King's Quest

King's Quest - by Christopher Heath A fantasy novella. When Salient Nord ascended to the throne, he inherited a kingdom at peace. With a faithful, loving queen by his side and a full treasury, Salient ruled as a benevolent and generous king, who was loved by the Nords. There was one concern that distracted King Salient and drew come glances from the Nords otherwise friendly neighbours. The absence of an heir threatened to destabilise the region. Numerous, discrete physicians and healers visited and departed with no explanation found. Years passed and King Salient accepted, if no orthodox solution worked, it was time to try the unorthodox. On the southern border of the country, rumours told tales of a wizard who could grant any wish. For decades pilgrims had sought the wizard's aid and of the thousands who undertook the task of speaking with the wizard, few ever returned. The few who were successful fed the legend but they cautioned seeking the wizard's tower. The tower could be found easily but for almost all, nothing waited there but death. It was dawn when Salient Nord saddled his horse and rode out of his castle heading south. With no word to those who would discourage him, the king set out alone.