The Tale of the Leaders

Chapter 13

Bryan watched as they carried his father's body away. Tears stung his face as he hugged his mother. She was gently sobbing and her body shook as she let her emotions rush out of her. He looked up when he heard lightning in the distance.  He spotted Thomas and motioned for him to come here. 

"I need to go find Flora", he said. 

"You can't! What about the kingdom? What about me?", the Queen asked. 

"I have to go find Flora", he said with determination in his voice. "Before I'm crowned king."

"Go find her then.I will keep watch over everything while you are gone. Travel safely my son", she sobbed.

Bryan nodded and hugged her. He dipped his head for Thomas to follow him.

"Let's go!", he said. 

The stable master already had the horses ready and saddled.  Bryan waved good bye to his mentor and jumped onto his horse. He rode off with Thomas beside him. The hunting dogs were following with loud barks and noses on the ground as they tracked the lost princess's scent. 

"We should find them by night fall", he said with determination in his voice. 

One of the dog's let out a loud bark and Bryan looked over to where the tan animal was barking at. He waved for Thomas to see and he looked over as well. The dog had found a boot on the ground covered in blood. 

"If he's hurt her, I swear", Bryan said, his voice shaking.

"We'll find her", Thomas said and put a hand on his shoulder. 

Bryan sighed and lightly touched the whip on the horse's flank.

"Let's go", he said. 

The dogs had already raced off with loud barks and howls that would scare the bravest person. Bryan hoped that his sister could hear the sound of the dogs.  He was waiting to hear her voice, but could only hear the echoing barks of the hounds. He shivered at the thought of his sister gone.