A Road to the Throne: Rise With Honour

By Matthew Sciriha

Lereon is a healthy teenager who lives in a hunting cabin with his mother, isolated from the rest of the medieval world and unaware of how to fight. But all of that is about to change when he encounters a stranger in the woods who seems to know more about him than he does. After Lereon learns that his father was a king who was overthrown by his brother when Lereon was an infant, he is told that he must find his way back to the throne if he wants to avenge his father’s death and continue his legacy. With the kingdom of Berothia in disarray, Lereon begins his journey with only a sapphire ring that proves his identity and a hope that he can somehow reclaim the kingdom. But what he does not know is that his uncle is prepared to use any means possible to stop him. In this exciting fantasy, a naïve teenager on a quest to fulfill his destiny discovers he is stronger than he ever imagined he could be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Matthew Sciriha
• Release date: Mar 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9789995709211

Book preview

Author

Prologue

It was never meant to be. Everyone thought he was to grow up, get married to the woman of his dreams and he would have been crowned, but it was never meant to be. From the moment the boy was born, his uncle began conspiring against his father. Not two months after his birth on a humid summer night, his father was killed by a group of soldiers loyal to the boy’s uncle. There had been no warning, no foreknowledge of the betrayal. With his brother the king dead and his council disbanded, Clavius claimed the throne.

The mother however, with the help of one of her guards had fled holding her son in one arm and whatever she could carry in the other.

The kingdom was plunged into chaos and wars broke out; a once prosperous kingdom reduced to warring clans and one power hungry usurper that used all means at his disposable to dominate his enemies. Many were forced to their knees under the foot of Clavius the Usurper’s armies. It seemed that all hope was lost and the innocent prayed to the three high gods, but even then it seemed that the gods had abandoned them.

As time passed the war spread from the Hilmdyrian continent and was approaching the shores of the Falhetian continent. Clavius’s insatiable lust for power driving him to claim or crush all that didn’t fly his banner.

In the meantime, the boy grew up into a healthy teenager. With long walnut coloured hair down to his shoulders, a boyish face and sharp crystal blue eyes that seemed to hold the heavens in them. He was named Lereon, which in the ancient tongue meant Lion for the eons. Though his mother never revealed to him that he was a prince. Not until he would be ready, the question however was; when would he be ready? That was the answer she did not know.

He and his mother had lived in an isolated valley where there were plenty of game and resources. The cabin which they lived in had once been intended to be used as a hunting lodge. Regrettably, Lereon’s father never got the chance to use it; so it had remained there, forgotten and away from prying eyes. She taught him all that she knew. She taught him mathematics, ways how to address people of different classes, reading and writing.

The only thing he was never taught was how to fight. Being his mother and a woman of noble birth, she could not, for she knew nothing of the sort.

Chapter 1

O ne day Lereon was out hunting. It was late afternoon and the hot sun was blazing in the sky and sweat trickled down his face. As he remained perfectly still crouching in the bushes, he could smell the summer flowers’ scents. He remained still, waiting patiently for the right moment to strike; for the precise moment. Within the blink of an eye he launched the spear which he had fashioned from an oak branch. The boar didn’t even realise what had happened when the spear struck him in the neck. He stood up and went up to the now fallen creature. It wasn’t dead but dying, Lereon knelt down and put the creature out of its misery with his knife to the boar’s throat.

A fine shot if I ever saw one, said a voice.

Lereon spun around and saw a stout bearded man. He was tall and broad shouldered, his hair was long, messy and hazelnut brown on top an aging boyish face. Lereon put a hand on his spear.

Who are you, good sir? Lereon asked, weary of the stranger; all the while he pulled his stick out of the boar’s neck and held it tightly

Me? Oh my name is Jacksaw…. and I already know who you are.

How? asked Lereon cautiously, as he tightened his grip on his spear.

Let us go and see your mother…. yes, I know of your mother, he added upon seeing the alarmed look on Lereon’s face.

Will you help me carry the boar back? asked Lereon. Curiosity had gotten the better of Lereon; this was the first time he had met someone other than his mother. Lereon had no reason to fear the man or be suspicious of him. In his simplicity he knew nothing of deceit and he could see no reason to not trust this man.

But of course, I’d be happy to help, replied Jacksaw smiling amiably.

Thank you, said Lereon politely

They tied the boar to the spear by its legs and began carrying it back. They didn’t speak on their way back. Upon reaching the cabin Lereon’s mother shouted with surprise and happiness.

Jacksaw, my faithful friend, how have you been all these years!?

I have been well, I had spent my time after the…….err…..incident with my family until something told me I had better start looking for you and the boy.

So how on earth did you find us? asked Jenova.

Well, up until recently I had started to give up but I got pointed in the right direction; and when I saw your lad throw a spear I knew he was his late highness’s son. That skill isn’t taught.

You will join us for supper, won’t you? asked Jenova.

It will be an honour to dine with the prince, said Jacksaw.

The who? asked Lereon, now confused from the little he heard of their conversation.

You never told him, did you Jenova? said Jacksaw flatly.

I was waiting for the right moment…the right time, said Jenova sadly as her face paled.

Tell me what? Lereon couldn’t comprehend what was going on and feeling nobody was making sense.

Then I think we shall speak during supper, Jacksaw said, ignoring Lereon’s question.

Yes, I think that would be in order, and I’ll have time to think on how everything happened, said Jenova.

Chapter 2

L ereon sat on the grass. While sitting there, smelling the earthly smell, he watched his mother set the table outside. That night, had he not caught the boar, they would have had to eat some gruel. He was thinking about what this stranger was going to tell him about his past and who they were referring to earlier, something to do with a prince; he began to wonder what it had to do with him. His mother was clumsily setting the table. Lereon was surprised to see her hands tremble so much, unlike her usual calm self. This made Lereon anxious and made a note to keep an eye on the stranger and started fearing if he’d made a mistake by bringing him here. His mother knew him and called him friend; though something had upset her in their conversation and that was troubling Lereon.

Lereon could smell the cooked boar before she even announced that dinner was set; Lereon was the last to be seated and was very anxious of the evening. They ate silently, everyone focused mostly on their food. Jacksaw however seemed to be quite focused on Lereon as he ate, as if he was studying him. This started to unnerve Lereon, making him wonder what this strange man was thinking.

Now then, where to begin, Jenova did you tell the boy anything? asked Jacksaw frankly as he finished swallowing the last morsel.

His mother merely stared at her plate.

I see, Jacksaw sighed, Lereon, my boy I don’t know how to put it simpler so I’ll just say it. You are a prince!

What?! said Lereon who almost knocked over his goblet as he reached for it, what did you say I am?

You are a prince… so now I’ll begin my story and tell you how it all happened. It was a warm night that your father, the King of Berothia, was betrayed. He knew that there were spies inside the castle but didn’t know who to point fingers at. He and his council from all lands and races had gathered and founded the Order of the Dragon Heart. They all knew each other inside out and they were sure that none in the council were traitors to the king. The unlikeliest person turned out to be the traitor, the king’s brother Clavius, your uncle. The night you were born Clavius began scheming and two months later sent a group of his own hired henchmen to kill the king and his Royal Family. I myself was not on the council but I was your mother’s bodyguard. Your father, Cedric Altaros the Dragon Heart, ordered me to make sure that you and your mother were able to flee through the catacombs and go into hiding. He on the other hand died fighting, a most honourable way to die for any warrior; the council disbanded and went into hiding and they are all ready to be called back to do their work. That would be to serve the true King of Berothia, in other words……. you. You must merely show them the sapphire ring which was given to your mother. Jenova do you still have it? Jacksaw said hastily as Jenova left the table. You must now find your way back to the throne with the Order’s aid, which is to say if you want to avenge your father and continue his legacy, finished Jacksaw.

His head was swirling, he was a prince, his father had been murdered instead of dying of natural causes like he had been told and his uncle probably wanted him dead if he knew that he was still alive; and what was this ring, he had never seen nor been told of. His mother shortly arrived with a wooden box. When she handed it to him he opened it to find a gold ring with an encrusted royal blue sapphire upon a red velvet cushion. He took the ring and found it fitted him perfectly. He looked at Jacksaw who stared back at him with serious anticipation.

I don’t know if I can do this; I’m not ready to do this. I can’t lead an army or wage war, I can’t even fight in one on one combat. Are you even sure that I am the right person? Lereon was panicking out of shock.

Lereon… you father died so that you could one day return to the throne and raise the kingdom out of its misery. I know you are frightened and confused and you must understand the gravity of the decision that has been put forward to you, however only you can make a decision on what you will do, now that you know the truth. Jenova was trying to calm him down, the tears had started to roll down her cheeks and this was breaking Lereon’s heart. He had never seen his mother cry.

There are hundreds dying and thousands upon thousands suffering under the boot of a usurper. The kingdom is in disarray and a darkness is upon it, only behind the rightful banner can these people stand. The choice however is yours, stay here and be safe …or… risk life and limb and maybe you can turn the tide. I won’t lie to you, you risk death every step of the way.

How am I…? Even if I agreed…I’ll need help… asked Lereon stammering. His head was swirling with the thoughts and almost felt nauseous Would you..?

"I would, but don’t worry we don’t have to leave just yet for you must be taught how to wield weapons. Yes, Jenova I know you brought him here to stay away from that kind of life but it is his destiny. Now then… off to bed with you for we have an early start in the morning, when I must teach you all that I know," stated Jacksaw and while Lereon was leaving, Jacksaw and his mother started to talk very silently.

Chapter 3

T hat night was the last peaceful night he was to have for a very long time. The next morning when he woke up he thought he must have dreamt of what happened but when he saw the sapphire ring on his finger he knew it wasn’t.

Lereon… come on, wake up, we have a long day ahead of us, said Jacksaw who was standing at the door with a twinkle in his eyes before he left.

He slowly made his way out of bed and started to get dressed. Next to his bed he found a sword in a scabbard woven from what seemed like golden thread. The sword was beautiful; the hilt was encrusted with rubies and fitted his hand as if it were made for him. The blade had several markings on it but they were only for decoration. He walked to the kitchen while brandishing his sword. When he arrived in the kitchen Jacksaw was already there sitting at the table eating more pork from the last evening.

I see you found the sword… good, because that’s what you’ll use, added Jacksaw.

It has beautiful craftsmanship and it fits my grasp perfectly, said Lereon in awe.

It should, as it was made for you in times long forgotten. Now today I will teach you how to properly wield a sword. You’ll have to learn fast so I’ll keep this simple, always bear in mind never attack out of rage or anger but defend so that your opponent gets tired and you have an advantage. This though does not apply on a battle field for your life depends on your agility and ability to duck or hide behind objects or people if necessary, explained Jacksaw.

Later that day they started to spar slowly so Lereon could get an understanding of swordsmanship.

After a long after noon of sword fighting they took a break and moved on to archery.

You must first follow the target and try to predict where it we will be in the next few seconds so as to shoot and hit it. Now there are a few birds in the tree. If you can bring a few down we can have a light meal.

Lereon took aim again and again but to no avail could he hit anything. Jacksaw decided to take aim and he instead brought down their quarry; five small birds.

Not the best of hunts and I doubt you’ll be an archer…but at least we have ourselves something to eat until tonight, said Jacksaw with a satisfied look.

I’d have managed better with my spear…,replied Lereon drily, changing the subject.

So you knew my father, what was he like?

Oh questions, questions. We’ll talk about that later, said Jacksaw in an irritated way, but I don’t blame you, I would do the same had I been in your position, I suppose.

Upon seeing the pleading look on Lereon’s face however he caved.

Oh all right, let’s see… well, I first met your father at the age of twenty-five. I was already a decorated war veteran and was made commander of the southern armies. Eventually my military career with you father led me to being one of his most trusted military advisor. But above all else I was one of your mother’s bodyguard. We would spend hours in the palace gardens doing all sorts of things; discussing military tactics, hunting, hawking, discussing politics and mostly anything that came into mind, said Jacksaw.

That night Lereon couldn’t stop thinking of what Jacksaw had said about his father. He spent weeks in training, learning hand to hand combat with a weapon and without. Though the most difficult was to know all the parts of armour a knight was to wear in battle, and the order they were to be put on. At first he didn’t know why he had to but was soon told that he was to travel as Jacksaw’s page.

Why must I travel as a page? asked Lereon.

Nobody will suspect that his royal highness who has been dead for nearly twenty years to travel as a page, chuckled Jacksaw. Although the plan seemed faultless, Lereon had his doubts.

When will I leave? asked Lereon sadly.

Oh, I’m afraid that isn’t long for we leave at the end of the summer season, stated Jacksaw.

At the end of summer, but that was only two weeks away and he was already dreading the day he would have to leave his humble home. The days were long but to poor Lereon they flew like a sparrow’s flight. Then the day came when he was to leave, his mother wished him luck and safety and hugged him before he left for his perilous journey.

Now not a word of sadness, this isn’t good bye. Be safe my son. Jenova said as her voice started to crack.

Chapter 4

I understand your pain Lereon for I can only imagine what it’s like to leave the home and family you knew, but cheer up for we might pass your home many times throughout our journey, so you will be able to see your mother, said Jacksaw, trying to console him.

They walked through woods and Jacksaw would teach him traveller’s tricks, like how to make a comfortable place to sleep and pitching his blanket as a tent. How to understand the weather better; to look out for rain and also how to make the most of what the good earth provides.

On the second day after they had left Lereon’s home, the boy asked Jacksaw, Where are we going?

Finally! I was wondering when you would ask that question. Well the answer is simple, we are going to see a mage, stated Jacksaw in a matter of fact kind of way.

Lereon looked sidelong at Jacksaw and with trepidation, Aren’t mages known to be evil? They cast spells to get what they want and harm others…

That’s a sorcerer… mages are those who are called to aid others and repair the damage that sorcerers do, explained Jacksaw.

And how do you know this mage? inquired Lereon still unsure.

Are you going to spend the entire journey asking pointless questions now? said Jacksaw in an annoyed tone before adding, He was actually on the council that your father set up.

Oh… well that changes everything, said Lereon with relief.

They spent the next two days walking while Jacksaw tried to give the boy all the wisdom he could think of from his experiences. This was not too difficult because Lereon was a bright young man and was eager to learn.

On the third day they arrived at a small shack. Outside was a campfire and a few skinned rabbits were hanging from a nearby tree. From inside the shack they heard someone singing an awkward song; sometimes the singing would change to humming as if some parts of the song were long forgotten. Jacksaw gesture to Lereon to be quiet. They crouched down behind a bush.

Suddenly the door opened and an old man in a red velvet robe came out. Lereon could tell that underneath the dense robes was a very skinny old man who had very short white hair and a salt and pepper goatee which seemed to be trimmed in a very meticulous manner. He was carrying a large cooking pot filled to the brim with water.

"…And they rod down the jolly hill

…da duhm da duhm…

They walked to jolly old inn…"

You never got tired of that stupid song did you, said Jacksaw aloud.

The old man spun around in shock, nearly spilling the contents of the pot he was carrying all over himself and then from fright his expression changed to joy and surprise.

Jacksaw! You bastard, by the sun and moon you nearly scared me half to death. What are you doing here you old war horse? said the mage in a happy but curious kind of way.

Jacksaw walked out of the bushes and Lereon followed him out.

I have someone here that I think you will be very surprised to meet, said Jacksaw, he turned to face Lereon and said in