Favian -- Chapter 2

Far above, in the land of men, a baby boy was born to the Queen of Earoch. When the physicians showed her the baby, she smiled, and named him Favian. She could feel death was near, so she told the king, "Take care of him." That was the last thing the king heard from her.

The boy grew up as a prince in the castle. One day, when the prince was about three years old, the king fell ill. Before he died, the king told his most faithful servant, Garrofold, to take the prince to his friend, Drodomede, who was an outlaw. The king knew that once he died, his evil sorcerer of a brother would, by his evil, magical arts, take the kingdom for his own and kill the little prince, Favian. Garrofold saddled his horse with all the speed he could manage, mounted, hoisted up little Favian, and rode off like the wind.

When he had ridden for about six leagues, he met a beggar on the road. "Excuse me sir," he said. "Do you by chance have a few spare crowns?" "Why yes," said Garrofold. He dug into his pocket and withdrew four of the bright, silver coins. As he reached down to give them to the beggar, his arm was seized in an iron grip. Garrofold looked up, and saw that the beggar had pulled off his hood. "What business does thou have in my land?" he asked roughly. He had a deep, strong voice. "I am looking for Drodomede, the outlaw," answered Garrofold. "You've found him," said Drodomede, loosening his grip a little.

"The king has died," said Garrofold," and he told me to bring you his son, for his evil sorcerer of a brother, whose name is Barradur, will take over the kingdom. He would have killed the prince. His name is Favian."

Drodomede sighed and passed a hand over his face. Garrofold noticed a large scar across the back of his hand. "That is a sad tale," said Drodomede," and I'm sorry to hear it. Yes, I will take the child, and raise him as my own." "Thank you," replied Garrofold softly. He handed Favian down and said, "Now I must return and protect the kingdom as I can. I shall visit every year. Farewell." And with that he rode off, leaving Drodomede and Favian in a cloud of dust.