Heir

Chapter 3, Scene 4

Hadyn sat in the saddle behind Prince Aldric. He had ridden long distances before, but never from one shire to another and never all night. They stopped only once to exchange horses at a way-house. At first he tried to sit up straight so he could peer over the older man’s shoulder at the road ahead. But, gradually, sorrow and weariness took over. He slumped against the prince’s back and cried silently for a long time.

Hadyn was exhausted by the time they rode into Highcastle near midday. He had never been to the capital before. Silvervale Town was a large township, but it was nothing compared to this sprawling city. Aldric, Hadyn, and the two soldiers escorting them rode through the city gates and then wove through the crowds of people that filled the cobblestone streets. Before long, they were riding through the gates of Highcastle Keep. While Highcastle was the name of the entire city, the Keep was the true castle here. Truly palatial in stature, no other fortress in Royaland came close to it in terms of size and ornamentation.

“Here’s where we get off.” Prince Aldric told Hayden as they came to a halt in the courtyard of the Keep. Men were already approaching to steady their horses as they came down off their backs. When Hadyn’s feet hit the stone paving of the courtyard, his knees buckled and he just barely avoided falling over by leaning against the horse. Aldric put his arms around the boy to steady him. The prince seemed to struggle not to lose his balance as he supported Hadyn, and Hadyn realized Aldric must be as exhausted as he was.

“You there!” Aldric got the attention of an attendant standing nearby. “Help this boy to the barracks.”

The attendant slipped under Hadyn’s arm, supporting the boy on his shoulders. As he took Hadyn’s weight from Aldric, the prince placed a firm hand on the man’s arm.

“See to it that he’s well taken care of.” Aldric directed. “This boy’s father is a hero.”

“Yes, Milord.” The attendant replied solemnly. Aldric nodded approval and then gave Hadyn the warmest smile he could muster before turning to enter the Keep. Hadyn leaned heavily on the attendant as they walked to the barracks. The man helped the boy gently into a bed among a row of identical bunks. It was quiet in here, as most of the soldiers were on duty. As the attendant drew a blanket up over his shoulders, Hadyn let his eyes fall shut and quickly passed out.

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