The Story of Cleetus

Royalty (Prologue)

Clete Felipe Henries.

He was born into a royal family at a private kingdom that was completely hidden away from the outside world. The kingdom—though modest—was full of life, with annual gatherings, festivals, and celebrations, including a happy village that lived within it. The boundaries that camouflaged confined the kingdom hadn't opened in centuries. At least, that what the inhabitants were told.

The King of Aratistan, Clyde J. Henries III, along with Queen Mayumi A. Henries, happily ruled over the modest land, bringing all who lived there comfort, safety, and care since it's early beginnings. On one fateful day, a child was bore in the Castle, given the name Clete Felipe Henries. His birthday was celebrated through the preparation of a large festival, gathering all the people of the village together. The best part of the special event was the Pigeon Emancipation. They would release pigeons that had migrated into the kingdom out from the borders. Pigeons were not meant to be kept, as they could be messengers from the outside world used to destroy the kingdom, warned King Clyde. However, the pigeons were described to be trapped and withheld from their homes, hence the "emancipation." Many are not fond of what is described to be the "Home of the Pigeons," and are puzzled by Queen Mayumi's neutral stance toward the matter.

For 5 years of Clete's life, he was adored by all. He was described very obedient, for a child. He followed every direction given, even at such a young age, and adapted to his surroundings easily. He never cried, never screamed, and seemed to naturally greet every person with a smile. Clete was a symbol of the ideal child that the villagers had hoped their own offspring would become. Moreover, he was adorable, (lol) and there was no question that he was of royal blood.

The first 5 years of Clete's life mimicked one of a fairy-tale. He had lived a lovely life within a peaceful kingdom who celebrated his very existence. But towards the end of his 5th year, a downwards spiral to misery began.

Rumors began to build up; of people crossing the border illegally, trading with outsiders, or worse, impostors from outside the border, roaming around freely within the kingdom. Fear spread to a point where almost anyone was accused of suspicion. Eventually, after months of fruitless accusations, tangible evidence of border crossing had come about.

On one particularly rainy day, boot-prints near the doors of the border were reported and brought to the castle by a middle-aged over-weight fellow named Derick Wedson. Ironically, despite being well known for his fear-mongering and instigation of drama among the kingdom, his demeanor was anxious as he was determined to bring concrete evidence to the King.

When Wedson hurriedly entered the castle doorway and approached the King and Queen's throne, the two guards located on both sides of the silk-red carpet crossed their spears in effort to block his way. Wedson stepped back, looking down at the spears and up at the King in Queen in confusion.

The King sighed, cupping his face in his hand in frustration. "Wedson, why this is the 36th time!" the King exclaims, "I'm not here to entertain more of your fables, especially concerning the border. Unless you have something useful to present, I suggest you be on your merry way!" The King makes a waving hand gesture towards the gigantic doorway, signalling Wedson out of the castle.

"No, wait!" Wedson cried as he directed his hand towards the two. "I have real proof this time!! There are footprints-"
"Footprints?!" King Clyde cuts Wedson off loudly, then breaking into a laugh, while Queen Mayumi stares at a door beside the king attentively. "You are hilarious, Wedson," King Clyde finally says. "But the borders are locked, and cannot be accessed without a key."
"I'm telling you this time! I swear on the land of Aratistan!!" Wedson cries out as he places his hand on his chest. "I know I enjoy sparking up a hassle for my own amusement—and I do apologize for my actions—but I am addressing our security at the moment...there are boot-prints going back and fourth from the doors. I beg of you, ask anyone in the village...or...I'll even show you for proof!"