The New Prince

Chapter 42

As Coran galloped through the woods that led to Keith's location, the advisor had two things in mind. First, he thought of how Allura had matured; the past weeks had been a challenging rollercoaster full of desperate measures, small victories and hardening disappointments. It was amazing to him how Allura grew from an uncertain young girl to a decisive woman who knew what she wanted. She still had her rough edges, but Coran knew she was well on her way to smoothing them down.

His second thought went to the commander. The man was smart, talented, and undeniably an incredible soldier. After this experience however, Coran discovered how human Keith was. To face such demons at his young age was disheartening. Keith slowly fought them, day by day. Small victories may not have meant too much to the commander, who was used to big achievements, but the advisor knew those small victories would grow into one big triumph over time. The older one gets, the more one sees, he thought with amusement. Coran had no doubt that this experience, if the commander fully conquered it, would make him stronger in every aspect of his life.

Reaching his destination, Coran took a deep breath and nodded to himself, mentally preparing what he wanted to say. Hunk had found Keith by Alfor Hills, a set of small hills that overlooked the mountainous terrains of Arus. Keith's horse ate grass by a tree, where he had safely secured it. The advisor dismounted his horse and secured it by a nearby tree as well before beginning up a trail leading into the hills. It took him about ten minutes to reach the top; Coran wasn't as fast or as young as he used to be, but he was rather proud of himself for making it to the top without being totally out of breath.

Keith sat by the edge of the hill, looking down on the valley below, his back facing the path. He didn't turn as Coran approached. Somehow, the advisor knew the commander was well aware of his presence.

"I love the view from here." Coran began as he took a seat next to him.

Keith didn't answer, he just stared ahead. Coran continued speaking, "Alfor hated that the people named this place after him. He found it ridiculous. I had to sit him down and beg him to accept the idea for the people would be disappointed and offended."

"I would have hated it too." Keith finally replied. "It seems so pompous."

The advisor laughed, "I think he used somewhat similar words."

"Why are you here?" The commander finally asked.

"I was curious."

"I can't be with her Coran." Keith answered, already knowing where the advisor was headed. "I…I'm no good to her." He shook his head sadly.

"Can I share something with you?" Coran asked without replying to Keith's statement. "During the invasion, my job was not only to make sure that Allura was safe, but to also make sure the citizens were as well. No matter how much I tried, and I did, I knew in my mind I couldn't save everyone."

Keith didn't answer. He looked at the horizon as he listened to the older man.

"Lives were lost that day, including my wife and son's." Coran stated grimly. He became quiet for a moment before continuing, "Two years after that horrible day, I met a woman by the name of Caroline. She was a school teacher from one of the nearby villages. After the invasion, she hid in the caves and cared for the children who had lost their parents. Seeing so many orphans literally brought tears to my eyes and I felt I could certainly provide them with better accommodations than those in the caves. Secretly, I managed to bring them to the castle, along with Caroline."

Keith turned and looked at Coran, "Caroline? Allura's school teacher? I remember her telling me about her teacher."

Nodding, Coran replied, "Yes, she was. Caroline taught her everything in the literature, math, arts and sciences; I taught her the politics and other aspects of her future job as a royal dignitary. During those years as Allura grew up, Caroline and I formed a friendship that soon turned into something…special. I fell in love with her Keith."