Chapter 1: The High Chancellor

It was the middle of a moonless night when not even the hoot of the owl could be heard outside the castle. The darkness of the night was only broken by the faint glow of stars scattered across the sky, casting a dim and eerie light over the landscape.

The air was still and quiet, as if nature itself was holding its breath. The only movement came from the occasional rustling of leaves in the wind or the scurrying of nocturnal creatures in the underbrush.

Inside the dim lighted castle, a servant was darting through cold corridors, his footsteps echoing loudly in the silence as he raced towards his destination with an urgency that left him breathless. Despite the faint lighting, he navigated the halls with practised ease, his eyes fixed on his destination.

As he dashed through the castle's shadowy halls, the servant's breaths came in quick gasps and beads of sweat formed on his forehead. The candle in his trembling hands cast dark dancing forms on the rough stone walls, adding to the eerie atmosphere. He knew the importance of his task and the urgency of the situation, for the person he sought was located in the western tower, not far from the king's private study.

The High Chancellor was just getting into bed, thankful to the heavens that he didn't forget to release his bladder this time, when a loud knocking jolted him from his peace.

"Damn it," he swore in the silence of his room.

The hour was too late for his old body and the warmth and softness of the bed was welcomed. He had no desire to leave his shelter under the wool blankets, and he wouldn't for anyone in the world. Except one. The king, the only person who would disturb his slumber.

He had been loyal to the royal family since the current king's father summonded him. King Augustus who was the first man Charles ever wanted to serve. After his graduation at the Royal Academy as a genius who is born only once in a hundred years, many important lords seeked him to acquire his knowledge. Even the five dukes requested him and his choice was all up to him.

But when the old king demanded his presence at the palace, the young graduate did not dare to refuse. The old king was just and hailed by the people while his only son, Prince Darian, was the joy and pride of the kingdom.

Charles wasn't born a noble, but built his path in life himself and becoming the king's chancellor at such a young age was the peak of his career which many dreamt of. His gratitude to his higness was eternal and his devotion to his son was unwavering. He, of course, took part in the latter's education since the boy was only 5 years old and the prince had never walked on the wrong path except for once. A dark path which was gratefully eliminated.

The chancellor counted himself fortunate to serve a family that would be etched in history for their commitment to peace, nobility, and prosperity. As he reflected on this, a feeling of profound satisfaction settled over him, knowing that his name would be forever entwined with theirs in the annals of history.

The sudden pounding on the door jolted Charles from his thoughts, causing him to quickly rise from his bed and make his way to the door. As he opened it, a young servant boy stood before him, visibly shaken and struggling to catch his breath.

"My lord, h-his ma-majesty r-requires yo-your p-presence at once."

The boy was stuttering and shuddering all over, eyes wide open. His face was flushed and his flaring nostrils were struggling to draw in enough air.

The candle he held flickered in such a manner that it was hard to properly see his face, but he looked no older than 15 years, likely a new addition to his majesty's service.

"So-some i-incredible… over 500 years…c-can't b-believe it," the boy continued with a stutter.

"Calm down, boy, and speak clearly," Charles demanded.

The boy took a deep breath, his chest heaving as he struggled to regain control of his breathing. "Y-yes, m-my l-lord, I-i-i am s-sorry. B-but wh-what j-jus h-happened…"

"I am no lord," he paused, trying to sound more gentle, maybe the boy would stop shaking. "What is your name, boy?"

"W-william, my-my lord. I-I-I mean Hi-high Chancellor."

"Well, William, tell me what is the urgency."

Words didn't come easily and his body started shaking even more, but the chancellor could see that there was more than fear on his face. Some kind of excitement lit up the boy's features while he continued with his jabber. Only a few words could be heard like 'egg' and 'no moon' and 'after so much time'. None of it made sense and Charles began losing his patience. His king needed him, so he could just as well go to him.

Walking away from the door, he looked after a thick robe to cover his body with. When he found a decent one, he took it on.

"Lead the way, boy," Charles commanded, pulling the wool closer to protect his old bones from the coldness of the castle halls.

"At-at once, m-my lord. I-i mean, high chancellor. I'm sorry. Yo-you see, the excitement of such a great ha-happening gets the best of me. To-to think that after more than 500 years we will be a-able to see such a cr-creature and.."

They were walking quickly to the king's study, the chancellor's footsteps echoing loudly in the silence as he tried to keep up with the young page's quick pace. The chancellor was trying to understand what was so urgent, but William's chatter didn't improve at all. The boy went on with its stuttering without even taking a breath. Charles wondered if it was the first time he had been sent on an urgent errand.

They were only a few minutes away from the king's study when the word 'dragon' abruptly froze the man right on the spot. William had to turn back and inquire why he had stopped, while the old man examined the boy's face in search of madness. Finding no such sign, the chancellor realised that the boy was telling the truth.

"Say that again, William, about the dragon."

"Oh, yes, hi-high chancellor. A-a dragon will hatch soon after more than 500 years."