II: Stranger Enters the Kingdom

Three years passed.

A young man with bright blue eyes walked down the road.

He was not familiar with this land.

But his own was dying.

The princess’ kingdom started to drain the surrounding lands.

He set out to change that.

Along the way, others questioned his motives.

“Please do not go there. You will die there.”

He knew the risks.

His land needed supplies, food, and money.

The young man even prepared himself to die.

It rained the day he arrived.

He walked along the road with a charm around his neck,

Small bag of rice,

And a silver sword.

He had to be mindful of bandits looking for gullible travelers.

Some could be working for the fallen princess.

His mother warned him to be careful.

He assured her that he would keep his word.

“I promise I will. I have to do this for our people.”

The young man kissed his mother goodbye and left.

That was ten days ago.

The road to the darkened kingdom had been endless.

Of course, he knew this when he started.

Has it always been raining?

He didn’t mind the rain, but it wasn’t good.

The young man shoved his hands in his pockets.

Almost to the gate.

Behind him, the young man heard horse hooves.

“You there!”

The young man slowly turned around…

Wham!