Story and characters are (c) Lars Hellberg

Chapter 1

As it happened, the youngest prince of the realm lost his heart on a fine spring morning, in the cool shades beneath the trees of the royal gardens.
To re-decorate the banquet hall and the court room of the palace, the king had ordered the most skilled craftsmen to perform their best. Among them, Terend town\x92s very best fineware smith. Her husband on errands in another part of the realm, the finesmith brought her son with her, by the courtsmaster\x92s consent, to let him play in the royal gardens while his mother was at work. To twelve-year-old Erya, the gardens were a wonder that never ceased. Like most town children, he had played there from time to time, but unlike most, he enjoyed more to walk beneath the high canopies, among the fragrant flowers and colourful rose bushes; taking in their beauty rather than darting between them in some rough-and-tumble game. The gardener knew Erya\x92s love for the growing things, and never failed to take him on a tour, showing what additions and changes had been brought about since his last visit. The royal gardens were always changing, never growing stagnant. Listening, fascinated, to the old man\x92s voice, Erya tried his best to hear and remember, to ask when he didn\x92t understand. Caretaker of the gardens, or of any garden, was what he desired to become, if he didn\x92t follow in the footsteps of his parents, to become a metal worker. So lost in this thought was he, that he nearly failed to wave the old gardener good bye, as he went on to do his duties. Alone, Erya wandered around randomly, finding at last a place he hadn\x92t seen before. A small stream, originating somewhere up in the mountains west of Terend, cut through the gardens, not far from the palace itself. Tasting the clean, cold water, Erya decided that he liked this place. He sat down on the grass lawn between the stream and the grove he had come through, and let his gaze wander beyond the stream. There were more lawns, with patterns of flower and small herb gardens planted here and there, leading all the way to the palace. The morning sun had begun to warm the air around him, and he took off his shoes, feeling blades of grass tickling his toes. One of the taller towers looked out on this part of the gardens, but Erya failed to see the curious eyes, glancing down at him from a window high up.

Garey was the youngest of the royal children, not bothered by the burdens of future rulership that hung over his older brothers and sister. At eleven, his life was equally divided between studies and free time, but this morning, he lacked both. His mentor\x92s sudden illness had left Garey with little to do, except maybe take a quiet, withdrawn part in official business. His grandfather, the king, took much pleasure in seeing the young boy in the back of the court, never failing to acknowledge him. To Garey, the workings of court, and the ruling of a country, even though they became tedious at times, were sources of neverending amazement. The way people would act while waiting to be granted audience, compared to how they behaved in the king\x92s presence, had puzzled him to no end, until he had, late one night, asked his grandfather about this. Two-facedness, the king had told him, utterly pleased with the boy\x92s interest, was what a monarch had to expect. Even those who hated the king, would bow and grace before him, and those that loved him would keep their distance. Only when the day was done, and the king had retired from his daily duties, could he lay off the crown, and be the one he truly was. Only then could he sit by a fire, the king has explained, with his grandson in his lap, answering his questions. Garey had understood, instinctively, and he had earned a seldomly seen, heartful smile from the old man.
Now, though, the court was closed for the re-decoration, and all audiences were held in the king\x92s outer private chamber. No room, there, for curious boys. Sighing, already this early in the morning nearly overcome by boredom, Garey stared out his window. The gardens were empty, as usual, except for caretakers going back and forth. The children of the town usually played farther from the palace, not really daring to come too close, even if the king allowed it. Suddenly, though, a flicker of motion caught his eyes. Straining, he could make out a small figure, emerging from the grove beyond the stream. A boy, about the prince\x92s own age. At this distance, it was impossible to make out his features, but Garey felt certain that he was not one of the usual gang of children that would play in the gardens. Curiosity got the better of him, and he sprinted down the spiral staircase. Stepping out onto the courtyard, however, Garey hesitated. He was not supposed to leave the palace without letting the guards know, and right now, no guards were to be found. There were, however, some servants around, mostly maintenance workers, and a couple of these nodded encouragingly to him. Trusting them, he entered the gardens walking slowly, hardly able to contain the spring in his step. Behind him, the servants stopped, smiling at the lively boy. Knowing the young prince, there were going to be some rough games ahead for the finesmith\x92s timid son.

Erya watched someone come out from the courtyards, making his way towards him. Judging by the every-day clothing, he would have suspected the stranger to be like him, someone trying not to be in the way of the decorators, but as the boy approached, Erya recognised his face. Prince Garey. Not really knowing what to do, he stayed where he was. He knew that the prince would often play with the town children, but he had never been part of that, seeing as how he was often busy working at the smithy. So, how did you play with a prince? The thought scared him somewhat. He didn\x92t want to do something wrong. The prince splashed across a man-made ford, to stop a few metres away from Erya. Still not looking up, Erya got to his feet, unsure as whether to bow or await being addressed.

As he got nearer, Garey realised that he knew this boy. The finesmith\x92s son. He couldn\x92t remember the name, but knew that he had seen him from time to time, walking around the gardens. They hadn\x92t played together, though, but as he was bored, Garey decided to get to know him. The boy seemed nervous, somehow. Didn\x92t he know that courtesy was lax within the royal gardens? Using this silence, Garey looked the boy over. He was well-dressed; in fact, better dressed for the time being that the prince was; Garey had clothed himself in the well-worn garments he used for playing. The boy had half-long, fair hair, and a pale skin that seemed almost fragile. Garey took a few steps closer, wanting to see the boy\x92s face, and at that moment, he looked up. The prince breathed in, almost a gasp, and heard something similar from the finesmith\x92s son. Shy green eyes met regal blue ones, and something happened. To Garey, it was like looking into a mirror. Even though they looked very little like each other, he recognised a kindred soul. He has to become my friend, he thought. Things can\x92t happen any other way. The boy\x92s face was as pale as the rest of him, and thin lips played with a smile beneath a thin nose. The only thing really striking about him was the eyes. The deep, green wells of the soul, that had somehow captured the young prince.

Sensing the prince moving, Erya decided to look up, taking his chances. Like all the members of the royal family, prince Garey was strikingly handsome, but the pictures Erya had seen failed to do him justice in one important way. They failed to portray the vibrant air about the prince. Failed to show how very much alive he was. Erya nearly cringed at the aura emanating from the boy he knew was almost a year younger than himself, yet somehow seemed both older and more powerful. Garey\x92s blue eyes had him transfixed, unable to look away. Realising he had been holding his breath, Erya breathed in deeply. Watching the young prince; his handsome, boyish face, framed by short, dark hair, Erya felt a longing stir within him. A longing, a desire he had no way to express, and no name to call by. Realising that the silence was becoming awkward, he bowed slightly, still not looking away.
"My liege," he said, unsure as to how to address the prince.
"Liege?" The princes soft voice turned into a laughter. "Please, out here I\x92m just me. Call me Garey. What\x92s your name?"
"I-I\x92m Erya, son of..."
"Finesmith Shalia, I know. I recognised you as I got closer."
"You... you know me, my prince?"
"There you go again! Please!"
"I\x92m sorry." Erya felt himself blush. "Garey."
"That\x92s better. I\x92ve seen you every now and then, in the gardens. But we\x92ve never met."
"No. No, we haven\x92t."
"Erya, will you walk with me for a while? Everybody\x92s so busy with the decorating."
"Certainly, Garey." They both smiled, their eyes meeting again. "Where do you want to go?"
"Oh, I don\x92t know. Just stroll around."

Time flew, while the two boys walked through the gardens, enjoying the rising warmth and each other\x92s company. It took a while for Erya to open up, but soon they were talking and laughing as if they had known each other for years. Garey discovered in Erya a quiet, thoughtful sense of humour that appealed greatly to him. Where most people, even the children he used to play with, went out of their ways to please the young prince, Erya would offer no act, being all natural and safe within himself. What Garey had at first interpreted to be reservation, was nothing more than shyness, and once that was overcome, the two of them became friends in a matter of moments. When the noon bell rung, they had already agreed to meet with each other the next day, as well.

After a quick meal in the servants\x92 hall, they were out again, still not really playing, but just walking side-by-side, taking in the beauty of the gardens. Once more, Erya found himself fascinated with the young prince. Garey was no different than other boys, save for that regal air that surrounded him. It was unconscious, though, Erya decided. Nothing really in Garey\x92s control. But something else separated him from the town boys. True, there were handsome boys in the town, but never before had Erya noticed the looks of another boy. Garey\x92s beauty almost had him stunned, and he found himself admiring the prince in a way he hadn\x92t looked at anyone before. They had entered Erya\x92s favourite part of the gardens now; several hundred metres from the palace, there grew some oaks on a sunlit slope facing the stream, and suddenly Erya knew, without any doubt, that Garey had never climbed the oldest of the oaks. A monster of a tree, well over ten metres wide at the base, it stood at the top of the slope; a king of trees, keeping watch over its subjects. Its branches hung low, friendly towards the children, and Erya grabbed one, heaving himself up to where he could easily bound from branch to branch. Giggling, the prince followed, and soon they had found a place, quite high up, where they sat down. The branches, thick and sturdy, formed comfortable divans near the trunk, and the two of them laid down, enjoying the playful breeze and the warm sun, and each other\x92s company. Some distance away, a bird called, and that breaking of silence seemed to be all that was needed to make them start talking again. Hearing about every-day life at the court, about how the ruling of a nation could turn both tedious and boring, as well as fascinating and amazing, Erya couldn\x92t help gaping. Garey made it all sound so mundane, something that to the finesmith\x92s son seemed exciting almost to mythical proportions. In turn, he told the young prince about life at the smithy, about early mornings and working the bellows until his arms hurt badly enough to bring tears. Told him about the simple life of two parents and a child, about the unconditional love that held them all together, even at hard times. Once more surprising Erya, Garey was genuinely interested. This was a world that was as fascinating and alien to him, as the royal court was to Erya.
"It\x92s the difference," Garey said, hushed. "What you don\x92t know gets exciting. I\x92ve never worked like that."
"It\x92s hard to believe," Erya replied, running a hand down the prince\x92s arm. "You\x92re certainly more muscular than I am."
"Well, I work in other ways." Erya thought he detected a slight blush on the younger boy\x92s face, but the prince did not try to move away from the touch. "I get to practise swordsplay, riding and such. They make me train to get stronger."
"To me, that sounds like fun."
"I\x92d guessed that. Everything\x92s cancelled now, with all the decorating, but come and watch me sometime. You\x92ll see it gets tiring real quick. Especially since old master Shoji whacks me on the head as soon as he thinks I\x92m not doing my best."
"He hits you?" Erya\x92s eyes widened with surprise and shock. "He can hit a prince?"
"I\x92m not sure, but he can hit his disciple, that I know." They both laughed. Garey rolled up his sleeve. "Look at this bruise."
"Ouch. I looked like that when I fell out of the tree in our back yard." Again, they laughed. "I still think it would be exciting. Knights and horses and swords and all. Mother has done some work for some of the knights, you know. Like engraving the crests on their shields, or decorating their helmets with gold and silver."
"I\x92ve seen those. They look really beautiful. But the knights aren\x92t very exciting. They..." He hesitated, then leaned closer to Erya. "Don\x92t tell anyone I said this, but the king\x92s worried about them. We haven\x92t been to war in lifetimes, and the knights never do more than joust or give performances. Were we attacked, he thinks half of them would be useless in real battle."
"Really? Thanks a lot, that made my sleep easier!"
"Heh. Well, it\x92s nothing to worry about. Our family is married into every neighbouring country\x92s court, and then some. We\x92re not going to war. Now you tell me something. How can your parents afford to get all the expensive metals and jewels for their work, if it pays so little?"
"The client pays for it, of course! Which makes their services expensive, and the client doesn\x92t wish to pay much of a fee."
"That\x92s hardly fair." A flash of anger shone through the regal blue eyes. "You mean they gladly pay for gold and diamonds, then cut their expenses by leaving little in between?"
"Yes, that\x92s it. Does it upset you?"
"It does. To be fair, they should pay your mother well, for her artistry."
"You\x92re so kind, Garey." Again, Erya dared to touch the younger boy\x92s arm. "Not what I\x92d expected from royalty."
"You think we\x92re all aloof, high-and-mighty?" Garey laughed, a crystal clear, honest sound that made Erya\x92s heart beat faster. He did not remove his hand, this time. "Actually, some of us are. Those of my siblings that will one day reach power, act that way."
"Well, you don\x92t, and I like that."
"You\x92re different, too, you know."
"I am?" This time, Erya was the surprised one, and he was a bit startled as Garey took his hand, holding it firmly. "In what way?"
"I can talk to you. All the other town children try to be courteous, try to win my favour. You don\x92t, you\x92re just... you."
"Who else could I be? I never thought to win someone\x92s favour."
"No, you didn\x92t. And I like that. Grandfather told me to look for someone like you, someone who saw beyond the royal blood, to the real me."
"The king..."
"Yes. Well, I think he was talking marriage, but it\x92s a good advice for friends as well."
"I\x92d like to be your friend, Garey." Erya caught the prince\x92s gaze, holding it like Garey held his hand. "I\x92d like that very much."
"Good. I\x92ve never met someone like you, Erya. You make me feel better, just by being."
"Being what?" Erya couldn\x92t help laughing softly.
"Just... being. Existing." Garey moved over to sit beside the older boy, still holding his hand, still meeting his gaze. "The world is a better place, for having you in it."
Blushing, Erya finally broke the eye contact, withdrawing his hands. His heart was fluttering at the kind words, not because they were spoken by a prince of the realm, but because it was Garey who said them. He felt something like that inside himself, although he was nowhere near as eloquent as the young prince. There was a warmth in his heart, one he hadn\x92t felt before, that had arose during their short time together. It felt so right, sitting this close to Garey, to the prince, but once more, the silence bothered Erya. Licking dry lips, he sought for something to say.
"Thank you. That\x92s a sweet thing to say." Once more their eyes met, and Erya felt as if stunned by those innocent, blue orbs. "I feel..."
"Yes?" Garey\x92s voice was little but a whisper. "What do you feel, Erya?"
"I feel at a loss for words. I\x92d like to say something, but I can\x92t..."
"Then let\x92s not talk."
Garey let his hand run up along Erya\x92s arm, then wrapped his arm around the older boy\x92s neck, pulling him closer. For a brief second, their lips met in a tentative kiss, then parted. Leaning back, the young prince looked at Erya, worry bordering to fear clearly displayed on the regal face. The finesmith\x92s son smiled weakly, then imitated the process, their second kiss a longer one. As they broke apart, the prince\x92s worries were replaced by a happy grin, mirrored by Erya, who took the other\x92s hand, winking.
"You\x92re right, Garey. This was better than talking."
"All\x92s been said," the prince whispered. "Words failed, but love..."
"...spoke."
"Yes." Blushing slightly, Garey\x92s eyes were suddenly brimming with tears. "I love you, Erya. I know that, beyond any doubt."
"Beyond any doubt. I love you, too. But..."
"Don\x92t speak that word!" Garey covered Erya\x92s lips with his finger, smiling. "It portends trouble we do not want. Nothing will get in our way."
"You are a prince, Garey." Erya turned his head, looking down the slope, towards the stream, which glittered enticingly in the afternoon sunlight. "Surely..."
"Surely it won\x92t matter! Grandfather married a servant girl, when he was crown prince. I\x92m nowhere near the crown, no one will mind. Besides, your parents are highly valued, the king will not disapprove."
"But others might."
"There\x92s that \x91but\x92 again, stop it!" Playfully, he tweaked Erya\x92s nose, causing a yelp of surprise. "As your prince, I command it."
"But, I don\x92t want to stop saying it."
"Aah, noo! Let\x92s climb down, before I push you down."

Once they had reached the ground, Garey pounced at Erya, sending the two of them rolling down the slope, ending up just short of falling into the stream. Laughing all the way, the young prince felt more elated than he ever had in his life. His feelings for the finesmith\x92s son had become clear; they were nothing but love, and a love that was answered. Watching Erya, as the older boy got to his feet, brushing away the oak leaves that had stuck to his clothes, he thought about their kisses, licking his lips as he remembered the soft, warm touch. He wanted more of that. Moving closer, he sneaked an arm around Erya\x92s waist, enjoying the warm smile this brought from the other boy. Erya stroked away a stray tuft of hair from Garey\x92s face, then proceeded to brush his clothes free from leaves. The prince giggled as the touch tickled him, and slapped the hand away.
"Don\x92t be a fuss. It\x92s not as if these clothes were clean, to begin with."
"You can\x92t go home looking like that! The garden keepers will rake you up."
"I didn\x92t know I was going home, Erya. Are you commanding your prince?"
"Please!" Erya snorted. "It is getting late, you know."
Looking around, Garey noticed this with a mild surprise. The shadows had lengthened, the sunlight turned a golden red, and he had failed to notice. Finishing with cleaning the young prince\x92s clothes, Erya stepped back, smiling as he admired his work. Taking Garey\x92s hand, he started walking slowly back to the palace. Garey trotted along, not in the least eager to hurry up. He felt perfectly contented, just walking there, holding hands. They didn\x92t talk, just enjoyed each other\x92s silent company, occasionally looking at each other, rejoicing in the tender warmth between them. Crossing the ford, they were back on the lawns just outside the palace, and as they entered the courtyard, they were met by a young guard, his insignia that of a trainee. Erya knew him from the town; in fact, this guard was no more than a half-dozen years his elder.
"Prince Garey, I was told to inform you that your brother, prince Kahrel, wanted to see you as soon as you returned." He bowed shortly, then turned to the finesmith\x92s son. "Erya, your mother is all but finished for the day."
"Thanks, Airon." Erya saluted him, and the guard grinned, returning the gesture before he left. "Well, Garey, guess I have to..."
Taken aback by the force with which the young prince tossed himself around his neck, Erya almost stumbled, but was able to keep his balance. He was surprised to see tears in Garey\x92s eyes.
"Promise me you\x92ll come back tomorrow! Please promise me!"
"All right," Erya laughed, returning the fierce hug. "I promise, I\x92ll come to see you first thing tomorrow morning."
"Thank you. And thank you for this day." Garey broke the hug, kissing his friend before he let go. Blushing, Erya felt eyes watching them from every angle. "I\x92ll see you!"
"You too."
Erya waved at the thin air, where Garey had been just a second ago. The lively prince had darted off, and Erya turned to go and find his mother. Here and there he met meaningful smiles, winks and nods, and he grinned sheepishly in return, blushing a deep crimson. So gossip is already fed, he thought. Well, never mind. Whatever\x92s going to happen, will. He found his mother just outside the court hall, stowing away her tools. She smiled at him, and reached out to pick away a stray leaf, that had somehow clung to his hair.
"Hello, Erya. Weren\x92t too bored, I hope?"
"No, not at all. I met..."
"Prince Garey." Smiling, Shalia tousled his hair. "I know."
"No horse runs faster than the mouth." Using his grandfather\x92s old saying, Erya made his mother laugh heartily, and she hugged him tightly.
"That\x92s so true. Don\x92t fret, son. In the gardens, royalty and commoners are all worth as much. It\x92s all right to play."
"Then I did get here faster than the mouth," Erya said, picking up his mother\x92s heavy tool box, as they began walking back towards the town. "That\x92s good, I did want to tell you this myself."
"Tell me what, son?"
"Well, the prince and I got along just fine. In fact, I think... I think he fell in love with me."
"Really?" Her eyes widened, but as she saw her son\x92s sincerity, surprise changed into a warm smile. "And you?"
"I think I fell in love, too."
"How sweet."
"Mom, please don\x92t mock me." Erya blushed slightly.
"I wouldn\x92t! I really think it\x92s sweet. I take it you\x92ll be together tomorrow as well?"
"I hope so. I\x92d love to."
"You do know, though, don\x92t you, that there might be difficulties?"
"I tried to tell him, but he thinks the king might agree."
"I hope so. Royal weddings are the best, and to be invited... Son!" Startling him, Shalia grabbed Erya\x92s shoulders, squatting slightly so she could look him in the eyes. "I\x92ve got to start planning what to wear!"
"Mom, please!" Erya laughed. "Garey is five years from being an adult! We won\x92t get married tomorrow!"
"Late planning is poor planning!"
"Mom?"
"Yes?"
"Does grandpa really make up all those sayings, or has he stolen them?"
"Honestly?"
"Yes, please."
"I\x92ve no idea."

After seeing his brother, Garey went to have supper in the royal \x91mess\x92, the comparatively small room where royalty and nobility took their meals on less formal occasions. The young prince hardly ever ate in the banquet hall, when his presence wasn\x92t required; in fact, he had always been slightly embarrassed at the attention and service he would receive. It was late for supper, and there was no hot food left, but the cook quickly made sure he got a meal. The two of them knew each other for a long time, and she knew that she didn\x92t need to apologise for the inconvenience. Had there not been others present, she would have let Garey heat his own food, since he had shown an interest in cooking, but now that wouldn\x92t do, and soon he was treated to some roasted beef with parsnip and carrots. As he sat down to eat, the door to the mess was opened, and the king entered. Knowing that this room, much like the royal gardens, was a place for informality, Garey remained seated, waving at his grandfather with a smile on his lips. Normally, courtesy would have him stand before his king, but now the old man smiled as he sat down opposite the young prince.
"Kahrel told me you were here."
"Mhm. I thought I\x92d missed dinner, but Cadma..."
"Garey, are you ready for an assignment?"
"I\x92m going abroad? Leading a mighty army to war?"
"Yes, you certainly are." Laughing, the king stood up, turning a full circle as he pretended to draw a sword. Garey laughed so hard he nearly screamed as the old man advanced on him, pretending to be fencing. "You will move upon king Rowles of Tharnelia, to crush a foe opposing you by seven to one. Take his throne for me, Garey! Make me the mightiest of kings!"
"That I will, sire," Garey said, bowing to his knees. "But, my liege, I have an uncle and two cousins married into that family."
"Kill them, too. Just get me that ruby-embedded crown."
"This is about courtesy, isn\x92t it, grandfather?" Garey sat down again, and continued with his meal. "Another visiting nobleman whose children need to be played, with while the important business is taken care of elsewhere."
"Hmm, you are smart. I wish your mother had thought to have you sooner. Yes, and no, you\x92re both right and wrong, Garey."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning, the noble person is no ordinary man, but of the wolfen clan. And the children to be played with is a wolf-boy your own age. Just show him around the palace and the town for a couple of days. I\x92m told he is very timid, for a wolf."
"Meaning, he\x92ll bite me. Well, it could have been worse. Grandfather?"
"Yes, my boy?"
"Thanks for asking me, and not telling me."
"Heh. I was saving that in case you\x92d say no."
"I know, but still... It\x92s good to pretend, even if I know it\x92s just pretend."
"Oh, Garey, Garey." Reaching across the table, the king tousled his grandson\x92s hair, earning a giggle. "If only I\x92d had a child your equal, or at least you were your mother\x92s heir, then I wouldn\x92t dread my own passing so."
"Grandfather!"
"Oh, don\x92t worry, my boy, I\x92m not dying, or even planning to be." Chuckling, the old man got to his feet. "I\x92m just worried about our little nation. Spread this, and I\x92ll deny saying it, but I fear for the future of Terend\x92s court. We\x92re a small country, with little defence against attackers. Wrongly ruled, we will get wiped out."
"Don\x92t you think mother is good enough?"
"She\x92ll manage, if not more. I\x92m more concerned about your siblings, especially Deiron."
"But grandfather! I thought he\x92s proved himself more than once."
"He has. But my guts... ah well, might just be gas." Garey giggled at this. "Just one more thing you could do for me."
"What\x92s that?"
"Heh. Not \x91yes, my liege\x92, or \x91anything, my lord\x92. I\x92m not demanding a promise, just that you pay my words heed. Once you\x92ve married the finesmith\x92s son, Erya, make sure you take a concubine to bear your young. Such a fine mind, such a true royal, your blood-line would be a sad loss to the world, were it to end."
"Once I\x92ve... Grandfather!" Rushing up, Garey nearly turned the table over as he embraced the old king. "You approve!"
"Certainly. Oww, not so tight! That boy is also a fine one, the best of fine parents. From what the servants tell me, he cares a lot for you, as well."
"He does. Well, he said so, and I don\x92t think he\x92d lie to me. Grandfather, I really do love him."
"Good. Love makes the best ground for a happy marriage. Once you\x92re of age, Garey, I\x92ll seal your bond myself, if you still want to."
"Thank you!" A lonely tear ran down Garey\x92s cheek, but not a sad one. "I will want to."
"Just think about what I said."
"I\x92ll think, my liege, I\x92ll think. Just don\x92t expect me to obey."