Chapter
Nine
An
Unsuspecting Prey
Lord Demas love her
daughter best than all that he amassed. The dwelling is decorated with
Alythia’s portraits. The villa has been a gallery of his daughter’s beauty and
grace. Every year, Demas would commission an artist to paint the princess’
portraits.
This year, the River
Thyanix has been selected as her backdrop. It is a tranquil river,
unadulterated by the conceit of men, even by any creature, flowing from Mount Altamus
and runs to the Sea
of Phylux.
In the artist’s
satchel are finely selected brushes. Rare oils and pigments were chosen, which
includes rare and expensive ultramarine, vermillion and gold. He used a wooden
palette carefully preserved by linseed oil. The canvass is heavyweight, and of
high quality for the discerning artist, premier in its class because it was
hand weaved and the corners were tailored for a tight even stretch. It is
framed in kiln dried, solid pine that provides the perfect setting for heavier
paint applications.
Alythia had been
accustomed to this tradition of his beloved father. The artist also has been
her friend and she trusts her favorably. However, this time, she chose the
concept. The princess told her artist that she’d like to be portrayed as a
nymph bathing in water. The artist obliged with the idea but was overwhelmed
with the task. He has to preserve the immaculateness of Alythia and show no
hint of indecency.
Absorbed in the work
for the portrait, the two were unaware of prowling beasts in the lush of the
greeneries. Their eyes pronounce an ominous fate, particularly to the unwary
princess.
Not faraway, the
pauper was urged by the inner guidance to do something with the impending
danger. Not wanting to waste precious time that might cause the peril of his
much-loved Alythia, he whistled for his trustworthy herald – a falcon. He
whispered something to its ear, and the bird fluttered it strong wings and
disappeared in the thickness of the foliage.
A few minutes had
transpired and a great noise disturbed the tranquility of the surrounding flora
where the princess and her artist are situated. The prowlers readily escaped.
Alythia, realizing the threat, ended their occupation in the river and headed
home.
The pauper, who
hastened to the direction of the falcon, reached the scene and saw the princess
on the move to safety. He breathed a sigh of relief, and prayed a thanksgiving
to the Great Master.
No comments:
Post a Comment