The Guardian of The Lamb

A Viking Funeral

   Tino and Berwald walked in the dark night rain up to the cliff where the other nobles looked down at the tail boat where Tino's parents lie. Tino held a bow and they waited by the oil and fire for the ship to float out. Berwald had tried to say Tino did not need to partake in the ritual, however Tino insisted. The kingdom was now his, and he needed to show them that their king was not as sickly and pathetic as they think. When the boat reached the cliffs all eyes were on him. Tino drew back his bow alongside the others and they let them into the ship setting it aflame. 

   Tino sighed and looked up to Berwald who still watched the burning boat. Tino reached for his hand and the giant looked down heartbroken. It was like he was reliving that night when he met Tino. The king and Queen had been his only family after that. Tino looked at the boat one last time saying goodbye to his parents then he lead Berwald away.

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   Later that night a council had arisen under the prince's nose. A group of men stood at a table barking at one another about the prince himself.

"He's not ready, nor is he fit to rule!" One man belowed.

"He seemed alright at the funeral." Another defended.

"Alright won't cut it as king!"

"We could try and marry him off again, he still can pass as a woman." 

"After that! We can't even trust our allies!"

"There's no one else to do it!"

"He has Berwald!"

"That's as good as leaving Berwald to lead our people!"

"Well we can't just overthrow the kingdom!"

"Wait, wedding! Let's try a wife this time! Try to get a son, and heir!"

"We can't wait for the child to grow up we need a king NOW, before the Russian's try to march in!"

   Suddenly the doors to the room were slammed open. The men jumped and looked to whom had opened the door. There stood the small prince standing tall and brave. He walked into the room with Berwald just behind him. The room became cold as the men realised what the prince may do to them. Tino climbed onto the table and stood in between the group. His eyes were serious and almost threatening.

"I understand all of your concerns." He began. "But I am NOT the weak prince you all think I am. The Russian's have obviously not given up, however..... neither will we! There will be no more laying back, no more hoping for protection from other countries. I will not lay down and watch my father's kingdom fall apart. I promise you that!"

   The men watched in awe as the prince brought in a new kind of hope. Berwald crossed his arms and smiled proudly at Tino.

"We are going to act like none of this ever happened. We mustn't show weakness. We will go ahead with our regular motives, I will only change one thing. Go into the towns and request men to fight, we will begin a group training regiment. Berwald and I have to go to the Danish coronation on the half moon, when we get back we will inspect your soldiers for ourselves. We will not be defenceless anymore."

"But siar." The voice that had tried to defend Tino in the beginning came out. "What about, YOUR coronation."

   Tino smiled down at the man and stifled a laugh. "Start preparations immediately. Let's give Ivan a little scare."

   The pale prince leapt off the table and headed to Berwald leaving the room and heading back to the castle.

"Did I look cool?" Tino asked going back to his usual voice.

"Super cool." Berwald answered.