He stood there without saying a word as he eyed all the men around him. Some had a seemingly larger built than his but none were more intimidating as his fiery red eyes glared down at them. his royal guard stood flanking him as they awaited his command.

"You followed the Usurper because you were misguided." he began, his voice grim as he raised his eyes to meet their eyes. "I am prepared to forgive you all for this treachery if you renounce your support for him, bend the knee and swear your allegiance to me, the rightful heir to the throne."

There was a moment, an anticlimax, as they awaited him to continue.

"Bend the knee and swear fealty to me. Should you refuse, you shall die."

He had no desire to be so harsh but this was war. In times of war kings had to merciless if they intended to win. He knew full well the calamity that would befall his kingdom should he lose.

...

(Three Years Before the War)

It was a peaceful night yet plagued by a frost so heavy, Henry feared it would snow. Clutching the thick fur, he spread it across the sleeping form on the tiny mattress laid out on the floor. Poor boy, he was probably dreaming of some adventure off in a foreign land. His son was like that, always dreaming of the adventures he would get to live out across the waters of the Umbers in the slave cities of Gamoré or across the jade sea in the pirate dens of Hathor. A sad tale really for they both feared he may never get these opportunities. The boy thought it was because they were poor, no amount of money they made could possibly fund that kind of travel.

However, the old man Henry knew that even if the secret stash of gold coins he kept hidden in an underground cabin in the forest was enough for the boy to live comfortably the rest of his life and travel as he wished , it could never happen for it wasn't safe. With a sad smile, he turned back to their scanty little kitchen to boil some water for a cup of tea.

It was then that the knock came. Not too loud to draw the attention of his neighbors but certainly loud enough to catch his attention, Henry made his way to the door and cautiously opened it. Though he was hooded and disguised as common folk, Henry knew at once. Despite being garbed in warm robes, he felt a chill go down his spine. This wasn't right, he wasn't due to make a visit for the next three weeks and he never came so late into the night.

"Master Henry," he simply said.

"Commander." Was all the old man could say.

"Might I come in?" The commander inquired.

Realizing he hadn't extended that courtesy, Henry stood aside and beckoned the commander inside. After shutting the door, he took a chair and offered it to his guest.

"That won't be necessary, I won't take long." The commander said. "Henry, the king is dead. He passed away not an hour before now. Soon the bells will chime to deliver this news to the people. I thought you should know first before then."

Henry was quiet for a while before we spoke up.

"We will leave right away then. The gates will be shut in the morrow I reckon, best we be out of reach by then." He said slowly. "Maybe one day, when this all blows over, we shall return."

He had feared this day would come and he had contemplated this instance.

"No. You can't leave." The commander said.

"What do you mean? If Miraz finds out about him he will kill him! I will never let that happen!" Henry said in a distressed tone.

"Nor will I, Henry, you have my word. However there is a new development, one our fallen king thought would be for the best. He left a will. He asked me to read it in public a fortnight after his burial in the presence of both the noble born and the common folk. He has named his heir." The commander replied.

"King Oberon had no living heir save his brother." Henry said in a matter of fact.

"No living heir people knew about." The commander pointed out.

Henry felt the chill that had settled on his spine envelope him whole.

"No, no, please." He pleaded as his knees grew weak.

They had promised him it would never come to this, had re-assured him even.

They both stopped as they heard the softly approaching footsteps. They turned in time to see the young teenager make his way into the kitchen, yawning loudly and rubbing his eyes as he made his way to the water containers. When he realized there were people in the room he stopped.

"Sorry I didn't realize you had a guest, papa." he said.

"Its okay son, you can get your water and head back to sleep now." Henry said.

As the boy turned to leave, the commander stopped him.

"Wait!" He said as he addressed him. "It's Arthur, isn't it?"

"Yes." The boy replied a little wary.

He didn't know who this man was but for some reason, his father seemed agitated. Whatever they were discussing must be very bad news.

"Your father has told me a lot about you. You've grown up quite a bit since I last saw you." The strange man said.

He didn't know what to say.

"Forgive me, my name is Bolivar." He said. "You might have had of me."

"Commander Bolivar?" The boy asked.

"That's right." He said.

Well that was strange, Arthur thought. What business did his father have with the commander. Before he could ask, the commander turned back to his father.

"Remember what I said, Henry, and be prepared." He said as he handed him the package he had been carrying.

"What's this?" Henry asked.

"Appropriate dress for the occasion." The commander said. "See you both in a fortnight."

He turned to the young boy who was still standing there, wondering what was going on.

"It was an honor to meet you, Arthur. I do hope to see you again in a fortnight." The commander said.

"A fortnight?" Arthur began.

Unfortunately the commander was already on his way to the door.