The Protector

Chapter 2

Articus

In the last fifteen years of his life, never had so much happened as it did in one day.

Articus had his first ale this morning.

He had his first heartbreak.

He had got into a brawl with his brother for the first time.

His sister had come out of her tower for the first time in ten years.

The oracle had spoken for the first time since his birth.

His father was murdered.

He became King.

All in a span of one day.

It all started with Braigh telling him that now that he was fifteen, he had become a man and should have his first ale. Braigh was his seventeen year old half-brother. He was born from a woman whom his father had not married. People in the court called him a bastard, but he was more of a sibling and a best friend to Articus than his own real sister.

His elder sister, Myra had become catatonic when their mother passed away ten years ago. She had always been a quiet child and had now confined herself to her towers. Despite her eighteen years of age, she refused to let suitors court her, which angered their father. But Articus knew that the truth was that she resembled their late mother so much that the king could not bear to have her in such a state and only wished for her happiness.

Articus loved his sister dearly and would often go and sit next to her, even though she never spoke to him. She reminded him so much of their mother. At times, he wished she would talk to him. But they had all given up hope of her recovering.

Another reason Articus wanted to have that ale was that the Royal Physician had just given them news of his father's improving health. His father had been on a sick bed since months and it had worried him immensely. He wasn't sure whether the worry stemmed more from his love and concern for his father or from the fact that he did not want to be responsible for the Kingdom after his death.

Braigh had never been interested in running the kingdom, which gave Articus immense relief. He did not wish to be in a power struggle with his best friend. Braigh had always been the jovial one, drinking his days away with a group of like-minded young men. He often boasted of having bedded half the women of the Kingdom. Articus knew it was an exaggeration, but would always play along.

"Today shall be the day you truly become a man." Braigh grinned and got off his large red-brown stallion. He had named him Pyros, as he looked like fire when he ran. He shoved Articus off his large black horse. Braigh held his shoulder as they walked into the ale house.

He handed Articus a large mug of ale."Take a sip. Feel the taste of manliness", he grinned.

Articus took a sip and immediately spat the bitter liquid out on the smooth wooden floor of the alehouse.

"Hey! Stop spitting on my floor or I'll make you clean this mess!"

Articus was about to get up and announce that he was going to put the man in the dungeons for speaking to the Royal prince in such a manner, when he remembered that they had come to the alehouse in disguise.

"Here, here's a little tip for the extra service. My friend here is having his first ale, and it does not seem to agree with him much." Braigh said, tossing the man a gold coin.

"Have another sip, but take it slowly. It won't burn so much."

Articus did as he was told and had soon downed three mugs of ale.

"Now for the next step in becoming a man."

Braigh whispered something to the barmaid and gave her a coin. She giggled and called out a name.

"Relni!"

A young woman of about twenty years of age looked down from above the railings. She was in a deep necked, short, cheap yellow dress which looked like it had seen better days. Her lively eyes were the colour of honey and the glow of her cheeks was accentuated by the fire from the oil lamps. Her lips were as pink as he knew his ears were at the moment. As she walked down the stairs, he saw that she had a slight limp to her gait. Cheap powder stained her face, making it seem whiter than normal. But to Articus, she looked like an angel.

She smiled at him came and gently took his hand. He looked at Braigh in confusion.

"Well, if you're worried about any bastards, let me assure you that-" The barmaid was cut off by Braigh.

"What's wrong, Artie?"

"Where is she taking me? What am I supposed to do?" Articus whispered to Braigh.

"Don't worry, she knows what to do." Braigh winked, before Articus was taken to the rooms on the upper floor.

A/N: Well, this is just the beginning of Articus' day ;) What do you think? Let me know! And don't forget to vote and comment !