Snippet #1048683

The kingdom of Thrut had always prospered. Long before the kingdom teetered on the brink of war, the plains lush with crops and mountains ripe with ore brought many riches and honors to the house of the king. While the population and landmass of Thrut were small, the people respected their King and loved their lives with vigor.

But now, the same fruits of Fate had brought a swarm of locusts to the kingdom. The threat comes from the enemy kingdom Porl. Not much is known about the politics of that kingdom, just that they have a large population, little landmass, and few resources. The hostilities between Thrut and Porl should come as no surprise; after all, Porl is desperate, and Thrut is in the way of their prize.

In the meantime, the exalted King of Thrut has been developing some mental instabilities. He has become delusional, forgetting his duties or even his rank. That pushes the responsibilities as leader of Thrut onto his daughter, the beautiful Alleysea Goldenleaf. Therefore, she must travel to Porl and attempt to save her kingdom via treaty. A desperate mission indeed; there is almost no chance that the enemy will be willing to negotiate, and, if thrust into war, Thrut is almost certain to lose.

Of course, she can't travel alone.

---

A palomino horse, galloping over the hills to Edetser, pulled to a stop in front of the city gates. Two guards walked out from the guard house, preventing the cloaked rider from approaching any closer. "Halt! What is your business in the capital?"

The rider removed his cloak, showing the face of a god. An angry god. "I'm Mason Giles, son of the General. I'm here on the King's business. Open up!"

No one, of course, dared deny the young man his prize. After all, he was practically the prince of the kingdom, even if his birth dictated simply that he would have great weapons skill, not royalty. The iron gates screeched against the cobblestones as they slid opened. Clicking his tongue, Mason was off again, still in a great rush. After all, his task was more important than anyone else in the entire kingdom.

Except, of course, for the one he was escorting.

The palace, in all its glory, towered over the rest of Edetser, a jewel in the sunlight. Mason didn't really take in its glory, as he anticipated meeting Princess Alleysea. While he had greeted the King before and heard of her great beauty, he had never actually seen her, let alone greeted her.

Finally, he reached the great steps. Tying his horse to a nearby pillar, he muttered softly, "Wait here," and walked athletically up the stairs. Near the entrance was a man who was presumably a herald, from the look of his attire. "Greetings, sir," said Mason, ever the polite one. "I'm Mason Giles, here on behalf of our kingdom. May I see the Princess?"