Makings Of A Legend

Ricin's match was the last of the day. As the crowd began to file out, the prince turned to the doctor.

"I would like to meet Ricin right now. Would you be so kind as to introduce him to me, Doctor?"

"Of course, Your Grace."

The prince nodded. "Demenik, would you accompany us?"

"Thank you, Your Grace, I would be happy to."

The men collected their winnings and then followed the doctor as he led them to where Demenik had met the warrior that morning. The room was empty this time, save for Ricin, who sat meditating on the ground in the middle of the practice ring. He opened his eyes and stood, bowing when the three men got close.

"Ricin," the doctor said, "it is my honour to introduce you to His Royal Highness, Prince Adam Rethnal, heir to the kingdom.

Ricin bowed low. "I am humbled by your presence, Your Royal Highness."

"It is I who am humbled." The prince bowed in return. "I have never seen such a display of perfection in my life. You made history in the Pits today."

"I was pleased with the outcome, Grace."

The prince laughed. "As was I." He turned to Demenik. "I placed a decent bet on you, as did Demenik and the doctor. The odds were heavily against you."

"Perhaps the odds were determined by men, Your Grace. To those with greater influence in the universe, I was always favoured to win."

"So it would seem." The prince raised one hand with his palm facing up. One of his guards approached from the doorway and placed a small bag in his hand which the prince extended towards Ricin. "This is a portion of my winnings. I would like for you to have it."

Ricin bowed and placed one hand over his heart. "I do not wish to offend you, Grace, but I must respectfully decline your generosity."

"Why?"

"It would be inappropriate."

"To accept money from royalty?"

The corner of Ricin's mouth turned up. "No, Your Grace. I did not travel all this way to fight in your Pits with the intention of making money."

The prince frowned. "You did not bet on yourself today?"

"Nor any other day. I brought coin with me and have spent it on my food and lodgings."

"You came here to test our warriors?"

"In a manner. I mean no disrespect, but I came to this land in order to demonstrate my style and manner of fighting."

"To what purpose?"

"Learning serves its own purpose, Grace. There are many in your kingdom who have seen me fight. Many who now see what they thought impossible is possible. It is my belief that I can change the world through my actions."

The prince nodded and smiled. "I have always had that same belief, Ricin. I commend you for travelling the path that you have chosen."

Ricin bowed once more.

"What are your plans? I doubt that anyone will fight you in the Pits after hearing about this battle today."

"I agree that my time here is done. I will travel to another kingdom and continue to educate any who are clever enough to see the lessons I provide."

"You're leaving?" The doctor frowned and glanced at Demenik. The prince watched their silent exchange and smiled. "When?" Doctor Johnston asked.

"Tomorrow."

"Would you consider postponing your departure by a week or so?" the prince asked. "I would like to speak more with you about your fighting style and philosophy. Be my guest for a week before you leave. I would be willing to donate to your cause if you were to agree to stay."

Ricin laughed. "You are clever, Grace. Accepting a donation for my mission is acceptable to the tenants of my pilgrimage. I would be honoured to stay as your guest for one week."

"I am pleased to hear that. Gather your things and, when you are ready, we can go to the palace."

Ricin pointed at a bench on which rested a large bag. "Everything I own is in that bag, Your Grace. I am ready to accompany you at your leisure."

"Excellent." The prince turned to face Demenik and the doctor. "Demenik, it was good to meet you. I look forward to seeing you again soon."

"The honour was mine, Your Grace. Thank you for your hospitality today."

The prince nodded. "Doctor. As always, I have learned much in your presence. Bring Demenik with you to the palace tomorrow. We can dine together." He arched one eyebrow. "And you will have an opportunity to talk with Ricin in private. I sense you would speak with him about something delicate."

"Your Grace knows me well."

The prince laughed. "You were my tutor for years. I would be a poor student if I could not read your subtle cues."

The doctor chuckled. "You were one of my best students."

"Tomorrow then, gentlemen."

Demenik and the doctor bowed and took their leave. They exited the stadium and did not speak until they were outside on the street.

"You were tutor to the prince?"

"Yes. His father learned of me and made the request. I couldn't say no, and there have been many times since that I am glad for the experience. The prince is an incredible young man. I expect that his reign will transform this small but prosperous kingdom into a powerful empire."

"That's a very lofty statement."

"I am a student of history, among other things, and he has all the makings of a legend." The doctor sipped his coffee. "As do you, lad."

Demenik laughed and shook his head. "You are in a grand mood today, Doc. Overly optimistic because you won a large sum of money on the fight."

"It has been a good day," the doctor admitted, "but my opinion is not based on a whim or single piece of positive emotion. Let us meet in a decade or two and see if I was not right on my predictions for both the prince and you."

Demenik smiled and raised his wine glass. "It's a date."