The Radical Child

Departure from Kaulilanunat

Kaulilanunat is a frozen hell akin to Nivlhyym, its terrain rocky and inconsistent, its beasts taking to its edges since none would dare live in the middle of nowhere, but the kingdom's underworld tells a far different story...
-K. Risumassen

13/23/4875 IIIÆ

1

The toll of the one Æklaak bell woke Crown Prince Holtjaan of Atturgraad, making him rub his eyes, well-rested from a night at his maternal family's royal palace in Nuukthab, capital of the Kingdom of Kaulilanunat. He got out of bed, lighting the candle on his nightstand, and walked to the tall freestanding mirror to behold his distinct characteristics. Jaani, as his parents and siblings affectionately called him, was mostly an otter, although he bequeathed characteristics from other species on both sides of his family, making him a hybrid Kyymaer.

His ears were elongated like a donkey's, which he inherited from his paternal bloodline, his father's mother, Queen Jennosefin, having been a jenny noble from the mainland Aulvenheim Kingdom of Polskataea. Sprouting from his head beneath his dark brown hair were bull horns inherited from his maternal bloodline, his mother Queen Gerondelin being a cow like her father, King Frysianus of Kaulilanunat. His face was lutrine, with light blue eyes, although his fur patterns were like those of a spotted bovine, mainly light brown but with notable dark brown areas. Sticking out from the top gap of his yellow one-piece pajama suit's dropseat was his thick otter tail, albeit with a tufted terminus like a burro.

Jaani unbuttoned his pajama and departed it, heading to his wardrobe to dress suitably for the day. He opened the wardrobe to reveal its selection, many belonging to the royal family, but others he took here himself. Jaani clothed himself in a white shirt and underwear, putting on his olive-green Asyyrjugent coat and pants, belting the latter securely. He put his white socks and brown boots on his feet, the latter tailored to his unique lutrine physiology, buttoned his coat, and put on his golden neckerchief, securing it with an aurum slide sporting the cross of the God-Kingdom of Asyyrgraad.

On his head Jaani placed the cherry on top--the light brown Asyyrjugent Kampfenhut, with a circular rim and crown featuring four symmetric dimples making it resemble a mountain, a dark brown band at the base of the crown. The hat contained holes tailored to his Kyymaer physique, the crown prince securing it with its chinstrap and observing his uniformed figure, recalling his ascent towards the end of his teenage years to the highest rank of Pfoenixskaut. His visit to his relatives in Kaulilanunat was but a stop en route to Asyyrgraad, a Djyambor in the northern capital of Zyyaeon celebrating modern alumni from the ancient scouting order.

2

Clothed for the day, Jaani departed his chamber, traversing the palace corridors, the abode mostly of stone construction from material borrowed from foreign lands due to the nation's iciness. He entered the grand entrance hall, lit by a giant chandelier, and descended to ground floor, entering the great dining hall where top government officials and his relatives sat, taking a seat himself.

"Mornin', Granddad Frys," Jaani told the white-haired, blue-eyed, white-furred bull sitting nearby, King Frysianus. The crown prince recalled when younger his maternal grandfather had brown spots as he did, but they vanished with the whitening that came with age. "'Ow's it goin' on this luvly day?"

"Jaani, my dear grandson," responded the bull in his thick northern accent, "I am fine, very fine. No need to worry, I tell you, yes."

"Ja, mein Liebster," added the white-haired, brown-eyed, white-furred doe Jaani recognized as his maternal grandmother, Queen Hilgagarten in her own accent, that from the mainland Aulvenheim Empire of Dachsxanadu, "it is a very fine, but cold morning, yes."

"Oi, Gran Hilga," responded Jaani, who then faced the younger bull, dark brown-haired, brown-eyed, and solid light brown-furred, and greeted, "Uncle Auran."

"The very same," the crown prince of Kaulilanunat returned, his full name being Aurandelin, following the naming convention of his older sister Corindelin, who served as consort to King Holtenjyus of the Anagumayran Kingdom of Lontrastyr, and the oldest Kaulilanun princess, Jaani's mother, Queen Gerondelin of Atturgraad. "It is very nice that we can meet before you leave for Asyyrgraad, for the celebration of your scouthood, yes?"

"I made it to Pfoenixskaut, I did, ya know."

"A bold achievement, yes," lauded the king. "Anyvay, here comes the breakfast."

Then entered cooks with many covered silver platters, which they placed upon the dining table, removing their encasements to reveal the various delicacies, including ant eggs in various forms, scrambled, fried, hard-boiled. Along among these were beetle bacon, worm sausage in patties and links, various fruits both fried and fresh, fruit juices, and the like. All this made the crown prince salivate.

Once the cooks left, the king stood, dinging his glass with a utensil, and proclaiming, "Breakfast has come! Before we eat, let us give our most humble thanks to our good Lord of All, the great and powerful Jehuveshah!"

The table's occupants bowed their heads. " Dear Lord, we are most thankful for this meal we are about to eat, for Your countless blessings, and for the gift of our beloved scion, Prince Holtjaan of Atturgraad. Please guide him safely to Zyyaeon for his Djyambor and bring him home safely after, back to his fatherland, so he may continue his royal duties. We are most grateful that we can dine like this, and please see to it that we may one day reunite in good circumstances, so we may again share wonderful words of wisdom. Stay with us always and grant us a lasting sense of hope in all that we do. In the name of Jehu the Auelvater, Jehu the Zanktkoenig, and Jehu the Igdrasoers, amen."

"Amen!" repeated everyone else, beginning breakfast.

3

In the palace's underground stables, Jaani hitched his roach to his carriage.

The king bid, "It was very good to be seeing you again after many years, my dear grandson. We are hoping Jehu will be with you on your journey to the north."

"Cheers, gramps," bid Jaani, seating himself on his vehicle. "I ‘ope we can meet again under good times, like you said."

"We will miss you very much," the queen bid, kissing her grandson. "We are most grateful to have brought forth such noble descendants as you and wish you many more wonderful years, especially when you become king of Atturgraad."

"Cheers, gran," said Jaani, lashing his roach and saying, "Ain’t gonna keep Zyyaeon waitin’. See ya lot whenever!"

As he had the previous legs of his adventure, Jaani didn't take Kaulilanunat's surface roads due to the late-autumn weather, more so frigid in northern Bystopfia, but rather the subterranean routes. Jaani drove to the northern stable exits, one leading above ground, where he could see the dense white of the capital, and the other leading through the kingdom's nether regions, sealed by thick iron doors.

"Prince Holtjaan!" one of the guardsmen said. "We are wishing you a very safe journey!"

"My thanks, good sir!" replied Jaani, waiting for the sentinels to open the portals.

The prince then proceeded into the extensive icy tunnels of the kingdom's netherworld, various illumination sources guiding his way.

Numerous eastward and westward branches abounded, Jaani assuming many led to Nybehlunk settlements, the halflings of Bystopfia cherishing the underground.

Since the Nybehlunken valued time, they loved to place clocks sporadically throughout the underground so that all beasts great and small could keep track of the hour. Jaani occasionally waved at whatever halflings he glimpsed, who were inconsistent of whether they returned the gesture.

They further placed markers indicating the current Kylomytr so that beasts could track how far they've traveled, Jaani seeing a sign that read "Kylomytr 50," is vehicle able to reach speeds up to sixty per hour, and content he was able to make quick progress from Nuukthab. He dreamed of visiting Zyyaeon, seeing the city's beauty from illustrations at his home Kirkhauß and in his religious classes.

4

Midway through six and seven Æklaak could Jaani feel his stomach churn, making him aware he needed to lunch before continuing his journey. Thus, he kept watch for signs indicating an inn or restaurant, and ultimately saw one, brown wood with a painted plate, fork, knife, and spoon.

He turned into the accompanying tunnel, reaching the establishment that was built into the underworld ice of the kingdom, with separate entryways for normal and halfling beasts. Into the stables he steered his vehicle, allowing a Nybehlunk ostler stable his beast and wagon, after which he entered the inn proper.

The inn was dimly-lit, with the sickly-sweet odor of T'Bakgo and accompanying fog that brought memories of his mother, a regular consumer of Tsikgaaren. Into the inn restaurant walked Jaani, traveling past the tables whose occupants smoked, gambled, talked, and whatnot, approaching the bar and occupying a stool.

Jaani greeted the bovine barmaid, "'Ello, there!"

"'Ello there' yourself, you big boy scout. What is your drink? Beer? Wine? Mead? You say it, I bring it.”

"Can’t be gettin’ sloshed, gotta hit the road--so I’ll ’ave a bit o’ milk, if you don’t mind. Wouldn’t say no to a bit o’ grub, neither."

"Here is menu. I bring your milk now."

As Jaani perused the menu, he noticed the bartender turning, revealing her infant child in a knapsack, cooing at him, as their mother poured a mug of milk, the cow afterward placing it on the counter before her customer.

"Straight from the source!"

"And I thank you."

"Ready for order?"

"Right you are, luv! I’ll 'ave the fish an’ fries."

"Okay, then! Eh...by the way, here you pay before we serve the food, yes?"

"Sounds good. 'Ow much we talkin’?

"Ten Kyrœnen!"

Jaani fortunately converted some of his money when arriving in the kingdom and paid.

"Thank you! This is coupon for hot spring...one hour is maximum, okay?"

"Cheers, luv."

5

After lunch, Jaani traversed the inn, finding his way to the reception area for the hot springs, showing his coupon.

"Ah, you come for the springs, yes? One hour you have, good sir. The spring for men is going to the left side."

The crown prince went into the men's changing room, seeing several male patrons awed by his unique composition, halfling or not, stripping, securing his clothes in one of the lockers, and wrapping a towel around his nether regions.

He went into the cavernous springs area proper, descending towards the waters and removing his towel, stepping into them and quickly adjusting to the heat that was a good contrast to the cold he endured during his subterranean travels. He sought a nook where he could sit while keeping his head above the water and lay his head against the edge of the springs, finding himself falling unconscious.

6

In his training robes, Jaani sparred with his father the king, similarly outfitted, the two dueling with hardwood swords, defending against one another's blows, each's ultimate goal to disarm their opponent or contact them with their faux weapon. The duel had transpired for several minutes in the courtyard of Atturgraad Palace, where many bystanders, mostly royal servants, family, and a few government officials, watched their match to see who would triumph.

Among the spectators was his bovine mother, the queen, who puffed on a Tsikgaar with a sinister expression. This would give the king an opportunity to jab his son with the tip of his sword, ending the match.

"One for me, and one for thee, my son."

"One more an’ we’re sorted!"

"I could not help but notice that thou glancest at thy Lady Mother. Thou must learn to ignore such distractions, shouldst thou wish to triumph in combat."

"I reckon you brought Mum ‘ere so you could get the upper ‘and, didn’t ya, Dad?"

"Oh, no, young prince! She is merely a spectator! I am sure thou couldst say the same of thy siblings."

He could see his younger siblings Princess Holtjeod and Prince Holtjeof near their mother, the latter waving friendly and the former with crossed arms and an apathetic look.

"So, carest thou for a final round to settle our score?"

"Be my pleasure, Dad!"

"On guard, then!"

Thus began Jaani and the king's final duel, both lifting their wooden blades and immediately clashing, exchanging strikes. Neither gained the upper hand, each repeatedly pushing the other backward. They occasionally leapt apart and then back at one another, their blows here proving extra powerful, in some cases nearly disarming the other. Moments came when one pushed the other backward with a leaping strike, both advantageous for offense but detrimental for defense. This duel transpired for several minutes, Jaani eventually increasing his attack rate, serving him well and pushing his father backward before disarming him and jabbing him softly.

"Well done, my son! Thou hast fared marvelously in besting thy old man in a battle of brawn. Never forget, however, that to sharpen thy mind is just as important!"

"Yeah, Dad."

"And never forget that whatever direction in life thou choosest, thy mother and I are proud of thee. Thou shalt make a fine king thyself once I pass."

"Cheers, Dad!"

Jaani and his father hugged.

7

"Okay, sleepyhead...one hour is gone now. Time is up, eh?"

"Cor blimey, what the bloody Hekh?" a startled Jaani shouted, his reverie broken by the female voice.

"You hear me, eh? Time is up now, donkey-ears!"

“Awright, awright!” Jaani said, leaping out of the water and trying to dash for the changing areas, only to forget his towel, which he quickly retrieved and wrapped around his nether regions. “Hope no one clocked me danglies…“

“It is only me. It is better if you put on your clothes and start going now.”

“Yeah, I gotta leg it to Zyyaeon…”

“Very grand city! I hope you like it there!”

“I’m sure I will, luv.”

“But why do you speak so much to me? You must go now.”

"Right you are, right you are!"

Thus, Jaani made for the men’s changing room, drying himself and reoutfitting himself with his uniform, returning to the inn and getting his roach and carriage, resuming his adventure. He had spent around two hours at the inn and spa, tunnel clocks indicating it to be nine Æklaak, the prince aware he wouldn’t make it to Zyyaeon by day’s end. His trip was largely silent save for the skittering of his roach and occasional passersby, the prince avoiding losing himself in reverie. Even if he did, he knew his beast of burden would be smart enough not to crash into the tunnel walls.

8

Jaani knew he would have to call it a day, eventually hearing bells toll twelve Æklaak echo through the tunnel. He kept a lookout for any signs indicating another inn or otherwise, soon seeing one denoting a camping area, and turning into the passageway. Then he noticed a cavernous hall full of parked vehicles, campfires, exotically-clothed beasts that were dancing, playing music, and singing. The prince knew about these people, vagabonds constantly on the road, especially in Aulvenhyym.

“Jeopsith,” he muttered as he parked his vehicle in an open space.

“A fine evening to you, brother!” a female voice greeted afterward.

“Right back atcha, me lady,” he replied as he unstrapped his Kampfenhut, placing it against his chest and bowing in the voice’s direction.

Straightening himself, Jaani found himself facing an otter with brown fur, curly dark-brown hair bound by a bandana, deep brown eyes, golden earrings in each ear, a pearl necklace bottomed by a golden Asyyr cross, wearing a puffy white shirt, green skirt, and wooden sandals. He flashed a million-Kyrœnen smile, her sharp canines, her other teeth unnaturally unbleached as well.

Before Jaani could converse further, she embraced him, pressing her sizable bosom against his chest, kissing him passionately on his lips and releasing him, bowing in return. Afterward, the prince felt strange sensations throughout his body that culminated in him lowering his Kampfenhut to nether regions, which began to stiffen, indicative perhaps that this Jeopsith was attempting to seduce him. Somehow, she felt familiar.

She giggled, saying, "Happy to see me, are you?"

"Can't say I am, luv, since I ain't got a clue 'oo you are."

"It's called love at first sight, silly man! We all experience it sometime in our lives, when a man sees a pretty girl or handsome man, or women are entranced by other ladies!"

"Yeah, I 'eard of 'em, right, but I ain't one of that lot, thank 'oo very much!"

"Care if I show you around…what's your name?"

"Uh…" Jaani was too nervous to disclose his identity. "Well…"

"Uhwell, huh? Mine's Otsmerelda! Come along!"

She took his hand and led him through the Jeopsith caravan, the otter Kyymaer trying to keep up, difficult given her clutch and pace. First stop was a makeshift stage where a fancily-clothed gentleman juggled balls, successful in not letting them fall and receiving more by a nearby servant, with a grand finale where he tossed all in the air, leaping as he did so and catching them one at a time, throwing each into the audience, none catching viewing beasts off guard, some even catching them when they rebounded. Jaani saw one targeting the ground near him, and he caught it before it could bounce.

"Good catch, Uhwell!"

"Uh…"

"How'd you get such good reflexes, huh?"

"Takes donkey’s years o’ practice, I s’pose.."

"Yes, I can see those donkey ears of yours, Uhwell! Let me show you around more!"

"S’pose it’s all gravy, innit..."

She led him to an open area of the cavern hall centered by a roaring fire where Jeopsith sat on logs clapping, others dancing, and a few musicians giving their melodic offerings.

One even began to sing loudly, others joining:

Jeopsith fair, Jeopsith slick,
Jeopsith with our magic trick!
Jeopsith slick, Jeopsith fair,
Jeopsith, Jeopsith everywhere!

Together we travel across the land,
Jeopsith together and hand-in-hand!
With nary a tramp and many a yegg,
For your attention we crave and beg!

Jeopsith short, Jeopsith small,
Jeopsith big, Jeopsith tall!
Jeopsith together and culture strong,
Jeopsith in dance and Jeopsith in song!

"Care for a dance?" she asked, breaking Jaani from his reverie.

"Blimey, wot the...wot’d you say, me lady?"

"I asked if you would like to dance, silly!"

"Dance?"

"You know, hold hands and strut around in rhythmic patterns?"

"I know wot dancin’ is, luv, but I ain't never actually done it meself!"

"Care to try, then?"

"I dunno really..."

"Well, I'll just show you, then!"

"Aye, we can always give it a try."

"Show me what you can do first, Uhwell!"

"Wot I can do?"

"Dance, silly!"

"'Ow in bloody Hekh am I s'posed to do that?"

"Just let the music guide you!"

"Eh?"

"You know, move to its rhythm! Step around a little! Sway your arms! Maybe jump about a bit!"

"I s'pose I could give it a bash..."

"There really aren't any specific rules for dancing! Even those who just wing it can do it!"

"Reckon so..."

He listened to the music, the high notes most noticeable, lifted a foot, and tapped it in sync with the beat. He alternated with each foot, leapt about, swayed his arms, and clapped, randomizing all of this before somersaulting, nearby beasts applauding.

"Well done, Uhwell! I told you anyone can dance!"

"So that’s ‘avin’ a dance, then…"

"How did you pick up those moves?"

"Reckon I’m tappin’ me plates to the tune, maybe my past sword swingin’, yeah?"

"Good to know! So, ready to dance with me?"

"I s’pose so…"

"Now grab my hands and follow along!"

He did so and tried to keep up with her as she stepped around, rotating and at a few times catching him off guard. She released one of his hands, rotating him and making him briefly dizzy before grabbing it again. He further tried to keep up and wasn't caught off guard when she leapt. The endless moves exhausted him, to the point where he tried to pull away.

"Something wrong?"

"Yeah, I’m knackered--wanna call it a day, I do…"

"I can see. Dancing can really tucker you out, so I don't mind if you call it a day."

"Think I will, luv!"

"In that case, sweet dreams!"

"Right back atcha, darlin’..."

Jaani headed through the crowds to his carriage, entering through its posterior door, stripping his uniform and putting on his one-piece pajama suit. Given the cacophony outside, he put in earplugs, mostly successful in drowning it out. His wagon bed was just large enough to fit him, and he crawled under its covers, rolling on his back since his horns deterred him from sleep facing down. He drifted into sleep, recalling his day, hopeful he would see Zyyaeon in all its glory.

9

Jaani was nervous. His younger brother Jeof had just wed Princess Reynardjya of Fauksvud, his parents about to present his consort-to-be. Several questions raced through his mind, such as where she came from, if she was beautiful in appearance and personality, and what his marriage would mean for his kingdom and wherever she was from. He considered himself worldly, visiting mainland Aulvenheim several times to explore its various nations in whatever forms, kingdom, empire, or republic, immersing himself in their various cultures. He thought of what sacrifices he would have to make for whomever his parents chose, if she would be submissive and respected the patriarchy of the family he hoped to create.

"Young prince," a soldier indicated as he emerged from the throne room doors. "His Majesty will see you now."

"Awright then..."

Into the throne room Jaani followed the footman, traversing the vast throne room with numerous flags and symbology of the Kingdom of Atturgraad and its royal family, a narrow white cross on a white field centered by the letter A. To the thrones he went, kneeling before his parents.

"A good afternoon to thee, young prince."

"M'lord father..."

"Perhaps thou knowest why thou art summoned hither."

"Goin’ ter see me missus-to-be?"

"Exactly! The Princess of Fauksvud was a fine choice for thy younger brother, so hopefully, whom we have chosen--well, mostly by thy lady mother..."

"Hmph!"

"Will be...to thy liking as well, son." Jaani could sense declined enthusiasm in his father's voice. "May we present to thee Lady Lynancieta from Aethyyleia."

Then he saw red, white, and green-clothed soldiers from the peninsular nation enter, along with a few guardsmen of the High Zankvatr, supreme pontiff of the Asyyrkirk and head of the Batnbalfrey city-state, wearing white-and-yellow outfits. They parted and raised their halberds to create a triangular path through which stepped a green-dressed ottermaid evidently pure lutrine unlike Jaani's Kyymaer self, long-black-haired, jet-eyed, and brown-furred, somewhat reminding him of his younger sister for some reason.

"Is-a nice to meet-a you, my lord-a prince-a!"

"Uh...hi..."

"You are-a very cute-a, no? Bellissimo!"

His cheeks blushing, Jaani replied, "Well..."

"Come-a now! Surely you have-a something else to say-a to me, eh? We can-a talk about whatever we want-a, yes?"

"I..."

"Eh, how about-a my entrancing looks, eh? Surely you have-a something to say about that, no?"

"My..."

"Your what-a? Eh, you can-a tell me!"

"Jeodi..."

"You'd-a what, now?"

"Me... sis'ah..."

"Your sister... what-a?"

"She..."

"Out with it, now! What’s-a this about-a your sister, eh?"

“Nuffin’… in pahtick-ya-lah…”

"What’s-a the matter, then, eh?"

"What? You saying your sister, she looks-a prettier than me, eh?"

“Nah! You’re a right stunna in yer own way, you are!”

"So, what’s-a the matter, then, eh?"

“Nuffin’, Ly... nancieta, izzit?”

"Please, you can-a call me Lyn, like-a all my family and friends do, eh!"

“Awright then, Lyn--you can call me Jaani, same as me mum, dad, bruvva… an’ me sis, yeah?”

"I sense-a a sort of nervousness when you talk-a about your sister, no?"

“Ain’t nuffin’, really. Just sayin’ you got a right perky way about ya — bit like me sis, tha’s all!”

"Ah, so you love-a your sister more than you love-a me, eh? Is that what you’re tryin’ to say?"

“Well, I love me sis, I do--but not like that, blimey!”

"Eh? What’s-a the problem now, huh?"

"Perhaps ye may wish to hug one another, before ye pass judgement on one another," the king interrupted.

“We can give it a go, no doubt.”

"Ah yes, yes--I agree-a with you, eh!"

“Awright...ohhh!”

Before he could finish, Jaani found himself in Lady Lyn's grasp as she kissed him on the lips, the prince feeling the gesture off. He hugged her return but sensed the love unrequited, his attempts to break free futile, soldiers eventually having to free him. Jaani cleaned the saliva around his mouth with his handkerchief and even spit into it.

"What thinkest thou?" the king asked.

“Ain’t half bad… I s’pose.”

"I quite hope she is more than that... when I am thinking, the lengths your father and I did go, to make your courtship--yes?"

"'Twas mostly thou, dear."

"Hmph! So... you two must find a way--to really love... each other, yes? Then maybe try again."

“Dunno, really.”

"Look, son, if thou wishest not proceed with this courtship, your mother and I will understand..."

"No, no--of course I would! No chance I not do it, in Hoelhyym!"

Jaani knew his mother referred to the capital of Nivlhyym. “Need a bit o’ time on me own, I do.”

"Time can certainly heal many wounds."

“Cheers, me ol’ man the noble!”

Thus, Jaani began advancing to the throne room entrance as his parents civilly altercated, the soldiers from Atturgraad and Aethyyleia murmuring amongst themselves. Back into the main hall exited the prince, who proceeded through the second-floor corridors en route to his chambers, wondering why he and the princess didn't seem an ideal match. She was beautiful, but something felt incredibly off about their romantic exchange. He knew deep in his heart that Lyn likely loved him despite the short time they knew one another, but the feeling didn't seem mutual. It wasn't her nationality or bloodline, since he appreciated her nation's culture and cuisine. So what was the issue?

As he walked to his bedroom, Jaani glimpsed a maiden he thought at first was Lyn but turned out to be his sister, who perkily greeted, "Jaani dear!"

When she tried to hug her older brother, he suddenly felt uncomfortable and hastened to his bedroom, shouting, "No!"

"Jaani?"

He entered his chambers, throwing himself onto his bed, weeping and pounding his pillows.

“Why, Jehu? Why’d ya do it, eh?”