Karsten was standing among the trees and watching the rest of the wizards of the family receiving their badges and being sent to their places of service. Wizards who were younger than him, but even after all these years and despite many efforts, he had not managed to finish his studies and get his badge.
The problem was his bad luck, the genetic defects that plagued his body and prevented him from using his magical powers properly. He asked himself many times why this happened to him. Could it be that he did something unforgivable in his previous life and is now being punished for it?
He liked to think so. At least this way it was easier for him to bear his situation. He turned his back on the awarding ceremony and started walking in the forest. The mysterious state of this place always gave him a good feeling. It was as if there was a secret hidden in it and it was waiting for Karsten to come and discover it.
He sat on a stone slab and thought to himself that he wished he could be in this good state forever and that the thought of being worthless would never come to him. He wishes he could discover the secret of his success. As he was immersed in his thoughts, he heard the sound of feet and turned his face towards the source of it, and seeing the owner of the sound, he got up from the stone and bowed.
"My prince, Orlin."
Orlin smiled and came to him.
"I didn't see you in the yard today, and I said to myself lest you're huddled in a corner and grieving."
Karsten smiled bitterly.
"I'm done grieving, my prince. I'm used to this pitiful situation."
"Let's take a little walk together."
And took his hand towards him. Karsten took the prince's hand and, as always, he felt something move in his heart. Touching Prince Orlin was like going from darkness into light, and it soothed Karsten's being.
As they held each other's hands, they walked in silence for a while and watched the green and dreamy landscape there, until Orlin said:
"I've been thinking for a while about how I can find a solution to your problem."
Karsten was shocked.
"My prince, you must not waste your precious time thinking about such things."
Orlin frowned and turned to him and said in a reproachful tone:
"How can you say such a thing? To look into your passionate eyes and be indifferent to it?"
Karsten, whose cheeks were now red, bit his bottom lip slightly and said nothing. Orlin continued:
"I've been doing a lot of research on genetic defects and the name I've come across a lot is Professor Radbert in Fropoidom. You and I will go there together and meet that professor and ask him to help."
Karsten's eyes widened in surprise.
"But you are the prince of this country. You cannot leave it and go on such a long journey."
"My dear Karsten, until your problem is resolved, my presence here will be useless. There is a turmoil in my heart that will only be calmed by your happiness."
Tears of joy filled Karsten's eyes and he took Orlin's hands in his and squeezed them as a sign of gratitude.
"Thank you, my prince."
And that's how Karsten and Orlin embarked on their great adventure, a path that was not without danger, but the bond between them had the power to overcome anything.
