Heir

Chapter 4, Scene 3

Hadyn awoke with a start to find himself in an unfamiliar bed looking up at a strange man leaning over him and shaking his shoulder.

“Time to get up.” The man said. “I’ve let you sleep too long already.”

Hadyn took in his surroundings, trying to make sense of where he was and what was happening. He was in the lower bed of a narrow bunk bed. He was wearing the same tunic and trousers he’d been wearing three days before, when the rangers attacked his home in Silvervale Town.

When the attack started, he had been with his father, Dylan, at the livery. His father had told him to get all of the horses out of the stables and take them outside of town, so that they wouldn’t be stolen by the rangers, or killed in the fire. He had kept the horses safe and brought them back after the battle. That’s when he learned that his father had died saving the life of Prince Aldric. He was alone.

The following day, Prince Aldric had approached him while he was mourning at his father’s grave. The prince had offered to get him a position at Highcastle Keep, the king’s own castle. Hadyn had accepted and rode with Aldric all through the night. When they arrived at the Keep, a servant had helped Hadyn into the barracks and there he had passed out.

Hadyn’s mind had finally caught up with the present, and he understood that he was still in the castle barracks. Ducking so as not to hit his head on the bed above him, Hadyn pulled himself up to his feet, and followed the man whom had awoken him to a long table that occupied much of the room apart from the bunks.

“You slept through half of yesterday, and all night.” The man said. “It’s nearly noon now.”

He set a steaming plate of meat and vegetables down on the table in front of Hadyn.

“Have a seat. Eat up.” The man offered. “You must be famished.”

Hadyn didn’t hesitate to accept. He was, indeed, hungrier than he could ever recall being. The man circled round to the other side of the table and took a seat opposite him. Hadyn observed the man while he tore off large mouthfuls of the meat and chewed diligently. He was clearly a soldier. He wore a battle tunic of reinforced leather. He held a steel helm in the crook of his left arm and a long sword hung on his hip. A dark blue cape was draped across his shoulders. He wasn’t old – no older than Prince Aldric, for sure – but he had the look of an experienced warrior. A deep, jagged scar ran the length of his face, along the right side, from somewhere above his hairline to the bottom edge of his squared jaw, nearly grazing his eye along the way.

“What is your name, Boy?” The soldier asked.

“Hadyn, Milord.”

“You’re a respectful lad.” The man nodded approvingly. “That’s good. But I am nobody’s lord. My name is Evander, and I am captain of the King’s Guard. You may address me as ‘Sir’.”

“Yes, Sir.” Hadyn acknowledged.

“Prince Aldric tells me he owes your father his life.” Evander related.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Do you know that makes your father a hero?”

“I’ve been told so.” Hadyn said. Evander raised an eyebrow.

“And, do you believe it?” The man asked.

“Sir, I believe my father would have given his life to protect any man, woman or child in Silvervale.” Hadyn explained. “I believe that makes him a hero.”

“It sounds like your father was a good man, Hadyn.”

“He was the best.”

“Well, I am sorry I didn’t get the chance to know him.” Evander spoke sincerely. “And what about these rangers? Are you itching for your chance to kill a few of them and avenge your father’s death?”

Hadyn had to sit and chew for a moment while he thought that over.

“I want to serve my king and protect my people, as my father did.” The boy finally said. “If that means fighting the rangers, then so be it. But, I’m in no hurry to kill anyone.”

“Well, it’s clear you come from honorable folk, young Hadyn.” Evander said approvingly. “I’m glad Prince Aldric brought you to Highcastle. I need more good men like you here.”

With that, Evander stood up from his seat. Hadyn moved to stand as well, but the captain gestured for him to stay.

“Finish your meal.” He instructed the boy. “Tell me, were you learning a trade in Silvervale?”

“My father was a horse-breaker, and he ran the livery. He taught me a lot about handling horses.” Hadyn explained.

“Good. When you’ve finished eating, find your way to the king’s stables. I’ll inform the stable master that you’re to work for him now.” Evander had circled back around the long table and now rested a hand on Hadyn’s shoulder. “We’ll make a soldier of you yet, and give you the chance to honor your father’s legacy, but right now you need time to grieve and to grow accustomed to your new surroundings.”

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