Chapter 2 First

Two maidservants helped the Prince put on his hunting clothes and robes. His face looked annoyed. Honestly if it wasn't for his father forcing him to join the hunt, he wouldn't have wanted to. To him, hunting was a very inhumane thing. Killing innocent animals just for fun. After completing their duties, the two maids bowed respectfully to the Prince and walked outside.

The prince meet King Horux, Lord Elliot, Lord Zathur, Lord Elden and several other soldiers had prepared in the royal courtyard. Even though he didn't like it very much, the Prince still smiled and showed respect to his father and the Lords.

"I've always asked you to go hunting but you've always refused," said the King Horux as he got on horseback, "Today I insist and I'm sure you'll like it."

The soldiers who joined the hunt got on horseback and prepared to depart. The tower guard signals the gatekeeper to open it.

The horses carrying the royal entourage galloped out across the royal bridge connecting the Arabour Kingdom and Lordwood hill. Splashing the stagnant water along the bridge. They passed several villages that were under the leadership of the Horux King. The village leaders who saw the royal entourage ring the bells. All the people who listened to him immediately run towards the main road where the King and his entourage would pass. They lined up and stood along the street with their heads lowered. King Horux and the Lords who passed by completely ignored them. As if they were just ordinary people who didn't deserve to be addressed.

Prince Edward slowed his horse and looked at every people's of the kingdom who was wearing shabby clothes. Some of them look sick. He was about to say hello but Lord Elden stopped him and said that he could not do that. Lord Elden advised that as a Royal Prince, he should not talk to commoners and should not care so that his subjects still had respect. In his heart, Prince could not accept it. If it weren't for the taxes levied on the people, Arabour would be just a name.

After a long journey, they finally arrived at the Lordwood Forest. King Horux and the others got off the horses. Carrying arrows and spears, most of the soldiers joined the hunt and some kept the horses in place.

They are going quite deep into the forest. A rabbit that had just come out of the ground flashed across. Lord Zathur who saw it signaled not to make any noise. They lurk from behind the bushes. King Horux who wanted to get the first prey animal prepared to shoot arrows and prepared to aim at it. An arrow shot and pierced into the poor rabbit's body. For a while the rabbit moved in pain before finally dying. They cheered happily, except for Prince Edward who looked at the poor animal with pity.

A soldier took it and forcibly pulled out the arrow stuck in the rabbit's body. They continued their journey until they went deeper into the forest. No conversation took place between them. It was deliberately done so as not to interfere with the activities of the animals they would hunt.

When they crossed the river bank, an adult deer that was quite large and fat was seen drinking water in the river. Lord Elden who saw it gave a signal to hide behind the bushes again. Watched him from a close distance. After the deer finished drinking, he walked back into the forest. King Horux and the others crossed the river and followed the deer's trail until they entered a forest area with thick and large trees. Makes the area around the forest quite dark. Lord Zathur realized that they were at the border of the Lordwood Forest and the Dark Forest.

Dark Forest, a forest where fog always shrouds the place. Forest with dense trees. People believe that in the Dark Forest there are many witch trees. A black tree and guarded by a black magician's spirit. Whoever approached him, the spirits would haunt him to death. They also believed that the Dark Forest was a place for Orcs, Dark Wizards, Trolls, Gollum and Demons to gather. They have a leader named Kythler. But no one can prove the truth.

Lord Zathur advised them to return. Lord Elliot didn't agree, he didn't want to lose the big fat deer. There was a small argument between the two of them. Lord Elden suggested that King Horux would decide whether to return or not.

King Horux decided to continue the hunt. There was nothing that could be done if the King had made a decision but to obey him. Lord Elliot smiled triumphantly. The deer again flashed in front of them. This time it was Lord Elliot who was preparing to get his prey. An arrow shot and hit the deer's back. The animal screamed in pain. Lord Zathur's arrow followed and pierced the poor animal's stomach. Makes it fall to the ground. The deer kept screaming in pain until it finally died.

They come out of the bushes and cheered again. To imagine tonight they will eat with delicious hunting results. Prince Edward looked at the deer with pity. Lord Elden who noticed this advised that this was what the royal family should do. They must seek pleasure in the midst of all affairs. But for the Prince, does seeking pleasure have to hurt other beings?

Several soldiers take the deer and pulled out the arrows stuck in his body. Lord Zathur suggested that they leave the place as it was quite dangerous. Just as they were about to leave, a growling voice appeared.

They looked around with wary eyes. Several soldiers prepared with their swords. King Horux and the others prepared with arrows in hand. A giant Orc jumped suddenly at one of the soldiers and killed him. Another soldier approached and pointed a sword at The Orc. An arrow belonging to Lord Eldeb shot and hit The Orc's back. Making creatures stare at him with angry looks.

Just as they were about to attack, five Orcs that were taller than humans appeared from the bushes. The battle between The Orcs and the royal army ensued. The king took the sword at his waist and tried to fight off the orcs that were attacking him. Lord Elden fell to the ground from a blow from one of The Orcs. King Zathur felt more and more pressed, the sword he was using broke in the hands of the orcs. Lord Elliot managed to kill one of them. While Prince Edward was still trying to fight The Orcs that attacked him. Some of the soldiers had died, there were only a few who were still holding on to fight.

Realizing they were unprepared and there were only a few soldiers, King Horux ordered the troops to retreat. It was impossible for them to win a battle without the preparation of such a notoriously ferocious and powerful creature. Hearing the order from the King, they retreated and ran away.