It was dark and quiet. Aidan's eyes slowly opened as he regained consciousness. He saw a blurry room. His weak fingers felt the rustling bed sheets and the soft bed he was laying in. Once his vision sharpened, he saw that the was in a simple room. To his right was a heavy wooden wardrobe, to his left was a window with a small table and a water jug. He was in his long shirt, with nothing underneath. The prince's head was throbbing. He could feel a large bump on his forehead, painful to the touch. A modest chamber maid walked into the room.
"What's happening? Where am I? Where's Zora?" he murmured, dazed.
Stunned at first, the maid explained, "You are at the Nearby Hill Kingdom's castle, My Lord. The guards brought you here after your encounter with the dragon."
Aidan tried to remember what happened. "Yes. I remember but... Oh, give me a moment," he groaned trying to focus.
"Your confusion is quite understandable. You have been asleep for three days," the girl said.
His eyes widened in horror. "Three days! And what about my princess! Where is she?" he exclaimed, sitting up.
The maid came closer. She seemed distressed. "The king will explain everything. Come with me, please."
The prince nodded and allowed the girl to help him out of bed and into his armor.
Once in the throne room, Aidan could not believe his eyes. Besides the throne, which was covered in red velvet, there was not even a speckle of luxury. The drapes were worn out, with some even patched over. The guards stood still in their armors, which appeared strange and clumcky. The young prince was unsure whether it was because of his head injury, but he could swear that one helmet had a pot handle on top. Ceremonial trumpets announced the king's arrival. Aidan moaned as if hungover.
The king of the Nearby Hill Kingdom was short and old, with straight gray hair and beard that were finely combed. Despite his appearance, he was respected for his long years on the throne and prosperous kingdom – or so everyone thought. His castle was closed off for visitors almost a decade ago. And for good reason it seemed. With small steps, he sat on his throne and looked at the foreign prince. A large, stout crown adorned his head. Despite being carefully painted over with golden paint, protruding wood grain gave away its humble origin.
"I welcome you, prince Aidan," he stated ceremoniously, looking down at him.
The prince glanced around, trying to hide his astonishment regarding the state of the castle. "Your Majesty, it is an honor to be in your presence," he bowed. "We have not seen each other since the wedding. Ouch!" he added.
The king raised his eyebrow. "Yes, I remember. Good food. And very good wine. I say that since I barely remember half of it. Only a painful headache it left behind," he said.
"I can relate. To the pain, that is," Aidan replied with a polite chuckle.
"Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, may I inquire why you came here? I do not recall sending an invite," the king asked.
"Your Majesty, I would gladly answer your questions. But first, my I ask you one?" the prince stated.
The king exhaled. "You are probably wondering what happened to your wife. Well, my dear boy, that overgrown lizard is the reason for all our troubles. He appeared out of nowhere, it feels like ages now. And in that time, he terrorized and ransacked almost all the kingdom's treasure. Many tried to get rid of him. And many failed," he said, getting emotional.
"How come no one knew about him?" the prince said slowly.
"Would your brother, the king, announce such a grievance to the world? Would he tolerate the looks of pity in other royal's eyes?" the short ruler said blunt.
"Well, if that meant the beast would be slain," the prince spoke, but the king was wallowing in his self-pity too much to take notice.
"Since I ran out of gold to give him, the last prize he snatched was my precious and only daughter. My poor child! I do not even want to imagine what torments she has to go through with that creature," the old king uttered with a raspy voice.
The prince placed his hand on his chest. "Do not worry, I will save her."
"Will you now?" the king frowned, skeptical.
"Yes. On my honor, I promise that I will rescue my wife along with your daughter," he said and clenched his fist in determination.
The king scoffed. "The greatest knights and wizards of this land failed to slay the monster. Why do you believe you will succeed?" he retorted.
Aidan stood upright and stated with confidence, "Be assured that I will. Just say where I can find him and take me to my horse."
The king sighed and signaled the guards. They took the royal guest to the stables, where his steed neighed, happy to see him. In return, the prince patted him on the muzzle.
"The dragon lives in the heart of the central forest. The largest in the land. Be careful because he spits fire on all who come near his house," the king spoke while he was preparing his horse.
"Central forest. Spits fire. Understood," he repeated focused.
The king was sizing him up, suspicious. "Tell me now what was the original reason for your visit?"
"Well, your Majesty, we need to borrow a magic harp. I cannot explain why now for it is a long story. But I assure you, it is for a good cause."
The king shook his head. "Unfortunately, the dragon took that as well. He really loves treasure. Can't understand why. It is not as if he can use it. I mean, where can a dragon, the size of two houses, even go to spend it?"
"It would be a strange sight indeed. Speaking of the harp, may I take it after I defeat the dragon and save my sweet Zora and princess Anna?
The king smiled at the bold prince. "If you beat the dragon, take whichever gold you want."
"Thank you, your Majesty. Until we meet again. Onwards!" the prince said already in the saddle.
The steed neighed and galloped. The king and his royal guards watched them leave, silent. In one moment, when the rider was very far, the king remembered something important. He bellowed as loud as he could, "Wait! Wait! You must know that the dragon lives-"
The prince rode away, not even looking back.
The king sighed. "He'll find out soon enough."