Rock and Sand - Misunderstood

THIRTY-EIGHT - Confusion

"We must take this scroll to our king," Sir Yuri said as he tendered his arm to his wife, saying, "Also the ring."

Lady Kathleen shook her head, saying, "I really think, Yuri, you should go alone, or, perhaps, Sir Montague, you should accompany my husband."

"We will all go, all three of us," Sir Yuri said firmly.

King Gershom was in the security study, a large office-like chamber where Montague had left him discussing military matters with three advisers and three senior castle captains.

Outside the door stood the young groom who had reported Mister-Silver's empty stall to Sir Montague. Before being announced to the room, Montague said to the groom, "Remain here, Charles."

The guard on the door announced the trio. Tendering first the ring, then the scroll, the king raised his palm at the scroll but took the ring to view it closer. After looking into the flawless diamond, and turning to let it fall into the center of his large palm, he clutched it tightly and commanded, "Read the scroll."

"There's no opening greeting, Sire; it reads: 'My farewells I give to all, for I can pretend no longer. I choose to go to be with my father where I will find rest and peace. Thank you all for everything, especially to my King and my Queen for their love and acceptance.' It's signed, Delayna Sarah—Sire." He paused and the silence was painful for all.

"Give it here," the king commanded, then, having run his disbelieving eyes across the words, he said, "this is her hand-writing, is it not?"

"Yes, Sire, it's very exact, perfect in fact... it, it could be, in my opinion, too perfect, Sire."

"You think someone might have forged her hand?"

When Yuri did not reply, but bowed his head, King Gershom turned his stare to Montague and raised his eyebrows, waiting.

Shaking his head and struggling to hide his despair, Montague answered, "I don't know, Sire, but, how could they?"

"Who? —And why?" the king asked, and it was a cry from his heart. "Where's Silvain? —He's usually the first here in matters like this. Send for him; I want his opinion on this. Delayna would never, and I repeat— never— harm— herself!"

No one argued this point, but several in the room thought differently. Suicide was all too common these days, among both the rich and the poor. Most who committed it, had the same desire; to 'Rest in peace'. Not often were their intentions breathed before their demise.

"I, we, we must find her as quickly as we can. Shall we summon the guard to assemble in the courtyard?" Montague asked, adding quietly, "Sire, I feel inwardly... shattered." He paused as he thought of the possibility of Delayna doing harm to herself was not out of the question at all. Had he not been called to deal with this very thing, many times in his life? The most unexpected men of the royal guard had done such a thing.

An adviser spoke up, saying, "Sire, perhaps it's some kind of diversion... we shouldn't diminish the guard in the castle, in case..."

"Anything is possible," the king said. "We'll face any diversion when it happens. Right now, the important task at hand is to find Lady Delayna and ensure her safety, or, or .... or, whatever..."

Sir Yuri, his eyes watery, spoke, saying, "You must realize, Sire, it will likely be too late. If it is a diversion, then will not the unthinkable have happened? It's not a ransom note but reads of a final act, and if it's truly her hand, her thoughts, then..."

"Oh, Yuri, don't! I can't bear to think on it," Lady Kathleen said, "I don't believe it, not a word of it— it's a conspiracy for sure; but what will Her Majesty say?"