SABIAN

Prince Sabian sat down in the chair next to his father then shifted uncomfortably within it. He could feel the warmth of the King's wrath radiating from the opposite side of the room. His father had summoned them under the guise of an emergency, but from what Sabian could gather, it was very far from it. It seemed that his father just wanted an audience to witness his rantings about his brothers, yet again.

Brushing off his tunic while he tried to get comfortable, he looked across at John, who was standing to the side of the room, for support. John gave him a nod of encouragement back.

“Our kingdoms are at war, the winter crops are yet to be harvested and my dear brother has the audacity...no...the stupidity to ask me to leave my kingdom to travel north to the great ones? Lunacy!'” The King spat as he stormed up and down the chamber.

Turning his head, Prince Sabian could see Sir Burdoch out of the corner of his eye. He sat there quietly, his fingers against each other in thought as the King seethed.

“Father…” Prince Sabian tentatively spoke. His father ignored him and continued to stomp around the room. Sabian cleared his throat and tried again.

“Father." He said, this time with more force and confidence. The King's head snapped up, fury lined his face. His scowl burnt into his features and he gave Sabian a withering look.

“Father, I know...we all know…” He motioned to the other knights sitting in the room “...that this is not the most sane idea, but it may be the only option we have. Our people will surely starve over winter time if we don't at least try.”

Silence filled the air, the room felt hot and thick. Watching his face closely, Sabian could tell the last sentence hit home for the King. His scowl softened slightly. He looked to his friend again, John nodded in encouragement and the Prince cleared his throat nervously again.

“We have not known peace in such a great number of years. Isn't the thought of it incentive enough? So many have died and now the innocent may too. Haaden is worth the effort. The great ones may be able to help!”

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“They may be able to help with the harvest but not with the war. That my dear son is up to your Uncle! I cannot leave my kingdom to be unruled while I'm gone. This war is a serious thing to turn my back on. Somehow the harvest will get done.” The King addressed his son and rubbed his grey beard in thought as he did so.

“I could rule in your absence, your Majesty.” Prince Sabian said, choosing his words very wisely by addressing his father by his title. The King's eyes widened in surprise.

“What did you say?” He asked gruffly.

“I said, I could rule in your absence.” Sabian replied with more strength to the tone of his own voice.

The King laughed.

“You're thinking of expelling me from the throne already? You are a mere boy! Preposterous idea!” The King turned his back on his son and started pacing the room again.

“I am no boy father. I have seen many battles and many sorrows in my eighteen years. I will one day wear the crown, yes, but for now it would be temporary. It is not my wish to remove you from the throne, but merely the wish of a son to help his father and his kingdom in a time of need.” Prince Sabian said, his heart pounding rapidly within his chest.

The King softened and looked at his son. Rubbing his beard, he turned and looked out the window in thought.

“It seems that my son has grown not only in years but in foresight…” The King began.

At that moment a young boy dressed as a messenger burst into the room.

“The Keeper of Messages has just received an eagle with a parchment.” The boy panted as he stepped into the room. “It says that one of the small farms in the outer kingdom has been attacked and that they are requesting help.”

Sir Burdock jumped to his feet.

“By how many?” He asked.

“One sir.”

“One knight?”

“One dragon.”

Everyone's heads turned to the boy. The King strode across the floor, his robes and cloak flowing behind him.

“What did you say, boy?” The King asked as he stopped in front of the messenger.

“A small farm in the outer mountain valley has been attacked by a dragon.” The boy repeated as he looked up at the King with big eyes. The King smiled and put his hand on the child's shoulder.

“My dear boy, there are no such things as dragons.”

“I understand your majesty, but I am only reporting what the scroll said.” The boy responded.

Prince Sabian stood up.

“I will go, Father. Let John and I pay the farm a visit and see if there is any truth to this story.”

The King laughed.

“Alright my son, as you wish. Sir Burdock you will accompany these two and go and check out the source of these claims.”

"Yes your majesty." Sir Burdock said and bowed.

Sabian turned and looked at John and they smiled at each other.

An adventure at last!