Hubert Nip

CHAPTER 1 (The HighTower)

   "Master Hubert, are you aware of your appointments today?" Dorcirca asked, while showing him various red colored shoes.

   "Well, I have decided to spend my day in the Cove. That reminds me of an early appointment I must attend. That is the transfer of illegal identification cards for a horde of goblins trying to relocate to a marsh in the Kingdom of Valenti."

   Dorcirca did not approve. "You are no longer a nip dealer and organizer of a Dark Market that forges identification cards for goblins. Those are not the hobbies for the future leader of HouseHubertus and on this morning, you are to..."

   Hubert walked over and placed a kiss on her hairy forehead. "You are correct. First, I must join the nobles in the Royal Dining Hall but only because the kitchen is on the way.

   Dorcirca was not able to stop him before he dashed out his bedroom door. "Wait! Royals of this House must be seen with more beet-red clothing!"

   Moments later, his shoes were slipping on the dusty rugs of a moldy hallway packed with discarded furniture. A wintry wind was entering through the broken windows and causing the doors to creepily sway open and close. He was slowing his pace when nearing three individuals. They were royal caballeros, the human guardians of the HighTower, and a unit of knights renowned for corruption that surpassed their talent in combat.

   Hubert forced a smile and nodded to avoid conversation before stepping to the side but one of the soldiers did the same. Then without pausing, he spun around, only to be blocked by another caballero. Hubert then turned, and turned again, but the three adults prevented him from leaving. Feeling the tension he asked. "Is this hostility because of last year's misunderstanding on the beach?"

   "How could I forget the beach misunderstanding that caused this to happen to my face." One of the caballeros exclaimed before leaning over and pulling up the patch that covered his eye.

   Hubert was looking closer. "What am I looking for? Wait, your eyeball does seem hazy but why are you asking me for a medical opinion?"

The caballero was leaning even closer. "Prince, look again."

   Hubert was now inches from the man's badly shaven face that reeked of onions. So near that he noticed his own reflection in the eye.

   When. "WHOOF! WHOOF! WHOOF!"The caballero barked and Hubert fearfully tripped backward over his own feet.

   Over the sound of roaring laughter,he heard. "Get up child, I joke with you, for my eye was lost months ago in a bar fight over a FootFoot bet."

   A figure was heard marching down the Royal Hallway and the three caballeros hastily returned to their post. There was a young man in silver armor strutting in their direction, and was instantly recognized as the Comandante Oro Moran. Who had more swagger than an entire squad of caballeros and was by far the fittest knight in the kingdom. "Friends, do not give our young prince too much praise or his head will never fit inside a battle helmet."

   Now in the presence of their leader the three caballeros fumbled with their beet-shaped helmets and attempted to straighten their posture.

   The Comandante Oro was pulling Hubert near his side as he addressed the three caballeros. "I apologize for interrupting the conversation but I wish to steal the young prince away. For we are late for breakfast."

   The caballeros were slapping hands on their thighs in the traditional Antillian salute, then after a nod to Hubert, made a rapid exit.

   Oro was kneeling and put his hands on the shoulders of Hubert. "Those caballeros were going to hurt you." He said with a grin.