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The Lost Boy of Eldoria

I wrote this story for an assignment. Would love to get some feedback (questions, comments, etc.) on it. Thank you & I hope you enjoy!

Starts From Here:

In a far, far away land, there resided a Kingdom. The Kingdom of Eldoria. Passed down from generation to generation, the Kingdom of Eldoria has never seen a gray cloud. It stands tall, watching over its citizens as the sun shines on its venerable structure. Inside the Kingdom, its marble walls are filled with its rich history and under the illuminating chandelier, the ballroom is always filled with chatter, laughter and those who think they are dancers. Under the ruling of King Aldarian and Queen Amara, the land of Eldoria was prosperous and thriving. The elves, ogres and commoners lived together in peace and harmony. Not separated by laws or borders, they received equal pay, food and a place to call home. There were no fights or arguments. Everyone respected and knew each other. When the King and Queen had their son Thorian, the people of Eldoria rejoiced and there were huge celebrations thrown throughout the land as the next heir to the throne was born. This made Eldris, King Aldarian’s brother, furious. 

One day, a terrible accident occurred that would change Eldoria forever. The King and Queen, along with several members of the help and their newborn son Thorian, were headed to a neighboring Kingdom to visit and speak about trades using one of their grand boats. The boat set sail on the eighth of May and was supposed to return to Eldoria on the twelfth. The boat was enroute when a treacherous storm hit. Harsh waves hit the side of the boat and thunder struck the sails. The fighting went on for a while and in this battle between nature and man, nature won. The people of Eldoria were heartbroken on finding out the news that their King and Queen, along with their son, had passed. Since there was no other heir to the throne, King Aldarian’s brother became King, making him very pleased. 

18 years have past and the Kingdom of Eldoria, a once mighty kingdom is now crippled with a large gray cloud over it. The once aromatic smells that filled the trails have now been replaced with malodorous ones. New laws have been made, some stating that no elf shall have any connection with a commoner unless to trade goods. The food prices and working hours have also gone up. Eldoria was no longer a lively place. There were no more interactions between the elves, ogres and commoners and if they did interact, it would end in a fight. King Eldris was living a lavish life off of his people’s money and could care less. Among the people of Eldoria who were suffering is Jack. 

Jack lives with his mother Martha and father Bill in a little cottage in the Whispering Woods. Like the other commoners living in Eldoria, Jack and his father have to work rigorous hours to put food on the table. They are barely able to due to the demanding rent that comes with a spiteful ogre, reminding them to pay up. This is one of the only interactions Jack and his family have with people other than commoners. In order to make ends meet, each day Jack and Bill set out early in the morning to their jobs and return late in the evening, exhausted and famished. 

One evening, Jack and Bill returned home late, as they normally do. When they opened their ligneous door, they found Martha on her knees, wheezing. Bill attended to her and Jack rushed to find a doctor. It turns out Martha had been hiding her sickness for a long time and now she was nearing the end.

“ Mom, how could you do this? You should have told me you were sick. ” Jack said tearfully.

“ I didn’t want to worry you. After all, I love you too much.” 

“ Jack, there is something else we need to tell you. ” Bill said, turning towards his son. 

“ What’s wrong Dad? ”

“ There is no easy way to say this but I figured you are 18 now and your mother doesn’t have much time either. Jack, you are not our son. ”

“ What? What do you mean? ”

“ Years ago, there was a knock at our door. When we opened it, we found a drenched man, holding a basket. Inside, was a baby covered in a silk blanket. The man told us that we had to keep you safe. He somehow knew that we had been trying for a baby for a long time and handed you to us. We didn’t know what to do. All we knew is that you were a gift to us and we couldn’t refuse you. ” Bill spoke softly, his hand resting on Jack’s hair. 

“ All this time and you never told me. This man. Did he ever come for me? ” Jack questioned. 

“ No. We don't know who he was or where he came from. ” Bill replied. 

“ Jack, we love you more than anything in this world. It didn’t matter if this man came or not. All we know is that you are ours. ” Martha weakly added. 

Those were the last words Martha ever spoke. Days passed by and the breeze felt ever more cold. Jack and Bill arranged for a funeral for Martha. Only a few people came and among those people, a familiar face who gazed at Jack. This figure went up to Bill and the two of them had a hushed conversation. Later, Bill came over to Jack and introduced the figure to him.

“ Jack. I would like you to meet this man. His name is Sylas. He is the man that brought you to us. ” Bill explained to his son. 

“ Hello Jack. It is good to see you again. Can I have a word with you? ” Sylas said while looking directly at Jack. Bill nodded to his son and Jack and Sylas went for a walk. 

“ So, you are the man that brought me here. Why? ” Jack asked. 

“ You needed to be kept safe at all costs. ”

“ But why? ”

“ Perhaps I need to reintroduce myself. I am Sylas, Royal Wizard to King Aldarian and Queen Amara of Eldoria. ”

“ The wizard to the King and Queen? Shouldn’t you have magic powers and didn’t they die a while back? ”

“ Yes they did, unfortunately. ”

“ What has that got to do with anything? ”

“ Maybe you should sit down for this. ”

Jack and Sylas found some logs from trees that had been cut down and took a seat on them. 

“ Jack, you are the son of King Aldarian and Queen Amara. You are the rightful heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Eldoria. I was on the same boat as the King and Queen the day they died and so were you. We were thankfully able to escape off of the boat but ended up losing everyone else. I tried using everything in my power to stop this accident but I just couldn’t. That is why I have given up my powers. The reason I brought you here was to protect you from King Aldarian’s brother Eldris, your uncle. He wanted to have the throne for himself and after hearing his brother and sister-in-law had passed away, he would have done anything to obtain the throne. If he knew you were alive, he would have had you killed too. ”

“ I’m what? Are you insane? I can’t be the heir to a throne. I belong here in this cottage with my father and mother, who in fact, just died. ”

“ I know this all sounds strange but you have to claim your right as King. ”

“ I am not claiming any right, ok? I am just a commoner. Your King is sitting up on his throne right now. ”

“ King Eldris has ruined Eldoria. This place was once filled with joy and laughter and that is all gone because of him. Jack, I know you are going through a tough time right now but I will be here with you through it. The journey ahead is unknown and vigorous but you must face it. You must claim your rightful place as King and bring peace and harmony back to Eldoria. 

“ I think that’s enough. I don’t want to hear anymore of your stupid stories. My father needs me now and I can’t just abandon him. I belong here in Whispering Woods, not in some luxurious kingdom. Please, just leave. ” 

Jack got up and stormed away, leaving Sylas alone on the log. 

That night, Jack and Bill found themselves alone in their cottage, only it didn’t seem like a home now. They both decided to have a seat at the dining table and pulled out the chairs gently. A numbing silence filled the room. Bill looked up to Jack and began to speak to him. 

“ How did it go with Sylas? ” 

“ I don’t want to talk about it. ” Jack sighed, his head resting on his arms placed on the table. 

“ He told me all of it. Son to King Aldarian and Queen Amara. The rightful King of Eldoria. Wow, I never would have guessed. You know, he means well. ”

“ I am not sure what or who to believe right now. I just miss mom. ”

“ I know Jack. I miss her too. But, I believe what Sylas was saying is true. Call me crazy but, this Kingdom could use some bright days. Its people too. You know what we’re going through with the terrible work hours and limited food. Just hearing about this gave me hope and I think this hope is what the people of Eldoria need. ”

“ Why did it have to be me? I am not fit to be a King. I belong here with you. ”

“ Yes you are. You just have to believe in yourself. I know your mother did. Sylas will help you throughout your journey and I will be with you. Maybe not physically all the time but, in spirit. Remember, I love you and you will always be my son. ” 

Jack and his father embrace as a cold breeze brushes past them. 

The following morning, Jack and Bill got up early. Bill grabbed a few pieces of leftover bread and some fruit and wrapped them in a ragged cloth. Jack placed it into his backpack and said goodbye. Bill also handed Jack a piece of paper with an address on it. Sylas had left it, just in case. Bill stood at the door and watched as Jack was fading from view. It seemed as though time was passing by ever so slowly. Jack headed out onto his journey, unaware of what was in store for him. 

Jack made his way through the Whispering Woods. The woods were a quiet and serene place at this time. The only noise ever heard was that of the rustling leaves. Jack had never ventured so far from home before and that made him nervous. He looked down at the address and set foot for Greenfire Grove. It was about 15 kilometers west of Whispering Woods. 

Jack walked and walked for about two hours, climbing hills and steering clear of certain creatures. Just then, he stumbled upon a river and decided to have a drink of water. All this walking had made him quite thirsty. He crouched down beside the river, formed a cup like shape with his hands, filled it with water and took a sip. While doing so, Jack heard a branch snap into half. He quickly hid behind a bush and peered over to see what was going on. Two ogres were towering over what looked like an elf. 

“ What are you doing in the woods all alone, shorty? ” One of the ogres questioned. 

“ Oh well it appears I am lost. Don’t worry, I’ll just be on my way now, ” the elf replied. 

“ Where do you think you’re going? You know, I have always wondered what elves taste like. Maybe it’s time to find out. ” The two ogres began to close in on the elf. As one of them reached for the elf, a large bang was heard and an ogre fell to the ground. Jack was seen standing behind the now fallen ogre holding a massive branch. 

“ Hey! Leave him alone! ” Jack yelled at the remaining ogre. 

The remaining ogre stomped towards Jack, who was slowly and carefully backing away. The ogre tried to catch Jack with his two hands but Jack was able to dodge it by ducking and moving right. This made the ogre furious. He charged at Jack yet again but while doing so, a rock hit his body. 

“ Hey, big guy! Down here!! ” The ogre turned to face the elf and found his next target. He made his way towards the elf when Jack hit the ogre with a branch from the back. The ogre tumbled to the forest floor. 

“ Thank you for your assistance! I will never forget it. I realize we haven’t been formally introduced yet. My name is Norbly. ” The elf declared. 

“ I’m Jack. Why were you in the middle of the woods alone? ” 

“ I was on my way to Greenfire Grove for trade. Why are you in the woods all by yourself? ”

“ I am actually looking for someone who lives in Greenfire Grove. His name is Sylas. Do you know where this is? ” Jack handed Norbly the piece of paper with Sylas’ address on it. 

“ I think I do! I could show you if you would like! Anyways, I kind of don’t have anything to trade right now. ” Norbly said with a grand smile. 

“ It is my first time out on my own so I guess I could use some help finding Greenfire Grove even though you are an elf. ” 

“ Excellent! Let’s go then! ”

Jack and Norbly made their way through the remainder of the woods. Norbly skipped happily and whistled a tune while Jack followed closely behind. 

“ So why are you looking for this Sylas? ” Norbly questioned. 

“ It’s complicated. ” Jack sighed, putting his head down. 

“ Okk. Well, can you at least tell me something? Anything? ” Norbly asked again, now more inquisitive. 

“ I just need his help with something. That’s all. ” Jack replied, growing weary. 

“ Fine, if you aren’t going to tell me anything about yourself, I’ll tell you about me. My name is Norbly Hermey. I have four siblings and I am the youngest. My family is back in Elfhaven and I am well, here with you. ” Norbly proudly spoke and Jack decided to give in. 

“ I’m Jack. I am an only child, I think. My parents, who I thought were my parents, are actually not my parents, which I found out just yesterday. ”

“ Ohh! I am sorry. I hope Sylas can help you with whatever it is that you need help with. ”

“ Me too. ”

After 30 minutes, they had reached the edge of the forest. On the other side, was a village. Small yet chaotic. Jack and Norbly headed down into the ruckus. The noises of yelling and children crying got louder as they moved closer. Before they knew it, Jack and Norbly found themselves in the centre of the village. 

“ MOVE OUT OF THE WAY BOY!! ” A male commoner howled at Jack. 

“ HEY!! WATCH IT!! ” An elf exclaimed as Norbly bumped into him. Jack was stunned by Greenfire Grove. He had not imagined it to be so disordered and for the people to be so rude. 

“ I probably should have warned you that Greenfire Grove isn’t the most pleasant of places. ” Norbly said, looking up at Jack. 

“ Yeah, you probably should have. ”

Jack and Norbly were able to escape the centre of the village along with all of its residents. They followed the cobblestone path that led to Sylas, causing them to go over two hills and avoid many droppings of horse dung. At the end of the path, they had reached their destination. In front of them stood a tall house made of wood with a rounded door. 

“ I guess we should knock. ” Norbly announced. Jack nodded and headed towards the door. He knocked on its smooth timber and waited. The door opened and a figure stood on the other side. 

“ Welcome. I have been expecting you. ” Sylas led Jack and Norbly into his home and shut the door. Inside the home, there was a sofa, a kitchen and a table with chairs, all made of wood. Jack, Norbly and Sylas all had a seat at the table. Behind them were shelves filled with aged potion bottles.

“ Jack, I am glad you came. I hope you didn’t have a tough time on your journey here. ” Sylas said, turning to Jack. 

“ No, not at all. ” Jack replied. 

“ WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO?? I, MEANING ME NORBLY, WAS ALMOST EATEN BY TWO OGRES! ” Norbly shouted. 

“ Ogres. They are known to be famous around here for their ill-mannered attitudes and insatiable hunger. Well, I am glad to see you both in one piece. ” Sylas stated. 

“ Yeah, thanks to Jack. He hit them both with a branch from the back. ”

“ Did he? Very brave. He is already showing signs of a great leader. ”

“ Ok Sylas. What’s next? What are we supposed to do? ” Jack said abruptly. 

“ The King is holding a party tomorrow at 5pm. This party is only an excuse for him to feed his cravings for luxury. We will infiltrate this party by sneaking into the Kingdom and reclaiming the throne. ”

“ Sorry to interrupt but, I have a question. Why are we reclaiming the throne when the King is already sitting on it? What do we have with the throne? ” Norbly questioned.

“ You didn’t tell him, did you? ” Sylas said to Jack. Sylas sighed and continued, “ Jack is the rightful heir to the throne. He is the son of King Aldarian and Queen Amara. He is Prince Thorian and I am the Royal Wizard to King Aldarian and Queen Amara of Eldoria. ”

“ WHAT!! YOU DIDN’T TELL ME YOU ARE A KING!!! NO WONDER YOU SAID IT WAS COMPLICATED! AND SYLAS, YOU ARE A WIZARD?? Why is everything suddenly spinning? ” Norbly said as he dropped to the ground. 

“ Norbly is in shock. He’ll be fine. ” Sylas remarked, looking at Jack. 

“ How are we going to prove to everyone, especially King Eldris, that I am in fact the rightful heir? ” Jack asked. 

“ When I gave you to Bill and Martha, you were in a basket with a silk blanket. Now this blanket wasn’t just any blanket. It was made of silk only available to the Royal Family. There is one more thing. ” 

Sylas went into the kitchen in search of something. When he came back to the table, he had Jack’s basket in his hands. He put the basket onto the table, reached for the blanket and placed it flat on the table. He waved his right hand over the blanket and a symbol appeared. 

“ This is the symbol of the Royal Family. Only members of royalty from the Kingdom of Eldoria have this symbol on their materials such as clothing and blankets. It is one of a kind because I made it. ” 

“ Wow, that is kind of cool. I hope this works. Although, I don’t think I can do this. You know, being a King and everything. ”

“ Jack, I will be with you through all this. I am after all the wizard to the King. You just have to believe in yourself. I know Bill and Martha do as well as King Aldarian and Queen Amara. ” 

All of a sudden, there was a rumbling noise. 

“ What was that? ” Sylas said, looking confused. 

Jack looked down and placed his left hand on his stomach and spoke, “ Do you have anything to eat? ”

The next day, Jack, Sylas and Norbly set off on their journey to the Kingdom. It was about 12 kilometers from Greenfire Grove. They made their way on foot treading lightly. While on their journey, they crossed the Hollow Bridge, an ancient bridge that has been standing for millions of years. Beyond the bridge lies the Kingdom of Eldoria. As they stepped onto its weathered stone, a low creak echoed beneath their feet. They walked across when suddenly, the part of the bridge Norbly was standing on broke off. He fell through and Jack ran to grab him. Jack was able to get a hold of Norbly’s hand and used all of his might to pull him up. 

“ Are you ok? ” Jack said, out of breath. 

“ I am fine. Thank you, again. ” Norbly replied. 

“ I think it’s best we get off this bridge now. Don’t you think? ” Sylas uttered with great concern. 

As the towers of the Kingdom began to peek through the trees, Sylas led Jack and Norbly to a secret entrance within the outer wall. Sylas knelt down and pushed onto one of the stones on the wall. A door opened with fire being lit on either side of the hall for light. Before entering, Sylas stopped Jack and spoke. 

“Once we step through this tunnel, things will change. You will no longer be the boy from Whispering Woods. You will be a King. The people of Eldoria will look to you for help and leadership. It is your duty to guide them. ” 

“ Guys, are you coming? ” Norbly shouted from inside the tunnel. Jack and Sylas both stepped foot into the tunnel and made their way around it. 

Above Jack, Sylas and Norbly, laughter and music echoed from the ballroom. The party had already begun. 

“ We will enter through the servant’s passage, quietly, ” Sylas whispered. “ Jack, it’s time.”

They emerged from the shadows onto the marble floor of the grand ballroom. The chandeliers beamed as nobles twirled and swayed. King Eldris sat on his throne at the far end of the room, his hand, full of rings with expensive jewels, holding onto a wine glass. King Eldris scanned the room and locked eyes with Jack.

“ Who dares to interrupt my festivities? ” King Eldris’ voice echoed through the ballroom. 

“ I am Thorian, son of King Aldarian and Queen Amara of Eldoria and I have returned to reclaim my rightful place as King of Eldoria. ” Jack declared, his voice trembling but strong.

The room fell silent. The laughter had faded and the music had stopped. The nobles exchanged glances. 

“ Impossible. The prince is dead and I mean, look at you. You are just a peasant boy hung up on fairytales. ” Eldris mocked.

The laughter returned and filled the ballroom. Jack stepped forward and raised the silk blanket in the air. Sylas moved his right hand over the blanket and the glowing royal emblem returned. Gasps echoed. 

“ Sylas? You’re alive? How? ” Eldris rose from the throne, fury now in his eyes. “ Even if you are my nephew, I rule now. Guards, take them away! ”

The guards advanced towards them but Sylas stepped in with his arms raised. Magic flew through his fingers for the first time in years. He had regained his powers. The blast hurled the guards back. Norbly, wielding a sword, took out two more. 

“ Jack, take this. ” Norbly said while passing Jack a sword. 

“ You will die just like your parents. ” Eldris bitterly spoke as he drew his blade.

Jack met Eldris in the center of the ballroom. Their swords met, echoing through the chamber. Despite being younger and untrained, Jack fought with strength and courage. Sylas, chanting from the side, summoned protection enchantments onto Jack. They fought and fought, clashing swords and dodging swings. Finally, Jack was able to disarm Eldris and pointed the sword at his uncle’s chest. But he lowered it.

“ I’m not like you. Guards, take him away. ”

“ Guards! You are loyal to me, not this peasant boy. ”

“ We are loyal to the King and only the King! ” The Commander of the Guards said. 

 Jack turned to the crowd and spoke.

“ You all know what this Kingdom was once like. Not a Kingdom of war or divide but rather unity and hope. I assure you with your help, the sun will shine on Eldoria again. ”

At that moment, every noble and commoner in the ballroom knelt. Even the elves and ogres bowed in silent unity. Sylas led Jack to the throne and placed a golden crown on his head.  

“ All hail King Thorian, the rightful heir of Eldoria! ” 

Jack’s first act as King was to imprison Eldris, not as revenge, but he would face trial fairly. Jack appointed a council of representatives: elves, ogres and commoners alike who would help lead the Kingdom. Eldris was sentenced to lifetime imprisonment in the dungeon of the Kingdom. Jack also visited Whispering Woods and knelt by Martha’s grave.  

“ You always said you loved me too much. I hope you’re proud of me now. ” 

Jack embraced Bill, who now served as an advisor to the King. 

“ You’ll always be my father. ” Jack whispered softly. 

Jack was no longer the boy from Whispering Woods. He now stood at the Kingdom’s balcony, overlooking the crowd of his people, Norbly at his side who is now the Royal Envoy. Sylas stood proudly in the robes of the Royal Wizard once again. 

“ My name is Thorian but, you may call me Jack, if you would like. I was raised as one of you and I will always be one of you. ” Jack said to the gathered crowd.

The people cheered, shaking the entire Kingdom. The gray clouds had lifted and a bright sunshine shone over Eldoria. The Kingdom had begun to heal. Divisions demolished. Trade flourished. The working hours and food prices went down. The people were one. And so, the boy from Whispering Woods became the King who brought the sun back to Eldoria, not through war but through compassion. The lost boy of Eldoria had returned home. 

THE END