THE MOMENT
Dense red grass sprouted after every footfall as the hulking figure approached the throne. It wasn't growing from the royal purple carpet, but pushing up through stone and silk to protrude into the leathers-clad warrior's steps. He wore skins from different animals like a cloak of death and a bleached dire-wolf skull for a helmet.
It was late in the afternoon, and the throne room was relatively empty. The King wasn't hosting anything, and his guards stood firm while the wild man approached. The King himself, an old, frail man with dull azure eyes and a long silver beard wore a filigree crown of gold and silver. His slight figure was obscured by bulky purple robes, and he looked on with faint interest as the guest approached. Theirs was a magical world, and when anything could be anything else in disguise, it was wise not to jump to conclusions.
The warrior stopped upon reaching the throne. He stood straight and stern as he moved his hands up, then his helmet off. He was a tan young man with fierce blue eyes and straw blond hair. He met the King's eyes, then knelt immediately, eyes on the silky purple ground instead.
"My King! I'm to deliver a gift from the fairies of the Sharp Court," he said. The King was old, but still wise and capable. He smiled in understanding immediately.
"Rise, and present your gift," the King encouraged him. The man stood, and in the same motion, shed his cloak. Except, something odd happened. The fabric disintegrated before it arrived on the ground, and three spectral animals appeared beside the man: a wolf, a leopard, and a buck. Then, he held his arms out, spread wide, and a sudden gale rushed through the throne room, as if on command.
"I have learned dominion over nature, in exchange for your trust. My gift is yours, for the good of the Kingdom!" he said. He knelt and bowed his head again, this time his ghostly pets mirrored the respectful action as well.
"Rise, my son," the King smiled as he moved to stand from his chair. It took a minor effort, but he managed it and approached. "You are the true heir, and have no need to kneel before me ever again," he added with a gentle hand on the man's broad shoulder. The Prince looked up and smiled at seeing his father smile; he was on his feet instantly and embracing the old man.
"Oh my," the King laughed. "I must admit, I expected considerable anger upon your return....," he said. His voice took on a sad, regretful tone. "What kind of man abandons his only child in the wilderness? What kind of King?"
"A wise one!" the Prince was eager to correct his father's misgivings. "You couldn't see me... but, I was allowed to see you," he said. "I watched you lament your decision for years… and it only made me work harder. We live in a magical world, where prophecies are known and understood. I was told the prophecy they gave you," he nodded and smiled. "You gave up your child so that the Kingdom would prosper upon my return..." he nodded. "...and we shall."