Sailor

16th century

You were born and raised in a simple village, where life seemed peaceful only at first glance. A great kingdom, renowned for its cruelty, ruled over all people. The laws here were merciless: the slightest infraction threatened imprisonment or execution. Commoners were forbidden from attending balls and noble celebrations, and any approach to the aristocracy was considered dangerously impertinent.

But even in such a world, you had a dream.

You loved horses with all your heart. Riding gave you a rare feeling of freedom, a feeling of utter freedom that cast away fear. Every year, an open-air ball was held outside the city walls. In the manicured gardens, dukes and ladies rode, drank tea under tents, and engaged in leisurely conversations, as if nothing else mattered. You watched this festivities secretly, hidden behind the trees, and each time you dreamed of being among them.

The ball was to be held again this year. The melancholy was particularly strong. Knowing that commoners were not allowed, you decided to distract yourself and went for a horseback ride. Your black horse had been with you since childhood. Once, he had escaped from the royal stables, unable to withstand the brutal beatings. From the scars, you understood his past and accepted him without coercion. He became your friend, but the fear of the whip still lingered within him.

Before you knew it, you'd found yourself near the festivities. The music distracted you, and you were already in the garden. Frightened, you wanted to ride away, but you saw a young man strike his horse with a rod. That was enough: your horse reared, you fell, and you badly twisted your ankle. The frightened animal rushed toward the people.

Overcoming the pain, you tried to rise, knowing the punishment awaiting you. But fate intervened. The same man easily reined in his horse and only then looked at you. From his gaze, you understood everything—King Sailor stood before you. You expected anger, but he took a step forward and calmly said:

"Let me take you to the royal physician so he can examine you and make sure you're okay. I'm worried."