by R. T. Cole
Vandal remembered the day when his father told him a harsh truth. “One day I won’t be here to show you what it means to be a Palidor,” Victor had said. “You need to learn what you can and pass on the knowledge to your children.”
Vandal was only a child at the time, but knew to ask, “What knowledge do I pass on, Father?”
Victor smiled down at his son with that half-smile that Vandal came to know so well. He knelt in front of Vandal, looked right into his eyes and said, “The most important thing you’ll ever know: how to protect your family.”
Vandal never forgot those words, but realized that he may have distorted them over the years. The only way he knew how to protect them all was to eventually keep them all away from warfare. He knew that Thasus was upset at being appointed his advisor, and he was aware of Rudimere’s longing for glory and renown; Andemar was always somewhat of a pacifist, even though his priorities aligned with Vandal once he had a family of his own; but, now was the time for a change.
“Your grandfather taught me a long time ago that I should do what’s best for the protection of the family,” Vandal stated to his sons. They hung on every word. “I may have been misguided over the years, but no more. King Kelbain means to rule Areon, or destroy anyone in his way,” Vandal said with a purpose. He stood up and unsheathed his sword, pointing it directly in front of him. “This is the genesis of a new war, and I say that we get in the damned fool’s way.” he said simply, as though it would be the easiest task for them to accomplish.
Thasus stood right up and unsheathed his own sword, placing it on top of his father’s.
“For Angelia.”
Rudimere was quick to follow suit, already standing, as he placed his sword on top of theirs. “For Angelia,” he said with a determined look on his face.
Andemar almost seemed hesitant at first, but he took out his sword. He placed both of his hands around the hilt, pointing the sword upward and said, “For Areon.”
Thasus and Rudi lifted their heads and their swords as well and repeated their brother’s words. Vandal looked at Andemar with great pride and did the same. He then sheathed his sword, while the three sons of House Palidor proceeded to sheathe theirs. “I’m proud of you all, my sons,” Vandal said heartwarmingly. For the first time in years, even with the looming threat of war that faced them all, he wasn’t worried about the three great men that stood before him. “Now, to the matter at hand.”
Thasus and Andemar sat down in their chairs, while Rudi took his place and stood directly in front of his father, ready to receive whatever assignment came his way. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a certain look on Andemar’s face. His brother looked attentive to what his father was about to say, but also a bit worried. Curiousness and confusion swept across Rudi’s mind, but their father began to speak.
“Thasus,” he said as he looked over to his right, “I need you to ride north, to the Frostford. You must speak with Cale Brock on behalf of the East.”
Thasus widened his eyes. “Father…we haven’t had dealings with the Northerners in a long time…” he began to say.
“We need them as allies in this war and we need their strength, son,” Vandal pointed out. “Maven Brock and your grandfather were close friends; try to use that to our advantage.” Even Vandal didn’t fully believe the words coming out of his own mouth, but he knew that if anything went wrong, Thasus could defend himself.
The reality of the situation started to settle in for Thasus. He had only just realized that his father was sending him to the North alone. “Father, you know that I’ve done my best as your advisor, and you also know that I’ve ached to be more involved in these sort of matters,” Thasus said. “So, you must also know that sending me to the North without an army at my back could result in my death,” Thasus stated with a serious tone, one that he made sure his father understood.
Vandal reached over to his firstborn and put a hand on his shoulder. He looked directly into Thasus’s eyes as they gleamed in the light and said, “I know what I ask of you, son. But, know this: this is extremely important to all of Areon, not just Angelia, not just the East. I know I can count on you to get the job done.” As he continued to hold his son’s gaze, he noticed Thasus lift his chin and nod his head in agreement. Vandal nodded to him as well and took his hand off of his shoulder, but quickly looked back to remind him, “Besides, if you were to show up with an army, in the North of all places, we both know that they’d attack first and ask questions later.” He let a hint of a smirk show on his face.
Thasus chuckled to himself at this, but then thought of something troublesome. “Father, the Frostford is only accessible through Whitecrest, the ruling kingdom in the North,” He paused a moment before continuing and said, “Will King Cyrus have an issue allowing me to pass?” he asked, already knowing the answer.
Vandal sighed. “Cyrus Norton has always been impossible to please. If we sought his help, you’d find him to be of little help in our cause. You know of his issues with your uncle,” he reminded Thasus. “That being said, I leave the decision up to you. If you choose to openly cross into Whitecrest, the King will want an audience with you once he finds out who you are. If you sneak through, you risk being discovered, and…that could be problematic,” he said honestly. “The Brocks are our true hope for a Northern ally.”
Thasus nodded his head. “Yes, Father,” he said.
Vandal turned to his other side, toward Andemar. His son straightened his back, almost preparing for something terrible to happen. Vandal couldn’t help but give Andemar half of a smile when he said, “Andemar, you will remain here in Angelia.”
The relief that came over Andemar was sudden and swift. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. At a time of need such as this, the shock that his father wasn’t going to send him to war was a very real one. But, it was what he wanted, and Vandal knew that. By staying here, he could be with his family and look after them. Nothing would please his wife and children more. “I’m overwhelmed, Father,” Andemar said finally. “Thank you.”
Vandal nodded at his son’s respect for his decision, but added, “There’s more, son. Although you will remain in the city, I need your skills and discipline to teach our soldiers how to fight. Our last master-at-arms has passed on, as you know, and we need someone to take his much-needed place.” Vandal sought a response from Andemar, but received another wide-eyed look, just as with Thasus. He began to worry that Andemar wouldn’t like this aspect of the bargain. “I need you, son,” he said sincerely. “Will you do this for me?”
Andemar had noticed his own face and thought that his father had the wrong idea. He wasn’t upset at the idea; he was delighted. Not only would he get to stay home with his family, but he also found great honor in being the new master-at-arms and relished the thought of training new recruits into hardened soldiers. “Of course, Father,” he said with great pride.
Vandal smiled before looking to his youngest son. His smile faded slightly as he thought to his conversation with Victor earlier. He knew that Rudimere was a dreamer and unyielding, and that could be dangerous, but resolved to follow his own father’s sentiments. “Rudimere,” he began to say with some hesitation. But, he noticed his son awaiting the orders that he had waited for his whole life and continued, “I am putting you in charge of a squadron of soldiers. You will begin moving south, passing through Stoneshield, where your uncle will be waiting to lend you aid. Much like Thasus, I want you to visit with the Lords of the East before traveling further south.”
Rudi looked at his father, stunned. “Further south?” he asked. He knew how much of an honor it was to represent the King of the East, but if he was traveling south, that could only mean one thing.
Vandal nodded and said, “In the South, you will journey to Summerhold with the intention of speaking to King Wilfred.”
At this point, Rudi thought his father was an impostor. This wasn’t what he was expecting, although he wouldn’t complain. His father was asking him to lead s
oldiers to other cities, using roads where they could be attacked by murderers, Sages, or even monsters on the way…and Rudi couldn’t have been happier. Though he tried not to let his excitement show too much, he had to voice his thoughts. “You want me to speak with the King of the South and convince him to be our ally against Kelbain?” It was a test, really. Rudi wanted to be sure that his father wasn’t making this decision out of pity, or for any other reason than for the fact that Rudi was ready for this.
As with Thasus and Andemar, Vandal looked at Rudimere with certainty and said, “You have a way of convincing others to follow your lead, son. You’re charismatic and charming, and at times stubborn and headstrong,” he added truthfully. “But, you’re persistent, no matter the consequences, and that’s why I need you for this task.” He looked around to Rudimere’s brothers again, saying, “That’s why I need all of you. I trust only you three to get the job done.” Looking back at Rudimere, Vandal inquired, “Will you accept?”
Rudi discerned that it must’ve taken a lot for his father to admit to the years of over cautiousness on his part. It was a big step for the both of them, and for all of them, as a family. A strange feeling came over Rudi at that moment; he began to think of the next time he would see his brothers and his father again once he left the city. Fear engulfed him for that brief moment, but he maintained his composure, thinking only of how he would fulfill his duty with honor. He lowered himself to one knee before his father and said, “I accept, Father; and I will succeed in rallying allies to our side.”
Vandal nodded and stood up, motioning his sons to stand as well. “Tonight, we’ll continue with Rudimere’s feast. Let’s have no more talk of this war during the celebration,” Vandal said with a wave of his hand. “Tomorrow, we make the necessary preparations and then we will all do our duty: as Palidors.”
Rudi was ready. His whole life led to this moment; it was unexpected today, but he knew it would happen eventually. This is turning out to be a pretty good birthday, after all, he quipped to himself. Suddenly, he remembered something he wanted to ask his father in the event that this day ever occurred. His father mentioned that soldiers would be accompanying him on this journey, but he had to try and ask anyway. “Father, I request permission to choose more companions for this mission.”
“You have someone in mind?” Vandal wondered.
Rudi smiled and said, “Yes, actually. Two of the best.”
Chapter 5
THE FUTURE QUEEN
The blaze of the torches lit the room like an evening sunset, her favorite time of day. It was bright enough to still see what you needed to, but the darkness masked anything else unwanted, if only slightly. The bedchamber wasn’t the largest in existence, but it was certainly the biggest in all of Zenithor. Royalty and regality ruled the walls of the room, as the House banners adorned every single one of them, which seemed to annoy the future queen.
Dirce was looking forward to becoming a ruler of Zenithor, but thought that Kelbain could stand to take down a flag or two; but, this was his room, and she had no say in its décor, especially as she lied naked in bed next to the King himself. She reminded herself to continue playing the part of dutiful soon-to-be wife and to ignore the little things that bothered her. She thought of the day before, when she used her powers to play with Kelbain’s mind, and remembered what she saw there. This was knowledge she’d keep to herself, of course, but she still pondered what to do with the information. She noticed Kelbain begin to stir.
“What are you thinking about, my love?” he asked.
“I can’t believe you sent letters, announcing your conquest of Woodhaven,” she lied. She was careful not to give away any evidence that she knew the truth about Kelbain and his plan.
“I sent them from Woodhaven, before I arrived back home,” he corrected Dirce. Then, he shrugged and said, “I had no time to discuss the matter with anyone. Besides, the people of Areon should know who is to rule them soon.”
There it is again, Dirce thought to herself. His arrogance will be the end of us. “Of course, my King,” she playfully agreed. At this point, she thought that she could pretend to act in any manner, and believed that Kelbain would not suspect any deceit. She knew how infatuated he was with her, and she almost wished she could feel the same, if not for his controlling ways. Even before they had planned to marry, Dirce knew that Kelbain would be a problem. While Dirce’s sister had been a high-ranking officer in Zenithor’s army for years, Dirce had to make a living by other means. When Kelbain had heard of Dirce from her sister, he requested a meeting of sorts. It took all night for Dirce to truly realize, but Kelbain became obsessed with her from that point on. Then, there was the offer: to live a prolonged life. The same offer that Dirce’s sister received as a reward for the introduction. However, Dirce had a “small” price to pay in the form of accepting Kelbain’s marriage proposal. It seemed soon for Dirce, as she had not loved him, but to turn away such an offer would’ve been foolish. Ever since Kelbain granted her the gift of prolonged life, he believed that she would owe him forever. Dirce knew that the price for this gift would be steep, and she did want to become queen, but never fully realized the amount of dominance that Kelbain would exhibit. This was the deciding factor in her eventual plan to kill him.
Kelbain seemed to notice Dirce’s prolonged silence and sighed. Growing annoyed, he asked, “What is it now?”
Again, she attempted to maneuver any inkling of distrust that Kelbain would have of her. She quickly thought of something else to bring up. “My love, do you think Zane will ever warm up to me?” she asked, as she acted completely upset at the notion of Zane’s disapproval.
Kelbain’s face became surprisingly kind. “Of course he will,” he said convincingly. “My son is a complete fool and knows nothing of warfare and strategy, but he needs a mother.” Kelbain said in the best impression of a loving father.
Dirce smiled at her future husband, comfortable in the knowledge that she deflected her true thoughts once again. I can’t wait to kill you, she thought darkly.
“Besides,” he added, “there will plenty of time for him to warm up to you while I’m gone.”
Dirce’s smile disappeared. “Gone?” she asked him.
“Yes,” he replied. “I’m taking it upon myself to visit Karthmere and speak with Lord Rayburn in person.” Kelbain began to notice a look of worry on Dirce’s face. “Not to worry, my love. I’m more than capable of handling myself,” he assured her. “Of course, we will be married before I leave.”
It wasn’t for that reason that Dirce was uneasy. She had planned on having more time to assassinate him after the wedding. Originally, she wondered whether it was easier to hire someone to do it and erase any wisdom of her involvement from their mind. But, then she settled on taking care of it herself and making it look like an accident of some sort. Now, with the news of Kelbain’s journey to Karthmere, Dirce began to flounder. It could be on the wedding night, she tried to persuade herself. But, she knew better; that would arouse too much unwanted attention.
“What is it, Dirce?” Kelbain asked. “Are you alright?”
Dirce lifted her head up and understood that she had just completely let her guard down. She wanted to use her power to read his mind again, maybe even to make him believe that everything was fine, just to shut him up, but given her emotional state, she would only reveal her deception. She chose to calm herself and address the present situation. “Kelbain, if you leave the moment after we are married, it won’t send a great message to the people,” Dirce said.
Kelbain looked at her blankly. “The people?” he asked. “Since when are you so concerned with what they think about me, or either one of us, for that matter?” he investigated.
Damn it, Dirce swore at herself. She was slipping and needed to come up with something believable right away. Then, she thought of a reason why she’d want him to stay longer. It was a discussion they had a long time ago, but she was sure that he’d remember. How he would respond to her bring
ing it up again was another matter entirely. “I cannot trick you, my love. There is a reason why I don’t want you to go right away,” she said. She took a deep breath before speaking again. “You told me that once we were married, you would tell me where my sister was and that I’d be able to see her.” There it was. Dirce was sure to get his attention now, but at least he would stop questioning her about her thoughts.
Kelbain sat up in a rush and stared at Dirce with the same look of disdain that she was all too familiar with by now. “I told you not to speak of her whereabouts again!” he yelled. “I told you that it was none of your concern!”
Dirce fought the urge to verbally counter him, but she couldn’t help it when it came to her sister. “Yes, but you said that after...”
“Bahh, you’ll know when I need you to know,” he said as he waved her away like an annoying bug. “Right now, you do not need to know, and that should be the last time we discuss this,” he threatened.
Dirce got out of bed in a hurry and began to get dressed. She was glad to have the opportunity to leave the argument, but deep down she still wanted to know the location of her missing sister.
Kelbain sighed as he watched Dirce in her full animosity towards him. He spoke to her more calmly now. “I told you that her mission was secret, didn’t I? Any knowledge of her whereabouts could endanger her and our cause. You know that.” He shook his head and said, “But you continue to press the issue.”
Dirce had finished changing and started to head towards the door to the bedchamber.
“Where are you going?” Kelbain asked.
