There once was once a kingdom, surrounded by a thick dense forest. The king and queen loved their kingdom, but most of all, loved their one and only heir, Scott.
Ever since the prince was small, he loved to practice swordsmanship and archery with the Knights of the castle, he especially loved to practice with his best friend, Jean, who would always help the young prince for he was also a knight in training.
As the years passed, the kingdom flourished with prosperity for the king and queen would do whatever it takes to keep the kingdom safe... that is, until the day known to everyone as the black day.
It started on the day of the prince's 17th birthday. He was out with Jean practicing his archery skills while riding the horse. The two young boys raced one another to see who was the fastest and most skilled archer out of both of them, but, as usual, Knight Jean took the winning place.
"Good Luck next time Scotty boy," laughed Jean.
"I think I may need it, you always win me," said the young prince panting with big breaths.
"They don't call me 'the youngest knight who defeated 70 enemies at one time' for no reason," said Jean as he bluffed.
"Can't you let me win? I am the future king of this land," said Scott.
"I could but as your personal knight, i can't allow you to win unless you win it fair," Jean looked off into the distance and noticed a few dark clouds rumbling in, "C'mom, it's going to rain soon, the animals are starting to get tense."
"Very well, lead the way," said Prince Scott.
The two swiftly rode back to the safety of the castle as the dark clouds rumbled louder.
*A Few Minutes Later*
The gates of the castle quickly closed after the two young boys entered. All the knights were running back and forth, gathering their armors and gathering supplies. Prince Scott and Knight Jean looked around, trying to comprehend the chaos, then they noticed the castle's battle flag being held by a knight. Prince Scott and Jean quickly looked at each other then hurriedly ran into the castle. As they ran in the castle, they noticed one of the royal guards.
"Prince Scott, it is urgent that you see the king and queen now," he then looked over at Jean, "you are also needed urgently young knight."
"Yes Sir," said Jean as he slightly pushed Prince Scott forward.
They hurried down the hall until they got to the throne room doors. The guards moved to a side and the doors opened. Both Prince Scott and Jean entered the room to see the king pacing back and forth and the queen sitting on the throne, her head quickly perked up when the door opened.
"Mother! Father!" said the prince as he ran to them.
"My son! You're ok!" said the queen as she ran to hug the prince. The king went to hug both of them in a tight embrace. He then looked over at Jean and quickly let go of them, pulling the queen and the prince to different sides.
"Knight Jean," said the king towards Jean.
"Yes, your Highness?" Jean said as he slowly bowed.
"Come here," Jean walked towards the king and stood beside his best friend.
"Both of you, listen to me," said the king as he held the queen and looked at both boys with saddened eyes, "I'm pretty sure you both noticed the chaos outside. A messenger came and warned us that there is sighting of an army marching our way."
"Do you know what kingdom it's from, father?" asked Prince Scott.
"Yes, and it is the enemy that has been in our nightmares for many centuries," sighed the king.
"Can't be..." Jean shockingly said.
"Yes, it is the Kingdom of Zello. Now listen to us. This war, is estimated to be the worst war we've seen in centries. Knight Jean, you must take the prince far away from here, take him to a village in the north by the Sapphire River, I'm sure you are aware of the village I speak of."
"Yes your Highness," nodded Jean.
"But father!" exclaimed Prince Scott.
"But nothing!" the king sighed and held the prince's shoulder, "Son, listen to me carefully. These enemies are the worst out there, they will do whatever they can to take our throne, even if that means to kill us all. You are our only heir, if something happens to your mother and us, you're the kingdom's only hope."
"Nothing will happen to you! Let me fight with you!" said the prince as he frantically looked over at the king and queen, trying to hold back the tears.
"My son, my dear son," calmly said the queen as she held out her hand to the prince, "We won't let anything happen that can endanger you. Listen to your father, we both need to stand here and fight, but you must flee and be safe. You're our only hope."
"Here, take this pendant with you," the king gave him a small, oval pendant with an eagle surrounded by stars. In the back the family name was written, "You will always be one with us."
Prince Scott nodded while a tear slowly ran down his cheek. He wrapped his arms around his parents and held them tight, hoping that time would stop so he can savor the moment, which may be the last.
"Your Highness, they're almost here," yelled one of the guards.
The king nodded and held his son's hand once more then grabbed Jean's hand, "You must go now, please take care of my son, he's my only treasure."
"Yes your Highness," nodded Jean.
"Father, Mother, I... I love you..." sadly said Prince Scott as he slowly let go of their hands.
"We love you too, son, so so much. Now go, stay safe my prince!" said the queen as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Prince Scott hesitated a bit but Jean quickly pulled him away. All the thoughts of his family quickly rushed through his head, from the time he was small, all the way to the surprise gift his parents were planning for him.
He took one last look at his parents' calm faces before the doors shut on him.
