Thursday, February 25, 2016

Chapter 2: Kaleb

Another day, another chapter.

I apologize for any grammatical errors. I don't have time to edit today.


"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"We'll be fine, I promise."

The weather was too perfect for anyone to be inside. The sun was high in the sky, shining its rays on the thousands of people walking down the streets of Kaspar. Vendors with fresh bread, flowers, and brightly dyed fabrics were doing very well selling their items. The booths themselves were dressed with brightly colored signs, persuading the people passing by to stop and purchase the items on display.

Amidst the busy streets, two young boys blended in. Their cloaks were similar to those being worn by many others, and their tunics like those being sold by vendors they passed. The only difference between these boys and those around them was the fact that the hoods of their cloaks covered their heads. On a day as beautiful as this, it was a wonder why anyone would want to hide from the sunshine.

Kaleb, the taller of the two, walked briskly through the busy streets. The look of joy on his face was almost too bright to hid behind the hood draped over his dark hair. It had been months since he had had the opportunity to explore the streets he had always known as his own. The noise he heard could not be described. One might try, though their description could not give it justice. The sounds of people talking and laughing was most audible, but the music being played in the kingdom's square could certainly be heard for miles. The songs were lively, causing anyone within earshot to want to dance. It was not uncommon to see a couple dancing hand in hand in the streets. Even children too young to speak were clapping their hands to the music.

"Glücklich sind die Menschen im Reich lächelnd. Singen ein Lied so froh , Gott, unserem König segnen."

"I don't know Kaleb, I think we should go back."

Dominik had to run several feet to catch up with his cousin. Although the two were related, their features shared no resemblance. While Kaleb's features were dark, Dominik had hair that could almost be seen as white in certain light. He stood nearly eight inches shorter than his cousin who was actually several months younger than Dominik. It would be hard to pick Dominik from a crown of Kaspar residents, unlike Kaleb who took after his mother's Greek features, which were uncommon in the area.

By the time Dominik caught up with Kaleb, the song being played had concluded, and claps were heard around the two. Dominik took hold of Kaleb's arm to keep him from taking another step. Although Kaleb stopped, he certainly could have kept walking even with Dominik trying to hold him back. "Come on, Kaleb," the blond haired boy said. We visited the town like you wanted to. You got to hear the music up close. We did what you wanted to do. Now can we go back?"

"Where's your sense of adventure, Dominik," Kaleb asked. "This is something we never get to do. Don't you want to enjoy it while we can?"

"But if anyone finds out we're here, you know how much danger we will be in? There are people who want us dead!"

Kaleb rolled his eyes. "Please, they don't care about you. People only want to cut my head off."

"Genug!" Dominik cried. "That's not funny!" 

Another difference easily seen between the two cousins was the fact that in all of Kaleb's years of living, (which was quite a few, considering he was going to be thirteen in only three weeks) he never showed any fear. Even in situations that may have caused brave men to quiver on their knees, Kaleb's emotion never seemed to change. "Nothing scares me!" He would say whenever someone or something might happen that could cause one to be afraid. "Nichts macht mir Angst!" Dominik, on the other hand, was afraid of a common stink bug. Many who knew the boys often wondered how the two of them could possibly be related at all. 

"Let's go back," Dominik said again. Kaleb could see the tears forming in his blue eyes. Kaleb sighed. "Alright," he said turning around, back in the direction of his home. "Let's go back. I knew I should have asked Helene instead to join me."

"Good thing you didn't!" Dominik said, picking up his pace. "Fraulein Magdalene would go into shock if I put my sister in that kind of danger!"

"It's not dangerous out here, Kaleb said surly. Nothing is going to happen to-"

BAM!

Not looking where he was going, Kaleb walked directly into a vender's sign. Frische Blumen it read; Fresh Flowers.

"Ach neim!" The woman behind the booth exclaimed. "Are you okay?"

"Ah," Kaleb sighed, reaching up to touch his nose. He tasted blood in his mouth.

"Let me see if your nose is broken!" The large woman said as she came out from behind her  table of bright flowers. She tried to take a look at his face, but Kaleb pulled away. "No, he said nearly out of breath. "I'm okay."

"No, she said again. Your nose is already swelling. Please let me look at it so I can help. Where is your mutti?"

At that moment, the woman pulled the hood off of Kaleb's head. His dark hair and tan skin was revealed, along with his nose which was now an interesting shade of blue.

It took the woman all of five seconds to realize who was standing before her. "Oh mein," she said under her breath. "Is it really..? Is it actually...?"

Dominik looked as if he were about to pass out. "No, no no..." he was saying. "I knew this would happen, I knew it would!"

"You're Kaleb!" The woman exclaimed loud enough for anyone in the direct area to hear. "Du bist der Prinz!" she cried. "You're the prince!"





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