INTRODUCTION:

        The boy stood next to his father, eyes down, shuffling his feet nervously.  "Stand up straight, boy," he was told.  "Remember who you are, and where you came from."

       Gulls circled overhead as they waited, the sea breeze blowing through their hair and the older man's beard.  They did not have long to wait.  Minutes later, a boat was rowed up to the rocky point of land where they stood, and several men dimembarked.

        "It's good to see you again, your lordship," the leader of the band of sailors said.  If the man he addressed was offended by the improper title given to him, he gave no sign.  "Is this the young lad?"

        "It is," the father said.  "This is my son.  He is a prince of the blood royal in his native land, and perhaps its future king.  Though he is young, you must treat him with proper courtesy."

       "Oh, we will, your lordship," the leader said, and his men nodded their agreement.  "But you understand, it's a hard life at sea, and accidents do happen..."

        "I am well aware.  You need not treat him with kid gloves.  My son is strong, stronger than he appears, and I am sure that he will be able to do any tasks that are required of him while he is in your care.  Do I need to explain the terms of our contract again?  For the next eight years you are to see to the proper education of my son.  Train him as you would any young officer on your ship.  In eight years' time I shall return for him, and I expect that at that point he will be ready to assume his proper duties as a prince, and a leader of men.  And you will be richly rewarded for your troubles.  Are we in agreement."

        The seaman smiled.  "Indeed we are.  But may I ask, surely there are ships and ship captains in your own waters.  Why do you wish him educated here, among foreigners, far from his home?"

        The father's expression darkened.  "I have my reasons.  They do not concern you.  However, I will tell you that there are those who would wish to do him harm, and this should be a place of relative safety for him from his enemies."

        "The lad has enemies?"

        "Powerful enemies, able to command forces beyond your imagining.  But I have taken great pains to remove him from their sight.  They should not be able to find him here.  But if somehow they do, I expect you to protect him at any cost."

        "You have my word on that, my lord."  The sea captain extended his hand.  "It's a pleasure doing business with you, Lord Oberon."

        Oberon did not grasp the man's hand, but instead gently pushed his son forward.  "Go with them, Caine.  They are your new masters now."

        The men took Caine to the boat and pushed away from the land, toward the great ship anchored in the distance.  Oberon watched in grim silence before returning to the land called Amber.