Seven Kingdoms: The Emperor and the Magical Robes

“The time of fulfillment is almost nigh. Stay in the light, do not stray. The Ice will come, do not sigh. For this wicked and treacherous night will soon pass into day.”

The Tower of Galafan. AI-generated Image by Freepik

In the Emperor’s Domain North of Vale City and East of Atlantis off the Ivorn coast, in his bed chambers high in the tallest tower of the golden castle dances the benevolent and just Emperor Stewart of Meadow Falls.

“Well, now Seamus, how is it looking?” The middle-aged Emperor says to his right-hand man. His hands are spread out showing off his newly gifted colorful robes.

“Brilliant, sir,” Seamus says flatly not having much of an opinion.

“Really? Oh, splendid! That does it, the wedding is going to be wonderful, just wonderful!” he says twirling around in his vast room singing with joy. “How are the preparations coming along?”

“Everything’s in order, Your Majesty,” Seamus says.

“How is she? Is she nervous?”

“I’m not sure, Your Majesty. I can speak with the ladies of the court and find out.”

“No, no, not necessary. Well, if you don’t mind, I know you have a lot on your plate…”

“Nonsense, sire. I will do as you bid me,” Seamus says obediently.

“Good! Tell my love that I shall see her soon and tell her… ‘By the waters of Barren, I shall see thee in all thy glory.’ Will you tell her that?”

“I shall, my liege. And in the meantime maybe relax, my lord? I think a little drink before the wedding is good for the soul. That’s what my uncle always used to say. Not too much, just a little to gladden the heart. I shall be off, Your Majesty. Oh, well, just one more thing.”

“Yes, speak freely, Seamus.” The brightly colored robed Emperor says kindly.

“Well, my men have spotted a…”

“What is it?” he asks curiously.

“I hate to burden you on the day of your wedding.”

“Stop with that. Tell me,” Stewart the Emperor says sternly.

“My men have heard the sirens return. They hear their wicked songs by the hills of Doom.”

“No… That cannot be.”

“I’m afraid it is.”

“The sirens… Bring me the seer in here at once.”

“Sire?”

“Now!”

Seamus goes off as the Emperor ponders. As he does his rainbow-colored clothes shine and sparkle. Quickly and fearfully, he starts to tear them off but then hears a familiar voice.

“My son, do not do such a thing.”

The Emperor Stewart of the Seventh Kingdom called Galafan, startled looks up and sees the spirit of his grandfather.

“Grandfather,” the Emperor falls on his knees in wonder. “You have come so soon. It is good to see you.”

“Aye.” The ghost of his grandfather shines in the sunny morning. “It is good to see you, as well, Stewart. Ready for your big day?”

He laughs, “Yes, very much so.”

“Good, but I am afraid, I do not come bearing good news.”

“Grandfather, why? Does this have something to do with the sirens’ return?”

“I’m afraid it is, and also of your robes, your magical clothes,” Grandfather says curiously.

“My magical…” He looks down at his robes, that now shine with a yellow brilliance. “Who sent these?”

Stewart hurries frantically to the packaging that his robes came in. A letter was sent in the parcel.

He opens it and reads. “To my dearest, Grandson.” Looking up at the ghost, Stewart wonders, confused.

“Not me,” Grandfather shakes his head grinning broadly.

I have read the seer’s prophecy and know in my heart and sense a great evil arising in our land. The menace, the wicked prince of Charul, wields his dark power in this god-forsaken land and soon he will come for you. Take these robes knitted by me and chosen and enchanted by Merlin the Great Wizard from of old. He has fled into exile to a lonely place that I do not know where. But I deliver these to you on your wedding day. I am sorry for the trials and temptations that await you.

I sense Grandfather will appear to you soon and bestow on you wisdom and understanding.

All my love that I can give,

Grandmother.