’This armour is impossible and makes weird noises when 

you walk. Why should I be wearing it anyway?’ Theo 

commented uncomfortably as they walked across the grounds 

to the gateway.

 

’You seem a bit nervous this morning, sire.’ 

’Just wondering… How far away is Deladra?’

’Two moons before we reach the port of Moe, then a 

moon on the waters to Gini followed by half a day’s ride to the 

royal city of Menore sire.’

 

’Three moons, a long way indeed,’ Theo looked away.

’Do not worry sire, we have made all the arrangements to 

make you feel comfortable, we will be making stops to rest and 

keep up our strength.’

 

Theo sighed and did not answer. They soon reached the 

gateway where king Durian, queen Visi and the council of 

advisors awaited them.

 

Sela quickly bowed to the king and the queen.

 

’Good day, mother and father!’ Theo said turning to the 

advisors, ’Good day to you all as well!’ He smiled to mask the 

fear in his eyes. 

’I must say, I am surprised to see you here this early,’ the 

king commented.

’I have given my word father.’

’I hope you will stand by your word with courage in 

troubling times. Do not act in anger. Do not make any harsh 

decisions that would harm the alliance,’ the king bent over and 

whispered, ’Keep your annoying habits in control,’ he looked 

into Theo’s eyes, ’I have ordered Sela and Dena to train you 

on the way to Deladra and after. Promise me you will make a 

real effort.’

’I promise father, I will do my best,’ Theo bowed and 

turned to his mother, ’Wish me all the luck mother,’ he 

embraced her. 

She could not say a word, tear drops rolled down her 

cheeks as she embraced him.

 

’Sela, take good care of the prince and train him well,’

 

Kaleo paused for a moment, 

’Taking care of your brother and the men following you is 

also your responsibility. You are in charge, and they will 

follow your command, so be careful and alert. It is time,’ he 

added walking forward.

 

’Where is Dena?’ Theo asked again. 

’I sent him to assemble the men and round up the horses, 

he will be meeting us outside,’ Kaleo replied.

As they all walked out, they saw Dena ready with the 

horses. Farther away, Theo noticed men riding slowly towards 

them and the line did not seem to end.

 

’Are they coming with us?’ he asked Sela, ’How many?’

 

’Five thousand to be exact sire, we have the best 

swordsmen and archers,’ Sela replied.

 

Theo gasped as the loaded horses with men in armour 

marched towards them. It looked like an army moving to war. 

’Why do we need so many men? A few should be enough 

to accompany us, father!’

 

’They will make sure you are safe,’ the king replied.

 

’I assumed Deladra was in alliance with us. Why would I 

need an army to keep me safe?’

 

’These men will be accompanying you. Just do as you are 

told, no questions asked,’ king Durian raised his voice. 

Theo walked away nodding his head in frustration and 

ascended on to his horse.

 

’It has been a while since I’ve been on a long ride, this may 

be fun,’ he said to himself, caressing his horse.

 

’May your journey be blessed!’ Kaleo announced loudly 

and raised his hand. 

The men in the front holding the flag of Anmara and the 

alliance rode forward as they heard this. The royal flag of 

Anmara was purple with a ruffled golden border and a golden 

roaring lion. The flag of the alliance was white with a ruffled 

black border. It had the golden lion of Anmara, the silver wolf 

of Deladra and the bronze elephant of Enara, in the three 

corners of a triangle with 3 fists joined together in the centre.

 

The prince raised his hand and rode off slowly as Sela, Dena 

and the others followed him.

 

’May you find success in everything my son,’ the queen prayed in 

her heart. 

’I hope you will forgive your father, when you find out the truth 

my boy. Your king had no other choice,’ the king sighed in silence.

It seemed like a steady waterfall as they rode down the 

curved and sloped path, with their armours shining in the sun.

 

The long line carried on through the wide paved streets of the 

city as everyone cheered and wished the best for their journey. 

The riders raised their hands to greet everyone as they passed 

and finally reached the enormous gates of Orelia. Seeing the 

flags from a distance, the guards had them opened wide. 

Theo looked back at the castle on the top as he rode out of the gate.

He felt anxious and sad knowing that he will not be returning 

anytime soon.

 

’I do not know what this journey would bring, but I am going to 

been on a journey this far, I hope we will be back sooner than I expect,’ 

he sighed to himself riding farther away.

The group rode till the sun set when they reached a 

clearing.

’We rest here for the night!’ Sela ordered and raised his 

hand to stop everyone.

Dena quickly climbed down and unloaded his horse. He 

walked away to find a good place for the prince’s pavilion.

 

’Finally!’ Theo was panting, ’I can hardly breathe. I was 

hoping to stop if we ever came upon a village, but I haven’t 

seen any.’ 

’We are taking the path through the open lands as it would 

help cover more ground in the day sire.’ Sela informed in a low 

voice.

 

’Why is that?’ Theo climbed down the horse breathing 

heavily.

 

’It will be safer this way, sire!’

 

’I presumed the people would be happy to see their 

prince.’

 

’Only the people of Orelia are made aware of this, not 

everyone in the kingdom. It was kept a secret as it might raise 

concerns.’

 

’Concerns?’ Theo paused and looked around, ’I do not 

care........, I need something to drink this instant. Did they get 

my pavilion ready?’

 

’It is ready,’ Dena walked towards him.

 

’I will be there,’ Theo walked away panting.

 

’Why did we have to bring so many men, it would have 

been quicker if it was just a few.’ Dena couldn’t hold his 

curiosity.

’The prince has asked for something to drink, would you 

look into that.’ 

’Is that why I am here? Just to follow orders or will I get 

some answers as well? What is it that you are keeping from 

me?’ 

’You will know, when it’s time. Now go!’ Sela hissed.

Dena gave a harsh look and turned away.

 

Everyone retired for the night tired.