He bowed. “And I you, Princess.”
She leaned up and kissed Clifton’s jawline. “I think I will go find my sister. I believe she was meeting with Samuel for a bit before the council meeting.”
“Aye, of course.” Clifton’s emerald gaze traced over her delicate face once more before he released her to climb the stairs and he continued his way into the main hall with Prince Isaac.
“She has recovered well.” Isaac acknowledged.
“Indeed, she has.” Clifton replied.
“I promise I did not engage her fully on her feet today.”
“I thank you for that. I am glad she feels up to the challenge of sword play, but her balance still falters every now and then.” Clifton added.
“Has Ryle said anything in regard to the armory?”
“Not yet. I believe he is saving his assessment for the council meeting tonight. Samuel and Alayna are in there now.”
“I see.” Isaac surveyed the room around them. “It is a dark place, is it not?”
“Yes. Though I feel with the right leadership Samuel can make it anew.” Clifton answered. “And perhaps a thorough cleaning.”
Isaac chuckled. “There is months’ worth of dirt and grime that is slowly being scraped away. I believe it could possibly be a beautiful castle once the servants are finished.”
“I believe so too. Though I am fearful to leave Samuel so soon. He will be crowned tomorrow and then we head back to the North. I know my brother will remain, but his daily visits to the Lands will occupy his time. I wonder if I should linger to help Samuel.”
“I think Samuel will be fine. Mosiah is staying as well. And with Ryle and Mosiah seeing to him, I believe he will be just fine. Besides, I feel you and I will be needed in the North before too long.”
“What do you mean?” Clifton asked. “Do you have a feeling something is about to happen?”
“I’m not sure. All I know is that while we begin plans for the war against the Lands, you and I have yet to find our role. Are we to raid with Ryle as well, or is he just leading the Uniters against Lancer? Are we to stay behind? Or do we help?”
“You would cross knowing there was a chance you could not come back?” Clifton asked curiously.
Isaac shrugged. “If it was to serve the Realm, of course. Though I much like our Realm, I want to demolish the Lands just as much as the next person.”
“Aye, we are in agreement on that. I do not know my role for the upcoming assault either. I wish to fight, of course, but what of Abner? How do you feel about him? Should we worry about his intentions?”
“That’s just it. I don’t know. I had a feeling we would have already been feeling some movement from him, but nothing seems to have emerged. My father travels back to the West after Samuel’s ceremony tomorrow. He assured me he would alert us if there was any movement across the West.”
“That’s good.” Clifton watched as Melody entered and was warmly greeted by Katarina who stood across the room surveying the large intricate paintings along the walls. “Your sister seems quite active in helping Samuel.”
“I know. I think it will be hard for her to leave him here tomorrow as well.”
“Does she travel back with your father or will she remain in the North with you for a while?”
“The North. Father finds her interactions with Elizabeth and Alayna encouraging for her. I also think Melody deserves a place to be heard. The council meetings have provided her that. It’s been good.” Isaac nodded a greeting towards his younger sister as she glanced his direction. Her smile widened as she glanced up and spotted Samuel trotting down the staircase towards their hall. “And that is another reason I wish to keep her with me.” Isaac acknowledged.
Clifton turned and spotted the reason for Melody’s smile. “They would fit quite nicely.” He stated.
“Yes. They would.” Isaac agreed. “I don’t believe my father is fully convinced, either that or he is personally choosing to ignore it for the fear of handing over his little girl. But Melody would make a great queen. She and Samuel a positive match.”
“I am surprised you would be so willing to part with her.”
“I’m not completely heartless, Clifton.” Isaac chuckled. “I wish her to be happy, and I see the sparks between the two.”
Clifton slapped him on the back and smiled. “And what of Katarina?”
“I wish her to be happy too.”
“Good.” Clifton smirked as Samuel was intercepted by Melody and immediately began leading her across the room.
∞
“I am so thankful we are all here and able to assist Samuel during this transition.” Alayna’s voice carried through the small council room. Though not as large as the Northern Kingdom’s, the room held a heavily carved wooden table and had adequate seating for everyone, minus Katarina who remained in her personal chambers. Alayna had purposefully not invited the visiting princess into their meeting, her trust having yet to be earned, as well as matters of this Realm not concerning her personally. She knew Isaac was slightly disappointed at her earlier dismissal of the proposal, but she knew he would quickly get over it. “We have been here for several days now, Samuel, how do you feel about your kingdom thus far?”
Samuel straightened his shoulders and offered a grateful smile. “I thank you all for your help. There is much more work to be done within the castle and surrounding villages, but I am encouraged by the loyalty of most of our people and that of my guard. I believe the South will develop quite successfully over time.”
“Agreed.” Alayna stated warmly. “Tomorrow is the coronation ceremony; over which King Anthony will preside.” She nodded towards the Western King and he acquiesced with a slight nod. “Afterward, though I long to stay for a few more days, I fear we must all head back to the North. Though King Anthony will head back to the West and King Eamon to the East. Captain Ryle and Mosiah will remain here in the South to aid in the development of your kingdom and in the Uniters’ army across the boundary. Your armories proved well stocked, and we believe the transference of weaponry should begin immediately.”
Samuel nodded in understanding.
Isaac raised his fingertips from the table and Alayna glanced his direction. “Yes?”
“Prince Clifton and I were just discussing this today… what is to be our role in this upcoming assault against the Unfading Lands? Are we to remain in the North? Or are we to cross the lines and fight as well?”
“That is for Captain Ryle to decide, Prince Isaac. I believe you will remain in the North due to your inability to cross the boundary freely. However, Prince Clifton may need to assist in leading the Uniters.”
Disappointment washed over Isaac’s face. “I am willing to cross, my Queen. Should I be needed, I will gladly cross to fight. I am one of the strongest fighters in the Realm.”
She held up her hand to ward off any further argument. “Like I said, Captain Ryle will see to your role.”
“Well there goes that.” Isaac mumbled, catching the steely look from Ryle across the room.
“Has there been a strategy that’s been mapped out?” Clifton asked.
Ryle leaned forward in his chair at the far end of the table. “Edward and I are meeting in two days’ time to finalize our routes and plans. Then we will reconvene and discuss battle plans in the North.”
“And what of Abner?” Elizabeth asked. “Are we to be concerned about him?”
Alayna shrugged. “So far Abner has not proved to be a threat. Therefore, I will not treat him as one. Our focus is the Lands.”
“We should be cautious with Abner.” Isaac warned.
Alayna blew a frustrated breath and turned towards Isaac. “Just because you lost your temper with a man willing to have you escorted safely back to the North and attacked his guard does not mean we have to be on guard for a war. He sent his daughter to come and see you, for goodness sake. I do not believe he would do such a thing if he wished to harm us.”
“Believe what you want, Queen Ala
yna,” Isaac added. “But I am telling you the man is not amiable towards our Realm.”
“Duly noted. Now moving on.” Alayna firmly moved onto the next topic at hand and addressed the issues of the Southern Kingdom’s staff at the castle and the newly hired crews that would serve under Samuel. The topic bored Isaac and her lack of faith in his feelings towards Abner ate away his calm demeanor. He caught Elizabeth’s pointed gaze and shook his head at his own disappointment in Alayna’s ignorance.
Elizabeth cleared her throat and Alayna turned towards her. “Did you have something to add, sister?”
“Yes… though it is in regard to Abner.”
Sighing, Alayna lightly pinched the bridge of her nose and then waved for her to continue. “Fine. Go ahead.”
“I am in agreement with Isaac.” Elizabeth stated.
“Of course you are.” Alayna combatted and then heaved a frustrated sigh at her outburst. “I’m sorry, please continue.”
Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed at her sister as she continued. “I am just saying that Isaac does not go around accusing people of distrust. For him to adamantly proclaim mischief with Abner, I believe we should not take it lightly. Perhaps Abner’s intentions in sending Katarina was not just for her potential relationship with Isaac. What if he wished her to be a spy after all? I am not saying she is, but what if? Then his intentions are not pure, and he becomes a threat as well. I think, that while we focus upon the Unfading Lands and our battle to come, we must not reject the possibility of a threat coming from another Realm either. Isaac should remain in the North if both Clifton and Ryle are to raid the Lands. We need someone who can lead our armies if an attack were to happen.”
“I think that is over contemplating a simple matter.” Alayna began. “We cannot stretch our attention to multiple battles or thoughts of battles when our real enemy lies behind the boundary line. Abner has shown no signs of a threat to us, minus his disappointment with Isaac at his departure. But look at how he departed? I would have been upset too. So we stick with the original plan and Isaac will be sent where Captain Ryle deems best.” She waved her hand as if to cut off further comments. Elizabeth flashed a worried glance towards Clifton and he lightly squeezed her hand to let the matter drop for the time being.
“Now, let us all try to sleep as we prepare ourselves for the celebration of Samuel for tomorrow. Good night.” Alayna dismissed them and exited the room first, followed by Ryle.
“Thank you for the defense.” Isaac stated.
“I will try to speak to the Queen.” King Eamon stated. “I am in agreement in regard to Abner. He is not to be trusted.”
Clifton lightly clasped Elizabeth’s hand and draped it through his arm. “Come. Let us go to bed. The matter is left in capable hands now.” Elizabeth lightly kissed King Eamon’s cheek in thanks and waved her good byes.
King Anthony, King Eamon, Samuel, and Isaac remained. “I will come to your aid in the North should Abner decide to make a move while we are in the Unfading Lands.” Samuel stated to Isaac.
Isaac patted his young friend on the back. “Thank you, Samuel. Though I may be overreacting, my gut tells me something is about to happen.”
“Mine too.” Anthony chimed in. “That is why I will be leaving directly after the coronation tomorrow. If Abner is to make a move he will have to cross the Western Kingdom. Should I see any suspicious behavior, I will send word.”
“Thank you, Father.” Isaac stated.
“It is imperative we keep you in the North, Isaac.” King Eamon explained. “There must be a military leader there should something happen while Clifton and Ryle are gone. Mosiah will be here in the South with Samuel should you need them, but the North will be left vulnerable. You must remain there.”
“And what happens if the newly inducted Captain wishes for me to join them in the Lands?” Isaac asked.
“Let me take care of that.” Eamon stressed. “I will consult with Ryle over this decision. He will trust my judgment of Abner.”
“And yet, he does not trust mine.”
“I believe he senses something as well, but he wishes to appease the Queen with a victory beyond the veil.”
“But will a Northern army follow a Western Prince?”
“They will have no choice if the need arises.” Anthony draped an encouraging hand over his son’s shoulder. “Until then, how about we all catch some sleep.” The other men nodded in agreement as they headed their opposite directions for the restless night ahead.
CHAPTER 10
King Anthony placed the baroque crown upon Samuel’s head and accolades flared throughout the grand hall of the Southern Castle as he stood to his feet and turned to meet the faces of the many villagers, servants, guards, and attendants who claimed him as their king. He began the long walk down the center aisle towards the exit, his black cape dragging behind him as Queen Alayna walked beside him dressed in her own formal attire. The sight was rejuvenating for a kingdom long without hope, and as the front castle doors opened and Samuel stepped out onto the main landing, an uproarious and celebratory crowd erupted outside as well. He was king of the South now. His turn to change everything he had hoped to change in years passed. He inhaled a deep breath of fresh air as his gaze sought Melody beside her father. She offered him an encouraging smile and he felt his shoulders straighten as he embraced the new role of kingship.
Clifton stepped beside him and bowed as he congratulated him once more. “The crown suits you, my King.”
Samuel lightly flushed in awkwardness. “I hope to one day prove that statement true, Prince Clifton. Thank you.”
“You will.” Elizabeth stated confidently as she lightly kissed his cheek. “I am so proud of you, Samuel. I feel as if I may cry I am so happy for you. I will refrain however for fear of embarrassing you.” She laughed as she linked her arm with her husband and stepped to the side and allowed room for Isaac. Isaac extended his hand and Samuel shook it. Isaac pulled him slightly closer. “Melody will remain with me in the North.” His voice was low, and Samuel shyly caught the amused scrutiny of Isaac. “I just thought you might like to know that. Considering we may be seeing much of each other in the next few weeks.”
“Thank you, Prince Isaac.” Samuel replied stiffly making the Western prince chuckle. Katarina linked her arm with Isaac’s as he proudly escorted her towards his father and sister. Samuel gazed out amongst the cheering crowd and the surrounding lands of his kingdom and an appreciation swelled in his chest. He would protect his kingdom no matter the cost, and he would serve the Realm with his entire heart and being, of that he had no doubt. His ability to rule however, continued to overwhelm him, but he squelched the inner doubts and embraced the friendships that would long help and guide him in his new role. His eye wandered towards the boundary line and he sensed Lancer’s presence. Perhaps the evil leader lurked behind the veil and watched the celebrations. Perhaps, just maybe, he feared what he saw happening in the South. A revolution. A new beginning. A threat. Yes, he prayed Lancer realized his days were numbered, and he prayed that he could assist in the biggest battle of their time and for once, perhaps the South may witness a victory.
∞
The darkness swirled around their ankles, and Edward silently prayed Lancer did not see the slow weaving of the darkness up his legs and into his palms. Currently his eyes were closed, and Edward knew Lancer’s only focus was himself within the reflection chamber. This was the first time they had shared the space since Edward had taken in the darkness. And feeling it now seeping into his core, the temptation to succumb to more power was almost more than he could bear. He watched as Lancer’s head snapped up and his eyes opened, the black, dilated pupils in his eyes slowly fading back to normal and the darkness in the room slowly fading. Lancer took a deep breath and then sighed. “I feel better. Coming in here together has made me feel stronger. Perhaps you are what has been missing. I have not seen the darkness in weeks, but perhaps you are slowly becoming more open to it, Edward, and it senses your willingnes
s.” Lancer smiled in relief as he straightened his tunic. “I feel completely rejuvenated.”
“You feel strong, my Lord?”
“I do.”
“Should we test your crossing the boundary?”
“Oh no. Not yet.” Lancer admitted. “I am not yet back to my full power completely. I just feel slightly better than I did. I am pleased you were more open to the darkness, Edward. It pleases me to see you trying. Though I am sorry it has yet to enter you. I am telling you, Edward, when it does, you will feel completely transformed. It makes all things new. Better. You will see.”
“Yes, my Lord.” Edward inwardly cringed at the thought of more darkness within him. He already struggled with what little he possessed, and yes, he had seen the current side effects. The easiest agitation, the prolonged insomnia, the lack of desire for food and water. His mind divided into two different people. The Edward from the Realm and the Edward from the darkness. Slowly he felt the dividing line blurring, he just prayed it lasted until the battle against the Lands. Perhaps the boundary line would fall before his body and mind completely gave into the evil desires of the darkness. His hatred for Lancer seemed to fade every day, and his longing for youth and life seemed to grow with every second. He feared the loss of his own soul should he have to remain in the Unfading Lands much longer. He was slowly becoming more and more like Lancer, and he could see it happening. Helplessly. He knew Clifton sensed it as well yet remained hopeful. He did not want to lose that trust, or his role to help the Realm would cease to exist and then he would truly be lost.
“Did you hear me, Edward?”
Edward shook his head to clear his thoughts. “I’m sorry, my Lord?”
“I asked if you wished to come with me to the Western boundary.”
“Oh. I would, my Lord, but I need to work with the guards should we need them against Abner.”
“Ah, good plan. I will let you do that then. I, on the other hand, am going to see if I notice anything amiss in the West. I have a terrible feeling about that man.” Lancer admitted.
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