A long time ago, there was this distant land, one similar to ours but much different. The world was full of life, with the mornings as beautiful as rain falling on the dunes in the Sahara Desert, and nights as stunning as the aurora borealis. But that all stopped when this evil washed over this world, and with its arrival, it brought disease, famine, and death. But with its departure, it brought new life, a life that was alien to the old world. This is the story of Thomas, the king of Gref, and his companion Ian, the talking horse.
Shebang thunder could be heard echoing throughout the halls, as loud baby cries could be heard. The mom picks up the two children and sings a lullaby, saying, "Sweet little Thomas, don't you cry. The storm is gonna wash away like the tears in your eyes. Shush, shush, shush, don't you cry," putting the baby sound asleep. As she looks toward the other one with disgust, still crying, she says, "How pathetic. We bought you for millions to get a pathetic thing like you. You don't deserve to be in the same bed with my son." She opens the doors to the outside, and rain and wind come in. "Ugh, look what you have done. You have my feet all wet now. Since you like getting my feet wet, I'll show you how it feels." She drops the baby off on the balcony, closing the door as she leaves. The baby cries and wails, hoping someone would find it on this cold, dark balcony, but help never comes.
We are here today to celebrate Prince Thomas' 16th birthday. He has entered a new chapter, and that's life. Every birthday holds meaning in this kingdom, but the sixteenth birthday carries great weight. Once the heir to the throne turns 16, he must complete a three-day trial. On the first day, he must retrieve the white oak stake that was hidden by the evil queen. The second day, he must get the fragmented pieces of the Spoon of Prosperity. The third day, he must capture a fairy from the Mystical Orange Forest. But with all great quests, he must have a companion with him. So, Thomas, who would you like to pick to be on this one-of-a-kind quest?
Thomas stands up from his chair. The person I would like to pick is the person who has been with me from the very beginning. The crowd looks anticipatory. Thomas says, "The person I'm going to pick is Ian." The crowd gasps. Some people stand up, some people look revolted. "But my sire, you have so many other good options, and Ian is jus—"
"Are you questioning my decision?" Thomas said. "I am your prince, and I know when I'm making the right decision." Thomas looks towards the crowd. "Ian is not just a horse; he is my companion. He is a person, not a creature, so you will show him respect! That will be all from your prince."
Thomas steps down from the stage, and behind him, the murmurs of the crowd can be heard. He kept his head high, but his stomach felt nauseous, like he could throw up butterflies. By the time he reached his chambers, the weight of today had settled in his bones.
"Knock knock, honey, can I come in?" says Mom.
"Come in, Mom."
"Hi, sweetie, are you feeling okay? I saw your coronation, and it didn't seem like it went too well."
"Mom, I don't get it. Out of the countless times Ian has saved this kingdom by carrying the kids out of that house fire, or when he traveled to the river to unblock it, which almost killed him, by the way. I don't understand. He made one error, and that defines him for the rest of his life?"
"You have to understand that the people of Gref did not forgive and forget, like you. All they saw was a monster terrorizing and killing innocent people. So you have to understand it's going to be a while before they can trust him again. Now I think you should be getting ready for your quest, young man. You have a big day tomorrow, and you should get your rest. Good night."
Mom walks out the room. Thomas peeks with one eye open, seeing if the coast is clear. "All right, she's gone. You can come out now." Ian crawls out of Thomas' bed. "Gosh, I just thought she would never leave. It felt like a donkey's year. Am I right or am I right?" Ian expects a laugh from Thomas, but it never comes. He looks at Thomas, and he's curled up in a ball in his bed, blankets over his head. "Hey, are you okay?"
"…You heard what she said. Everyone thinks you are a monster. I just don't know what to do anymore. I have been trying to get your story right since that incident, and it still hasn't worked. What if they always see you as a monster?"
Ian comes to comfort Thomas. "It's going to be all right. So what if everyone thinks I'm a monster and they never trust me again? It doesn't matter. All of them are idiots anyway. What matters is what the people I love think about me."
"Gosh, you really are a bad motivator," says Thomas. They both giggle.
"Well, you heard your mom. You should get some rest. We will see how tomorrow goes," Ian mumbles to himself. "Hopefully, it goes with a whole bunch of chocolate in my hands."
Ian switches a secret lever, and it opens a hidden doorway. "Well, I have to go before your mom freaks out that I'm gone from my room." Ian leaves Thomas' room, and the door shuts behind him. Thomas thinks to himself that maybe tomorrow will not be so bad, and he goes to sleep.
To be Continue