Chapter Three

A Harried Journey 

The sun shone bright down on Corinthia as Azrael, Nial, Jon and Damon finished packing their horse’s saddle bags outside the flying hammer. The city had already come to life with bustling members of the public. Nial felt nervous about riding on horseback as he climbed up on the snorting horse as he had never rode a horse before being caught by Azrael and even then his horse was led by his captors. The animal seemed to sense his trepidation and became uneasy as well until Damon rode to him and whispered "Be firm with the beast. It wants sure hands at its reins."
Nial nodded at Damon as he watched the horses ears twitch as it snorted and tugged slightly, he pulled hard on the reins and the horse seemed to steady then suddenly reared up and bucked him right out of the saddle.
"Argh!" he cried out as he sprawled backwards and landed hard on the dusty street, the others all burst out laughing at the sight of him face down in the dust. Damon chuckled as he dropped from his own horse and grabbed Nial's mounts reins and pulled it steady.
"Do you want to swap horses?"
"No." Nial said as he got up and dusted himself off, his eyes narrowed on the horse and he ran and jumped up on the saddle and grabbed the reins and as the horse became uneasy again he pulled back hard and shouted, "Whoa there!" and feeling Nial's new found confidence the horse quietened. The others clapped in a mocking fashion and he managed a smile to himself at his small victory.
They all looked round as Martin and Alice joined them outside the tavern. Azrael checked his pack one more time then mounted and nodded to Jon indicating he was ready.

“When does the replacement start?” Jon asked facing Martin,

“Tomorrow. Why?” Marten replied.

“Tell him to mind the bar while you hire a broker, sell The Hammer and bring the gold to Estharia. The bar money for the next three days goes to the broker for the sale.”

“Dad!” Damon and Marten cried. The Hammer had been their home almost all of Damon's life, Jon hushed them and said seriously,

“Look trouble is coming. It will be a long fight I can feel it. What use will I be here?”

“But…” Marten began,

“But nothing. Do as I say. I will meet you in Estharia. No less than ten thousand gold pieces, Marten. Now you look after your Alice and get yourselves safely to Estharia as soon as you can.”
"Yes father, be safe yourself."
Jon nodded and kissed Alice on the cheek and climbed up into his saddle and turned his horse away.

“What about Tallius?” Nial asked as he waved goodbye to Marten and Alice, Damon lingered to say goodbye.

“He will meet us at the city wall. He has business to deal with.”

Lord Cramer walked through his expensive town house, the servants stayed out his way as he was in a foul mood, the preparations for his daughter’s wedding were taxing him. That idiot man that was to become his daughter's father in law was of little help and the preparations were falling to him. He stormed into his study, which was filled with expensive books he never had time to read. He turned and cried out as he saw Tallius leaning against his desk.

“What the…” he began but Tallius held up his hand, the look on his face looked dangerous.

“I am here to speak not to listen. I have listened to your grief and blame for two years now. No longer.” Tallius said, slamming his hand on the Lords desk making him jump, “The death of your son has grieved me greatly, I have wept many nights away. I will not however take the blame because I discovered his talent, he was in battle as was I and in the process of protecting my own life I could not save his …”

“I will not talk of this!” Cramer made to leave but Tallius jumped forward and gripped the small lord by the scruff of the neck and threw him over his own desk, the lord stood as quickly as he could and looked at Tallius slightly afraid now.

“Sit down.” the lord shakily sat at his chair behind the desk and Tallius continued,

“The day I came to you with the news he had been accepted into the Insindium you were so proud. Yet when he dies a hero’s death you turn and blame me! He was my friend and I would have died for him! And you would have me believe it was my fault that I could not save him? How dare you? I am a mage warrior, protector of the land and I have fought many battles to keep such as you safe and you would do well to remember this." Tallius sighed and placed his hands on the desk and leaned forward so there were scant inches between them, "I will leave here tonight and from that moment on if we meet again you will treat me with the respect I deserve. Do you understand me Cramer?”
Lord Cramer slowly nodded his head still too afraid to speak, Tallius turned to leave and said, “And know that I would have made your daughter happy. Area, would have been happy with me. Happier than she ever has been before but you robbed her of that, now you have promised her to an idiot of a man, mean of spirit simply to spite me, you are her father.”

Cramer dropped his head in shame.

“But I have made sure that she will be treated fairly. He is now too afraid not to treat her right. She will be happy, but it was I that made sure of that not you, her father. You should be ashamed you put malice before her happiness. Good bye lord Cramer.” And Tallius left. He left the little lord alone in his study. Cramer began to weep silently for his children whom he had failed.

Corinthia's main entrance was a large guarded gate with three mage warriors stationed on a walkway above the gates, they opened the gates every day and watched over all entering the city until sundown when they closed the large city gates for the night. Tallius was waiting  near the city gates for the others. He was waiting for them on his horse tying his pack to the back of his saddle whistling feeling happier than he had in years. He raised his hand in greeting when he saw the others ride into sight through the busy crowd,

“Hello, how did it go?” Azrael asked as they stopped next to him,

“Better than I thought. It was good.”  Tallius said with a smile, "I feel like a weight has been lifted."
"Good! It will be good to have my friend back again!" Azrael said with a grin,
"And glad is he to be back Azrael." Tallius replied, "Now onward dear friends!"
They all smiled and urged their horses through the crowd to the gate. none of them noticed the man standing behind them, he was draped in a dark hooded cloak standing in the shadows of a nearby building, he waited until he saw which way they turned as they left the city then turned into an alleyway and pulled a map from his cloak and examined it quickly, then glanced around to check to see if he was alone. Farther down the alley was a drunken man sitting against a wall snoring. He walked to the man silently and removed a dagger from its hidden sheath and quick as lightning he slashed out severing the man's throat, he didn’t even wake up to die. Once the man was dead he glanced around once more then he lifted a glass vial and broke it on the wall, the liquid that splashed the wall turned reflective like a mirror but instead of his reflection he saw a figure in red in the reflection,

“My lord Dramada, they have left the city heading south east. They are travelling with a large bearded man and two younglings, this means they will pass the Whyfore cliffs. I suggest the ambush take place there.” The man in the hood said,

“And the other task?” Dramada asked,

“I am going there next.”

“Good, Good. You are much more useful than your old master, yes you are. Contact us when you have completed the task.”

“I will not fail you.”

“I don’t think you will, Nirab. I don’t think you will.”

The image vanished and Nirab took out another glass vial, inside was a purple liquid. He smiled under his hood and walked quickly away determined to succeed in his mission.

The group travelled until they reached the high Whyfore cliffs, which dropped for at least two hundred feet. They all looked down from the edge and could see the fast green land that led to the city of Ithaka.
"Is that it?" Nial asked, squinting to see the shape of the city in the distance,
"Yes that is Ithaka the Gem of the West and down there just south of here is the small town of Vedan." Azrael replied, pointing to a small town near the bottom of the cliffs, Nial could just make out the signs of life in the village, then Azrael pointed to the east towards a narrow path way between the cliffs, "we will head to the forest at the bottom of the cliffs the path is this way."
Azrael led them to the path in the rocks that formed the cliffs that led down towards a wooded area. When they got to the cover of the trees they made camp.

Azrael and the others were sat around a fire once they had made their camp and tied the horses. They had just got the fire ready and were sitting round it.

“I am so hungry.” Damon muttered, staring in to the burning embers of the camp fire,

“The fire isn’t hot enough yet.” Jon answered,

Azrael leaned back and looked at Nial who was sitting between Tallius and Damon also starring at the fire.

“Before we get to Ithaka there is something you need to know, you too Damon.” Azrael said quietly, Nial and Damon glanced at each other then moved forward slightly to better hear him.

“In the final year of the Ten-fold war, King Roland marched the eastern armies to Pinex city to reinforce Prince Arter's force in the west. During the battle a young ambitious Dourgal slew him as he approached Mor’draed.”

Damon looked at Nial but was surprised to see his cousin hang his head almost as if he was sad.

“Roland left two sons behind, one named for his father and one for his late wife’s father. Samuel, his eldest, took the mantle of King at seventeen years old. He took to the task magnificently, he made many great decisions. He marched at the head of the armies of the west and east to secure Malik High from the Parashien’s nine years ago, when they thought to use the state of the kingdom after the tenfold to their advantage. Many people who thought he was too young to rule were silenced at the sight of him leading the charge. His brother did not take to his role as well as the young King had..." Azrael chuckled slightly at this statement, "The King and his younger brother famously had a fist fight in front of the throne because his brother would not take the prince’s mantle of Ithaka.”

“What do you…” Nial began,

“The distance in Gallahan is too vast to rule from Estharia. So, traditionally, the King rules the east from Estharia and the heir to the throne rules the west by the Kings laws for the king in Ithaka. The ruler of Ithaka is the second in command of the kingdom and is usually reserved for the heir to the throne.” Tallius interjected,

“So the Prince didn’t want to rule Ithaka?” Damon asked,

“He discovered he had talent. And decided he wanted to learn the art of magic. He joined the Insindium. Only to leave four years later when his friend died, Taio died fighting a group of dark mage’s, Tallius was there also the Prince however had disrespected his elder and was locked in solitary confinement, he broke out and went after his friends… but didn’t make it in time…he…I showed up in time to watch Taio die.” Azrael went quiet as a tear rolled down his face, Tallius also wept silently.

“So you are…” Damon began,

“…The Prince.” Nial finished,

“I am Azrael Galla, Prince of the West and heir to the throne of Gallahan. I am a direct descendant of Kolter Galla first king of Gallahan. I travelled far and wide, ever since I left the Insindium. I have travelled all over Gallahan rather than return and face my brother."
Azrael sat up and cleared his throat, "When we enter Ithaka I may face some resistance from my uncle Arter who rules in my place, he is a... difficult man. He sees me as a usurper who wants his throne. I just thought it better to tell you now rather than have you find out once we enter the city.”

“So… the Dourgal slew your father?” Nial asked quietly.

Azrael nodded,

“I’m sorry for your loss.” Nial said,

“Don’t be. It was not your blade. My father was a hero. He died refusing to let his people and land be destroyed by a mad man and I am and always will be proud of him.”

“Now why don’t you two go into the woods and get us some meat for supper.” Jon said suddenly making everyone jump. Nial and Damon nodded and got their bows and a few arrows each and left the camp.

Damon and Nial found a deer trail not long after entering the forest and followed it, which  was difficult as it was getting darker and that made it harder to see the marks left by the deer, after a difficult ten minutes they came into a large clearing. A small spring ran through the clearing and a few birds scattered as they entered the clearing.

“Did you know he was royalty?” Nial whispered, scanning the clearing for movement

Damon shook his head,

“No, he and dad have always been close but I had no...”

Suddenly a stag burst into the clearing in a rage, the creature was massive and agitated. Its antlers stood a good three foot above its head and its brown fur was matted dirty but even though it was scary Nial couldn’t help notice how proud and beautiful it looked. It glanced around the clearing and saw Damon. The creature snorted lowered its head and dragged its hooves through the mud then suddenly it snorted loudly and charged. Damon cried out in fright and fired his arrow but it just clipped the beast not even slowing it down. He jumped to the side but too late he was rammed in the side as he jumped. The crazed animal turned to gore Damon with his antlers but Damon struck the side of its head with his bow and scrambled away but fell as he realised his leg was sprained. The stag grunted and lowered its head close to the ground and charged, Damon tried to get away but he couldn’t move in time. He threw his hands up just as an arrow struck the stag in the eye, it cried out and collapsed in the dirt in front of Damon. When he looked up Nial was holding his bow out aimed at the stag,

“Thanks cousin. That was an amazing shot.” Damon said through gritted teeth as Nial ran to him. Nial shook his head pointing behind them, two arrows were protruding from the ground and one was sticking out of the trunk of a tree.

“That was my last chance. Lucky shot.” Nial said shrugging,

“The luckiest. Help me up.” Damon groaned as Nial lifted him and half carried him back the way they had come. They were going to need help to get the meat from the stag.

“I wonder what spooked him so much.” Damon grunted as he tried to put more weight on his injured leg.

“I don’t know but it was trying to get away from something."

“I think it broke my ribs.”

“SHHH” Nial hissed suddenly and dropped Damon as he pulled his bow and two of Damon’s arrows, taking aim with one he fired straight into the back of a man sneaking through the wood.

He turned the body. His eye’s widened as he examined the body.

“Damon wait here, if you see anyone move without calling your name shoot them!” Nial called dropped the dead body and ran as fast as he could he had to tell Azrael there were Dourgals in the woods.

Azrael and the others were sitting round the fire talking of old times and smoking their pipes when suddenly Nial jumped into the light of the fire with his bow raised and fired an arrow into the air.

“What…” Azrael began but heard the scream as the arrow found its mark. Then Azrael saw them. Nine Dourgals creeping towards them from the cliffs in the dark as they all grabbed their weapons four more poured out of the forest, screamed battle cries could be heard from both sides. Tallius levitated some boulders and fired them at the oncoming Dourgals. They raised their hands over their heads but kept coming. Azrael jumped forward drawing his long sword and stabbed it into the first Dourgals stomach, then spinning round pulling out the long sword as he drew his short sword and slashed out cutting the Dourgals throat. Jon swung his hammer in a wide circle cracking one Dourgals head killing him instantly his body flew to the side knocking another to the ground, he stepped forward and brought the hammer down on the fallen Dourgals head. Nial found himself facing a massive Dourgal who swung at him immediately but Nial caught the blow on his sword, the blow rocked up his arm as the Dourgal kicked his chest sending him to the ground, Jon saw this and headed in their direction, Nial spun to the side narrowly avoiding a downward stroke, he drew his dagger and stabbed it into his enemies foot forcing it into the ground. The Dourgal screamed in pain and thrashed around trying to get his foot free, Nial jumped up and swung low amputating the leg below the knee as Jon swung high caving the full right hand side of the Dourgals face at the same time. Tallius drew his short sword and cut down one and mind blasted another back into Nial’s sword who jumped over the falling body with a wink and cheeky grin at Tallius and ran to Azrael who was parrying with a quick Dourgal, Nial reached under Azrael’s arm and stabbed up through the armpit, as the Dourgal fell back Nial stabbed through the chest. Azrael smiled as he turned to see only four left. They pulled back anxiously as Azrael and the others advanced on them. One jumped at Nial but his head swung to the right with a sickening crack as Jon’s hammer struck his head. Nial and Tallius jumped at the bigger of the two killing him quickly as Azrael dealt with another. The last jumped at Azrael’s back but Damon jumped from nowhere and stabbed the dagger into his neck killing him. Damon smiled and collapsed into Jon’s arms. They dragged all the bodies to the forest and stripped them of weapons and armour and returned to the camp to find the horses gone. They looked for them and found them dead in the woods.

“We better get some rest it’s a long walk to Ithaka. It’s safe to say that the Dourgals don’t want us getting there.” Azrael said, “I’ll take first watch, Tallius will take the second.”

They were attacked three times on the road, Tallius took a bad wound in the leg in the second attack and Nial received a nasty cut on his shoulder in the third. Ithaka was but another days march from where they were. They built a fire and Azrael just sat staring into the darkness. Nial strapped a new piece of cloth around his shoulder wincing as he pulled it tight.

“How’s your shoulder?” Jon asked Nial as he sat down next to him.

“It’s okay. They can’t have that many men left can they?”

“We will find out tonight because tonight is going to be bad. It’s their last chance to stop us so they’ll throw all they can at us.”

“Are you sure?” Damon asked as he limped over to them.

“Definitely.” Azrael called over. “They will come at us hard to end it before we leave the forest.”

“Well, we don’t have to make it easy for them.” Nial said thoughtfully.

“What are you thinking?” Tallius asked arching his eyebrow. An evil smile was his only response.

The Dourgal in charge of the final attack was named Raun and he eyed the campfire, from deeper in the forest his Dourgals were ready to attack but he was unsure as nothing made sense. One minute they had been talking in whispers then the next they seemed to have gone to sleep. Another Dourgal appeared at his side,

“I think they sleep, Raun.”

“This makes no sense. They left no watch as they have done every other night.” Raun said.

“They have taken some serious wounds. They may have been tired for we have harried them at every chance along the road and they may feel safer in the shadow of the city. We must attack it is our last chance.” the Dourgal whispered urgently,

“Fine. Send the word to the others… Kill them all.” Raun said.

They charged from two sides crashing into the camp and slashed down into the sleeping forms to find clothes and armour wrapped in blankets.

“What is going on here?” Raun called, and then he saw the crawl marks in the dirt going off in different directions. They had left the camp. He knew this was bad if they had already made Ithaka…
His men began to search the camp when suddenly one of his men flew backwards with the shaft of an arrow protruding from his neck, before Raun could realise they were under attack never mind call out orders two more of his men were down. He had lost three of his twelve before even seeing the enemy.

“Watch for them. They can’t hide forever.” Two more collapsed, “There!” Raun called pointlessly as the big bald one with the hammer jumped from that direction and swung his hammer catching a Dourgal full in the face, his head wiped round spraying blood and teeth over another Dourgals face making him stop and splutter, and giving Jon time to swing again at the knee of the spluttering Dourgal, it connected with a crack and bone burst through the skin. Two more died with swings of that hammer. Suddenly their leader jumped from the other side his swords a blur as he cut down two… no three of Raun’s men. He stabbed a fourth and swung his short sword decapitating him, he simply turned to the next enemy as the bloody head bounced into the darkness. Raun was screaming orders but was silenced as a small hand grabbed his throat from behind and he tried to cry out as the point of a bloody sword burst through his chest but the hand just gripped his windpipe tighter. He collapsed and from his dying eye’s he saw the two young ones join the fray one jumping over him. The one with armoured shoulders sent balls of fire at his men. He saw the last of his men fall dead by the daggers of the limping young one. They had failed. These were true warriors he thought as the light died from his eyes.

They arrived at the gates of Ithaka the next day. The guard at the gates called them over and asked if they were okay when he saw the blood and dirt they were covered in, Azrael lifted his coat to show the emblem of Gallahan,

"I am ordering you  to fetch help for my wounded companions. Then i want you to race to the castle and let the Regent know Prince Azrael has arrived in Ithaka." Azrael said very quickly as he led the guard in the direction of the castle,
The guard was stunned still for a second as his mind tried to process all the information he had received, then he sprang to life and summoned a cart to them, the guard helped lift the wounded boys on and then sped off in the direction of the castle. The city was twice as large as Corinthia  and twice as busy. The street was alive with the bustle of city life people seemed to be everywhere even at this early hour. The Castle was in the center of the city with the docks and port behind, the rest of the city circling around the castle, starting with the richer buildings right down to the slums at the western edge. The city was protected by the outer wall which was 30 feet tall. The castle itself was huge and Gothic, Gargoyles huddled together on the roof edges and the walls. Azrael felt a chill run over his body as he passed under the gateway and into the sight of the stone gargoyles that had frightened him as a child. Nial passed out onto his lap from the loss of blood which made Azrael quickly forget about the gargoyles.
"Hurry up!" he called to the man driving the cart. the cart moved faster into the castle keep then stopped at the foot of the castle steps, where an elderly man and three young men waited to greet them. The elderly man bore a scar that ran the full length of his face. He wore a long red robe the colour of Ithaka. His son Aldur wore a red tunic with short blonde hair and a small patch of facial hair on his chin. Aldur’s twin Sebastian had dark hair and was clean shaven although his face bore a mirror image of his elder twin brother, their younger brother Christopher had dark hair as well and was clean shaven like Sebastian but he looked thinner and more fragile than his athletic looking brothers.

“Nephew.” The elderly man called out, then saw the wounded. “Aldur! Send someone for the chirgun! Cry pardon Azrael. I knew not of your companion’s state. What happened?”

“This is not for the palace steps Uncle. I will come to you once my companions are a mended.” And Azrael turned his back on his uncle and followed after his friends who were being led to the guest quarters. while Aldur sent a runner for the chirgun.

Arter turned to his sons as he marched back inside his face was full of contempt for his nephew.

“How Dare he turn his back on me in my own city! Yes and he best remember this is my city.” He muttered staring at Azrael's back as he hurried after the injured men, “And you will not be the one to take it from me.”

“Father!” Aldur exclaimed, “He is the Prince!”

‘I know, I know. Just the wanderings of an old man, my son.” Arter said quickly lowering his eyes ashamed of what he had said in front of his sons.

“You must guard your words father. He can remove you from the throne if he takes the inkling.” Sebastian said. 

Arter waved away his sons. And met with his adviser the Duke of Ithaka. A tall thin man with a thin moustache, his dark hair was greying at the back and side. He wore fancy clothes and a jewelled rapier at his side.

“Strange that you received no word of this visit, milord. Seems that perhaps the long lost Prince has returned. He may be here to weasel your throne from you. Be wary, milord.” The Duke said slyly as he marched a step behind the elderly lord.

“Yes Melix I can see the deceit in his eyes. I think it best to hear him out first though. His brother the king would be most displeased if he thought I was unjust in the treatment of his little brother.”

“Agreed milord. Life would have been much simpler if you had taken the crown, milord, then young Aldur would have ruled in Ithaka.”

“I know, but that stupid congress of lords voted the boy. Idiots.” Arter grumbled as he entered his room closing the door on Duke Melix, who smiled and briskly turned and left.

Nial groaned and opened his eyes,

“Finally!” Damon’s voice called, Nial turned to see Damon getting dressed next to his bed, “Dad and the others have been worried about you. You lost a lot of blood and passed out.” Damon said pulling on a clean tunic, grimacing as he did so.

“How is it?” Nial asked as he sat up and found his head spinning.

“Sore, but not broken. Same as my leg.”

“How long have I been out?” Nial asked and pulled on the clean clothes left on the bed.

“All yesterday. And most of this morning.”

They both left the room and walked down the hall to where Damon said Tallius and Jon where, they chapped the door and entered. Tallius was wearing his usual tunic and jerkin minus the armour. He was walking towards the door slightly stiffly, but seemed on the mend.

“Ah lads, what have we here? Full recovery” Tallius asked smiling,

“Not quite, but better than expected. What have we missed?” Nial answered.

“Well, Azrael has been with Prince regent Arter for the last two hours telling his tale…” a knock on the door interrupted him and Damon opened it, a young servant smiled enthusiastically and said, “Prince Arter humbly…”

“Prince regent Arter.” Tallius corrected, the boy hesitated and continued, “…invites Lord Azrael’s company…”

“Prince Azrael.” Tallius growled,

“Um… yes of course… Prince Azrael’s companions to dinner.” The servant seemed eager to be done with this errand.

They were led to the dining hall and were seated at a side table with Jon, while Azrael was seated to the right of Arter at the royal table. They ate an amazing meal the best they had had since leaving Corinthia. After as Arter made to dismiss the diners Azrael stood and called out,

“Nial Samson and Damon Jonson. Come before the royal table.” The diners began whispering and were silenced by the look of Azrael who looked like he was an inch away from losing his patience. Nial and Damon rose and walked round to the table.

“Kneel.” Azrael said, “I, Azrael prince of the west and direct descendant of the first king of Gallahan, hereby decree Nial Samson and Damon Jonson are from this day forward to be known by the rank of Squire with all rights and privileges that rank entails.” The hall began whispering again and Arter began to rise from his seat, anger apparent on his face, but his son grabbed his arm and whispered in his ear. Aldur stood and began to clap the hall took up the cause especially Tallius and John.

“I award the Estate of Bara kan of Kell to Squire Nial and the estate of Bara lok also of Kell to Squire Damon for them and their descendants for as long as they live, with servants and properties there upon. The income from each from this day forward will be held in trust by the crown until they reach their manhood.” Azrael smiled, “They will begin tutelage here until I am ready to leave upon that day they will be sent to Tearm to conduct their education under the Duke of Tearm. While in Tearm Duke Graham will be your liege until the day of your completed education or until I send for you. Do you understand?’

Nial and Damon looked at each other and nodded.

“Then rise and do the court of Ithaka proud, Squire’s to the Prince.”

The diners clapped again as the two returned to their seats dumbfounded. John leaned over and said to his son, “Looks like you won’t be opening that tavern then, eh?”

Tallius and John laughed as the new Squires sat unable to speak. The Regent's youngest son Christopher smiled at them from the top table and lifted his hands and gave a small quiet clap for them then turned away again. 

Azrael and Tallius walked to the throne room at castle Ithaka and bowed before Arter and nodding at the Duke who stood at Arter’s side.

“Ah Azrael, come to break some more tradition? Traditionally only the ruler of Ithaka picks its squires.” The Duke of Ithaka said smirking,

Tallius gave him a warning glance and the Duke’s smirk went wide into a grin.

“Now Arter, I come to have your answer, now.” Azrael said firmly. Arter looked at the Duke of Ithaka, who nodded at him,

“My answer would be no Azrael. The armies of the west are still mine and I have decided this threat as you called it this morning is not as dangerous as you think it is. When they come…”

“If they come, milord.” The Duke put in,

“Yes quite. If they come then we will stop them. I see no need for us to go charging across the kingdom. You are over reacting.” Arter said coldly.

“Arter, I am asking you one last time to send the armies north.” Azrael said just as coldly, Arter’s eye’s narrowed.

“Careful Azrael that sounded dangerously like a threat.” Arter warned.

“It was a threat.”

“How dare you!” barked the Duke.

“No! How dare you!” Azrael barked back. “I am the Heir to the throne!”

“Aye you are but you don’t sit on it now.” The Duke answered.

Tallius went to draw his sword.

“Azrael I warn you I will act harshly with any who harm my staff! Prince or no prince you will be arrested and tried for murder. You would do well to remember that I rule the west and none but the King himself may command me to raise arms”

“Hear me well, Arter. I am leaving for the east but I will return soon enough.” Azrael shouted, “And when I do I will be taking the throne of Ithaka as I should have done Twelve years ago. Your time on that throne is at its end. So enjoy the last of your time answering to no one but the King for when I return you will answer to me!” And Azrael and Tallius turned and left as Arter cursed after him. Aldur and Sebastian approached from the side of the room, glaring at their father.

“You idiot!” shouted Aldur,

“You have the nerve…” the Duke began but Aldur grabbed him and threw him sprawling across the floor.

“The last time I checked Prince out ranked Duke. So mind your tongue or we’ll have it out!” Aldur warned.

The Duke stood and bowed then briskly left.

“You have shamed this family. That is our liege lord whether you accept it or not! You could be hung for treason! And we would be dishonoured ever more!” Sebastian snarled,

“What have I done?” Arter asked. Shakily suddenly feeling all his years,

“What have you done?” Exclaimed Aldur shaking his head in disbelief,

“What you have done dear father…” Sebastian said glaring at the old prince, “…You let a power hungry weasel of a man influence you by stroking your ego!” 
"You stupid old man.” Aldur added, the twins spun round and left their father sagging on the throne looking miserable.

Arter stormed over the events of the day, Azrael had refused his summons to see Arter again, so it was impossible to apologise. He was having visions of being hanged for treason, he was afraid for the first time in his life, not for him but he thought he might have damned his sons. If he was hanged for treason then his family would forever bare that tarnish, they would forever have to live named as sons of a traitor. He stormed around the throne room going over the events, trying to figure out how this had happened. 
"How could I let this happen?" He wondered aloud,
after much thought he had found someone to blame and all his anger and frustration were projected on to the 'culprit' as Arter now seen them. Arter turned and stormed from the throne room, He marched along a dark corridor fuming. He reached a door and did not pause but rather kicked the door with all his might. The door flew open from his kick, he had expected it to be locked. He stormed into the room ready to vent his anger at his 'culprit' but when he saw what was occurring in the room he stopped dead.

“What are you doing… who… oh my god!”

 Suddenly he cried out in pain, there was a crash and a thud then he stumbled from the room clutching his stomach with one hand and a half broken vase in the other which he had used to fight off his attacker. He pressed down tight on his stomach as a red fluid poured down his hand. He ran along the corridor as fast as his wound would allow, he had to see Azrael. He had to be warned. It was too late for him now he knew that, but not for the kingdom. But as he stumbled along he felt light headed and knew it wasn’t going to be long now. He turned onto the corridor Azrael was housed when someone grabbed him from behind and pulled him back around the corner he had come and slammed him into the wall then he felt pain in his other side as he was stabbed again, he dropped to his knees and fell to the floor. He didn’t have the strength to get back up, he tried to crawl but couldn’t. He spoke his last thoughts as his attacker stood over him.

“Where are all my guards?” and then Prince Arter, hero of the Ten-fold war and Regent of the West died alone on the cold stone floor of his own castle.

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