The Boy King

Humble Beginnings

Alexander woke up in a cold sweat. He had seen this many times before, but no amount of experience could ever prepare him for how it ended. Watching the contents of a man's neck spray into the world was never good for one's stomach.

He stepped out of the house for some fresh air. His parents were fast asleep, and it was nearing dawn anyway, so how bad could a walk through the village fields be? Besides, he needed to get the dream off his mind. Dreams like that only end up ruining your day, and they don't do anyone any good. And an army regiment was supposed to pass through today, so he had to be in the right state of mind while serving them. Good service meant more tips, which meant his father might buy him the sling he craved for desperately. And a new sling just might impress Josephine.

Ah, Josephine. Alexander's smile grew a lot wider at the thought of her. She was the love of his life, and her beauty made the moon pale in comparison. Alexander sighed contentedly. Life was good when she was around. Now if only he could woo her. That's why he needed his sling. Showing prowess with a weapon would impress her, and then he could ask her hand in marriage. They could then live together, and he'd have her forever. What a beautiful life.

Alexander snapped from his daydream as soon as he heard his father shout for him. Marriage was at least two or three years away, with him being a 15 year old, and he had to impress her first. Earning those tips today, and getting a sling would be the first step. And for that, he had work to do.

"Good morning, father," he said.

"Aye, good morning, lad," his father replied, "We have a big day ahead of us, so don't you slack off and wander about the countryside as you often do."

"No father," he replied, "I'll be here all day."

"Aye, good lad our son is, Jacob," his mother said, entering the kitchen. The whole family had to work today, with all the soldiers of the regiment coming in to their little tavern. Sarah loved these days, when the three of them would work side by side. She treasured the bond they had developed, and she had no plans of letting them ever leave her sight.

"That he is, darling. That he is"

Just then, the village bell rang, announcing the arrival of the army.

"I'll be back in a minute, father," Alexander said, "I just want to have a look at the army. I've never seen them before."

"Alright, but you be back as soon as you've seen them, alright?" replied his father.

Alexander did not wait to reply. He stormed out of the house, and ran to the hill next to their little cottage. From there he could see the village entrance. And what he saw was far greater than anything he had ever imagined.