Willem walked ahead tracking the beast’s footprints into the thick brush. “This way you two.” The young prince hollered as his two friends trailed behind. Willem was dressed cyan colored plate armor while his silver curls hung down to his ears. He had the traditional Tyndale look, dark skin and the glowing blue eyes of the storm god Yxmir. On his hip was a blunted practice sword.

“Coming Willem.” answered Sir Gwayne Silvertree as he pulled along his younger half-brother Axell. Willem stood waiting as the two caught up to him,“We should hurry before he gets away” said Willem as he turned. “Very well Willem, which why did they scamper?” asked Sir Gwayne.

“This way.” Willem said as pointed north, “Are you two ready?” asked Willem as he turned back to his friends. Sir Gwayne was tall and broad shouldered youth of fifteen and had long dreaded black hair. His eyes a soft brown his armor was silver folded plate armor. He had already been knighted on his last name day and was allowed to serve in Willem’s father’s court. They had been friends since Gwayne’s father was sworn to the royal guard seven years ago. Gwayne’s half-brother came to spend the summer months in the capital. He had met him before years ago but Axell stays within his mother’s holdings in Ironbridge.

               Axell was shorter than Willem, he had armor that was smoke gray in color. His hair was kept short and his skin was a few shades lighter than his brother whose complexion matched Willem’s. Sir Gwayne carried a hideous great sword crafted from iron, while Axell carried a practice blunted sword. “You know Willem, we are supposed to headed into the courtyard to practice sword play.” Stated Gwayne in his big brother kind of way, “I know but we are not to far away, we will head back soon. Axell and I can spar out here as well though what difference does it make?” asked Willem who made Sir Gwayne sigh and shake his head. “I am a knight and I have responsibilities now.’ retorted Sir Gwayne.

              “Besides my Prince if I am ever going to be the captain of the royal guard when you become king, you should listen to me.” The frustrated knight tried to say sternly which caused Willem and Axell to laugh. “Fine for today you are fired.”jested the young prince and drew his practice sword and flourished it and held it high in the sky “Sir Axell of House Silvertree” he called. Axell darted over to the prince and flourished and bowed “My prince.” “Today I dub thee honorary captain of my royal guard and protector of festivities.” Willem decreed as he tapped the younger brother on the shoulder with his sword. “Now shall we continue to hunt this vicious beast?” he asked as he sheathed his sword.

“Of course your grace.” Axell said as he rose back to his feet, “I swear the both of you are going to be the death of me.” growled Gwayne.

        The trio made their way through the brush into the clearing were there was a large black hound was lying. “There.” Willem said softly as they approached the black hound. The three encircled the large dog who instantly awoke and darted past them and ran deeper into the bush. “He got away again.” said Willem “He’s a wild dog Willem, he wants to be left alone.” stated Gwayne who breathed a sigh of relief. “Can we head back now?” asked Gwayne “Sure.” answered a defeated Willem. As they began to depart the ground began to shake and the sky became dark. Willem watched as his friends turned and began to walk but he could not move.

       He saw a figure phase through his friends walk directly in front of him. The figure was like black smoke, it had one glowing red eye and a glowing blue eye similar to Willem. The figure reached out a ghostly hand and touched his forehead. “Power.” the figure said “Power will be yours.” the figure continued the world turned monochrome and returned back to normal. “We will meet again.” the figure said and the large hound returned standing by his side its eyes as the mysterious figure and within the next instant the ghostly figure vanished.

   “Willem!” screamed Sir Gwayne with his great sword drawn as he inched closer “Do not move, the hound returned.” Willem reached out his hands to stop his friend ”It is alright. He is friendly.” the large hound sat. Gwayne inched closer cautiously with his young brother behind him,”Put your sword away Gwayne there is no threat here.” Willem said as he petted the large black hound. Cautiously he placed his hand out and the dog came and let Gwayne pet him. “Did you not hear me call you. You just stood there dazing off.”I did? Did you guys not..?” Willem did not finish. How long was I dazing out? he asked himself unsure of what happened. A few moments possibly.

      “What are you going to name him?” asked Axell “Who was now petting the dog. Willem thought for a moment “Bernier.” said as he whistled at the dog. The dog came and stood alertly at his side “That is a weird name for a dog.” stated Axell, “He is not a simple dog, he is a warhound.” Gwayne smiled “Good luck Willem explaining this.” he jested as he swung his word back onto his back.

    “We are heading back.” Gwayne said in his best knightly voice,”So am I captain of your royal guard again?” asked Gwayne as they began walking. Willem nodded “Of course the time of festivity are over, serious work is to be done now.” “You will best me this time.” jabbed Axell. “I best you all the time.” the prince retorted, “We will see, I promise this time will be different.” As they walked he could hear the voice of the figure echo in his head for a brief second Soon it said.