Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon
Castle Eurig rose out of the trees, dull and shadowed in the morning fog, as Saif of the King's 9th Legion rode down a low path by the outer wall. A modest dry-stack, collapsed in some places, the wall symbolized the carelessness with which the kingdom regarded its security in the long years of peace since unification. The once sharp stone of the castle keep was covered in patches of soft green moss and the wax thumbprints of thousands of candles, blood having long since washed away from the yellowing stone which gave the fortress its name.
Saif couldn't remember the castle having ever been different than he saw it now, warm and worn, and a far cry from the fierce stronghold borne of fear and death. He was blessed, they said, to live in a time when he could expect to grow old next to his family and die peacefully in a home that hadn't been torn down by raiders.
He hated it.
He despised the idea of having never been tested, having never been required to prove that he was more than a name and a rank. Tirelessly Saif trained, encouraging his men to put dents in their armor and his, to be brutal because the enemy would and be honorable because the enemy wouldn't. No matter how difficult he made it to stumble into a bedroll at the end of the day, though, he couldn't shake the feeling that when faced with an adversary of blood and fire instead of sackcloth and sand, he would stand no chance.
Now summoned to Eurig by his King, Endymion I, a small spark lodged itself in Saif's chest. Perhaps he would be given an assignment that would help him slough off the weariness of inaction and finally feel useful to his kingdom and his liege. As per the instructions clearly outlined in the letter, supposedly written in the King's own hand and sealed with his ring, no entourage accompanied the soldier in his travels. This suited Saif, solitary in his methods and habits, and he had made quick time to the fortress which held the heart of the realm and its people.
"Halt. State your purpose."
A guard, poleaxe at the ready, regarded Saif coolly as he approached the broad iron portcullis. Reaching into his cloak, Saif produced the King's letter and handed it to the guard.
"Saif of the King's 9th. I have been summoned."
The guard glanced over the letter, turning it a couple of times in an attempt to verify its authenticity, as Saif waited patiently. He would not begrudge this man a few interesting moments in what must have been on most days a dull profession. Finally, a wave of the guard's hand was followed by the slow, creaking, and deliberate raising of the ancient metal door. Nodding respectfully, Saif reclaimed the letter and urged his horse onwards.
The bustling sounds of people and animals echoed dully through the gatehouse, becoming distinct as Saif reached the wide green ward. He dismounted, shielding his eyes from a sun just high enough to peek through the ridges of the battlements, and handed the reigns of his horse to a boy that had approached with a quiet, "I'll take care of that, sir." Thanking the boy, he strode towards the keep, the denizens of Eurig castle more concerned with their daily work than the quick pace of the tall, long-haired man in the tattered grey cloak. Stranger or not, soldier or not, they had known peace so long that a sense of invincibility had settled over them like a blanket or, as Saif had often thought, like a fog.
Endymion had apparently already been alerted to his visitor's presence, and he sat in the throne at the end of the great hall beyond the scattering of courtiers and long, dark wood side tables. Black and gold banners of Eurig kingdom fell gracefully from the ceiling, embroidered solar cross glinting faintly in the flickering light of sun and trees in the high, narrow windows. The King rose, as Saif approached and genuflected gracefully.
"My Lord," he began, eyes cast downwards.
The soft shuffling of shoes on stone directly in front of him caused Saif to look up. Endymion motioned for him to stand.
"Commander Saif, walk with me a moment."
"Yes, my Lord." Rising carefully, Saif moved quickly to catch up to the King who was already on his way out of the great hall and down a narrow passageway. He found himself wondering just how old the King was, white-streaked hair and yet swifter to move than some of his young soldiers. Sure of footfall and sensible in his manners, Endymion glanced over at Saif.
"Commander, I have a new assignment for you. I will not require you to accept it, as you are invaluable in your position as leader of my 9th, but I feel certain that you will not turn down so important and rewarding a task."
"I go where you tell me." Saif said quickly, nodding, with no small amount of anticipation.
A slight laugh from the King caused the soldier to falter slightly.
"In that case, you will go where my son tells you."
"My Lord?"
Endymion stopped walking suddenly, gesturing to Saif to hold back as they approached a small wooden door. Slowly pushing the door ajar, the king peered inside. Following his liege's gaze, Saif saw a scrawny young man perched on a chair with a large book on his knees. His black hair fell into his face and he squinted at the pages, deep in thought.
"He," the King began, smiling briefly, "is my son, Endymion the second. He is fourteen and I have decided that its time for him to start traveling. Diplomatic relations depend on the king being able to look into the faces of his fellows and convince them that he can be trusted. Obviously he cannot go alone, so you, Saif will be his teacher and guard." Saif paled.
"My Lord, I am honored, but I have no experience-" Endymion shook his head, a somewhat mischievous look on his face.
"Its too late, Saif, you already promised me. Besides, you have nothing but experience training new recruits. This will not be any different. My son needs to learn how to defend himself, needs to learn astronomy, astrology, strategy, and how to conduct himself in court. You will take care of the former, and find others to teach him the latter."
Allowing himself a single resigned breath, Saif bowed.
"I will serve Eurig in any capacity required of me."
Endymion slapped Saif on the back cheerfully and they continued walking what seemed to the former Commander of the 9th to be a long... long... hallway.