Egrariand Chronicles Book 1: The Curse of the Black Stone

Training

Lucas was lost in his thoughts after his conversation with Lord Pierre this morning. He didn't know if the man could be trusted, but it seemed like he knew his father a lot. He saw in his eyes that he cared for his father, as he told him about his life during their ventures together. Lucas also noticed his grief upon hearing his death, as if he regretted the path he took rather than to stay together.

According to Lord Pierre, they went separate ways after having a minor disagreement. His father decided to live in peace with his mother and leave all of his grudges behind. It didn't matter to him anymore. After he met Lucas' mother and found out that she was carrying a child, in addition to the threats from her race, his parents decided to live in the other world. His mother even gave up her elven roots just to protect Lucas. They were aware that it wouldn't be easy since everything in that world was strange and new to them; still, they decided to take their chances.

However, despite everything Lord Pierre showed Lucas, there was still something within him screaming not to trust the man, but half of him looked at the man as family. He didn't know what to think or feel. He couldn't understand himself.

He sighed.

He was walking in the hallway when he saw Altair. He walked toward him to ask the prince's whereabouts. He needed to talk to him.

"I don't think the prince could face you at this moment. He is currently out of the castle, and he will be gone for a couple of days," said Altair.

"Where did he go?"

"I cannot tell you." Altair stared at him, then narrowed his eyes. "Why are you asking for the prince?"

Lucas avoided his eyes, "I can't tell you either," he said, then walked away without waiting for his response.

Altair frowned as he watched him leave. He didn't understand but some part of Lucas reminded him exactly of the prince when they were young. He narrowed his eyes even more, thinking that there were indeed similarities between Prince Blaine and Lucas; their hair, their features, even on how they talk or act. The only difference was their eye color as the prince had emerald-colored eyes which he inherited from the queen, while Lucas had bright gray eyes.

If he hadn't known the royal family so well, he would mistakenly think that they were siblings or something. But that would be impossible, Prince Blaine was the only child of the king and queen. He shook his head and shrugged

"What am I thinking?" he said to himself, laughing the thought out as he strolled down the courtyard.

--O--

Few more days of waiting had passed, at last, the prince came back. Lucas didn't waste time and headed to his study room. The guards outside the room didn't let him pass, but thanks to Altair, he came and let him in.

Lucas saw a surprised look on Blaine's face with his unexpected intrusion into his study room. He knew how busy the prince was, but he couldn't wait to talk to him. Lucas felt his mouth getting dry, having a second thought, but he already contemplated about it, and he had decided. He would ask Prince Blaine, hoping he would give what he wanted.

"Is everything all right?" asked the prince with concern in his voice.

Lucas took one deep breath before he spoke. "Can I have it back?" he asked straightforward. "Ava told me that you have it. Please. I want the dagger back."

Blaine drew his brows together as he stared at Lucas. He leaned on his chair, crossing his arms. "How did you get the dagger?" he asked. "The dagger belongs to the royal family. How did you get it?"

Lucas was startled by his question. He never even thought about where it came from. All he knew was the dagger was his parents'. "I-I don't know," he said, but Blaine didn't break his gaze on him. "All I know was that it was my father's. I-I just found it in the basement of our house... after they died."