Chapter 1
Desmond was just thirteen years old as he stood before the throne of his father. The whole royal entourage, along with soldiers and servants, filled the Throne Room. Desmond’s father was on the pedestal the throne sat on, making Desmond look further up at him and feeling even smaller than he already was. His mother stood off to the side with a grim look on her face.
A stern finger was pointed firmly in his direction as his father’s gaze never left his face. Even though the room was full, Desmond felt as if no one else was there except himself and his parents. “What you have done is inexcusable!” his father thundered down at him.
Desmond’s mind went wild. What had he done? The last thing he remembered doing his father had not approved of was jumping from a balcony to test a glider that had only partially worked, to land on a startled servant below, saving him from any broken bones. He had only wanted to see how far he could go and because one of the court children had dared him to. Being fairly impressed with himself for gliding as far as he did before crumbling down. Thinking he exceeded the expectations of how far he could go but surely that action didn’t warrant this kind of rebuke.
“What do you have to say for yourself?”
“I- I-” Desmond stammered. He looked over at his mother, who now had a silent flow of tears running down her cheeks.
“You have shamed this house, this kingdom, and me.” Desmond's head snapped back to look at his father. He opened his mouth to ask what it was he had done, but his father continued, not giving him the chance to speak. Shaking his finger at his son, he declared, “I therefore decree that you are to be exiled to the outskirts of Karis,” the audience in the room gasped, “only to return on my authority of the royal seal and ring.”
Desmond knew all too well the King’s ring and the seal, which showed the emblem of Karis, a large triangle with a smaller upside down triangle on the inside. The outer triangle representing Karis, its people, land, and royals, while the inner triangle holds them in unity and when they are all in balance, there is peace throughout Karis.
Two emotions dominated Desmond; confusion and complete disbelief. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be happening.
“You are to leave within the hour with only that which you can carry. Since you are to be gone as swiftly as possible, I will allow you to take your horse with you.” Desmond stared at his father like a buffoon, mouth hanging open. “You are not to return, and if you do so without the protection of my seal there will be dire consequences.” That was all his mother could take, she burst into uncontrollable sobs holding her face in her hands.
“Father-” Desmond said like a wounded animal.
“That is my decision, Desmond,” his father looked at him. Was that sympathy in his eyes? How dare he after what he had just done!
“Father-” Desmond started again, but his father waved a hand and strode from the throne room without looking back.
Hushed voices filled the room after his father’s exit. Desmond stood there, frozen, unsure of what to do. Go after his father for an explanation? He looked at his mother who still had her face buried in her hands. Desmond started to go toward her but a firm grip on his shoulder stopped him.
He looked back to see General Peyton holding him back. “Come,” he whispered to the prince.
Desmond was too stunned to do anything other than let Peyton lead him from the throne room, through the gaping crowd who quickly tried to put on a neutral expression as they parted to let them pass. As Peyton led Desmond through the halls of the castle, new emotions coursed through him; fear, confusion, and of course, anger. What was going on?
