The Desert Prince

"Yo Jari! Check this out!" Eljas said with a massive grin. He was pointing to Jari's right, seemingly excited about something. Jari turned to see what it was, and saw some village girls.

"Eljas. Is this all you think about? Women?" Jari asked with a sly smile.

"Of course! Why wouldn't I!? Why wouldn't you? You're that age to get married soon. I'm sure you have your eyes set on someone!" Eljas continued, teasing Jari.

"Well, there is that one girl. She was a wandering trader that came here remember?" Jari asked, hoping Eljas knew who he was talking about.

"Oh that girl. She's long gone by now Jari, you should find someone else." Eljas said.

"I don't think I can. She was far too beautiful." Jari chuckled.

"Whatever. We should be heading back to the castle anyways." Eljas said.

"We? I'm the prince, you're just a ordinary farmer." Jari said, somewhat confused.

"Yeah, I'm your best friend. I should enjoy the spoils of being a prince too!" Eljas chuckled.

"That makes absolutely no sense." Jari said mindbogglingly.

The two walked side by side, up the massive staircase that led to the Ashspan Bridge. While ascending the stairs, the two continued their talk.

"So, you think we will live in this desert for our whole lives?" Eljas said.

"I hope not." Jari said, remembering his distaste for this sweltering humid environment.

After ascending the staircase and entering the bridge, the two were met with the familiar, breathtaking view. The huge castle in front of them was one view, but the environment around the bridge was more beautiful.

Two waterfalls were across from each other, their streams meeting down the middle where the bridge was. Villagers could be seen from below harvesting the fresh water.

This fresh oasis was the only source of freshwater for miles, which could turn into a problem.

"So is your father working to make things better?" Eljas asked.

"Huh, what do you mean?" Jari asked back, wondering what he was talking about.

"You know what. We're starting to have a drought due to the increasing heat. Our food is unable to survive at times. Also we should focus on getting stronger. If we ever got raided, they would crush our weapons that are literally made out of scraps." Eljas said, obviously frustrated.

"Oh. Well, I haven't heard much. We still have a good supply of chickens right?" Jari asked, genuinely curious.

"Not really Jari. Rations are running worriedly low, all your father is doing is raising market prices. Not to mention, the increase in thief rates." Eljas said, not even looking at Jari anymore.

"Okay I understand. Wanna come in and eat? Maybe you could talk my dad into doing better?" Jari asked, holding the handle of the castle's front doors.

"I suppose I could. Your mom's cooking is awesome anyways." Eljas replied.

Jari pushes open the heavy castle doors, allowing Eljas to enter first. Eljas was in awe, unable to do anything but be astonished by the beautiful interior. This castle is Eljas dream.

"You just gonna stand there, or are you eating?" Jari asked, significantly ahead of the frozen Eljas.

"Yeah, sorry. Can't help but admire your castle." Eljas said with a strange guilt on his face.

"You've been in this castle many times. Is it really that beautiful again?" Jari asked, walking beside Eljas to the dining table.

"Yes, Jari. Believe me when I say you have a lucky life. I'm used to tiny sand huts, and hoeing a garden all day." Eljas said.

"Brought a special guest, huh?" Jari's mother, Queen Avelyn of Veyorun.

"Yes, I thought it would be nice to bring Eljas in. He's my best friend after all!" Jari said to his mother, who was putting new steaming food onto the table.

"Well, you're lucky I made extra today! I had a hunch Eljas was coming." Avelyn said with a huge grin on her face.

Eljas looked at Jari's mother, and had a strange attraction towards her. She was so kind and giving, even though she was the all-powerful Queen. She was the opposite of her husband...

"Are you okay, sweetie?" Avelyn said, snapping Eljas out of it.

"Yeah, sorry. Just thinking about the beautiful interior you have! Seriously, its so pretty here!"  Eljas said, nervously grinning back at Avelyn's huge grin.

"Why, thank you! I spent so hard on the interior! I'm glad someone appreciates it!" Avelyn said, handing a plate of chicken and kelp to Eljas.

"Kelp!? Where did you get this?" Eljas asked, completely puzzled. 

"From the stream below the bridge, of course. Did you not know there was kelp on the riverbed?" Avelyn asked.

"No! All us citizens eat dirty chicken, and the occasional bread! We are struggling!!!" Eljas screamed, angry that Jari had it so easy.

"What's all the ruckus?" A man said behind Eljas. 

Eljas turned to see Jari's father, King Rasmus II. Eljas despised this man with every ounce of his being. Even being in his presence pissed him off.

Jari noticed Eljas' expression change, and grabbed his shoulder to warn him not to say harsh things.

Eljas jumped, as Jari accidentally grabbed too hard. It's as if Jari tried to hurt Eljas. 

"Well, Eljas was just telling us how bad he and the citizens have it..." Avelyn said, holding the hand of the despicable man Rasmus.

"That's a load of shit! Trust me, I know my folk. And I know our resources are still rich and thriving." Rasmus said, spitting his food out in anger.

Eljas, who was beginning to chew his chicken, slammed it down in anger and screamed, "Where are you getting this from!? If you spent even one day around us citizens, you would surrender your endless load of food and actually help us for once!!!" 

"Help you for once?  Kid, do you know who I am? I united this Kingdom, I am a respected man, I HELPED EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU!? If I didn't step up, we would all be dead! So spare me your absolute bullshit, and leave my damn house!" Rasmus said, all while slapping Eljas across the face.

Jari, supposed to be the brave and kind man, cowered in his seat. He was supposed to stand up for his friend, but didn't. 

Eljas stood up quickly, and blurted out, "Fuck this family. Don't say I didn't warn you, when the people you saved stand up for themselves and tear you apart."

And with that, Eljas storms out of the castle. 

"I didn't know your friends were so pathetic, Jari." Rasmus said in disgust to his own son.

Jari didn't respond, was too scared too frankly. He didn't know why he was scared, he just was...

Jari's little brother, Prince Raollin, just 13 years old, slumps into the dining room. "What's going on?", he says in a tired voice.

"Nothing baby, go back to sleep." Avelyn said with a gentle, caring voice.

Jari decides to leave his food on the table, and flee into his sleeping quarters. 

The next morning arrives, and Jari stirs awake. In his parents room, he hears endless bickering. 

"Great, there they go again. Not long ago, we were a happy family." Jari said to himself, slipping on a simple tunic and leggings. He trudges to the castle doors, and pushes them open. The bright sunlight combined with the smell of burning sand was both comforting and horrifying to Jari. He hated the smell, but felt comfortable with it due to nostalgia.

He began walking the bridge, down the staircase, and to his favorite market. He orders the usual, fresh carrot with a side of "Oasis water". He sits at a nearby bench, and digs in to his morning snack. Usually, he would be comfortable and in joy. But this time, he heard nearby whispers. The whispers contained the words: Rebellion. Tonight. Kill. Rasmus. Jari. 

Instead of eating, Jari sat there in complete fear. What if those bystanders, noticed he was there? Would Jari be killed on the spot? Then he acknowledged the other words. Rebellion Tonight. 

Eljas was right. There is going to be a rebellion. In that rebellion, Jari and his father will die. Jari began shaking. Uncontrollably. His mind raced on what to do tonight...

Would he fight, and most likely die in battle? Would he run away, abandoning his family? What would he do?

His panic attack was interrupted by a familiar figure.

"Are you okay?" A gentle soothing voice said to him.

It was the wandering trader girl.