Queen of Arabour

Lasgard Kingdom is in disaster. The Dragon Grivendor that was on Mount Mortem wake up from his long sleep. Burn the Rivendell area with the flames in one night. Including the Lasgard Kingdom. Make a lot of loss of life and property. Many people become victims in the sea of the fire. The royal troops tried to fight and muster all their strength, but were like rocks being hit by the waves. Everything they do useless. The dragon wasn't hurt in just little bit. Making the Kingdom of Lasgard destroyed in one night.

King Horux and the survivors were forced to leave Rivendell. They built a camp in Northland Hills. Losing the kingdom made King Horux feel very sad. He was afraid that the people would leave him and lose his throne as a king. Knowing the King's worries, Lord Elliot advised King Horux to wrest the Arabour kingdom from King Arthur's hands. They planned an attack in the middle of the night while they were asleep and suddenly. Lord Elliot ensured that they would not be prepared for a major attack and gave them a high chance of taking over the kingdom.

The long awaited day has arrived. King Horux led his troops to raid at the appointed time. There was a great war that night. The Arabour Kingdom, which at that time was unprepared, had fallen into the hands of the enemy. Queen Eliza left with her two loyal maids, Anne and Hazel. When they just left the room, they were confronted by several soldiers of the enemy kingdom. Hazel decided to fight them with sword in hand, while Queen Eliza and Anne fled. Carrying a baby, they fled through a secret royal passage that led to the Lordwood Forest. When they were about to enter the hall, Queen accidentally saw King Arthur killed by King Horux's sword. Pain mixed with anger filled Queen Eliza's heart. Her tears dripped down along with the blood that flowed from King Arthur's stomach which was pierced by King Horux's sword. Queen gives the baby to Anne telling the girl to run away. The girl was very scared and crying, she did not know where to take the royal baby princess. Queen placed her palm on Anne's head. A blue light from Queen Eliza's hand. Like a real shadow, Anne knew where she had to go. But the girl didn't want to go without her queen. Queen Eliza take off the blue heart necklace she was wearing, give to Anne and pushed her into the hallway. Telling the girl not to stop running until she arrived in the Lordwood forest. After Anne entered, she immediately closed the iron door with all her might. Queen Eliza looked at the battle that was taking place in the palace courtyard with vengeance. She run and take the sword from one of his soldiers who had died and surrendered the enemy blindly. Anger and hurt kept her off guard. Unknowingly a sword managed to pierce her back to pierce the heart. The same sword and person who killed King Arthur. The two kingdom leaders have died. The hosts have been defeated. The war has been won and the Arbour Kingdom has fallen to the enemy.

Meanwhile Anne was still running with the lantern and the baby in her hand. Anne's tears didn't stop flowing. Her feet were injured from stepping on sharp pebbles several times, she didn't care. Sadness and fear made her keep running regardless of the fatigue. Arriving at the Lordwood forest, Anne looked back. The kingdom to which she had served had been destroyed. She still had to keep running to the border of the Dark Forest to avoid the enemy. Turns out they were everywhere. Lord Elliot had prepared everything in detail. Just in case the king or his family fled from the kingdom. Sure enough, several soldiers were assigned to scatter around the Lordwood forest.

A soldier who see Anne screamed and makes other soldiers to follow the girl. Anne took the sword at her waist and hid behind a tree. Waiting for one of the cavalry to pass by and kill him. After killing him, Anne immediately got on the horse and rode towards the borders of the Dark Forest. Some soldiers are still hunting for Anne. Every now and then she looked back to gauge how far they were from her. One of their arrows managed to hit the girl's back. Fresh blood dripped down the white dress she was wearing. Each stomp of the horse made the pain in his back more real. If it wasn't for bringing the royal princess, perhaps she would have given up.

Tears didn't stop running down Anne's cheeks. Apart from enduring pain she also had to control the horse and keep the baby in her arms. Several times the horse she was riding was out of control, making Anne almost let go of the baby and sent her to death. She vowed to curse herself for the rest of her life if anything happened to the princess of the kingdom.

She tried her best to stay focused. Ignoring the increasingly numbing pain and making her want to close her eyes. Arriving at the border of the Dark Forest, Anne was no longer strong and stopped her horse. She come down with staggered footsteps. Anne's vision became blurry. With her remaining strength, Anne took off the heart necklace given by Queen Eliza and threw it into the Dark Forest.

The soldiers of the enemy side were getting closer. The steps of their horses can be heard more clearly. There was nothing she could do anymore. The pain in her back go away and come back. Blood was still dripping where the arrow had stuck to her body. Anne sit on the ground.

Five soldiers from the enemy side had arrived. They got down and drew closer to Anne. The girl couldn't hear clearly what they were saying. Only the sound of arrogant laughter from those preparing to bring death to Anne. One of them drew a sword and prepared to cut off Anne's head. She really hoped for some help, no matter how small. Anne could not do anything more with her weak condition. Just continue to hug the royal baby princess who is now in her hands. Her eyesight was getting blurry.

As the message was lifted, a red light shone from within the darkness of the Dark Forest. All eyes stared at the forest, including the soldier who was about to behead Anne. Anne lay down on the ground. Her eyes began to close. Their horses fled in fright. The soldiers looked scared and confused. A force suddenly appeared, attacked and made them bounce and were killed instantly. A woman with black horns and large wings made of fire appeared from the darkness. She is Kythler. The witches of the Zword Clan, the witches clan with the highest power.

Kythler rules the entire Dark Forest and never leaves for no good reason. She take the baby from the hands of Anne who had bled to death. Kythler gently stroked the baby who had white skin and blue eyes.

"You remind me of someone. Someone I really care about. Come on! Let's into your new home and destiny."

Kathler looked deep into the Lordwood forest greeting. Close her eyes and cast a spell. Gives a layer of protective magic more on her territory. She took the baby into the Dark Forest. They have not been seen since then.

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.

When they felt they had reached a safe place and were far enough from The Orcs, they stopped running. King Horux looked around. His left hand was scratched by The Orcs and bled out. Several soldiers were also injured.

"Where's my son?" asked the King.

They looked around and couldn't find Prince Edward.

"I think he got separated while we were running away from the Orcs, Your Majesty!"

"What?! We should back to that place!"

"No!"

King Horux who was about to walk away, was restrained by Lord Elliot.

"I am sorry, Your Majesty. We can't! It's too dangerous for us to force our way there. Orcs are not weak creatures."

"But he is my son. I forced him to go hunting. I don't want anything bad to happen to him at all."

"I understand. But we don't have enough troops and weapons. It's not wise to sacrifice so many lives for one person." Lord Elliot tried to convince.

King Horux was very sad. He couldn't possibly leave his son in the forest alone, especially if he actually entered the Dark Forest. Can't imagine what will happen to him. But without an army, he couldn't do anything. Going into the Dark Forest alone was tantamount to suicide.

"Your Majesty, it's almost dark. It's very dangerous if we are still here. Let's go back to the kingdom. I promise tomorrow I and the soldiers will look for the Prince," said Lord Elliot.

King Horux stared into the forest. He walked away from the forest feeling very sad and worried. Lord Elden led their way and found the place for the horses. They climbed up and out of the Lordwood forest.

-*-

Hearing his father shout the word "go back", the Prince immediately walked away from the fight against The Orcs. He go to deep into the forest without looking back. Run as fast as he can and as far as he can.

He stopped near a large rock on the side of the cliff with ragged breaths. As he looked around, he felt that never been see the place and realized that he was lost. The prince was very confused and cursed himself for running in the wrong direction. He wanted to go back to that place, but he couldn't. The Orcs would definitely attack him. On the other hand he couldn't attack a bunch of Orcs alone. What's more with just a bow and arrow because he lost his sword while fighting.

The prince sit down on a rock. There was nothing he could do but keep walking hoping to find an early path when they came here so that they could return to the kingdom. He stood up and continued on his way and deeper into the forest. The day is getting dusk, the trees look very scary. It was as if they were mystery giants who were alive yet in a long sleep. Some trees are have black color, from the roots to the leaves. He don't know what kind of tree. With it's very high size and many roots dangling from its trunk it makes the tree look quite scary. The fog started to rise up to knee-deep. The sound of owls yelling at each other made the atmosphere even more frightening.

The prince decided to stop and make a bonfire to warm himself and escape the attacks of wild animals. Honestly, he doubted whether the bonfire would save him or even bring him danger.

A flash of black shadow flew very quickly over the trees. Make some leaves that are still easy to fall off. He picked up one of the branches that had fallen on the ground and looked up.

"Whatever it is he's definitely not an animal. I'm sure he's one of the creatures from the Dark Forest that everyone is rumored to be."

His stomach felt very hungry. But did not find any fruit or plant that can be eaten. The night is getting darker, it's too late if want to hunt animals. He looked around warily. Afraid that Orcs or black witches would suddenly appear to attack him.

Not wanting to be eaten by wild animals while sleeping, he decided to sleep in a tree. Like someone in danger. Instead of being afraid if the flying creature attacked him, he was also afraid that if he was too deep, he would fall to the ground from a tree. It's definitely going to break a bone. It would hasten his death for wild animals to eat.

The restless sleep made the Prince feel a little dizzy. As he was about to get down from the tree, he fell heavily to the ground. Made him scream in pain. That's when five wolves came to him. The hungry stares of the wolves made the aching Prince force himself to stand up. He took a log from the bonfire and pointed it at the pack of wolves.

They showed their sharp teeth as if to say that they were not afraid and ready to tear the flesh of a human who was alone in the forest. The Prince felt pressured, but he had to keep fighting. Surrendering meant death and he didn't want to die by making the wolves full. What a terrible way to die.

When he was holding a stick in his hand, without realizing it a wolf walked around and was behind him. The wolf did not waste the opportunity, when the Prince was off guard he jumped and bit the prince's back. His thick coat was torn from the bite. Not wanting to waste the opportunity, the other wolves also attacked. Overwhelm the prince with the bites of the hungry wolves. While enduring the pain of the bite, he dodged as much as possible by fighting back with only a stick in his hand.

While the Prince was struggling to save himself, an arrow shot and pierced the stomach of one of the wolves. Making the animal scream in pain, the other four wolves who realized their friend had been hit by an arrow fled in fright and left the Prince with his poor friend. The wolf continued to make sounds of pain until it finally died. The prince approached the animal and pulled the arrow from its body.

He looked around. Whoever it was, he was kind enough to help her. Prince accidentally saw someone wearing a hood hiding behind a tree.

"Hey!"

She ran away. The prince who felt pain in his shoulders, legs and arms, forced himself to follow him. He took off his coat which had been torn from the wolf's bite.

"Hey, wait!"

She ignored the call and kept running away. The Prince chased after her limping. Feel the sting and pain in the wound. A moment later his vision blurred and he fell to the ground.

Prince could see, she stopped running. Looked at the Prince and turned to walk towards him. Before finally the Prince closed his eyes and everything getting dark.