Heir

Chapter 2, Scene 7

Prince Aldric had spent what little remained of the afternoon seeing to his men and making sure that emergency supplies would be brought into town to provide relief for the villagers whom had suffered from the attack. He was looking forward to getting washed up and retiring for the night, even though it was still early in the evening, when a messenger from Highcastle arrived. The news he bore was not good. It was a letter from Aldric’s uncle Balderik, the Steward of Highcastle. His father, King Caiden, was on his deathbed, and he was commanding that all of his sons gather in Highcastle.

“What is the matter?” Jennavieve asked when she saw the grim look on her husband’s face. “Has there been another attack?”

“No.” Aldric said. “My father’s condition grows worse. I must go to Highcastle.”

“Then go straight to bed. I will have everything prepared for you to leave with the sunrise.”

“I cannot delay. I must go at once.” Aldric explained. Jennavieve wanted to protest, knowing her husband had not slept at all the night before, but she held her tongue.

“I will send for you and the children as soon as I have ascertained the situation.” He said.

“Very well. Be careful Aldric. Do not leave without bidding farewell to our children.”

Aldric kissed his wife goodbye and then went to find Ashlin and Jarith. They were both disappointed to hear that their grandfather’s illness had gotten worse, and that their father must leave them. After giving each a hug and advising them not to make trouble for their mother, he mounted his horse and departed with two soldiers riding escort.

The prince intended to ride straight through Silvervale Town, but he pulled up short when he spotted a boy kneeling by the grave of Dylan, the man whom just yesterday had saved his life. Stopping a short distance away from the grave, Aldric dismounted and approached the boy on foot.

“Are you kin to the man who lies here?” Aldric asked. The boy quickly wiped the tears from his face before standing and turning to face the prince. He was a tall, broad-shouldered young man, but his boyish face suggested he was no older than Ashlin.

“Yes, Milord.” The boy answered. “He was my father.”

“Your father was a brave man.” Aldric’s words were warm and sincere. “I owe him my life.”

The boy simply nodded and averted his eyes while he wiped away more tears.

“What is your name, boy?”

“Hadyn, Milord.”

“Tell me, Hadyn son of Dylan, how will your family be provided for without your father to care for them?”

“I have no family now. It is just me.” The boy’s answer pained Aldric’s heart. His father’s sacrifice had cost him all that he had in the world.

“Come.” Aldric instructed. “I ride for Highcastle Keep tonight. I will see that you are employed there, so that you may have the chance to honor your father’s legacy.”

Hadyn watched the prince mount his horse again, taking a moment to digest the offer that had just been extended to him. When it had sunk in that he was being given a position in the king’s own castle, he quickly caught up to Aldric and, grabbing hold of the arm extended to him, climbed up onto the horse behind him.

“Do you have any belongings you need to collect?” Aldric asked.

“Nothing of consequence.”

“Then we’re off.” Aldric spurred his steed into motion again, charging up the road to the capital.

*****