Manaflow - Alexander

The Red Hair Boy - Part 4

The two go back to the village talking about the unicorns. Just before they reach Alex's house they notice in front of it a few blue armored soldiers standing guard. As they approach, one of the soldiers moves towards them.

"Halt. I'm sorry mam, only the boy can pass."

"That's ok dear, I'm only walking him home" Gives Alex a hug "It was nice spending the afternoon with you my boy."

"I enjoyed it too aunty."

The soldier walks Alex home.

As he enters the living room a faint smell of alcohol lingers in the air, he sees a tall handsome man with blond hair wearing blue and gold armor sitting across his father drinking and laughing. The man notices Alex come in, gets up and moves towards him.

"You must be Alexander" Gets on one knee and puts a hand on his head "You look just like your mother" Smiles.

"You knew my mother?"

"Yes, she was a dear friend of mine. Come, sit with us."

They both sit at the table.

"Im sorry but, who are you?"

"My name is King Felix Lionborn, but just Felix is fine."

"K...King?" Alex looks perplexed towards his dad "You know the king? Why did you never tell me this?"

"Ahah, you never asked" Alex squints his eyes as if to say, not funny "Me and Felix have known each other ever since we were your age."

"Yes, we both went to the academy at the same time although, back then your father was much skinnier than he is now Ahah."

"As if you are one to talk, Felix."

"Is that how you knew my mother? From the academy?"

"Ah yes, your mother was the bravest person I ever met in my life. I was sad to hear she passed away when you were born."

"Yeah..." Alex looks down.

"Enough of the past, your father told me you can already do some magic."

"Yeah, just some simple things."

"That's great news! You're going to the bonfire then. So what's your goal if you end up going to an academy?"

"Well" Alex holds his hands embarrassed "I would like to join a good guild and go on adventures."

"That sounds like a great goal Alexander" pats him on the head smiling "It's not an easy road to take but I'm sure you can do it if you work hard for it. I would know, I'm a king Ahah."

"Thanks mister King Felix, I'll do my best" Smiles at Felix.

"Ahah, mister King Felix does have a ring to it. Ok boy, me and the mister king. Still have some things to discuss, could you start taking care of dinner?"

"Yes dad" gets up from the table "It was nice to meet you mister Felix."

"Likewise Alexander."

Alex leaves towards the kitchen.

"Join a guild hein. Doesn't that remind you of someone Arthur?"

"I know Felix. Could we not..."

"Sure old friend. So, were you able to do what I requested?"

"You always have the craziest requests. I'm no expert in demonology but I managed to pull it off" Arthur slides Felix a small silver box "There's an encryption spell on it to be safe, I don't know what you want that for but be careful when using it."

"Thank you friend. I should take my leave now then, it's still a long road to the capital, make sure to come visit when you take Alex to the bonfire."

"You can be sure I will" They both get up and hug "Safe travels friend."

After the king leaves, Arthur helps Alex prepare dinner while telling stories of his youth with the king. During dinner, the two of them talk about what Alex read in the guilds weekly magazine. Eventually Arthur puts Alex to bed telling him one last story about his time in the academy...

"Dad, do you think I'll be able to graduate from the academy as well?"

"I'm sure you will boy. But even if you don't, I'll still love you."

"Thank you dad" gives him a hug "Humm...do you think I'll be able to make friends there?"

"I'm sure you will boy. Now go to sleep."

Arthur tucks him in then turns the oil lamp off. As he leaves the room looks towards Alexander's red hair coming out of the blankets — Mumbles to himself — "I hope you will boy..."