The heavens are angry.
Black clouds shrouded the Kingdom of Proule.
Lightning crackled and thunder roared, as large rain drops poured down the land.
On the distance, east from the Kingdom, could be found the Oakwoods. As the loud downpour of the rain echoed, one can faintly hear a cry. Specifically, a baby’s cry. Tracing where the cry came from, a man stood in front of a grave. A grave built from stones being stacked together.
The man is wearing a black hood, which protects him from the rains downpour. The noise came from the man’s arm. Inside the hood, a white cloth could be seen, which is where the baby’s cry is coming from.
The man pulled down is hood, but because of the weather and the shade cause by the oak woods, one cannot clearly see the man’s face.
“… I have failed you **** (Roar)” The man said. “… I don’t deserve the name ***** (Crackle).”
Lightning crackled and thunder roared overshadowing the man’s voice. The night went on, as a few moments later the man left the area, the child still on his hands.
“… Don’t worry ... I will raise this child, in your place.”
Earlier that day.
The sun is shining brightly throughout the Land of Clyre. Birds singing their lungs out in the open, as the crowd on the streets bustled up to do their duties and works. A peaceful atmosphere resonated throughout the Kingdom of Proule.
But inside the Castle of the Kingdom, all of the personnel are anxious. Guards are sweating uncontrollably. Castle maids are nowhere to be found as they were being summoned on the Queen’s bedroom. They were lined up outside the bedroom, as only a handful of the maids are required inside.
With them are two men. Not just any man, but the King of Proule himself and the General of the Army of Proule. King Clark, auburn hair and beard trimmed cleanly; in his royal garments and crown on his head; is pacing back and forth outside. Usually he is walking head held high, dignified and gallant, to become an example towards the people of his kingdom. But it seems that none of that matters as he had this situation at hand.
The other man, General Ponce, with his bald shining head, and a beard that stretches out from his chin. Wearing his full set of shining armor, which had scars and dents all over it. Sword at the hip and helm at his hands. Unlike King Clark, his expression is calm and smiling seemingly amused at his childhood friend’s actions.
“My friend, you should not be anxious.”- General Ponce
If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
“Why wouldn’t I be, Ponce? In fact, I am confused why you are so calm. She is YOUR SISTER?!” –King Clark
General Ponce pointed a finger up, “Precisely! That’s why I am calm. She IS my sister!” Then he laugh out loud.
King Clark sighed as he massage his temples, “It really runs in their blood.”
Today is the Queen’s labor. The child of the King is going out to see the beauty of the world today. That is why the King is so anxious.
King Clark is now back to pacing back and forth on the hallway.
Today, everything will be revealed. A cold glint could be seen on the King’s eyes.
Moments later, a cry could be heard, as the door opened.
“It’s a boy!” The Maid said.
General Ponce laughed out loud again, “Another mighty warrior has born! Clark, even though he has your name, but our blood runs through him. He would become a great man someday.” He then entered the room.
Nobody notice the cold glint in King Clark’s eyes.
12 years later
The Kingdom of Proule is having a festival. It is because today is the birthday of the King’s child. Flowers were thrown on the streets. The Bards are singing about the coming occasion. Soldiers and Guards are on the street patrolling over the kingdom to prevent any conflict from occurring.
As the sun is about to reach its apex, the festival is reaching its boiling point. Trumpets started playing, as the crowd started gathering at the Kingdom’s Square, in front of the Castle. More flowers where thrown flying through the air. Crowds are cheering. Kingdom Proule’s Flag were hoisted, a silhouette of a horse’s head with a sword on the background as its symbol.
A hooded man came from an alleyway in two a same hooded person that is much shorter than him.
“Listen, this is going to be the place we will stay from now on. Today is your birthday, the same goes to the king’s child.” The man gazed upon the balcony of the castle. He shifted his sight to ‘child’ he was talking of.
“Remember my words child. Everything you see or hear, are not always the truth. Everything has its own flaws and dirt. Like how you can see the beauty of a tree or a plant, they are still being fed with living being’s wastes to be able to grow faster and beautiful.” The tall hooded man said.
“Yes sir.” The other replied in a younger tone.
At this time King Clark came out and is now standing on the balcony.
Still wearing the crown on his head, still full of auburn hair and beard which is neatly trimmed. What differed from the past is the occasional white on it. Wearing his royal robe, he waved his right hand to signal the crowd to be silent.
“Thank you all for coming on this day’s wonderful occasion.” He gazed upon the humungous crowd in front of him. The streets are full of people. Some are on the roofs, just to be able to see him and his child.
“Sadly, it is also the day the Queen… my Wife… died.” Silence permeated the area, as the King reminisced the past.
“But as the sun sets on the horizon, a new celestial being, the moon, eclipses our night.” He gestured behind him.
“And let me represent to you, the celestial being, and the moon that had eclipsed us all.”
The curtain veil split open, as a beautiful girl came out.
A 12 year old girl came out, wearing a white dress. With her auburn hair well-groomed flowing over her shoulders.
She walked gracefully as she, step by step went to stand side by side with her father.
“Good Morning! Kingdom of Proule! Daughter of King Clark Baruch! ...”
“And Queen Eris Jaeger!”
“I am Hannes!"
The crowd burst out into cheering. The tall hooded man crouched down to his companion.
“Remember our Goal! The things I have taught you! It is all for this moment.”
He took a necklace from his pocket. Pushing it towards the left chest of the similarly hooded man.
“Uncle.”
Looking from afar, the necklace shaped like a cross. But upon closer inspection, it is actually a sword.
“This is goodbye. Hank.”
The tall hooded man left.