The Sorcerer Prince

Chapter #3

Matt has told him before that something like him is called a cyborg, but that's all Seto knows about the prisoner in the darkest part of the dungeon. He can only guess that the light from the torch wakes Matt up from whatever his version of sleep is. Matt could have been down here for years and years if he doesn't age like a normal human.

"Did that history teacher go too far again?", Matt asks, fully concerned about Seto. He never really acknowledges the fact that he's locked in a cell. The prince has gotten use to it over the years. Matt has some kind of mental clock that he uses to keep track of the prince's schedule.

"You guessed it. Everyone just wants wants me to be a sorcerer, even though I don't have magic. Humans can be strong, too, you know?", Seto sighs and leans back against the wall. Matt has always been really easy to talk to. He doesn't see Seto as a sorcerer prince, but as a confused kid.

     "I'm a bit tied up at the moment", Matt jangles his shackles a little and chuckles, "...otherwise I'd march up there to have a word with your father. Kids these days should choose their own path".

     "You sound so old saying stuff like that!", Seto laughs.

      "And I why shouldn't I sound old? I remember your father coming down here when he was your age, and he nearly wet himself when I moved", Matt says.

"Wow, it's weird to here stuff like that. I didn't even know my dad knew you were down here. Does anyone else come to see you?".

"Before you and King Vincent? No. The 'immortal' king wanted people to forget about me. My long life wasn't exactly a comforting thought to him".

      Both of the two are quiet after that. Seto is sure that Matt's probably thinking back to the long years that he's been down here. Of course, the prince has never been in jail, but the length of time is something he can sympathize with. The thought has always been familiar to him. What would someone do with that kind of time? Matt has to have done so much before he was put down here, but is living that long actually a blessing? Seto isn't too sure. For whatever reason, the thought leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. He wouldn't want that.

     "Matt, I know it's a little odd that I'd mention it after so long, but would you ever want me to bust your out of here? I'm sure I could talk my dad into it". Seto sits up a little straighter as he talks.

      Matt squints his eyes a little, only thinking for a moment before saying, "No. It might sound strange to you, but I think that I'm right where I'm meant to be. There's still something I have to get done in this castle. My programming keeps reminding me of that. Besides, the years don't feel so long when I'm only awake to cheer you up". He was right: Seto doesn't understand why Matt would want to stay. Still, he won't argue. Seto would miss Matt if he did leave, as selfish of a thought as it.

Someone in the dungeon yells out his name, and Seto sits up with a jolt. No one ever comes looking for him down here, not even when he's in trouble for something. The dungeon is his sanctuary.

      "Go on, it must be important", Matt shoos Seto away with his hands.

     The prince nods, leaving the torch on the wall to burn. He runs back through the dark for several twisting turns. He can find his way even without any light. Seto yells back, hoping to use the other person's voice to guide him. The tunnel is getting lighter after he gets farther from the darkened area. When he finally gets in it a lightened area, he has to skid to a stop before he crashes into a guard. His purple cloak billows out behind him.

"Prince Seto! The King has ordered you to be taken out of the castle immediately!", the guard is yelling, grabbing onto the prince's wrist and pulling him forwards. He's even smaller then Seto with purple eyes. They have to have a least a little magic.

"Why? What's happening?", Seto doesn't ever remember a time when he had to leave the castle. It's been safe for as long as he can remember. A resounding boom makes them both jump. Dust falls from the ceiling.

"Rebels are attacking, Prince Seto. They will go after King Vincent, and they'll come for you to make sure the job is done", the guard explains somberly.

"There's an attack? On the castle?", Seto's heart drops. "Are they Zemrlt? Caelum?".

"No, Prince. Sorcerers are attacking the palace".