Prince Aldric sat in his private chamber, a sense of urgency pressing down on him. He needed to act quickly if he wanted to change his future. One name kept recurring in his thoughts: Kael, the prodigious boy who had become his half-brother Darian’s loyal mage in the previous timeline. Aldric knew he had to find Kael and secure his loyalty before anyone else could.

He summoned his personal knight, Sir Eamon. Eamon arrived promptly, his imposing figure filling the doorway. "You called for me, Your Highness?" Eamon asked, bowing slightly.

"Yes, Eamon," Aldric replied, his voice steady. "I need you to accompany me to the city. There’s someone important I need to find."

Eamon’s brow furrowed in surprise. "To the city, my lord? May I ask who this person is?"

"A Mage named Kael," Aldric said, standing up and gathering his cloak. "He lives in the slums. Trust me, Eamon, this is crucial."

Eamon nodded, his loyalty unwavering despite his confusion. "Very well, Your Highness. I will prepare the carriage."

The journey through Aradia was an eye-opener for Aldric. He had spent most of his life within the palace walls, shielded from the kingdom's harsh realities. As the carriage rolled through the bustling streets, Aldric watched the scenes of daily life unfold outside the window.

Market vendors shouted their wares, competing for the attention of passersby. Children with dirt-smudged faces played in the alleyways, their laughter mingling with the cries of hawkers. Weary workers trudged home, their faces etched with exhaustion. The air was thick with the smells of street food and uncollected garbage.

"Eamon," Aldric said, turning to his knight. "Look at them. These are the people we must fight for. The palace walls have blinded us to their struggles."

Eamon nodded thoughtfully. "You’re right, Your Highness. We must see the truth if we are to change it."

As they approached the slums, the streets grew narrower and the buildings more dilapidated. The stark contrast to the wealthier parts of the city was unsettling. Aldric could see Eamon’s discomfort as the carriage entered the slum area.

"Your Highness, are you certain about this?" Eamon asked, his voice tinged with concern. "This area is dangerous."

Aldric nodded firmly. "I am certain, Eamon. We need to find Kael."

The carriage moved slowly through the crowded streets, drawing curious and wary glances from the slum’s inhabitants. The smell of unwashed bodies and rotting refuse assaulted Aldric’s senses, but he remained resolute. He had to find Kael, no matter the cost.

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Near a small, shabby restaurant, Aldric spotted a tall, brown-skinned boy with striking grey eyes. The boy was standing outside the restaurant, speaking earnestly to the owner. This was Kael.

Aldric instructed Eamon to stop the carriage. "Wait here," he said, stepping out and observing the scene from a distance. Kael’s persistence was evident as he pleaded with the owner.

"Please, sir," Kael said, his voice steady but urgent. "I can work for you. Just give me some food in return. I’m strong and quick. I can help clean, carry things, anything you need."

The restaurant owner shook his head dismissively. "I don’t have any work for you, boy. Move along."

Kael’s shoulders slumped slightly, but he didn't give up. "I’m not asking for charity. Just a chance to earn my keep."

Seeing enough, Aldric approached Kael, who turned and eyed him suspiciously. "Here," Aldric said, offering a loaf of bread he had brought from the palace.

Kael frowned, his pride flaring. "I’m not a beggar," he said, pushing the bread away. "I’m looking for work, not handouts."

Aldric smiled kindly. "I know you’re not a beggar, Kael. I see your potential. This is not charity; it’s an opportunity."

Kael’s eyes narrowed. "How do you know my name? Who are you?"

"I am Prince Aldric," he replied softly. "I know you have immense talent, and I want to help you realize it. Come with me to the palace. I promise you a future where you can use your gifts."

Kael looked skeptical, but there was a spark of curiosity in his eyes. "Why should I trust you? Nobles have never cared about people like me."

Aldric’s expression was earnest. "Because I want to change that. I want to make a difference, and I believe you can help me do that."

Kael crossed his arms, still skeptical. "And what do I get out of it? How do I know you won’t just use me and toss me aside?"

Aldric took a deep breath. "You have my word. I’ll ensure you have a place in the palace, proper food, clothing, and education. More importantly, I will help you develop your talents. You’ll be given a chance to become someone important, someone who can change the fate of this kingdom."

Kael hesitated, weighing his options. "Alright. I’ll come with you. But if this is a trick, I’ll leave."

Aldric extended his hand, and Kael shook it firmly. "You have my word, Kael."

---

Sir Eamon observed Prince Aldric with a mix of frustration and confusion. The prince's decision to seek out a boy from the slums, rather than requesting assistance from the Mage Tower, struck him as bewildering.

In Eamon’s view, the prince’s choice seemed illogical. If Aldric needed a mage, the Mage Tower was the obvious place to turn. It was home to trained and experienced individuals who could offer genuine assistance, not an unproven street urchin.

As Aldric interacted with Kael, Eamon couldn’t help but think that the prince was making a poor decision. The boy’s scrappy appearance and desperate plea for work hardly seemed like the solution to their problems. Eamon saw Aldric’s offer of bread and promises of a future in the palace as naive and misplaced.

To Eamon, it appeared that Aldric’s approach was driven more by sentiment than practicality. The prince’s focus on helping a boy from the slums seemed like an attempt to show compassion rather than a strategic decision. Eamon was concerned that this choice might distract from more pressing needs and potential allies who could offer immediate and substantial help.

As they prepared to return to the palace with Kael in tow, Eamon remained skeptical. He hoped that Aldric’s new direction would prove to be more than just a misplaced gesture and that the prince had a solid plan to address the kingdom’s challenges. For now, Eamon’s patience was wearing thin, and he was eager to see if this unconventional choice would yield any real benefits.

---

As they made their way back to the palace, Kael sat in the carriage, still wary but visibly intrigued by the turn of events. Aldric explained the benefits and opportunities awaiting him at the palace, describing the training and education he would receive.

"Tell me about yourself, Kael," Aldric said, trying to ease the tension.

Kael looked at him cautiously. "I’ve lived in the slums my whole life. My parents died when I was young, and I’ve been fending for myself ever since. I’ve always felt different, like I could do more, but no one ever gave me the chance."

Aldric nodded sympathetically. "I understand. I grew up in the palace, surrounded by luxury, but I always felt there was more I could do. That’s why I’m here. I want to make a difference, and I need people like you to help me."

Kael studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, Prince Aldric. I’ll trust you. But don’t let me down."

"I won’t," Aldric promised. "Together, we’ll change the future."

As they neared the palace, Aldric felt a renewed sense of purpose. He recalled a quote his father often said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”