The Motives of Man

Moving within the shroud of darkness that blanketed the kingdom of Kells, a young man crossed the shadowy forest purposefully. Pushing aside tree branches and bushes that hung in his path with his barbed trident, the Mystic Knight journeyed through the darkness until he reached his destination. A breath contentment passing through his lips, Ivar lowered his body to the grass beside the pool of water, and listened to the peaceful strum of the waterfall that fed the lake in the distance.
Finally comforted after a long day of battles and stratagems, Ivar lay upon the crisp grass, letting his hand drop softly into the cool water. He moved his fingers within the pure substance, letting the cool temperature tickle his warm, sweaty palm. He brought some of the water to his face, and refreshed his skin with it. His muscles giving in to total relaxation, Ivar gazed at the night sky. It amazed him that, no matter how far away he was from his home country, the night sky looked exactly the same. All the familiar constellations were in perfect view, and the stars still blinked periodically, flashing their luminescence as if it was too wondrous to shine without interruption. At least, that was the explanation his father had told him in his youth, when he inquired about the night sky.
A quiet sigh escaped the young prince as his thoughts dwelled upon his family and home. It happened quite often, nearly ever night since his departure from the beautiful, bountiful land of Abissinia in search of a villainous foreign thief, that dared to steal the royal family's emblem.
Abissinia is a large kingdom, stretching from the west bank of the Mediterranean Sea across a vast portion of the coast, and reaching about a hundred miles inland. Within the constraints of the kingdom are verdant pastures, dense forests, searing deserts, and mountains that reached to the heavens. For several generations, the kingdom has been at peace with all its neighbors, allowing all the residents to enjoy their lives without fear of foreign threat. Throughout the vast land, there was food for all. Hardly anyone was in want. If there was ever the occasion where a drought occurred, and people didn't have the means to survive, the benevolent Sultan Imlac provided for his people.
Imlac was known throughout the Mediterranean as a wise, noble, and caring philosopher king. He prized the love and respect of his subjects, rather than their fearful obedience. He also took the time to deal with as many civil matters as possible personally, to ensure that everyone was considered justly. And somehow, he managed to put aside his ruling duties to attend to his children. He always dined with his family, traveled with them, and answered whatever questions that arose during their youth. It was clear that this mighty sultan had a strong heart, that was devoted to his people and his wife Ereshki and three children: Seth, Ivar, and Nekayah.
Ivar had nothing but fond memories of home. He dearly loved both his parents, as well as his older brother and twin sister. They lived a life of perfect happiness, their every need provided for, their ever desire met. Ivar had the love of his family, the adoration of the subjects, the awe of his peers, and the respect of his teachers. In Abissinia, he spent his time engaging is scholastic pursuits, honing his near-perfect fighting skills, and enjoying various games with his friends and siblings.
A life so careless and peaceful, left behind.
Ivar was forced to leave Abissinia. Of course, it wasn't by the edict of his father. Rather, it was by the proddings of his conscience. Several weeks ago, the palace was infiltrated by a despot, who dared steal the sacred silver chalice, the symbol of the monarchy in the kingdom. The thief managed to get by palace security, yet he was discovered by Ivar, who was wandering the halls late at night due to restlessness. Perhaps, it was fate that led the prince to that spot. He was granted the opportunity to stop the rogue in action, and save the chalice.
However, he failed. He let the criminal escape through the palace gates, from which he left the kingdom itself, and took to the sea.
Ivar couldn't forget his failure. It bothered him day and night, pushing him to make amends. So he begged his parents for leave to catch the criminal, and retrieve the chalice. The Sultan was loathe to send his son on such a mission, preferring to send a captain or some other soldier to find the treasure. Yet Ivar insisted, pointing out that he was the only individual to get a good look at the criminal, and thereby proving that he was the only one able to complete the mission successfully. Still, Imlac realized why his son wanted so desperately to leave. He understood Ivar's determination to prove himself, and so, he bade him go.
Ivar tracked the rogue to the Celtic Islands, where he searched day and night for any sign of him. It was during this search that he first met Rohan and Angus, two emissaries from the kingdom of Kells, sent by some higher power to find a way to save their realm from dark forces. Rohan convinced Ivar that he was fated to accompany them. Also, Angus offered to inform the young prince as to the whereabouts of the thief he searched for. Out of curiosity, as well as a desire to get some sort of lead on his own mission, Ivar traveled with the pair. Later, they were joined by Deirdre, princess of Kells, and were introduced to the legend of the Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog.
Ivar reached out, and lifted his trident from the ground. He held it above his head, watching the flashes of the stars reflect off the golden highlights of the weapon. He had faced the evil Sea Serpent of Temra with that weapon, and won the privilege of being the Mystic Knight of Water. He had fought countless battles with that weapon, defending Kells from the evil Queen Maeve. Defending a foreign land from a threat that was truly not his concern, instead of continuing his search for the chalice. Instead of continuing his quest to restore his honor.
"Why?" he asked the stars above, as if they somehow held the answer, "Why am I still here? Why have I allied myself with the Mystic Knights? Although they are dear friends, the sole purpose for my being on this island is to find the chalice. Yet, instead of search for it, I remain here, defending these alien shores from evil. Shouldn't I be more concerned for my own country? After all, I am a prince."
Ivar sighed when the stars above provided no answer. He realized that he wasn't the heir to the throne, considering Seth was the eldest child. Therefore, it wasn't as vital that he remained at court, since he wasn't likely to become Sultan. At home, he would have lived a quiet, mostly mundane life. True, he would have all his desires, but other than that, his life would be empty. As second son, he would have no position of power. He would be respected, but as more of a figurehead than a true power. And considering his love of adventure, it would be boring. Yet in Kells, he was a Mystic Knight. He woke up every morning to face another grand adventure, whether it be a daring rescue or facing a daunting magical opponent. The excitement of being a warrior in a country where warriors were needed was a good reason to stay in Kells.

Yet, Ivar was sure that wasn't the reason.
"My thirst for adventure wouldn't separate me from my family for this long. And it certainly wouldn't prevent me from finding my family's ancient chalice. Fun and games aren't as important as my honor at home."
Perhaps, it was loyalty? Not long after Ivar first met the other three eventual Mystic Knights, the team was forced by the faery king Fin Varra to pass a series of tests to prove their worthiness for the mystic weapons. Part of that test was getting past a room fit with walls that closed in. Ivar was stuck, unable to get between the small crevice and into safety. If it weren't for Rohan risking his own life to help hold back the walls, Ivar certainly would have perished. To demonstrate his gratitude, Ivar swore that he would ally himself with Rohan. It was certainly a promise that couldn't be broken.
Still, that promise didn't necessarily require Ivar to be a Mystic Knight. He could have given the trident to another worthy warrior, and returned to Abissinia in order to send legions of the realms greatest warriors. Surely his father wouldn't hesitate to come to the aid of a people so courteous as to save his son's life. And considering that Abissinia hadn't been at war in generations, the loss of a few hundred troops wouldn't hinder them. Those troops could fortify Kells much better than Ivar himself could. And his promise to Rohan would be fulfilled.
No, the promise didn't keep him on the shores of Kells. It didn't keep him from returning to his quest for the chalice in earnest. It didn't keep him from returning to his home and to his family, where he could commence his life of luxury and peace as before.
Dissatisfied with the result of his reflections, Ivar rose to his feet, hefting his lance, and made his way back to the palace. The question still disturbed him, yet he couldn't spend the entire night mulling over the dilemma. Surely, if he were patient, the answer to his question would make itself known. Still, he was certain that there was indeed something powerful that held him on this island. He didn't want to leave it. He missed his family dearly, but he didn't want to leave Kells behind. Something had made Kells his home. Something here had a firm grasp on his heart, and motivated his actions.
After a few minutes of walking, the sounds of the night were masked by soft music. Ivar moved quicker to discern the source of the melody, that kissed his ears like dewdrops in the morning.