Page 28 - SagaOfBarak1

sucked upon his pipe with some gusto as the slayer simply ignored Aulric’s
irritable anger completely.

‘Where is the young Prince Kye now Aulric? Tell me my friend where does
the boy lie? For I would like to see him, I would like to look upon the prince
once more.’ Barak said this while rising a little stiffly to his huge booted feet and
then warming his backside by the blazing fire. The long night’s ride, this and
also the lack of a decent night’s sleep was making his huge tired body feel a little
chill. Now the king sighed sadly and most wearily at Barak’s request. Aulric in
his own way was perhaps even fearful to look upon his son’s lifeless corpse whilst
in the company of Barak, this less he once again unman himself and weep. In
truth the king seemed just for now lost in his much troubled thoughts for a
moment or two. But then after but a second or two in thought the sad king shook
his weary head as he rubbed his pounding skull. Next, and with what seemed
was a great effort Aulric began to stir himself as he rose somewhat unsteadily to
his feet.

With this task done Aulric next pointed towards a heavy red crimson velvet
curtain that hung just to the left of the fireplace from where the two men had
been seated. Barak who had already been up on his big booted feet moved
instantly to the side of his friend to offer assistance if needed. After all the slayer
did not want to see the shaky Aulric fall headlong onto the stone floor and hurt
himself. However the king though as it happened managed with great resolve to
steady himself and he waved Barak away.
‘Draw back that curtain Barak, a concealed chamber lies there behind it.’
Aulric indicated with his bony forefinger toward a heavy red velvet curtain. This
curtain hung under the tapestry of an elaborate boar hunt hanging from the stone
wall just left of the fireplace. Barak with but a few huge strides stood by the
curtain, once there the ogre drew back the drape. Just as Aulric had said a solid
studded oak door lay hidden behind the heavy velvet curtain. Barak at once turned
the key already in the lock and followed by Aulric who had pulled himself
together a little entered into the room. As ever the king seemed to draw strength
from Barak’s very presence. Although still obviously shaken and grief stricken
Aulric appeared now at least to be in some sort of control over his troubled
emotions.
This room was like no other room in the castle, aye it was a cold place, a place
just like a Roman death chamber of rest. As the floor, the walls and even the
ceiling, these were cut from the finest quality of Roman pastel coloured marble.
And this was also by the look of it carved out by the very best of Roman
craftsman. Barak at once glanced all about him, as ever and always taking in all
and everything. Now there before him upon a large marble table lay the lifeless
body of the young Prince. The long limbed youth was naked save for a leather
loin cloth. Also the young prince had been washed cleansed then scented with
the crushed pollen of wild forest flowers. Prince Kyes arms were placed across

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