This post was inspired by a writing prompt in the Worldbuilding Community - Worldbuilding Prompt #955 - Rivals
Enjoy !
Image by dozemode from Pixabay
King Miraus of Zarat lifted his wine krater to greet the feasters in his hall. He stroked his white beard before starting to speak. Despite his advanced years, his voice was clear.
"My friends, thank you for feasting with us today, and joining the celebration of the coming of age of my two sons, Kallicreon and Kallicrates. I know I haven't got too many years left on the throne, and soon enough I'll be joining my fathers to dine at the table with the gods. But there is a burning question all of you have no doubt asked behind closed doors."
The King stood, and gestured his sons to his side.
"I am sure everyone has asked which of my sons I will choose to succeed me. But they are twins. Born minutes apart, and I have never told anyone which was born first. Nor will I now. The two boys have grown up together, played and learned together, and are exact equals. Indeed, it is hard to tell them apart. They are as thick as thieves, a team that none can sunder."
He raised his krater again.
"So I decree that as they have grown up together as the best of friends, it is wrong to choose one over the other. They shall succeed me as joint kings, ruling together in harmony."
The hall erupted with applause. Everyone was pleased that King Miraus had addressed the issue so openly and fairly. The twins embraced, each happy that one wasn't going to be chosen over the other.
It was two days later. The twins had gone out that morning to indulge in their favourite sport; racing matched chariots across the countryside. It was something they did often, and with identical levels of talent, it seemed almost as if they took turns winning the race.
But today was different. Two chariots rode out form the palace shortly after dawn. But in the late morning, only one returned. The cloak identified that it was Kallicrates.
The boy's face was drawn, streaked with tears. As servants ran to meet him, he collapsed, wailing that Kallicreon's chariot had crashed, that his twin was dead.
Overcome with grief, Kallicrates was taken to his chambers, while other servants went to tell King Miraus the terrible news.
Later, the King's Chamberlain went to Kallicrates.
"I am so, so sorry for your loss, My Lord. But I have even sadder news for you. The shock of it was too much for your father. He has collapsed and is on his death bed. Please, go and see him."
Kallicrates bowed his head, tears streaming down his face.
"Thank you, Eumenes, for bringing me this news, sad as it is. Give me a few minutes to compose myself; I will attend my father as soon as I'm in a fit state."
The Chamberlain bowed, and backed out of the prince's chamber.
Wiping his tears, Kallicrates washed his face, pushed his cloak into shape and went to see his father. As he did so, he took the pin from his brother's chariot axle from within his tunic and threw it into the fire.
