Ivar was on his way to yet another kingdom to the South. He was walking along his Clydesdale stallion, Ares, for now. The poor horse was probably exhausted carrying him, even though Ares was quite large, even for his breed. As the dawn approached, and the golden light of day spread across the hills, the kingdom came into view. It was smaller than he expected.

He sighed as he stopped and patted the stallion’s neck. “Into the mouth of the lion, old friend?” he asked, as if expecting Ares to say no.

Unfortunately, his companion couldn’t speak, and simply nickered in reply. As if he actually understood, Ivar nodded begrudgingly and began to walk toward the gates. The guards knew of his arrival, but he could still see the sheer horror on their faces when they actually saw him in person.

“A monster,” is what people whispered on the streets.

Regardless of his less than welcoming first impression, he made it to the palace and gave Ares off to a stable boy. He might have given a small threat if any harm should come to his companion, but no one could confirm it. He entered the halls, following a sweating palace official, before he was brought before the king and queen. They made their lengthy, embellished introductions, but Ivar didn’t respond. He never did.

When he finally realized he was not planning on kissing their feet, they summoned someone else into the throne room. He was more than a little surprised when who he assumed was the heir walked in. Then they revealed his new job. A guard for their first-born. Who in their right mind hired someone like him to play babysitter?

What idiots.

Regardless, that’s how he found himself walking through the courtyard gardens with the first-born, listening to them talk. They didn’t ramble, which he appreciated, but it was clear they were trying to make small-talk, which wasn’t. He only talked to Ares nowadays. The screws next to his ears and under his jaw constantly pulled on his skin when he opened his mouth, which was how he gained the reputation of the Silent Fiend. Though, apparently, this heir hadn’t heard of his title as they continued trying to make conversation.