Chaos: Genesis

A carriage clatters across a forest, its wheels clanking on the stony path beneath. Inside, a young Cyrus looks out at the trees and land passing by. Suddenly, there's a sharp CRACK, and the carriage comes to an abrupt stop.

"Sorry my prince, but it seems we hit a rock, we need to replace the wheel" The driver announces and Cyrus, along with a guard, steps out of the carriage onto the side of the road. He begins to pace back and forth anxiously, his feet shuffling over the gravel as he surveys his surroundings.

"I need to pee!", he informs the guard, who nods in response.

Cyrus then hastens behind a cluster of trees. Once his task is completed, he notices something stirring in the shrubbery nearby. An excitable sparrow shoots across his vision, lightening its wings to rest on a nearby limb. Its small head peers around as though it were cautiously studying Cyrus from afar, before trilling into its song and hopping closer to him. Cyrus stifles a giggle and attempts to reach out for the bird, but it flies away. Cyrus races after the bird but it eventually leaves. Cyrus looks around as he struggles to recall the way back, but he is uncertain. Before he can make a choice of which direction to take, he hears leaves rustling. He stands still in terror as a young lion strides toward him.

Their eyes lock and Cyrus's entire body trembles. The predator advances, yet Cyrus remains motionless. Just when the lion lunges toward him and his screams fill the air, SMACK! The beast is sent sprawling to the ground by a young boy wielding a dagger. Spero dashes to the lion, his feet pounding against the dirt. He takes a sturdy stance and kicks it away with all his might. The enormous cat roars, its voice echoing off the trees. Its tail tucked between its legs, it slinks back into the shadows of the forest. Spero turns to glance at Cyrus before attempting to make his escape.

"Wait!", Cyrus yells out and Spero halts.

"Thanks for saving me...I'm a bit lost."

Spero nods and carefully assesses Cyrus's attire. His gaze lingers on the fine fabrics, the intricate embroidery to the polished buttons.

"Let's get you back on the road...little prince."

Cyrus stands speechless, yet profoundly awed, "What are you doing alone in this forest?"

Spero continues to walk silently.

"Do you live around here? Or are you just passing by?" Cyrus presses on.

He sighs, "No, and yes."

Cyrus asks, "Are you Persian?"

Spero replies, "I guess so, maybe, I never really asked."

Cyrus feels a wave of confusion but realizes that the boy probably does not want to converse. They meander through the forest, their feet crunching on fallen leaves and sticks. Off in the distance, they hear the Guard and driver shouting his name. As soon as their eyes meet, Cyrus waves frantically and sprints over. Panting heavily, he explains what happened and his gratitude towards Spero for his help is evident.

Cyrus asks, "Where are you off to?"

Spero replies, "Haven't decided yet, I'll figure something out."

"Nonsense! Why don't you come with us?"

Spero and the Guard both gawked at Cyrus in disbelief.

"Is this some sort of trick?" Spero questions.

"Prince, I'm not sure the king would allow this" The guard states.

"He saved my life, surely the king would like to thank him personally.", Cyrus explains with excitement.

"You are right, come along then."

Spero looks around unsure then shrugs his shoulders, "Oh, what the hell, I have nothing better to do."

Spero climbs up on the carriage, and Cyrus reaches his hand out to him.

"My name is Agradat....I mean Cyrus."

"I'm Spero"

They clasp each other's forearms.