Ajo: Chapter Seven

The Queen had a gift before Ajo ventured into the world.

She approached the gates of the castle with a stable groomer by her side. Behind the groomer marched a gorgeous but intimidating stallion. She reared the animal personally, the Queen explained, and had tended to it for almost as long as she had been raising her son.

"I thought I would go into the woods alone," Ajo said.

"You will and you won't," the Queen answered cryptically. "His name is Fallow. He carries all the courage of a knight, and will no doubt become a dear friend to you."

Ajo climbed the stallion and turned back to the few who had gathered to watch him leave. He searched for Galeia but she was not there, and it pained him that hers would not be the last face he saw.

"I will return to you, mother," Ajo announced. "I will make you proud."

He leaned down and whispered to the Queen, "Keep her safe."

He turned the stallion towards the trees and they were off, racing into the wood's embrace.

The King's Trial flew by in a rapid sequence of hazy memories.

Ajo struggled within the woods at first, and his initial nights were grim and difficult. He kept Galeia's lily close to his heart and often held it to his nose to give him comfort.

He would not return to his kingdom unworthy of her.

He met many of his future subjects, earning their gratitude and devotion through acts of charity and bravery. He fought monsters and tended to the weak. He gave wisdom and advice to those who asked for it.

As the Queen predicted, Ajo formed a deep bond with the stallion, Fallow. They learned to trust and protect one another in battle, like soldiers in arms attuned to the instincts of their fellow brother, and gave each other courage in the face of danger. Just as important, they shared soothing company during quiet and lonely moments, and in times of doubt the animal provided wordless comfort. Fallow was a reliable friend and vital companion, and Ajo believed that if not for the stallion, he would not have overcome many of the perils encountered along the way.

Their adventures made Ajo bold out of necessity, drawing him away from the shy, bookish child who only read about heroism.

He made allies in the courts of distant kingdoms, developing relationships with their royalty and leaders. Many he visited were already allies of his mother and expected his arrival as a formality. They received Ajo with open arms and grand festivities.

Others were neither allies nor rivals, but met him with strained civility and had to be wooed into fealty.

At worst, some were openly hostile and had to be subdued and won.

Ajo had a task at each of them, usually designated by the leader, be it chief or king or politician. They all wanted something different, forcing Ajo to learn the art of adaptation. There was so much more to ruling and politics, he learned, than could ever be found in books.

He spent a short time with a clan of goblins who made their homes high in the trees. They were unconventional people, unlike any Ajo had read about or met before. They kept their dwellings as pristine as the Queen's castle—a direct opposition to the way they comported themselves on the ground below, where they gleefully wallowed in mud and rot. It was with this bizarre tribe that Ajo learned the value, or joy, of getting his hands dirty from time to time.

He gathered trinkets and treasures along the way, intending to lay them at Galeia's feet when he returned home. He couldn't wait to see her awe at the sight of their glitter and shine. She would no doubt throw her arms around his neck and kiss him a hundred times.

He received several scars, and wondered if Galeia would shy away from them—

No. Galeia would love them. She was always fascinated by tales of battles and monsters, and Ajo would return as the embodiment of them. He had gathered enough stories to last a lifetime, and he was growing eager to begin their retelling to his love.

She would finally see him as the knight.

He met and endeared himself to a druid king who devoted most of his time and attention to seeking pleasure. His favorite, the king revealed to Ajo, was pleasure of the intimate kind. Ajo had read much about passion and physical love, and had entertained fantasies of such things between himself and Galeia. But it was here, under the hospitality of the unabashed, hedonistic king, that Ajo realized all his reading and dreaming amounted to almost nothing.

Ever the gentleman, Ajo politely refused the king's offer to partake in an array of temptations, as exciting as they seemed, and kept his involvement to a distant observation. When Ajo departed, the king gifted him a small leather book, and gave a sly wink when Ajo accepted it. When he opened the book in private, Ajo was shocked to find page after page of detailed pictures and graphic tales, all centered around seduction and the pursuit of pleasure. He wondered if he should study it, and memorize the steps to this complex yet delicate art.

Perhaps, in the future, he and Galeia could read it together.

He blushed at the thought.

When he went to add the book to the other gifts he'd acquired for Galeia, a small shame bit at him and he decided to keep the book in his pocket instead. He returned to it almost every night and kept Galeia's purple lily pressed between its pages.

In addition to the gifts and heroic deeds he was amassing, there was another collection quickly gaining numbers—his gracious refusal of the flirtatious beckoning from princes and princesses.

As beautiful as they were, his mind was always on Galeia.

He often thought about what she was doing while he was away, and if she longed for him as much as he did her. If his trial was an undertaking to not only prove himself worthy of a throne but also a queen, he wondered what she was doing to prove herself worthy of him.

Sometimes he thought about the Gretch. They'd parted on poor terms, and he was deeply regretful for it. He promised himself that when he returned, he would seek her out to make amends.

Galeia or not, she deserved an apology for the way he had spoken to her.

There were even fleeting moments when Ajo considered never returning home, but remaining on his journey forever, like the champions of old legends.

Time became nothing as he traveled through the woods, and the faces of nobles and commoners blurred together. Ajo learned far more than he ever could have from books, and he realized that for all the knowledge his lessons gave him, all the wisdom contained within the historical tales, it was here, in the real world, where he gained true understanding, and it was experience alone that prepared him to be king.

He did not notice the change in his body, which took place over a long stretch of time. What once had been soft grew muscled. His black hair fell to his shoulders, framing a handsome face that was defined in such a way that it took the breath from most who met him. He'd grown a beard too, and Ajo thought it an elegant and becoming feature. As his body grew strong so too did his magic, for he used it as much as he did his physical strength. In time, there was no obstacle he encountered that could not be overcome.

A curious thing happened towards the end of his King's Trial.

Ajo discovered that many of the beings in the woods knew his name. He was becoming a legend, a true hero, and tales of his feats and deeds were spreading farther and faster than he and Fallow could travel. It came to pass that wherever he went he didn't need to introduce himself, for there was no one who hadn't already heard of him.

He wondered if his fame had found its way to his home.

If Galeia knew of his greatness.

He began to speak proudly of her to those he met. He spoke of their love, of his wish to see her once more, sweep her into his arms, and at last call her his queen.

Thus, the legend of the young hero yearning for the lady Galeia began, and Ajo dreamed that it would reach Galeia's ears before he returned. The volume gifted by the druid king had long become worn, read hundreds of times, and the cover was tearing from use.

Ajo's wistful longing turned into impatient anticipation, and he began to feel an intense pull from within, like a song of home rising from his heart.

The Queen had not instructed when he should return, but explained it would be a feeling he could not ignore.

Ajo finally understood it, as strong as his need to eat and drink.

It was time to go home.

Fallow took them through the woods, quick as lightning, as desperate to behold their kingdom as his rider.

Ajo was ready to be king, and the woods agreed.

Gone were his doubts and disparaging thoughts.

He was a hero, and Galeia would welcome him as her worthy king and husband.

***

Ajo could see the castle through the trees.

His castle.

Home.

His heart fluttered.

The Queen, always mystically one step ahead, was waiting in the throne room to receive him.

A full court waited with her.

The doors to the castle opened to a room full of awed and respectful subjects gathered to witness his arrival, and Ajo remained atop Fallow as he approached his mother's throne.

Galeia, he knew, would be sitting beside her, and it was her face he wished to see above all others.

His anticipation turned to ash, however, when his gaze found an empty seat next to the Queen. Ajo did not say anything in front of the court, but knew his mother recognized his disappointment.

"Mother," Ajo said, his voice echoing through the grand room, "I have returned, and offer myself as king."

"Your legends came home long before you, my son. Your name has become known for bravery and charity alike. You have proven yourself worthy, and have earned your throne."

She stood and addressed the room.

"In two weeks we will have a ball to mark our prince's return, where I will announce his crowning date, and he will name the one chosen as his queen."

The moment they had privacy, Ajo could not resist questioning his mother.

"Where was Galeia? I wanted to see her—I've brought gifts for her."

"She...had a bit of a faint," the Queen said. "No doubt news of your return gave her delicate heart a small swooning."

Ajo was not convinced.

Galeia's heart—a delicate thing? Since when did she swoon?

She should have been the first to welcome him—she should have run barefoot through the gates, neglecting all propriety to throw herself into his arms.

That was the Galeia he knew. The wild thing that lived in his heart.

Ajo glanced at the servants who were scrambling to unpack his gifts and treasures. A groom had taken Fallow back to the stables, where the stallion was no doubt enjoying some deserved pampering.

"You ought to see to a bath," the Queen remarked. "Or the smell of you is likely to collapse her again."

***

Ajo was with his mother in the study, where she had overseen his education years ago. At his mother's suggestion he had bathed, and now that the dirt and sweat had been washed from his body, he grew more anxious than before.

"Why wasn't she there to greet me," he pressed. "Tell me the truth."

The Queen hesitated, and it was clear she was conjuring a lie, but she released a long breath and admitted, "She didn't want to attend court."

"She—didn't want to?"

"You know Galeia. Did you honestly expect her to endure the pomp and frills of court?"

"When it was held for my arrival, yes!"

A terrible thought raced through his mind.

"She hasn't...relinquished her love for me, has she?"

"No, no, no," the Queen said quickly. "Not a bit."

Relief passed through him.

"Galeia has never felt comfortable in court," the Queen continued. "You know she hates the eyes of others upon her."

"She'll have to endure much more of it when she's queen."

"She will come around in her own time. I imagine the idea of your reunion being scrutinized by a hundred courtiers was more than she could bear."

"Did she actually faint?"

"No, but she was incredibly agitated! When news of your presence in the nearby woods arrived, I could hardly pull a single word from her. She's nervous."

"Nervous? About me?"

"You've changed. You are night and day compared to the boy that set off. Galeia has changed too, and you may find each other disarming at first. I wonder if Galeia doesn't feel a little...unworthy of you."

"She could never be unworthy."

"Tell her then." The Queen's lips curled into a sly smile. "And cease your agonizing, for I have no doubt the two of you will be tumbling in each other's arms in no time at all—"

"Mother!"

The Queen clucked her tongue. "I know you are not so uninformed anymore. Go and show her the man you've become."

"Where is she?"

"In her room when I saw her last. No doubt fussing over how best to receive you."

"I should relieve her suffering."

"I trust you remember the way."

***

At the door to Galeia's bedroom, Ajo ran his hand through his hair, making sure everything was in place.

He knocked.

"Come in," came the reply and Ajo felt weak at the sound of her voice.

He paused, gathering his courage, before turning the handle to enter.

Galeia was sitting at a window with a book in her lap. She had grown much older since he last saw her. Her hair was a muted pink, the color of a blush, and pinned up to reveal a delicate neck. Most peculiar of all, she was wearing a skirt that fell past her ankles, and a laced bodice that enhanced her figure. He'd seen her dress in a similar manner only once before, when she wore a gown to a ball long ago, and though this garment was plain, it was unlike the usual trousers and dirt-caked blouses she was known to wear.

This was meant to enhance her feminine beauty.

Seeing her dressed this way was like seeing rain fall upwards.

She was the most beautiful thing in the world.

He had practiced what to say, but could not remember a single word of it.

"Ajo."

When she said his name the world moved beneath him. It felt like they were meeting for the very first time.

As shocked as he was to see the state of her, Galeia was equally astounded. Ajo felt great satisfaction when her eyes looked over him in blatant approval.

Then he felt like the small boy who watched her from a distance.

All confidence and boldness were gone, and no matter how muscled his body had become, or how wise his experiences had made him, he was completely lost under her stare.

Galeia stood but did not approach him, and for a moment the two regarded each other, as a wonderful but awkward nostalgia fell over their long-awaited rejoining. Galeia broke the tension first, by running and throwing herself into his arms, and he gathered her into a tight embrace, pulling her from the ground with no effort. He dove into her hair and inhaled deeply, taking in that lovely smell of the forest.

"I missed you," she said into his neck.

"I missed you more."

She pulled away, still held in the air by his arms.

"You look so different!"

"You're one to talk. I come home to find you in skirts!"

He lowered her to the floor and stepped back to inspect her.

"What's this tied around you?" He looked at her corset.

"Is it awful?"

"Quite the opposite."

Galeia touched his face. "This beard, it's so...so—"

"Regal?"

"Scratchy."

Ajo scowled. "I'll have you know this scratchy beard charmed many princesses."

"Oh? You can send it back to them in a jeweled box then."

There was a hint of jealousy in her tone.

"You don't like it?"

"It's not ugly, Ajo, don't mistake me. It's just not—"

"Me?"

"But if you like it, don't get rid of it on my account."

He grinned. "It does itch terribly sometimes."

Her hand drifted to the locks resting on his shoulders.

"Your hair—"

"Do you mean to have me completely bald?"

Galeia laughed and the world brightened.

"No," she said, "I like the hair. It suits you."

He took her hand and placed it on his chest.

"Does this suit me?"

"This...is an unexpected change."

She took hold of his arm, trying without success to wrap her fingers around the bundle of muscles.

"I have so much to tell you, Galeia. The things I used to read and dream about—I've done them!"

"I wish I could have been there to see them."

"You were. You were always with me."

"Even when you were charming princesses?"

"Most of all then."

"I would love to hear your adventures."

"And I will tell you every last one. I brought gifts for you—"

"Gifts can wait. Let's go to the woods like we used to."

She was beaming, radiant in her happiness.

Because of him.

He swept her into his arms once more and silently begged whatever power sat above him for the moment to never end.

They made their way out of the castle, passing servants who were hauling armfuls of gifts towards Galeia's bedroom. She didn't say anything, but Ajo spied her interest when she saw the packages. Before he entered the gates of his home, Ajo had taken the book of passion from his pocket and placed it amongst the gifts. Now he wondered if that had been a mistake, if he should have saved its appearance for a moment when they were together in private.

They walked a short way into the woods and found a tree to rest against, and Galeia demanded that he begin recounting his journey. He told her the story of his first night and the challenges he encountered when trying to create a suitable shelter. It was a clumsy thing, little more than a blanket thrown over a branch, and it had blown away in the night with a strong breeze.

When Ajo laughed at the memory of his misfortune, Galeia joined him, and he swam in the sound of her merriment.

There was so much to tell her, so many stories to whisper in her ear.

And now they had all the time in the world.

"What have you been doing while I was away," he asked after finishing the tale. "Besides dressing in skirts and longing for my return?"

Galeia snorted. "I had lessons."

"But did you attend them?"

"I've learned a lot, though I never took to study as easily as you. But...I've grown up." Her expression became despondent. "Some of my wildness has been tamed."

"Not too much, I hope."

She leaned her head against his shoulder.

"No, not too much." She paused before adding, "I have stories of my own."

"I would love to hear them."

"They're nothing compared to yours."

"I doubt that very much."

Their respite proved brief when the Queen called from the edge of the trees, commanding Ajo back to the castle.

"Not a full day back," Ajo complained, "and already the work begins."

"Stay with me," Galeia pleaded.

"I want to. The whole trial, the only person I wanted was to see you. But..."

"You're expected to do things."

"More than ever. There's much to plan and oversee." He took her hands in his and kissed them. "But I promise there will be time to walk in the woods with you."

He stood and brushed the dirt from his trousers before offering his hand.

She shook her head. "I'll sit here for a moment, thank you."

Ajo left to join his mother in the castle, and Galeia watched him with longing in her eyes.