Samantha Edwhan

Griffin's Choice

Chapter 4

Spring came around and the island began to warm again. The snow had melted and trees were growing leaves. Griffin spent the months exchanging letters with his brother, Clyde. Griffin’s worries hadn’t left his mind. He needed a Prinze and he needed one soon. He still worried about what would happen if Modesty, Clement, and himself were to suddenly perish.

Clyde was the Chieftain of Tribe-Ali. Griffin hoped that by reaching out to him, Clyde might be able to suggest a dragon who could be his Prinze. At least, that was why Griffin initially reached out to him. Then, in early spring, Griffin received a letter from his brother that told him exactly what he needed to read. He was in the office, sorting through paperwork at the time. But he was quick to stop what he was doing and open up the letter.

Dear Griffin,

Congratulations on your coronation. Here in Tribe-Ali, we will mourn the loss of Gerold. He was a good High Caln.

As for your request, I needed some time to consider the options among my dragons. However, I believe I have found the perfect candidate. My eldest daughter, Evelyn, has shown great leadership skills and strong morals despite her young age. I believe she will be a good Prinze for you, and that she has the potential to be a good High Caln one day, with your teachings.

If you believe she is a good choice as well, or if you feel there might be someone else, please let me know. I am happy to offer other suggestions.

Sincerely, Your Brother,
Clyde

Griffin reread the letter again. He knew Clyde had many sons and daughters. As the Chieftain of Tribe-Ali, he was the only male dragon allowed to have eggs. But even then, Griffin hadn’t expected one of Clyde’s own young to be the first suggestion.

He sat back and thought for a moment. How old would Evelyn even be? Clyde had been Chieftain for a long time. Would Evelyn be the same age as his own son and daughter? Perhaps she was even younger than them. Griffin couldn’t remember anymore when Clyde had become Chieftain.

But with the suggestion, Griffin knew one thing for certain. If Clyde’s first suggestion was Evelyn, then she would be the best fit for the role of Prinze. Which meant he’d need to make the time to visit Tribe-Ali and bring her back to the castle. But to go there and back would be an entire day’s journey. Who could he leave in charge for that day while he was gone?

Griffin decided to visit Adelaide to figure out the answer. It was raining when he went to Everhart Manor. He had the sense to leave his cloak behind, but by the time he arrived, his fur was soaked through. The Manor’s servants were quick to let him in and bring towels to dry him.

Once he was no longer dripping wet, Griffin headed upstairs and found Adelaide’s bedroom. She greeted him with a worn down smile as her two week old hatchling, Hamlet, cooed under her wing.

“Laird Adelaide.” Griffin nodded in greeting. “Thank you for agreeing to see me.”

“The pleasure is mine, High Caln,” Adelaide said. “We will need to work together many times in the early years of your rulership.”

Despite their use of the new titles, there was an air of awkwardness surrounding them. Griffin shifted a little, then sat down.

“I have been sending letters to my brother in Tribe-Ali for the past two months,” he explained. “He has suggested a suitable dragon to be my Prinze.”

Adelaide’s eyes softened. “Griffin, I know my late husband chose you shortly after becoming High Caln, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow in his footsteps.”

Griffin shook his head. “This isn’t about doing what Gerold did. His death came quickly, and Misti is still sick…”

He stopped as the thought entered his mind. Misti had been recovering until last week. Then her condition shifted and she was worsening again.

Griffin screwed his eyes shut and continued, “My own mortality has become clear. If something were to happen to me, I need someone who can take my place.”

“I suppose I won’t be able to change your mind,” Adelaide said. “Very well, what is it you wish to ask me?”

“Well, I need to visit Tribe-Ali for a day to collect my Prinze,” Griffin explained. “It is customary for the Caln to step in while their spouse is away. However, Misti won’t be capable of that for quite a while. I wondered about asking you, but you have a hatchling to care for. So, instead, I would like to ask who you think a suitable dragon would be. Markos, perhaps?”

Adelaide hummed with thought. “He is certainly old enough, but he’s had trouble sleeping ever since Gerold died. I don’t know if he has it in him for a day of courts and critical thinking.”

“Alright.” Griffin paused to ponder who else could be up to the task.

“Why not ask Clement and Modesty?” Adelaide suggested.

“I admit, I considered that,” Griffin said. “But Clement would rather stay out of the spotlight and… I worry about how Modesty would behave.”

Adelaide nodded, looking thoughtful. “She would still be ideal, as your daughter. But perhaps she should have someone with her to help. She is still young after all.”

They both sat in silence for a minute as they tried to think of options.

“What about Luana?” Griffin suggested at last.

Adelaide’s eyes widened. “Luana? My daughter?”

“Think about it, Adelaide. She and Modesty are close in age; they grew up together, so they know each other; why wouldn’t this be a good match?” Griffin asked.

Adelaide was quiet for a moment. “I suppose you’re right. And it is just for one day.”

“Exactly.” Griffin smiled reassuringly. “Once I come back, Hiza Calndom will have a future ruler ready to dedicate their life to leadership.”

“Very well,” Adelaide said with a nod. “Just let me know what day you need me to send Luana to the castle.”