Chapter 1

*Image credited to Zamboni Luca on Pinterest*

A book opens on the illustration of a kingdom. This is where our story begins.

'Since it's formation the Heiling Kingdom faced little conflict. Except for the scrounging village at its Western fringe and dreaded Dark Zone. Dangerous creatures reside in both. The proud and bloodthirsty vampires, and sly sorcerers.'

'Before then, 150 years ago the tale begins with a tyrant. Ruling the fledgeling starting bud of a monarchy with cold reproach and apathy toward it's suffering lower class...'

"Let's close the book for now Sammy."

The young prince rubs his dark brown eyes as he does so, with a winding grunt.

"We can leave it here then," his tutor said with a smile, "enjoy yourself for now. Happy birthday prince."

"Thank you," he yelled, running out of the library.

A stone wall circled the riding grounds. Sammy kept his horse within its center. It had been a few years since he had seen his community proper. Outside the occasional Census and tax receipts from shops as part of his Court study. So many years, perhaps half his life, since he had felt safe. Even on the grounds of his home he kept a knife at his belt.

When the first goblin burst through the wall, Sammy fell off the stallion's saddle. Three more came armed with clubs. Four pairs of dull eyes stared toward their felled prey in thuggish intent. Malignant and cruel.

Sammy rose to face the intruders.

"HELP! HELP!" he yelled as he avoided a club attack.

Goblin skin was scaly and very thick. Sammy's small knife was lying useless in the grass. The young Prince equally so, lay battered at the goblins' feet. Green hands grabbed at him.

"Take your hands off him!" King Clemont boomed. Sammy bit the thick hand.

A scream cut the grunting laughter.

The growly noises may have been speech.

Yet capturing his focus, was being lifted by his legs, unable to kick or buck against the incoming swing.

For a few seconds, the pain of getting slammed on the ground left him breathless.

Soldiers tried to approach. But the goblins held their captive as a shield.

Sammy was stuffed into a sack.

Blood rushed to his head as he was jostled around. With the hot air and dizziness it got hard to keep his eyes open.