The Seven Swords

Chapter 4

3 years later

Prince Alako turned in his saddle to look at the two riders following him. They had almost caught him, if he slowed his pace now they would catch him. They wound through the trees as full speed, to hit a tree going at this pace would mean serious injury so he had to be cautious.

He passed the tall trees where he knew the men in the look-out post would be and continued on to the camp. In no time at all he saw the big gates and carried on straight through them. As he entered the camp he pulled in the reins tightly and the horse responded smartly, but before it could come to a complete stop he threw himself from the saddle, landing on his feet and turned back towards the gate.

Just then he saw the two riders entering the camp and laughed as they rode up to him.

"I've lost count how many times I've beaten you two now!" he said as he continued laughing.

Jak and Rex both looked down at him and then a sly grin passed between them as they kicked their horses towards Alako. He had to jump out the way to avoid getting trampled and climbed back onto his horse.

"Still can't catch me," he said and turned his horse towards the stables.

Rex rode up next to him, "We wouldn't actually want to hurt Your Highness, after all we are supposed to protecting you from danger," he said while laughing.

Alako looked at him and said indignantly, "Call me 'Your Highness' one more time and I will have you arrested and tossed in prison!"

Jak and Rex both looked at each other and then all three started laughing.

When they got to the stables they handed the horses over to a stable boy and then headed for the food tent. Fynn was already sitting at a table so they fetched their food and joined him.

"Let me guess, Lako beat you two again?" he asked.

"Of course I did!" said Alako while stuffing and spoon full of stew into his mouth.

"That's because the grooms always give you the best horse available!" replied Jak.

"Don't blame the grooms, you just need a lot more practice, as well as with that sword of yours," Alako said slyly with a grin on his face.

Fynn and Rex started laughing at Jak who got rather annoyed with this. "Don't laugh at me Rex! You really need to cut back on your food, that stomach of yours is growing by the day! Best give me that bowl of yours to finish."

Rex looked at Jak and moved his bowl further away. "Come and get it if you can," he replied with a challenging look on his face.

Jak stood up, glared at Rex and then sat back down again, "I wouldn't want to hurt you," he joked back sarcastically. Rex was nearly twice his size.

After they had eaten they walked outside, "You go on ahead," Alako said, "Il catch up with you later."

He headed for his tent where he washed and changed clothes after his ride. He said down in his chair and contemplated his current situation. He had been with the mercenaries for three years now. He enjoyed staying with them but he was getting a bit restless and the more he thought about his home the more he wanted to take it back. But he knew he had no power to do anything of the sort now. His only option for now was to stay where he was and hopefully with time Hamelin would assist him in retaking his rightful throne.

He had been practicing with the sword a lot and had gained valuable skills. He could best most of the men he trained with, except Captain Rei. He could never get the better of Rei, maybe one day he would be lucky enough and claim victory. He could hold his own with the spear and bow as well, however the sword was his favourite. He always thought about his family's Sword back at Aelington and hoped it was still safely locked away, he wished he could retrieve it and wear it as his own. After all, it was actually his now that his father had died.