The Little Prince (part 4)

He had been shouting so hard, it was thunder in the hot weather. A divine interference that simply cannot be explained by earthly phenomenon. The moment he stopped, people couldn't recall the state they were in a moment ago. That dull monotonous activity under the hot noon sun, where every effort was concentrated on conserving energy, putting a lull on all human minds, be they soldier, or civilian. That atmosphere disappeared completely. Even the distant swordsman on the rampart stopped his practice and frowned and wondered. Can thunder shake the earth under this hot midday sun? Everything became quiet at once.

The soldiers were not qualified to think about what the prince was saying. The commoners didn't understand it. Someone started. A light chink on the stone. Others picked up. The patrol guards unpaused their footsteps, the squad's rhythmic footsteps falling loudly. An old laborer sighed heavily. With a grunt, he passed the stone to the next one in the chain. The group of young men lifting a huge log carried heaved loudly, shaking the momentary lull that had fallen on the environment. Soon various activities commenced all along the long fort wall, as though it had never stopped at all.

Taking two menacing footsteps, the little prince coldly raised his chin up, looked the captain in the eyes. At that moment, his eyes said, I know exactly what you're thinking about. I know about the unstable political environment, I also know the war at the border is not looking good. My father could lose his life anytime, yet my brother's position is not yet secure. I know all that. Coldly, he said, "Uncle Jeh, you're not stupid. Congratulations, I'll never ask you to catch me again."

His cruel words were lightning falling on the captain's heart, causing it to clench extremely painfully. By the time he recovered from the jolt, the little figure was already running away, the naked back displaying taut muscles that were clenched tensely with emotion.

The captain knew then that he chose his words wrong…

"Wait! Little Prince, you misunderstood," he yelled and gave a chase, hating himself for testing the prince's wisdom. Heck, the child is so clever, even ministers seek advice from him. Does he need a brawny old guard to tell him who to trust and who not to? Unintentionally, Jeh-shaan had given away his intentions. "I really want to catch you again!" he yelled as he ran, unmindful of his curious subordinates.

What? The captain always complains about his back for two days every time the prince jumps. Now he's begging to do it again? His simple-minded soldiers thought like this.

The captain thought in a totally opposite direction. Dammit, if only I hadn't listened to the Raja-guru's pitch to join the Grand Prince Ravi-kumara's faction!

The grand prince owns his own territory and the title of King that is applicable within the borders of his territory and is hereditary for ten generations. But everybody knows that the grand prince will never be satisfied with just that. Indeed, nobody could be blamed for it, as the grand prince was actually the king's eldest brother, older than him by nineteen years! He was the crown prince who lost the position of Yuvaraja (heir apparent) when his father was on his deathbed. The worst part was, he lost it to a four year old child! One could say that it is inevitable though. After all, the grand prince killed all of his other younger brothers who qualify for the throne. Only the child he never thought of as a threat was left behind. Unfortunately, his father didn't hesitate to pass on the throne to the little boy upon realising all the atrocities his eldest son committed upon his death bed. Making his own powerful younger brother the regent, the king relievedly passed away knowing his wise younger brother would make sure the child grows up into the position well. However, it has long since been set in stone that the grievance between brothers was not easily settled.

How long has it been since the grand prince was waiting for an opportunity like this? The kingdom was going through chaotic times. The king himself led the troops to the border. It was precisely the time to move the pieces that have long since been arranged in place. And it was natural to want to recruit powerful players like the captain of the guards.

But to use a personage as high and noble as the Raja-guru, the royal teacher himself to do the deed? Now that was overbearing!

Dammit! Wicked old man! I cannot believe I had been swayed by the high and mighty sounding words issued from his sanctimonious mouth. Who knew that such a sacred person like the Raja-guru can take sides and act so cunning? My heart did hesitate…Perhaps the prince was right. Perhaps that's when I knew what kind of disasters a moment of disloyalty can create. Dammit!

Jeh-shaan panicked as he chased, reliving the incisive words of the prince.

'He does not know because his heart never hesitates…Uncle Jeh, congratulations, you're not stupid…'

Wait. How much does he know?! Jeh-shaan's heart clutched, feeling like a cold reptile snaked his naked back.

When the little prince heard Jeh-shaan's voice calling after him, he put even more speed into his legs, making it clear that he did not want to be followed. Jeh-shaan could only helplessly fall back, feeling painful about the relationship that will never be the same again.

When the little prince was an infant, Jeh-shaan was only a captain of a squadron in the palace guards. The prince's older sisters often used to bring him to play at the royal bath and the royal gardens. The child literally grew up on his shoulders. He couldn't believe he ruined it with just a few careless words. He knew he ruined it because those round red eyes staring accusingly at him were full of hurt and heartbreak. The child meant it when he said he will never let him catch him again. He was clear on what he said, even if it brings him so much pain.

Sighing to himself, Jeh-shaan felt himself slapped harshly in the face by a strong gust of dust-ridden arid wind. Looking at the scorched earth in front of his feet, he murmured heavily, "The child sees through people so easily..." he sighed, "He should get so lonely…"

Rising his eyes, he saw the little boy patting his horse softly with a serene face. He observed the animal for a few moments to see if everything's fine and then checked his saddle and the leather straps carefully. Only then did he mount the horse. With an energetic "Hyaah!" he kicked the horse and set off momentarily. The platoon escorting him let him get on the road and get past them by few ten meters before they set off as well and gently enclosed him on all sides by the time they reached the bend in the road.

"Yaay!! Let's go to see grandfather!"

The child's shrill call jolted Jeh-shaan out of his daze. He couldn't help but marvel at how quickly the child got over his painful experience. Jeh-shaan's didn't entertain the possibility that he hid his hurt and pain, because for a child that is just too excruciating. The captain dearly hoped the child did not have to learn that aspect of life yet. He watched as the little prince hurrahed enthusiastically and disappeared into the horizon.

Shaking his head, Jeh-shaan smiled ever so slightly as he turned back from the gate and went back to his men.

Little prince, today you saw through my thoughts, but one day I will earn back your trust. I will prove that my heart is loyal to the king and the country and no one else…that day we will smile together again and you can call me uncle.