by ylugin
* * *
He sat in the simple chair provided for him as though he was sitting on a throne. Soon all of the lands would be under his command. Soon he would become king and no one would ever dare to stand in his way.
Spinning the ring on his finger around and around, he smiled to himself, admiring his trophy. The ring was gold, engraved with the sigil of the family he had single handedly butchered. It was a proud moment indeed, one that provided a valuable stepping stone for the future that he saw for himself. The Madonian Council was too naive to ever realize what he had done. They had been completely oblivious to the truth that had always been in front of them. He laughed to himself, at how easy everything was going to be for him.
War was about to begin. All of the pieces were falling into place so perfectly. No one, not even the idiotic Casteels would be able to stop what he had in store, and if they dared to try then he was going to make sure that it would be the last time they ever stood in his way.
With a smile he gave the ring a final spin, centering it on his finger, and stood. With the flick of his hand two black wolves formed before him. He smiled at the glorious beasts.
This day was going to go down in history, this day was going to be the start of the war that would change everything. He was going to create his kingdom on the blood and rubble left behind.
* * *
Lana looked out over the ocean while the warm sun glistened over the waves. Ardin sat beside her on the balcony, in the great archways of the heart of the castle. The two of them existed near one another in a relaxed and welcome silence. Watching the rhythmic movement of the ocean next to her Aorra was therapeutic, soothing to her racing mind.
“Do you think there’s anything out there?” Lana asked Ardin in wonder. Her eyes scanned over the ocean.
Our people have sailed the seas and have not found anything yet.
“But what about beyond the sea, the stars.”
I know no more than you? Why do you ask? Ardin shifted his gaze from the glistening ocean to Lana.
“I just sometimes wonder. The small moon is the school we went to years ago. I remember speaking to the instructors there, learning from them. One of them once mentioned that they were not from our lands, surely there might be more things out there.”
Ardin nodded in understanding. He gazed at Lana while she was deep in thought. She’d had a rough morning but her day was far from over.
The instructor was probably just telling you a story. But we can speak all philosophically about this after the council meeting is over. He tried to reel her in, get her focused on the meeting that was only minutes away. I will give you a moment to yourself. I will wait for you out front.
Lana felt Ardin leave her mind as he walked back through the massive archway that separated the two castle sides and she was left alone. She breathed in a deep breath, filling her lungs with salted air, holding her breath for a moment before releasing it with a sigh. It felt as if heaviness had enveloped her and there was no escape. Over the past few days it had seemed that everything she did was somehow important and yet always wrong.
Out of the corner of her eye Lana saw something move. She turned her attention to a small lizard. White with black markings striped its small body, the tip of its tail was red and the top of its head was also red. She watched the little creature bravely make its way to her and stop at the railing near her hand. It appeared to be looking right into her eyes.
“Odd little thing,” Lana commented, moving her hand closer to the small creature. A small tongue flicked out of its mouth, tickling her finger. She giggled slightly and removed her hand, still looking at the peculiar little lizard. Never having seen a lizard like this in her lands before, she mused over where it must have come from. It must be one that was found only in the southern lands. If she had found the little guy when she was a child she surely would have tried to catch it and keep it as a pet.
“Be careful that you don’t get stepped on or eaten by a bird, little lizard,” she whispered to it. As if it understood, the creature scurried across the railing and began climbing away on the castle’s stonewall. She watched it until it disappeared from her view and her eyes turned back to the sea.
Lana took one last look at the horizon, where the massive ocean met the even larger sky. She turned her gaze to where the small moon could be seen in the distance. A small wave of emotion came over her at the sight of it, followed by the memories that accompanied that place. Lana pushed the thoughts away with a small shake of her head, returning her attention to the water below. This was not the time to think of her past, to wonder what could have been if the world were different. Now, she had to remain calm and collected.
After one final look over the water, Lana turned and walked towards the front of the castle, her dress blowing in the salty breeze behind her.
Ardin lounged, basking in the sun while waiting for Lana to join him.
Ready? She asked him when she approached.
Born ready. He replied lightly and they started towards the grand room, located on the Sterling’s side of the Castle. Lana saw her father standing in the hall with Earmon, waiting for her and Ardin. When she approached they began walking without word till they reached a massive doorway. The double doors leading into the room were made of dark wood, carved with an intricate weaved pattern. They were already open on their arrival. Two guards with hawks engraved on their steel chest plates stood like statues outside the doors.
Lana entered the grand room with Valdor, their Aorras following at their heels. The grand room was smaller than Lana imagined, due to Cyra Sterling’s customary overly grand rooms and castle. However, it was true to its name as grand, with walls taller than the room was wide. It was a round room, which Lana found odd, being in a room without corners. The round sky light in the ceiling was the only window to the outside.
The entire space seemed to be made of marble infused with gold veins. Gold fabric hung from the ceiling, flowing down against the wall, providing a softer touch. Between each drape there was a cut out in the stonewalls where white candles provided additional light. In the center of the room stood a massive round table, made from a single tree slice. It had smooth but uneven edges around its boarder, which was created from the trees natural growth.
Lana finally brought her attention to the Madonian’s at the table. The Laderic brothers, Lathe and Maksim, sat straight ahead of the wooden double doors. Despite being around the same age, Lana never really knew the brothers. Their parents had been friends with hers, but were killed when the boys were just babies. The boys were then raised by their aunt, away from others until they became of age to take their rightful place on the council.
The brothers were happily engaged in conversation with each other, not paying any mind to Lana or her father’s arrival. The brothers were brunette, average height and average build. Their Aorras, Faolins, were too large to sit at the table so they stood behind them, looking massive compared to the sitting brothers.
Faolins were horse like creatures, except much smarter and faster. They had huge ears, wide noses and armored heads and backs. Small tusks framed their armored nose, and long whip like tails brought up the animal’s rear. Faolins could come in varieties of colors but theirs were both grey. These were one of the only Aorras known that can be ridden.
To the left of the Laderics sat Iria and Lionel Maddox. The Maddoxs controlled a majority of the coastlines in Madonia along with the islands to the West. Iria was leaning in towards her husband, deep in conversation. Glancing up only to acknowledge Valdor and Lana enter the room before quickly cutting whatever was being said short and flashing a big smile at them. The Maddoxs were both short, with dark hair and slender bodies. They looked similar enough to be confused for brother and sister instead of husband and wife.
Beside Iria sat a Vesper, perched on a stool. This was the first time Lana had ever seen a Vesper. Before this day they seemed mythical to her. The Vesper was about a third of the size of Ardin and had scaly blue
skin with a short nose. A-top its head it had a fin crown and a long tail with more fins at the end. They were creatures known to be great swimmers and preferred water to land. It was a great fit for a costal Council member.
Next to Lionel sat a Great Cat. It was white with a few black spots on top of its head and back with large paws and a lion-like tail. Great Cats were known to be highly adaptable creatures, able to live in all climates. Lana always found it strange that Great Cats had never been found in the wild. Some said that was because they do not exist outside of Aorra’s, others said that they were too wise to ever allow for themselves to be seen in the wild.
Next to the Maddox’s were two empty spaces for Lana and her father. Next to their open seats sat Kirill with the awful bloody cape she knew he would have draped proudly over his chair. Next to him was his father, Arkhip Dukran. Arkhip sat tall in all black with long gray hair.
Around Arkhip’s dark slim figure sat three large black wolves. One was Jett, who supposedly belonged to Kirill. The other two were clearly Arkhip's. There was no reason to have the extra in a meeting of the council, other than to show off. The third wolf was there purely as a show of Arkhip’s power. It was so typical of him, never missing an opportunity to flaunt his strength.
Arkhip Dukran was an especially talented Madonian, he had the ability to create wolves. Most Madonians who could create things, could so in a silver color, not lifelike. However, Arkhip didn’t just create figurines or silver wolves, he was capable of creating extremely lifelike black wolves, that moved and behaved like natural creatures.
He had been seen using as many as five wolves under his command before. Lana had no idea how many he ever had at one time or which one was even his Aorra. This made the Dukran family feared, for the things Arkhip was capable of doing without the drain of his strength was, before him, unheard of.
After acknowledging all who were in the round room Lana began making her way to the two open seats left for them. Valdor greeted Lionel Maddox with a strong handshake. The two were somewhat long time friends. They were not close, for council members tended to keep each other at an arms length. However, Valdor had gone fishing with Lionel once, which was more than what Lana had ever seen from the others and her father. Lana’s father took the seat next to Lionel, putting her in the seat next to Kirill.
It will be fine. Keep moving, people are beginning to stare. Ardin gave Lana a gentle mental nudge. She stopped brooding a moment and observed everyone’s eyes on her. She hadn’t even noticed that she had stopped walking. Heat rose to her face as she blushed, hurrying to her seat.
Ardin sat between Lana and Kirill, his head well above the table. He gazed around at all who were in the room before turning back to her. Lana too observed the room, taking note that the Sterling’s were the only ones missing.
The Sterling’s were a mother and daughter team, to whom this castle was home. Always trying to make an entrance and make everyone wait for them Lana thought to herself.
Yes, well you know…women. Ardin commented about the Sterling’s.
Hey! Rude. Lana shot back at Ardin, trying to stifle a small smile. Suddenly she became uncomfortably aware of who sat near her, just on the other side of her Aorra.
Kirill was sitting next to them and she could feel him, his eyes on her. She turned away from Ardin, trying to avoid eye contact with the monstrous Madonian sitting next to her Aorra. But she could still feel his gaze searing into her skin.
Remain composed.
Before Lana could turn to Ardin to see what he meant she felt a hand touch her arm. It was a brief touch, meant to only get her attention, yet her body recoiled from it anyway. She turned to Kirill. His blond hair was pulled back and his steel eyes were focused directly on her. Lana sat there looking at him, her pulse quickened, she didn’t know what to do.
Kirill leaned over and gestured that Lana do the same. They leaned towards one another, behind Ardin.
Play nice, everyone can see. Ardin’s words entered her mind as she leaned in behind him.
“Listen, what I said about your mother was out of line. I apologize, it was wrong of me. I am not sure what came over me.” Kirill spoke softly.
Lana’s eyes slightly widened in surprise, what was she to do with this? He better not have been expecting any apology from her in return. Giving Kirill a small forced smile and a nod of her head, she leaned back into her seat. She glanced over at her father who was watching her intently out of the corner of his eye while making small talk with Lionel Maddox.
Well that was unexpected… he probably did it just for show, in front of everyone. Lana was thinking to herself more than Ardin, he answered anyway.
Perhaps, but no one could hear what was said. For all everyone knows he could have just insulted you.
Then why?
Lana only had a moment to ponder this before her attention was drawn to the open entrance of the great room. The sound of approaching heels echoed off of the walls, as if they were small messages sent out to announce the Sterlings arrival. Cyra Sterling and her daughter Elysia entered gracefully, their gowns flowing like silky water in their wake.
Cyra’s gold gown with black embroidering flowed behind her, her daughter’s dress was similar to her own but contrasting in color design, black dress with gold embroidering. Their gowns were as extravagant as was their castle and slightly over the top considering the occasion. Cyra’s dark hair, streaked with grey, was pulled back loosely while Elysia’s blond hair was left to naturally flow, cascading over her shoulders in golden waves.
They walked to their seats but remained standing as two hawks suddenly flew in through the door, each finding a perch to the side of the Sterlings.
After a pause Cyra addressed everyone, “Elysia and I are happy to welcome all of you to our home in our great city of Abder for this council meeting. As you all know, normally when we all gather it is custom to have a ceremony and grand introductions, I truly apologize for the lack of this grand gesture. The one who called the meeting asked to be quick and discrete about it. So without prolonging the introduction” Cyra turned her gaze to the tall slender dark man sitting to the side of her “Arkhip Dukran, the floor is yours.” With a smooth liquid movement, the Sterling’s took their seats.
Arkhip waited for everyone’s gaze to turn to him before he stood. “My friends.” He began and paused. “It saddens me that such unfortunate circumstances bring us together. It is no secret that the Rami continue to attack our people and our lands. They paint our streets red, leaving echoes of dying screams and the stench of burning Madonian flesh in their wake. So why do we only fight them when they have already begun cutting our own down? All of us have made a promise to protect our people, our lands and we have failed. Men, women and even children who are under our protection are left to be murdered. Why? Because of some treaty that only our side seems to be trying to uphold? Zakran, king of the Rami, lets his men have their way with our women and kill our children and we do what? Nothing.”
Valdor spoke up, wanting Arkhip to get to his point. “And what is it that you expect us to do Dukran? Why have you called the meeting?”
“For us to bring the Rami scum the war they so desperately want before they bring it to us while we are ill prepared.”
“For us to give you our men and armies for you to do with as you see fit?” Valdor clarified, exactly what it was that Arkhip was asking for.
A Laderic brother now chimed in. “Our code for war calls for us to choose one amongst ourselves to lead the unified Madonian army during a war. However, we do not wish to forfeit our armies to your rule, no disrespect.”
“You are a strong man Dukran, but you are also a ruthless man. I too do not wish to hand over my men to you. And I find it extremely unlikely for you to hand yours over to me” Iria Maddox voiced.
Arkhip smiled slightly. “Yes we will have a vote as to who will be the lead during this time of war”.
Rumbles came from everyone in the room.
“You are mad!”
Valdor erupted. “We have not even agreed to a war and you are speaking of a vote for us to give you our men. I will not allow for you to lead my men into a slaughter you call war. More good and innocent men will die under your lead than with the way things are.”
“Some loss now will make up for safety later, Casteel.” Lana noted that he had held back on the name, trying to make it sound less like a sneer. “Sacrifices, must always be made for the greater good. And who is it that always helps all of you against the Rami threat? Whenever any of you are in need of assistance it is my worriers who come to your rescue, perhaps if I stopped sending you all help then you would understand how dire the situation is.”
“So why not stop sending your gracious help Dukran?” Valdor asked.
Arkhip smiled, yet his eyes remained incredibly cold as if there was no life in them. “Because then there would be nothing left, no one to help me against the Rami. And as talented that I am I can not take down the entire Rami army on my own.”
If it were not for the thick tension in the room Lana would have laughed at that. Arkhip admitting to needing help, as talented as he was? It was as if she were sitting in a theater and Arkhip was the grand performer.
“You think us completely incapable of protecting our own?” Lathe Laderic spoke to Arkhip, a hint of annoyance in his voice. He did not seem to like Arkhip’s threat of pulling back aid against the Rami. Didn’t like the insinuation that he single handedly was the reason that the Madonian lands had not yet been overtaken by the Rami.
“No. I think you are all quite capable, which is why I am asking for your help in this.” After a pause he added, “I also do not wish to lead your men, but for us to lead together. If we go to war, we must all go.”
Everyone sat in dumbfounded silence. Lana looked over at her father who seemed to be taken a back by the comment. Arkhip was dangerous and power hungry. For him to not use the opportunity to gain more power, to gain Madonian control, he must have some angle.