When Halden realized it was morning, he jolted upright in bed, his heart racing. His gaze darted to the bed next to his, looking for Erik, but it remained untouched, its covers undisturbed. A knot twisted in his stomach. Shaking off the unease, he hurried to gather his belongings. Erik and Raeyla could have both slept in the third room, he reassured himself, though the thought did little to settle his nerves.
After readying himself, Halden left the room and descended to the lobby, where the Innkeeper stood bright-eyed behind the counter. The older man greeted him with an enthusiastic grin.
"Good morning, young guest! Today is the Sand National! The streets are already bursting with life!" The Innkeeper threw his arms wide, his excitement infectious, though it faltered as he noticed the young Luminary's tight expression.
"Good morning," Halden replied, his voice stressed. "I'm looking for my friends - the ones I mentioned when I checked in. Did they make it back?" His tone betrayed the hope he clung to.
The Innkeeper scratched his chin in thought before his gaze shifted upward. A smile broke across his face. "Why, yes, there they are now! Good morning!" He called up the staircase.
Halden whirled around, relief flooding him as he spotted Raeyla and Erik coming down the stairs. Raeyla stumbled slightly, rubbing at her eyes with lethargic movements, signaling that she was barely awake. Erik followed closely, his hand resting lightly on her back to steady her. He looked just as groggy but alert enough to guide her safely down.
"Good morning." Halden greeted them warmly, his worry melting away.
"Yo" Erik replied with his usual nonchalance, while Raeyla merely raised a hand in silent acknowledgment, her eyelids drooping.
"You look exhausted. Shouldn't you rest a little longer?" Halden asked, concern evident as he focused on Raeyla's weary face.
Erik smirked. "And miss the race? We're fine." He glanced at Halden, then hung his arm around the drowsy girl's shoulders and added, "Don't worry - I've got her." His tone was light but carried a quiet reassurance.
The brunette male nodded reluctantly, the last of his tension easing. Raeyla stifled a yawn before addressing the Innkeeper. "Hey, mister. Can you tell us where the royal dressing room is?"
The Innkeeper blinked, caught off guard by her sudden question. "The Royal Dressing Room? Why would you need to know that?" he asked, curious.
"We know the prince," Raeyla said simply, her words blurred slightly by another yawn. "Just want to wish him luck before the race."
"Oh! In that case, of course!" The Innkeeper brightened. "It's west of the paddock. Wish him luck for me as well, and enjoy the festivities!"
Raeyla nodded, and Erik gently steered her to face Halden once more, but paused at the sound of footsteps behind them. Serena and Veronica had woken up.
"Good Morning! Oh, Raeyla and Erik, you made it back! How late were you out?" Serena's cheerful tone was as bright as her refreshed expression.
"Morning. Late." Raeyla replied curtly, her words drawing a light laugh from Serena.
"What she said," Erik echoed with a shrug. "But we found the stables. Let's wish the Prince luck and go find seats."
Halden noted the quick pace Erik and Raeyla adopted as they left the inn, and recalled the day they left the church in Heliodor. It was then that he realized that they wanted to talk about last night. He followed without a word, eager for answers, and once outside, he stopped and turned to them expectantly.
"Nothing." Erik said, shaking his head. Disappointment clouded his features.
"You're kidding me." Veronica groaned and crossed her arms, having figured out what they were discussing.
"Have I missed something?" Serena asked, not following the conversation.
"Are you still asleep? They're talking about the branch." Veronica replied back bitterly. Though her tone was sharp, her frustration was not directed at her sister.
"Do you mean, it doesn't exist?" Serena asked, her brow furrowing.
"We don't know," Raeyla explained. "We couldn't find the treasure room."
"With more time, we might have scouted better," Erik added. "But we had to act fast. It wasn't worth getting caught."
Halden sighed. While he was happy that his companions weren't stealing the branch, it meant they had to trust Faris, and it made him nervous for reasons he could not place.
"Then we'll have to trust Prince Faris," he murmured, his words drawing reluctant nods and groans from the group. "Let's go to the stables."
"Actually, Veronica and I were going to get breakfast. Why don't we bring you something to eat? It won't do to race on an empty stomach." Serena offered.
Though Halden hesitated, his grumbling stomach betrayed him. "Thanks," he said, and the twins headed toward the food stalls while the others walked to the stables.
As they approached the area, they found a guard standing in front of a large stone door, and it led them to assume that this is where the prince was hiding.
"Excuse me. I'm looking for Prince Faris. I was hoping to wish him luck before the race." Halden said in a timid voice, hoping that he didn't appear to look suspicious.
The guard blinked at his request, "Prince Faris? Yes, His Highness is through here, in the Royal Dressing Room. You may enter, but remember to be respectful, please."
As they entered the room, Faris looked up to see who had entered. When he saw that it was Halden, his eyes lit up, "Thank the stars! I was beginning to worry that I might actually have to try and ride a horse! Now come, the race will begin shortly." He said as he ushered Halden behind a screen. The brunette male looked down in the corner and could see a set of armor laid neatly on the ground, set for him to change into.
The armor was hard to put on, and the young Luminary struggled to understand how the straps were meant to work. As he fiddled with the armor, he could hear Faris speaking with his friends on the other side of the partition.
"Were there not more of you?" He asked.
"They're getting food for Halden before he races." Erik's casual voice could be heard responding.
"Oh I see, you are very thoughtful servants!" Faris responded easily, not understanding how what he said was wrong.
"I will hit you Faris." Raeyla responded venomously, and the tone of her voice caused Halden to make a mental note not to ever anger Raeyla when she's tired.
"Ooook, Halden I'm gonna take her away before she's arrested for assaulting the Prince. We'll be cheering you on, man!" Erik said just as Halden finished putting on the armor.
"Alright, I'll see you soon!" He said while walking out from behind the partition. Erik took one look at him wearing the armor before smirking.
As Erik guided Raeyla out of the room, he looked at Halden and said "We'll send the twins your way with the food. Good luck out there your majesty." Halden flinched at the comment. He knew that Erik's words had double meaning, in both making light of the deal they had with Faris as well as referencing his own lineage.
Halden had almost forgotten he was the Prince of a lost kingdom, and he disliked Erik for reminding him.
As the door closed on them, Faris turned to Halden with a self-satisfied grin. "It is as if they were made for you! No one will suspect for a moment that you are not, in fact, the Prince of Gallopolis," he said, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
Before Halden could respond, there was another knock at the door.
"Hello? Your highness, we are here with food. I believe our friends were already here?" Serena's soft, careful tone drifted through the door. Faris barely paused before swinging the door open and beaming at her. Veronica followed behind, holding a small pastry that she handed brusquely to Halden.
"Good luck out there," Veronica said simply, her tone making it clear she wasn't going to stick around. Serena, offering a more genuine smile, echoed her sister's sentiment before they both disappeared back out of the room, leaving the brunette male to eat quickly.
Faris clapped his hands together as the boy finished the pastry and adjusted his helmet. "My - sorry, your - steed awaits! Once mounted, proceed through the paddock, the racetrack lies beyond. After the race, meet me in the passageway to switch places - quickly and discreetly. My father and the public expect great things, so do not embarrass me!"
Halden didn't bother responding. His nerves were gnawing at his stomach as he stepped outside and found the horse waiting for him. As he exited the paddock, the towering stands and deafening roar of the crowd hit him like a tidal wave, and he was suddenly thankful for the uncomfortable helmet that blocked his face.
"All hail Prince Faris!" a fan in the stands bellowed, and the crowd erupted in cheers as they recognised him.
Halden's gaze swept the stands, searching for familiar faces. The Sultan and his wife sat above, beaming with pride, and Halden felt a pang of guilt for the deception. Eventually, he spotted his friends, cheering among the crowd. He wished he could hear their voices over the clamor; even a word from Raeyla or Erik might have settled his nerves.
"It must be wonderful to be so popular, darling," came a voice beside him. Halden turned to see a man in vibrant, flamboyant clothing astride a sleek horse. It was Sylvando, the jester from last night's circus. "But of course, you're used to it, being a real live prince, hm?"
The man grinned and tipped an imaginary hat. "Sylvando's the name. One of the other riders had a little…whoopsie, so here I am! Don't think I'll be going easy on you, little princey. Where's the fun in that?"
Halden couldn't risk revealing his identity, and so he remained silent and guided his horse into position beside Sylvando. The announcer declared the race's rules and the sixteen year old forced himself to focus. Three laps. That's all he had to do, and if he got first place, the branch was as good as theirs.
The horn sounded, and the race began.
The first lap was a whirlwind. Halden spent it memorizing the track's turns and searching for openings to cut corners. By the second lap, his strategy paid off - he managed to push past two riders into third place. A risky maneuver on a sharp turn brought him into second, just behind Sylvando.
The jester wasn't making it easy. Every time Halden saw an opportunity, Sylvando blocked him with uncanny precision by moving to stay just in front of him. The jester was a skilled rider, and it caused frustration to build in the young luminary's chest as they approached the final lap.
Then came the tightest corner of the track, and Halden's opportunity. Sylvando, trying to maintain his lead, misjudged his speed and was forced to slow down, veering out further than he'd wanted in the corner. Halden seized the moment, cutting inside and darting ahead to finally pass the man. Not wanting to risk losing the position, he stayed laser-focused, weaving through the last turns and employing the same blocking tactics Sylvando had used against him.
Finally, he crossed the finish line. He'd won the race.
Halden's heart soared, he couldn't believe he managed to win, and had to catch himself before he let out a cheer. He couldn't break character now after he'd gotten this far. As he waved to the crowds, he faced his friends, who were cheering with wide smiles on their faces. With a final look around the stadium, he guided the horse back toward the paddock, trying to keep the elation from escaping as he made it back to the Prince.
"Magnificent! I hardly dared think that you might actually win!" Faris exclaimed, emerging from behind a pillar as the brunette male returned. "Now quickly! My public await! I shall take the reins from here!"
Halden dismounted silently, annoyance flickering in his chest. Faris could at least say thank you, he thought bitterly. Still, he handed the reins over without complaint.
Faris mounted the horse with an exaggerated flourish, and almost fell from the horse in doing so, "Fear not, my friend - I have not forgotten my promise. I will discuss the Rainbough with my father just as soon as my people have finished showering me with adulation!"
Halden considered returning to the stables to change, but a flicker of fear stopped him. If anyone saw him, it could ruin everything. He chose instead to awkwardly hide behind the same pillar Faris had used.
The cheers outside eventually subsided, and Faris returned, grinning from ear to ear. "Praise the fates! Our plan was a success. Thank you! You have spared me great humiliation!" He let out an almost contagious joyful laugh, "I will go immediately to my father and ask about the Rainbough." He finished as he dismounted and began walking toward the stables, motion for Halden to follow.
They entered the room where his clothes would be located and Halden was overjoyed at the idea of finally being done with this charade. He opened his mouth to speak to the prince, but a loud noise from outside stopped him. The doors burst open, and Sylvando strode in, his voice as theatrical as his attire. "All hail Prince Faris! Pride of the desert! Horseman extraordinaire! Darling, you were fabulous! It was enough to bring a tear even to my jaded eye!"
Sylvando froze mid-step, his gaze falling on Halden still clad in the prince's armor. Realization dawned, and his expression turned to amused disbelief.
"Wait - don't tell me you were…!?" Sylvando gasped, pointing between the two. "Surely you didn't let your understudy take the stage for the command performance!? Oh, this is too, too good!" He laughed, the sound ringing through the room.
Faris's face paled at the realization he'd been caught. "Wait! Wait, but you do not understand the pressure I am under!" he exclaimed, gesturing wildly. "A Prince of Gallopolis who cannot ride a horse is a disgrace to the kingdom! I did what was necessary for the sake of my people! And now, all can be forgotten… yes?"
Sylvando raised a skeptical eyebrow. "And there was silly old Sylvando thinking that knights never retreated in the face of adversity."
Halden watched the conflict continue between the two young men, unwilling to get in the middle of their fight. He'd done his part, and wanted to get the branch and be on his way. He watched as Faris' voice rose in distress. "Silence! I am the Prince of this kingdom, and I will not have a travelling jester lecture me on chivalry!"
Before Sylvando could respond, a knock came at the door. Faris stiffened, glancing toward the sound with a mixture of fear and panic. Sylvando smirked, clearly relishing in the prince's discomfort.
Halden glanced toward the partition, his instincts urging him to hide. Before he could act, a firm shove from Prince Faris sent him stumbling behind the furniture. His armor clattered as he collided with the wall, the noise loud enough to make him wince. He froze, praying the sound wouldn't carry.
"Enter" Faris commanded, his voice calm, as though nothing was amiss.
The heavy doors creaked open, and Halden heard the unmistakable clank of armored boots approaching.
"The Sultan wishes to see you, Your Highness. Your magnificent display of horsemanship has pleased him greatly," a guard's voice announced with formal precision.
Faris responded promptly, his tone bright. "Very good. I will come, right away."
Halden peeked out cautiously as the guard left. Faris, catching his eye, gave a confident smile. "My promise still stands. Come to the throne room in a little while. We will see what can be done about this branch of yours."
With that, the prince exited, leaving Halden alone. Or so he thought.
"Well, wasn't that a charming little scene?" Sylvando's voice rang out. He leaned casually against the wall, grinning like a cat. "A royal with the common touch! You were wonderful out there today, darling! Perhaps we'll share the stage again sometime?"
Halden didn't bother responding. Sylvando's laughter trailed off as he left the room. Finally alone, Halden let out a sigh of relief and quickly changed back into his clothes. The sooner this whole ordeal was over, the better.
After changing, he didn't have to search long for his friends. They were already approaching the tables as he stepped outside.
"You did great, Halden!" Raeyla said, reaching him first. She gave him a brief hug, looking much more awake than earlier.
The twins weren't far behind. "Yes, that was wonderful!" Serena chimed, practically bouncing with excitement. Veronica stood beside her, arms crossed but grinning. "Didn't know you could ride horses. Not bad."
Finally, Erik clapped him on the back. "Nice work, man. Now, let's get that Rainbough."
Veronica groaned. "Seriously? Can't he enjoy the win for five minutes?"
Halden stepped in before bickering could escalate. "Actually, I'd rather sort out the Rainbough now. The sooner this is done, the better."
Surprised, Veronica opened her mouth to protest but ultimately said nothing. Serena gave a quick node, her voice cheerful as ever. "Then let us be on our way!"
The group entered the palace and made their way to the throne room, where Faris was in mid-bow before his father. "All I have ever desired is to fulfill my duties as a prince, and as a knight," Faris declared theatrically. His gaze flicked to Halden and the others, and he broke character mid-sentence.
"Father, if I may, I have promised to assist these travelers. Would you permit me to explain?"
The Sultan turned a warm smile on his son. "Gladly, my son. It warms my heart to see you aiding those in need. Truly, you have taken the Knights Pledge to heart."
Encouraged, Faris straightened and continued. "Thank you, Father. My friends have come to Gallopolis in search of the Rainb-"
A sharp clatter of boots interrupted him. A soldier burst into the room, panting. "Y-Your Majesty! The beast has returned! It attacked one of our men on patrol!"
The Sultan's face darkened. "The Slayer of the Sands is back? This is intolerable!" He slammed his fist on the armrest of his throne. "Summon my finest knights! The fiend must be defeated once and for all!"
But then, the Sultan's expression shifted, a spark of inspiration lighting his eyes. "Wait. Faris, my son, this is your moment! The fates are speaking to us! Capturing the Slayer would be the perfect way to show your people what a fine knight you have become!"
Faris froze, his color draining. "W-What? But, Father - so many of our bravest knights have fallen to the creature! Surely, I -"
"Nonsense!" The Sultan boomed, mistaking his son's terror for humility. "You tremble with excitement! Go now, and bring glory to Gallopolis!"
Halden was starting to understand how the boy was able to skip his lessons.
He watched in silence as Faris struggled to speak, his lips trembling. "V-Very well, Father," the prince stammered, bowing. "I shall make preparations at once…"
Faris turned and walked stiffly past Halden, muttering under his breath as he passed. "A thousand pardons… meet me in my chambers… we must speak."
Halden wasn't surprised when Faris begged him for their help, tears streaming down his face as he groveled. "Please, I beg of you! The Slayer will kill me if I go alone!"
Erik crossed his arms. "Spoken like a true desert knight. Seriously, can't you handle this on your own?"
"No! No, such a thing is impossible! I am no knight!" Faris wailed, his voice cracking.
Raeyla frowned. "Let me guess. You didn't do your training."
Faris nodded, miserable. "Yes! It is true! I allowed my vassals to fight all my battles for me!"
"Pathetic…" Veronica muttered, earning a look from Serena that begged her sister to be nice.
Faris pushed his reasoning, "It is not my fault! I am an only child! I was coddled from birth, and praised for the most insignificant of achievements! I did not wish to disappoint my parents or my people, so I-" he searched for the right words, before throwing his arms out dramatically. "I found ways of … seeming to fulfil their expectations without… necessarily doing so… but the more I fulfilled them, the more their expectations grew!" He moved his hands to grip at the hair on his head, looking panicked. "And now, finally, they expect the impossible! Ahhh! Oh, it is so unfair!"
Halden sighed, torn between pity and exasperation. Faris had lied to his people and shirked his duties, yet the Slayer of the Sands was a real threat. As much as Halden hated being used, leaving Faris to face the beast alone felt wrong.
He only worried that the others would not agree. He knew that he couldn't make them come along, but his chances of success were far greater if they joined him. He gathered his companions in the corner of the room, away from Prince Faris, before speaking. "I think we should help him."
Three conflicted faces looked back at him, with Veronica the only one looking angry with the suggestion.
Veronica scoffed. "Seriously? After everything?"
Raeyla shook her head. "Do we really have a choice? We can't let him die."
Veronica looked to her sister for backup, but the taller blonde smiled meekly and added softly, "We really should help him."
Her sister huffed in response, unhappy with being the only one to vote against Faris. She looked up to Halden and spoke bitterly, "Well? Get on with it then. But don't say I didn't warn you!"
Halden ignored Veronica and walked back to Faris, who was looking over toward the group with a desperate and hopeful look. Without making the boy wait any longer, Halden let Faris know their plan, "We can't let you fight the monster on your own, we'll help."
The prince sprang up from the floor, his earlier despair replaced with excitement. "Oh, thank you! Ten thousand thank yous! Ha ha! And fear not - I will speak to my father about the Rainbough as soon as the beast is captured!" He grasped the young Luminary's hand in both of his and shook it vigorously before marching to the door of his chambers. "We must make preparations to depart immediately. I will await you at the castle gates!"
And with that he was gone, all of his tears now dried up and replaced with confidence.
Veronica folded her arms and shook her head in disbelief. "What a pathetic excuse for a prince! Goodness knows what'll become of Gallopolis with him in charge…"
Serena spoke up, defending the prince. "Oh, we mustn't be so hard on him, Veronica. I'm sure it can't be easy growing up with everyone expecting so much of you…"
Halden, standing silent beside them, let Serena's words sink in. He didn't know what it was like to grow up with those expectations, but this past week had brought enough pressure to weigh him down. If this was even a fraction of what Faris endured everyday, Halden wasn't sure how the prince managed it at all. "Yeah…" he murmured, his thoughts spiraling deeper until Serena laid a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Shaking off his thoughts, he turned to find Erik and Raeyla speaking in hushed tones near the door.
"-e prepared. Got enough arrows?" Erik asked.
"Not quite," Raeyla replied, leaning against the frame. "We'll need a few more - and maybe potions, too. Do you need anything?"
"I'll come with you. We can meet the others at the gate."
Raeyla gave a small node, and the two moved toward the door. Veronica smirked at the two thieving duo. "Get me some elixirs while you're at it. If I'm going to save this city, I'll have to show off a bit."
Once the door shut behind them, Halden and the twins got ready to begin their own trek to the city gates.
Prince Faris was easy to spot, surrounded by an adoring crowd. They cheered and waved as he basked in their adulation, his earlier tears long forgotten. His broad grin and confident wave were that of a man who seemed utterly unburdened.
"There you are!" Faris exclaimed when he caught sight of Halden and the others. "I have instructed my men to wait outside the gates. Join us as soon as you're ready!"
Before he could respond, Erik and Raeyla arrived, carrying a small satchel of supplies. "All set," Erik said. With the group assembled, they moved to leave the city as Faris instructed.
Halden studied the guards as they approached. Their faces were pale, and their hands twitched near their weapons. These were not soldiers eager for glory - they were terrified. The young Luminary couldn't blame them. He barely knew what to expect himself.
Faris, oblivious to their unease, cheered as he walked up to the group. "Brave Gallopolis soldiers! Allow me to introduce our knights in shining armour - these brave adventurers have agreed to capture the Slayer for us!"
Several pairs of eyes were suddenly looking at them, judging whether or not they were going to come out of the trip alive. He wanted to comfort them, reassure them that they would help them succeed. He wanted to give them hope. But how could he give hope when he was so anxious himself?
He wasn't the inspirational hero he wanted to be.
Faris pulled him from his thoughts by dramatically pointing toward the southwest. "The beast's lair lies deep within the Celestial Sands! The fastest route is through the checkpoint to the west. We march immediately - for Gallopolis!" He thrust his fist into the air.
The guards echoed him with a lackluster "For Gallopolis…" that sounded more like a collective sigh. Faris either didn't notice or chose to interpret it as enthusiasm. "Yay!" he added, his cheer unironically bright.
It was then that a voice rang out from above. "Room for one more? I'd hate to miss a good beast hunt!"
He craned his neck and spotted Sylvando perched atop one of the city's statues, his colorful outfit catching the light as he leapt down gracefully, landing beside Serena with a flourish.
Erik folded his arms, unimpressed. "There's no such thing as a good beast hunt, friend. If I were you, I'd run along back to the circus."
Sylvando gasped theatrically, placing a hand over his chest, "Well, aren't you just a lovely, patronising little dear? Look, I'm worried about the halfwit prince getting himself killed - can I come with you or not?"
Raeyla covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, while Halden tried to hide his own grin. He watched as Erik glared at Raeyla. "You're supposed to back me up!"
Still chuckling, she shrugged. "You kind of deserved that one."
Veronica chimed in, "If he's gonna insult dummy over here, I say he can join."
Halden glanced around the group, receiving nods of agreement before turning back to Sylvando. "Sure, we could use all the help we can get."
Sylvando's face lit up. "Hah! Absolutely wonderful! Lead on, Darling!"
Erik sighed and turned to follow Faris, clearly resigned. As Halden moved to join him, he caught Raeyla glancing at Sylvando, a small, amused smile on her face. Sylvando winked in return, earning a suppressed laugh before she followed Erik.
Halden shook his head. This mission was already shaping up to be more chaotic than he'd expected.
~~ I hope you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I am working hard on the next parts, see you soon! ~~