#Sibyla Votanosyllékti

[kyriat-stories]

Epilogue

When peace is preserved everybody is happy, but also: life goes on.

King Mijararos was said to show his happiness in quite an un-royal way when he got the news about King Turunusemis' passing. They Kings, Queens and soldiers all returned to their respective kingdoms and homes the following day.

The men was told that it had all been a rehearsal, and that there were no actual threat of war. Some believed it, some not. But everybody was happy to be home.

Sibyla, the nursemaid and Queen Ofelias confidant, went back to Strangepolis, but returned to Koilada Chalkou after a couple of months. She is now a housekeeper, a very high-ranking and respected position at the castle. She is also said to keep the Queen warm at night, but if you ever asked anyone at the castle about it, you would be told to mind your own business.

Prince Iasonas of Katafygio have been said to approach Queen Ofelia aiming at a matrimonial alliance. She politely turned him down. He is now in discussions with the King of Selinódasos, who is positive to a marriage between the Prince and his daughter Nikh. In a few years.

Princess Amphiera gave birth to twins the following spring. She is still kept in a separate part of the palace, and is not allowed to go outside unless she is accompanied by her husband, or an officer designated by him. She has her own servant and is allowed to see the children a couple of hours a day. They are otherwise cared for by Princess Konchylia, who might be surprising, considering that Princess Amphiera killed her husband. But, as she says, the children are not to blame for the sins of their parents.

Eteokardiás (Teo) decided to agree to a five year contract with the forces, where his main role was as a chef. He is entitled to a five days leave a couple of times a year. His mother suspects that his reasons for agreeing to the contract is personal, not financial.

On one of those hot summer days, after all of this, Kyrios Yousif Eláïom unfortunately passed away, most likely of a heart attack. His wife Eira, was of course heartbroken, but denies regretting marrying him. She is however worried about bringing up their little daughter alone. The girl, Maya, has now passed two years old, and is still not walking. Her mother took her to the temple as a baby, and the high priestess claimed that she was "touched by the gods"; a blessed child. Maya is a lovely, sweet little one, loved by everyone in the family, and in the whole village. (If they had access to modern medicine they would understand that Maya has Downs syndrome, but a blessed child she is nevertheless.)

[End of chapter 12]

A huge thank you to those of you who have followed, liked and commented on my story so far. It means a lot, and I am truly grateful. 💕

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[sa-characters]

Sibyla Votanosyllékti

GENDER - Female

AGE - Young Adult

ASPIRATION - Freelance Botanist

TRAITS: Green Fiend, Loves Outdoors, Outgoing

SIGN: Cancer

PARENTS - Not known

PARTNER - None

CHILDREN - None

Download: Not available

Story: Once Upon A Time - The first ones

Family tree: The first ones

She was born in Strangepolis, but was taken as a slave by the King of Koilada Chalkou at an early age. At the castle she was working in the garden and kitchen, in addition to performing private services for the king. She is good with children, and was the natural choice as a nanny when the king's children were born.

[kyriat-stories]

There was an ominous blood moon hanging over Koilada Chalkou, and while most people were sleeping, two women secretly met in the garden.

- Did you find it? Queen Ofelia whispered.

- Yes, I did. Are you sure you will go through with it?

- I am.

- There might be consequences, if they find out.

- I'm prepared to take the risk. Sibyla, can I trust you?

- Yes, Your Majesty. You can.

- If the worst thing would happens, will you take my girls to my brother in Manthos? If you explain to him, he will help you to get back to Strangepolis.

- I promise. When will you do it?

- Next time he asks me to come to his bed. I will slip the extract in his wine. He always have some after... after he is done with me.

- Be careful my Queen. This is so dangerous. I hope we are doing the right thing.

- Astanna help us if we are not...

A few days later the King was found dead in his bed. The Queen seemed genuinely upset.

For three days and nights she stayed by his bed, crying and grieving. On the third day they had to force her away, since the decomposition odor was evident even outside the King's bedroom.

If anyone had been so zealous as to have examined the contents of the wine jug or the remains in the empty bowl on the bedside table, they might have been surprised. Likewise, if they had found and analyzed the contents of the yellow container hidden in the bushes in the royal garden. It contained extract of hemlock, a highly poisonous plant.

Luckily, nobody was checking, searching or analyzing. Maybe they didn't suspect anything. Or maybe they did, but decided to turn a blind eye to the matter. Irregardless, as we all know, when a king dies, the kingdom must go on. The King's little daughter Larisa would eventually become the new reigning queen, but until then, Koilada Chalkou would be ruled by a new regent, Queen Ofelia. Most people felt relieved with this change, even if they didn’t knew Queen Ofelia that well.

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[kyriat-stories]

At the castle in Koiláda Chalkou Ofelia was troubled. She had just given birth to her second child, a girl, and her husband told her to give the newborn to the wet nurse, so that she could be ready for a third child.

- This will be your last chance to produce me a son, so I expect you in my bed again from next week.

- Right. If I can find room there. Ofelia said sarcastically. Your bed seems rather crowded.

Ofelia had realized over time that most of their female servants performed "duties" also after dark

- Excuse me? Have you not got everything you need? Why are you complaining? Who I choose to share my bed with is none of your business.

- It's not right. I'm your wife. It's disrespectful and illegal.

- Turunusemis laughed. Maybe in Manthos, but here it is very common, and legal.

- That's... not fair.

- Let me put it this way: Soon I will go on a trip. When I come back I expect to see a son in that baby crib. If not, I will send you back to Manthos. Or what is left of it.

- What do you mean "what is left of it"? Have there been a earthquake? What happened?

- Your brother has betrayed me, and I will crush his puny little army, and then Manthos will be mine. Turunusemis gave her a ice cold smile.

- My brother would never betray anyone, he is the most righteous man I know. You're lying!

- Maybe I am, or maybe not. What does it matter? The result will be the same. The war will come, and I will win.

- You are insane!

- You should be careful throwing out insults. Remember, you are here at my mercy.

Ofelia considered her options. They weren't many. She thought about escape, but with two small children it would be impossible on her own. She would have to get help from someone, and decided her best chance would be with be with Sibyla, the nursemaid.

- Look at your baby sister Larisa! She is smiling at you!

- She is very sweet, Sibyla commented. Your girls are both very pretty.

- Thank you Sibyla. I appreciate that. Sibyla, can you keep a secret?

- Of course, Your Majesty!

- I... I need to get away from here. But with the children ... I need help.

- That's very dangerous, Your Majesty. He will find you.

- Not if I can get back to Manthos. My brothers will help me, if I can get closer to the border. And I promise you, you will be richly awarded if you help me get there.

- It will be very difficult. I don't know if it's possible.

- I will have to try. I fear for my life. And for the life of my family and countrymen.

- You know, Ma'am, I was not born here. I was taken from my family in Strangepolis, after one of his raids there. It's dangerous to say out loud, but I hate that man. He is evil.

- And insane, Ofelia nodded.

- I will help you, if you help me to get home to Strangepolis after you are safely back in Manthos.

- I give you my word.

- We will need some days to prepare.

- Yes.

- Unless...

- Unless what?

- I have an idea...

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