It was midday, yet a strange heaviness clung to the woods-a black atmosphere, due to the density of trees. A boy, no older than fourteen, walked steadily beneath the canopy of trees, a freshly hunted deer slung over his shoulder. His long black hair clung slightly to his brow with sweat, and his hazel-green eyes were lost in thought. He stood around 5'8, lean yet athletic, his expression calm but unreadable.
His name was Eldon.
As he made his way through the forest, the underbrush rustled ahead. Two other boys emerged to join him, both around the same age.
One was Jeremy, the son of Duke Cedric. He was tall and strong-shouldered, with blonde hair and sharp blue eyes. His noble lineage showed not just in his clothing, but in his confident stride. The other boy was Roger, son of Baron Halwin, with a softer look—shorter, slightly chubby, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a friendly round face.
Jeremy raised an eyebrow. "Yo, what have you caught?"
Eldon adjusted the deer slightly on his back. While pointing towards it "Just this deer."
"You seem lost in thought. What were you thinking?" Jeremy asked.
Eldon sighed. "Nothing. Just… how to avoid drawing attention."
Roger frowned. "Still hiding your talent, huh? Why?"
Eldon glanced at him, then looked ahead again. "You know why. So that one of my brothers can inherit the throne without feeling threatened. My father already adopted me and gave me a life I couldn't have dreamed of as an orphan. I won't let anyone think I'm vying for power."
He paused, voice quieter. "This way, their mothers stay at ease too. I owe them at least that much peace."
Roger shook his head. "But your talent's way ahead of theirs. You could've taken down a bear. Or even a lion."
Jeremy chuckled. "Yeah, instead, you bring back a deer. If they can't even get something like this..."
Eldon gave a small smile. "Whether it's a deer or something larger doesn't matter, unless it's a tournament for the throne."
Jeremy sighed. "Look at us—we didn't even catch anything."
Roger nodded in agreement. "We're just lucky to be friends with you."
Eldon laughed. "Come on. We've been friends since we met at my fifth birthday. Our friendship's not about talent or rank."
Jeremy smirked. "You're the king's son now. We're just a duke's and baron's kids. If anything, you outrank us."
Eldon rolled his eyes. "Sure. Then maybe I should start calling you 'Lord Duke's Son Jeremy' and 'Lord Chubby Roger.'"
Roger grinned. "Now that's more like it."
They all laughed, the tension between them melting into warm camaraderie as they exited the forest and approached the royal hunting grounds.
The royal hunting grounds stretched wide beneath the afternoon sun, its trimmed grass and fluttering banners giving the open field a festive look. Nobles, officers, and high-ranking mages from across the kingdom stood in respectful formation beneath decorated pavilions.
At the center of it all stood King Tharion of Albemarck.
He was a tall man with broad shoulders, a square jaw, and a clean-shaven face that bore the calm confidence of a ruler. His blonde hair was short and neat, and his piercing blue eyes scanned the grounds like a hawk's. Though he wasn't participating in the hunt himself, he wore a dark green hunting outfit reinforced with light armor, suitable for a sudden attack or demonstration of strength. Even standing still, his presence dominated the gathering.
Under a golden canopy, he stood beside his three wives, who sat gracefully on polished wooden thrones. Around them were other nobles: dukes, barons, the commander of the royal guard, court mages, and respected seers—all watching the returning hunters.
From the edge of the forest, Eldon stepped into the open, carrying a deer on his back. Behind him followed Jeremy and Roger.
The royal announcer, a tall man in silver and blue robes, stepped forward.
"Announcing Eldon, adopted son of His Majesty King Tharion."
All eyes turned.
Eldon stepped forward and gently laid the deer before the king.
King Tharion nodded slowly, a proud smile forming.
"A clean kill," he said, his voice calm but loud enough for the nearby nobles to hear. "Your first hunt, and already this precise. Well done."
Eldon bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, Father."
The king glanced around. "What of Luke and Noel? Have they returned?"
"Not yet," Eldon replied. "They might still be out there. This is their third hunt, after all."
"Hmm." The king stroked his beard in thought. "They must be tracking something heavier."
He placed a firm hand on Eldon's shoulder. "Go on. Take your place with the other participants. Once all have returned, we'll proceed."
Eldon stepped back just as the announcer spoke again.
"Jeremy, son of Duke Cedric. Roger, son of Baron Halwin."
The boys hesitated, then stepped forward—empty-handed.
The announcer paused, then declared, "No catch."
A ripple of murmurs passed through the gathered crowd. Jeremy gave a sheepish smile, while Roger looked down, shifting his weight from foot to foot.
The boys turned and returned to Eldon's side.
"Well," Jeremy muttered, "that could've gone better."
Roger sighed. "We should've just followed you from the start."
Eldon gave a small smile but said nothing.
Soon after, the three returned to the campgrounds. The vast royal hunting camp was divided into sections—royalty, dukes, barons, commanders, and official observers, each housed in elaborate tents that matched their rank and standing.
Eldon's tent, though modest by royal standards, was placed among the royal quarters. Its blue and gold fabric shimmered in the sunlight, and the guards standing outside saluted as he entered.
Roger looked around and whistled. "Still not used to this. Royal treatment, huh?"
Jeremy nudged him. "At least it's not a palace. We can still talk to you without bowing."
Eldon gave a tired smile. "Shut up and go back before someone makes you wear a crown too."
They all laughed.
Roger gave him a pat on the shoulder. "Alright, we'll see you after the results are announced."
Jeremy nodded. "Don't act all humble when they call your name."
They turned and walked away, leaving Eldon alone with the quiet hum of the camp and his thoughts.