Chapter 2.

Months passed, and there was no sign of the Cruel Nation returning. So, life continued as normal in Johnston Town. The Grand Ball of Fellows continued once every month, as usual. Soon, the king and queen began planning for John's upcoming coronation ceremony. Passing on the family name, lineage, and legacy, in addition to appointing John as an official ruling prince of the land and wedding him to a reining lady was of top priority. Therefore, John began attending elite training with the Copeland military, where he learned special defense practices, wilderness survival, and social etiquette. John would become a strong, smart, and refined fellow, the leader his nation would need, want, and love.

One afternoon, while on his way to observe and score John’s new skills on a man to man practice battle, father noticed John peacefully sitting at an afternoon tea table with his mother. They enjoy cups of tea, cakes, and laughs just moments before the practice battle. 

“John,” father says. “I am so proud of you. You are just days away from completing your training. I know that you will make a great leader for Johnston town and all of the Regal Nation.”

 “Thank you father,” John replied.

“I am proud of him as well,” mother said. I know that you will also make a great husband and father, just like Copeland. I am sure you have learned alot about leadership, business,... and family relations due to your father being one of your trainers and mentors.”

“Yes, mother. I have learned a lot. I will make you and father proud."

“The battles are ready to begin!,” the score board holder and event host shouted louly, reaching the large audience of royal members, workers, and general assembly. John and his opponent, Carter Fieldsworth, ran to the battlefield to participate in the man to man practice battle, where they would practice their archery skills, swording capabilities, and quick thinking abilities. On the field, they stationed themselves, and were ready to begin.

John and Carter starred at each. Their eyes got red with intensity, as each second ticked on the clock, hovering above the score board. Once the bell rung, the score board holder shouter, "...and the battle begins!"

Carter takes the first shot. He shoots an arrow right above John’s head. It slices through his hair, barely missing his head. John takes the next shot. His arrow strikes a tiny baby tree nearby, but never gets close to Carter, as Carter is quick at jumping and lunging. Carter takes the next shot. He aims a sword straight through John’s clothing. It pierces a large hole in his shirt and slightly scrapes his chest. Blood gushes out, but John is still alive. John takes his next shot, right after being startled by father’s loud coughing. John misses Carter again. Carter is too clever and too fast on his feet.

“Are you alright dear,” mother asks the king, from at the top of the stands.

“Yes. Just a little cough,” father replies. “I hope I did not startle John. He has to pass this test, before moving on to his next training lesson.

“He will do just fine,” mother assures the king.

“Of course,” father says after coughing loudly again. His cough is so loud that it startles everyone in the stands, whom are watching the battle.

This time, Carter and John aim their arrows at each other at the same time. A second before releasing the arrows from their bows, King Copeland touches his heart and squeals in pain. John’s arrow slashes through Carter’s pants, tearing his clothing and causing a small scratch on his skin. Carter’s arrow terrifically pierces John’s right arm and blood pours out by the second. King Copeland has a heart attack and collapses onto the ground. Mother shrieks. 

“Father!,” John yells loudly as he quickly limps to the aid of his father as Carter’s arrow dangles from the side of his right arm. The event host announces that the battle will temporarily be placed on halt. Nearby nurses run to tend to the king and patch up John'sarm. A horse and carriage enters the battlefield and transports the king to the local hospital.

Moment’s later, John falls to the ground. A nurse rushes to wrap his wounded leg and wounded arm.

. . .

Days pass as John continues his training, in hopes of resuming his practice battle with Carter and aspiring to make his parents proud. After King Copeland spends his days in the hospital, he makes a call to action. The king sends for a mail carrier to mail letters around town, announcing that a coronation will take place in the West Chester Hospital, room 01. The queen, John, Copeland Nation military, and Johnston Townspeople gather in the king’s hospital room. Even though it is not the grand ballroom, King Copeland still grants John the right to be appointed as the new ruler.

Father begins to speak with an eerie and shaking voice, “I am not well, and my heart sickness has gotten worse. Therefore, I am granting John Henry Copeland the right to the throne under the title of ruler,” King Copeland says as the people in the room are sad that they may lose the king. “If I shall die, then I grant John Henry Copeland the right to the throne under the title of king.

“Copeland,” mother says as she gently caresses his face.

“Father. I am sure that you will be fine,” John replies. “I need you. We need you. The people of Copeland Nation need you.”

“No, the nation needs a leader,” the king coughs, coughs, and continues to cough. The nurses and doctors run into the room, as everyone else, with streams of tears, walks out the door, except for mother and John.

“John,” the king replies. “There are some things that I have not told you about the land expansion project.”

“What?”

“The land expansion... I am afraid it is too late to save everyone.”

“Father! What do you mean?”

“The men of Cruel Nation are on their way.” Father continues coughing as he touches his heart. Mother and John grab father’s hands. Father’s lips tremble and his hands get cold.

“Father speak.”

Father’s voice softens, “It is too late. The men of Cruel Nation are on their way.” 

“Why? Why are they coming? I thought everything was fine and back to normal. You did not say anything.”

“The nation is depending on you, John. Do not let me down. Do not let the nation down. You must go to my office and read the…”

“Read what?...”

 Father lays still and speechless. His eyes stare into space. His body becomes cold and ceases to move. Mother hovers over the king’s chest and mourns. John falls to his knees in sadness and in terror.