The Guardian of The Lamb

The King

   Berwald and Tino sat in the garden eating bread and soup under the sun. They had slept in for the first time in forever, their sleep had been so peaceful that nothing woke them. But now they enjoyed the sunlight and a simple meal. 

"Wow, the sun is already in the middle of the sky! We really slept long!" Tino commented.

"Mm." Berwald agreed.

"Can we maybe study tomorrow, and skip today?" Tino asked giving puppy eyes.

   Berwald looked away from the cute prince and sighed. "Ya, there's no point n' starting t'day."

   Thick footsteps and a happy yapping Hana behind them caused the two to turn around. There, walking through the garden was Tino's father. He stopped and smiled at the two as Hana jumped onto the blanket trying to invade the picnic. Berwald caught her in his large arms and the two looked back up to the king.

"Ah there you are, enjoying your first day home?" He asked. 

"Yeah!" Tino said excitedly. "Ber showed me how to make Salmon soup!" He presented.

"Oho, so he did." The king smiled then went silent for a minute. "Tino, I hate to do this since we just got back, but I have to go to Estonia for a summons."

"Oh." Tino said a bit confused.

"I will be back in a few weeks, your mother is coming along too, so you are in charge till I get back."

"Me?!" Tino's eyes glittered half excited and half scared out of his wits.

"Berwald will help you with anything you are having trouble with."

   Tino stood up and hugged his father. "Then safe journeys." Tino wished.

"I'll be home before you know it, and Berwald..."

   The giant swede lifted his head from his attention on Hana to look the king in the eyes.

"Take care of my son." He smiled.

   A shiver ran up the Guardians spine at the king's words. He watched as the king and prince parted from each other. Tino turned back to Berwald when his father was out of sight and his face furrowed.

"I.... Don't feel well about him going."

   Berwald shook his head and lied to the prince. "M' sure he'll be alright."