by P D Atkerson
Dasety cleared his throat. “The prince is right. No one said she had to know it was us. It’s the best plan of action, if you want Shenock.”
“Then we’ll just have the Loyal Warriors kill them both, won’t we?” King Munay asked, turning towards Enrick. “At least they might be able to finish the job.”
“But I want to kill Aroron!” Enrick spat, jumping to his feet. “I brought you the Feeler, who in turn gave you Epherny. What else must I do to prove myself to you?!”
“Silence!” King Munay snapped. “Sit back down. You had your chance at him, and you let him get away. If anyone gets to kill him, it won’t be you.”
“I will not sit back down. Why am I even here, if you won’t even listen to what I have to say?” Enrick hissed. “I might as well be someplace else!”
“Leave!” King Munay yelled, pointing towards the door. “Then maybe we’ll get somewhere.”
Enrick felt his cheeks begin to burn, but he ignored it as he shoved his chair out of his way and marched towards the door, his head held high. His father would not take his honor away!
* * *
As the door closed behind Enrick, the 'bang!' seemed to awaken King Munay from his anger.
"What is the matter with that boy?!" Munay growled. "He's been acting like this for weeks now! He’s worse than when his mother was dying. What’s the matter? I’ll never understand him."
Dasety smiled, then shrugged. "I'm sure it's nothing, my lord.” He said. “The prince is just being a teenager, my king. I'm sure he'll grow out of it very soon and will go back to himself."
“But ‘himself’ hates me too.” Munay mumbled. “That’s something that will never change. Not that I much blame him.” The king cleared his throat, suddenly remembering that the nobles and the Loyal Warriors were there. “So, what do the rest of you say?” he asked.
A mumble of agreement ran through them, not that Munay had expected any of them to disagree with him. It was their job to agree with him, Enrick had been the first to stand up against him. He’s so much like his mother. King Munay thought to himself.
“I’m sure whatever you choose to do, will be the best course of action.” Dasety said.
"Yes, yes. I'm sure you're right." King Munay said, waving him off. “Back to what we were talking about.” he said, sitting up straight again. “What do we do if someone recognizes him?”
“Aroron, you mean?”
“Yes!” King Munay hissed. “What do we do if they remember him? As I’m sure you’ll recall, he visited Shey every year, as a child.” King Munay said. “What will happen if someone realizes who he is? We have more trouble than just Dillaran.”
"Luck, my lord?" Dasety asked, shrugging. “We can hope they don't figure it out before we take care of him.
"'Luck?'" King Munay repeated, with a snort. "There's no such thing." He said, then he sighed. "What if it happens, Dasety? What if that little brat beats me? I can't... I can't lose everything. Not again."
"Surely, you don't really believe that could happen? Do you, my lord?" Dasety asked, moving closer to the throne. "You'd never let him win." He said, placing his hand on the King's shoulder. “We just need to take care of him.”
"You're right.” Munay growled. “He's been a thorn in my side for too long."
“Whoever you send to take care of King Dillaran and Aroron, must be careful.” Dasety said. “It won’t be safe for them inside the city, once they’ve done their job.”
"I know, that's why Enrick will go with the Loyal Warriors." King Munay said, smiling. "Maybe when he comes back, he'll be in a better mood. If he does die, well... we'll deal with it."
“If I may ask,” The captain of the Loyal Warrior said, standing up. “Who do you wish for me to send to kill the king?”
King Munay studied the Loyal Warrior for a long moment, before speaking. “Kant, you will take three Loyal Warriors of your choosing and will kill Aroron, while Enrick makes his way towards the royal chambers.” King Munay said. “He will take care of Dillaran.”
* * *
Even though Dasety didn’t care if Shenock fell into Karlien hands or not, he planned on using it for his own advantage. There had to be a way for him to use this to get back to Epherny, without anyone noticing he was gone.
If he didn’t do it soon, he knew Luse would make him pay dearly.
His mind was reeling with everything he had to do, as he stepped out of the throne room and into the hallway, followed by the rest of the council. If only there was a way for him to send someone else in his place.
Kant! The idea seemed to hit him out of nowhere.
Dasety smiled. He knew just what he needed to do! He looked around and spotted the Loyal Warrior.
“Kant, come with me.” Dasety said, motioning to him. “I may have something to help you kill Aroron.”
“Yes, sir.” Kant said, hurrying over to him. “Where must we go?”
“It is in my chambers.” He said. “Come, this way.” Dasety led him to his chambers, his mind already working his plan out. He knew just what he needed to do, as he stepped into his chamber and motioned Kant inside.
“What was it you had for me?” Kant asked, licking his lips as he rubbed his hands together and looked around the room that was more of a physician’s lab, than a chamber. “Is this where you made the Former Omit?” he asked. “That was quite the weapon you gave King Munay.”
The idiot! That was nothing compared to the power of Luse. “No, this is not where I made that.” He said. “This is my personal lab.”
“Okay… so what do you have for me?” Kant asked again.
“It’s over here.” Dasety said, moving to the corner where a cage sat, covered by a cloth. With one swift yank, Dasety pulled the cloth off the cage and revealed what was beneath.
“A Draven?” Kant asked, stepping close, he reached towards the cage.
The Draven shrieked and snapped at Kant’s hand, as the candlelight glittered off its metal feathers. Its fierce beak looked sharper than a blade, its black eyes darted around the chamber.
“How is a Draven going to help me?” Kant said, stepping back from the creature. “That wild thing will kill me just as easily as Aroron.”
“Well, you’ll just have to control it.”
Kant eyed Dasety. “And how will I do that?”
“You’ll bond with it, and then you'll be able to control it.” Dasety said. “How do you think we’re able to use them for messengers?”
Kant shrugged. “I guess I never really thought about it. What must I do?” he asked, turning to Dasety. “To bond with the creature, I mean.”
“You must mix this, with your blood.” Dasety said, holding a bottle of black liquid out to Kant.
“What is that?” He said, sneering as he took it from him.
“Draven blood.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Kant said, staring down at the bottle.
“Go on, do it.”
Shaking his head, Kant pulled out a knife and cut his finger, then hesitated before shoving it into the bottle. “This better work!” he growled.
“Now, close your eyes and open your mind up to the Draven.” Dasety ordered.
“This is just weird.” Kant mumbled, as he did what he was told.
Kant screamed out in pain and dropped to his knees, clutching his head as he rocked himself back and forth like a child. His whole body trembled. “What did you do to me?” he cried out.
“I never said it was easy to bond with one.” Dasety said, laughing. “This is the price you must pay to be able to bond with a Draven.”
Kant glared at Dasety; his eyes filled with pain. “You might have left that part out!” he growled.
“Believe me, it’s worth it!” Dasety said, grinning. “Well, worth it.”
What Kant didn’t know was, by bonding with the Draven, he’d also allowed Dasety into his mind, if only for a moment. But that was all the time he needed.
It was within that moment, Dasety had planted a t
hought in Kant’s head.
While Kant had still been in burning pain, Dasety grabbed hold of his head and looked him straight in the eyes. “When you are finished with your mission in Shey, you will not return to Karlay, but will instead go to Epherny and do as I’m about to tell you.”
* * *
It was decided that two days after the meeting, Enrick and the Loyal Warriors would leave for Shey. On that day, Enrick found himself lonelier than normal. He missed his mother more than he wished to admit to himself.
There was only one person in the castle he wished to see before he had to leave for Shey.
So, early in the morning, Prince Enrick found himself standing outside the doors into the castle nursery. At least, the new nursery as you might call it. He doubted his father would allow anyone to use the one that generations of Strangehearts used. That nursery was on the other side of the castle.
Carefully and quietly, he shoved the door open and stepped into the nursery. This was the same room Enrick had slept in when he was a child. Not much of it had changed, except for now, it was all pink and girly looking.
He had so many memories here, all of them with his mother. He wasn’t even sure his father ever stepped foot in here. Enrick pushed these memories back, as he edged his way towards the cradle in the center of the room and bent over the side of it.
Laying there peacefully, was Princess Salmay, his half-sister. Short, curly brown hair covered her head and ran around her pink little cheeks. As if she’d known he was standing there, her big eyes opened and she giggled.
How can a child so beautiful and sweet, belong to two such terrible people? He wondered, running his finger across her soft cheek. She was so gentle, and he’d never heard her cry. Smiling down at her, he carefully lifted her up and held her in his arms.
This child was the only family he had anymore. She was more his family than their father was. Enrick couldn’t explain why, but he’d loved her the moment he first saw her. It didn’t matter to him, who her mother was.
She was his sister and he loved her because of that, but he almost wished it wasn’t true. She deserved a better life than the one she’d been born into, a happier one than she’d have in this castle’s dingy towers.
“Salmay,” he whispered. “I’m sorry you couldn’t have been born to a kind farmer and his wife, but that’s not what you were born into. You and I have the same fate.” He’d barely finished speaking, before he heard the sound of the door opening behind him.
Enrick turned just in time to see Queen Willow enter the nursery. She was looking down at something, and at first, she didn’t see him.
“Oh!” she gasped, stepping back. “Enrick, what are you doing here?” Queen Willow asked, stiffening when she saw him standing there holding Princess Salmay.
“What do you think I’m doing here?” Enrick said, not even bothering to look up at her. “I came to say goodbye to Salmay.”
“And where are you going now?” the queen asked, ringing her hands as she watched Salmay closely. She acted like she was afraid Enrick would drop her or something. She didn’t know how much he cared for her.
“We’re going to check on Debel, make sure King Aledo's following father’s orders.” Enrick told her. That’s the story they were telling everyone at least. “A few Loyal Warriors are going with me.”
“Oh?” Queen Willow said. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourself.”
Before Enrick could say anything else, someone knocked on the door and it opened again.
“My lord? I’m glad I could find you.” The servant said, bowing. “Sir Kant sent me to inform you, the rest of the Loyal Warriors are ready for the journey.”
That meant it was time for Enrick to leave, and quite possibly never return. “Alright, I’ll be with you momentarily.” Carefully, he handed Salmay back to Willow. “Take care of her.” Prince Enrick said, kissing the baby on the forehead before he turned towards the door.
“She’s my daughter, not yours.” The queen whispered. “I always take care of her.”
“Just know this Willow, she is my sister, whether you like it or not.” Enrick said, stepping back towards the door. “As my sister, she falls under my protection. So, you’d better not use her as a pawn against me, or I will make you suffer for it. I’ll protect her from anyone who might harm her, including you.” With that, he left the nursery.
Enrick straightened out his sword and followed the servant to the main court yard, where his horse was waiting for him. He swung up into the saddle and turned towards the bridge. The rest of the Loyal Warriors did the same.
It’s time to kill a king. Enrick thought to himself, prodding his horse forwards.
* * *
Aroron had been in the Shenockien Palace for a month now, and he’d spent most of that time with either Telarian, or Gana, when the Prince didn’t want him around. That’s why he found himself with her again, while Telarian did something before the feast that night.
“So, what’s the feast I’m expected to go to like?” Aroron asked, walking beside Gana as they strolled through one of the many court yards within and around the Palace. “I’ve never been to one before.
She hooked her arm through his and laughed. “Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll survive it.” Lady Gana said. “They’re really not that different from a normal meal.”
“I just don’t understand the fascination nobles have with ‘feasts’.” Aroron said, shaking his head. “Why must they eat so much? Or at least, not make such a big deal about it?”
Gana shrugged. “Honestly, I never thought about it. It’s always been a part of my life. I’ve never known anything different.”
“Well, I have.” Aroron said, just as another boy entered the court yard. Without warning, the boy ran at Aroron and slammed into him.
Without even having to think about what he was doing, Aroron kicked the boy’s legs out from under him, shoving him to his knees, then Aroron grabbed the boy’s arm. “And who are you?” Aroron asked, holding the boy’s arm behind his back. “I don’t think we’ve met.”
“I’m the person would should be the prince’s personal bodyguard!” the boy hissed, trying in vain to break free of Aroron’s grip.
“Oh, Marlon, please! You and I both know you weren’t going to be chosen, even if Aroron hadn’t shown up.” Lady Gana said, shaking her head at him. “Aroron, let him go.”
Reluctantly, Aroron did as she asked and let go, shoving him away. “Don’t do something like that again.” He hissed, glaring at the boy. “Come on, Gana. Let’s go.”
“I don’t think so.” Marlon said. Before Aroron had a chance to leave, Marlon quickly yanked off his gauntlet and tossed it at his feet. “I challenge you!”
“You really want to do that? After I bested the prince?” Aroron asked, eyeing the boy. “Do you really want me to make a fool of you too?”
“Don’t worry, you won't.” Marlon said. “Because I won’t lose to you.”
“Fine.” Aroron said, shrugging as he reached under his coat and drew his sword. “If this is your wish, then I grant it.”
* * *
At night time, the desert between Shey and the forest was as cold as the Winter Pass, and nearly as eerie and quiet as the Dark Castle. In front of them Shey loomed on the horizon, a creepy black form that reminded Enrick of some kind of creature or monster, slowly inching its way towards them.
They decided to leave their horses behind, before crossing the desert. So, as the moon crept behind the cloud, Enrick and the Loyal Warriors were invisible to the guards keeping watch.
It was early morning, when they reached the city’s gates. As soon as they opened, Enrick and the Loyal Warriors were some of the first through. Once they were deep into the city, Enrick separated from the Loyal Warrior. They all knew full well that they’d meet again, if they all did their jobs.
Enrick had been to Shey before, so he knew his way around better than most visitors. He slipped silently through the streets, slowly edging his way toward
s the Palace. He wanted to get a feel of the place before night fell again.
It was easier than he’d expected to make his way into the Palace. There were so many open window archways. Though he knew, it wasn’t going to be so easy to get into the royal chambers.
Prince Enrick was just passing one of the archways as he hurried down the path through the Palace, when he heard a familiar voice and it caused him to freeze.
“Aroron?” he whispered, edging forwards. Was he in the Palace? That wasn’t what Kant was expecting. Enrick looked down below him, and that’s when he saw him. If Aroron was in the Palace, this changed things for them. Maybe Enrick would get his wish after all.
In the shadows of the wall overlooking one of the Palace court yards, Enrick watched Aroron duel one of the other boys. He could tell, even from high up there, that Aroron wasn’t giving it his all. If he had, the boy would already be sprawled out on the muddy ground.
Aroron was noble, that would most likely be his down fall.
“See you in the afterlife, Aroron.” He whispered, stepping back into the shadows. Enrick turned around and hurried down the hall.
* * *
Chapter 17
Feast of Peace
Dueling with Marlon had been child’s play for Aroron. The boy obviously thought he was much better than he was, to even think about winning against Aroron. He’d let Marlon think that he might have a chance to win.
But he could only drag it out for so long, before he had to change and get ready for the feast. As it turned out, it took him a lot less time than he’d expected it to take, and he found himself waiting outside the dining hall, long before anyone but the servants arrived.
Because he wasn’t a noble, Aroron had to wait outside until everyone had arrived before entering the hall.
So, when the time finally came and the doors were opened to all, Aroron had nearly fallen asleep a dozen times. He shook himself and stood up, then followed after another servant, as he entered the dining hall.
The long table in the center of the dining hall was packed with dozens of people. Stuck up and full of themselves. Aroron thought to himself. They must be noble. He'd only taken two steps into the dining hall, when one of the Palace guards stepped in front of him, blocking his way. He held his hand out towards Aroron.
