I was always intrigued about Hendrik's childhood and life before Dundrasil fell, and it was never gone into depth. It was only briefly mentioned from time to time in the game; because of this, I have taken the liberty to write and think about what Hendrik's life was like before the events of Dundrasil falling. This will be a long story with many chapters, it'll take time for me to write the entire thing. Without further ado, sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Chapter 1: The Night Everything Changed
It was a bright and sunny day in the kingdom of Zawaardust. Flocks of people walked its fine stone streets and business happened everywhere. It was a normal day for the kingdom, just like it always is.
"Hendrik sweetie, breakfast is ready!". Six-year-old Hendrik lay in bed, hearing his mother's sweet voice call for him. He emerged and answered, "Coming mom!". It's time for him to eat breakfast and go to school.
Hendrik lived a mostly normal life with his mother and father. His father was a carpenter and his mother did what all mothers did at the time; she stayed home, cooked, cleaned, and did laundry. She also was a nanny for a richer family, as many middle-class women would be either maids or nannies for richer families.
Still groggy and tired, Hendrik came downstairs and was greeted by a home-cooked breakfast. "Come and eat Hendrik, you don't want to be late.", his mom kindly suggested. Hendrik tried to eat his breakfast as fast as he could, but his grogginess hindered him. Hendrik always tried to eat as fast as possible so he could get to school. He was never a stellar student, despite his efforts; however, he still enjoyed seeing his friends and playing with them at recess and after school.
Hendrik left the house with his lunch and papers in hand as he heard his mother yell to him, "Have a nice day Hendrik, love you!". Hendrik trotted to the schoolhouse, which was about five minutes of walking from his house. Everything in Zawaardust seemed so close to each other, you could walk from one side of the kingdom to the other and be there in ten minutes. Every day Hendrik walks past the same few businesses every day on his way to school; a butcher shop, a bakery, and a floral shop. Each of the owners at their stands greets Hendrik with a smile when he passes them.
School is mostly straight-forward for the boy. Five hours of learning and one hour of free time. Hendrik gets to see all his friends and gets to play with them during free time. When he gets home, he has a snack and goes back to play with his friends; however, today would be different.
Hendrik and his friends played on a field, playing a nice game of tag. Out of nowhere, a man rode a horse through town yelling, "Monsters are outside the kingdom walls, go into your homes! This is not a drill!". Hendrik was aware that monsters were to be taken very seriously, children were taught that at a very young age. The majority of monster attacks were quite small, usually just a small group of a couple dozen, maybe more. Archers would usually take care of the group with no problem. No one really worried, but the kingdom was always prepared, or so they thought.
Hendrik made his way home that afternoon, with his mother and father both prepared. "Don't worry sweetie, we'll be ok.". Hendrik's mother tried to soothe him and take his worries away, he always worried that the attacks would be worse than they actually say. Hendrik has always had a sense of paranoia, ever since he was little.
Several hours later, things take a turn for the worst. A bang is heard from by the walls, hordes of monsters flock into the kingdom, not just the smaller bands that are usually seen. Hendrik and his parents brace themselves inside their home. Hendrik doesn't know what is really going on, but he is petrified. "Mommy, daddy, what is going on?". "Don't worry sweetie, we'll be fine.", his mother assured. His father jumped in, "And if any monsters come in here, I'll make them wish they never came here.". His dad brandished a big iron sword, a simple yet effective weapon. In his heart, Hendrik knew this wasn't just an ordinary attack. He was sure of this when he heard a small explosion in the distance.
"Son, things are getting worse. You're going to need to escape.", his father commanded. "Wa-what?". Hendrik couldn't believe that things have gone to this? Was the army taken out? What could cause such a massive invasion? These were only a fraction of the questions Hendrik had. "You hear that right? Monsters, right outside our house. Now, listen to me and listen close.". His father paused for a second and continued. "In the basement, there is a hatch under the desk. In a drawer in that desk, there is a key. Use it to open the hatch and go through the tunnel. When you exit, you will be at the front wall. Find someone that can help you, anyone at all. We're counting on you Hendrik, don't let me down.". "But dad…". Hendrik's dad cut him off. "Yes you can son, you can do great things already, so escape and live your life, don't worry about us. We love you, son, now go.".
The hesitant Hendrik runs away into the basement as tears flow down his face. Upstairs, he can hear his parents screaming and yelling. Despite that, he kept running through the tunnel all the way to the wall. Hendrik went outside the kingdom walls and just kept running. As soon as Hendrik looked behind him, he sees a group of headless horsemen chasing after him. They were running faster than he was, and they quickly caught up. Hendrik screamed, shut his eyes, and braced for impact, he knew he was done.
Hendrik looked up to see five knights on horses. The headless horsemen were nowhere to be seen; he was saved by the Knights of Heliodor. "Little boy, are you ok?", one of the men asked. He was tall and burly, with a long black beard. "We are Heliodor knights, we have come to fend off the invasion. Where are your parents?". Hendrik began to cry, he didn't want to admit to what had happened. The black-bearded man sported a saddened look, "I'm sorry little one, what is your name?". "Hendrik, who are you?", he sniffled. "Nice to meet you, Hendrik, I'm Prince Carnelian of Heliodor.". Back then, King Carnelian was merely a prince. His father was the king. "Don't worry Hendrik, you're safe now. We'll take you to Heliodor where no monsters can hurt you, ok?". Hendrik continued to sniffle, "Thank...you". Prince Carnelian took Hendrik on his horse and prepared to head back. "I will bring the boy to Heliodor, the rest of you will help fend off the invasion.". "Yes sir!", all of the soldiers responded.
Prince Carnelian rode Hendrik all the way back to Heliodor, but not before stopping at a nearby inn for the night. The next morning, the two made their way to Heliodor. It was a bustling city, even more than Zawaardust ever was. Heliodor is a trade center in Erdrea, with merchants coming from all over the world. "This is it Hendrik, Heliodor.". Hendrik was amazed by the city, he heard about Heliodor's beauty, but he had never imagined this. "Wow, Heliodor is beautiful!", Hendrik exclaimed in awe. "It sure is.", Carnelian replied with a smile on his face.
"Carnelian!". A woman excitedly yelled as she ran over to the two. She had long, light brown hair with a tint of red and red rosy cheeks. She wore a gown similar to the one that his mother wore, and fine brown shoes. Despite her outfit, she was much cleaner than your average woman. "Ruby…", Carnelian said while getting off his horse. Ruby, still running, hugged Carnelian. "I'm so glad you're ok, what happened?", Ruby asked, concerned. Carnelian looked down and sighed, "I'll tell you later.". Ruby looked up at Hendrik and asked Carnelian, "Who is this little cutie pie?". "Oh yes, Ruby, this is Hendrik. He escaped from Zawaardust and I brought him here to safety. Hendrik, this is Ruby, my wife.". "Pleasure to meet you, Hendrik.", Ruby smiled.
"Ruby, I want Hendrik to be cared for with the other children.", Carnelian suggested. "Wait, other children?", Hendrik asked surprised. "Yes, Hendrik, we take care of the orphaned children of Erdrea. They will be quite surprised to see someone joining them.". Ruby happily nodded to Carnelian and Hendrik. Hendrik didn't answer, he just smiled.
Only a few minutes, Carnelian brings Hendrik to a large, wooden rectangular house. "Here it is Hendrik. Your new home.". Carnelian knocked on the large double wooden doors. A few seconds later, a boy about the same age as Hendrik opens the doors. "Your majesty, it's good to see you again.", the boy insisted. He had pale blond hair and looked the same age as Hendrik. He was sleek and slim, with a very cunning look. "Hello Jasper, it's good to see you again. This is Hendrik, the newest member of your family.", Carnelian informed Jasper. "A new brother? This is great!". Jasper paused for a second before continuing. "Nice to meet you, Hendrik, I'm Jasper. Now, why don't I introduce you to the rest of our siblings?".
So yeah, that's chapter 1. Obviously, I will be changing things and adding new characters, but it'll all be somewhat similar. I'll keep writing new chapters, so stay tuned!