“For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”

  - Book of Genesis NKJV 3:19

  "My mother is back!" the prince screamed down the halls. Startled, the maid dropped the fruit that was being carried in a bowl. A loud clash was heard throughout the halls, Nicodemus winced from the noise. "I apologize." running over to help, the floor stained from berries under his feet.

  "Your highness, I will take care of this. Please go wash your feet." She tried her best to hide her annoyance. Nicodemus instantly felt guilty. Shyly he nodded and handed her the empty bowl of fruit. He did not usually annoy the maids, he honestly tried to leave them alone. It had been six months and he was terribly bored. With great boredom comes great frustration and Nicodemus was eager to see the empress. He knew sneaking out would not be easy.

  The guards usually took their afternoon break around noon, he would easily be able to slip out then. Nicodemus wore a simple outfit, one he would wear when going out for a hunt; once the guards walked away he sprinted out.

  The forest's of Avernita became somewhat of a home for Nicodemus. He could recognize pathways, he learned its caves, he knew which plants and trees grew along the banks and mountains. Running along a hidden trail, the path became barely visible and all the colors blended in with one another. If he looked, he would end up becoming unsteady; if he looked down Nicodemus would probably miss a step and trip over a root on the ground. The forest seemed almost alive, with each tree and plant having its own soul. That was his favorite thing about running in it, he would pretend to run along with children and animals all the time as a young child.

  On the other hand, when running in between trees and bushes one had to focus, he tested his self-awareness, his surroundings and his abilities to duck or jump when an obstacle presented itself. Nicodemus felt his heart racing out of his chest. He was definitely excited.

  The sun shone between the trees’ golden leaves, it was the scenery he most enjoyed. He kept his pace. The further and deeper into the green abyss he got, the more he could hear the natural sounds of small twigs snapping, the crunch of dried up leaves and the cicadas' loud, high-pitched clicks and buzzing. He could hear his own gasps for air, his quick breaths.

  As a child, Nicodemus spent a lot of time out here. It was the place where he learned to hunt, studied the land and its rivers, the flora and fauna. He and his mother would come down and camp every spring. They would spend days to weeks together. She was an intelligent and studied woman as she could name every plant or creature according to its kind. She was alluring and mysterious as the woods. Her eyes, the color of the greenest leaves, and her skin shone bronze in the light. Nicodemus was practically raised outside growing up, his mother preferred him to learn by experiencing things himself. When curiosity struck and he reached for a thorn it would only take one prick for him to learn ‘That’s sharp, I did not enjoy how that felt.’ His father on the other hand preferred him to read books.

  “You have the privilege of being able to study, to own books, and to read, to write. Don’t waste this blessed opportunity, boy. One day you’ll ascend to the throne, a knowledgeable king will always be more valued than one who is only physically capable.” He would constantly recite as if saying a prayer. The best way to keep both parents pleased, to young Nicodemus, was for him to read outside, rain or shine, hot or cold he would run away for hours in the day to sit and admire the world that surrounded him. Eventually, the royal guard would be sent out on behalf of the Emperor to remind him that he in fact had a home to return to.

  The sea shore was just beyond a natural arch formed by the cypresses. His mother was scheduled to return home on this day. She hasn’t been home lately, at least not as much as before. He knew it was best to not question her on where she went. It was always the same response she would give him, “You’ll find out when you’re older.” Tomorrow was his twentieth birthday, which meant he was a year closer to becoming emperor. Once he was crowned, she would have to take him on her adventures. Nicodemus could count on his hands the times he had left Avernita, none in fact. Although Nicodemus was almost twenty, he had a lot of studying to take care of. He did not know much about his family or for that matter, who his mother truly was.

  "I am your mother, that’s all that is important for now!" she would say. Which was true, there was not much he could question. She was his mother, he was the crown prince and as long as he kept his grades up and read his books, becoming emperor wouldn't be so hard for him.

  Empress Silas’ military ship was heard docking by the shore. Nicodemus came to a halt a few feet away from the exit. Swiftly fixing and lacing up his boots, he flattened his shirt to ensure he had the best appearance of a prince, not some young man that ran a few miles in the woods. Nicodemus took his hair and braided it just enough to get the hair out of his face. Cautiously, he made his way forward. The ecstatic voices of sailors filled the shore, many looked exhausted and wished only to greet their families. Being out in sea for six months—as of today —they all deserved some rest. He wished he could be one of them, a sailor who would leave for months or years and see all the sea creatures and explore the deepest and furthest parts of the ocean. Nicodemus wanted to travel, he wanted to be emperor.

  Peaking out from behind a bush, he tried to get a glimpse of his mother. She was never hard to miss, she was a tall woman. He planned to sneak up on her and tackle her with warm affection. His eyes gazed across the beach and on the ship when he finally caught a familiar face, his mother relived herself from the heavy armor. Behind her followed Lieutenant Samyaza. Nicodemus has known Samyaza since birth, as he was his mother’s right hand man. He took his cape off along with carrying his helmet. Both seemed tired, Samyaza for once had his hair down, it flowed over his shoulders like golden falls. The empress stopped in her tracks, she quickly found Nicodemus hiding in the bushes, she always had a good eye, smiling the empress waved at him. She walked down to the sand before suddenly pausing to look at the sky.

  Nicodemus got up and made his way over, he tilted his head slightly in confusion after she made eye contact with him, her eyes darkened, fear washed over her face. Quickly she reached for her sword, getting on guard for an unseen threat. Samyaza seemed to notice it as well, they both looked at one another as if they were both confirming what they saw.

  "Run!” He heard his mother scream. She turned to Samyaza who already had his sword in hand, and gestured to Nicodemus. Something was terribly wrong. The air around him turned cold, he froze on the spot watching the sky. Gradually, the colors shifted around him. Dark red cloud came down from above, a hail storm of fire erupted from the heavens. Nicodemus took a step forward, covering his head with his hands, in need of cover. A blaring trumpet roared, the sound was absolutely unbearable and shook the ground. The soldiers’ ears started to bleed as they desperately covered them from the sound. He called out for his mother before thunder was heard and bright red lightning hit the sand, the heat sent shards of glass in all directions from the impact. The soldiers were petrified, turning into stone and lastly, becoming dust carried in the wind. His mother ran to him, giving him one kiss before she pushed him away. Nicodemus fell on the ground and covered his face, he felt a wave of worry. He got up, picking up a soldier’s sword, he wanted to fight and help his mother.

  “Why aren’t you listening to me? GO HOME! Samyaza, take him away!" She commanded, putting on her helmet and charging into the dust cloud. The sound of the blades colliding was loud before suddenly, he heard one last scream. His world rapidly zoomed in. He was hyperaware of the surroundings, the metal sword that hit her armor, the small thud of skin, and the drops of blood falling on the sand and how it absorbed it. A towering giant with wings made of blood stood between them. The giant turned, revealing a mechanical golden arm, his skin dark with long dreaded hair, despite that, the thing that would haunt Nicodemus for eternity, his eyes, alone they carried the world’s fire.

  “Be not afraid.” His voice was haunting, deep and husk. The giant reached down and picked the empress's head off the sand, soon crushing it with his metal arm. “You are DUST, and to dust you shall return.” Blood gushed from his palms.

  Samyaza ran to Nicodemus, “Your highness, let’s go.” He picked the boy up, dark black wings ripped the back of his shirt, and he bolted with the him in his arms. Nicodemus’ hands clutched onto the man’s arms, “M-my my mother- SAMYAZA WHAT HAPPENED TO MY MOTHER! Let me go! LET ME GO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO!” He held the boy tighter in his arms. A red flash followed behind. The giant man extended his arms, catching and pulling on Samyaza's wings.

  “Give me the Sword!” he commanded, his voice was the sound of the thunder, it was loud and hurt Nicodemus' ears.

  “I don’t have it!” Samyaza blared, pulling his wings out of his grip, he reached below on his belt and grabbed a bottle of fiery liquid, chucking it at the giant’s face. There was a roar and thunder struck the earth. Nicodemus covered his ears again. There was a loud ringing in his ears, and his temples ached with pain. He couldn't stand any more noise, it was all too loud for him.

  "May the lord rebuke you, Samyaza.” The giant’s hair covered half his face. His wings spread out, cutting down the trees on the earth like saws of blood. The giant seemed in pain. He glanced upward before charging his way back into the sky.

  “Your highness,” Samyaza placed Nicodemus on a soft patch of grass. “He’s gone. Are you alright?” His wings returned to his back and disappeared, the only trace left was the holes in his shirt as he fell over, catching himself on the ground.

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  “Who was that? Tell me who that is!” Nicodemus commanded. Samyaza sighed, not able to speak. The two of them stared at each other, both processing everything they had witnessed. Nicodemus’ heart began to ache, tears filled his eyes. The cicadas got louder, how he now wished they would just for once, “SHUT UP!” He closed his eyes and covered his ears.

  “STOP! STOP THE NOISE, PLEASE.” His voice cracked, everything turned dark, the trees, the ground, and the sky. Nicodemus’ world became a pandemonium of fear, chaos, and questions. He wanted to flee this place, all the same the earth held his feet still.

  “Your highness, let’s go home, and I will explain as much as I can. We can’t stay here.” The boy nodded, he wiped his tears and stepped behind Samyaza. He didn’t want to think. He wanted to cry.

  “A prince should never let the world see his tears.” He could hear his mom say. Her voice haunted him, her screams and lastly, the fact that he would never hug her again. Nicodemus hated the beach. He hated the color red. Lastly, after that event, he came to despise everything about the forest.

  Guards and maid rushed the boy into the infirmary. There was chaos in the castle, whispers filled the halls and the corners of every room. Nicodemus laid in his bed, a nurse would periodically check on his breathing, his pulse. His world had become meaningless and filled with darkness. Avernita needed a king, the staff talked among themselves.

  “He’s too young.” They repeated. He turned his body over in the bed and covered his ears and head. He couldn’t sleep that night, his eyes stung from the tears and the migraines only got worse. The evening passed and the morning came, this was the first day.

  It was hard to get the young prince to do anything these days. He would be washed with a cloth and warm water, the empress' ladies in waiting would brush his hair, brush his teeth and make sure he had at least two meals a day. He didn’t leave the room often, he would sit in bed, look out the window and sleep. It had become common for him to wake up screaming in fear, a nurse would run to him and calm him down before sedating him once again. Nightmares filled his dreams, the giant’s glowing eyes, his mother’s head. He hated the night.

  Years before, Nicodemus preferred this hour, the world was silent, nonetheless it was always calm. He would sit by the fire place, pull out a book and read. It wouldn’t be a rare occasion for a maid or a servant to scoop him up and place him in bed. He was close with the staff, most of them knew him since birth. They’ve chased him around the castle, taught him math, astrology, and many more wonders. He was used to the soft whispers and smiles. Now the halls were filled with emptiness.

  Today, the bishop visited, which would mean coronation day was coming. His mother’s portrait was covered with a black cloth, the sign of death. Nicodemus' eyes widened when saw a young maid preparing to take the portrait down, he felt his heart drop and anger arose. The boy ran over, pulling the girl’s hands off, causing her to drop a corner of the frame onto the ground. Gasping, he looked up at her, she didn't say a word. Nicodemus quickly let her arm go and ran back into his room. He slammed and locked the doors, before running into a corner and hugging his knees. Although it didn't harm the girl, Nicodemus had never laid hand on anyone before. A feeling of intense guilt filled his chest. He vowed internally to apologize to her tomorrow. Once the sun began to set, and there was no longer any light in the room, he laid back in bed. Evening passed, morning came, the sixth day.

  The sun shone on Nicodemus’ face. It was a bright morning, birds began to chirp. The world broke his heart, he saw a small painting of his mother and himself, “Even though you have passed, and my world came to a halt. How can the sun still shine another day?” He stared down at the floor, today he would be crowned the new emperor of Avernita.

  The girl from last night didn't make eye contact with him when the other maids walked in, he stared at her trying to find the right words to say.

  "Forgive me, however, can you remind me of your name?" he asked. The girl was much shorter than him, he noticed her neatly done hair, her clean clothes and the freckles on her nose. He hadn't ever paid attention to the younger staff, nevertheless she looked to be about his age or maybe a bit older. The girl seemed to think for a moment before looking up at him.

  "Your highness, my name is Ruth."

  "Ruth. I want to apologize for my behavior yesterday. I-"

  "You don't have to apologize! It was my mistake."

  "Despite that, I do, my mother- if she was here, she would be upset if I didn't use the manners I was taught." he smiled, Ruth stared at him, she fidgeted with her hands before softly nodding. Nicodemus leaned down to make eye contact with her. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a pink ribbon, he had made sure to grab one of his mother’s old hair ribbons before meeting with the girl. Ruth paused in action.

  "Your hair needed some color. It was my mother’s, if you do not like it, you can take it off after." he reached over her and tied a small bow on her ponytail. Ruth softly smiled and bowed to him. Nicodemus liked Ruth, she felt warm to him like someone who he would want as a friend. He didn't have many friends. Matter of fact he did not have any at all. Ruth would become his first friend, his best friend. Nicodemus made a small mental note to look for her after coronation, inviting her to dinner and to learn more about Ruth. He smiled one last time, waving goodbye, she bowed and said, "Goodbye, your highness."

  Coronation day was supposed to be the best day of his life, the day he could officially join meetings, the day he gained freedom, the day his mother would look at him not only as her son, but as an emperor. Today felt long, although the morning has just started he couldn't wait for it to be over. Samyaza knocked on the door frame before letting himself in. He seemed weak and tired. His hair was up in a bun, and did not look like a second in command of an emperor, for all that rather a peasant. Nicodemus cleared his throat, this was definitely a first for him too.

  "You dress up well." Samyaza said, it was clear he was trying to lighten the mood.

  "I’ve been told, my mother picked this out for me years ago."

  "Green suit, Gold detailing… that’s all her."

  “Yeah... Sam you look really bad."

  "Ha. It’s been a while since you called me that, nonetheless I know. I’ll get ready soon enough.” Samyaza walked to Nicodemus and embraced him in a hug, he sighed and hugged him back. A week had passed since Empress Silas’ death. Samyaza would now be under Nicodemus, he would be his second in command. It was always weird to him, he always thought his mother would rule by his side. Eventually when the empress retired then alone he would rule Avernita, except now he has become the face of the empire.

  "Sam, go get rest. Your presence will be excused tonight. You look awful." he smiled before letting the man go. Samyaza nodded in agreement, he stretched his arms in the air before turning slightly to wave goodbye.

  Nicodemus finished getting ready, he finished lacing up his sleeves, lacing his boots and brushing his hair. He sat in front of the mirror, he needed a hair cut, his hair being just past his chest. Before his mother died she had kissed his head, he touched the spot on his head as if trying to remember the feeling one last time. He couldn't dare to cut his hair now, not the same hair his mother had touched and brushed since he was a young boy.

  “Your majesty, forgive me if I have startled you. There has been a break-in in the palace, we need you to report downstairs in the judgment hall. If you don’t feel like dealing with it, I can call up Sam-"

  “I’ll be there. Samyaza should rest.” Nicodemus gestured the guard to leave. He bowed and silently made his way out. He massaged his temples in exhaustion, as he did not want to deal with this. He was now the emperor. Nicodemus was the last order of law in Avernita and his first action as ruler was to pass judgement on an infamous fool who decided to break into his home.  "Happy birthday to me. Idiot, who even decides to break into a palace on the coronation day?" He slowly made his way down stairs, passing more guards. Before turning a corner he heard a soft, pleading voice.

  “Please! The emperor is probably tired, do us both a favor and forget this ever happened.” There were chains rattling, Nicodemus heard the noise of a whip clashing on skin, and a grunt. He felt chills down his spine, the sound of the whip reminded him too much of the lighting crash. He instinctively covered his ears and dropped down to his knees, he took deep breaths before being able to collect himself again.

  “Let you go? Forget this happened? What kind of fools do you take us for?” Another whip clashed, Nicodemus flinched at the noise this time. He hated it, his heart began to race. He took a deep breath, trying his best to keep his temper. He walked in.

  “Your majesty?"

  “SILENCE!” The guard flashed his whip on the man.

  “That’s enough! Put the whip down! That’s an order.” Nicodemus extended his hand in a halt. “State your name.” He commanded. He got closer to the man in chains. Nicodemus paid attention to his face, his two toned eyes, one storm grey and one a deep blue, his hair was white and silver and he had super pale skin. The man looked rather young, almost his age.

  “Micah. My name is Micah de Alvonia. You must be his royal majesty? Congratulations on the crown."