Part Four: Hopeless

When they finally came to the great wall of First Warren, they were overcome with weariness. Prince Walter longed to have a word with his father. However, the gate was closed. Walter spied a sentry on the wall. The sentry did not notice them.

“Hey! You! Open the gate for weary travelers!” Walter shouted at the bored sentry.

“By order of King Henaphiz, no more rabbits are to be let into the city. Go away.” The sentry didn’t even look at them as he spoke, he just examined his fingers like they were more interesting than some beat up bucks with swords strapped onto their sides who had just defeated a bunch of wolves without his help. But, of course, the buck didn’t even look to see what the weary travelers looked like. 

Walter was irritated, “By order of the bearer of the Green Ember,” Walter produced the dazzling gem from beneath his shirt, “open this gate now, for my bucks and I are weary and wounded from doing your job.”

The sentry fumbled around frantically, trying to open the gate. As the gate creaked open, Walter sighed. He didn’t like using his noble birth to make people do as he wished.

As they walked through the streets to the palace, many sullen faces watched them. All were ragged, and all looked as though they weren’t getting properly fed. Junafur leaned in to whisper to Walter, “These poor rabbits…” Walter nodded, head down.

When they finally arrived at the palace, Walter directed Jonathan Fletcher to take Junafur and Oaken to the kitchen. Oaken jumped out of his hiding spot in Junafur’s skirt at the mention of food. Walter charged them to wash up and attend to their wounds, and they heartily agreed.

“But what about you, your highness? Shouldn’t you wash up before you meet your father?” asked Master Fletcher. 

Walter shook his head, “No, I’m going to see my father as I am.”

Jonathan nodded and then started walking to food and rest. Walter didn’t get that privilege yet. There was something he needed to do.

He took a breath, readying himself to open the great doors to where his father was. Walter closed his eyes, Here goes nothing. Then he pushed the doors open. 

There he was. King Henaphiz. Sitting on his throne. Weighing his moneybags. The king looked up from his work to see his only son standing by the door, covered in soot and blood.

“What is the meaning of this?” he said in disgust, for his expensive red carpet was getting dirt on it.

“Father, this is getting out of hand, the wolves attacked us just a few yards from the gate. Please, I implore you sir, we must do something to drive the wolves away, it’s only a matter of time before-”

“ENOUGH! If I’ve told you once I’ve told you a thousand times, I am not going to go out of my way to attack the wolves!” King Henaphiz stood up, his usual silver fur turning red in rage.

“But your Majesty, we must face facts! First Warren is not safe from their attacks! If we muster the army then-”

“WALTER, GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!!!!!” yelled the king, pointing to the door.

“But-”

“OUT!!!!”

Walter walked out defeated. His father wouldn’t listen. It was hopeless. Just hopeless.

To be continued...