The following day in Great Hall discussion took place on the next course of action. All advisor, chancellor of Elarionthal of the region where Eric’s brother was ambushed and ministers were present. Long story short, after advises from close retainers and all people present the king has decreed to retreat from the target region as human had heavily surrounded the region with armies and machineries. Further holding the position would further result in the unfortunate death of elf warriors.

Ericson was unfortunately not present nor had he the permission to attend it as a young boy. Otherwise, he would have questioned the king’s, his father’s decision. It is blunder one must not do even if he is the son of the king in the presence of his people. Eric was visibly frustrated with the king’s decision. Million questions popped up in his mind. Why didn’t father investigate brother’s death? Who were escorting brother? What were the survivor’s statement? Who are the involved party? Were they identified? Each question brought about unimaginable rage in his mind. With the rage filled head he headed to training hall to blow off steam.

In the training hall Eric pulled out the heaviest bow. Each pull of the string required tremendous strength and his blood vessel were popping out. Each arrow shot out pierced the previous arrow at the dead center of the target practice. Eric’s training caught the attention of the bullies in the training hall. Usually, they taunt Eric and that is about all they do. Eric ignores them and they leave him alone. Even they know he is the prince and have their limit. But today as usual the leader of the bullies Zarrek and his lackies was taunting him. “Oi Eric, I see your blowing some steam?” “Is it all you brothers are good for just blowing your steam?” “How about you blow me?”. The moment his brother was mentioned Eric’s brain snapped and instantly let go of his bow and charged toward the bullies leader “You fucking shits”. Zarrek thought the cool-headed Eric would have ignored him like always and had a shocked laugh with his face twitching. Instantly Eric was below Zarrek gave him an uppercut. Everyone was shocked and took a step back. Zarrek on the ground with one hand supporting to get up and other massaging his chin shouted “Get that fuckerrrr!!!!” With his shout his lackies snapped out of the shock and charged toward Eric. But Eric was faster He knocked out 2 more bullies with punch and kick. But the third one wrapped around him made him fall due to off balance. And the bully didn’t let go and then the others gathered up and started kicking him left and right. Zerrek was aiming for his face.

After a through beatdown till dusk Zerrek laughed loud “Wahaha you fucking twerp, you thought you could take on all of us? Get your head straight” After they had their fill they left.  With a swollen face and body bruised all over, Ericson seems to be finally out of energy and finally his mind was calm. Although aching body he finally moved his right hand toward the sky filled with star. There a shooting star was passing by. He made a fist which seemingly covered the star as if holding it in his hand. He vowed “Brother I will avenge you.” Eric didn’t feel any anger right now towards anyone, nor against the bullies nor his brother’s killers. He just visualized on what to do. Nothing else mattered right now. With that thought he feel asleep on the training ground.

Although left alone most of the time, he as a prince had his retainer. When the prince didn’t return, Matilda a young elf of 20 years of age with reddish brown hair and a dark skin carried the wounded prince to his quarter with a saddened expression. She tended to his wound and slept beside his bed on a chair incase Eric needed any help. And so, the long night had passed tending to Eric’s wound. But it wasn’t on the next morning that Eric woke up but after two mornings had passed did, he finally opened his eyes. During that time the concerned queen had also visited several times to see his wounded son. Upon hearing her son wakeup, the Queen rushed to take a look at him. “Eric my son, how are you?” “I am ok mom”. “Tell me who did that to you, I will make sure to punish them”. Eric averted her gaze “No one”. The queen knew her son to be of cool head and he never had troubles like this before. But she is aware of the situation, his brother’s death had an impact on him. So, the queen didn’t pursue this matter further. But before leaving she said “You are now the crown prince, be aware of your responsibility”. She gave Matilda a warm hand with a smile on her should as if thanking her for taking care of him and left the room.