To Ride on the Wings of the Hawk.

Chapter One

Artur dodged the blade of his opponent as he lunged at him. The mark of a heron stood out on the blade, and Artur was doing his best to avoid its blade. The twenty-five year old prince of Shandalle was sweating like he had never sweat before. This was the hardest his master had ever trained him. He was tiring rapidly, even though he still fended off the blade point, as he had done for the last hour and a half. Before long, his master had disarmed Artur and knelt beside the young Prince.

"You have done well today, Artur. Although Shandalle is not the biggest of kingdoms, one day, you will lead the armies of our land onto victory." Artur Paendrag Tanreall stood up and thanked his tutor and friend. Then he saw his father on the steps that lead from the courtyard into the Palace of Shandalle.

"Artur, if you would be so bold as to wash before the dance tonight, I would be very grateful. You never know who may be there tonight." Myrdin Paendrag Maregore smiled, and his eyes glinted wickedly. "Maybe even the young Lady Amaline Tagora will be there. Possibly." Artur rushed off into the Palace, slamming the sword back into its scabbard. Myrdin smiled. It was obvious that Artur had fallen in love with Amaline. They had known each other for little over two years, and now, well, Myrdin hoped he would live to see his first grandchild. He felt the gold band set with black jet that lay just over his eyes. The crown of Shandalle had been made on the orders of the first king of Shandalle, during Free Year 117, just under eight centuries ago. It had been with his family ever since that long ago age and he hoped that it would stay in the family. He had spoken to the parents of Amaline. They were old friends of Mailinde and himself. They had agreed that if Artur asked Amaline, they could wed. Myrdin smiled to himself. He fingered the ring in his pocket that his wife Mailinde gave him. Now he had to find and talk to his son.

Artur was running around his chambers like a rabid dog, jumping at the slightest sound. He was thinking of how he would ask Amaline to marry him, when he heard a knock at the door. His father walked in.

"Father, I must ask your advice on something. I..." He stopped as Myrdin pushed a gold ring into his left hand.

"Artur, this was the ring I gave to your mother on the day I asked her to marry me in the year 900. Your mother and I have talked it over, and she wants you to give this to Amaline. You see, we are able to see when something is wrong with you, my son, and we also know when you are in love. It is just the way I was around your mother when I was your age." Artur smiled and placed the ring in his pocket. "Thank you, Father. This does mean it a lot to me. Amaline means a lot to me, and I do wish to marry her, and if possible, I want to provide you with a grandchild to secure the succession for house Paendrag." Artur blushed a bit at this as Myrdin smiled broadly.

"Artur, my son. Hope I will live long enough to see my first grandchild." He put a hand over the shoulder of his son "Are you ready for tonight?" Artur nodded, and with this, Myrdin opened the door, and he bowed, laughing as his said "Well, young prince, let us see if we can get you a wife this eventide."