The Heir of Kings

Chapter One: The Bright King

Relma was going fishing in her spare time.

Of course, fishing alone was never as good as fishing with a friend. So she dragged Ronald along with her. Ronald, being a halfling, was not very fond of being near large bodies of water. But the red-haired boy wanted to appear bold. So, he would never bring the facts up.

It was a bright, sunny day beneath the gaze of the Black Mountain. There was a gentle breeze that kept things from being too hot. Unfortunately, it wasn't strong enough to drive away the storm clouds. They still loomed over the Black Mountain. She'd seen them every morning as she left the house her entire life, and they never ceased to gall her. Still, other than them, only a few whiffs of cloud could be seen in the sky. Not that Ronald was enjoying it.

"Relma, we're not supposed to be out this far. Your Aunt Pan doesn't like us going near the river without supervision." So Ronald was approaching the stage of second thoughts, was he?

"Ronald, I have scrubbed every pot in the cellar a million times," said Relma. "I can handle getting a little wet. And so can you."

"I know, but Pan doesn't do these things without reason," said Ronald. "And Father always tells me to listen to her."

"I want to do a bit of fishing, okay," said Relma. "It's not like the river is renowned as a place of monsters. We're miles from the border, and the satyrs haven't dared cross it in years."

"I know," said Ronald. "I know." He said again.

They reached the bank, set their bait, and cast their lines. Ronald didn't seem as nervous now that they were by the water. They talked about things. The comings and goings of the farms. The latest runes that Aunt Pan had set up.

And then Ronald sat up with a start. He looked toward the woods, then to Relma. "Did you see that?"

"What?" asked Relma, following his gaze. She saw only the underbrush.

"I thought I saw something in the woods," said Ronald.

"I don't see anything," said Relma, hoping something might be out there. Then she got a bit. It hauled on her line and nearly pulled it out of her grip. She held on for dear life. "Wait! I've got one! I've got a huge one!"

She strained to pull the fish out. But whatever it was yanked hard, and she lost her footing. "Relma!" cried Ronald.

Then Relma was pulled into the water. She beat her way up as best she could, trying to keep her head above. But, unfortunately, she had never been any good at swimming. She was being pulled downstream. Finally, she saw Ronald running after her and offering her the end of a long branch. "Relma, take the stick! Come on, quick!"

Relma reached out to snatch it, but her fingers slipped, and she was swept away. Pulled under the water, Relma hit her head, and everything went black.

When she next awoke, her head didn't hurt at all. She was lying on a bedroll beneath the shade of a tree. She could hear the river running by her. As her vision cleared, she saw someone looking down on her. He had long blonde hair and angelic features. He was the fairest person Relma had ever seen. She sat up with a start, feeling a blush creeping across her parts. He smiled. Relma felt a warmth at his smile. "So, you've awoken?"

He was wearing armor. The most beautiful armor Relma had ever seen. It gleamed in the sun and was adorned with the symbol of a Sword surrounded by lightning bolts. The royal crest of Ancient Harlenor.

"Where am I?" asked Relma.

"On the island of Gel Carn," said the man.

"I know that. I grew up here," said Relma. "I meant, where on it am I?"