MagiStream

So uh, this has been a WIP for like two years now (and will continue to be for far longer lol) and I just have a few of the first pages written, and in those first few pages it's not exactly queer or fantasy yet (sorry! I'll get there!)

Anyway, I just wanna know if its interesting. I know I'm pretty strong grammatically, but I'm not very good at judging my own tone or flavor of writing, and I'm hoping eventually it'll reach that magical quality that most fantasy books I read as a kid have (though a little bit more mature in nature and high fantasy) so feedback is greatly appreciated (especially by PM)

Thanks! I hope you like it!

Outside a cool, crisp breeze blew in through the open window. It sent the dried leaves that had been resting in the street below scattering in every direction while I eyed the landscape. It was early autumn, and this was the first day of reprieve from the heat of the summer. Beeyond the castle walls, farmers could be seen gathering the last of the wheat from their fields. Soon, those fields will be occupied with spring vegetable seedlings, left to overwinter for an early crop, or else left fallow until after the last frost. Near the horizon, a copse of trees that marked the direction of a greater wood far off in the distance, began to change color, with only a few stragglers maintaining their midsummer hue.

It was mere hours before my wedding and I could not help but to think of running away. I suppose this wasn’t an unusual feeling for someone in my position. My father’s health was failing and without an arranged marriage to seal a political alliance between our kingdom and another, it would not be long until other nations, or political rivals within our country, would begin to search for weakness during the transition of power once my father’s title passes down to me. Without this marriage, our kingdom… My kingdom would surely be ravaged by other land-hungry states during this tumultuous time. However, as much as I care for my people, I felt reluctant.

As a child, I understood this would one day happen, but then it was a distant prospect. Now that responsibility lies just a few hours away, and sometime soon after the ceremony I will be crowned king of Mercuria.

I pondered the idea of leaving while myself alone, turning my back on my birthright, and disguising myself to leave for some distant place. Perhaps heading east to procure work as a sailor, and land in some foreign isle. Or heading to the north and becoming a huntsman in the thick woods there. I made a mental list of supplies I would need for the journey, where they could be found and how they could be obtained without being missed until I was long gone. Considering these possibilities did nothing to find a real solution however, musing as I laced my boots and sighed. Thousands would perish in my absence during the struggle for power, and everything my father worked for would be lost. Not to mention, my father is rather frail, without an heir it would be all too easy for an assassin to disrupt the chain of command and let the whole world fall into chaos.

My thoughts turned towards the situation at hand, the girl I am to marry I’ve yet to meet, a common situation with political marriages such as this. I do not know what to expect of her, or what even to hope for, and that uncertainty has me anxious. She was the youngest princess of the kingdom of Curina, a girl named Mira, and her dowry a small parcel of land that happens to border my own kingdom. It is fertile land, and with its addition to our own, plus the added protection this alliance provides, my kingdom should be able to prosper in peace for a time.

The marriage benefits her as well, instead of becoming a duchess, like she would have had she married someone from her own kingdom, she will become a queen, giving her more status than her own birthright allows. Ideally, we will be fruitful and have many children, and one, most likely the eldest boy, will be chosen to inherit Mercuria, as I soon will, except…

There was no time to ponder complications. I am to be wed, first of all. I'm nearly ready when there was a sharp rap on the door.

“Phelle?” My chamber door cracked open, before letting the woman responsible for the interruption into my presence. “Oh, my dear boy, you look so handsome, your highness.” She performed a slight curtsy before entering further.

It was Nanette, the nursemaid who helped raise me since childhood. My mother had died in childbirth and my father, already an older man when I was born, never remarried, especially since with my mother’s death he was then twice widowed. Still, I was his only surviving child and crown prince to his kingdom. Nanette had treated me kindly and raised me along with her own children, two strapping boys both built for sportsmanship named Liam and Mirren.

Studying myself in the mirror, I knew I was much leaner than her boys, less adept for sports than they were. Beardless, though I was still young, wearing an intricately patterned white tunic woven with a golden thread and bordered with a pale lace for the occasion. Across my shoulders rested a dark red cloak that mostly concealed an opulent rapier, the handle laid with mother-of-pearl detail, a ceremonial weapon that had never seen any real use. My copper-colored hair had recently been cut by the barber to fall around my ears, and atop my head laid a delicately crafted golden circlet.

“This day has finally arrived, Nan.” Turning to face her, her expression showed that I was not hiding my concerns well. Straightening my face, I finished buttoning the sleeves of my tunic and braced myself for Nan’s usual surly optimism. Instead, her face was solemn. She approached slowly before speaking.

“I know all that is at stake, dearie. You’re concerned for your father, and about to take on a role you never wished for, but you are more capable than you think.” I could not resist the shy smile that crept across my face at her comforting words, but still, the thoughts persisted, and even Nan’s smile faltered across her gentle, weathered face. She extended her arm and rested it on my shoulder before continuing.

“I’m sure everything will be fine.” She said, easing into a more firm smile, “Also your father, the king, wishes to see you before the ceremony.” returning her touch by placing my own hand on her shoulder.

“Thank you, Nan.” She squeezed my shoulder gently, before turning and leaving the room the way she came, her task complete. That woman was one of the few people who truly understood the gravity of this situation and the weight of its responsibility on me. I trusted her with my life, and if she had decided things were going to be fine, well… I turned to face the mirror again, straightened my tunic a final time, then headed off in search of my father.

I found him in a study near the temple, resting before the ceremony, reading over some documents. From a distance I could see that some of them pertained to our new ally, Curina. Trade records, previous treaties, and something else he quickly hid as I walked into the room.

His health was fading, but he had ruled many moons and dealt with much hardship during his rule with grace. Pleased to see that his condition was well enough to be able to attend the festivities of the day, I bowed deeply before entering. A smile spread wide across his face as I approached, and there was a glimmer in his eye that made him seem proud.

“My boy! You become a man today!” He laughed and sat up from the couch where he lay to greet me with an embrace. This saddened me, but I did not allow my smile to fade. In years past he would have crossed the room to embrace me, but now he was growing too weak to do as much without becoming winded.

“You sent for me, Father?” I let go of him and joined him on the couch.

“Ah, yes, my son.” He eyed the doctor and the guard who kept his company during these days, “You two may take your leave.” He spoke while nodding in the direction of the door, indicating this would be a private conversation. They both bowed and made their exit quietly, as my father’s face grew more serious.

“I am greatly sorrowed, my dearest Phelle, that this situation could not have been under better circumstances.” He placed his arm around me, and I could not help but feel sorrowful as well. I could see tears welling in his eyes as he continued, “I have prepared you as best as I could, believe me, and I know I have wronged you greatly, but I’ve only done what I have thought was best for my kingdom, and yourself.”
He was sincere with his words, but the part about my own well being seemed to be added in as an afterthought, like an apology. To think Auruleis the Great, King of Mercuria, could feel such remorse, felt almost treasonous. He always had such strong character when I was a child, and now, knowing he is near the end of his days, he felt regret.

“You’ve only done right by me, Father. You’ve done no ill to feel such guilt.”

“Ah, but I have. I trust that you will do well in my stead, and I am glad to have lived as long as to see this joyous day.” I gave a nervous smile, to match my father’s more genuine expression. He seemed to think I am ready to handle the throne, though I have never felt so unprepared and lost.

“Come, my child, it is nearly time.” I rose and helped my father to his feet, a pit in my stomach weighing me down, making my steps slower. He noticed my apprehension and looked me in the eye.

“You know what you must do. You know what is at risk.” His gaze was clear and direct. His pale blue eyes staring ice into my veins, and perhaps there was life in the old man yet. I understood what was required of me, though the path seemed unclear. I no longer entertained the lingering thoughts of avoiding my destiny. With that, he broke his stern gaze with a proud smile.

“Father, I mean no disrespect, but I have concerns-”

“And they will be dealt with, my boy. I’m sure Lord Cirinol is already thinking of solutions to these concerns you may hold.” At this, I’m sure my face winced. A brief crack in my composure my father was sure to pick up on. I had never liked nor trusted Cirinol, my father’s most trusted advisor and chancellor. He always seemed far too eager to pressure my father into making decisions that worked in his own favor, and not to the benefit of many others. Then again, I have Lord Cirinol to thank for my existence, for my father was reluctant to remarry after his first wife’s death.

I could see my father calculating behind his large blue eyes how best to proceed with my uncertainty, and after a pause he simply remarked:

“It is a happy day, my boy. And what good weather for a wedding! Now, let us take our leave.” We turned to leave the room and headed toward the temple, with my father leaning on me for strength.


Just outside the temple doors, the doctor from before took over leading my father to his seat. Without my father’s touch to keep me focused, my anxieties returned and I considered how far I might be able to run if I decided to flee on foot, and what the probability of my making it to the stable before I could be stopped might be. One look at the armed guards near every entrance served as a heavy deterrent, however, and as the minutes went by it seemed more and more pressing that I must find a way to leave, as impossible as that seemed. I had nearly decided on sneaking past a guard, feigning as if I had forgotten something, when an usher gently, but firmly, grabbed my sleeve and directed me to my spot near the altar. The wedding was about to begin.

I tried to occupy my mind by studying the temple’s interior. Though I have attended this temple for many years, there always seemed to be some intricate detail I had somehow missed before. The interior of the room was all laid out in gold ornaments, with a deep red carpet leading up to the altar. Tapestries covered the walls, depicting scenes of our patron god, Letus, the ruler of flame, blessing us with the sun, the life-giver. Without a single wasted stitch, nearly their entire area contained some sort of symbolism from Letus’s teachings and gifts. Finely crafted pews carved with icons of the sun from a deep red wood lined the aisle, with the altar itself laden with golden instruments and icons, and, my father’s favored treasure, a two-foot tall golden statue of a phoenix, one of Letus’s many divine forms, proudly towering over the rest of the altar place, resting on a fine table. The statue’s craftsmanship took the goldsmith years to produce, and was easily my father’s most prized possession. The temple had been beautifully decorated with much aplomb for today’s ceremony, and not a single surface was unadorned for the occasion.

I was considering the statue’s details when music began to play, and I turned and saw a figure, shrouded in white, begin to approach opposite the aisle. As the princess drew nearer I noticed the details of her dress. Yards of satin made up her loose skirt, pulled into a tight bodice that was beaded with small pearls. Her face was obscured by several layers of a delicate lace, and long, draping sleeves led to a bouquet of white orchids, nearly hiding her small hands, decorated with fine silver rings for every finger. The only other thing I could see of her that wasn’t hidden behind the veil or the ornaments was her long honey-brown hair, lovingly styled with small white flowers pinned with her loose curls. She was small, smaller than myself even, as I was not known for having much of an imposing build.

My heart must have been pounding out of my chest, and I was so light-headed I hardly noticed at all what the priest was saying. Suddenly my mind was overrun with new issues: Was she as nervous as I was now? Marrying some stranger she had never met? Did she plan on fulfilling her obligation clinically as required, or did she perhaps hope that our marriage could be one of love as well? Was she afraid that I could be a cruel man and mistreat her? By the Gods, I hoped not, though she would be unwise to have not at least considered that possibility.

The time had come in the ceremony to lift Mira’s veil, and as I did so, I was nearly taken aback by surprise. Not because she was hideous, no, quite the opposite. She was beautiful, with a sweet round face that contained multitudes of freckles, sunkissed from times enjoying the outdoors, framing round hazel eyes that immediately captivated me. She was young, though not much younger than myself, she seemed about 19 years of age. No, what was so shocking was that as soon as she glimpsed my own face, she smiled, almost out of relief. Perhaps she was grateful that I was not hideous as well? I had never been among the most handsome, but I knew I had a fair face.

Traditionally a marriage such as this is seen as a princess’s duty, and the bride is typically more somber. She is asked to give up her identity and any remnant of her home country in order to conform to become the image of a strong queen, dedicated to her own kingdom, but to smile? At her husband she has never met? I could be cruel, wicked, mean, a drunk, or any number of horrible things, but still she maintained a shy smile, welcoming me, and easing my worries.

“You may now kiss the bride.” The priest droned. Startled out of my confusion, I learned down and kissed my new wife, who smelled of wildflowers, with a short peck on the lips, too nervous to take more than necessary. With that, the union between our two kingdoms was sealed. We turned to face the crowd as the priest introduced us for the first time as man and wife. Mira grabbed my hand and we walked together to exit the temple, while the crowd rained rose petals upon our heads.

The whole scene felt surreal. Time slowed down as the petals fell, and it seemed ages before we reached the end of the aisle. I had never even been kissed before, having not taken too much of an interest in girls when I was young, as I had rightfully assumed my marriage would be arranged, so any type of relationship prior would simply be a matter of wasted time, and now I was married. Perhaps I was wrong to have not paid much attention to girls in my youth, back then my inexperience in courtship would’ve been excusable, but now? The knot in my stomach returned tenfold and I felt nearly faint as we neared the ballroom to celebrate our holy matrimony.


The ballroom was exquisitely decorated for the reception. Mercuria was not the richest kingdom, so the space was smaller than the ballroom of a larger, more wealthy kingdom, but tonight that was made up for by the lengths of fabric draped over the walls, the decorative centerpieces on every table, and the chandelier dripping with crystals; such was expected for a royal wedding. My father must have spent a considerable portion of the kingdom's coffers for the occasion.

I stood with my new wife a ways from the entrance so that we may welcome wedding guests and thank them for their gifts. As we were standing side by side I was unable to see her for a second time, just glimpses of her profile as she met and chatted with noblemen and other guests. I was shocked back to the present when the crown prince of Curina, Liren, stood before me, bowing, then waiting to shake my hand. I did not expect him to attend his youngest sister’s wedding so far from his own kingdom, though I suppose with the new alliance it made sense to introduce himself to his new brother-in-law and future king of that land.

“You’ll find no greater beauty in your kingdom or my own, than that of my little Mira, sir. I’m positively sure of it. I pray I place her in your capable hands.” He said with a slight nod while he grasped my hand, a greeting appropriate of his rank, “Excepting, of course, my own beautiful wife, Aidela.”

I kissed the lady’s hand at the introduction and studied the fine couple. They both had very fine manners and breeding, and certainly carried the airs of future monarchs. Secretly I lamented my own lack of composure for my nervous disposition, while they carried on seemingly effortlessly with distinct grace.

“I have to say, I’m surprised to see you here, Prince Liren. I hope you find that all is to your liking, brother.”

“Ah, yes.” He smiled, and in his smile I could see some of the same light from his sister’s face in his now, but different. More confident, as good breeding allows, but diluted, like a reflection in a mirror. “Mira’s always been our father’s favorite, so he sent me to ensure she was given away properly.”

I could feel Mira blushing beside me at the mention of her father. King Olivo had many children with which she would have had to compete with for her father’s limited attention. I had been unaware she was his favorite.

“With a jewel such as this, your gift honors me greatly, Liren. Please send my kindest regards to your father once you return.” I bowed deeply, though he was my equal, as I was indebted to him a great deal for the marriage of his sister. “I hope you find everything is appropriate during your stay, and welcome you and the rest of your family to visit as much as you please.”

“Thank you kind sir, but I believe next time our manners dictate that we should host. I do hope that you enjoy your ball, and I hope I have the pleasure of seeing you around.” Liren nodded his head in a slight bow before he and his wife departed. After a few other guests, I was free to leave my station and mingle a bit. Instead, I chose to meet my father where he was near the head of the ball room, making merry with a few of his knights.

“ Ah! Phelle, my boy, what do you think of your new wife? Is she not beautiful? Originally you were to marry one of her older sisters, but the one in question was apparently to be somewhat plain. Mira was set to come out in the year or so after while I negotiated a bride for you, but upon hearing of her beauty I asked for her hand instead. You are quite lucky to have her!”

“Quite lucky indeed. She is lovely, and from what I hear from her brother, she is also her father’s favorite.” I replied, taking a seat at his side.

“Of course, and she is already rather accomplished in her studies, having mastered several languages, and is proficient with a few instruments as well. I thought this would pique your interest. This seems like a good match.” With a nod from his glass of wine, he acknowledged someone across the room. His eyes sparkled with an energy I hadn’t seen in him for quite some time.

He was right of course, as I was not as fit as the likes of Nanette’s boys, I focused more on my studies. I wondered then which languages she knew and what novels she’s read. I hoped… I hoped at the very least she could tolerate me, that perhaps we could make due with pleasant conversation, as if that could be enough… My doubts returned again. I thought now of Mira’s older brother and how princely he acted with every small gesture. We had the same training, but his temperament was far calmer than my own and this only amplified his charms. If only I were so capable that I could leave such an impression.

“Father, about tonight…” The statement ended with a sigh. He knew what I was asking.

“I’m afraid I have no answers for you, my boy. Only that you must be careful, and that hopefully she does not see your actions as a great disgrace on her part.” He was more solemn now. I could tell he had hoped that I wouldn’t ask, but he knew that I was right to, and found no fault in me for it.

“Enjoy the ball my son, it is thrown in your honor, go. Dance with your new wife. Enjoy yourself while you can and I will bear the weight of pondering these things, go!”

He waved me off, so I bowed and took my leave.

The evening had continued to grow colder while the festivities went on inside. Dew had begun to collect on plants and reflected the moonlight like a thousand small mirrors. I was finally back in my chambers, and there was a slight chill in the air while I started a small fire in the fireplace. It was late when guests finally began departing, and now, finally, I was alone.

I had never disliked social events, but I certainly wasn’t fond of them. I understood their purpose in gaining favor with those whose favor needed gaining, but to maintain my princely facade and hospitable manner, remain neutral in disputes, and attempt to navigate conversations with some political finesse was terribly draining, without a single moment to let my guard down until the event’s end. That was especially the case tonight, with ambassadors from nearly every kingdom on the continent here to either forge political alliances with the future king of Mercuria, or else size me up and report back to their masters.

Sighing and rubbing my eyes, I tried to banish those thoughts from my mind. Instead, I turned to the task at hand: slowly feeding the growing flame I had created into something that could warm the whole room and survive on its own without my constant assistance. It was always pleasant when the chambermaids or else some other servant had overlooked some task and I was allowed a chance to attempt it myself. Sometimes this ended disastrously, such as one instance where I tried to mend my own shirt that had ripped slightly while out riding, but sometimes it happened that, like tonight, starting a fire, it was something I was competent at and could do on my own, without the assistance of others.

There was a quiet knock at the door and my blood ran cold. Turning away from the fire I saw Mira meekly enter the room, now changed from her wedding gown into a simply decorated chemise, and curtsy. Her eyes were fixed on the floor now, and there was no trace of her comforting smile from before to be seen.

“Your Highness.” She addressed, though still not meeting my eye.

“My Lady.” I nodded in response to her curtsy.

There time stood still, with nothing to mark it but the crackle of the fire.

“A-are your accommodations inadequate, Princess?”

Her eyes widened and she finally looked up, the gold in her eyes sparkling as she looked at me.

“Oh, no Sir! They’re more than generous, really.”

“Ah, I’m glad to hear it.” At this point I could no longer bear to meet her gaze, and returned my attention to the fire, poking it absent-mindedly. Another long moment passed like this.

Suddenly panicked, she knelt, head bowed, eyes closed. I turned my head quickly back in her direction, as she had been so quick I was worried she’d fallen.

“I-I’ve come to offer myself to my husband on our wedding night.”

Biting my lip, I rose and walked to her, placing a gentle hand on her cheek.

“My dear wife, I do not seek to offend, but I am so very worn from the events of today and do not require this of you, perhaps I shall call for you tomorrow night, when I am better rested.”

Shocked, she looked up at me, and this close I could see the fear upon her face, though she hid it well. I had rejected her, and this could mean any number of things, but she recovered gracefully, perhaps relieved? The thought twisted my stomach. She rose and bowed deeply to me, her long hair obscuring her face.

“Sleep well, your Highness.”

Then I blinked and she had already exited the room.

That night’s sleep was fitful at best. By dawn I had given up the ruse that I would be able to obtain any rest at all and laid in bed awake while the sun rose and its light pooled and slowly dripped across the land, like a westward mountain stream. Rising and opening the curtains, I took in its warmth on my skin, a relief from the cool air. The day was golden outside, the sleepy city below beginning to wake and start the day. After taking a deep breath and a moment for myself I turned away from the window and dressed myself in the early morning light.

The sun was still low in the sky by the time I had reached the stable and found what I was looking for: Aedyn, a magnificent Arabian gelding I’ve had since I was a youth. My father had allowed me to pick which mare from his herd would be my own horse’s dam as a gift, and he had laughed when I had chosen the only mare to have recently given birth, and as such would have to wait to cover. When he had asked me my reasoning for my decision, I’d mumbled something about how she tenderly took care of her newborn foal, and how she must be a good mother because of it.

I was so young then, and clearly naive, only twelve or thirteen summers, but my father had also pointed out that she was from a talented lineage and, though we would have to be a little more patient, was a good choice nonetheless. From his birth, Aedyn was to be my responsibility, and with some much needed guidance from Stablemaster Marth, he was predominantly trained and cared for by myself alone. I took great care in this, even learning (with many ugly failures along the way) how to carefully clip a simple phoenix design into the chestnut hair on his right flank in an effort to impress my father.

I attempted to greet him by pressing my forehead to his, as I’d taught him long ago, but he smelled the apple I carried for him and wouldn’t be still until I gave it to him. Relenting with a smile, I patted his head while he ate and grabbed a brush to begin sorting his mess of a mane. I had just finished his braid when I heard a voice behind me speak:

“Doesn’t the groom typically flee before the wedding? Or is your new wife really so terrible?”

“How are you so sure a wedding even took place? You were not present at the event, no?” Smiling, I greeted the surprise visitor: Mirren, the younger of Nanette’s boys, with his lord’s friesian steed, Hirech.

“My apologies, your Highness,” he said with a bow, “Sir Harle, myself, and my brother were delayed, I’m afraid. We were accosted by beasts from the woods along our journey.”

“Beasts? How far out from town?” My brow furrowed, this was not pleasing news.

“It was along the start of our journey Sir, still near the wilds, and just some minor imps at that. But they did slow us, and we were forced to take an extra day to rest.”

“Ah, no worries then. You will have to apologize to my father, however, as your master’s company was sorely missed during the festivities. I wonder, your brother’s held the title of squire for some time now, do you think Sir Harle of Remsfort will take this trip into town as an opportunity to dub him?”

“Actually…” Mirren looked to the ground and began scratching his head. Both he and his brother had been sponsored by my father to train under Sir Harle of Remsfort so that they might become knights of the crown in thanks to Nan, as her own station would have never provided enough coin to supply one boy, let alone two, the gear and expenses needed for training. Luckily, my father felt greatly indebted to Nan in my raising, and with his sponsorship they both have opportunities at a better life. Nan had resisted at first, thinking it too great a gift, but she could not deny the benefits this gift would afford her sons.

Mirren paused a moment and met my gaze.

“Sir Harle thinks it would do Liam well to train another year or two under his guidance. Liam… is not pleased with this. He has a temper and has been airing it against our master. He… disgraces us with his behavior.”

“It seems like Sir Harle was right to trust his own judgment then. It is a shame that your brother acts this way though, especially after all these years he’s indebted himself to the knight. Fear not, so long as the Sir will have him I’m sure my father will continue his sponsorship. As for your own station, you’ve always had much composure, and your brother’s actions do not disgrace your own, dear friend.”

“I appreciate your kind words, your Highness.” Mirren said, clearly relieved. “Allow me to put away my master’s horse, then, if it pleases your Highness, do tell me about your wedding and new bride, Sir.”

And so the events of the night previous were recollected for Mirren while he groomed and fed Hirech, excluding, of course, my desire to flee and Mira’s visit to my chambers. Meanwhile the sun’s tenuous position gave way to something more substantial and the day began to grow warmer than the day before, the summer weather continuing its struggle against the approaching dark and cold of winter.

“Ah, so she’s just as much a beauty as the rumors prescribe then?” Mirren asked while he polished his master’s saddle.

“Indeed, if not more. Her father’s favorite and well accomplished also.”

“Aye, sounds like quite the lass you’ve snagged for yourself. I’m hoping to find myself a woman in a few years, after I’ve been dubbed and earned a small fief. And Nan could retire by then if she wants, provided she’s not busy looking after your heirs by then.” He joked with a wink.

“Of course,” I said, smile faltering. ”But I wouldn’t keep her if she felt too old for the task. She’s earned her rest looking after me. Anyway, I'm off for a quick morning ride while it’s still morning, please send my deepest regards to your master if I do not see him first.”

“I’ll pass the message your Highness, and I thank you for entertaining my questions.” He leaned in a deep bow with his arms apart, almost over-exaggerating. I chuckled, that young fool.

“Right, ho, and do stay in Castleton awhile if you can, your company is always welcome here.” I added, before making my way back to Aedyn, who was counting and nodding impatiently after being neglected the day before so I could prepare for my wedding.

Before long he was fully equipped and I was leading him through the now-busy streets toward the gate that encloses much of the city. By now most of the residents of Castleton would be awake and going about their business and headed to the market for the day’s shopping. Though I avoided the main path, using back alleys and side-streets, all roads coalesced in front of the North Gate, one of the three main exits to the city. Here the crowds were unavoidable, with merchants attempting to gain entry to sell their fare, travelers heading out to visit the outlying farms or the lands beyond, several guests from the night before I saw leaving this way, and the general activity from the market just inside the gate all adding to the general chaos of the place. This atmosphere created a rich feeding ground for pickpockets, though there were fewer now than there were years before.

Whenever I left the castle, I wore a simple green cloak in order to attract less attention, though I never carried much unless I was travelling. Besides Aedyn’s tack and my riding gear, I only carried a small dagger at my belt and a few coins. It was this way that I moved through the crowd, largely unnoticed except by the few shopkeep I frequented, until I was outside the gate and could finally take a breath of relief as the crowd thinned around me.

Mounting my steed, we began toward the sprawling copse of trees that marked the previous boundary of the woods decades ago, until the city’s population grew and spread outwards, requiring more space and more farmland to sustain itself. Now this tendril of trees snaked between farms for a full day’s ride until it reached back to the main body of the forest. This was not my destination for today, however, as we found our usual trail by nearly midday, disrupting a flock of pheasants that had settled there.

The trail was short, and led to a small stream that cut through the trees from west to east. This stream had always served as a pleasant spot to rest before heading home from Aedyn’s daily exercise. I unbridled him, so that he could drink more comfortably and sat to rest myself when I heard a twig break in the underbrush across the water. Without moving much I carefully angled my head toward the source of the noise and soon noticed its creator.

A beast, dark and wolfish in nature but much larger, as these supernatural creatures typically were when compared to their animal brethren. He hadn’t taken notice of me yet, as he was still a ways into the woods. Still, his long fangs were visible from where I stood a few hundred feet away, thankful I happened to be downwind. I quietly drew my dagger from its sheath, damning myself for not having brought a bow, and quietly rebridled Aedyn. We were just about to make our escape when Aedyn’s hoof connected with a small pebble and sent it scattering towards the stream. This captured the beast’s attention and his great head snapped in our direction. Our gaze met and for a moment my whole field of view was filled with the sight of impossibly huge, glowing animal eyes while their owner drew his lips into a snarl. He paused for a second, let out a deep howl, then disappeared from sight where it stood.

Quickly, I jumped into the saddle and urged Aedyn onward, toward the city. Branches and twigs tore at my face as I rode but I could not stop else the beast would reappear. Few creatures of magic still exist in this realm, and those that did mainly stayed in the wilds where very few people live, far past the woods of the north. This beast, however, was only a few miles from town, so to see one this far south was certainly alarming.

I saw a dark shape appear to my right, and attempted to steer Aedyn away, but by then the beast appeared in front of us and forced us back toward the stream, away from town and safety. If only I had a crossbow I could end the danger here! But by myself with only a dagger I stood no chance. The beast ran up beside us, attempting to flank, but I slashed at it with my dagger and spurred Aedyn forward. Still, it closed in, and as a last-ditch maneuver I steered Aedyn east, attempting to break out of the woods where the beast would have no cover. He took this opportunity to claw at my back, and I couldn’t help but scream in pain and spurr Aedyn on.

Then, suddenly, we were in the middle of a field, racing away from the trees. I didn’t dare look back until we had put some distance between us and the copse, and when I did those same yellow eyes stared back at me, angry, just behind the edge of the clearing. He had stopped chasing us. Still, I had Aedyn race all the way home, I was badly wounded and the city guards must know about this as soon as possible.

I was barely conscious by the time I reached the North Gate, slouching in the saddle, and I hadn’t realized previously, but when the beast drew his claws down my back he had caught Aedyn’s hindquarters as well, and by now he had a slight limp. I heard gasps from the stalls as I entered the marketplace and wondered what kind of a poor sight I must be. I pulled up beside a guard and relayed what had happened and told him to fetch the master of the guard a crew of knights to search for the beast. He seemed to not recognize me for a moment, blood-drenched as I was.

“These are orders from your prince, now go!” I exclaimed, exhausted from the effort.

The guard startled and realized his position, and sped off in the direction of the castle. Aedyn and I slowly followed down the main path. Upon reaching the castle gates, what seemed like an eternity later, word had spread enough that a doctor was there to greet me, and I was so relieved I practically tumbled out of the saddle to meet him. I was brought inside and instructed to lay face down so the doctor could examine my wounds. After a moment the doctor produced a small bottle of theriac to ease my pain.

I gratefully drank the foul tasting liquid and watched Lord Cirinol and Nan enter the room as I drifted off to a comfortable sleep.