The Heir

Johnathan sat atop his throne, lax and loafing in his giant chair. Next to him lay his hammer, adjacent to it a tankard of ale. Johnathan rubbed his stubbly chin pondering and waiting for the arrival of his newest guest. He wondered what he would do with his new prisoner. Perhaps drive shoots of wood into his fingernails, or put him into the iron maiden. That is if he had any of such methods of torture. Johnathan provided refuge to anyone in the golden halls of his castle.

Johnathan was approached by a sultry knight with reddish hair and odd red eyes. It was odd because Prospitians rarely had such vibrant eyes. The knight was wearing a grey tunic with its family crest on the back of it. The short, stout knight approached and bowed briefly to The Heir. "Your 'special guest' is waiting outside, should I signal the guards to let him in?" The sultry knight inquired.

"Ah, yes bring him in. I've been waiting to speak with him all day now." Johnathan smiled anxious to speak with his guest.

The doors of the court hall opened, the two guards brought in the trussed Sir David in. He was still wearing his armor and visor, which was specked with dirt and rust from use. "Ah, yes, the one tool in the entire kingdom that wears his visor down indoors. You must be very popular with the ladies." The sultry knight began berate the prisoner with insults.

"Down, Vantas," Johnathan raised his hand and Vantas stood down, "Sir David I would like to have a few words with you, but I assure you that your safety is my priority."

David did not seem to react to his words.

"Derse's last advance was frighteningly close to Prospit's walls. Is there something High Prince Strider is planning that would call for such a brash advance?"

David's expression did not change. It was seemed that he was trained to withstand interrogation.

"Another thing I find odd is that such and advance was made just days after my father went missing."

David took a step back.

"You jest," David stated, "It's a mere coincidence. I nor my brother are responsible for your father getting lost in the forest."

"Now I don't want to blame you, your brother or your people. But until my father is found and returned safely I am afraid I am not going to be able to let you leave."

"My brother will send for me. You cannot hold me here. You underestimate my abilities."

"And in that I do, Sir Strider. But it is merely a precaution I assure you." Johnathan leaned forward and gestured to the guards. "Now if you will, take him to the 'dungeon'."

David showed a shred of fear, he was unaware that Propsit was even capable of having a dungeon. Was Johnathan's benevolence just a rumor?

The guards dragged David away, who begrudgingly followed them. Vantas turned to Johnathan to speak, yet it seemed that Johnathan had something already brewing in his mind.

"You have no actual suspicion that the Dersites were behind the King's disappearance. Do you?" Vantas asked quietly. Johnathan shook his head.

"The Dersites are a rowdy sort they take glory in war and violence. They won't think twice to charge headlong into battle. I commend them for that. This is why I think that Strider could not have been behind my father's disappearance. There is no glory in espionage. The Dersites feed off of glory."

"Of course but wouldn't it be like them to pull such a stunt?" Vantas inquired.

"I don't think it would be like them…but for now we will keep Sir David in custody until my father is found."

"What do you think…do you think Derse is after…"

"The Ring?" Johnathan inquired. "Let us hope not."