The Language of the Stars - Prologue

[lou_nihon]

The first moon was high in the sky, lighting the hills in soft hues of blue while the second moon was about to start its ascent. Soon, the firmament would be lit with millions of stars, illuminating the country gently. A dark caravan was making its way in between the rare trees paving the way of a muddy road, oblivious of the eyes which had felt upon them a while ago.

Two unblinking orbs, looking through the lens of an ancient spyglass, the sharp coppery color contrasting with the pale hand holding it into place, followed the convoy with more curiosity than fear. From what the observer could see, there were ten horses and a single gypsy trailer, its curtains drawn making it impossible to see if there was someone inside or not. Six people could be seen, not enough to draw any unwanted attention upon them but just enough to start raising eyebrows. It was so uncommon during these harsh times to see a group moving on these lands without any protection.

The second moon was halfway through its course when he noticed a strange shine above the caravan. It was a glimmer he came to recognize for his best friend covered their traces with it countless times. It was no wonder the caravan could move without anyone bothering them – a protective spell had been cast upon them. A magus – a powerful one at that – must be travelling with them. It meant an astronomer was coming their way too.

“What are you observing like that? The stars don’t hold any magic tonight?”

The watcher started at the sound of the voice which broke his bubble unsuspectedly. He had not heard the prince enter his room, nor did he notice him taking a seat at his desk, yet right through his field of vision. He was too focused on the outside scene to be aware of anything else.

Glancing at his companion for a second, he shrugged, mouth set in a thin line, skin white around the edge. Should he share his vision with the man or not? Strangers trespassing the lands were not unheard of, but it always resulted in something the astronomer hated to witness – blood and war.

He was about to draw his blinds to force his eyes away from the procession when a tiny detail in the shimmery spell caught his eyes. He could recognize this color everywhere as insignificant as it was. The minuscule purple star was shining by intermittence though a sure sign of the identity of one of the members of the convoy. With a smile that was rarely seen on his face, the man turned to the prince.

“Hoseok is back.”