The King's Guard, led by a guard upon a Pegasus, awaited the King and his escorts. King Steward insisted that Fallon walk abreast to his left and Alaisdair to his right,
Alaisdair needed clarification. Was the lead animal the same as the one he was to capture? But he knew he could not ask right now. So, this was one more question on the list to discuss. He did promise the King, technically Fallon as well, but he was the King's man, so he was bound by the promise to wait to ask questions.
Alaisdair might be flighty, but he always kept promises. So his lips were sealed on questions until the next day.
When they reached the entrance to the banquet area, the guard on the Pegaus continued forward to the dais; Commander Fallon went up the steps first, followed by the King.
As Alaisdair walked by, the Pegasus winked, causing Alaisdair to stumble on the steps but did a quick save, and it was barely noticed except by the Pegasus, who again gave Alaisdair a wink.
Alaisdair's attention was diverted from looking at the Pegasus because his name was announced as the Master Monster Hunter foretold in scrolls past.
The King pinned a silver badge on the middle notch of his collar. The badge signified the success of the first hunt of the Griffin Queen and her Cub/Chick.
The Cub/Chick seemed distressed as they neared the fortress, and Alaisdair had removed the baby from the net, cradling it in his arms and looking at him as if it knew him. It settled into his chest and cuddled, which is how King Samir first saw his child.
It was a precious moment for all. King Steward, Fallon, Alaisdair, and King Samir conversed for over an hour, catching up on all the news here and in Griffith, and being included made Alaisdair feel welcome to the area.
Fallon gave a tankard of Ale to the King and one to Alaisdair. After clinking steins, all sat and drank. Alaisdair stared at the Pegasus, who was now hitched to the railing of the stairs.
The winged horse was staring at Alaisdair intently. Her eyes were the color of Sapphires. Alaisdair inspected the animal and concluded it was not the same animal. This one was a filly, possibly a mare, with a gorgeous creamy white body and a flowing blond mane and tail. Her wings were a golden shade. She reminded him of the Pretty Lady at the sink in the scullery. What a beautiful animal, Alaisdair thought. The Lady at the sink was his dream girl.
The King's table served dishes Alaisdair had never seen before because all his food was typically fresh from the earth in its natural form. Of course, there were fish, birds, goats, and cows, but he remembered it was also made from vegetables. He took bite-size pieces from all the dishes to experience the taste, and he was starting to become tired from all the Ale he had consumed.
He had never had Ale before and thought he had at least five glasses, maybe more. He felt he should tell Fallon, as he needed to get to his sleeping quarters. He did not want to embarrass the King, Fallon, or himself. He knew he was clumsy and prayed he'd soon be over that stage of his life.
He recently had started with pains in his legs and did not know if this again was a sign of more growth. The Pegasus seemed to understand his problem, and she got restless. The King saw and went to calm the mare. She stared at the King, and he understood.
The King announced the festivities to continue, but he, Fallon, and the Master Monster Hunter needed to retire for the night as their day had been busy and filled with anxiety with the success of preventing a war. So the party should remain, and the guard was allowed to return to the festivities but would now accompany them to their quarters.
But first, The King asked for a toast to their Hunter, who had done them proud.
Alaisdair was asked to sit upon the Pegasus, and the guard would lead the procession to Alaisdair's abode.
Instead of leading, the King and Fallon gave Alaisdair the honor of following him to his home. The King at the door embraced Alaisdair and said, "Welcome home, son."
And to Fallon, "See him to his sleeping quarter, my friend." Then the King ran toward his forest, transforming into the panther as Fallon and Alaisdair entered the home.
The Pegasus guard walked behind Alaisdair's home and removed the lead as the Pegasus soared into the sky to turn smoothly, landing into her corral on the third floor of the prince's house.
We now find him the morning after finishing his first quest and overindulgence in the free-flowing Ale of the night at the conquest party.
"Ooh." Alaisdair moans as he dashes for the waste room. Hastily pulling his hair away from his face, he retches until his stomach is empty. "Oh, oh, oh … what did I promise?" He groans as he retraces his steps and flops back on his sleeping pallet. He drifts off to sleep, not waking until long after dawn breaks.