[ IP ] The Source

Owning a backyard the size of a kingdom tended to stir questions. 
 
 But there was no other way to hide the source. It's brown pillar reached so far into the sky that leagues of land barely masked its presence. The golden waters that trickled down from the lowest brim were too precious to forfeit for any cause. I ordered that the borders of my garden be guarded every day. Access had been reserved for myself, the princess, and the Queen. 
 
 However, the Queen and our daughter had no interest in such a damp place -so it was my secret to keep. I made sure to treat the citizens of my city well, so they did n't question me, and in turn my people were always good. 
 
 It took half a days journey from the castle to where the brown pillar stuck out with flashes of lavender by its sides. The cracks in its surface spoke for its thousand years. Although truthfully it held the wisdom of a Millennia. Around the pillar there were three slabs of stone, not as high, but a warning like steel in the face of an enemy. And just below where the water trickled down brown grass and purple, a pond had formed. 
 
 My stallion, Jenie, took to the flavour of the pond. She lapped up each drop as toll for her travel. I patted her neck and whispered my thanks, before bestowing my cloak upon her back. 
 
 With each step toward the source, I stripped another piece of garment. First my tunic, then my trousers, and last the heavy boots lay forgotten among the grass. 
 
 My reflection in the source was my true one, old and wise. The corners of my eyes gave way to wrinkles, my torso hung soft like the belly of a pup. My hands were coarse yet frail, and my legs had diminished from their once powerful stature. 
 
 The source spilled from the brim in front of me, it's waters trickled with warmth between the crevices of my feet. The age was washed away and my feet looked youthfully clean. I dipped my head under next, then turned and sat down so the source water could cover my frame. 
 
 It reminded me of the many names I had donned, King Tyrus, Masil, Leonard, Cole, and now Vincent. Time had changed drastically, but when each King was conveniently killed, I became the rising prince again. Each assassination required a few doppelgangers and a lump sum of money. But to pay the price each decade was a pittance for a secret like this. 
 
 This particular stretch of life would take me past four hundred years as immortal ruler of the kingdom. I hoped to one day reach a thousand, and maybe even more thereafter. 
 
 When I stood, the wrinkles had disappeared, my arms were taut with muscle, my torso held firm, and my legs shifted with purpose. The world seemed to have its colour back, and with it came my spirit. 
 
 `` Brother,'' a voice whispered. 
 
 I spun toward the noise. It was my daughter, Alera, she had followed me here somehow. She recognised this youthful version of me as the man I had chosen to play the role of our son. 
 
 `` What are you doing here?'' I hissed. 
 
 Alera frowned. `` Why are you undressed and why do you have father's clothes.'' She squinted. `` And horse.'' 
 
 My heart thudded. In all my time I had n't been followed here before, she was curious, too curious. `` Father's just around the corner. We came out here to hunt,'' I said. It was a stretch, but the thought came and then it was out my mouth. 
 
 Alera stepped out from the back of the pillar. She walked down to my horse and then peered around. `` Where?'' 
 
 I clucked my tongue and followed to stand at the edge of the pond. She would only cause problems, this was for betterment of everyone. `` Come look,'' I told her, `` he dove down for a swim.'' 
 
 Alera crouched next to me, she gave Jenie a look - who was still lapping from the pond - and then pressed her face to the blue waters edge. I slammed a hand to the back of her head and held her in the water until no more bubbles came. 
 
 `` I usually kill the horses,'' I said, `` but today the source will be pleased.'' 
 
 I stepped back onto land and watched as the pond began to drain.
