"If the beast can be slain then our kingdoms will unite with my daughter and your son in marriage."
"That seems like a logically reward."
Two men stood talking to one another. One fur's was a dull gray and he had black gloves while the other's fur was brown and cream. Both wore crowns to signify their role, King Akira of the West and King Renier of the East. For years their kingdoms have been plagued by a dangerous and blood thirsty beast. King Renier looked at his companion and said, "I will let Alonzo know and we can start gathering troops as soon as possible."
"Very good Renier," King Akira said and headed for the door. He grabbed the handle and turned opening the door and left.
Once Renier was by himself he fell into the closest chair and sighed.
A young farm boy worked in the fields as his mother looked on from a cabin window. Her son was growing and fast, he was already 18 and she knew before long he would start asking to join the royal guard. Every mother's fear is that her baby will be hurt or worse slain in battle or conflict and Alonzo was all she had. If she lost him, she wouldn't know what to do.
The young man looked up from his work as two royal guards rode to his cabin on horseback. Being curious he picked himself up off the ground and went to the house.
Jellylorum came out of her cabin drying her hands, "Is everything alright gentlemen?"
The two armored men got down from their horses and one said as he walked towards her, "I wish it were."
Jellylorum looked at the man in confusion and before she could say anything Alonzo was at her side, "What's the meaning of this?"
"Young man the King would like to see you this evening."
Alonzo looked at his mother then at the guard, "Why?"
"I was not told that information, but your presence in requested. By order of the King we shall see you to the Kingdom."
Alonzo looked at his mother, "You hear that mother? We're going to the palace."
"Unfortunately that's not true."
Alonzo looked at the guard with close eyebrows, "What do you mean?"
"The King only wishes to see you not your mother."
Alonzo stepped closer to the guard, "I am not leaving my mother behind. She needs me."
"Alonzo," Jellylorum said softly then touched his arm. Alonzo turned away from the guard and looked at her. Jellylorum looked up at her son with love in her eyes, "Go,"
Alonzo touched his mother's hand then kissed it and said, "If that's what you want me to do."
Jellylorum nodded.
Alonzo let go of his mother's hand and turned to the guards, "Lead the way."
The kingdom walls were as high as trees and the streets busy with working men and women. Some owned carts that they pushed around selling various goods while others danced, played music, or told fortunes for a coin here and there.
Alonzo was fascinated by all of this. Never in his years of living in the country with his mother had he seen so many people in one place. He wondered as he sat atop a horse that was being taken to the court house if these people liked living inside stone walls unable to do what they wanted when they wanted.
The horses stopped at a large wooden door. Alonzo got off his horse and followed the guards in. Walking into the main room of the court house Alonzo was greeted by more guards and a man wearing a crown sitting in a chair at the center of the room behind a table. He stood as Alonzo and the guards came closer. Once Alonzo had stopped walking and bowed to the King, Renier signaled for his guards to leave. Once alone Renier spoke, "You may stand young man."
Alonzo stood and looked at the floor.
King Renier walked closer to the farm boy and looked him over. He looked exactly like his son did. Then he thought no wonder, this was his twin. In order for his and King Akira's kingdoms to be at peace this farm boy and Princess Cassandra had to wed and unite the kingdoms. This farm boy was King Renier's only hope.
"How old are you boy?"
"18 your majesty."
"Do you have any siblings?"
"No your majesty, it's just me and my mother."
"Your mother?" Renier asked as he continued to look Alonzo over.
"Yes your grace, her name is Jellylorum. We live in a small cabin in the forest across the river from here."
"I see. Tell me boy has it ever occurred to you that you may be able to live some place better?"
"My mother and I are very happy where we are thank you your majesty."
Renier stopped in front of the boy, "What if I could tell you that your mother lied to you."
Alonzo looked into the King's eyes for the first time since they started talking, "What do you mean? My mother would never lie to me."
"But she did."
Alonzo didn't want to question the King but he asked anyway, "What are you talking about?"
"Your mother, she never told you now dreadful."
"What are you talking about?" Alonzo growled.
The King looked at the farm boy with surprise then grinned, "You have the same temper as your brother."
Alonzo's eyes grew twice the normal size and his eyebrows flew up as he continued to look at the King with a stunned silence.
Renier nodded and spoke, "So sad to see a young and promising man never knowing the whole truth. Your brother was my heir unfortunately he died this past day and now my kingdom has no successor."
"So why am I here?"
"You are here because you are going to take his place."
Alonzo looked away from the King. Renier touched Alonzo's shoulders with his old boney hands, "And if you do not, I will burn that cabin of yours to the ground with your mother in it."
Alonzo quickly turned back to the King, "Are you threatening me?"
"No. Promising you." Renier walked to a closet, "I promise you that if you do not accept, that small cabin and your mother will be burnt to no repair."
"You can't do that!" Alonzo yelled.
"Oh but I can. You see I wear the crown that rules over the land here."
"My mother and I will run away."
"You can't hide." Renier said with an even tone as he looked at the closet.
Alonzo sighed and tried to wrap his mind around everything that was just said. King Renier was saying that he had a twin brother who was the prince but now that he's dead he has to take his place and if he doesn't Renier will burn his home and his mother.
Alonzo looked at the King who had turned around and was standing in front of the closet looking at him. Alonzo took one step closer, "I accept your offer your majesty."
King Renier smiled and walked to Alonzo and hugged him, "That's a good boy. Now you must take the life that your twin lived. You must keep all his friends, interests, and promises."
"Promises?"
"I made a promise to the King of the East that my son and his daughter will marry if you come back successful."
"Successful from what?"
"The beast." Renier said with grief, "It took my son's life and now you are here to take his place. Do not fail me."
"I have one request before I take this new life."
"What is it?"
"I wish to say good bye to my mother."
Renier looked at the young boy then said, "Very well."