1 The construction worker

Chapter i

"Beep" "Beep" "Beep" "Beep", goes the sound of the morning alarm. It was the year 2016 in a town called Paramaribo, in the heart of Suriname.

Yarning from his bed at 5:30 am, Aries Knew it was time to get his day started.

Living alone in a small studio apartment, he was quiet comfortable being in his own space.He got up and went on his knees, thanking the most high god that he lived to see another day. Smiling towards the heavens as he prepares to light the stove. Aries was always great full for the little that he had.

But deep down inside, he was tired of walking alone. Music was one way of dealing with his troubles. But most time he would just roll up a joint of bubble hash or weed to get that all good feeling. Aries was the only child of his father and the last of three by his mother.

Growing up in a small village called The Garden. Aries was always fascinated by fast cars and bikes. His father , the exiled king.

Was forced to renounce his throne by his father for the act of deception. Way before time, The king's family were regular farmers supported by the royal family. When King John was born, the Queen couldn't help but notice how handsome he was and fell in love with the child.As King John grew older the queen grew fonder of the boy. He would usually get a free pass into the kingdom and such would have sleepovers at the palace.

The Queen of the south also know as Queen Victoria, had one daughter but was unable to bare anymore children for here husband.

King Artur was deeply in love with queen Victoria.. He couldn't stand to love another.

He knew he needed an air for his throne for his legacy to live on and his name to rain..

King Artur could see how much queen Victoria adore King John and how well he got along with princess Estra.

Artur then thought up a brilliant idea..

" What if I make a proposal tho the king family to have king John marry Estra on her 18th birthday " he thought... O surly I will be favored by the gods for my act of kindness.

Plus he bares the name of a king..

Yes....

That's what I'll do...

Trying to get up off his throne falling right back down every time.

King Artur was a man who loves wine and would celebrate every day if the queen would let him.

That very evening as he lay in the arms of his beautiful queen.

"Victoria", whispering the queen name in the night..

"Yes my love" she replies.

"I was thinking, You know we have no male air to the throne and it's only a matter of time before other kingdoms realize the weakness in our kingdom and try to over throw us."

She replied "Yes my king, there's not a day that goes by that I do not think of such."

Trying to hold back here emotions start sobbing like a child.

" I'm sorry I've disappointed you my king, and I understand if you want to marry a second wife".Unable to control her emotions stormed out of bed and ran to the balcony.

King Artur followed his queen to the balcony, finding her in a corner weeping.He smile to himself and shook his head."My queen"...

Please do not miss interpret my words. I never said I was going to marry another, no.

Took a few more steps towards her looking towards the night sky. "It's beautiful isn't it"?

"What is" said Victoria whipping the tears off her puffy pink cheeks.. Our kingdom my love, replied Artur. Our people, the landscape, our empire, the way the moonlight brightens up the land for us to see her beautiful when darkness com-it.Victoria then stood to her feet, staring into the night alongside her king..

And not a word of this night was spoken of here after.

The Run Away Princess.

Chapter ii

Months after, King Artur got an urgent message from the King of the west.

He had news of an uprising being plotted against the Queen of the eastern empire.

Down in south east Asia, the Dutch was plotting to overthrow Shaniqwa; queen of the east.

Shaniqwa was know for her good looks and charm, but don't be fooled by her aurora.She is just as unpredictable.

During her teen years, Shaniqwa would escape the palace walls. Disguising herself as a homeless little girl. Off into the woods at her secret hiding place.A hidden lake deep within the woods, surrounded by a Meadow of purple tulips. It was indeed a sight to see.

Shaniqwa would go there most time to gather her thoughts, meditating and contemplating.

Thinking to herself what it would be like to travel the world. The places, the people and their culture and customs. Oh how she had dreamed about the world beyond her kingdom.

Shaniqwa was always know to be a loner. Being and only child to thrown, it wasn't long before the trumpets was sounded and palace guards was sent in search of the princess. She would then rush back to the trails as quickly as she could, so she does not compromise her hide out. She could hear the approach of horses getting closer and closer as she skipped down the path towards the castle walls.

"My princess... Is everything alright are you hurt ? Said the head of the palace guard. No sir, I'm quite fine she said. I only came out to stretch my legs.

My princess, you know it is against the kings will to have you roaming beyond the castle walls without an escort and it is also quite dangerous out here. What if something was to happen to you and no one knows where you are, how will we be able to assist you. Or

What if robbers saw you and found out who you are underneath all those rags you disguise yourself in. My princess please try to understand that we are only trying to keep you safe and keep our heads, chuckling as he removes his head armor. The king will surely have our heads if anything was to happen to you beyond the castle walls.

Come on, let's get you back home before the king loses his marbles.

The Royal Ball.

Chapter iii

Excited to go on this journey, King Artur looking forward to meeting his childhood crush after year of not seeing each other eye to eye.

Every time a princess steps into adulthood, it is custom to have a gathering with all the royal families. A meet and greet party to be precise.

Every one attending the royal ball would be required to wear masks, as to make falling in love a thing of the heart rather than physical attributes.

It was the year 1943 around December, 21 days until shaniqwa's 19th birthday. All roads lead to the Roman Empire, the hosts of 3 annual royal ball. It was a year of Great War and strife, between the British combined forces and the American troops against the nazis. This was indeed some treacherous times. So it was imperative that the location and details about this event was kept secret. As evening came,so did the kings and Queens of that era. Dressed in the finest of lining and of course fine jewelry. It was indeed an event of a lifetime. Shaniqwa was dressed in a magnificent peach colored dress topped with gold edging. Stole the attention of everyone as soon as she walked in the room.

Shaniqwa was a costume to being the center of attention, graceful made her way across the room. Being ushered in by the hostess of this glorious event to their family table.

She could feel the eyes on her. This made her smile knowing that she as good a shot of finding true love as any of the other princesses in the room.

Are you nervous my dear? " Asked her mother with a smile behind it. I remember the first time I attend a royal ball. I was a nervous wreck. My palms were sweaty and my face were red as a tomato.. Do you remember my king "asked the queen". Aww yes replayed the king. I remember that day very well. Although I must admit, I was a bit scared too. I noticed you from the moment you walked in ha ha ha.

Awww, that's the thing about us Asian women, we are like magnets attracted to great men ha ha ha.

So how did the magic happening, how did you two got over the nerves "asked Shaniqwa".

Well my dear...

The first time I saw your mother, I knew it was her I came for. I remember saying to my father; Dad, that's her. That's my princess..

He then said to me, son. The journey to a woman's heart is not an easy task. You may like her, but is she going to be as delighted to be yours?

Right then I realize what my father was saying to me. I needed to fight for her love and win her heart. With her being surrounded by lots of potential mates. I had to let go of my nervousness and approach her with confidence.

Ha, some confidence you had my king. Ha ha ha, both laughing at each other. Shaniqwa being intrigued by her parents love story.

So what did he do mom? Asked the princess.

Well, it took him almost three hours to build that confidence, ha ha. I was getting quite bored talking to the other's. Even tho I've met some really charming and funny future king's.

I've had my eyes on one in particular. Yes my queen, is Greeks have that effect on women Ha Ha Ha. Just one look at our broad shoulders and warriors like look. She melted like butter Ha Ha Ha. Oh please. Mom did you really fall for that asked Shaniqwa in a fun way. Of course not my dear. I chose him because he chose me over all the other princesses that was there that evening. He proved to me that there's no one else he would rather talk to other than me. He stood and waited patiently to build up enough courage to come up to me and and asked me to dance. Out of the twelve princesses that attended the ball, your father never once showed interest in any of them. Right then I knew he was my king and I his queen.

Wow, replied Shaniqwa. I surely hope I find my true love the way you did mom.

Well you have to be patient princess, let your prince find you like your father found me.

Most of all just be yourself and don't forget to have fun my dear. Yes mother I will try my best to have fun, it's not like the faith of the world resides on choosing the perfect husband Ha Ha. As long as I am happy and he has good character. Yes "said the king; and also good with plants Ha Ha Ha. My little florist is all grown up now, pretty soon we will have to build a bigger castle for all our grand babies to roam. Awww my king let's not get a head of our selves here, our daughter first needs to get over her first obstacle; and that is finding her prince.

So tell me my dear, have you seen anyone here that catches your interest "asked the queen.

For the first time since Shaniqwa arrived at the ball she decided to look around.

Scanning the room for signs of potential crushes. Her and king Artur's eyes collided, greeting here with a smile. Shaniqwa quickly retreated her eyes back to her parents, smiling. What is it dear "asked the queen. Did someone strike your interest? For the first time the princess was lost for words. Maybe " replied the princess. I must first get to know him to be sure mother.

Wise choice of words my daughter responds the king.

The hosts of the event then announces that it was time for the young Kings and Queens to mingle in hopes of finding their true love.

Well" This is it Shaniqwa. The moment you've been waiting for. Remember don't worry too much my dear just have fun. I will do my best mom replied the princess as she stood up to make here way towards the ball room. How do I look "asked Shaniqwa. Astonishing my queen replied the king. Why thank you sir for your kind compliment answered the princess. Takes a deep breath, then walks off.

Love Comes Home.

Chapter iv

Travel by air was the fastest route to the eastern kingdom. The seas was always king Artur's preferred way of travel. Accompanied by seven other smaller ships, King Artur was ready for their Journey. With each ship carrying 40 well trained combat soldiers, specialized in marshal arts and weaponry. King Artur's troops would be a force to be wrecked with.

King Leo on the other hand, went ahead with his troops followed by her majesty's Royal Air Force. Landing a few miles off the coast, to avoid enemy spy's.Shaniqwa had Armed guards setup at the water front awaiting the arrival of her reinforcements. It was a quiet Sunday afternoon, just a little past midday.

Ahoy" showered one of the Guards from the watch tower. Get ready men, the Calvary Approaches. You could hear the roaring sound of the fleet of oilers as the drew closer and closer towards the shoreline. Magnificent whispered the queen. Finally some salvation.

You there" shouted the general from below.

Why are you not at you post private "asked the general. We need all hand on deck in these times of crisis, as such all breach points must be watched 24/7. Head back to your post at once private, no more slacking off. Yes sir"

Running back quickly to his post.

One by one the pilot dove down to the ocean whoosh... the sound of the waves crashing back and forth. After about two hour of back and forth transport. King Leo and his men were all safely a shore. Men fall in, render assistance where ever it is needed. As you wish your grace "remarked the kings right hand. You heard the king men, move out..

Welcome my king, hope you travels was well, greeted the general. Yes it was fairy well general. But couldn't help but notice the aftermath of fires from different regions of the castle walls. Has it really gotten that bad amounts the queen and her people.

Indeed my king, replied Shaniqwa from behind. It is great to see you too king Leo, ohh how long as it been. Greeting him with a soft embrace followed by a few smooches on the cheeks.

Yes my queen,as do I. I've missed you dearly my friend. It's been quite some time since you last visited my kingdom too. Ahh, come off it Leo, walk with me. There is much to discuss. Perhaps a strategy on how to resolve this issue I'm facing right now. Yes yes, all in due time. But first, I would like to have some of your famous herbal tea to warm my heart and some food for my self and men. Ahh yes, The cooks are already preparing some of our Mediterranean dishes for you guys to enjoy a taste of our culture here. Well, I hope there's enough food for all of us to enjoy, those cooks must really have their hands full. Enthusiastically mumbled king Leo. Nonsense..... We are stacked with food to feed this entire nation for a whole month. Plus our farms well vegetated and poultry are bountiful here.. Ha Ha Ha. Also there is an entire ocean of fish, I know you won't mind catching my dinner my king. After all, you did promise to be there for me anytime I was in need of assistance. Ha Ha Ha, laughed out king Leo. See I almost forgot what a wicked sense of humor you had Shaniqwa, Ha Ha. Well you know I am always free spirited and just a bundle of fun. But it's been a while since I've enjoyed anything or had me a relaxed day. Ever since the passing of the king and queen, nothing was ever the same.

I was not the same. All my friends turned against me, I consider my self luck to still have a few good ones that stood by my side during my time of great anguish. Morning the dead of my parents, meanwhile trying to convince members of the high court that I did not intentionally poisoned the king and queen. It is like a great burden to bare. Each and ever day I think about how it all happened....

Just then An awkward silence, and tears start to flood the Queens cheeks.. Easy there Shaniqwa, it was a accident. How long are you going to go on like this, beating you self up over something you cannot change.

That's my point exactly, shouted Shaniqwa. Because of my actions back then, I'm now being prosecuted. Hated, despised by my own people. Being called a witch queen and a murder. All because I could not find my true love at the Royal ball and in turn never got married, never bared a child, never experience motherhood beyond mothering someone else's. Who then grows up to be my servant. Oh god, what have I done to deserve such a life... Leo... Why has life been so unfair to me...

An emotional wrecked queen. Plummets her head onto Leo's bosom, seeking comfort in her time of desperation.

There there.. it going to be alright Shaniqwa, we will resolve this matter. Yes and it must be done with haste Leo. I feel so alone here, quite frankly. I don't trust anyone here on the castle anymore, I just have the feeling deep down that they will take sides with the rebels and my uncle to be stole my birth right of even have me hanged. The more reason why I was in urgent need of outside influences. More so the military backings to assist me until things are back to the was it should be. By The Way, when is King Artur expected to arrive Leo?

The Arrival.

Chapter v

"Knock Knock Knock" my king..

My King.

Who goes there? Answered king Artur.

Why am I being disturbed at this hour, what seem to be so urgent that could not wait till morning? Sorry to disturb you at this time my king. it is I sir Antwan Smith the navigator.Requesting permission to enter your quarters sir, May I enter? Yes, permission granted sir Smith; you may enter. This had better be an issue of great importance, if not I shall feed you to the ocean my self as morning cometh. My apologies once again my king,but there's been an incident aboard one of our ships. The ship's Captain requests you urgently sir.

Well Smith, did he mentioned to you what the problem was by any chance?

You know what, never mind. Go about your business, I shall be there shortly.

My king, we have a fallen soldier on board our vessel. What should we do? Aww that's terrible news captain. How did this incident occur may I ask, replied king Artur over the coms. Well sir, according to our medical team.

The deceased suffered a heart failure that lead to his demise. What are the orders my king?

King Artur was silent for a moment, thinking up a plan for the crew.

Sir Smith, how far are we off the cost of Singapore?

Well my King According to my calculations on our current heading. We should be seeing the coastline in about thirty six hours from now.

That was way to long for them to keep a corpse my king. Yes I know Smith " replied the king. Smith, get on the coms and request an emergency evacuation for our fallen. Yes that is our only alternative at this time. Yes my king that is indeed a wise idea. Of course replied King Artur. Have the entire squadron reduced their speed to eight knots so we do not drift too far off the location given to the pilots. Roger that my king, decreasing speed to eight knots. Well if there's nothing else I shall make my way back to bed.

As dawn came and the darkness of the night fades. Tossing and turning on his bed by the waves that crashes against the ship. As the winds and currents have picked up strongly heading towards the opposite direction of the kings squadron. Rapper up snuggly under his blanket,the king was in a dream.

It was as if he was just an ordinary person in this dream. No carriages, no crown, no wealth, no foreign influences, nothing royal to be exact. In this dream, the king found him self to be walking down a highway road. But for some reason, the traffic was only going it the opposite direction from where the king was heading. It appears as if the traffic was diverted to an alternate route maybe due to construction. But Artur didn't mind, he was walking along happily heading to his destination. A cool afternoon which seemed as if it was going to rain. The entire sky was painted black, grayish looking white so he has some protection against the sun. He was making his way to meet a friend whom he had not seen for a very long time. Artur had gotten specific directions on how to locate the friends house. First he needs to locate a house with some blue lighting on them then just off the highway road; turn the corner to his right just beside that house then another left on the first corner and keep going straight. Had everything mapped out in his head, Artur proceeded with his journey.

Following the trail down to the letter, but found himself lost. My god where am I now, puzzled not knowing where to go next. Just then he saw a strange but very familiar face walked by him. Excuse me madam shouted Artur without hesitation. Sorry to bother you but you look very familiar, have we met before now. Sorry but I don't think we have met. I am Susan by the way. Susan" replied Artur with a refreshing smile. Well it is very nice to meet you Susan, I am Artur. So where are you off to Artur, I don't think I've seen you around here before. Aww,Guilty as charged answered Artur. To tell you the truth, I am a bit lost at the moment. Oh boy, here come one of those crazy pick up lines. Let me guess, you found your way when you first saw me" replied Susan bitterly. Oh no, most certainly not miss. I talk a good game but quiet frankly today isn't one of those day replied Artur. Although you look dazzling in your outfit I'm pretty sure you get lots of attention. What's that supposed to mean, you think I'm am that easy to get answered Susan with a fierce look in here eyes. What do you take me for? Oh boy,

Madam you are surly getting the wrong idea here.

See, I'm not from around here. I'm trying I locate a friend of mine who lives in this street but I don't know which house. The only reason I've stooped you was to ask if you knew the person. Well that's what you should have said in the first place Artur and stop beating around the bush. I am a very busy woman as you can see. I'm off to my book club. Okey Okey, I get it. I'm looking for a miss Jane Taylor, do you know of anyone that goes by that name? Oh surly yes, everyone knows the town's Harlot. She live just two houses back that way. Wait, what? I was only joking Artur, ha ha. Jane Taylor is my close friend. I'm pretty sure if someone asked her for me she'd say the same about me. Any ways enjoy the rest of your day shooter. Tell Jane I said hello, gotta run. Then went along her merry way. Artur just stood there in like a confused little boy..

My oh my, what just happened here? That Susan is a real piece of work. Oh well, was nice meeting you too, talking to himself trying to make sense of all that was said.

Artur now makes it'll his way back to his friends house, back tracking his steps.

Okey so Susan said two houses back. On the right is an empty lot, so then it must be the on on the left. It was a huge wooden building, looks to be pretty ancient. A white painted house With huge colorful windows and grass as high as a foot and a half. Well I hope Susan's not pulling a prank on me. Cause this looks more like a hunted house..Just as Artur got to the house, here comes the rain. Oh my, he said. I had better get inside. Running through the jungle of a lawn, Artur mad his way to the back porch. They to his surprise was Jane Taylor and one of his closest friend sitting having a smoke.

What's going on here? Asked Artur.

Well this is a real shocker replied Jane Taylor.

I wasn't expecting you showing up here today.

So this is what you be doing behind my back Jane. How are you going to start the party without out me. Easy there killer, replied his friend Paul. There's enough to go around.

Then they all started laughing, ha ha ha.

Come to think of it I've just managed to make it in time. A few seconds later I would have been a wet dog replied Artur. Yea and that's one wet poach I wasn't accepting on my porch. Ha Ha Ha. Come now Artur, have a sit right next to me my friend. Haven't seen you in a very long time. Hope it wasn't too difficult finding my new home Artur" asked Jane.

Well it was an adventure to be honest"replied Artur. I even ran into your friend Susan. She helped me find the place, else I would have been walking around in circles trying to find it.

Well isn't that sweet, Susan now considers herself to be my friend. I wonder what lies she told this time about me Paul. Well you know how it goes with her already answered Paul. I was telling you from the first inception not to befriend her, but you wouldn't listen. Typically Jane Taylor, always trying to bring out the the best in others. Susan is bad news, and nothing can change that. It's just the way she is, scandalous.

So what do you think of the place Artur? I know it looks a bit shabby from the outside but after a few repairs and modifications, it's going to be my dream home.

Just as Artur was about to give his opinion, he heard a knocking sound.

"Knock" Knock " knock.

Do you hear that Jane? I think someone is at your door. Well, are you going to get up Artur. Someone is at the door.

"Knock" Knock "Knock, My King!

Jumped out of his sleep. Yes !

Who goes there? Replied Artur.

It is I sir, Smith. The coastguard just radio in saying they are five minutes away from our current location sir.

Very well then. I shall be up there shortly.

Is everything ready for transporting? Yes my king, already spoken with the captain Charles sir. The crew helped carried the body up to the poop deck and is awaiting transport as we speak sir. Alright then Smith, carry on.

Sitting there in his thoughts, Artur was still trying to grasp what was the meaning of his dream. Could it be that I'm losing my castle? No, I think not. Maybe my queen is having an affair and I shall catch her in the act. Then he heard a small voice in the back of his mind saying, " Maybe It Just A Dream". Just then Artur started to feel relieved, getting his focus back on what was going on around him at the present moment. He could hear the sounds of blades moving closer and closer. Aww, that must be the rescue helicopter on its way. I had better get dressed and head out to see my fallen off.Grooming himself very fast, king Artur made his way to the bridge of vessel. Good morning my King, my deepest condolences. Awww, Good Morning to you all. My sympathies goes out to his family who will have suffered a great loss. A moment of silence gentlemen, for our fallen brethren.

All the while the conversation was placed on speaker. Everyone aboard the neighboring ship could hear over their radio system and did as requested by their king.

After a safe transfer of their corpse, King Artur ordered the navigator to resume to normal operations. Full speed ahead Mr Smith, we are already behind schedule now. I just hope all is in our favor yet still.

The very next day, around midday just as the sun was at its peak high up in the sky. Through his binoculars, captain Smith could see the voyage coming to a close.Ahoy, I see land over yonder. Sailor, go inform the king that we are about an hour and half away from the anchorage point. Yes sir Smith, right away. The entire fleet was excited to get off. Not knowing what comet next. The anchorage point was about one hundred and fifty two foot from the coastline. Any closer could result in a grounding of their ships or possibly damage. So they would have to be transported by smaller boats.As soon as they dropped anchor. The everyone rejoiced knowing they had made it safely to their destination and they finally have some pieces of mine that their destiny is back in their own hands.

The Wiseman

Chapter vi

COMING SOON !