“The Last Kingdom”

By: Layla Hamilton

A long time ago there were three brothers who were princes in a dying kingdom, sons to a dying king. On one night their father was on his deathbed, a horrible storm rained down upon the earth. The three boys huddled next to one another, waiting for death to come and take a loved one. As the king drew his last breath, the rain abruptly stopped. And, a smooth voice rang in their ears. “On a rotted land of flesh and blood. Release the rose that caused the flood. For a sacrifice of only three join the corners too be free. Escape time and travel light if shall this journey end at night.” 

Maps appeared in each of their hands and they set off for the quest. The first boy was led to a graveyard where he met a mute child who gave him a triangular stone. Feeling as if he was in a hurry, and this must be the place the map sent him, he simply took the stone without question and was on his way. The second boy was led to a small deserted village where he saw claw marks embedded in the trees and blood splatters on tents. Going deeper into this uncharted area he found a girl bound in chains, wearing tear stained cheeks, but unharmed from what it seemed. This must be it, he thought, the destination on the map couldn't be wrong. So without asking, he took the girl with him. 

The third boy, the youngest, was frustrated with his map as it simply led him too odd points in his kingdom. Crowded areas were filled with dirty commoners. He turned his face up at the different foul smells.”Peasants” he said scoffing. The two elder brothers began their journeys back home, believing they have found what they were sent for. Reunited once more they all sat confused. The kingdom was still ugly and their father was still dead. But, just as they were about to give up, the voice from once before came from up ahead “Shame as your conquest has ended. Your kingdom is still in ruins you lack curiosity for the child in death and the girl imprisoned. You have taken something from the dead and traveled with a beast.  You know not of damnation on your souls. You have failed.” The two brothers turned to stone with looks of horror permanently sketched onto their faces. The last boy quivered in fear dropping to his knees at the sight of his siblings. Then the voice begun again, only this time it was cold and menacing. “And you, youngest child, your path was different. Only you could see. Escape time that you have done. You did not travel by land or sea, and yet you were still unable to see. Your home rots from you and your brothers selfish ways, uncompassionate...and hateful” With those last words the youngest child was turned to stone the three of them never heard from again. The kingdom prospered. Trees grew, grass was green, and happiness was restored.