Is everyone alright after that giant scare? I'll bet the Prince will want to know what's going on.
Author: What exactly does one do with a captured giant, anyhow?
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Prince Spara of the Aurora Kingdom burst into the council room, giving a nod to the elders present. “Am I to believe the rumors of the beast, then?” He inquired, taking his rightful place at the seat beside his father.
“Indeed.” Lord Zinal affirmed. He nodded to a scoutling who was shifting from foot to foot at the end of the table. Spara recognized them as one of Marshall’s friends. “This scout was the first to spot it, and was just giving their report.”
“It’s almost the size of the great pines, your highnesses.” Scout gave a hasty bow, clearly not used to presenting to such royalty. “I spotted it east of the Ryne River, heading north. It roars in different tones, and wears a sort of silk shimmering disguise-”
“Wait a moment, ‘wears’?” Lady Magdalene interrupted. “You make it sound as though the beast is clothed.”
“Oh, it is!” Scout confirmed, showing off their own garments. “It’s got a long jacket, pants, boots- a whole ensemble. It doesn’t blend into the fauna at all, and it doesn’t seem to try.”
“Well, with a gargantuan like that, you’d hardly need to hide.” Spara huffed, crossing his arms. “I imagine it could level our city with a misplaced kick.” Indeed, the thought of such a massive creature set loose on the kingdom did not sit right with the young prince.
“And what of its defenses?” Lord Zinal pressed on. “Any shell coverings, claws, fangs, poisonous barbs?”
“Er, none of that stuff.” Scout scratched at its head. “It’s got claws, sorta, but it’s like they’re blunted against a tree or somethin’. Other than that it’s just… big. Really big. And furless, did I mention that?”
“It has no fur?” The Duke of Erepose raised an eyebrow.
At Scout’s shake of the head, several people at the table scrunched up their noses. This fleshy creature sounded otherworldly and hideous. “Just some hair on the top of it’s head. It’s ears aren’t there neither, instead it’s got knobbly things on the sides.”
Magdalene drummed her fingers thoughtfully. “Size alone does not make a beast.” She finally voiced her thoughts aloud. “This being intrigues me. If it evolved enough to clothe itself, perhaps we can communicate.”
“Or perhaps it’s a beast after all that hasn’t shown its evolved form.” Zinal proposed. “If that’s the case, it might still be young. Malleable, one might say.”
King Naedes, who up until now had remained silent, turned towards Lord Zinal. “What are you getting at, old friend?”
“Your highness, constantly have we been at odds with the beasts of the west.” Zinal explained. “Turning one of their own over to our side would be a crucial ally. Our magic prowess can only stretch so far; with that sort of power on our side, we could drive them off the island.”
“We’re getting ahead of ourselves.” The Duke of Erepose warned. “At present, the situation stands as such: we’ve captured an unknown beast, and we need to decide if we keep it or kill it.”
“Keep it where?” Spara argued, pressing to have his voice heard. “I’ve heard rumors of the city, but dragging a Giant through town will cause a nationwide panic.”
“That it might.” King Naedes agreed. “Which is why we must make the proper preparations prior. I’ve already set to work the rehabilitations necessary in the caverns.”
Spara gave his father the best glare he could while maintaining a neutral facade. “What’s the point of this council if you’ve gone ahead with your decision prior to consultation?”
“Time is of the essence, my dear boy.” Naedes stared down the length of his table. “I did what was necessary.”
“What you deemed necessary.” Spara corrected.
“Yes.” Naedes met Spara’s gaze. “And when you’re king, you’ll do the same.”
“You’re putting everyone at risk!” Spara hissed. “And for what? I say keep it far away from the city!”
“Our magical forces are most concentrated inland; we’ll have the best chance containing it here.” Lord Zinal explained.
“If we can contain it at all!” Spara threw his hands up in the air. “We don’t even know what we’re dealing with, or if it’s something that can truly be kept.”
“And what would you have me do?” The king humored his son.
“...Kill it!” Spara decided, slapping his hand on the table. “Take it out before it has the chance to harm our own.”
“Never!” Lady Magdalene snapped. “Such a gift would be foolish to squander.”
“A gift?” Spara laughed without mirth. “At best it’s an omen. If I were king, I wouldn’t risk my kingdom like an old fool.”
The king’s commanding tone rang out across the room, the magic embedded in his words blowing a strong gust of cool air around the perimeter and darkening the atmosphere. All who felt it shivered and became mute; Spara bowed his head, properly scolded.
The king took a moment to breathe, evaluating each and every individual sat at his table of trusted advisors. He paid special attention to his son, who refused to meet his gaze.
“I am not a fool, nor do I treat the lives of my people with the callousness of which you speak.” King Naedes spoke slowly. “The risks I take are calculated. Spara, you’re correct in that we do not yet know what we’re dealing with, but as such, rash actions are foolhardy. I caution you to keep a shorter leash on your temper lest you make errors in your wrath that cannot be undone. Containment of this beast must be swift; judgement can be prolonged. Once we know more about this beast, then we can decide its fate. Until then, our top priority is maintaining peace.”
With this declaration, the room itself seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
“I think you’ve made a wise decision, your highness.” Lord Zinal spoke up. “It sounds as though, properly bound, this beast poses no proper threat to us and can easily be detained. I imagine that will put young Spara’s thoughts at ease.” Spara’s tail twitched irritably, not fond of the lord’s degrading tone.
“This will be a wonderful opportunity for research as well.” Magdalene agreed. “I imagine there’s much we can learn from observing a Beast at close range.”
