David L Morrese
Donald held his breath. The great black monolith stood its ground refusing to so much as acknowledge his presence, much less answer his summons. “Maybe you have to do it naked,” Muce whispered, breaking the silence. “What?” The young notso held the prince’s translation of the patched vellum scroll in his hand. “It says here, Naked to the Warden’s love. Maybe that means you have to do it without any clothes on.” “Let me see that!” The prince snatched the paper from his companion’s hand. “No. That’s just a poetic way to say you have to be sincere. It can’t literally mean without any clothes because it also says you have to have this silly hat and glove, for the gods’ sake. How can you be naked wearing a hat and a glove?” “I don’t know, but that’s what it says, and what you did before didn’t work. You sounded real good, though, Your Highness. It was really impressive.” “Uh, thanks. What do you think, Kwestor?” asked Donald. “You still don’t want to know. But if you’re going to try anything else, you’ll need to do it soon. Dawn doesn’t last that long.” The prince turned his eyes to the horizon and the creeping light of dawn. “But it should have worked!” he protested. “Are you sure today is the autumnal equinox, Kwestor?” “Quite certain.” “And it’s obviously dawn.” “Obviously.” “And I am a prince by blood.” “Yes, I don’t think there is any doubt about that. Your mother isn’t the type.” “What?” “Nothing.” “I’ve got the stupid hat and glove.” Donald took another look at the scraps of vellum. “Conscience good,” he read. “I’m a man of good conscience, aren’t I?” “As humanity is judged, I’d have to agree,” answered the scout. “And I’m a… I mean, I’ve never, uh, you know, been with…” “I believe you fulfill that requirement too, Your Highness.” “Damn!” That’s got to be it then.”
Read this work at the World Public Library (library card needed).