The Kingdom by the Sea

G~ 6:46 PM 0

Life was sweet and simple in the kingdom by the sea. Leisure time was plentiful as the temptations of the gentle waters and warm sands were too powerful for any to resist. Sun bathing, surfing and swimming were the favorite pastimes. The occasional tropical storm or hurricane would temporarily keep the people away from the sunny shores, but never for long. A kingdom of leisure and so carefree could never have been prepared for what came from beyond the known sea.

Great sea serpents, by way of accursed current or storm, descended upon the kingdom by the sea. Lurking beneath the waters, they preyed upon the people by the sea. Although famed for being the source of leisure, the sea was also a key resource for food. However, boats were dashed to pieces by the sea serpents and crew quickly devoured. Reluctant and afraid, the people withdrew from the sea. Inland, they found the land inhospitable.

With despair in their hearts and fear gripping their souls, they turned once more to the sea. Instead of living openly under the sun, they turned to the shadows to hide themselves from the great serpents of the sea. Thus they lived in fear of the fierce serpents that besieged them. The once beautiful and luxurious palaces right on the shore fell into disrepair and slowly disappeared into the dark waters that were once crystal clear.

What had been a harmonious and peaceful society fell to distrust, suspicion and bitterness. Neighbors eyed each other with suspicion over every scrap of food; friendships frayed at the slightest provocation, and families broke like waves crashing over the sand. It was easier to become comfortable with the enemies known to lurk beneath the water, but it was almost impossible for many to cope with the prospect of the enemy being from within.

When the enemy that had become familiar changed, all hope seemed lost. The great sea serpents were not confined to the sea. Once their prey took to the land and night to escape the terror of the seas, the sea serpents crept on land to pick off those that stayed too close to the water. It seemed that this was the final straw as one after another sought to sacrifice neighbor, friend and family to appease the sea serpents. All seemed truly lost.

I have failed them. It was I that ruled this kingdom by the sea given to leisure and luxury. It was I that allowed everyone to indulge in a life of irresponsibility. When it mattered most, I failed to lead them. I could not lead them away from the shores they relied on so much. When we returned, I could not protect them in their darkest hour. Years have passed since the sea serpents toppled my kingdom by the sea, and now I, an old man sit with neither subjects nor throne.

However, I am determined to help those that remain. here were tales of a presence within the moon. For many nights, I studied the moon and all it's phases, but never once did I see or sense anything abnormal about it. There were other tales of gifts from the sun, but if anything the sun and its light had forsaken this land. Filled with the dread of my impending death and failure, I waded into the sea on the night of the dull moon. I lifted my face unto the moon's light and basked in its glow. No one else dared come out on this night because the serpents could see clearly on this night.. I would either be devoured or disappointed, but at least I would meet an end or know more. The longer I stared at the moon, the harder it came to discern whether time was passing and somehow the moon seemed to be staring back at me. I finally blinked and I was no longer staring at the moon, but the rising sun.