The Queen With The Frozen Heart 6

This is the sixth part of the story.

If you want to read the first part of the story go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 1  

To read the second part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 2 

To read the third part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 3. 

To read the fourth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 4. 

To read the fifth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 5.

Silently the prince closed on them and with utmost care he took hold of the moon's loincloth. Because Killa was only dressed with a leather cloth on his hips and feathers in his hair. His lover, Iluku, had a traditional blue pacha and she was full of jewelry that her lover had given her as token of his love. Seashells hang from her ears and coral, gold and silver decorated her neck from faraway places. On her arms she had bracelets made artfully from different seeds.

- Who are you, cried the moon, feeling the prince’s touch.

He shielded Iluku with his body and tried to find the arms the prince had stolen from him.

- Are you looking for this, prince showed the obsidian dagger to Killa.

- Who are you and what you want, the moon demanded to know, do you have any idea who we are.

- Yes, my lord the moon, prince bowed his head, and my lady Iluku. I know who you are. But I only have one request, one tiny question that you may be able to answer or me.

- And why would I answer to you, Killa raged, you insolent young pup!

- Because you are renowned for your wisdom and cunning, prince bowed even lower, and only you can help me in my dire need. I have heard of your keen eyes and sharp mind. And of the brave warriors heart that beats in your chest.

Next to him the bear almost burst out laughing but yawned instead. Everyone knew the story of the moon and Iluku. How he had ran away from her family, scared to death and flown hiding to the sky, in his scare leaving his lover behind and damning her to live as a bird instead. Brave was not a word people up used to describe the moon. And that is why he loved to hear himself so described.

- Yes, he said, I presume you must have heard of my incredible valor. So, what is this thing you wish to know and only I am able to tell you?

Moon's curiosity was awaken.

- Years ago, when I was but a little boy, the prince answered, my father the king rode to fight the evil monsters plaguing our land from the north. He rode and never returned again. And not even the land was able to tell what happened to him and all his men. Only thing that the land was able to say was that not a strange foot was set on our land.

The moon laughed.

- Oh, I know all about your father and his faith, he claimed, I saw it all happen from my thrown up in the Heaven. There I sat, admiring the view and longing for my loved one when the foul condors, vultures with men's bodies but wings and heads of a bird rose from the northern hills and like giant bats descended on your father's men. The land is right, not a foot was set on it. Because your father and all his men were snatched from up above and carried by vultures to their lair.

- And where are they now, prince could not believe what he heard, what happened to them? Were they killed? Or do they still live?

- The vultures are men eaters, Killa shrugged; I would say your father was gone a long time ago. Fed to their little ones I presume.

- Oh no, Iluku shaked her head, like my dear Llullukilla claims, the vultures are man-eaters. And so are the jaguar men, their friends and allies who live together with the vultures on the mount Sumako. But most of your father's men still live, locked inside the mountain. I have heard them yelling for help and the condors and jaguars laughing and bragging on their royal visitor, when I have flown by during the night. No, your father shall be the last one they'll eat. But I don't think it'll bring him happiness to watch his friends go first.

- Have they eaten many already, prince asked trembling.

- No, because they have had all the horses and cattle your father’s army was bringing along, Iluku answered sadly, but it will not be long. Like I said, I have heard them bragging and they are planning to make a huge feast of it. To show how much they despise the men and how little they fear you.

- I will show them how much the men will despise them, the prince swore, and how much they have to fear us. I only wish Kuyllur were here, to help me with his wisdom  and bravery.

The moons face become dark and angered and he spat at the young man.

- How do dare you mention that name in front of me, he cried, like that little star could shine brighter than I.

And he threw himself to the sky in his anger. Prince looked at him in sorrow.

- Why did I open my mouth, he lamented, now who will help me to find the mountain and the cave where they keep my father in.

- Do not worry, Iluku consoled him, I was a human woman once and I do not wish to see my kin to perish. Even though I am a bird I will lead you and show you the way. We will just have to travel through the night. And on moonless nights you must let me to go see my lover, because I cannot live without him. Now go, find the brave men who will chance their destiny together with you, for alone you shall surely perish. And meet me here, in this same place, in a fortnight.

To be continued...

This is the sixth part of the story.

If you want to read the first part of the story go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 1

To read the second part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 2 

To read the third part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 3

To read the fourth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 4

To read the fifth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 5

To read the seventh part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 7

 To read the eight part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 8

To read the ninth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 9

To read the tenth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 10

To read the eleventh part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 11

To read the twelth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 12