The False Prince

The boat rocked as the waves guided the ship back through the maze of jagged rocks and broken masts. Though Fulcher couldn’t see Anna, he knew she was still around. Ever since she first began to follow their arrival, he had felt eyes on him. The eerie feeling seemed to swell whenever she was near, but out of sight. It did bring some comfort though, knowing that an ally was ensuring their safe passage out of the seas around the Librarum. Fulcher relaxed against the side of the ship, until he turned to see Schon watching him carefully.

“So. Your story,” she began. Vardia glanced over as well, with Akaj leaning against the boat’s bow. Though his eyes were closed, he was not snoring like their arrival. It seemed everyone was curious as to what Anna had revealed, and what Fulcher himself had reinforced with his story to earn Boya’s help.

“Who are you, exactly?” Schon asked. It was almost as if the waves themselves listened, the boat rocking gently without much sound. Fulcher stared off into the fog, trying to find the best words to use. Schon, ever impatient, did not stop her questioning.

“Anna asked who you were. You gave some other name. Something other than Prince Fulcher,” she said slowly. Fulcher sighed and turned to look at them.

“My real name is Rich. I was born to another world, with Arrow. He’s just a little puppy, really,” Fulcher explained. “While I was out for a walk, I was run over by a truck. It’s… sort of like a big stagecoach. Then we woke up, we were alone in the woods, in these bodies.”
Schon listened intently, her face unreadable. Vardia looked away, staring into the fog opposite to where Fulcher was.

“I’m not sure how, or why. In my world, there are only humans. No magic, no great beasts. And most of the people determine their own rulers. There are few kings left,” he explained. “I’m sorry for lying about it. I was worried that if somebody found out, they’d accuse me of killing the Prince, or possession, or something else.” His train of thought was interrupted by the boisterous laughter of Akaj. The Flame Prince gripped his sides as all eyes landed on him, wiping away a molten tear.

“I knew there was no martial skill of the mortal realm that I had not seen. To think, new fighting styles are just beyond the horizon, in foreign worlds with foreign rules!” Akaj said. He chuckled again as he patted Arrow’s side. “The secrets of Ememay vex me still, my friend.”

“You aren’t upset that I lied?” Fulcher asked. Akaj shrugged, leaning back and closing his eyes again.

“To what purpose? I did not know Dilyniant’s whelp. I met you, and you bested me. You have shown me honor and kindness. Besides, I am not of this world either. It would be foolish of me to berate you for a crime I too have committed,” he said, as he scratched Arrow’s ears. Fulcher looked at Schon, who offered a small smile.

“There wasn’t a night that passed where I didn’t wish for Fulcher to vanish. I suppose he did, truly. So I don’t care who you really are, so long as you keep your promise to me,” she said. Fulcher looked past her to Vardia next. The Custodi peered back at the group.

“Growing up, we were told of the Sire, and his dreadful son Fulcher. I knew when I was trained by the Kingsguard that I’d have to protect someone I likely would never get along with,” Vardia said. He stood, walking towards Fulcher on the boat. “Then, I met you. Kind and brave, clever and always thinking about other people. A reformer who wants better lives for the entire kingdom. I’d call no one else my brother.” Vardia extended a hand down to Fulcher, who took it. He rose and hugged Vardia, who patted his back.

“Sorry, again, for keeping the secret. I didn’t know what to do,” Fulcher admitted.

“You should keep it a secret,” Schon said. “We have special interests in seeing you succeed. Not everyone will be so kind. As far as the world is concerned, you are Dilyniant’s son.” Fulcher nodded as Vardia returned to his side of the boat.

“Very well. My story will remain lost in the fog of the Librarum.”

The rest of the journey remained peaceful. Vardia spoke on and on about another topic of his; this time it was the practice of ceramics, and pottery styles he enjoyed. Schon listened with an eager smile as Akaj and Arrow dozed off. Eventually the mist parted, and for the first time since entering the haze Fulcher felt no foreign eyes on his back. He stood and turned back to the fogbank, offering a wave to nothing in particular as they floated away. Not only had Anna guided them through the confusion, she had expelled them quite close to the shoreline. With minimal effort, the party managed to sail back to Ubukhazikhazi without incident.

Servants of the King had already prepared a parasaur caravan for them to head back to Corvidrop, with a message already sent to the Lord to coordinate the attack.
As they once again left the city gazes, this time heading North, Fulcher knew his fate was drawing close.

—

Benedict crumpled up the missive and tossed it aside for one of his aids to collect. It was fascinating news indeed; the fake Prince was returning with the army of a foreign King to aid in the revolution. Benedict made for the stairs, climbing one of the towers of his keep.

This changes things, Corvidrop thought. The boy found the Librarum and is certainly returning stronger than before. Our next steps need to be thoughtful, and calculated.

Concerning, but a problem for after the war, Corvidrop thought. I need to keep whatever took Fulcher’s body away from the Princess. She will be our key to everything.

“But promise me you’ll stay inside, okay? I’ll take care of everything,” he assured.