Orion Short Story

His feet are sore.

Don't come back.

His lungs ache.

Don't come back.

The capital looms before him, and his horse is so tired he has to nearly drag her through the gates of Valrin. The guards cast him curious looks, because why wouldn't they. A thirteen year old with little more than a sack of clothes? What exactly does he think he's going to find in the heart of Leydon?

Nothing. He thinks he'll find nothing. It's still better than home though.

Not home, he corrects himself. Not anymore.

Don't come back.

The letter from his father burns a hole in his pocket, and he begins to search for the knight's barracks. Surely it can't be that difficult.

"You'll find the King's Knights in Valrin. Maybe if you can serve Leydon you'll be of some use to the family. Just don't come back."

His mother's words rattle around in his head. Is she even his mother anymore? Disowned but allowed to keep his family's name. How pitiable. Almost as pitiable as being born without magic in a family like House Morosov.

His gut twists. Even as a knight, what could he possibly do? Leydon hasn't had a high general that wasn't also a battle mage in over a hundred years. He'll be front line fodder. Maybe his parents would prefer that, after all. Dying might bring shame to their family name, but it would also get him out of their hair for good.

"Hey! Watch out!"

Something knocks him on the side and falling in towards his horse. She lets out a whinny, quiet and tired, and he makes note to find her an apple later. First, though, he turns his attention to the boy in front of him.

He looks maybe a few years older, his hair and eyes dark and his skin pale, flushed from running. He's breathing heavily, implying he was likely running from someone, but he looks mildly concerned at how lost Orion looks.

"Are you okay?" The other boy's brows crease, "You look a bit out of it."

"Oh...yeah." Orion blinks, "I'm just...looking for the knight's barracks."

The boy perks up immediately, "You're going to be a knight?"

"Um, hopefully." He pulls the letter from his father out and waves it, "A sponsorship from House Morosov."

The boy whistles, "Prestigious."

It wouldn't be as impressive if he knew how Orion got the sponsorship, but he's going to keep that to himself for now. 

"Down that way, past the market, near the castle." The boy glances back with wide eyes at the sound or armor clamoring, "What's your name by the way?"

"Orion." He shifts on his feet as he responds. Is he talking to a criminal? A murderer? Is that why the knights are after him?

"I'm Aleksandr." He smiles widely.

"Your highness!"

"Prince Aleksandr!"

"Where is he?"

The boy's head snaps over at the ruckus he he waves a sharp goodbye before darting off into the crowd, a group of confused knights rushing after him.

Was that...the prince?