said that we all are his children and we have to take care of them. And I don't want, that no one is forced to be alone outside in this weather at Christmas", he continued looking to Erik, warm twinkle in his eyes.
 

Erik followed Ignatius slightly guarded, it had all his life been forced to flee the country people, who viewed him as a pestilence and evicted out of the vicious insults after the shouting.
Ignatius led by Erik to monastery the context of the Church. Erik was there to wash and eat, and then Ignatius led him to a very small barren room, which had only a bed and wooden cross on the wall above the bed. Room was a luxury to Erik, compared to where he usually spent the night. He looked at the smiling Brother Ignatius, who stood still in the doorway.

"Thank you so much," Erik said, "I wished for just a roof over my head for one night and I got a lot more," he said and wiped a tear from the corner of his eye.
Erik pressed against the bed, which was softer than any berth, where he was received to spend the night in the years.
He felt clean and comfortable, and he felt a great gratitude to produce that friendly monk. Happiness tears dried up in his red, warm, glowing cheeks, when he pleased to fell asleep to velvety darkness.

Well this would be a fresh part of my story, you to read. I am very aware of the fact that there can be a lot of typos in the text, so my apologies for that.
I hope, however, that this part of the story to pleases you, and I hope you enjoy reading it.

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Erik grew into the care of Fanny and conditions were acceptable. Fanny still drank a lot, even though she occasionally tried to pull herself together. Some times by all the varied bunch was visited her, and those times Erik had not permission to enter the chamber.

Although, he was not allowed to go in chamber at any other time either. So he slept on the living room floor or on the basket, if Fanny remembered to put him there, before she went to bed.

Later Erik got a bed or something like a bed where to sleep.

Many times Fanny just forgot about Erik and dragged herself to bed to snore or passed out at the table or on the floor to sleeping off her drunkenness.

Erik grew still kind and friendly boy. He was practically the one who took care of the house and all the chores, which should have remained to Fanny. He wash up the dirty dishes, cleaned, took care of garden, which was in poor condition. From that small garden they had little to eat. In addition, Erik took care of the few animals that Fanny still had.

Fanny drank rather than ate.

Self-reliance was the side, because Erik knew how to take care of himself at an early age. Sometimes Fanny may have gone for days to "earning" as she said it. For if the customers didn't visit her, she left the village.

Erik didn't remember what happened before he arrived to Fanny's create. Those memories of life before it had only a very flimsy and disjointed. Just like dreams and he doubted that he's life really had been like that. And not much time left him to think about he's memories, when many chores were waiting for him.

In addition, he went to a small school like the nearby monastery, but even there he was alone. He didn't have many friends and other shun him because he lived whit Fanny.. They calling him bastard at some times. Many times he was beaten by the bigger boys, just because he was living with Fanny.

In the middle of all of that, Erik remembered keep the left arm burningmark out of sight, he knew that others didn't like it. Fanny was also banned him from showing the birthmark on he's right hand. He was asked about it sometimes, but Fanny refused to tell nothing.

Time passed, and although Fanny drank often, she was in some ways glad to Erik. At least her the clear moments, which was only very rarely. Years passed calm and unaffected.

Erik was ten years old when his life changed again. He had left the monastery school and upon arrival at the back, he saw the two soldiers at the cottage. He ran inside, and could not understand why they were there. The soldiers rarely wanted services to Fanny.

Erik didn't dare to ask, but was trying to take care of the usual chores, while listening to what those soldiers discussed with Fanny.

Suddenly, voices rose and the soldiers grabbed Fanny on each hand and began to drag her away.

"Where are you taking her?" Erik said, and ran after the other.
"None of your business, bastard!" One of the soldiers snarled and slapped Erik so hard that he hit his head when he fell to the floor and lost his consciousness.

The soldiers did not care, Erik, but left him lye on the floor. It took a while, until Erik came back to consciousness. Slowly, he sat up, but that a sudden movement attracted a headache and made him feel sick.

Erik looked around and saw that he was all alone. The soldiers had gone and take Fanny with them. Tears rolled down Erik's smudged face, when he was crying so fear than pain.

Finally, he drew himself up, because he knew that could not just stand there and cry his fate.

He spent weeks in a cabin in the expectation that Fanny came back. But she didn't return, so soon Erik decided to leave the house, because he was afraid of the soldiers coming back for him too. Second, he knew that he wouldn't survive very long time alone. Although the room was small, it was after all just too much to do for a little boy alone.

Erik knew that anyone would want him to work, but maybe he still would have a better chance of succeeding traveling around the country. For this small cottage in the middle of nowhere, he was all too easy target for the soldiers, who knew where to look for him.

***

The soldiers returned to the Julian creates task completion. Julian became angry when the boy was not included among them. He had wanted to take the boy king creates and claims to have saved him. But on the other hand, he was afraid of how much memory a boy and was afraid that she would recognize him.
 

"You brainless imbeciles!" Julian raged. "I gave you specific instructions, and you boneheads couldn't stick to it!" He continued yelling so that the whole room echoed.
"I. .. I'm sorry my lord." Soldier stammered scared. And other soldier didn't seem very pleased with the feedback received. Especially when he where slapped the boy when he was left the cottage.
"You go back to the cabin and you get the boy here, or I don't responsible for the consequences." Julian barked command to the soldiers.
"Yes my lord, right away my lord." Soldiers said, bowing and backed to way to the door.

Both soldiers were more or less dissatisfied with the state of affairs, because it would take a long time traveled and by that time the boy would certainly have be gone. But they still had to do something, even if just for show. So then they get their horses and headed back to that cabin.

Day after day went by, when they traveled through the large field areas. That farm land spots scattered here and there, farmers and even lower public decaying and weather-beaten wooden huts. Finally, a low-lying landscape began to change and the fields were left behind, until they finally came to an ancient forest. Here and there grew knobby bent trees and big old pine trees, which tops reaches to heights.

Trees grew so thick that the sun does not properly illuminated by lumpy trails with their horses stumbled now.

Finally, the soldiers jumped down from their horse and decided to lead the horses, before they could hurt their legs.
At last they arrived at Fanny's cottage to find that the boy had managed to escape. Thick dust and dirt layer that language that the cottage had been inhabited for a long time.

"There's nobody here any more." Said Dick, quickly looked cabin and finding it empty.

"Damn it, Dick what do we do now?" Gideon asked, and felt the fear creeping inside him, because he knew that Julian doesn't like these kind of news.
"We have to go back and tell him." Dick growled and strode to the horses.

Without a single word both increased their horses back and left a small cottage in the middle of snow. They headed back to the castle, although it seemed very discomforting. Night came quickly, so they decided to camp in next to a rock wall where the small creek sparkling merrily.

Night passed very slowly, because neither of them really could not sleep, because they were afraid of what would follow, they would have to explain to Julian that the boy had managed to disappear. It was very cold, and a leather tent that much protection and warmth given.

When morning finally began to dawn, they went up, ate a meager breakfast, dismantled the camp and were preparing their horses and left. Yet they have a couple more days went by and finally back once in, they looked old wreck.

Involuntarily, they marched to the Julian remained in the room and look furtively wait for the verdict. They had been right, as Julian was furious blindly and call soldiers stupid boneheads and threatened to beat their backskin mottled.

Finally, dismantle the worst fury, Julian rudely commanded the soldiers to look the boy and said that there wasn't coming back, if they don't find the boy. Humble and fearful soldiers left.

They were looking and looking, but could not find the boy. The boy seemed to have disappeared completely. The soldiers were so afraid that they didn't want to go back whit empty-handed, so they decided to disappear.