The next day, back in King Nickolas' Kingdom, Alexander sat silently in his chambers, mentally prepping himself for this feat. He knew he had to slay the eagle; his father may not be happy if he does not. But is he really ready to defeat such a large, powerful beast? Of course you are! His mind argued. You HAVE to do this! He was so scared, yet so excited- maybe this was the time that he could prove his strength and courage to not only the kingdom and his father, but to himself. Alex sighed and stood up, hearing the bell ring thrice, meaning he was to enter his journey. As he walked down toward the palace gates, Alex noticed the young women with tears in their eyes. "Do not cry, maidens," he said, wiping the tears off one of the cook's faces. "I will be alright."
"Oh, Alexander, must you go! You will surely get killed out in the wilderness, by yourself!" A young servant girl cried.
"Of course I must!" Alex argued softly. "Would you rather our beautiful home be destroyed? And have you no faith in me?"
"Alexander, we have plenty of faith in you. But we're just scared!" another servant replied.
"Do not be afraid, my dear. I will be alright; the gods are surely on my side!" Alex said, then walked away, a fake smile on his face. A glimmer of hope shot through him at those words, but as quickly as it came, it was gone. He sighed and continued on his journey, finally reaching the tall palace gates. King Nickolas stood there, pride in his only son on his face. Alex became hopeful again as he saw the pride in his father's eyes.
"My son," King Nickolas started, "I have much pride and faith in you as you embark on this journey. I hope you have such faith in yourself." Alex looked down at those words, and then he looked back up at his father, who had a reassuring expression on his face. Alexander smiled at his father. "This journey will prove not only how strong you are physically, but how strong you are emotionally. It takes a lot of gut to go out after such a large beast, and I am so proud that my son has volunteered himself, with only a little push from me. I wish you health, luck, and love my son. You always were my favorite," Nickolas laughed. The kingdom laughed at his attempt at a joke. Alex smiled. "Now, in giving you the family sword, I bid you farewell, and hope to see you soon, my favorite son." Alexander gladly accepted the sword his father placed into his trembling hands and started walking out the palace gates toward the thick forests that were their kingdom.