It was many hours later, early evening in fact as Zenethor sat in his study pondering over the events of the past day, when there was a soft knock at his door.
"Enter!" He called out, and was more than surprised when it open and Sabre stepped in closing the door behind himself.
"Can we speak Master Zenethor?" He asked shyly.
Zenethor gestured to a chair by the fire and the young man slid himself into it and regarded him anxiously.
" I am sorry!" Sabre blurted out.
"I didn't mean to get you angry with Abigor.....I am sorry I made him angry too....he hates me more now it seems."
The old Master sat back and listened quietly as the Prince unburdened himself, Zenethor did actually understand the Prince as he did Abigor, the Prince was coming of age, alone, isolated from his peers by an over protective, overbearing father, he was curious about the world, desperate to make friends.
"I just tried to fight to prove myself.....I seem to have made him furious now!"
Zenethor shook his head.
"You did no less than expected Sabre, if you had not taken that opening I would have seen it and whipped you for not doing so....you are learning....Abigor should have swallowed his damn pride and praised you....not belittle you as he did."
Sabre stared at the floor and shrugged.
"I also went out last night....I almost got into a situation.....he helped me.....Master please.....did you punish him Kora and Uric?" He asked earnestly.
Zenethor now looked curiously at the Prince.
"I did.....I have ended their liberty to go to the Bonfires of Solstice."
Sabre closed his eyes....they would all hate him now, they had been stopped from going to the event that every demon wanted to be at. He had heard about the revels and feasting, it sounded fun.
"Please let them go......I will take their punishment....I won't be allowed to go anyway....The King never lets me go....even escorted.
Zenethor smiled, if only Abigor knew how unspoilt the Prince actually was.....how desperately he wanted to be liked and have a friend.
"That will be a long punishment Sabre.....all three were to miss the event and carry out battle drills....that would make it all night for you....under my eye!"
Sabre nodded, his face determined, he would do it.
"Very well my Prince.....I Will send word to all three their punishment is rescinded and that they may go...shall I say why?" Zenethor asked.
Sabre shook his head.
"No....Abigor will just think I am pulling rank or something.....it would just give him another reason to hate me more." He said softly.
"Thank you for listening Master......I just wish more people did.....I cannot help who or what I am....I wish I wasn't the Prince sometimes."
He went to rise and Zenethor rose and caught his wrist.
"You are a worthy successor Sabre and a good young man.....too good for a demon.....now get back to your room...Ana will be fretting over where you have gotten too."