The Trials of Hallac- Part I: The Beasts

The journey was calm and easy.
We reached Rinelderal’s city
Without incident, and I was greeted warmly by Her Highness,
Fair Phierine, since though I am base
And was born to a peasant maid,
I am still of a royal line.
As a welcome, she made a feast
At which I was introduced to her daughter, of an age with me:
Gralise, whose fairness surpassed even that of her royal mother’s.
Seated next to her, was I then,
She asked how I came to be lost,
In need of rescue by their ship.
I replied in telling her all
I have so far told you, Uncle,
And asked her of her thoughts on the lot she had been given in life.

‘I will be Queen after my mother’s reign ends--
Gods send her a long and fruitful queenship--
But it may not extend as long as she wants.
With my father already in the next life,
Our rule states that she has but three years to rule
Without a husband. With her first year near gone,
In two years my mother must needs marry, else
I take the throne in her stead, and a husband
Will be chosen for me. ‘Tis a sacrifice
I am willing to make for my countrymen,
Though if I find a husband myself ere then,
I believe I will live much more joyfully.
Hope I to find a strong husband, hale and good,
A warrior as my father was, ‘fore his death.’

Then was our conversation cut,
As the good queen did wish to speak with me alone and directly.
Offered she to keep me as guest
Until word could be sent to my father, telling him where I’d come.
Thought I of Senaru’s warning,
That my eldest brother Lestrian prayed for my early demise.
Fearing he might intercept a message sent to my dear father,
I gave my thanks to the good queen
And instead asked that the message might be sent to another kin:
My second. brother Etseon.
The message was dictated by me to a scribe, and then sent off,
Making way for my good brother.

During the wait time for reply,
The days ‘twould take for its travel,
I remained in the palace as guest to Her Majesty the queen
And of her beautiful daughter.
A weaponsmith of their own did they set to repairing my spear;
The blade and point were still fine, though he had to replace the whole shaft.
Wondered I again if it would keep the blessings the gods had gave.
Not a day went by I did not converse with the fair maid Gralise,
Hours we spent talking ‘bout all,
Subjects from life to farms and hopes,
Wishes and commoners and such.
Oft she came to the yards to watch,
As I did continue my work
In training the spear, newly fixed.
Near a month passed, then came reply
Paper sealed with Etseon’s sign.
‘Remain in the castle,
If you will be allowed,
As guest of the good queen.
Our good father’s soldiers are still abroad with the war,
Though I am pressing to arrange for an escort
Of men to travel there
To Rinelderal’s city
And retrieve your person.
You are well missed at home;
Father is eager to have his youngest son returned.
But wait for now, brother
Until men can be spared.’