Journey of the Half-Elf - Book 1

Chapter XIX - Fresh Trophies For The Family

"I am glad we finally caught that Basilisk, Aegward," Guingraedd smiled, looking over his shoulder at the clean-severed rooster head and swaying snake tail on the back of his walking horse.

"As am I. It took a week to track and hunt, but we got there in the end." Aegward replied, taking a deep breath as the afternoon sun warmed his face. "It is a shame we missed Guinevere's 16th birthday. I would have liked to mount this on the wall myself, showcase our kill to the rest of the family, maybe even let those peasants take a look, make them envy our hunting skills."

"We will get to show off our kill, rest assured." Guingraedd told his companion. "We are now about half an hour from the Manor.
Maybe when you see her, you can give Guinevere the first look. Maybe she'll give you something in return."

"W-What?" The 15-year old stuttered. "I-I do not have feelings for her. That is absurd."

"Never said you did, Aegward. But now that you have so laughably outed yourself... perhaps you should tell her. Or, tell the Queen. I am sure she would be happy for you to take her only daughter to bed."

"Be quiet, Guingraedd! She is our second cousin. I have known her my whole life. How could I possibly like her?"

"Never stopped you from liking Guincele and Guincile."

"That is different, they are different. And besides, Guinevere is a filthy Halfbreed. I would sooner lie with a fly-ridden Goblin. That girl shames our family."

"She is not that bad, Aegward. If anyone is to blame for her existence, it is the Queen. Guinevere did not choose to be born."

"Are you supporting her? Maybe you actually like her."

"You know I do not prefer women."

"Ah yes, you prefer tall, rugged men slathered in guts and blood. You know what will happen if everyone finds out, right?"

"I am well aware, Aegward. I would also prefer that you keep your mouth shut. I intend to win this year's Erd'athal. I could do plenty from that Throne."

"To be the new King, you would have to have at least one child. That means having a wife, Guingraedd. What will you do when that day comes?"

"I...
I do not know. I will cross that bridge when I come to it. For now, we go home and give this Basilisk to-"

"Your Royal Highnesses! Your Royal Highnesses! Prince Guingraedd! Prince Aegward!" That Elf peasant spotted the two men, running up to their horses before bending the knee.

"I am pleased to see you two alive." She tearfully said. "I thought she had killed you both as well! Oh, thank Gwynblaidd!" She sniffled.

"Who are you? And... what are you saying?" Guingraedd asked, perplexed by her strong words.

"I am Morfydd, Your Royal Highnesses. I am- was, a peasant living around Guinevere Manor... but then that night, when the Queen was burnt at the stake, she summoned the wicked red fire and... destroyed everything and... everyone..."

The two men sat silent on their steeds for several seconds, processing what they had just been told, looking to each other with eyes of fear and anger, before fixing their gaze to the peasant.

"Everyone?" Guingraedd slowly asked, suppressing his unblinking blue eyes from glimmering.

"Almost everyone, Your Royal Highness. A few of us managed to flee, myself included. But the rest... they were not so fortunate."

"You said the Queen, was burnt... at the stake..." He sniffled, squeezing his reins. "Why did this happen?"

"Lord Guingeras, Your Royal Highness. Lord Guingeras declared her a traitor to the Guinvaera Royal Family. He took all of us to the courtyard, and bound all the Royals in special silver chains to stop them using magic. He made them, and us peasants... watch Queen Aeledwyn be burnt at the stake."