Hannen Learns the Truth

The Never Ending Quest - Episode 116938

"Hannendine, it is time you learned the truth."

They were out on a walk in the woods, and Hannen had been surprised that they'd been out here for an hour and her father had not requested any spells. They'd just been walking peacefully, making light chitchat every now and then. "The truth about what, papa?" she asked.

"About why I have put you such rigorous training for all these years. You see, you have a glorious purpose to fulfill, and I believe you are now ready to do so. In any case, the time has come."

She waited apprehensively for him to continue. Finally, he said, "You know of the dragon that plagues our realm?"

Their lives had never been directly affected by the dragon, but of course she knew of its existence. "Yes, papa."

"Each year, that dragon demands the prettiest maiden, come of age during that year, from each kingdom as a sacrifice. The time to make that selection for the coming offering is near at hand. We are going to travel to the court of King Embron, and convince him to choose you. You will be sent to the dragon, and it is then that you will have the opportunity to slay it, and save the entire realm."

Hannen was taken aback. "Slay a dragon?"

"Slay the dragon. Hannendine, you are my daughter and I love you, but I knew when you were very young that this was your destiny. You must do this, and you must do it alone. If you fail, all will be lost."

She was trembling, but she knew his words were true, and she had always obeyed her father and would not stop now. "Yes, papa," she said, though her voice shook.

Arius embraced her. "Then go get your best dress, and meet me in the spellroom. We must make haste and transport ourselves to the castle."

Hannen went to her room and emerged shortly wearing a beautiful velvet dress of dark blue, her hair arranged artfully atop her head. She and her father met in the spellroom and shortly afterwards found themselves at the castle of Allaria.

Arius had previously arranged to meet the king at this time, so they were admitted to the throne room shortly afterwards. Arius explained the plan, and Hannen asserted her consent. Embron listened carefully, and when they had finished, he said, "You are both to be commended for your dedication and bravery, but especially you, Hannendine.

  1. However, there is one problem. Though you are beautiful, the dragon seems to have a 'type,' as it has demonstrated over the years, and you do not fit its preferences, so it is likely to reject you as an offering."
  2. But understand that I must be certain of your loyalty to the kingdom before approving of a mission such as this. You must go through a rigorous screening which will end in your taking of an oath that binds you to the service of the crown forever."
  3. You have my blessing to go forward with this plan. We will begin the preparations and you will be offered to the dragon one moon hence."
  4. Now--" But before Embron could finish, the conversation was interrupted.

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