The Mirror Princess

CHAPTER VI

Alexios wandered through his thoughts as he sifted through Svartmone's saddlebags, double checking all his gear before he would set off on his quest. Dawn was beginning to break through the eastern horizon, and so in a few hours King Brannoc would announce to the people that their Crown Prince had left on a quest to retrieve an ancient artifact. His father easily agreed with Alexios' story, as he too believed that the people would be more willing to accept this reason than the true purpose of the quest. That and there were few who would question the power the Grand Mage of Averon possessed.

Alexios was clad in the half-plate and half-ring armor, the metal plates and rings glinting in the growing light. The ringmail bounced slightly against the leather that backed it as Alexios moved on to check the tack Koren had chosen for Svartmone. It was not that Alexios doubted Koren's decision, no, it was that the prince needed to do something while waiting. Svartmone nickered and turned his large head to better look at his rider, and Alexios smiled at him as he ruffled the stallions forelock. "I know my friend. I'm just as eager as you are to get going, but we'll have to wait until Carthan gets here with my sword and shield.

"You don't have to wait very long at all young prince!" The Grand Mage greeted as he walked across the small courtyard. In his hands were Alexios' sword and shield, looking very polished up. Once Carthan was at his side Alexios took up his sword and he could tell that the blade had been honed to a keen sharpness. The prince sheathed it in its scabbard, which was tied to the side of the saddle, and he slung his shield over on his back. Carthan looked him up and down, nodding slowly.

"Now there is the look of a knight of Averon!" The wizard commended, which was then backed up by a new arrival.

"He does look the part indeed."

Both Alexios and Carthan looked over to see King Brannoc approaching them with a small, yet proud, smile upon his bearded features. He was dressed in the usual finery befitting a king, but looks were decieving as Alexios knew that underneath the rich robes was strong armor. Never did the King go anywhere without some personal protection, nor was he ever slack in practicing with his own sword. When King Brannoc stood beside the pair, Carthan returned his gaze to Alexios and began explaining things.

"I've enchanted your sword with properties that will ensure its strength and ability to resist great amounts of damage. For your shield I have done similar things, with the added rune to further protect you from all manner of magickal attacks as long as your shield is there to prevent it." He paused momentarily before continuing with, "And one more thing..."

The Grand Mage then took a step closer and placed his hand flat on Alexios' chestplate. A faint red glow emanated from the wizard's palm as if burning something into the metal of the armor, but Alexios felt no extreme heat. After a few more seconds Carthan removed his hand, the red glow no longer present and left behind was a symbol of seven interconnected circles.

"May the great powers that govern our world protect you on your quest Prince Alexios." Carthan said revently as he invoked the goodwill of those powers. He took a step back as so to let King Brannoc step forth and embrace his son, patting the prince's shoulder firmly.

"Remember your training, trust in your blade and more importantly," The King pulled back slightly so to look Alexios in the eye as he then said, "Trust your heart to guide you to do what's right, for it will never betray you." They shared warm smiles before King Brannoc broke the embrace by stepping back. The small group looked to each other before Alexios asked of Carthan, "What dangers should I expect on my way to Hylaris Castle?"

"There are not too many dangers here within the Duskwood, but when you begin to approach the Hills of Mist the story changes."

"As you know orcs and goblins still roam in packs among those hills," King Brannoc interjected. "Our foe long before the Dark Sorcerer of Manara still maintains a presence at our northern borders. Rarely have they come close enough to pose am actual threat to Averon Castle, but their raids on the outlying villages are proof that they are not to be ignored."