2 Change of fate

Alastair's question was not something new for the old augur. The king had been asking this to him since the time he had predicted the birth of an angel. It had all happened sixteen years ago when Osiris had detected the change in the weather. It was a sudden transition and a blessing to the kingdom which would have slowly perished if not for the birth of one of the most magnificent creatures in the world.

The kingdom of Oryn had been under severe drought for months and many peasants and farmers had complained to the previous king, Alastair's father, Ragnor to help them in this matter. The poor did not have food for days and it had become difficult to provide for everybody in the kingdom. The then king, Ragnor had been in a dilemma and he had seen people die on the streets due to hunger. The drought had been going on for months with no signs of stopping. Ragnor had done all he could to help the people but that had not been enough. He received severe backlash from the aristocratic families for not considering them into account and for being biased towards the poor.

Alastair's father, Ragnor was not a man of many words, nor did he indulge himself in petty and unwanted talks. Yet, he knew what words were being spoken about him behind his back. He was a wise man, smart even and he knew why he was being outrightly criticized. It was not hidden that many people were vying for his throne and they had taken this opportunity to throw dirt on him. However, he was not someone who cared about those insignificant people. Nobody could make him leave his position and the only man fit to rule after he was his son, Alastair.

He consulted many people and even had discussed with his ministers and dukes how to handle the situation when he was informed of an old augur who resided in the place of Soren. He was claimed to be extraordinarily visioned and it was said that all his words would eventually become true. Without wasting any time, the king had called for him. But the man had disagreed to be present before him, angering the king in the process.

Osiris did not want to meet the king, not yet. He had detected the changes around him and he could sense that something extraordinary was going to happen. The birds that had migrated away from the kingdom had returned and were chirping happily on the trees. The sunrays too had become less harsh and the air suddenly seemed to be vitalized.

One night Osiris had a dream and immediately the next day, he approached the king.

King Ragnor had been surprised by his sudden change of mind. Yet, he did not question him regarding it. He could see that the old man had something significant to tell and he had a hunch that it would solve all the problems he was facing.

"What brings you here, old augur?" Ragnor asked as he sat on his throne in a domineering manner. It was in his blood to appear daunting and fierce. Though he had tried to appear gentle before the old man, he still seemed terrifying. But Osiris remained unfazed. Neither the king nor his men could do anything to him. They were just creatures made by God, not God himself for him to fall at their feet.

"I have some good news, my king," Osiris said politely as he bowed before him and looked up to meet his blazing eyes. He knew that the king was not ordinary. He was a creature with special powers, the air around him was the proof of it. But he had not dwelled into this matter more. It was a secret the king had maintained and he was in no position to ask about it.

"What is it?" King Ragnor asked in a bored tone. He had other pressing matters to attend to rather than to entertain this old man. However, considering the man's age and the rumors he had heard about him, he had decided to spare him some time.

"The fate of the Kingdom of Oryn is going to change very soon."

"What did you say?" The king leaned forward, the fire in his eyes blazing all the more. Osiris widened his eyes for a second before he composed himself. The king's sudden change startled him. But what was more shocking was that he was not trying to hide it from him. Osiris wondered if the creature before him trusted him so much to show his true self and he immediately got his answer when the king spoke to him.

"I trust you and I know you will not betray me. To answer your unasked question, I am not a human. Let's not dwell more on this topic now. We have something else to discuss. What did you say about the change of fate?" The king asked calmly and by then, his eyes had returned to normal.

"Yes, my King. Fate is going to change soon and it would be beneficial to everyone if your son, Alastair could take over the throne once this happens." Osiris replied almost immediately as though he was dying to convey this message.

The king narrowed his eyes, this time not in anger but in interest. Osiris's words had sparked a curiosity in him and he wanted more answers from him. "And why should I do that?"

"Because, my King, I had a vision." Osiris stopped suddenly to see if he should continue or not. On seeing that he had the king's utmost interest, he started speaking again. "If you continue to be on the throne once the fate changes, then your family will have to face the wrath of God."

Osiris did not have a habit of twisting his words for his benefit. He was always straightforward and never cared if his words would implicate him anyway. Even now, he had followed his principles and had answered honestly to the king. He now waited to see what the king would do to him.

But to his bewilderment, Ragnor started laughing hysterically. Nobody was in the courtroom other than Osiris and the king. Moreover, it was dark inside except for the two torches that were burning on either side behind the king's throne and the two torches that were placed by the door. The light from the torch fell onto the king's face and he looked all the more sinister. The laughter echoed in the empty room and any person of normal caliber would have fainted under such eerie circumstances. But Osiris was not normal. He stood brazen before the most powerful creature he had ever known as he waited for him to speak.

"Do I need to say that your words have impressed me?" Ragnor said after laughing for a while. "I have long wanted for my son to take over the throne, but hadn't found a perfect opportunity yet. Now that you are suggesting something that I had in mind for some time, do I need to reward you?"

"There is no need for any reward, my King. I am just a servant who wishes the best for the kingdom."

"Ah, I see. In that case, when do I need to give up my throne?"

"The day when the fate changes," Osiris answered and the king gave him one narrowed look.

"And when would that be?"

"Very soon, my King."

"Very well. If what you are saying is the truth, then I'll definitely wait for the day when fate would change." The king had then dismissed Osiris. Though he did not believe him completely, he had a hunch that his words were going to become true in the upcoming days.

And just as it was predicted, the kingdom of Oryn received the first rain after a long duration of severe drought on the same day Osiris had met the king.

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