The Prince's Sacrifice

Chapter 11: A prince's search

The guard stood at attention, as King Roland walked before his soldiers. "At ease men. I want to introduce you to the newest member of the Royal Corps," King Roland said, putting his hand on the young soldier standing at attention on the stand in front of everyone, "This is Tydus Black. You will train him as you would any heir to the king, mercilessly." Tydus gulped, had his future father-in-law just said mercilessly? "He will need to be able to with stand many challenges as king, just because he is the heir does not mean things will be easy on him. He is already skilled as a swordsman, but you will train him in basic fighting, and other technical skills. You may go back to your training men," King Roland said dismissively.

The men all shuffled to what they had been doing before the king had come to inspect the ranks. A hand was put on Tydus's shoulder. "You have a bunk yet, newbie," a fairy man asked. Tydus shook his head making the man laugh hardily. "Good, you can bunk with me in barrack six, you will have the bunk next to mine," he said. "It would be an honor," Tydus said calmly.  
"So, Newbie, Tydus, was it?" Tydus nodded. "Name's Reggie," said the man sticking out his hand in greeting. Tydus returned the greeting, eager to have a friend on his side. 

*** 

 It was awful that he had to marry a girl that he'd never met, only as a young child. Truly awful! No one even knew if the princess was even alive. He wanted love not a stranger to marry. His father did not share this idea meaning he was trapped in a loveless marriage to a stranger. He stared out the window of his quarters, sighing as a cheerful father burst through the doors. He was not in the mood for his father's schemes. 

"My boy," his father said jovially, patting his shoulder, "This is a proud day. Today is the day you begin your training to become king one day." Tydus did not share his father's enthusiasm, to him this merely meant that all his father's scheming was working. He nodded silently inwardly sighing, knowing his father didn't care about his true feelings on the matter. Honestly, it felt more like his father was going to be king, not him. 

***

Waiting for an official assignment from the King, was hard for Tydus as he stood at attention with his comrades. Anticipation was welling up in his stomach, he felt bile rising. Never had he been this anxious about anything in his life. What kind of assignment would he be given? Slaying a dragon? Surely the King would not give his only heir that sort of an assignment! 

Each man was called up to the front of the formation to receive their respective assignments. Everyone that is except for Tydus. "Black, see me after," was all the commanding officer said before calling out the next name. Trying to suppress his worry, Tydus focused only on standing at attention. Finally the group was put at ease and told to see their respective officers that they had been assigned. Tydus made his way to the commanding officer. "You wanted to see me sir," Tydus asked trying not reveal his nerves. "Yes, the King has a special assignment for you that requires your specific knowledge. See Magnus the Seer, he has the details," the commanding officer said nonchalantly, having learned not to mess in the King's affairs. 

***

The Seer's house always seemed a foreboding place, full of mysterious things that no one ever had good comments about. As far as the men in the Royal Corps was concerned the kingdom's Seer was a queer fairy man. Knowing the rumors surrounding this place made Tydus grimace as he knocked on the solid oak door. "Come in young prince," a voice called as the door opened. Tydus hesitated before stepping through. "I've heard a lot about you, young Tydus," an older fairy man said as he rummaged through a cabinet. Tydus simply shifted his weight, unsure how to proceed. "Oh, don't be so nervous young Tydus, I am not going to bite! I lost my taste for young prince's long ago," Magnus said laughing at his own joke. 

"I know that you are wondering why you are here, Tydus. Truth is this is an assignment that the King only knows part of it, because I knew he'd forbid it. Sometimes Roland can be such a stickler, but I digress, I know his reasons too," Magnus said. Tydus felt shock, how could this man be so candid about the King's personality. "Don't be shocked Tydus, I have known Roland since he was born. We are good friends. Formality means little between us. I knew his father as well," Magnus said amused. "Uh, y-yes sir, I understand," Tydus said awkwardly. "And do not call me 'sir', I am Mags to my friends. I consider you a friend already," Magnus said sincerely. "Alright, Mags, what exactly am I doing as my assignment?" Tydus asked patiently. "Finding the lost princess of course, Tydus, my young friend," Mags exclaimed.