-4-
Cost of Consequence
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Back in the jungle surrounded by the thick green vines Adam didn't know his way free; the faint sound of movement had caught the prince's attention, but it was the wrong way to look. As the beast-hunter had already spotted Adam long before the prince had. 'It appears we're going to have company.' Raqquill thought as he looked across at the green Ly`hon.
Adam without knowing what awaited him followed the sounds of the movement, the hunter looked on as Adam moved in as planned, turn when he wanted pacing him out so Adam would tire himself out. Raqquill saw Adam lean up against the side of a tree, unknowing that he had been there just a few minutes earlier, with a grin out from the other direction leaping down of the trees above came the beast-hunter.
Adam saw a glimpse of the hunter's deep red fur just in time out of the corner of his eye, as he leaped down on the prince. Adam felt the pain run down the right side of his body as he was brought down to the forest floor by Raqquill. There was a scuffle between the two, Adam on two occasions pinning the hunter down, showing the power and skill of the prince. At one point the beast-hunter had forced Adam's shoulders down to the ground; Raqquill had then brought his gagged edge dagger up to Adam's neck and rubbed the blade lightly across the skin of his neck.
The prince didn't dare move nor flinch, in fear of the edge taking a nip. "You should have known never to mess with another creatures kill boy!" the beast-hunter stated as he leaned in close; Adam eye the wildness in his eyes and smelt the death of past kills rapped in on his breath.
In the gripes of the hunter Adam tried to struggle free, but it was no use the beast had him tight, the prince looked around and saw a large tree branch just in arms reach. Adam quickly before the beast-hunter could act swung his right arm and hit Raqquill across the head with the thick branch; this gave Adam the chance to break the hold and get free.
Adam got to his feet, a hand on his blade as he came face to face with the killer; the hunter seeing the fear and dread in the young face of the royal prince, but still Adam wasn't ready to back down just yet. He saw the hunter still down on the ground; Adam came over to the wildcat's side. "Okay little guy I hope you can feel that I'm here to try and help you!' The wildcat's face turned sharply to face Adam's, the cat not knowing the prince was here to help clawed out at him. 'Come now please; know that I am not the one who wishes to kill you."
Adam took that step closer and then another, before he took hold of the line that had trapped the wildcat. His green eyes looked on as Adam started to cut the thick rope. "That's it little one, please now just remain clear... I'll soon have you out." Adam for a split second looked over his should the hunter was still out cold.
The rope was almost cut, and this time the Ly`hon cube didn't struggle and as Adam pulled away his dagger the cube was free. He and the cube ran through the thick growth of the jungle together.
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The beast-hunter had quickly come up behind them; Raqquill bangs on his red protective chest battle-plate; the hunter also wore red shoulder plates and armour on his lower legs. Adam heard him cry. "I had tried to warn you, but you won't listen...' but it was too late for the prince to defend himself. Adam was knocked to the floor. 'Never to mess with a hunter's kill... Now you will get yours prince... You will get yours!"
Adam quickly scrambled back to a vertical bases and took the young cub under his arms and ran. The hunter got to his feet and without another second had picked up his blade and was in hot pursuit. Raqquill pounded his red protective chest battle-plate; the hunter also wore red shoulder plates and armour on his lower legs.
Adam heard the callings of a bird over head; he looked up to the sky as the bird of prey flow over head. Duncan too had spotted the bird in the blue morning sky and his mind turns to the true nature of the bird. "Zoar, it must be a sign from the castle." 'So then even the ancient watcher is trouble by these events!' The captain thought as he turned to his daughter and the other guards.
"Quickly now, we must follow the bird. I believe she will lead us to Adam." he stated. 'You truly are being watched over my prince.' Duncan is a man of tradition and believed wholeheartedly in the great power of the winged watcher of Griogair. Teela'Na's falcon led the captain of the guard through the jungle.
Raqquill also stirred up to the skies had caught a glimpse of the bird, but paid it no action. "You smell boy, I know how to find you and how you will pay for taking my morning meal from me!"
Adam looked down at the Ly`hon cube. 'I hope you were worth saving.' The Ly`hon seemed to hear the prince's thought's and looked back at Adam.
Duncan saw the red fear of the hunter first cut the corner of his right eye; Duncan then moved in on his Sky-sled, turning left and right in hopes of seeing the hunter Raqquill again. The beast-hunter kept moving in after the prince, therefore alluding Duncan a little longer.
Then the captain could see the full figure of Raqquill through the jungle. "We better move fast; no doubt Adam is his new pray." he stated. Teela nodded and moved forward by Malcom's side.
Further up ahead Adam heard the laughter of the hunter from over his shoulder as Raqquill moved on in; he spun quickly around on the spot to come face-to-face with the beast-hunter as he emerged out of the thick green jungle.
Adam heard him roar, and through gritted teeth snarled. "Will you teats good boy when I get you... I was hoping to get my fill from the cub, now I'll eat well this evening!"
"Why don't you pick on someone your own size!?" snapped Adam, as he stood in front of the Ly`hon; hoping still to try and protect him.
Raqquill took hold of Adam's coat and took a firm hold; his eye rested for a second on the mark of the palace; a crooked smile rested on his face as Adam was pulled in close. Adam cringed slightly as he now fully smelt the roaming hunter. "Well... well... well just look what we have here. It happens that in this mess I've landed myself a soldier of the king, you should have never come here boy, didn't no one try and warn you!' said Raqquill laughing coldly as he stepped out forward to Adam; not yet knowing the soldier's true identity. 'Just look around you boy, see what true and real danger looks like, oh what have you gotten yourself into!"
Adam looked around; there was no way out no way he could run now, but he still choice to stand his ground. "Danger... I fear no one... I am the prince of Eternia, I stand firm in danger ready to fight." Adam stated this; hoping that the truth would buy him some if not a little more time.
"Wait... wait... wait, I see it now, the truth looking at me right in the eye... Damn it boy.' he sniffed Adam's blonde hair. 'You are better than a soldier of Randor's guards... as you boy are truly Adam his son... Oh yes the prince himself; oh what a delight... Oh what a treat; not the wisest of moves boy!" Raqquill circles the prince around on the spot; they looked each other right in the eye, finding the right time to strike.
The cub swipe his paw at the hunter and growled softly, with all his might. This broke the hunter's grip and Adam fell to the ground backwards. Raqquill snapped his jaw and then suddenly swung his weapon down on Adam and without giving the prince time to act Raqquill bared down on Adam. "Oh what a killing; the blood of a prince nothing would be more sweeter!"
Adam watched as the hunter licked his lips; the hunter wasn't affected he was actually contemplating ending the life of the prince. Adam for that brief second felt fear, but he couldn't let it take control of him.
"You can't take the life of the prince; I am Adam the son of Randor?"
"Oh but I can; you took from me boy; that Ly'hon was mine after all... Now you are my kill; a take for a take you must understand that!" these cold words freely left the mouth of the hunter.
"Father knows that you are here in Eternia Raqquill, it would be in your best interest to let me go and leave now. As they are coming for you..." He tried to sound brave, but his tone sounded worried in front of true death.
"What type of hunter would I be if I just leave without a kill, what stories they would be able to tell of me; one beaten by a mere boy prince,' the hunter shook his head and went for his knife. 'No that just doesn't rest well with me at all, now a story about the end of a prince... Oh yes that would gain me some standing!"
The captain of the guard had just caught the end of the hunter's sentence and saw Raqquill actually lick his lips; Duncan knew that it was now or never; he had to rush now as there was no time to actually formulate a rescue plan. He raced on in. "Adam lookout!" called out Duncan; blocking the hunter's weapon with his armoured shield-guard.
"Trophies... more trophies!" groaned Raqquill has he put all his force in an attempt to hold his ground.
Duncan leaned on his. "Stay back my prince.' the beast-hunter step after step moved back, until he tripped backwards on a vine and fall back on his hide. 'This is over, you should have never entered into Eternia." stated the captain looked on the hunter.
The hunter got up to his knees and shook off the knock.
"Silence! I'd stay down if I were you Raqquill... Even one like you likes the sound of his own voice!" snapped Duncan stepping forward.
Malcom, Teela and other guards raced in to surround Raqquill the hunter; Adam even seeing Ritter at Malcom's side. Duncan turned to a fellow soldier. "Arrest the hunter for openly and freely attacking the prince, our king will pass sentence... You better hope he will go lenient on you."
"I fear nothing, throw your worst damn you Eternian!"
Adam was safe from the beast-hunter; the pince quickly stepped by the side of the captain and the female guard. Teela stepped in bravely; "Oh I'll buy my time for now!" he whispered to himself, holding his hands out in surrender and Teela placed bounds over his wrists.
Krass stepped in to help hold Raqquill firmly in his bounds and led him away. "Like my captain said you should have stayed out of Eternia, but now at least you'll answer for all your past killings."
Adam looked right at Raqquill; who was held tight in the relinquishing grasp of Krass; the beast-hunter returned his gaze snapping his jaws yet again at the prince, the prince returned a nod symbolising ''that will show you.''
Duncan caught this exchange and didn't want the prince thinking that he had done well, the captain placed a firm hand on Adam's shoulder, "Now don't look so damn pleased with yourself Adam, you are a long way from the barracks... You have broken orders and no doubt your father will have something to say about your actions.' addressed Duncan.
'Now take him away... A cell awaits him for now, until he can answer for his crimes."
Adam wished he could hide his face; he turned away from Duncan and didn't return the look Teela gave him, Adam simple walked away. And with his head low the prince and moved away to stand by Krass' side, as the soldier took a tight hold of Raqquill the hunter's arms and forcing him away, the hunter being forced to walk with no other choice.
As they left the clearing the cub came running in close after Adam, the prince heard his callings and looked back over his shoulder down at the Ly'hon. "Go now cub... You must find your own kind... The palace is no place for you."
The cub again let out a soft roar circling around Adam's legs, the prince lowered his head and kneed down to the cub, The cub sat and looked at Adam, Adam held out his hand not knowing what the cub would do, the cub allowed himself to be stroked across his back by the gentle hand of the prince.
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After hearing about the events in the jungle and that his own son had in fact disobeyed orders and had taken it upon himself to leave the palace alone to fight the hunter Randor truly wasn't all to prince with Adam and on his return had him brought before him, Adam as he approached his father the king seemed to wither so under his father's angry glare. "Adam my son come before me; as you and I need to talk...' Randor placed a hand around his son's shoulder. 'Oh are coming of age, but I forget that you are still learning your roles... your place here in Eternia... You have so many lesson to learn, I ask that you listen to those around you... And further more let them help you."
"Father, I..." his head was hunched down, the prince hoped that he could just close his eyes tightly shut and open them and have this all disappear. But deep down he knew there wasn't that amount of magic to complete that wish in the known universe.
Adam was pleased to have Teela there by his side. Her being there somehow gave him some comfort at least that things will always be all right. Looking down he saw the boots of his father's; 'I have a lot to learn no doubt before I can proudly fill them.'
This was a very tense moment for Adam; has he realised that he has rather big shoes to fill, so to speak, and is only now realising his true position. "Adam, it is time for you to listen to what I have to say.' his tone reverberated right through the prince. Randor thought silently for a few moments, not looking at his son. Then, finally, he turns to him stating to Adam. 'I'm very disappointed in you."
Adam stood very quietly and sadly before his father. "I know..." he softly replied.
The king continued on. "Your actions could have gotten yourself killed! You have deliberately disobeyed the ordered of my captain and myself.' said Randor in a harsh stern tone. 'And what's worse you had actually forced Keldor a rising soldier to lie for you."
"Please father forgive my action. I am truly sorry; I did not want to course any arm. I wanted... I wanted the change to step out of your shadow!" Adam was bordering on crying his voice on the verge of cracking.
"My shadow?" the king repeated, struck by his son's comments.
Adam nodded; in believe of his words and feeling. "All I wanted to do was just try and be brave like you father... Like a true king should, no one wishing to hold me back in the safety of the palace due to who I was!"
The wind was slightly knocked out of the king's sails; he could actually sympathise with his son's feeling, but knew that a king should know the times of bravery. "I am only brave when I have to be. Adam being brave doesn't necessarily mean you golooking for trouble or looking to prove your worth."
"But father you're not scared of anything, you have led Eternia to great things by being brave."
"I must hold my hands up Adam, I was today. When I had been informed of what had happened I never felt so worried" Randor answered speaking truthfully.
Adam looked up at his father. "You were?" he questioned in disbelieve.
"Oh yes.' he paused and looked close to Adam. 'I felt fear as I actually thought I might have lost you. You should have never gone out there alone in search of that hunter, as you learnt there are people out there that don't think nor view the world as we do in the capital."
"Oh!' he replied lightening slightly. 'I guess even king's can get scared, huh went the kingdom they love is in danger."
The comments of his son so pleased his father the king. "Mm-hmm that they can my son; that they can." The king came forward to his son and placed a hand on his shoulder and turned to look Adam right in the eye. Adam looks up to his side and, quite courageously, continues to match his father's gaze.
To the young prince it was another harsh reminded of how small and young he is compared to his father the king, who is a figure in Elternia of not only strength, but wisdom and knowledge. "You will head back to the academy and I ask for you to prove that you know what is expected of you... Respect the protection you are receiving, because after your second year you will be allowed on training mission and then there is no hiding my son!" he had a stern, but fair look on his face.
It comes across to Teela that the king could easily do much, much more to discipline his son, but realised that the king's actions were to bring Adam back down to earth and to make him see his role for himself.
Randor follows on be stating. "You will have to be a better man Adam, not only to become Eternia's king one day, but also for your sister Adora as well."
Adam nodded. "Father?"
"Hmm my son?"
"We will always be there for one and each other, won't we?' Randor laughed gently and nodded. 'And when in times of doubt I can always come to you for guidance, right?"
"My son let me tell you something that my father once told me... Look at the stars. The great kings of Eternia's past look down on us from those stars." He slowly walked his son to the window and pointed out up to the sky.
In awe Adam replied. "Really?"
"Oh yes, so Adam whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you ... And so will I."
Adam left the chamber of his father; Teela walked by his side. Adam clearly with his head bent low in shame. "Even though you purposely disobeyed everyone today; I must state Adam you stood tall in front of danger and were there to save the Ly`hon from the hunter like that. Yes listen to your father's words... But be pleased of that!" Adam would have smile, he would have even blushed slightly at her warm comments, but he was too down to react properly. A greater lesson now rested upon the young prince's shoulders.
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Keldor was then brought in front of the king by Duncan. It was clear to him that the king was angry and disappointed with his actions. "I truly don't know what you were playing at Keldor laying to your superiors like that when you knew all too well that Adam had in fact left the grounds in search of the hunter, I had expect more from my serving guard when my son is concerned. Do I make myself clear?"
Keldor nodded; lowering his head in a shameful manner as he stood in front of Randor. "Duncan has placed much faith in you boy; I hope that in time you repay that cost... A future place at his side is at hand."
Keldor knew that he had done wrong in lying to Duncan, but deep down as he stood in front of his king he still blamed Adam for the situation he found himself in. "Yes my king, I have failed in my role... I have failed you too my captain!" addressed Keldor picking his words wisely as he wasn't willing to state sorry, as he wasn't truly sorry or regretful thinking to himself. 'Why should I state to you Randor my apologies; Adam was determined to leave. I tried to stand in his way I saw that he wanted this needed this. Adam brought this on himself on to me.' deep down his thoughts showed how he know felt about his role in the kingdom of Eternia.
The king in face welcomed Keldor's comments, in the light of the faith Duncan places in him. "You could one day step forward and be a great soldier to Eternia; standing by Adam's side and protecting our borders, all I ask is you do what is right and do what is asked of you!"
"Sir I stood in his way, your son knew his mind. I deep down lied to protect him... Giving him time to achieve his own goal. My aims within your army, my king, will never change; that I promise you. I still wish to follow on in Duncan's footsteps; I am sorry for letting you down!" replied Keldor as his role was spelt out for him.
Randor had listened to Keldor and actually realised the situation Adam had put his close friend in, but still deep down knew Keldor could and should have done more to keep Adam out of danger and now the king want to see Keldor step up to his mark and to show his true worth and potential. And just like he did with his son Randor stepped forward and placed a hand on his should and looked him in the eye. "That I am pleased to hear, it seems that my son today was his own worst enemy and I have spoken with him. From this day on Keldor I will have Duncan and Malcom to keep a close eye on you, to see if you to have learnt from this day."
Keldor bowed his head, and then looked over at Duncan. "I will not fail." and with that Keldor left with Duncan by his side.
Keldor felt the cold look and distance Duncan gave him from that day on; a feeling that sickened him to the core. Keldor though for a second about how quickly Duncan had turned his back on him, due to the actions and foolish drive of Adam. 'I shouldn't be at the receiving end of this, I know my actions were misplaced, but Adam brought this upon himself, blast it... Blast him... Duncan and the king ah, they should be casting their anger toward him, but oh no we all know that they would never happen to the likes of the king's son.' His hand clinched into a fist, then he broke the feeling when he felt anger toward Sarah's husband.
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Adam had spent most of the day in his quarters; away from watchful glances and stirs, his actions weighting heavy on his mind. The wildcat actually resting at his feet on his bed. There was a sudden knock later that evening on his door. Adam saw his mother standing in the doorway in front of him, she had come from the palace to the barracks to speak with her son. "My son your training as taken you from my side... I thought it be good to talk with you; your father had informed me that you left the palace."
"I am sorry mother, I needed to be brave. I wanted to be a man, a warrior!"
"Why didn't you come and speak with me first Adam, you have trained hard. The man you'll become will be great... Please I ask of you not to rush to grow up, as you may in the end miss out!" stated his mother the queen lightly smiling.
Adam looked away. "Are you disappointed in me too mother, do you think I acted poorly?' he asked not daring to look her in the eye. 'Because if you do, then fear not these are my feelings too!"
"No, rest assured I do not... I am just happy, my son, to have you safely home."
This truly lifted Adam spirits; they spoke for most of the day in his room and like the queen had stated his training had taken him away and it was truly a nice change to be spending time with his mother, Adam looked down at the cub and asked to keep the Ly`hon cub to which is mother queen Marlena agreed. "Look after him well my son; the action of the hunter as cut him off from his family; I would never wish that to happen to one I love and care for."
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Raenius stood before the prince as Adam walked one night with Teela by his side and the Ly'hon Rocrin following behind. "Raenius!" said the prince addressing the advisor.
"Adam, your father is troubled; your future is a good one! You now more than ever must be the prince Elternia so needs."
"I didn't want to pass any worry on to my father's shoulders Raenius that I can assure you." stated Adam in reply.
"Then Adam play your roll, as asked of you." He looked at both Teela and Adam.
"I listened to my father words Raenius... I know my roll and what is expected of me... I now just ask for time, time Raenius that will enable me to show my father and his kingdom that I will be be the king I want to be."
The advisor seemed to scrunch up his face at hearing this sentiment from Adam. "Oh do you? I truly don't think you two know what must be!?"
"And what does that suppose to mean?" Teela found herself asking, casting a look over at Adam.
"Oh, just look at the two of you together. Little seeds of romance blossoming, your father's will be thrilled.' he gathered their hands together between his. 'What with you two being betrothed and all."
They pulled away quickly, as this was the first talk of the two friends being married. "Be what sorry Raenius?" asked them both at the same time, as they looked across at each other, with a look of question and doubt across their faces.
"It's just what it sounds like my prince, betrothed... Intended... Affianced!" answered the royal advisor.
"Meaning?"
"Well my prince it means that one day you and Teela will be married!" confirmed Raenius calmly, holding on to his coat.
Adam shook his head in defiance; Teela was his childhood friend yes he had mixed feelings for her, but he did not seem them as betrothed. "No way, I can't marry her. After all she's my friend!"
"Yes he's right, Raenius. It just wouldn't be right the prince and I."
"Well I'm sorry to burst your bubble daughter of Duncan, however you two have no choice. It's a tradition going back generations..."
"Well father will just have to see how I feel about tradition; no matter how far back it goes.' Teela held Adam's hand and pulled him back and shook her head, in hopes of stopping Adam's new stand. Adam fired a look back at the advisor. 'And Raenius when I'm king, that'll be the first thing to go!"
"Hmmm, not as long as I'm around!" snapped the advisor, point directly at Adam.
Adam thumped his chest. "Yes I have to hear your advise Raenius, but for starters as I'm king I have the last say, so I just can't wait to be king... because then I will set the rules... and in the end the whole kingdom is witness my wisdom, as it will be mine to rule."
"Not quite yet it doesn't, your attitude will have to change Adam. If you so wish to be honoured as your father before it."
"Hmph... That's not the way I see it, yes he was reckless, but Adam left for the right reasons."
"I will be honoured as a mighty king Raenius, so enemies like Raqquill beware!"
"After the other day's actions it is so clear that you've got a long way to go yet my young master. I promise you that I'll never served for a king with quite so little respect for the ways of the kingdom!" Raenius said this quickly looking red in the face.
"If father heard you talk like that maybe you will be out of serve sooner than you think." snapped Adam sharply to the king's advisor.
Raenius took a deep breath; stopping himself from snapping a reply. The Ly'hon seemed to be picking up on the tension and showed his teeth up towards the Advisor. "I just want you to realise just what is being asked of you Adam that is all nothing more nothing less my dear boy... That is all I've ever try to do."
"And that I do Raenius that I do!" Adam turned and left with Teela by his side.
Raenius heard Teela state. "Well, you will be a great future king, Adam... The best will serve at your side."
"Thank you Teela, with the help of my people I will be like no king was before; I will work hard and brush up on my skills... Oh I'll show the ones who have tried to written me off. I will follow what is asked for me... Brush up on my skills and work on my roar; showing that I can be mature and can no doubt run with the front man!"
"I know that you will Adam, I have full confidence in you." replied Teela, and as their eyes met yet again they look away not yet wanting to feel the connection that is asked of them.
Like Adam, Teela concentrated hard on her studies; learning all that she could from her father the captain and the royal advisor; soon she rose through the ranks of the cadets; her bravery was rewarded by the king at every turn.