The morning was bright and refreshing after the rainy day, though the glorious sunlight pierced through Garinor’s skull after the wine he’d drunk the night before. It didn’t take long for him to overcome the headache and sensitivity, but he couldn’t help wondering why people drank so much wine if it hurt so much the next day.
The prince’s confirmation that he was the heir to the throne impacted Garinor in a strange way. On one hand, he thought it would be interesting being in charge of the whole country and able to do as he wished. But on the other, he understood that it was a huge responsibility. He struggled getting some of his chores done at home; how would he rule a country? The prince had acknowledged this and admitted that he had been reared for the responsibility. And so Garinor decided to agree to the prince’s plan.
When Garinor gave him the news, the prince practically jumped out of his skin in elation. “That’s wonderful! Thank you!” They toasted over another glass of wine, then the prince added what there remained to do.
“We need now to collect the scepter for you to make this choice officially. Then even the king will need to stop his outrageous manhunt. But don’t you worry a thing. I will keep to my promise immediately.”
The prince’s word was good. Garinor was set upon with a personal servant who saw to his every desire. He never was without food or drink and the young man even occupied his time with wild fables or silly jokes that often ended up leaving Garinor laughing. One of his favorites was about a cat, a cow, and a mouse who were playing catch, but when a squirrel joined in, they all went nuts.
The soldiers marched with purpose all that day, but for Garinor everything drifted by. He felt relieved about the choice he had made, and he enjoyed the pace in the bright sunny day. As they traveled along, Garinor noticed something about the prince that made his decision seem even better. The man was running up and down the line, keeping things in check here and there. He didn’t remember seeing the prince so active before, but he thought maybe he hadn’t been watching closely. The prince never appeared stressed or taxed as he went from one task to another, which Garinor felt was only because he was trained to handle it all. He realized that there was much to do for the person in charge. And he marveled that all the activity went on just for moving the troop toward the scepter. He could hardly fathom what it would take to run a whole country. Indeed, he appreciated his decision more and more.
Day passed into night and day again. The troop moved further onward, but this day would not be as calm as the last one.