Chapter Two
The wedding of Prince Jadon and Princess Mesha was truly a festive affair. The assembled crowd chattered happily as bards and musicians circulated freely. Food and wine flowed just as freely.
He-Man stood off to one side, his friend Battle Cat by his side. Nearby stood the royal newlyweds, Prince Jadon and Princess Mesha, cradling goblets of wine and chatting with onlookers. The father of the groom, King Ungore of Hamaneel, stood next to them, injecting the occasional bon mot into the conversation.
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Unseen by the revelers below, Zoar the Falcon alit silently onto the branch of a nearby tree, taking care to conceal herself in the branches. As a favor to Man-At-Arms, The Sorceress had agreed to watch over He-Man while he was at the wedding -- just in case.
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Off in the distance, trumpets blared, heralding the King and royal couple. At this, the crowd suddenly turned towards the King. "Welcome, dear friends!" shouted the King. "It gives me great pleasure to present to you today a friend of our family, the people and Kingdom of Hamaneel, and of freedom-loving people everywhere!" King Ungore paused for dramatic effect. "I am pleased to present to you today the One, the Only … He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe!"
He-Man smiled and waved shyly as the crowd applauded. He wasn't used to being the center of attention (He didn't go to all that many parties in general. Being … well, He-Man … left him very little time for a social life.)
"A toast, Sir … if you please!" commanded King Ungore. The crowd cheered and broke into cries of "SPEECH! SPEECH!" At long last, a bashful He-Man stepped away from the side and over to where the royal couple stood.
"I don't usually drink … and I'm normally not one for speeches," He-Man began. "However, I will say this…" He-Man paused for effect. "I hope that the Prince and Princess will be very happy together … and I wish them all the best."
Upon hearing this, the crowd applauded wildly once more.
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"Are you really THE He-Man?" said a high, feminine voice behind him.
He-Man turned towards the voice. Standing behind him was a dark-haired woman -- Lysia -- wearing a white linen gown and carrying two goblets of wine.
"Um, yes … that's me," said He-Man.
"Oh, it's such an honor to meet you!" Lysia squealed, feigning delight.
"Likewise," He-Man said with a smile. "What's your name?"
"Penelope," Lysia lied. "Care for some wine?" she asked, offering He-Man a goblet.
"I don't normally drink," He-Man demurred.
"C'mon, it's a party!" Penelope/Lysia exclaimed. "Live a little!" Lysia paused. "Besides, I hear the wine is excellent."
"Well, I suppose a little bit won't hurt," He-Man said as he took a sip. "You're right," he said as he downed the whole goblet. "It IS good."
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An hour later, He-Man was clutching his stomach and bracing himself against the nearest tree, his face contorted in pain.
"He-Man, are you all right?" Lysia asked innocently.
He-Man shook his head. "Feel tired … nauseous, " he said.
Just what I'd hoped you'd say, Lysia thought evilly. "Probably just some bad food," she lied. "Let us leave this place"
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Zoar was becoming worried. "Bad food?" she thought. If that's the case, why haven't any of the OTHER guests taken sick? She spread her wings and left her perch, unseen by the revelers below. Something's wrong here.