3000 Years Ago

    He should have kept his mouth shut. True, he had prophesied in the past; but never had his words been so dangerous. No, he thought as he lay on the cold stone floor, I should have kept my mouth shut. Even as he thought it, he realized how stupid it was. To think that the words could have been hidden by not speaking them was preposterous. No, the words would have found a way out; and they would have claimed him as their owner. Still, not speaking them would have at least bought him a little time.

    There was a guard whose foot was resting on the back of the prophet's neck. Suddenly, he moved his foot and hauled the prophet up by his shirt collar. "On yer knees before Her Majesty!" The guard ordered.

    The prophet kneeled, and kept his eyes lowered. After a few seconds he heard the approaching footsteps of the Faerie Queen. A second guard appeared beside the kneeling man. "This is the prophet." The second guard stated, once the queen had taken her place on her throne.

    "What's your name, prophet?" The queen had a rich, melodious voice.

    He said nothing.

    The guard closest to him backhanded him across the face, "Ye'll show proper respect to Her Majesty."

    "Peace, Raspel." The queen said. "We don't want to frighten our guest. Now, what is your name?"

    "Nyawe." He spat.

    "Respect!" hissed Raspel.

    The queen laughed, "Enough, Raspel. Nyawe, please have a seat."

    Next to Nyawe a chair appeared. When he did not get up, Raspel grasped him and pulled him up. He then roughly shoved the prophet into the seat.

    "I'm terribly sorry for the behavior of my guards. I had no idea they would treat you so ungraciously. I only wanted you to come so we could have a chat." Though the words were said with warmth and kindness, Nyawe immediately sensed the danger that was lurking. He sat silently, still, not looking at the Queen's face. She continued, "Would you like something to drink?"

    "No...Your Majesty." He said through gritted teeth.

    She laughed, "Come, come, I do so want us to be friends. This hostility is silly. Now, please, allow one of my servants to bring you something to drink."

    "No, thank you."

    "Well, maybe later." They sat in silence for a few moments. "Well, if you don't want anything, then I suppose we should have our talk." He made no response, but the queen seemed not to notice. "They tell me you are a great prophet, Nyawe. Is this true?"

    "That is an exaggeration, I am quite certain."

    "Oh? From what I hear, you have never been wrong. Was I lied to?"

    "No." he said very quietly.

    "Ah, excellent. Then perhaps you would like to shed some light on a simple matter for me."

    His mouth went dry. His heart pounded so loudly he felt sure that the queen could hear it. However, he asked, "What matter would that be?"

    "It's a small thing, but I just need to put my mind at ease. I was told that you recently prophesied regarding me. I was hoping you might be able to tell me the prophecy."

    â€‹Nyawe shook his head, "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I have forgotten it."    

    She raised an eyebrow, "Forgotten it? Really? That is most distressing. I had so wanted to put a halt to the rumors circulating. However, perhaps some time spent in one of my dungeons might help jog your memory." She looked to her guards, "Raspel, if you and Demiter would be so kind as to show our guest to his quarters."

    The guards roughly pulled Nyawe to his feet and began to march him out of the room. Suddenly, to Nyawe's horror, the floor began to sink in odd little patterns.

    The words were demanding to be seen.

    "Wait!" He yelled.

    "Yes?"

    He turned slowly, and for the first time looked upon the queen, "It would seem that my memory has come back."    

    She smiled, "That is most excellent news. Now, if you would just enlighten me."

    He took a deep breath and began:

"When the battle is near done,

And hope is but a bitter memory,

Out of the dying world will come a great queen.

Her coming will bring an end to the

Immortal Queen

And to the evil she has brought upon the land.

Two great loves shall the good queen have,

Though one will die,

The other shall live,

And they will rule with righteousness.

Then shall be days of peace and tranquility."

    The room was deathly quiet when he finished speaking. Prophet and queen stared at each other, almost seeming to dare each other to be the first to look away. Finally, the queen said, "Thank you for putting my mind at ease." All warmth and friendliness was gone from her voice, and her smile was now cold and cruel. Then she said, "Now, what shall we do with you?"

    Nyawe felt the cold hand of fear clutching at him. He knew too well what was coming. Too many friends had been lost this way. He knew nothing would change his fate, and begging would only cause the queen to mock him; so, he said nothing.

    The queen was surprised that the prophet said nothing. No begging or bargaining came from him. He was completely silent. It was so different from what she was used to. She almost felt compassion for him, but quickly made certain that almost did not become reality. She raised her hand, pointing at Nyawe, spoke a few words of the ancient tongue, and there was a blinding flash.

    The prophet had completely disappeared.

    The queen looked to her guards, "Not a word of what has happened here tonight is to ever be uttered; or else your fates will be worse than his. Hunt down all who have heard his words, and kill them. This will be kept secret."

    If only the queen had realized that nothing ever truly stays secret.