by B. H. Savage
“Prince Robert Ferdinand Delrich the Fourth,” the old man greeted. “We’ve been expecting you, Your Highness.” He stepped forward and bowed his head, obviously knowing the repercussions for not showing such a display. “I am Chancellor Breen, in service to his eminence, Emperor Rosch Gregorious Mitus. Welcome to our lands.”
“Thank you, Chancellor,” Prince Robert replied. “It pleases me that our two countries can finally come together to negotiate a peace. After so many years of violence, hatred, and bloodshed, it is long overdue.”
“Our emperor feels the same, Your Majesty,” the chancellor said back. As he rose his balding head up to look at the visitors his hand waved in the air. A moment later, the massive gates leading into Mitus opened as if pulled by invisible chains. “We will guide you to the imperial palace, where you can rest before negotiations begin. Quarters for your escort have also been arranged.”
“You have my thanks, Chancellor,” the prince said.
The elderly robed man and his armored guard stepped through the gate first. Prince Robert and his protective detail followed. Amador’s black dragon circled the city above in the event of an emergency, but against the black color of the stone buildings the creature actually looked right at home.
The traveling guard and the prince were met with stares comprised of envy, fear, and disgust from the citizens of Mitus. The two countries had been at war with each other for roughly a century, so animosity without provocation seemed normal. The soldiers from Delrich held the same angry gazes in their eyes as well. Everyone wanted peace and to stop the killing, but after losing loved ones to enemy blades the grudges were hard to drop.
It was during their short walk through the city that Anye truly felt the concentration of magical energy she had heard about. Although she had fought and felled many dark knights of Mitus, who wielded the forces of black magic on the battlefield along with their swords, she had never felt its power so condensed in one place. To those sensitive to it, it was almost enough to make one dizzy.
Along the walls of the many guard towers that lined the streets Anye saw what looked like cannons that simply floated in the air. Children played games by throwing rocks with their newfound powers, and single men performed tasks that would normally require many. Such things would never be allowed by Delrich’s royal family, if not for their innate fear of such types of magic but for fear of sparking a revolution by practically giving every citizen weapons of immense power. The fact that they allowed the officers of the Dragon Knights to learn a summoning spell was risky enough by their standards.
As the group approached the emperor’s palace it became more apparent how powerful the sorcerers of that nation really were. In front of the group stood not a castle fit for a king, but a fortress bursting from the seams with magical energy. The fortress’s grounds were adorned with statues of previous emperors. Military units marched around in formation and the tallest tower of the structure rose through the middle of the grand building like a massive pike.
“Your Highness, his eminence has requested that you trust and accept his hospitality. As such we ask that only one of your escorts accompany you throughout the imperial palace grounds,” the chancellor stated with a bowed head as they entered the grand hall of the building. “I assure you that you have nothing to worry about.”
“I understand the emperor’s request,” Prince Robert replied with a cautious tone. “However, would it be acceptable to allow two of my knights to accompany me instead of just one?”
The chancellor looked around himself as he contemplated the request. Anye knew full well that the prince didn’t feel safe or comfortable at all in such a place, and was fully prepared to argue on his behalf if she needed to. As she looked around her soldiers she saw that Amador was uncharacteristically relaxed. She had known him to be irritating and arrogant, and he often came across as keeping his cool when he was really panicking, but at that moment he genuinely looked relaxed. Before she had a chance to say anything though, the chancellor spoke once more.
“I do not think the emperor would object. He would understand your concern and desire for protection,” he explained.
“Thank you, Chancellor,” the prince replied. As the royal figure dismounted his horse one of Mitus’ caretakers approached and took the reins. As the caretaker took the horse away, Prince Robert turned and addressed both of the commanding knights in his charge. “Anye, Amador, I would have you both be my escorts during the negotiations.”
Both knights bowed in accordance with the prince’s request, voicing their recognition of the order and then straightened their backs once more.
“Well then, if that is settled I’ll have one of my servants guide you and your escorts to your quarters, Your Majesty,” the chancellor continued, clapping his hands to summon another person. “The rest of your countrymen may set up camp within the palace grounds if they wish. We will send for you at sunset.”
“Thank you again, Chancellor,” Prince Robert replied. “I will see you then.”
______
Anye’s initial feeling of caution did not disperse during the day she spent guarding the prince with Amador, and his unusual calmness didn’t help. If the two spoke to each other it was very short and to the point. She did take comfort knowing that the man had at least not forgotten his rank when addressing her, though. The sheer size of the imperial palace was intimidating, and her lack of information about it kept her on her guard.
While the prince toured the massive fortress of the emperor, both Anye and Amador had been granted permission to observe some of the empire's training methods. From what they could tell the basic infrastructure of their military didn’t differ from Delrich’s much at all. The main difference was that instead of white magic, which was used primarily for defensive purposes and healing the wounded, specialties of the church's clerics and the Holy Knights, Mitus’ army learned black magic for dealing out as much damage as possible in a short amount of time.
Over time the soldiers of Mitus’ military would learn basic spells from casting a fireball or freezing spell to enchanting their weapon with various attributes such as poison, lightning, or various other elements. Enough practice would develop those skilled enough into the deadly warriors Anye had faced known as the Dark Knights. Delrich had touched upon the study of black magic in the past, but it was found that without close supervision the use of those types of powers could warp the users mind, corrupting them and in some cases transforming them into something inhuman. Because of those risks, Delrich outlawed the use of such types of magic entirely. This led those who still wished to study the mystic arts to excel in the white magic, allowing them to protect themselves and others from countless tragedies.
The sight of such powers was not something new to either of the knights, but to the prince it was mesmerizing. He spent the entire day clamoring on about the spectacular displays of might and magic Mitus’ army held, regardless of what Anye had to say about the risks of it and the damage it had caused. The prince knew full well of his kingdom’s history, but it didn’t stop him from fantasizing about the possibility of a warrior who could wield both light and dark magic on the battlefield.
As the sun began to set over the western horizon, the echoes of footfalls reached Anye and Amador’s ears. A pivotal moment in the histories of both Delrich and Mitus had arrived; the negotiations of peace between the two warring countries were about to begin.
The chancellor, dressed in the same robes he had been wearing earlier in the day, approached the chamber where Prince Robert rested, accompanied by two similarly dressed scribes. Anye turned and entered the room she had been guarding as they got closer to inform the prince that the time had come.
“Your Highness,” she greeted as the door closed behind her. “Chancellor Breen is here to take you to the imperial conference room to begin the peace negotiations.”
Prince Robert had changed into his political attire during his stay in the room; a chamber fit for dignitaries, decorated wit
h fine cloths and furniture, lavish windows, and a balcony facing the western horizon. Polished black boots protected his feet, which were partially covered by a contrasting colored white military uniform. The trim of the outfit were the colors of Delrich’s flag, white and blue, along with a golden rope hanging from his right shoulder. His hair was pulled back as it was during their journey, but it had been brushed and seemed to shine like the golden rope in the light of evening sun peeking through a window before fully setting.
“Thank you, Captain,” the prince replied nervously. As he turned to face the woman, the buttons of his blouse reflected the sunlight brightly, forcing Anye to cover her eyes for a moment. The prince chuckled when he realized what he had done and promptly moved away from the light. “My apologies, Anye.”
“Think nothing of it, Your Grace,” she replied with a smile. “If you’re ready we will accompany you to the emperor's chamber.”
“Yes,” the prince said. “Let's go.”
Anye left the room first, presenting the prince as was proper etiquette, and stepped aside to let him through. When the prince followed, everyone present bowed their heads in respect to the royal figure. It was interesting to compare the two opposing men as they greeted each other, being dressed in completely opposite colors.
The chancellor led the trio to the emperor’s conference chamber. It was a large room fit to hold hundreds of people, with drapes hanging from balconies high above covering the windows. Two massive and beautiful chandeliers hung above, lighting the room with thousands of lit candles accompanied by torches along the walls. In the center of the room was a long table covered in food and drink with a single man sitting at its head.
As soon as the chancellor led the prince to his seat at the opposite end of the table he immediately walked over to the other man and helped him up. His robes were similar to the chancellors except that they had much more detail. He was elderly, with a long gray beard. A golden jeweled crown sat on his head. Anye could see the coldness in his eyes as he glared at the visitors.
“Presenting his magnificence, Emperor Rosch Gregorious Mitus,” the chancellor announced. “My Liege, I present to you Prince Robert Ferdinand Delrich the Fourth.”
“Welcome to my empire, Prince Robert,” the emperor greeted with a deep, booming voice. “I am delighted you have come all this way in your father’s stead so that we may finally make peace between our nations.”
“As am I,” the prince responded with a bow. “I am grateful for your hospitality and openness to the idea of peace.”
The emperor took his seat again, and the prince followed the action soon after. “Am I to assume that one of your companions is the famous Lady Anye Everdyne of Delrich’s Holy Knights?” the emperor asked, shifting his gaze to the red-haired woman.
“You are correct, Emperor,” the prince answered.
“I have heard many tales involving your skill with the blade, Lady Anye,” the emperor continued. “You have felled many of my men on the battlefield, but it as an honor to meet you in person.”
Anye bowed in a similar fashion as the prince did before. “Thank you, Emperor.” When she picked her head back up, Anye shifted her gaze towards Amador. The look of disdain and aggravation on his face was priceless to her and she struggled to keep from showing her delight.
“Your Highness…” the emperor bellowed, shifting his attention back to him, “I grow weary of the conflict between our countries. The efforts of my forefathers to bring ever more lands under the empire’s control have led to countless unnecessary deaths. For these acts, I apologize on behalf of the empire.”
“My country has lost much during this war,” the prince replied. “But my father would be pleased to know that you feel this way. He expresses his condolences for the losses your people have suffered as well.”
The emperor nodded his head with a grin. “Well then, we shall dine first; afterwards the negotiations will begin.”
______
Much to Anye’s surprise, the leader of the empire was willing to accept nearly all of Delrich’s terms for peace. All forces deployed within Delrich’s borders would be recalled, all surviving prisoners of war would be released, and all personal belongings of citizens that had been plundered by raiding parties would be returned should they be tracked down. The only request the emperor had for the royal family of Delrich would be to send experienced healing mages to train their own people in the arts of white magic.
The finer details of the peace treaty were all politics that bored Anye incessantly, so she was very happy to be journeying back home. The mission had given her the time she needed to think of a way out of her father’s ploy to marry her off if Glenn was unsuccessful, so she looked forward to the possible confrontation. Everything was set as the escort party formed around the prince in a protective formation. She walked over towards her own lieutenant to verify inspection before reporting back to the prince for the marching order.
“Lieutenant,” she said. “Are the soldiers inspected and ready to go?”
The knight turned to face Anye and nodded his head. “Yes, My Lady. We are ready to march at his highness’ command.”
Anye nodded her head. “Thank you, Lieutenant. Await the order,” she replied, and turned back towards the prince.
As she strode to her place beside the prince’s horse she noticed Amador doing the same. She assumed he had just completed his inspection of the accompanying lancers in preparation for the journey home. Something seemed off about him though. She couldn’t put a finger on what it was but he seemed anxious, perhaps excited by something. Nothing had happened to the prince’s company, and none of the soldiers were granted leave to explore the city due to them still technically being enemies until the king finalized the peace treaty back in Delrich. There was no reason to confront him though, and assumed it was simply her dislike of his character.
“My Liege, the lancers in your escort have been inspected and are prepared to march at a moment’s notice,” Amador reported with some obvious hints of excitement in his voice.
“As are my soldiers, Your Majesty,” she added. “Shall we give the order?”
“Yes,” the prince replied quietly. “I long for the fields of our homeland with news of peace. Give the order.”
Both Anye and Amador bowed their heads respectfully and turned towards their respective soldiers. They gave the marching order in unison and the sound of the forty-plus footfalls echoed throughout the black city. Admittedly she was ready to return home as well, and as they walked through the streets of the imperial capital remembered just how intimidating the place was. It was enough to make her tense up and remain on her guard quite obviously.
“Anye, you seem troubled,” the prince said to her from his horse. “Something on your mind?”
“Nothing to worry about, Your Highness, I assure you,” she replied.
“Please, share your thoughts with me.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty,” she answered after a slight pause. “We have been at war with Mitus for longer than both of our lives combined. There are sure to be those who wish to undo the peace you and King Justin have established with the empire for the sake of old grudges and whatnot.”
“I understand your concerns, Anye,” Prince Robert said. “But I do not think that any possible revolutionaries would dare attempt anything in their own capital. Such a thing would only make them enemies of their own home and strengthen the resolve of peace my father and the emperor have agreed upon.”
“You should listen to His Majesty, Captain,” Amador chimed in. “Regardless, we have the forty best men and women from each of our respective units, the most respected divisions of Delrich’s military, serving as escort guard. If anyone dared attack us they would be dead before they could give the retreat order.”
The prince found Amador’s bold claim amusing, proving so with a few hearty laughs in response. “Lieutenant, your confidence is refreshing. Now let us-”
An explosion in front of them stopped the
prince’s words, and his company, in their tracks. Before anyone knew what was happening they were being bombarded with a combined force of arrows and magic from all directions. Several soldiers went down, either scorched or from arrow wounds, before they could even draw their weapons.
Anye drew her sword and readied her shield. Within seconds she had deflected two arrows and a fireball aimed at either her or the prince’s horse. “My Liege, we must get you to safety!” she yelled out.
The prince nodded his head, but before they could move they were surrounded by a group of men, all dressed in dark colored robes and armed with swords. Open hands held a small fiery glow in place of a shield. Anye recognized them immediately as Mitus’ light armor combat mages, soldiers who proved to be expert swordsmen as well as adept wizards similar to dark knights. They could cut an opponent down just as easily as conjure fire, ice, lightning, or any other type of magical attacks to fell entire groups by themselves.
“What is the meaning of this!?” Anye shouted at their attackers. “This is Prince Robert Ferdinand Delrich, ally of your leader, the emperor! You would dare commit this act of aggression against a sworn ally of your empire!?”
“We’re no allies of Delrich,” one of the mages yelled back to her. “The peace treaty isn’t finalized until you return back to your precious kingdom.”
“Your emperor has already called for you to lay down your arms and let us pass!” Anye yelled. “Would you disobey these orders?”
“Orders can be rescinded, Captain,” the mage replied.
The group didn’t give Anye or the prince enough time to say another word. They continued with their assault as soon as the one she assumed was their leader finished speaking. The sound of yelling and swords clanging against one another filled her head. She had to fight off two of the mages at once as soon as the fighting started. Their target was the prince, and it didn’t look like they wanted to keep anyone else alive, if they even wanted him alive.