Chapter 01
Once upon a time, there was a handsome prince. Some people might even say that, when God had a spare magic trick, he created this prince. With his beautiful eyes and dark yet unruly hair, he managed to make every girl and woman in his country faint. The prince had everything going for him: good looks, money and even a talent for making pretty and old things glow and shine.
However, this prince was lonely. He had been lonely for a very long time and his father was ailing. Having lost his mother a dozen season changes before, he needed to find a wife. Preferably, someone who liked him for who he was and not because of his title, so that when his father passed, the prince could take over the kingdom.
But, how was he going to do that? He decided to organize a Queen pageant. Girls from all directions came before his jury, made up of his godfather, Meredithus McKay; his trusted knight, adviser to the King and leader of the army of Atlantica, Sir Ronon Dex; and his head of house, Teyla Emmagan.
The prince’s father, though still quite ill, continued on with his work. As much as he wanted his son, John, to assume the crown, the governing laws still required that the man must marry before he would be eligible. Prince John, while he would wed a woman for the need of the many, was not at all pleased with the choices who had sought him out. Princess Chaya Sar, of Proculus, was amongst one of the many that he would not even consider – despite his father’s favor of the girl.
Prince John knew what he wanted, which was a woman who would rule by his side and offer her counsel. However, that was easier said than done. The women of his land, and the women who came from afar, that were of nobility, did not share the same beliefs he did. To rule with his heart, and not for the riches, was of grand importance.
Even though his most trusted people had created a list of women that they thought had potential, upon meeting them, Prince John had grown tired of the women doing whatever he told them to do. He decided to take it upon himself to find the right woman for him and he would do everything in his power to find her.
He packed some garments and got dressed in a pair of farmer’s clothing he had asked from Farmer Woolsey, a dedicated servant, and set out on his horse to find his one true love; his princess, his queen.
It was indeed a lovely day for a tour of the market. Lady Aracely was out for her day of selecting the finest produce she could afford. After her parents’ passing the prior year, she soon grew to find that the life she knew growing up, and that she observed through new eyes, was quite different.
While many of her public stature had their servants to wait on them, those who worked for the young woman were also her friends and dearly cherished. Often looked down upon by others, talk filled the streets of vile rumors that she was poor, herself. Aracely did not spend her fortunes on fine dresses and jewels. She much preferred the comfort of knowing that her people were healthy and well fed.
Prince John had been riding for moons at a time, only stopping for some needed sleep and nourishment – although rabbits were very fast and, at times, he landed face-first in the mud – and he rode to the edges of his country. He had never seen the kingdom this personally before. For the first time in his life, the young prince was completely alone, without his bodyguard at his side for direction. The prince was more than capable of taking care of himself, but, still, it was strange and, yet, liberating.
When he came close to the village of San Franciskus, his horse lost a shoe and John knew he had to get it repaired in order to continue his journey. Not wanting to push the horse to its limits, John walked into the village holding the reigns and set out to look for a blacksmith.
With San Franciskus being so close to the edge of his father’s kingdom, and it being in such a desolate place, Prince John wasn’t surprised that the villagers were looking at him. He was a stranger, of course, and they were wondering what he was doing in their village. One thing he quickly found he enjoyed was the anonymity that came with his journey. No one recognized him, or at least they pretended not to. In either scenario, John was pleased.
Carefully, the prince approached a boy who had been watching him warily, since he entered what clearly was the center of their commerce. He had to be about twelve or thirteen years of age. “Hello there,” John greeted with a kind voice. “Would you be able to help me? I am looking for a blacksmith, someone to help me with my horse. Do you happen to know of one?”
The boy simply pointed towards an old shack. Steam could be seen coming through the rooftop and from the door, which looked as if it was ready to bust open only never to close.
“Thank you.” John smiled as he lead his horse towards the blacksmith. There was a sign on the blacksmith’s door saying something along the lines of ‘Enter at your own risk’ and John opened it, now realizing why the sign was on the door. He had to cough violently because of the smoke, but, once it cleared out, a man with wild hair and a dirty face could be seen standing over the fire, with a hot sword in his hands. “Excuse me, are you the blacksmith, sir?” John asked.
“I am Radell! Blacksmith of San Franciskus! Behold!” the man exclaimed, wielding the sword from its fire and then blinked when he saw the stranger in front of him. “Excuse me,” he chuckled. “The villagers think that I’m a madman.”
John nodded slowly as he took in the man and the environment. “I fail to see where they might get the impression. I am here to seek your services, if you are willing?”
“What’s it going to be, stranger?” Radell put the sword back on the fire and almost danced his way towards John. “A new sword, perhaps? Armor? You look like a peasant. Are you really traveling without armor? Are you a madman?” Radell was standing almost nose-to-nose with John. “Or do you seek death, to travel the roads unprotected?”
He could not help but wonder to what this person spoke of. “I have not encountered any dangers on my travels. I simply request your assistance with repairing the shoes for my horse.” Still, the curiosity could not help but to get to the better of the prince. “Are the lands truly that dangerous?”
“We’re a village on the border, stranger,” Radell said as he lifted the horse’s feet one by one. “Atlantica may be a peaceful country, save from the taxes the King weighs on the working souls, but Chulakka, the country on our other side, is not.” Radell then started to check the horse’s bridle. “The people of Chulakka are savages, all of them,” he spat. “They like to come at night, and plunder everything in their path. Sure, we have gone to the king and asked him for protection, but he would not even send his worst soldiers to aid us.” The strange little man made a face. “But we make do, we have me. And a genius to help us make weapons that frighten the savages.”
John frowned. He had not heard of these people and his father certainly had not mentioned it. “What else do these savages do?”
However, before Radell could answer, the door opened to fill the work space with sunshine from the outdoors. Aracely, who often visited her father’s former friend, also brought him fresh bread and meats that she would acquire or had left over from meals from her own household. “Radell?” she called out his name.
“Oh, Lady Aracely!” Radell clapped and danced his way towards the young woman. “How kind of you to grace me, once again, with your presence.”
“Off that behavior my friend. I have some breads and dairy for you and your small ones,” she grinned as she pulled her satchel flap back for him to see. “I hoped to bring some fruit, but young Jinto was quick to the take.”
Prince John had to squint to see the woman properly. Her voice sounded pleasant enough, and for her to bring this… madman food for him and his family was a gesture of the heart. He couldn’t help but smile as his horse started to become uneasy. “Radell, how about I put my horse outside with the water and hay? Do whatever you have to do, I will pay you, no matter how much. I’m quite hungry, if you could point me into the direction of your tavern, and I’ll be out of your hair.”
“Yes, yes,” Radell said, waving his hand. “Outside is fine and I doubt that you could spare your change any more than we can. I will tend to your horse, I assure you.”
Aracely had immediately quieted, having not been used to seeing others in her friend’s shop. And those whom she did were often those sent by the King to collect what precious money he managed to earn. Her eyes narrowed as she studied the stranger, once she was able to see him clearly. While he dressed like a commoner, he was well-kept and groomed to that of higher nobility. If she knew any better, he could even pass for the Prince, himself, having met him briefly during her family’s first and last visit to one of the King’s galas.
John put his horse outside, at the hay and water, and secured the reigns. “Radell? Tavern?” John peeked his head back into the shop.
“That way.” Radell’s hands flew in the air and pointed in no direction at all.
“I thank you,” John replied happily.
Outside, after having said her goodbyes and reminding the man of being cautious, Aracely, searched in her bag for some coinage. She did not carry much with her, for fear if she were attacked by thieves. She did still wish to purchase some extra dairy to leave on Radell’s stoop, before ending her day, as nightfall was approaching quickly.
John decided to ask someone else for the tavern. Surely they must have a tavern in this village? He was hungry and thirsty and hoped that Radell would be able to make horseshoes for him before he’d close shop, although John feared that this was not the case. He then hoped that the tavern had beds.
Seeing the young woman from Radell’s shop again, he carefully approached her. “Uhm… excuse me, miss?”
Jumping, she turned to face the voice, recognizing him from the darkness inside the shop. “If you are looking for my money, I should tell you that I only have two pence, that you can have, if you will simply let me be on my way,” she replied. It would not be the first time that she was accosted for her funds, or her gender. Aracely did manage to get away those times, by freely offering all her possessions she carried, and only once did she have to defend herself – as much as she despised it.
“I am merely looking for the tavern, miss.” John smiled widely as he fumbled a few gold coins out of his own satchel. “I am willing to pay you for your directions.” He held up a gold coin.
Aracely looked at the money before shifting her gaze up to the man. “You should not display your wealth like that,” she replied, lowering her voice. “There are men twice your size who come through who will not hesitate to take your head for that one coin.”
“I can defend myself, thank you for your advice, miss.” John chuckled. “If they want this coin, I can give them even more, without a fight. Currency means nothing to me.” He took the time to fully look at her; she was gorgeous. And she wasn’t afraid of him or to tell him what he should and shouldn’t do.
“Yet your arrogance will be your misfortune. The tavern is that way, just past the dairy house,” Aracely said, quickly finding a dislike for the man. Before he could ask for more, or she was willing to hear more, she started walking onwards, back to her home. Radell’s extra dairy would have to wait.
John rolled his eyes at her. “Thank you!” he called after her and headed towards the tavern. Now that he thought of it, she looked a little familiar, but, then again, he had met a lot of people at his father’s balls, and he went only because he had to, so he wasn’t sure. He really should have paid more attention when he was younger.
“Danyel! We need more spirits!” Vala called to her husband, who was tending the bar. “These men…oohhh… need more!” She smiled widely. “We have a new face,” she said as she eyed John entering the hall.
“Vala, watch yourself,” the man warned his woman. He watched the stranger, making sure that their leverage from hording thieves was close by.
“Hello,” John said. “My name is Johan. I’m a traveller and my horse is getting new shoes from your blacksmith. I was wondering if I could have something to eat and drink, and maybe a place to sleep?”
Vala guided Johan to a small table, away from a rowdy group that was watching him. “Well, food and drink we can certainly offer. However, accommodations is not up to me, unfortunately,” she sighed, looking him over and wishing she wasn’t married for a brief moment. “You would have ask the bedkeeper over there. I’ll be right back with some good eating for you, dear.”
Danyel narrowed his eyes as his wife went back to the kitchen to find something for the man. “We have no beds,” he said, getting right to the point. No beds, at least for a first-time stranger. The couple never rented out their rooms to those they did not see more than once, and there were certainly not many places in the village that would offer up shelter, voluntarily, so close to the season.
“All right,” John replied. “Then, after some food and drink, I’ll see if your blacksmith has finished with my horse, which I doubt. If not, I will take my bedding and sleep outside the village.”John didn’t realize that it was so bad out here. Had he known of this, or at least his father, he would certainly have come with his knight, Ronon, and their army, to defend these people.
Returning with a plate of hot chicken, Vala recognized the look on her lover’s face. She said nothing as she set the plate on the table, before joining him behind the bar. “Honestly, Danyel, he doesn’t look too bad,” she whispered. “Surely we can do something?”
“Even savages can smarten up,” her husband replied as he poured a mug of ale for his wife to hand over to the stranger. He then sighed. “I suppose, if it makes you happy, he could sleep in the stables with his horse.”
“Thank you, love,” she grinned, leaving a kiss on his cheek. Coming back to the table, she sat beside the stranger. “We may not have beds to offer, but we can offer a roof in the stable. It is not much, but, for a night, it’s safer than sleeping in the forest around here.”
John smiled. “Thank you, ma’am.” He took a bite of the chicken and immediately loved it. It was so much better than the animals he had eaten in the days away from home.
After paying for his meal, Danyel was the one to show their guest to his accommodations for the night. It was mostly because of his concern for his wife’s safety, as she had such a great heart for people. “The old man usually opens his shop not long after sunrise,” he said carefully, watching for any sort of threat.
“Thank you.” John nodded and then looked at Danyel. “I understand why you and the rest of your villagers are wary of strangers like myself, but surely it can’t be that bad. Your village looks almost pristine.”
The barkeeper narrowed his eyes. “The people here work hard for what they have. When taxes come due, only then does the rich know who and where we are. As far as our streets, did you not notice a single soul out?”
“You’ll have to forgive my ignorance,” John chuckled. “I have lead a very sheltered life.”
“Clearly. If you truly must know, a woman does not walk the streets without a man to protect her, if she leaves her home at all, after the sun sets. It is nearly the season. The warriors from Chulakka come and take our wives, our daughters, for their own. That is our life here.”
John was shocked. Surely, had his father heard of this, he would have sent someone to help these people out, as they were a part of his kingdom? “Have you petitioned the King? Or at least the council?”
Danyel shook his head, irritated. “Of course we have. However, it seems we do not provide enough riches or produce to be worthy of his services. Rarely we ever see one of the court’s horsemen come through and, even then, it is rare.”
John hoped he wasn’t intrusive, but he was curious. “What defenses do you have? And I know that it may sound out of place, but have you considered moving your village closer inland, with more fertile lands?”
“Why? Apart from the savages, this is our home. For generations, we have lived here. Times haven’t always been this bare. We used to be able to provide for many towns. The land has grown tired now, but, in a couple of years, we will be able to do just that.” Danyel cocked his head. “We have a alchemist living in our midst. She’s the almighty Samanthia, and she usually has devices at hand that saved several women and children during the season. Also, most of our women and children are in a village not far from here, to keep them safe. What’s it to you, stranger?”
“I want to help. I have friends with weapons and resources to fight,” he replied, with deep worry for these people he only just met.
Danyel couldn’t help but laugh at that. “I am sorry, Sir, but you don’t look like you’re even able to lift a sword.”
John shrugged. Not now, no… “At least let me help you make the preparations to defend this village. I can help you build things, such as traps.”
The man did not answer. “I will speak about your offer with our council, tonight. However, I cannot guarantee our presider will be comfortable with your presence. Have a good night, Johan.”
“Good night, Danyel.” As the man left, the prince looked around at his home for the night and began to slowly dislike what he learned of his ill father more and more. When he would become King, one day – probably sooner than later – he’d do things differently. Maybe divide the country in certain parts, with their own person who’d directly answer to the King. Smiling up to the wooden ceiling as he laid down, John thought that would be a great place to begin his reign.
Meanwhile, across the village, concerned locals were quick to gather at their presider’s home. After being let in from the darkness, each person spoke, expressing their concerns and fear of the new stranger.
Aracely did not say a word as she listened, still trying to make an unbiased opinion for herself. “What has he done to cause worry?” she asked, not wishing to yet share that she, too, had come across him, nor her suspicions.
“Well, nothing,” Danyel spoke after informing the congregation that the visitor was in his stable. “Apart from the reaction my lovely wife had on him, I swear, she would have devoured him whole if she wasn’t married to me. He showed real interest in the village and its inhabitants. He also offered to help out to prepare us for this season.”
That stirred up a lot of murmuring, but Aracely was still silent as she listened. After a moment, she looked out the window that oversaw the main road. “Hear his suggestions, but continue to tread lightly. He may have some ideas that can certainly help us in some way, even if he may not.”
“What if he has come for one of our daughters, Aracely?” one man cried out. “What if he is one of them? I lost one child to the Chulakkans already. I do not want to lose another.”
She smiled at the man. “I have met this stranger this afternoon and I truly do not believe that he is here for our children. I do suspect he has reasons for his presence, but, so far, I do not foresee him to be a threat, as long as we are cautious.”
“His name is Johan,” Danyel said. “He doesn’t look like he can wield a sword, but maybe his strength is in his head instead of hands. Radell is taking care of the shoes of his horse, and I must say that the horse looks strong, and healthy. Perhaps this Johan is of nobility, as yourself, Lady Aracely, although, if he was, he probably should have dressed himself better.”
Aracely believed that as well, except that he was actually of higher blood than she. “It is possible. Still, use caution in your dealings with this man until we learn more of his intentions.”
“I shall take him to Samanthia tomorrow, then,” Danyel offered. “And maybe offer him a room,” he added, almost inaudible.
She raised an eyebrow in amusement. Her friend was certainly a jealous mate for Vala, but was still a good man with a warm soul. “We will see if he decides to stay another night. I will be at the market tomorrow and, maybe, observe his movements. If he visits your stands, do not refuse his business. He does have some fortune that he carries and we all could use what we can get, regardless.”
The next morning, after quite a comfortable night’s sleep, John was woken by the sun rising right in his face. He nearly fell off the roof of the stables when he rolled over, but managed to hold on to the ledge and gently land on his feet, in the hay. Surprisingly, not landing within a few feet of a horse that could kick him in the head.
It was still early and not a lot of people were in the streets of the village, so he decided to take a walk around the settlement, making mental notes what could be done to help defend this village a little better, should they want his help.
Inside the tavern, Aracely visited with Vala for their morning cup of tea while Danyel worked on the couple’s finances. “The King isn’t going to be leaving us with much, this year,” he said. “We’ll be lucky if we get to keep the profits from a full night to live on. Again.”
“Oh my Danyel, don’t be so negative,” Vala smiled and winked at her husband. “Who needs food when you have love to live off of?”
“When you decide that we’ll have a child and we have nothing to feed her, what can love buy us?” he asked as gently as possible.
“Well, maybe we have to consider leaving this place, then.” Vala made a face. “Not that I want to, but…”
Danyel glanced at their friend who sighed. He knew Aracely had been trying to keep people from having to leave their homes, simply because of that reason. “We do what we have to for our families,” he said simply, knowing that he wasn’t just speaking to Vala.
“Things will change, they have to change!” the woman cried before she ran to the back, with her husband chasing after her.
Aracely sat quietly in the empty supper hall. Her friend was absolutely correct. Things needed to change, but how?
After his walk around the village, John made his way into the tavern, finding it empty apart from the nice young lady he had met the day before. “Good morning,” he greeted with a smile. “I think we got off wrongly yesterday, for which I apologize. My name is Johan.”
She looked up and nodded slowly. “Johan…interesting name,” she replied, still not giving him hers. “You seem to be causing a great deal of gossip since your arrival.”
“Really?” he replied, amused. “Such as?”
Sipping her tea, Aracely wrapped her fingers around the warm mug. “The people speak of ideas that you may have to defend our village. What interest in our people do you have – Johan?” The way she spoke his name was different. Speculative even, as if she did not believe it to be so.
“I am just a traveler, miss.” John smiled. “I just can’t seem to help myself when it comes to helping pretty ladies, such as yourself.” He winked. “My mother always raised me to be aware of my surroundings and help where I can. My father… well… he makes different choices.”
The small smile that had been ghosting her lips disappeared. “So you are here for our women,” she said bluntly.
“Oh please, no!” John realized what he had said. “As of yesterday, I had never heard of Chulakka and their raids here.” He wished he could eat his foot right now. “Had it not been for Radell being so open about your troubles, I would not have offered my help and would have left, with my horse, for further traveling.”
Aracely looked him over. The man was well fed and appearing to be in good health. “Just what does your resources have to offer us?” she asked, slipping into her presider mindset. If the man truly was capable of fending off the upcoming season, she needed to at least entertain the options he might set forth.
“Well, first off, I’d like to know in what way your men defend this village, without the help of this…. alchemist. I’ve already walked around the village and I have seen that you have not dug deep holes yet. Did you know that you could dig deep holes and put spikes in them, cover them up and none would be the wiser? Your attackers would not see it coming when they fall in.”
“Have you not seen our men to begin with? My people here are not in the health that would be able to sustain the heavy labor that would be required to dig your holes,” she pointed out. “I struggle to maintain steady nourishment for those of the village that have more strenuous specialties, such as Radell, who you saw for yourself, yesterday.”
John nodded. “In how many days do you think those people are coming?” Maybe he had time to dig at least one hole and let Radell fill it with pointy swords.
Aracely shook her head. “There is no way to know. It depends more on the amount of women they wish to acquire. If they want more, they come earlier. If just for a few, it could be as late as the harvest.”
“Fine. I’ll start digging holes, if you’ll allow me to,” John said. “I could also try to send word to my… friends and see if they’re willing to help out.” He was going to help these people. If this woman wouldn’t allow him to – he figured she was the head of the village, the presider that Danyel mentioned – he’d get on his horse, go back home and force his father to do something about this situation.
There was an air about him, of grandeur and poise, that she both could relate to and despise at the same time. While the man was free to dig all the holes his heart wished, she found it odd that he asked permission. It was very unusual. Nodding slowly, she gave him her blessing. “As long as you do not seek payment for your labor.”
John rolled his eyes and fumbled five gold coins out of his pocket. “Here,” he said, “I’ll pay you for letting me try and do something for your village.” He sat down in front of her with a big, goofy grin on his face. “I’ll give the other five gold coins when I’m done.”
She picked up one of the coins he dropped on the table and studied it. It was clean, as if it were freshly pressed. Only the currency that came out of the castle was ever this glimmering. Aracely looked at Johan, rolling the coin around in her fingers. She knew that her friends were preparing the wine still for the evening, so they were alone for the time. “Who are you?”
“I told you.” John realized that this woman could very well be on to him, but he was sure going to try to hold off on the truth for a bit longer; it could save him his life.
“If you speak lies to me, I will know,” Aracely said, pushing the coins across the table, away from her. “Take your money. We do not want it.”
John sighed as he pushed the coins back. “My father is a nobleman. I took some of the money he received from the King and left home. With the money, I want to try and help out as many people as possible. Please, let me prove my sincerity to you. I don’t wish you any harm, I only want to help.”
She matched his gaze with a fire of her own. “I will know if you are sincere by your actions,” she replied. Of course, that meant more than just digging holes to her. Feeding the hungry, bringing heat to the cold. There was so much that people needed that went unnoticed by the rich.
He thought for a second, and remembered that one of his father’s army stations was close by. Which was nonsensical, considering they weren’t even helping the citizens of San Franciskus, simply because his father hadn’t ordered them to. “Give me three days, I’ll have to leave the village for three days.” He knew that there weren’t many soldiers stationed there, but the least he could do was to bring a cart with food to the people, even if it meant to leave his horse behind for the soldiers to break it. The station was only a day away, but if he wanted to keep his cover, he needed more days.
Aracely wasn’t sure. She couldn’t stop the man from leaving of his own will, but the dangers out there were too great. Even she wouldn’t send this strange man out to his death like that. “I will ask Halling to accompany you. Two men are less likely to be attacked on the paths than one. He is one of our strongest fighters,” she offered, with clear concern for his safety.
“Miss, I’ve traveled to this place on my own. I thank you for your concern, but the scariest thing I encountered was a wild boar, which I caught and gutted for dinner.” John smiled. “I am sure that I will be fine and, I promise you, I will return with something your village could use.”
“Then you, Sire, were fortunate. You may not be as so a second time.”
“Don’t do that.” John glared and cocked his head. “What are you? A seer?”
Aracely smiled and figured she could give him a sampling of his own. “I am simply well-travelled, myself.”
“That’s not a real answer,” John pointed out and walked to the bar. “Danyel! There’s a gift for you on the bar, I’ll be back in a couple of days. Thank you for your hospitality!” He put the gold coins the lady discarded earlier on the bar and bowed to her. “Milady, I’ll see you soon.”
She watched him through narrowed eyes. After he left, she let out a deep breath. This man could very well be the end of the village but, yet, he also brought a sense of hope that hadn’t been there in a long time. Aracely took two of the coins and left to find her friend. She felt an unease about the future and knew it would be wise to have Halling follow the man, for his own safety and her conscience. At least with the coins, the man would be able to purchase medicine for his own father.
At the end of the first day, John was traveling slow; he could tell he was being followed. Sighing, he started to set up camp and waited for his follower to catch up. “Look, I know she sent you to come and follow me, so at least you could join me at the fire and have a rabbit with me,” he called out as he started to skin the beast.
“Aracely means well. The forest is not safe at night, especially during this time,” Halling said when he reached the man’s fireside.
“Ah, Aracely, huh? So that’s her name.” John pushed a stick up the skinned rabbit’s behind and held it over the fire while he handed Halling the bottle of wine he still had in one of the satchels on his horse.
“She is like a daughter to me,” he said sternly, taking note of the man’s tone as he sipped some of the wine. “For her to request for me to watch over you, she sees something that the others have yet to.”
“I don’t need a babysitter.” John looked at Halling and sighed. “I don’t want a babysitter, I’ll be fine.”
Shrugging, the older man grinned. “Who said I was one? I’m just having a rabbit with another traveler. That wine…it’s not from our village.”
“No, it’s from my father’s orchard,” John said. “Apart from some coins, I took a few bottles of wine, as well.”
At the mention of the currency, Halling pulled out one of the said coins. “Yes. I have been – ordered – to purchase medicines while on my travel. I wonder just how much this pretty thing can offer.”
John had to chuckle. So she did take a few coins to help out some of her villagers. “Well, I’d say plenty.” He nodded. “I was thinking about purchasing medicine for your village as well, amongst other things. I mean, those soldiers up ahead must have plenty!”
“I wish you luck. At least once every moon, we go to them with as much of the funds we can spare to ask for their assistance, but we are never successful. They tell us that what they had was just sent out to other villages also in need. I even studied them from the woods. They have not sent out any stock from their walls, but I observed much going in,” Halling described with disgust.
“Well, that’s not right,” John muttered as he turned the rabbit. The more he learned about his father, the more he started to despise him. Who in their right mind would have heartless soldiers?
“Aracely insists that we keep trying, that someone will do something. Her heart is so big, but, sometimes, we cannot help but think that it is due time to move on to other lands.”
John nodded; he had had that conversation with Danyel. “Not to worry, Halling, I will do what I can, and help defend your people.”
The man snorted. “You speak as if you have the King’s ear, boy.”
“Well, some people say I bear a striking resemblance to the King’s son. Maybe that will help me get the medicine and food I want from the soldiers.” He smiled wickedly.
“You may look like Prince John, but, dressed like that, they won’t give you a second glance. Have you truly no experience with the rich? They are not at all like Aracely.”
“Oh, my clothes…” He looked down on himself and then remembered he did have something of use packed on his horse. He just wished that Halling would stop following him. “I can try. I told Aracely that I want to prove my sincerity to her, and I will. I will try with the soldiers, and I will keep on trying until I’m successful. My father is a nobleman, thus I have had my share of interacting with the rich, but they bore me. All they can think about is their bloodline. And setting up arranged marriages between families,” John spat. “I decided to leave and find my own… soulmate, without anyone interfering.”
Halling stared at the boy. “Doing a fool’s errand like this is not the way to earn her trust. When she says something like that, she expects you to go hungry for a night to feed your neighbor…” It was suddenly as if a light lit above him. “Dear God…”
“What?” John said and quickly pulled the rabbit out of the fire. It wasn’t burned. “Halling, you scared me. For a minute there, I thought I had burnt our dinner.”
All he could do was stare at this man. Swallowing hard, Halling lowered his head. “Forgive me. But there had been a messenger that came through the village about two fortnights back, who said Prince John had left to travel the country. I – we – found it difficult to believe and, now, you…Please forgive me,” he repeated and kept his head down.
John blinked. “Halling, please don’t.” He should have shoved his foot in his mouth a long time ago.
“Lady Aracely warned that you were not who you said you were. I did not believe her, and I know that she is usually right when it comes to noble bloods. Please, my apologies…”
“Stop that, please.” John rolled his eyes and tore the rabbit in half, handing Halling the bigger piece. “I have done nothing to have earned your respect, Halling.”
“You still are the Prince,” he said, taking the meat after some hesitation. “I fear that we have spoken too – freely.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” John smiled and took a sip of the wine, then handed the bottle back to Halling. “There’s a reason I set out on my own, and there’s a reason why I don’t use my own name.”
Nodding slowly, Halling grew to understand. He had witnessed Aracely do much of the same and it was only then that the village came to depend on her help. With the withered crops and the attacks, the others of her title had left for homes closer to the castle. “Is it true, then? That you truly left to find a wife?”
John nodded slowly. “Father is ill, and the laws require me to get married before I can become king. I really want someone to get to know me for who I am, not because I’m the prince. However, time is running out, and I fear that I will have to settle for my father’s choice.” He then shrugged. “In the meantime, I will do whatever I can to help your village, as long as you keep my true identity to yourself, please.”
Halling was reluctant, but agreed. “Lady Aracely should be informed, Sir. She – is more than what you may think,” he said carefully, watching for his reaction. When the man said the girl was like a daughter, he was speaking the truth. He also could tell, when she asked of him to look after the traveler, that there was something of curiosity that he had never seen in her eyes before.
“If you’ll just stop with the ‘sir’ calling and being polite, I will inform her.” He smiled. “Although, I might have to do that outside the village, to stop her from smashing my brains in with something heavy.”
To that, the older fellow could not help but laugh. “Perhaps. She does not care for the King and she makes no attempt to hide that from anyone.”
“You know.. I always thought my father was this great man, a good carer for his underlings,” John said, with a hint of disappointment in his voice. “But, what I’ve learned in just the last day just…. it makes me so angry.”
“There are times that our parents let us down in some way. What you must remember, after he passes, is the good that he had done in his time. It will be up to you to redeem the land for his misfortunes as, in the end, we are all simply men,” Halling assured him. “What you should be looking for, in your quest for your bride, is someone who is familiar with the needs of those who have not been as fortunate as you, but still has the will to stand for herself.” Like Aracely.
John nodded. For some odd reason, he had felt this strong pull towards Aracely, but she was obviously a leader to her people, and it didn’t feel right to take her away from them. He would, however, take care of the village to the best of his abilities when he was King, even if it had to be with Chaya. “Thanks, Halling.”
