Ian's breath came in ragged gasps as he stumbled through the dark, his heart racing with every snap of a twig or rustle of leaves. Just hours before, he had been safe in his mother's arms, asking about his father's whereabouts.
"Mother, where is Father?" Ian asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
His mother, the queen, smiled warmly as she stroked his hair. "Ian, my son, your father has his royal duties to perform as the king of this nation."
Ian's face scrunched up in disappointment. "But he said he would teach me some new sword techniques."
The queen's expression turned serious. "He will, Ian. But you have to be patient. As the heir of this great nation, you have to become the strongest."
Just as the queen finished speaking, a loud bell rang outside, shattering the peaceful atmosphere. A man clad in black armor from head to toe strode into the room, his presence commanding attention.
"Who are you?" the queen demanded, her voice firm. "How did you enter?"
The man remained silent, his gaze fixed on the queen. Ian felt a shiver run down his spine as the man drew his blade.
"Mother, who is he?" Ian asked, his voice trembling.
The queen's expression turned grim. "Don't worry, Ian. The guards are outside. They'll—"
The man interrupted her, his voice low and menacing. "No one is coming to save you."
The queen's eyes narrowed. "I don't know who you are, but the outcome of your actions won't be good."
With a swift motion, she drew a sword from the wall and handed it to Ian. "Ian, listen. I want you to run and hide until your father comes back. Can you do that for me?"
Ian's eyes welled up with tears as he nodded. "B-but what about you?"
The queen's expression softened. "Don't worry, Ian. I'm strong enough to handle this. Just go and find a safe place, okay?"
As Ian turned to flee, the queen charged forward, her sword clashing with the man's blade. The sound of steel ringing against steel echoed through the room, and Ian's heart pounded in his chest as he stumbled out into the darkness.
The queen exchanged blows with the man, but he didn't even flinch. She was confused; she was an extremely talented swordswoman, but it seemed impossible for her to land a blow on her opponent.
"It's over," the man said. "King Raven Indrath has died."
The queen's eyes widened in shock. "You're lying! It's not possible for him to die!"
"Ian, I told you to run!" the queen shouted.
Her mother then cast a spell, and the floor collapsed. The man stumbled, giving the queen an opportunity to grab Ian and make a hasty escape.
As they ran through the jungle, the queen's silence was unsettling. Ian asked, "Mother, where are we going?"
But she didn't respond, her eyes fixed on the path ahead.
After an hour of running, they stopped in a secluded clearing. The queen turned to Ian, her expression serious.
"Ian, I need you to hide here until I return. Can you do that for me?"
Ian's eyes welled up with tears as he nodded. "B-but, Mother, where are you going?"
The queen smiled reassuringly. "I'll just go and check things out, okay? And stay here, no matter what happens. Can you promise me that?"
Ian nodded, and the queen handed him a small, intricately carved stone.
"This stone will protect you until I return. You're safe now, Ian."
Ian's eyes widened as he took the stone, feeling a surge of determination.
"But, Mother, are you going to be okay?"
The queen smiled confidently. "Don't worry, Ian. I'll crush those bad guys and come back, okay?"
Ian nodded, trying to appear brave.
"Now, hide and don't come out, no matter what happens. I'll be back soon."
With that, the queen turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Ian alone in the jungle.