The Forgotten Kingdom

Chapter 1: A Horse and a Rider

Brielle had packed lightly and made her way to her Father's quarters. Once in his presence she informed him that she was ready, and they set out.

They rode in the carriage silently across from one another. It was very early morning, so the light had not yet risen.

Brielle took in her Father's face. He was looking out the window at the passing buildings. The moon's light allowed Brielle to make out his face partially.

He seems to have grown much older since his wife died. It, in many ways, feels like she only left yesterday, hugging them tightly before her last breath. Brielle wonders if He is thinking of that even now.

They did not talk much, so Brielle closed her eyes. She thought of the idea that her Father was finally trusting her with political affairs. There is no other reason she would be taken along. She felt pleased being some use to her kingdom.

Her father interrupted her thoughts just as they began entering the woods: "I hope you are not nervous, Darling." Brielle shook her head in response, questioning why he would say that.

"I am bringing you so King Romar does not feel threatened by my unprompted presence." He spoke softly as he still stared out the window.

'So, like a pawn?' Brielle thought to herself, but chose to not share this thought with her father.

The carriage bounded back and forth as Brielle pondered her Father's words, "You mean we are coming uninvited?"

He took a slight breath and looked at his daughter. "Not uninvited... just not yet invited." He smiled at her unwavering face, which clearly displayed disapproval.

They continued on the ride not talking, all the way until morning.

——————

Brielle noticed that they were still on a path lined by forests, but these trees seemed a little larger. The sun rays shined delicately through the trees, reflecting in the carriage.

The carriage carefully came to halt as the sound of a voice echoed from a distance. The King looked out the window and back to his daughter, "I am going to get out. If things do not go well, do not get out." And with that, He stepped out.

Brielle tried to look out the window in a hidden position, this way she thought she could see what was going on at least.

She heard horses and men approaching, she assumed that it was soldiers by their stern voices. With the door still being open she could hear someone begin to approach.

Claudius turned to his daughter mouthing, "Hide." Before shutting the carriage door. Brielle made haste in his request by slipping under the curtained seats.

Claudius found himself face to horse with a soldier riding. Another soldier tailed right behind the first and a fleet of about twelve were not far behind.

The approaching soldier spoke with a stern look that matched his voice, "What business do you have here?"

The King stood where He was with slightly raised hands, "I am here to meet with King Romar. I am seeking his help."

The soldier looked to the visitor's Carriage and then back to him, "You drive a royal carriage. Who are you, and why are you without men?"

The King sighed, "I am King Claudius Anefor of Corsinian. I brought no men to display my peaceful intentions. I am simply seeking-"

He was cut off by the soldier's harsh tone, "You attempt to approach the King uncalled?" Brielle breathed 'told you' to herself upon hearing the soldiers words.

Claudius tried to state his defense once again, but to no avail, the soldier stopped him, "Fine. My men will escort you to the castle. There you can meet with the King if you truly desire."

The King let out a quick breath of relief until soldiers approached him with shackles. He began trying to explain his upmost cooperation to the horsed solider, but He did not succeed.

Brielle's heart began to race as she heard the unfolding circumstances: her father was being taken against his will by these men. She couldn't call out to him or help in anyway, all she could do was hide.

She heard the clinking metal of him being taken away. Brielle hoped to find relief of being alone, when she then would take the carriage home and tell the advisors of her experience.

Instead she heard men dismount their horses yelling, "Search the carriage for valuables or weapons." Her heart dropped to the deepest pit in her stomach.

——————

"That was harsh, Denco." The blonde man dismounted his horse as He spoke to his commander.

The Commander huffed in response, "I am surprised you were so composed. Someone from a non-allianced kingdom wants to meet with your Father and you are calm?"

King Claudius was taken away by some soldiers as the Prince walked towards Denco. Soldiers passed them and began descending about the visitor's carriage, "He had no men with Him. He is not a threat alone."

The Commander rolled his eyes as the Prince continued, "I'm going to go to the stream, I believe you can handle this?" He walked off with a smirk towards the woods.

The Commander went to some of the men gathered around the coachmen, who now shook with fear. He was standing, vocalizing his lack of knowledge of the King's reason for being here.

Denco slapped the man to the floor, contemplating what to do with him. The coachmen continued to profess his innocence as Denco prompted to hit him again when a loud screech sounded out.

A soldier stepped away from the carriage looking to his commander, "Sir, someone is in here."

Denco stood, giving a powerful kick to the man on the floor, "I knew He wasn't alone."