Forest Kingdom Trilogy 1 - Blue Moon Rising

couldn't be more proud of you. I'll talk to my father; assuming we survive the darkness, there'll be a grant of land for each of you. My word on it.'
    'Just doing what we're paid for,' said Hawke. 'Mind you, the combat bonuses on this little jaunt should add up very nicely. Assuming you'd be willing to do one small favour for us, Sire.'
    'Anything,' said Rupert.
    'Well,' said Hawke carefully, 'if the Champion were to report anything about our planning to desert, we wouldn't get a penny.'
    'He won't report you,' said Rupert. 'Will you, sir Champion?'
    The Champion looked at him thoughtfully, and then bowed his head slightly. 'As you wish, Sire.'
    The guards grinned broadly at one another, and then Hawke suddenly held up his sword in the warrior's traditional oath of fealty. The other guards were quick to join him, and within seconds there were ten swords raised in the ancient salute. For a moment the tableau held, and then the blades crashed back into their scabbards, and the guardsmen turned and left, heading for their barracks and some much-needed rest. Rupert watched them leave, and wished he could go with them, back to the security and camaraderie of their fellows. But he couldn't. He was a Prince, which meant he was going back to an empty room, and the politics and intrigues of his family and his Court. He looked away, to discover the
    Champion regarding him speculatively.
    'Something wrong, sir Champion?'
    'I don't know, Sire. I'll have to think about it.'
    'I'm still only a second son.'
    'Yes,' said the Champion. 'I know.' And then he turned, and walked away.
    Rupert thought about going after him, and then decided it could wait till tomorrow. Come to that, everything could wait until tomorrow. Or the day after. Hurrying footsteps close by caught his attention, and he looked round to see a tall, portly young man in flashing silks bearing down on him. His shoulder-length blond hair was carefully styled in the latest fashion, and in a courtyard full of hungry people, he looked almost indecently well fed. He drew himself up before Rupert, struck a dignified pose, and then bowed elegantly. Rupert nodded warily in return, and the man straightened up again.
    'Your pardon for intruding, Sire, but on hearing of your miraculous return, I dropped everything and rushed here immediately.'
    'You did?' said Rupert. '
    'But, of course, Sire! You have come back to us out of the very darkness itself, come back to save us all! What a song I shall make of this!'
    Rupert looked at him. 'A song?' he said, slowly.
    'Well yes, Sire. I'm the new official Court minstrel. But not to worry, Sire, the song I shall make of your daring exploits will be a tale of great heroics and selfless deeds, of honour and adventure and miraculous escapes ...'
    His voice trailed away as he caught sight of Rupert's face. He started backing away when Rupert drew his sword, and then turned and ran as Rupert advanced on him with murder in his eyes. Rupert gave up after a few steps, but the minstrel had the good sense to keep on running.
    'Was that really necessary?' asked the unicorn.
    'Definitely,' growled Rupert, sheathing his sword and leaning back against the Castle wall. 'It was minstrels and their damn stupid songs on the joys of adventuring that got me into this mess in the first place.'
    'You don't look too good,' said the unicorn.
    'You might well be right about that.'
    'Why don't you go and get some rest, Rupert. Before you fall down.'
    Rupert closed his eyes, and for the first time allowed himself to think luxurious thoughts about a hot bath and a soft bed. He sighed contentedly, and then opened his eyes and looked at the unicorn. Bloody streaks covered the animal from head to haunches where the demons had clawed him. His head was hanging down, and his legs were trembling with strain and fatigue.
    'You don't look so good yourself,' said Rupert. 'You're a mess, unicorn. Those demons really got to you.'
    'Flattery will get you nowhere,' said the unicorn. 'I'll be fine in the morning, it's just a few scratches.
    You're in worse shape than I am. I've seen people being buried who looked healthier than you do right now. For once in your life, listen to reason and go to your bed, damn you. I'm looking forward to my first good night's sleep in weeks, and I've enough to keep me awake as it is, without having to worry about you as well.'
    'I'll walk you to the stables.'
    'No, you won't. The condition you're in, I'd end up having to carry you, and my back's