“ Father, release me! I’m gonna kill the dragon!” Prince Arth was enclosed in a magic barrier by the Emperor fearing he’ll do irrational things due to heightened emotions.

“ You’re blinded with rage, understandably so, but I cannot have you going after her.” Emperor Eli said.

The prince punched the barrier. It’s mana was fueled by 100 mages, because Prince Arth is powerful, he can’t take any chances.

“ You think I’m weak? I’m the most powerful warrior in the Empire, let me out, I will kill that beast and bring you its head.” Prince Arth’s face was red in anger, his voice was deep and hoarse like he were about to scream any second.

The Emperor looked at him. “ if you were really powerful as you claim to be, then the princess wouldn’t have been taken.” He said calmly as he lit a tobacco using his finger.

Silence followed as the Prince didn’t know what to say because it was true.

If I am powerful, I would have killed the dragon right there and then.

“ My son, you are powerful, you have proved that to me many times in battles, but the Dragon is beyond your league, and I cannot risk losing the heir of this kingdom.” Eli said and he stood from his chair.

“ And what? Leave Cerces to die? And we’ll just let that damned beast do whatever it wants? I cannot let it happen, other kingdoms will think we’re weak, I demand for the princess’s safe return!”

“ You’re right, but until the princess has returned, you will stay here.”

The prince walked towards the Emperor.

“ And who will rescue the princess? ”

Emperor Eli was silent for a few seconds.

“ The black Knight, General Jaeger, of course.” He said.

The Prince looked at the Emperor incredulously. 

“ He didn’t bother coming to my wedding! Why would he care now? And do you know where he is?” Emperor Eli stayed silent and turned towards the door.

He stopped and looked back at Prince Arth.

“ If Cerces does not return, I will abdicate the throne.” 

Prince Arth was stunned at his Father’s promise, and knowing his father, he would do it!

—

Jaeger stood atop a huge monster that he had just finished killing, then he grabbed a stone and threw it into the forest.

Messengers sent by the Emperor halted as the stone whizzed passed them, it went through a tree trunk, and they all stopped, eyes wide, sweating, and shaking. They have yet to arrive–they’re still a mile away from the retired warrior.

—

The messengers sent by the Emperor kneeled before the retired General, shaking in fear as they felt the heavy aura the warrior emits.

“ Speak.”  Warrior Jaeger demanded, his voice low and threatening, as he slowly wiped his bloodied sword with a cloth.

“ W-we bring a m-message from E-E-Emperor E-Eli-” the sword was thrown beside him and he gasped in shock as felt his pants getting wet as he lowered his head once more in fear, his entire body shaking.

“ Matters of the Xoryn Empire doesn’t concern me anymore, he granted me freedom, go and tell him, he can fuck himself.” Jaeger said as he raised his hand and the sword automatically flew back on his grip and turned to leave.

“ M-m-y L-Lord–, t-t-the Emperor s-s-said, Prince A-Arth’s life is i-i-i-in d-d-danger.--”

Then memories of him and Prince Arth flash through his mind, and he closed his eyes in annoyance and dragged the soldier who spoke and lifted him with his one hand.

“ Go and tell the Emperor, to fuck himself.” The knight spat. His tone was cold and spiteful and he threw the messenger to his companions.

Scene 3 : 

Knight Jaeger opened the door and stood in front of the Emperor.

The Emperor opened his arms wide, as if welcoming Jaeger into his embrace like a son that has been long gone.

“ Mighty Jaeger is back!” Emperor’s Eli voice was enthusiastic but it fell unto deaf ears as Jaeger’s cold gaze fell upon him.

A dagger flew beside his face landing on the wall behind him, cutting a small portion of his hair then all guards positioned to attack him and the Emperor raised his hand motioning the guards to drop their weapons.

“ Everyone out.” He commanded and all the guards left, leaving Jaeger and him alone in a room.

“ You knew where I was all along.” Jaeger sneered, his voice cold and full of mistrust.

Emperor Eli sat on his throne and sighed.

“ I broke my promise, I called you, yes, but I would never want to be your enemy, so breaking an oath for me is a desperate attempt to beg for your help.” Eli said, his tone tired and defeated.

Jaeger grabbed his huge sword from his back and pointed it at the Emperor, his face blank.

“ Please, hear me out first.”

—

Doors opened, the Prince who have been waiting anxiously inside a barrier sat up on cue and walked towards the door.

“ Father?” he called and a shadow slowly walked towards him, a huge and tall figure.

Prince Arth froze and then tears started to well up in his eyes. 

I know that figure!

“ Jaeger! Brother! It’s been 8 long years since we last saw each other! There’s never been a day–”

“ Tell me, Arth, why should I help you?” His heart warming welcome and tears were cut but sharp tone and cold gaze.

Prince Arth stopped, a pang on his heart made him clenched his fist. His excitement from seeing his sworn brother fell off his face and now twisted in pain.

– 

The Emperor and the knight Jaeger discussing things inside the war room, a map laid on a table as he and the Emperor looked for a quick path to take to get to the Dragon’s lair.

The door swung open, and guards entered holding a man. Emperor Eli and Jaeger turned to look.

A soldier bowed in front of them. “ F-forgive my interruption your highness, my lord, this bard claims to know an intel about the Dragon.” 

The bard has a small guitar on his back. He was of average height and slender. His skin white and pale, his blue eyes wide and looking around anxiously. His face is small and eyes were wide and–

Lovely. 

The Knight thought as his eyes fell upon the bard, who looks like he wants to run away in fear any moment now, and can’t even look up and meet his heavy gaze.

Jaeger in a flash immediately had his sword in the bard’s throat.

“ Speak now.” 

The bard bowed.

“ My deepest apologies for my intrusion, your highness and my lord, my name is Naga, I’m a bard. I was singing for the royal wedding when the dragon attacked, my ankle got broken at that time, so I couldn’t get out and run and I– saw how the Dragon took the princess and he said something before he flew.”

“ He said to tell the Prince to come and find him for a grand duel, if he fails to show up he will have the Princess.” Naga’s voice was shaky but he managed to say what he wanted to say.

The Emperor touched Jaeger’s sword, lowering it.

“ Arise Naga, thank you for your service and bravery.” The Emperor addresses the bard.

Naga slowly arose and Jaeger put his sword on his back.

“ Have you seen it?” Jaeger asked.

Naga looked at Emperor Eli for a moment. He stayed silent and looked down, refusing to answer.

“ Answer me, have you seen it?’ Jaeger asked again loudly this time

Naga closed his eyes and nodded.

Emperor Eli looked at Naga silently.

“ You must bring this bard, Jaeger.” He said.

Jaeger just looked at the bard.

“ What was your name, again?”  Jaeger asked.

“ Naga of Yorei, My Lord.” Naga answered.

Jaeger turned to the emperor.

“ I’m not gonna be held responsible should he die on the journey. ” he says.

“ I'm a grown man, responsible for whatever happens to me, my Lord.” Naga said and the Emperor nodded

“ Very well, then, you shall be rewarded greatly, Naga of Yorei.” Emperor Eli said.