His Irish Sweater

A quant gift turns out to be more than it appears.

Tree branches swayed in the gale as a cloudy sky loomed above. The wind rippled the dark water surface of the Misty Lake that was in a forest. A lone Pigeon Hawk perched on a jutting rock spike on the lake bank.

A glowing green orb in the air, neared the large bird. A small, human, figure with dragonfly wings sat next to the bird.

“Hello, Merlin,” said the small being.

“I envy you, Enix. Fairy’s are the only form I cannot take shape of- plus you are immortal.”

Enix smiled. “I’m happy to be your friend.”

Merlin gazed upward. “I must return to the king. His birthday celebration will begin soon.

Merin spread his wings then Enix stopped him. “My kind have made a gift for the king.”

“How thoughtful of you.”

Enix fluttered into the forest thicket and came out with a package. “We know King Areth will like it.”

Merlin grasped the package with his talons and shot into the air. Soon he passed over the forest expanse and descended as he came to the surrounding city that lay around the castle.

Merlin flew through an open window chamber. In a flash of light, the wizard returned to his human form. At his feet, was the package. He walked with it through a spiraling staircase and came into the main antechamber that was decked with bows, wreaths, candles, banners and baskets of confetti, that would be poured out from the upper floor balconies.

A man in the bustling expansive room approached Merlin. “Good afternoon, wizard! Is that package for the king?”

“It is.”

“What it is?”

Merlin paused. “We will all find out together.”

“Very well, then. The festivities will commence in fifteen minutes!”

The man walked away as Merlin went to a chair and sighed as he waited. He watched myriads of well-wishers and nobility go here and there.

Finally, King Areth entered the throne room as all present cheered.

The king walked with a slight blush. “My fellow citizens, I am overwhelmed at your cordial condolences. Doubtless, there is no other kingdom with better subjects and family.”

The confetti was poured out from the upper balconies and all cheered.

“My liege, it is time for your presents,” said one of the nobles.

Areth opened wrapped gifts. They included things like golden brooches, diamonds, rings and so on.

Merlin was excited at what could possibly be from the fairy folk. When all the gifts had been handed to the king, Merlin neared the king. “My gift for you, lord.”

King Areth took the package and opened it to reveal-a green sweater. It was almost an insult compared to the other gifts.

Everyone muttered.

The king smiled. “Thank you, my friend!” Areth said as he embraced Merlin. Then Areth addressed the head servant. “Let us begin the birthday feast in the banquet hall!”

The crowd moved towards the west wing. Merlin went to the sage’s gardens and waited on a bench.

Finally, Enix came from the lake alighted on the arm of the bench.

“What on earth was that!” Merlin said.

“Ah, the sweater. You should realize things are more than meets the eye.”

Merlin eyed the creature. “It’s enchanted?”

Enix chuckled. “Indeed! But how it is enchanted you will both discover.”

Enix flew into the air and fluttered away.

Merlin, eager to know the magic properties of the garment, waited out the celebration until the king retired in the following hours. An hour passed and he fell asleep. He awoke at late evening.

“Finally!” Merlin rushed inside the castle and waited at the king’s chamber doors. Thirty minutes later, the king was nearing his room to sleep.

“Ah, Merlin. Have you been waiting for me here alone?”

“Yes, lord. I know it is moot, but may I view you in the sweater I gave you?”

Areth laughed. “Very well, then! Come inside with me.”

Inside, all the gifts were stored there.

Areth took off his robe and pulled the sweater over himself. Merlin gasped. Areth’s face looked as though he was a young man in his prime! Gone was his long white beard and wrinkly face.

“My lord!”

“What is it, Merlin?”

Merlin’s face was pale as he pointed to a mirror. Areth looked and staggered backwards. “You have restored my youth!”

“It was not me but from the mystic fairy folk.”

“Will I always be this way? Will I be immortal?”

“I do not know.”

“What will my subjects think? I am ecstatic and fearful!”

“Take the sweater off.”

Areth did so and he reverted to his old age.

“This must be kept secret,” said Merlin. “People would kill for such an item. Good night lord.”

Merlin left and shut the door behind him. Sleep came late and he awoke at noon to the sound of a hard knock at his door.

“Master, Merlin! The king has been slain!” said a servant.

Merlin rushed to the king’s quarters and saw broken glass and spilt wine next to his bed. His dead eyes were stuck open.

“Who was the last to enter his room? Do you know?” Merlin asked a servant in the room.

None since the guards saw you leave after you both entered. However, I did see a young man wearing the sweater you gave the king. He reminded me of lord Darvy.”

“He was the king’s nearest confidant. He had a set of keys to the king’s room.”

“What do you mean?”

Merlin realized Darvy must have been on the tower balcony covered with curtains. He must have heard everything. And now, with the king having no air, the next nobleman would take the throne.

Merlin walked into the gardens and changed into a hawk and soared over the outskirts of the city and descended into the same place he usually resorted to.

Enix fluttered before Merlin, holding the sweater.

“What happened to Darvy?”

“I took his life and now the enchanted attire is yours now.”

“Please…keep it. It wouldn’t feel right.”