A Twist on Tradition

Chapter 2: Prince Reginald's 'Quest'

Prince Reginald of Rhaen walked nervously into the throne room, fiddling with the hem of his shirt. He couldn't help but wish that his fiance hadn't gotten kidnapped so quickly. Couldn't she have waited a few years? Almost immediately he felt bad. It wasn't like she had chosen to be kidnapped. Even if she had waited, he'd probably be just as bad with weapons as he was now. It wasn't his fault he didn't like hurting people! So he was a pacifistic prince, so what? Honestly, the only people who didn't judge him were those who didn't know, like his fiance's family, and his own family, though he could tell they were disappointed in him as well. Those sad gazes and sighs every single time he walked into their field of vision were very telling.

"Welcome, good Prince Reginald!" The King of Aledriv boomed.

"Ah, well, I wish I could say it's nice to be here, but there is a reason you sent for me, right?" Reginald mentally hit himself. That sounded like he thought himself too good for them! What if they decided they didn't like him and-

"That is true. As I'm sure you've guessed, Princess Kateryn has been kidnapped. Now, it is your job to enter the Demon Realm, and rescue her! I'm sure you can do it. While your out, we can plan the wedding!" The Queen seemed incredibly happy. He wondered how she would feel if she knew his actual abilities. Probably begin planning for one of her favored knights to go on the quest. At least neither of them were taking offense. It was generally a bad idea to offend royalty, even if they were of another kingdom. Especially if they were of another kingdom. It's not like his parents would avenge his death.

"Alright, I don't suppose you have any hints?" It was a quirk of the older generation to never give any helpful advice, that way, the princes could 'prove their worth'. He had a suspicion it was because they hadn't gotten any advice, and were enjoying taking out that old frustration on the younger generation. It would explain a lot.

"Of course not! I'm sure you can figure things out yourself! although, I suppose I can tell you one thing. Look for an old wizard! He can start you on a glorious quest to save my daughter!" In all honesty, Reginald didn't want to go on a 'Glorious Quest' but the clue was more than what he started with. Quickly bowing, and getting out of throne room, he searched for his head knight. Maybe he would have an idea as to who this 'old wizard' was. It would have too much to ask for the King to give him the name though wasn't it? He felt as though these days the royalty were beginning to care less and less about the fates of the princes sent out to save the kidnapped princesses. Though, these days, only the bloodlines of the princesses really mattered. Any random village schmuck who was able to save the day could marry the girl and become royalty.

As he walked around the palace grounds, he made a beeline for the stables, the one place he would probably be able to find his head Knight, Edmund Ardene. Even if he wasn't there, he could probably get a horse and look for him in town. Speaking of town, Reginald figured he ought to get supplies. After all, you never knew what might happen. What if they got stuck in the forests? Well, they could probably hunt, but what if was a demon realm forest? It's not like anyone made a 'Human's Guide to the Demon Realm'. Even if someone had made one, he certainly hadn't seen it! In a human forest he wouldn't have a problem, but a demon one? Yeah, he really didn't think so.

"Ah, Your Highness." As the prince walked into the stables, he was greeted by his Head Knight who appeared to have been pampering his horse, Wilhelm, with apples. All princes had an entourage of handpicked knights, though he had a feeling that rescued princesses did too, and Edmund was the strongest of Reginald's batch. Though he didn't have very many. Once they realized how pathetic he was, they generally jumped ship. As such, Reginald was pretty grateful to Edmund, as he had stayed since the beginning.

"Well, as I'm sure you've figured out, Princess Kateryn has been kidnapped, and now we are to go rescue her." Reginald sighed. He had hoped when he got the summons, but no dice.