Reflection

Reflection
It was the hottest summer of last ten years. You couldn’t find any cloud in the sky and the only feeling of the dry hot wind was there.
Two wayfarers were walking down the empty streets of the Kingdom. One of them wearied decrepit loose overall. It was an old man who seemed to be no younger than 80  years old. Another one was a young boy of 18-19 with an attractive childish face and black curls. His cloths were better than his fellow traveler’s one but it wasn’t suitable to his nice appearance. He didn’t seem to be thought to be a nobleman.
Those two were only moving objects in the street. Everything seemed to be sleeping or just to be staying in a silence waiting for something.
- Tutor, - the young boy said, - tell me the truth. Have we lost our way?
- Kateyr, Kateyr! You are always in a hurry. Why? You should be careful to now. It costs it!..
- Oh please! What does it mean, exactly? Could you tell me where we are right now and why actually we came here?
- Oh young boy! With a big pleasure. We reached one of the Kingdom of the Empire of Three.  It’s the oldest empire for today. It’s a place where you and your brother were born. But if it’s unimportant for you we can come back…
 - What did you say? Brother? But I don’t have siblings.
- Oh you’re wrong, young boy. You have a brother, your twin. He was born and living all his life here, in the Kingdom and you were stolen by the queen’s maid and spent a half of your life in the enemy’s lands until I found you and now we are here to learn you your own history.
- Well, alright, I’m ready to carefully listen to you. Speak, please.
- Hmm, - old man mumbled thoughtfully, - It was prophesied of old. ‘When the Empire of Three suffers the most difficult times, the young King will come from afar. He will be the Great King of all times. Only he will be able to connect lands of the Empire with the other lost two kingdoms and to make the Empire of Five exist again, signing the Peace Treaty with enemy’s lands’.
- Ah, well, and how is it connected with my history, Tutor?
- Directly, Kateyr. This young king is you.
- What? It’s a nonsense! Sorry, Tutor, I really respect you but now you say…
- The total truth. Listen. Once upon a time there lived a young prince. He was too young and inexperienced. Everything his heart wished was just the glory and power. One day he met a soothsayer who foretold him that his destiny was to become the Great Kings of all times if only he would be brave enough and smite his enemy before he would become more dangerous and powerful. And the prince swears that he would be searching for his enemy everywhere and then (would) smash him completely. But when he found out that it was just an infant he decided to spare him and made a new plan. He would not kill him but steal and hide from his parents’ eyes depriving him of throne, power and glory.
- And you consider I’m this infant?
- No, young boy, I’m sure. And now I’m going to prove it to you.
Without saying the boy nodded and followed his tutor. It began to grow dusky when wayfarers could catch glimpses of the big castle through high trees of the Royal Orchard. The castle was approached by graveled driveways which setting foot on travelers could not help admitting.
- Your father is owner of everything here, believe me, boy, - said the old man noticing Kateyr’s confusion.
- Oh, it’s a prince! It’s a prince, - it was heard from everywhere.
- Tutor, why do these people call me as a prince?
- Because you’re the king’s son, of course.
- Your Highness, you are found. You’re here. I can’t believe my eyes, - the soft voice of the nurse was babbled.
In this moment the gate of the castle were opened and His Majesty, the King Richard went out.
- My son! Rupert!
- What but I’m not…
The boy was interrupted by the old man’s push.
- Of course, you are.
When the young boy found himself in a castle he saw a lot of his portraits inside. He was so amazed and could not say a word for a long time.
Staring at the biggest one in a throne hall he asked an old man staying behind his back:
- How is it possible?
- What do you mean, Your Highness? – kindly smiled the Tutor.
- Oh, please. Don’t call me like this. I’m just Kateyr, your incomer. I mean I grew up in the strange lands. If I was stolen, how do they know my appearance?
- You forgot one important thing, my boy.
- What is it?
- You have a twin.
- Right. Wait a minute. Does it mean that I’m supposed to be my brother. Now it’s quite clear why the King called me with the wrong name. Oh it’s a plain as the nose of my face. How could I be so fool? I must say him.
- No, - the old man stopped him, - you can’t. Moreover, you should pretend that you’re Rupert. It must make the king Edgar to worry and he will show himself. I am sure he is guilty in disappearing of your brother, too.
- Has my brother disappeared?
- Exactly. And now you must become the one who was born and help your brother. Setting his free you will execute your destiny and bring the peace to your motherland. Think again. Is it really unimportant for you?
- It’s important for me but… I’m scared, Tutor. I’m so scared. I’m just a boy. How can I become a prince or even a king?
- Oh you can. Just believe in yourself. Believe in your destiny. Listen its call and follow it.
A year passed. A young boy was not just used to the role of his brother, he absolutely became him. Or at least, the person, who he was sure his brother was.
  - It’s so wonderful morning! It’s best for hunting! Philip, is my horse ready?
- I will do it immediately, Your Highness.
- What? You had to have already done it. Why you didn’t?
- Umm… I… Just…
- What? What? Speak! I cannot read your minds.
- Neither do I, - mumbled the servant.
- What did you say?
- Nothing, sir. I will do.
-Hurry up! Now!
- Well-well, look at yourself! – it was heard the tutor’s voice who just entering the door of the Prince’s apartment.
- Did you bring a mirror to me, Tutor? – the young prince burst out laughing.
- You don’t need it because it wouldn’t help you to look at yourself in that manner which I meant.
- Again and again. It’s all your odd sayings. Why do you never talk turkey?
- It’s just what I do. I do not mince matters. It’s all about you. You don’t wish to understand me. What has happened to you? How did you get here? Have you already forgotten the main purpose why you should wear this mask? I still hope it’s just a mask. I still hope…
The old man was already going away but Kateyr stopped him with words:
- I know. I just suddenly began to like all this situation. And now I have so strange feeling. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s like a burning fire. It spreads from inside. From here, - he pointed to his own heart, - It’s a wish. A big temptation to benefit from it.
- Oh, my boy! You must be strong! It’s the most difficult test for you. But I’m sure you overcome it. I heard the king Edgar was hear. He would like to see you. I’m not sure if he’s still here.
The young boy’s face was changed and he ran to the exit, but the old man closed the door.
- What are you doing? – shouted Kateyr.
- What are going to do? – the old man asked in a respond, - You don’t have any plan. You shouldn’t be so self-confident. I’m sure the king Edgar is ready for meeting with you much more than we are. 
- Alright. And what do you suggest?
- You were going to hunting. Am I wrong?
- No, it’s true. But how can I think about it now?
- You should! It’s a part of a plan. You will go hunting. If you meet the king Edgar you should just greet him and go away. He won’t be able to recognize your brother in you but he also won’t be able to deny it. And if he caused to your brother’s disappearing he will show himself. I am sure.
The boy did everything the Tutor taught him and when he just was going away, the king suddenly cried:
- Pretender!
- How could you dare? – cried the king Richard in a respond.
- I know it’s not your son. I’ve made one the same foolish fault twice. And I’m here to apologise to you. Many years ago I met a soothsayer. She told me I had to kill my enemy. It was your son…
Those words made the King Richard unhide his sword.
- I ordered to steal the boy and left him in the poor family in my kingdom. I was sure it was done. But I was wrong. When I saw your son here again some years later… It was the ball, – almost crying continued the king Edgar, - And I stole him again. He was living with me. I was sure I will never let him become more powerful. But now, in the winter of my days, I suddenly comprehended all my faults. And I hope it is not too late to correct it. I’m coming here… And I see this liar here, - shouted the king pointing to that poor boy.
In tears the king Richard turned back to the boy:
- Lost one, found another. James, it’s you, isn’t it? Oh, maybe you have another name now, but your mother and I gave this name to you.
- Wh… What? What does it mean?
- You’re really a fool, Edgar, - whispered the king Richard without taking his eyes from his son, - And so am I.
In this moment the gate was suddenly opened and breathtaking guard ran to the hall:
- The king Edgar’s people! They attacked us, sir!
- Ha! – the king Edgar malevolently burst out laughing,
- Oh, you’re here just for a peace. Now I see, - nodded the prince, - You know, the only liar here is you! But I’m not afraid of you. And guess what, I’m going to set my brother free…
- The twins…
- Oh, have you just comprehended it? It will be hard of you…
- How could you dare? – the king grabbed his sword.
- I dare. But I’m not so sneaking as you. I suggest you a solution of our common problem.
- And what is it?
- A tournament… With our swords.
- For death?
- As you wish. If I win you will go away forever and return my brother back.
- And if I do, I will connect your kingdom to mine and all your royal family will become my servants. Agree?
- I do.
- Well done. Let’s go!
Both of kings and the prince Kateyr came to the square. After futile attempts to make his son to refuse from the tournament, the king Richard blessed him and came to the centre.
- You must prove your honour. You’re knights. Prove your braveness and honesty. And now let the tournament begin. For death!
‘FOR DEATH!’ – it’s repeated in the king Richard’s mind as an echo.
It was a great fight of the worthy opponents. Kateyr proved that he was a brave knight and the fate gave him an opportunity to prove his nobility, too. And he caught it. After disarming the king he offered his hand to Edgar with words:
- I’m not a great king, I’m not a prince. And everything I want it’s just a peace. Set my brother free. I’ve already kept your life.
After this event the prophesied of old fulfilled. And everything that had to happen came true. The prince’s brother, whose destiny was to become a Great King came back. A Peace Treaty was signed. The thing which had happened here became known everywhere. And as a result the Empire of Five revived as a phoenix risen from ashes.
- I still cannot believe all of it, - repeated poor Rupert with tears on his face.
- I know, - smiled Kateyr.
- Do you understand what it means?
- What is it?
- You are the Great King of the times who follow his destiny. I’m so proud being you brother.
- Leave it. This is ridiculous! I’m just your reflection. You were born with it. It’s your destiny. I just helped you to make it come true. And now I have to continue my way. Who knows may be one day it will cross with yours again. You should know, it’s me who is proud of being YOUR brother.
The door of twins’ apartment creaked after light knocking.
- Tutor.
- It’s a time, boy. Of course, if you have not changed your mind…
- I haven’t. Brother, - the young boy turned to Rupert, - please, promise me one thing.
- Anything!
- Please, be strong, you should take care of our parents and follow your destiny to become a Great King. Just be yourself. I beg you!
- Sure.
- Oh, you give advices judging by your own experience, Your Highness, don’t you? – laughed the old man when they set out.
And young Rupert was still looking at recessive silhouettes of two wayfarers. He felt tears on his cheeks that burnt his skin. He was still thinking about his brother. He knew as he will go he never return…

© Milky Way Crosser