A few miles away, in another kingdom, the young Prince Brian stood observing the damage of another city- this time, a small one close to the capitol of their state, Donianoe. Everywhere he looked, there were mangled human bodies- snapped in half, full of blood. Most of the flesh was ripped from the bones by a savage beast. In the distance he could hear the low rumbling of Miette, the great Chihuahua, sleeping after his latest meal. I must help my people, and slay these beasts once and for all, Brian thought unhappily. A new strength and determination filled his body as he walked back to the palace, set on saving his people.
His father, King Howard, sat impatiently on the throne, wondering why his eldest son was late to their daily conference. Brian stepped into the room hesitantly. "Where have you been, son?" Howard snapped, worried. He knew that Miette had been out while Brian just happened to be taking his afternoon walk.
"I was merely surveying the damage to the town, your highness," Brian replied quietly, bowing low.
"Fine then. How much is there this time?" Howard asked, seemingly uninterested, but really caring deeply.
Sighing, Brian replied, "A lot. Too much. Father, we have to do something about this. I just can't sit here, watching our people waste away. I can't watch them suffer. I can't watch them hate us, hate our government. I JUST CAN'T!" Brian sighed, frustrated. "I have to go out and slay these beasts before anything else happens." He looked sadly up at his father, his deep blue eyes pleading with Howard.
"Prince Brian, NO!" Howard argued. "I can't let you! You will surely die!"
"Father, do you have no trust in me? No faith in me? No hope in me, that you do not wish me slay this beast, end the suffering?" Brian protested sadly. How could he have no faith in him?
"Brian, it's not that. I just don't want you to get hurt, to die. You're the next in line for the throne; the one best suited. Everyone here loves you. You know that. If you were to die, what would happen to these people?" Howard argued, trying to convince his son to stay here where he belonged. Brian knew otherwise- he belonged out in the wild, tracking down the dog.
"Yes father, I love the people too. Which is why I am doing this, for them. And besides, the people, especially the maidens," he laughed, "love my younger brother Kevin. If anything happened to me, which it should not if I am careful and the gods are on my side, he will become King after you. And the people will embrace him as their king, you know they will. I know they will." Howard sighed. He knew his son had a point. But he couldn't bear the loss of his favorite son. Prince Brian had always been a favorite among the people of their state, Dianeo. He was not only handsome, but was a very fair ruler, a smart boy, a perfect king. If Brian died….who knew what could happen to the kingdom. Howard didn't want to know. And Kevin, he was a good kid, but he was still young and unexpierenced- not that Howard was planning on dying anytime soon.
"Fine son, if it makes you happy. It is against what I think, but I will allow you. Please, my son, be careful! I could not bare to lose you." Howard finally agreed sadly. He knew it was what was best for his son, but he just didn't want to admit it to himself.
"Thank you father," Brian said happily, bowing. "I will slay those beasts, and come home with the wings of Natorileone on my back."
"Is that a promise?" Howard joked.
Laughing, Brian replied, "I promise I will kill them, if that's what you mean. But I can't guarantee that I will have the wings of the great griffin." Howard smiled and nodded.
"Just come home safely, Brian. That's all I ask of you. Whether or not you slay the beasts, just be safe."
"Of course, Father," Brian replied, walking out to his chambers. He arrived there and fell back onto the bed. For the first time, he felt a slight fear- what if he didn't come out alive? what if... He decided to stop playing these mind games and go to sleep after praying to the gods, for he needed his rest and strength.