Heart of a Genie

Alaric The Kings decree, let it be known throughout the land. My sons Alaric and Ronan have come of age to take over the Kingdom. Both are strong and capable, but the battle between the humans and mythical creatures of this land is our bigger concern. Both of my sons have conflicting ways to handle this situation. So, whichever one comes back with the strongest and most capable Genie or Djinn to help strengthen their side will take the crown. They will have up to two months to find their support and pick their side. If one comes back before time, the other will be made to give a progress report. My father posted this two days ago, and I've never been more upset. How could he possibly be thinking about letting Ronan have the crown? This war between the humans and the Magick ones needs to end on a peaceful note. Ronan craves power too much for someone that was not given Magick. Humans cannot win against them if they actually declare war. Even the palace has Genies and Djinns capture for their help and common allies that just help when asked. It still doesn't make it right. They can be reasoned with, they should not be imprisoned and kept against their wills. "What are you going to do, Prince Alaric?" Jonah asks, while I pace back and forth. He's my best friend and most trusted alley since we were kids. "I don't know, but I need to talk to Samuel to see how his connection with the hidden camps is going. He promised to have an update today. We are already working on a background story for my entry." I take a few deep breaths as I look at the maps and messages between my Djinn contact Samuel. Samuel is an older Djinn I met when I was younger. He saved my life when I wandered away from the palace. It is hard to say anything about Genies and Djinns because they could be young or thousands of years old depending on their Magick. I ran into hunters looking for young Magick beings, they found me in the forest and tried to capture me. They had me pinned down and were cutting my palm to see if I would heal, but when I didn't, they were going to kill me so I couldn't tell anyone about them. Samuel saw this and stopped them. He made the vines come alive and tie them up while he helped me run away. Since then, we have always been close friends. Looking back now, I have come a long way from that scrawny little kid running through the forest. At six foot-three now in height, and I'm well muscled and defined from years of combat training. My black hair is kept short, piercing blue eyes, and strong defined facial features make me all around well-looking nobility. Unfortunately, my looks will not help me become King. "Do you really think you should go into the camp under false pretenses?" Jonah asks breaking me from my flashbacks. "I think so at first. I need to figure out if what we know so far is true and what the leaders of their groups are like. If they know I am the prince right away, they might not be so nice. The only thing I need now is a good cover name to go with my story," I say. "How about something desperate and afraid," Jonah says with a smirk that irritates me. I threw him a frown and unpressed look back. Jonah, being a sarcastic brute, has always been by my side. I met him at a young age when I started learning how to use a sword and fight. His father was one of our finest knights, as he is now. He stands almost as tall as I am with the same strong athletic build. He's a flirty ladies man, with his sandy blond hair and blue eyes he really gets their attention too. He is usually on the positive fun side, but always ready to stand strong beside me on my quest to become King and end the war with humans and Magick beings. "I'm thinking, Atlas, how does that sound?" I ask, trying to figure out something close to my name I will be able to respond to quickly and make it believable. "I guess that works as long as you remember it," Jonah says back, moving to help me look at the maps. We are trying to locate the hidden camp that Samuel was talking about. "Of course I will, along with my background story. I need Samuel to get here. Have you heard anything," I say shrugging my shoulders to him. I've been on edge lately, just ready to get my plan in motion so I can get Ronan away from the crown. Ronan was tricked by a Djinn when he was younger. They wanted money from the Kingdom so they captured him. Our experiences almost flipped in a weird way. Father and our Genies and Djinns found him without having to give up anything and no harm came to him, but Ronan has always hated them ever since. Even though we are similar in looks, our personalities couldn't be more different. Same height, dark hair but his eyes are dark brown. Almost as black as his heart for reasons he won't talk about or that I don't understand. He has never been one to talk or understand sides, he would rather eliminate his problem then figure it out. He has always been short to talk to and quick to punish. If he gets the crown, he will rule with an iron first, imprisoning as many Magick ones to do his bidding. He wants to find their camps and make their leader his own personal Djinn, so their people will be forced to follow his ruling. That is why I need to find their camp and try to talk them into working with me. I know my father will see my way for the crown if I have their support. I don't need a powerful relic or the crown to make one of them follow me. "Prince Alaric," Samuel says as he enters the room. I spin around and feel my heart start to race, he smiles at me. "I really hope you are smiling because you have good news," I say walking towards him. "Yes, I have talked to the leader of the camp and they will take you in under the story we told them. I have also made this for you to make it appear that you have Magick and if you need it will help you in battle. Make sure you never take it off while you are there or else then they will know you are mortal," Samuel says, handing me an amulet on a necklace. "Samuel, I am forever in your debut, thank you for this," I say, putting it on. The amulet almost feels warm against my skin. I have so many questions about it but I trust in Samuel. "Anything for you young Prince, we all want you to get the crown. I know you have your reasons for holding back your identity at first, but do not hide it from them for too long," Samuel says about my plan. "I will when I know what they are like. I know you are close with one of their leaders, but I need to be sure we can all be on the same page when this war comes to a final blowout," I say. I put some final items in my bag I have prepared to go to the camp. "Don't worry Alaric I will hold down the fort while you are gone. But I do wish you would let me go with you for protection," Jonah says. "Don't worry, I got this. Thank you and send messages if anything happens. Samuel will be in contact. Alright Samuel, I am ready to go," I say. I grab Jonah's hand and embrace him quickly and then walk over to Samuel with my bag. "Alright, hold on because this trip will start and end with Magick young Prince," Samuel says with a smile that makes the hair on my body rise. I feel Magick wash over my body and the room starts to spin.