Chapter Eleven: The Lion's Distress

How will The Lion Prince, aka John, react to the meeting in the forest?

Chapter Eleven

The Lion’s Distress

With a gust of wind the Lion Prince soared down towards his castle. His useless men came galloping down the dirt road behind him, pushing their horses on faster and faster. He did not speak to anyone; just left his griffin with the servants and marched up to his bedroom.

Of course. My brother, my only competition. Everybody always loved him best, he thought bitterly

He paced up and down before stopping at the window. He stared down into the depths of his black watered lake and got lost in his memories.

There is the clink of metal that can be heard at the end of the little road where Castor and John were running home.
“Papa, papa! Look what I made today!” Castor yelled.
John hurried to keep up, and ran up just in time to see Castor presenting his clay sword to their father, whose face was shining proudly. John looked at his own clumsy pitcher he had planned on giving to their mother, and tossed it to the ground, and with malice in his eyes, he watched it shatter.

Now they are going with their uncle to the castle to deliver the silver plates requested by the current prince. John and Castor stopped where the soldiers were practicing on dummies, and asked if they could have a shot. Castor went first. Easily he disarmed his opponent.

“Well done Castor! We may have a future fighter on our hands!” said one of the soldiers.
John stepped in. Preferring to be above his prey, so he could pounce, he climbed the fence surrounding the practicing circle.
The same soldier that had praised Castor said, “Too scared to come down and face me? That’s alright, I know I can be a bit intimidating.”
He puffed up his chest and chuckled. Breathing heavy with anger now, John leaped, aiming to grab hold of his big head, but instead he hit the ground with a scream of pain. Castor rushed to his side. He looked distressed.
“John! Are you hurt?” asked the young boy, but he flinched back at his older brother’s glare, not at all softened by the tears on his cheeks.

A few years later after the fire had been put out. Castor was packing.
“Where do you think you’re going?” John asked him. “Just going to leave me here alone to take care of our sisters?’
Those sisters were cowering in a corner looking frightened.
“Not for long,” Castor replied. “I’m going to learn how to fight. Then I’ll be able to defend my family. I won’t lose all of you like I lost mom and dad.”
And he walked out.

He was right, too, thought the Lion Prince. I left willingly, to no longer live in his shadow. He will fall by my hand. No more will I be second. All will fear me, without the reassurance of one man who can breach my defenses.
His fist pounded against the wall. He marched down to the cave-like hall where his men were already waiting. They looked nervous. All the whispering stopped the moment he entered.
“Fix the bridge. Ride to Modet. Bring me him,” he said this, then turned away, marching back to his private chambers.

Author's Note

I hope the flashbacks weren't too confusing...on the last chapter people were saying there were errors, but knowing what it is supposed to say, I don't really pick up on them so if you could just point them out...Thanks for reviews!

Reviews

[TheElfPrincess]

Oooh intense. A brotherly fight, always interesting and fun to do. I like the flashbacks, I wasn't confused at all. I felt sad for John, being the one to walk in Castor's shadow. It gives depth to the cruel Lion Prince.

[BrynnaW.]

It is slightly confusing but I still really enjoyed this chapter. Very good job! Hope for more soon! Keep on writing!

[Black]

it is a bit confusing,
you just skip a few years
but it is nice
and i like the family history!