CHAPTER 14 – THE EULOGY


    It was very quiet; no one was speaking. Mitakahn had thought long and hard about this moment and in his deliberation had finally come to a decision. He took a step forward. He walked in front of the group and said, “I would like to say a few words about my father.”


    Uncertain at first, he looked to the Magi of the Phoenix for approval. They nodded their heads. Queen Adyána’s eyes began to water. And Anilithyìstad spoke out, saying, “Go ahead, Mitakahn.”


    “The King… I mean… My father was a generous and compassionate man. He was a kind and powerful ruler. But amongst all his outstanding qualities as a leader, three were prominent and the core of his magnificence: Courage, Wisdom, and Love.…Courage, not just in the sense that you all may think of it. Yes, he was brave in the face of war and danger. But King Theomitus was also a valiant heart in the care of his kingdom. His ambitious mentality toward ruling these lands gave him a very unique quality as a king. He would walk down the Serengeti and here in Port Caliber and talk with the common folk. Not only was he honest in humility, but he was an extremely thoughtful king.”


    Mitakahn took a deep breath, attempting to gather his thoughts, and continued.


    “I remember, as a young lad, walking with my father and being shocked at how many of the citizens he knew. He would greet everyone who crossed his path. Not only that, but he would know their names and all of their family members’ names. And of course, he would ask how they were all doing. After being abroad and learning how other cultures and nations work, I have never heard of anything quite like this. I was, and still am, so proud of my father.”


    “The next trait is wisdom. Early in my life I began to question a lot of things that people take for granted. Not only did my father have an answer for me every time, but he always left me thinking and wondering more after our talks. He was one of the only people that could stimulate me mentally and for that I am truly going to miss him.”


    “Sometimes I feel that nobody sees the world as I do. But talking with the king always reassured me that I was…not…alone…”


    Mitakahn began to trail off, thinking about how alone he would become now that his father was gone. But as soon as he caught his brother’s face, almost on the brink of tears; he found the strength to go on.


    “And the last trait is love. In today’s modern world love is sometimes seen as a point of weakness. But, this was the most powerful tool in the king’s arsenal. He loved his country, he loved his role as king,” Mitakahn looked to Axion when he said this, “He loved his life, his family, and most of all…” Mitakahn turned his eyes towards his Mother, “He loved his wife.”Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    “With these combined passions, King Theomitus was given the strength to do what was necessary to ensure the prosperity of his kingdom. King Theomitus was the best Pride Lorde this kingdom has ever seen. And this was made possible by his capacity to love. His memory will be with us to the very end. And I urge you all to take a lesson from the dead and live a life devoted to courage, wisdom, and most of all…love.”


    Mitakahn walked back to his spot in line as his last words echoed in his ears.


    Thoughts rapidly bounced around in his head, ‘Did I do my father justice?’ ‘Did what I said apply to the moment?’ ‘Did I get across the message I was trying to convey?’ ‘Did I just make a fool of myself?’ But his tensions were eventually soothed as the next part of the ceremony was under way.


    It was known by all that the old magi of the Phoenix Kingdom were men with phenomenal powers. Now it would be proven. They walked from the head of the ceremony, two of them, side by side, to the casket. They held out one hand each and it looked as though fire came spilling out of their fingertips as they lit the noble tomb ablaze. Then they grasped both side handles without getting burned by the flames covering the top of the casket, and began to raise the casket.


    The two clerics burned their hearts bright with belief and veneration, wielding them with massive wings of fire upon their shoulders.


    Children of the Phoenix were believed to possess powers of immortality, wings of fire, and flight. Long had Axion and Mitakahn heard of such rumors, but not before now had they ever witnessed it with their own eyes. These two quiet titans lifted the casket that took six average men to carry into the air with ease, while their awe-inspiring wings burned on high for the occasion. Axion would never forget this day. Something about those wings made his fear of the future dissolve for the time-being. Even though he was still worried about moving on and what it would bring, the sight of the fiery wings quelled his heart.


    The two magi set the burning memorial assail in the bay. Slowly, the casket floated out to sea. The water was calm under the sinking sun. The slow glistening of the water’s reflection blended both the fire from the sailing grave and the light from the amber sun together. It burned into the horizon of the sunset, never to be seen again. The magi chanted their last blessing and flew back ashore. The wings evaporated when their feet touched the sand, and they were human once again.


    The mass concluded with the drifting away of their king. Mitakahn turned from the sailing grave and began to walk back from the shoreline.


    “Mitakahn” Tron walked up to him, trying to get his attention. He was able to stop his friend. Mitakahn respected Tron and gave him the opportunity to help. Tron registered this and thought quickly about the right choice of words.


    “We will get through this.”


    Mitakahn looked up at his friend. He had no response. He patted Tron on the back with an absent smile before looking back down to cover up his grief and walked away. The wood burned into prayer and from the sea their father’s soul was lifted into the heavens to live forever in the Light.