BLACK ARROW - ACT 1

HEAD & TALE

[4 years later]

*

For Alexander: A lifelong lesson to be learned

[Late afternoon]

[Southern Kingdom - Training grounds]

Alex's coming of age hunt was drawing near. The Summer Hunt usually took place from the last week in June and ran for a week more into July; of which the Royal family would only participate in but one of those weeks.

In preparation for this, he tirelessly practised his archery while on horseback, within the confines of the Castle's large training grounds.

On this day, he was proudly being watched, unknown to him at first, by his brother Damian. It was late afternoon and though the sun was low in the sky, the air was uncomfortably warm.

Damian: Hey, Alex!

Taken by surprise, Alex unsteadily brought his horse to a stop.

Alex: Damian! Were you- were you there this entire time?

Damian: Yeah. And I must say, you're looking like a fine warrior on that horse

Alex: Hehe, you think so?

Damian: Certainly. I almost didn't recognize you

Alex: Brother...now you're simply making fun of me

He said, as he dismounted the steed and made his way out of the enclosure. Damian grinning widely admitted

Damian: And what if I am?

Grabbing him in a headlock, he playfully tousled Alex's hair, and said

Damian: Come here! I'm so proud of you- My baby brother..is all grown up..look at you

Alex: Dami-n! You're uffo-ating m-!

Damian: Liar. You don't want me hugging you, is all that this is

An attempt was made at fixing his hair as he struggled free. Under his breath, Alex muttered

Alex: No. You're sweaty and you...smell

Damian: What'd you say?

Alex: Hehe...Nothing

Damian: Ha! You liar. Besides, you're sweaty as well and you smell even more than I

Handed to him by a servant, a small towel, Damian took hold of it and swiftly threw it at Alex's face.

Damian: Excited for next week's hunt?