Garren's Quest, Chapter 4

With the busy month of May now in my rearview, I feel like the writing's getting back on track. Here is Chapter 4 of Garren's Quest, and the usual caveats apply:

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As they rode, Garren continued to argue that he could not be held responsible for the idiotic actions of some pompous prince with delusions of grandeur.

“You should know that Nebal isn’t just ‘some prince,’” Hynal remarked at one point. “He is King Syrod’s eldest son and heir. It’s anticipated that he’ll be sovereign some day, and as such, he’s expected to eventually marry and sire an heir of his own.”

“Well, that shouldn’t be an issue,” Garren declared. “Unless…”

He trailed off, looking at Captain Hynal inquisitively.

“The necessary parts are still there and in working order,” Hynal said in response to his unasked question. “The dragon didn’t destroy those.”

“Then what’s the problem?” Garren asked. “I mean, he’s the son of a king. At that level, no one’s marrying for looks – it’s all about alliances. So sometimes a handsome monarch has to take a pockmarked princess as wife. Or a beautiful princess has to marry some prince who resembles a toad.”

“And even if there isn’t some type of agreement or accord at stake,” Garren continued, “he’s rich. Plenty of beautiful women will overlook an impaired limb and a bad skin condition if it’ll let them live in wealth and luxury.”

“You trivialize the prince’s problems,” Hynal retorted. “Although the scenarios you describe might be accurate to some degree, keep in mind that Prince Nebal would not only have to live with a bride, he’d also have to live with himself.”

 Garren frowned. “I’m not sure I take your meaning.”

“The prince was handsome and vain. The loss of his looks has taken a toll on him in more than just physical appearance. In short, he can no longer stand to look at himself.”

“That’s easily remedied. I believe King Syrod has wizards and mages at court. He can have one of them cast a glamour on the prince, so that he appears to all others – and himself – as dapper and in robust health.”

“Such wizardry is fickle and occasionally fails. Plus, the prince’s faith in magic – as you might guess – is greatly diminished of late.”

“So he’ll just banish all mirrors and reflective surfaces when he becomes ruler,” Garren surmised. “It wouldn’t be the first time something like that’s been done, and afterwards he’ll only run the risk of seeing his reflection in a pond or his bathwater.”

“Again, your commentary makes light of Prince Nebal’s situation…and King Syrod’s concern over it.”

“That was not my intent, but I’m not sure how talking to me will remedy anything.”

“In truth, it may not,” the captain admitted. “But the king cannot simply do nothing after his son is maimed and disfigured. It would set a bad precedent, and send the wrong message to his enemies.”

“I understand your point,” Garren remarked, “but it sounds as though he may wish to make an example of someone. Needless to say, I suddenly have far less comfort about ‘speaking’ with your sovereign.”

“Your fear is not unreasonable, but unfounded in this instance. I promised no harm would come to you, and that will be the case.”

“We shall see,” Garren replied doubtfully. “By the way, we seem to be moving at a somewhat leisurely pace. While I’m in no particular rush to have this conversation with King Syrod, at this rate we’ll be on the road a year before we’re even in sight of his realm.”

“Have no fear,” Captain Hynal told him. “We’ll arrive in short order.”

Garren’s brow creased at the captain’s statement. His own comment had been an obvious exaggeration, but he got the sense that Hynal was speaking with candor. However, it was unlikely that they could cover the requisite distance and arrive “in short order” as suggested.

Unless… Garren said to himself, and then his eyes went wide.

But before he could do anything, the captain – gripping a cylindrical object – raised his hand above his head. The object sparkled for a moment, then sent out a burst of brilliant white light that blinded Garren to everything around him.