The two weary riders trotted past the homes of the villagers, drawing attention of the craftsmen busy molding or shaping the clay for whatever they wanted to make. A group of children volunteered to escort the two visitors.

“Hey kids, take us to your chief,” the jester said to one of them.

The boy, hardly six or seven, smiled at the two visitors, and agreed to lead them to the hut of the chief.

“Father, we have visitors,” Elena said to the village chief, as she noticed the children escorting the two travelers towards their hut.

“What do we have now?” Nikolay was a bit annoyed for being interrupted.

“Oh father, I have a feeling we have to host the deposed queen now,” Elena’s excitement peaked as the visitors came closer. At last, when the two horses stopped right before Nikolay and Elena, standing in front of their hut, the chief and his daughter greeted the visitors.

With hand gesture, Calsyto stopped the jester from introducing. Still on horseback, she took the initiative. Very softly, she said to Nikolay, “I am Ismarus’ mother, the deposed queen of Odrysia. Earlier, Ismarus visited your village. He’s full of praise for your hospitality. He thinks you might provide a safe shelter to us for a while.”

Nikolay bowed, while Elena curtsied before Calysto, and then the village chief said, “Your highness, I’m afraid we do not have the means to welcome you amongst us in a befitting manner. However, if you are willing to accept our humble residence, our not so refined hospitality, we will be honored to assist you in every possible way.”

“Oh I have heard about your kindness, your great hospitality, and above all, your love and allegiance to your sovereign. Resus is lucky to have loving subjects like you.”

After the warm welcome, Nikolay and Elena assisted Calysto to dismount. Nikolay offered the best hut to the royal visitor. Another hut, adjacent to it, was set aside for Ismarus, who was due any at any moment. Jester was to share a hut with a villager named Papyrus. Papyrus was the most handsome youth in the potters’ village. His rugged features, tall muscular physique was enough to conquer the heart of any young lady. Next to him, his fiancé Elena, who was rather short, looked odd. Matter of fact, next to almost seven feet tall Papyrus, everyone looked like the pigmies.

If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

Once, the lodging for the royal visitors had been arranged, the villagers surrounded a small block with wooden boards. Huge earthen vessels in it, stored water for bathing purpose. It was to be Calysto’s washroom during her stay at the village. Soon afterwards, the drive began for the upcoming feast. Calysto dissuaded Nikolay and opted for a humble meal. However, Nikolay had already asked for volunteers who would assist him in arranging appropriate meals for the royal guests. Subsequently, a variety of available fruits, cooked meat and fish, and drinks arrived at the village chief’s residence.

Calysto refused to eat or drink. She decided to wait for Ismarus’ arrival after she had finished washing herself. The sun in the sky told Nikolay it was way past noon. Some around him began wondering what if the prince did not return. Fortunately, a villager came running with the news of Ismarus’ arrival. A number of men escorted Ismarus to Nikolay’s residence.

Everyone except Nikolay and Elena were told to give some privacy to the royal guests. Mother and son commenced discussing what happened when Calysto and the jester had left behind Ismarus. “We have been waiting for you, son,” with a beautiful smile on her lips, Calysto said to Ismarus. “What happened?” she asked.

“Three paid assassins had been on our trail, I killed two of them. The third one, he was so young, I just could not do it. I’m sure, the experience is going to change his life,” Ismarus explained.

“I’m afraid, in no time we will see more of them. It won’t stop until they get what they want,” Nikolay remarked.

“Yes indeed. I have a feeling, these paid assassins are crawling all over the place,” Ismarus sounded concerned.

“For a while, we need to hunch down somewhere. It’s not safe, traveling under these circumstances,” Calysto said.

“Do you have any objections if we stay here for a while?” Ismarus asked Nikolay.

“I have already conveyed to her highness. You are welcome to stay here as long as you need to,” Nikolay replied.

“I need some men, able bodied men, men who can defend this village from the intruders. How many men like that, do you have in this village?” Ismarus asked.

“We have more than two hundred such men,” Nikolay replied.

“Alright, I need at least fifty volunteers for building a safe lodge for us. Once, the task of building will be completed, I will employ some of them as guards.” Ismarus paused, took out one of the sacks containing the gold drachmas. Handing over three gold drachmas to Nikolay, he said, “This is the advance payment for the service I asked for.”

The veil of concern which had adorned the faces, vanished, the moment Ismarus made the advance payment. It took Calysto and the jester by surprise as well. However, they remained quiet for obvious reasons.

“In the meantime, my humble abode is at your disposal, my lord,” Nikolay said to Ismarus.

“Oh sure, we will be glad to sleep in beds for a change. It’s been a while, it’s been a while, my friend.”

The deep sense of gratitude in Ismarus’ voice was about to bring tears to Calysto’s eyes. However, she was well trained in the art of suppressing her feelings in public. “It would not be appropriate, not before so many people,” she said to herself, as she gently placed her hand on her son’s shoulder, leading him to their new home.