Hey guys!
So I decided to go ahead and release chapter one of my latest creation, Blinded. I wanted to know what your guys thoughts/ideas were on this before I go any further. If anyone has any ideas they would like included, now would be the time to say, so I can incorporate them here.
Anyways, the basic plot is as in the description, but there are twists and turns all over.
Enjoy!
The kingdom of Threna was normally a peaceful place to be. From the royal family to the lowest peasant, everyone lived happily. Well all, that is, except for Prince Syaoran.
No one in the kingdom knew much about the prince. He kept to himself, barely greeting his subjects and neglecting his royal duties on a regular basis. However, those inside the palace walls knew how rude and demanding he was. He would boss the staff around, abuse his sisters and it was said that after he had enjoyed the pleasures of some of his female servants he would banish them forever. All in all Prince Syaoran Li was not very nice, and the peasants of Threna were lucky to not see him often.
Of course, today the kingdom of Threna was not peaceful. Today, an opposing kingdom, the kingdom of Sylom had declared a sudden war.
Now, everyone in both kingdoms knew of the rivalry between Threna and Sylom. It had spread over decades, with many battles faced, many insults thrown and many lives lost. Not many knew of the history behind such a rivalry, but each kingdom was made aware of the enemy. The war had been unexpected, and many of Threna's soldiers had been killed instantly. The prince seemed slightly nonchalant about the situation but made some inputs. More soldiers were gathered quickly and soon Threna had launched their counter attack. However, their numbers were outmatched and the situation seemed bleak.
Despite his appearance, Prince Syaoran was very protective of the kingdom. He hated Sylom more than anything, especially its snobby prince, Prince Eriol. Everyone despised him for his cruelty and dishonour but none more than Prince Syaoran.
With an outraged cry, Prince Syaoran burst from his room and headed towards the armoury to join his men.
"Your highness" called Yue, the princes most trusted servant. "You cannot go out there and fight"
"And why not?" the prince growled.
"You're mother's orders"
Prince Syaoran was frozen in place. Whilst he often liked to believe he had power over everyone, there was someone with higher authority. His mother, queen of Threna, Queen Yelan. The queen was well loved throughout the kingdom but also well respected. No one dared defy her, not even the prince.
With an irritated sigh, Syaoran turned to face Yue. "Well what does she expect me to do?"
"She has ordered you're immediate evacuation" Yue replied. "You are to go into hiding with a family of peasants outside of town. She wishes for you to lie low for a while"
"SHE WHAT?" the prince yelled, attracting the attention of some other servants.
"Please your highness...it's best to just go quietly..." Yue reasoned.
"And what does she think she's going to do?" the prince asked irritated.
"She plans to fight" the tall man replied.
The prince rolled his eyes. It was typical of his mother to want to take the bloodthirsty role.
"My sisters?"
"Have already been safely evacuated. All that we are waiting on is you your highness"
"How long?" Syaoran said as he marched towards his room.
"One hour"
"AGHHHHH!" the prince yelled.
The village of Hutson lies just outside the kingdom of Threna, on the outskirts of the river. With only twelve inhabitants, the community is tightly knit. However, even this peaceful village could not escape news of the war in Threna.
"Such racket for a small place" Grandma Viv sighed as she busied herself with the cleaning. Not much taller than a young child, Grandma Viv was the elder of the village. She was well known for her herbal remedies, but well loved for her kindness and compassion.
"Now now Viv, you know it's always like this" replied a young man around his mid twenties. He had a handsome face, short hair and a winning smile.
"Touya's right" Sakura chipped in. "It's no good getting stressed about it".
Sakura was the youngest girl in the entire village at a mere nineteen yet she cared and spoke like an adult. Perhaps the most loved villager, Sakura was friendly and charming, with short auburn hair, fair skin and light sun shades over her eyes. Everyone treasured her for her understanding nature and love of anything and anyone.
"I know I know" Viv grumbled. "It's just not good for Kero". Kero was Viv's goat and long term companion. He was a pretty lazy goat, but to Viv he was perfect.
Sakura chuckled "I'm sure Kero will be fine"
"Besides" Touya smirked "Our little monster here makes far more noise"
Sakura stuck her tongue out at him but quickly retracted it when she heard hooves.
"Someone's coming" she said, sounding concerned.
Sure enough, a single horse trotted into the village and stopped in front of them. The rider descended gracefully and looked around.
"Touya Kinomoto?" he called out.
Touya stepped forward. "Yes"
The rider retrieved a scroll from his saddle, unrolled it and began to read.
"Touya Kinomoto. By royal order of her majesty Queen Yelan you are required to fulfil your promise of safety to her majesty by protecting his royal highness Prince Syaoran until further notice" he read.
By now, most of the village had gathered and shared whispers of fear were uttered. Touya bowed at the rider and nodded.
"It is understood. When does he arrive?" Touya asked.
"Two days. You shall have a room prepared and be ready to serve. However, he must blend into the community and no one outside the village is to know he is here" and with that the rider mounted his horse. "I wish you all the best"
As he rode away, Sakura turned towards her brother.
"Fulfil what promise? Touya?" Sakura tugged at her brother's shirt to try and get his attention but he simply ignored her.
"Yelan..." he whispered before finally shaking his head with a small smile."We'd better prepare a room"
