[ WP ] You discover the message meant to be given to `` The Chosen One '' was wrongfully given to you .

“ What do you mean, ‘ You ’ re not the Chosen One? ’ ” 
 
 “ Well, you ’ re not, are you? ” Lonyx chuckled. 
 
 Jored spun around to face his accuser. “ Of course I am! The prophecy clearly states— ” 
 
 The broad-shouldered knight held his gloved hand up, commanding silence. “ If there ’ s one thing I ’ ve learned about prophecies, it ’ s that they ’ re *far* from clear. ” 
 
 “ What do you know, you— ” 
 
 Before Jored could utter the next word, the blade was pressed firmly against his throat. Lonyx glared at him from the other end of the massive sword. “ You ’ ll mind your tongue when you address your betters, boy. ” Jored nodded and the pressure on his Adam ’ s apple abated. The knight sheathed the weapon, not taking his steel gray eyes off the spindly boy for a moment. “ The next time you insult me, I ’ ll be less likely to forgive. Mute companionship is preferable to rudeness. ” 
 
 Jored wisely chose silence. 
 
 They continued through the forest for some time before either spoke. 
 
 “ Why don ’ t you believe I ’ m the Chosen One? ” 
 
 Lonyx chuckled again. “ What have you done that ’ s worthy of the title? ” 
 
 “ The river? ” 
 
 “ Anyone could have seen it was shallow enough to cross there. ” 
 
 “ But I tested it first! ” 
 
 “ …with your face, if I recall. ” 
 
 Jored was still sore on that point. He rubbed his bruised cheek with the back of his hand. 
 “ Well, there was that band of trolls— ” 
 
 “ You were a distraction. ” 
 
 “ I was a pretty good distraction! ” 
 
 The knight ’ s next words were marked with distain. “ Go on. ” 
 
 “ The horses. ” 
 
 “ Paid for before you stole them. ” 
 
 “ The wolves. ” 
 
 “ Scared off by fire. ” 
 
 “ The other wolves. ” 
 
 “ Coincidence, ” Lonyx replied, though even he was a bit perplexed by that one. Starving wolves don ’ t usually leave easy prey behind. 
 
 “ You ’ ll see. Once we find the Oracle, I ’ ll realize my destiny! ” 
 
 The knight sincerely hoped this was the case. He had had quite enough of protecting someone who couldn ’ t even collect firewood properly. 
 
 -- -- 
 
 The grove glowed with brilliant green light. Jored ’ s eyes twinkled with wonder as he beheld the majesty of the mystical being in front of him. 
 
 “ Oh Forest Oracle, ” he began, kneeling before the shimmering vision. “ Long may you live in peace and harmony! ” 
 
 Lonyx rolled his eyes. 
 
 “ I have come to find my purpose, Great Spirit of the Woods! Please grant me your counsel so that I may realize my chosen destiny! ” 
 
 The Forest Oracle stirred. 
 
 * “ Step forward, Lonyx, son of Lonador, knight of the Eastlands. ” * 
 
 Jored cleared his throat. “ Excuse me… sorry to interrupt, but I ’ m the one asking for help here. Lonyx is just my protector. ” 
 
 * “ He is the protector of all, savior of the realm, and the future king. All hail Sir Lonyx! ” * 
 
 “ No, you ’ ve got it all wrong. See, I ’ m the Chosen One. ” 
 
 The Forest Oracle looked Jored up and down. 
 
 * “ No you ’ re not. He is. ” * 
 
 “ But the prophecy clearly states— ” 
 
 Lonyx stepped forward and bowed to the oracle. “ The honor is all mine, Great Spirit. Tell me what I must do. ” 
 
 Jored pushed the knight aside, determined. “ Now see here, Oracle, I demand an audience. The Chosen One will not be ignored! ” 
 
 “ You forget your place, boy. ” 
 
 “ And you forget yours, old man! ” 
 
 The sword flashed from its sheath, its massive blade illuminated in the green glow for a moment before cleaving Jored neatly in half. The boy sputtered and fell, splattering the rich earth with his dark blood. 
 
 Lonyx wiped the messy blade on the grass, returning it to its place at his side. Only then did he look up at the horrified face of the Forest Oracle. The Chosen One chuckled. 
 
 “ Poor choice? ” 
 
 -040
