The Exiled King

Prologue

It was an emotional farewell. Standing in the large entrance hall of the castle were three people. There was a young man with wavy, dark hair and blue eyes, dressed in elaborate silver armour. A crimson cape hung from his shoulders. Across from him was a little boy with strikingly similar features to him, and a woman who had mousy brown hair and similar cerulean eyes.

"I'll be heading out now," Kuban Whiterose said, waving farewell to his younger brother and mother.

He crouched down to his brother's level and said softly, "Halian, when I'm gone, you're the man in the house, okay? You need to take care of your mother while I'm gone."

Halian gripped his mother's skirt, but nodded, his wide blue eyes trained on his brother.

Kuban grinned and ruffled Halian's hair, saying, "I'll only be gone for a few years, I promise. And I'll bring you a gift when I get back..."

Halian will be much older when I return... I should pick a gift he'll like when he's older, Kuban mused.

Kuban rose and pulled his mother into a gentle hug. He pulled away and looked into her eyes, smiling softly.

"Don't cry, mother. I'm not going away forever."

The corners of her eyes were glistening with barely concealed tears.

At his words, she ducked her head slightly and whispered, "All mothers will worry about their children. Anhua is a wasteland... I still firmly believe that you shouldn't go, but I know my concerns won't stop you."

He shook his head slightly and responded, "I'm sorry, mother. But the sooner I get knighted, the sooner I can take over as the head of the household so you and Halian won't have to worry anymore."

She gripped his arm a little tighter, but did not protest and let him go.

"Be safe, Kuban, and come home soon," She said quietly.

Kuban nodded, stepping away. He turned and strode out the door to where his horse was waiting, the reins held by a servant of their family. He took the reins and climbed onto the horse and peered back once more.

Seeing his mother and brother still standing and watching him, he waved and gave them a bright smile. Travelling to a different kingdom felt less daunting when he knew they were waiting for him to return.

The sun was high in the sky as Kuban set off on his journey. Most of the Whiterose territory was dense forest and he followed a quiet path through the woods. There was a comfortable breeze and the faint scent of pine that followed him. The sunlight cast patterns upon the forest floor and birds sang their cheerful melodies. It was quiet and it was peaceful.

I'd better enjoy the peace while it lasts, He thought ruefully, I've heard it'll be rough training...

Within moments, he noticed an eerie silence in the previously lively forest. He slowed his horse warily, his hand on the hilt of his sword. He held his breath, his heart beating loudly in his ears, as he strained to hear something... anything.

BOOM! There was a loud crash and a bright flash of light and a shockwave of wind. His horse panicked, but Kuban held the reins steady and fought to control the horse.

"Easy, girl... easy," He whispered, calming his horse and dismounting, tying her to a nearby tree.

This is Whiterose territory, Kuban thought, If I don't investigate this, my mother and Halian will be burdened by it.

I'd like to see who has the nerve to mess around on Whiterose territory anyways, He thought, gripping his sword hilt a little tighter.

He moved towards the source of the explosion, slowly and cautiously. For minutes on end there was nothing but untouched forest. So much that he almost started to wonder if he'd dreamed of it all, until he saw a broken branch and a clearing.