Forest Kingdom Trilogy 1 - Blue Moon Rising

regular intervals.

    King John was kneeling beside his horse in the shadows of the inner north wall, struggling with a stubborn girth strap. His tousled grey hair was held in place by a simple leather headband, and his chain-mail bore the scars and repairs from a hundred old campaigns. Rockbreaker clung to his back as
    though it was a part of him, but he still wore his old, familiar sword on his left hip. The Astrologer stood beside him, watching patiently. Finally he reached down and deftly pulled the girth strap into place.
    Thanks,' said the King gruffly, getting to his feet. 'Never was much good with horses.'
    'You're welcome, John.'
    'I'm glad you're here, Thomas. It seems there's nobody else in this Castle who gives a damn whether I live or die.'
    'There's always your family.'
    'Family,' said King John. 'I haven't had a family since my Eleanor died. My sons and I ... aren't what you'd call close. No reason why we should be. Harald is a brave enough fighter, and a better statesman, but his heart is as empty as a pauper's purse. I don't think he'd know an honest emotion if it bit him.'
    'And Rupert?'
    For a moment Thomas Grey thought John was going to tell him to mind his own business, and then John's shoulders suddenly slumped, and the King looked somehow older.
    'Rupert. Not once in his life has that boy done what I expected of him. He shouldn't even be here now, by rights. When I sent him off on his quest, I never expected to see him again. Certainly, he was never supposed actually to track down and fight a dragon. He was supposed to do the sensible thing, and just keep on going into exile, as I intended. But no, he had to be different. He had to do his duty. Ah well, he's not a bad lad, in his way.'
    'Then why isn't he here, with you?'
    'No reason why he should be. Since the day he was born, he's known nothing but loneliness and despair, and all because of me. I didn't need or want a second son, and the Court is very quick to pick up on things like that. They made his life a misery, and I let them do it. I could have protected him, advised him . . . loved him. But I never did, because I always knew that one day I might have to order his death, to secure the throne for Harald. It had to be that way. The Land couldn't survive a civil war, not so soon after the Border War with Hillsdown. And now, after all these years ... I can't help thinking the Land would be safer in Rupert's hands than Harald's. At least Rupert has a heart.'
    John turned back to his horse, gave the stirrup a quick tug to make sure it was secure, and pulled himself up into the saddle. The horse tossed its head impatiently, eager to be off. John settled himself comfortably, refusing to be hurried, and then smiled at Thomas Grey.
    'We'll be off soon. Wish me luck.'
    'Good luck, John. And watch your back.'
    King John urged his horse forward, and slowly made his way through the packed ranks of the waiting army to join his sons before the Castle gates.

    Rupert's hands closed tightly on the unicorn's reins as he watched his father moving slowly and
    purposefully towards him. His back muscles tensed painfully as he struggled to appear calm and unconcerned. What do you want now? he thought bitterly. There's nothing more you can do to me, nothing left you can take from me. The guards surrounding him grew silent and watchful as the King carefully manoeuvred his horse into position, midway between Rupert and Harald. The two Princes bowed briefly to their King.
    'You got here just in time, father,' said Harald smoothly. 'We were becoming concerned about you.'
    Thank you, Harald,' said the King. 'Now, if you'll excuse us for a moment, I want to speak to Rupert in private.'
    Harald stiffened slightly, and shot a quick searching glance at Rupert before bowing coldly, and moving his horse several yards away. He sat rigidly in the saddle, studying the huge oaken doors before him, and his face revealed nothing, nothing at all. King John Ignored him, and looked meaningfully at Rupert's honour guard. The guardsmen stared calmly back. Several of them ostentatiously rested their hands on their swordhilts. The King smiled grimly.
    'Call off your dogs, Rupert. Before I decide to have them muzzled.'
    The guards looked at Rupert, who nodded reluctantly. The guardsmen bowed to him, stared coldly at the King, and then withdrew into the crowd, though not very far. Rupert studied the King thoughtfully.
    'Whatever you want, father, the answer's no.'
    'You always were a