Chapter 49
Chapter Forty-Nine
Dmitri
Ipace the perimeter of my cell or crypt or whatever you call this forgotten place of rot and decay. I sing a familiar tune, timing each lap to a verse.
In the era of strife, when darkness shrouds,
Four kingdoms clash under thunderous clouds,
Royalty unmarked, hidden by the fates,
Shall rise to unify, mate hand in mate’s.
It’s been 792 days since I’ve seen the sun. 792 days of stale bread and cold soup.
Not born to rule, nor raised for throne,
This destiny forged without fire alone,
With heart of pitch and spirit gold,
The kingdoms’ tale in light foretold.
792 nights of cold uncomfortable sleep. 792 days that I’ve been sequestered here, having not once stepped outside of this room.
The herald of change, in the downfall lies,
The legacy of the new dawn’s skies
The true unifier’s path concealed,
In shadows deep, pain and pleasure revealed.
A low, drawn-out creak shatters my quiet song.
I face the door, and a blinding crack of light pierces through the darkness like a blade.
That door has never opened. I’ve only communicated with them through the vent.
Light spills cautiously into the room, illuminating my small space.
The contrast is too stark, the brightness too intense against the shadows.
I take a careful step toward the open door and continue my song.
When old ways fall and rivals flee,
The kingdoms united in harmony be,
From the son’s rise the realm anew,
In destined bonds of peace, strong and overdue.