34 The past always returns? (2/2)

”Why do you sound like something horrible will happen?” I ask my mother.

”It's this stupid law stuff! You see, your father has a brother.” My mother says it like everything is clear with that.

”Uh... you know that I don't like this law issue. So why don't you start at the beginning? I totally don't get what you are talking about.” -Me

”I am talking about your birthday in a few months! You will turn sixteen and with that, you will have to succeed the throne of Tirna. Your father is dead after all.” Ireth sighs.

”I can't give the boring stuff into yours and grandpa's hands any more?” I ask.

”Yes. You have to take over the throne, although we will still be able to help you.” -Ireth

”So where does my father's brother come into this?” -Me

”When the crown goes to the next heir, everyone who is able to succeed the throne can challenge him for the crown. This was established to make sure that a strong king is in power.” -Ireth

”So you believe that my father's brother will make an entrance. Whom I have never heard of by the way?” -Me

”He challenged your father for the throne when he took over and married me at eighteen. Your father crippled him in the following fight. Then your uncle went into exile by his own choice.” -Ireth

”So you think that he still has a grudge and is striving for power. So why didn't he jump at the chance when father died?” -Me

”I am pretty sure of that. And he didn't act, because he doesn't have any legal claim. I am ruling the country -in absentia- of your father, because you are not allowed to take the crown yet. But with sixteen you will have to.” -Ireth

”So how did you just remember someone, who disappeared years ago?” I am a little confused.

”Two days ago, he appeared in town with someone who was introduced as his son. He claimed a few old favours from some nobles. Some of them saw a problem with him and informed me.” -Ireth

”This joke is getting old. The Meltheims tried that already.” -Me

”Yes, unfortunately I believe that this is another attempt by them. Just in disguise.” Ireth shakes her head.

”Oh?” -Me

”When the Meltheims locked themselves up in the City of Seria, they still had a big amount of money in various banks and institutions. We tried to trace it down, but most of it just disappeared.” -Ireth

”And let me guess. My uncle is throwing around with money left and right and nobody has a clue where it came from.” -Me

Ireth nods with a sad expression. ”We don't have any evidence, so we can't stop him. The exile was of his own choice, so we can't send him away either.”

”So you think he will send that son of his against me?” -Me

”That's likely. He even signed him up for your school.” -Ireth

”Wonderful, so I will have to endure a pest similar to the Meltheim brothers in school, until I am challenged at my coronation.” This gets less and less funny with every word.

”Your uncle's name is Seredorn of Tirna and his son is named Markorn of Tirna.” -Ireth

”Hmm. What about the mother? Or did my uncle just use cell division to sprout an heir?” I throw my arms into the air and my mother has to smirk.

”We don't have any clue on her. Your uncle just showed up with his supposed son and set up his residence.” -Ireth

”Is he even his real son?” I doubt it somehow.

”We are investigating. When it comes to the rank of succession, things have to be clear without a doubt. But so far we couldn't find a clue against it. He looks similar enough to his father from what I heard. And they came with a lot of servants who confirm their story. Right now a few investigators are on their way to your uncles previous residence. But I have my doubts that they will come to a different result. If your uncle could be caught with such simple measures, I doubt that he would have made an effort to pull a stunt like this.” -Ireth

”You sound like you know him in that regard?” -Me

”Before he challenged your father, he tried several times to get his hands on me. He was always smart enough to leave no evidence. So it was always his word against mine. And he had a really good relationship with his brother. Your father didn't believe me that he had ulterior motives. Until the challenge, he was the nice brother of the heir to everyone.”

I nod. ”Then we will have no other choice than to keep being on alert. Don't fear for me, I can take care of myself. And thanks for the warning.”

Ireth hugs me with tears in her eyes. ”Don't do anything dangerous. I lost so many of my family already. Any more and I wouldn't be able to go on.”

I hug her too with a grim expression on my face.