EXT. EALDOR – DAY
The people of Ealdor went about their day, but scattered when bandits came riding through.
"Search the place!" Kamen ordered. "Find him!"
Bandits brought Matthew to Kanen with his arms full of food.
"It's harvest time."
Bandits handed him a couple of the bags Matthew was carrying.
"What is this? Where's the rest of it?"
"I only kept back what we need to survive," Matthew replied.
"Survive? I'll be back in one week, farmer, and I want to see all of it."
"You can't take our food!" Hunith told him. "Our children will starve! I won't let you do this!" She tried to grab the bags that Kanen took. "You're not taking any of it!"
Kanen smacked Hunith, who fell to the ground.
"Hunith!" a villager called, running to help her, but Kanen shot him with a crossbow.
"I will give you a week. Don't you dare disappoint me. I'll see you later, sweetheart."
The bandits rode off. Matthew helped Hunith get up.
EXT. LOWER TOWN – DAY
Hunith walked into Camelot. Merlin saw her as he was collecting water from the well.
"Mother?" Merlin called.
"Merlin!" She went to hug him, but he noticed her bruise.
"What happened?" Merlin questioned. "Who did this to you?!"
INT. KING'S PALACE – THRONE ROOM – DAY
Hunith stood before Uther and the court and said, "The winters are harsh in Ealdor, and there are many children. Some of them just won't be strong enough to survive. We barely have enough food as it is, and if Kanen takes our harvest, our children won't live to see another summer. Please, we need your help."
"Ealdor's in Cenred's kingdom," Uther told her. "Your safety is his responsibility."
"We've appealed to our King, but he cares little for the outlying regions. You're our only hope."
"I have the deepest sympathy for you and would have this barbarian wiped off the face of the earth."
"You'll help us?"
"I wish I could."
"Surely we can spare a few men?" Arthur said.
"Resources are not the problem."
"Then what is?" Morgana questioned.
"Ealdor lies beyond the Ridge of Ascetir. For an army of Camelot to enter it would be an act of war."
Hunith dropped to her knees. "I know you're a good king, a caring man. I'm begging you, help us, please."
"The accord we've struck with Cenred was years in the making. I cannot risk hundreds of lives for the sake of one village. I'm afraid Camelot cannot help."
Morgana glared at Uther and escorted Hunith out.
EXT. KING'S PALACE – BATTLEMENTS – DAY
Arthur looked out over Camelot. Merlin and Eliora joined them.
"I'm sorry," Arthur apologised. "If it were up to me, we'd be on our way there now."
"You tried. And thank you for getting an audience with the King," Merlin said.
YOU ARE READING
Royalty's Heart
FantasyEliora was a simple cobbler's girl to all; or so she thought. As the Prince gets to know her, he becomes more and more infatuated by her beauty and her personality. But his father would never allow their union. Nevertheless, the Prince isn't about...
