The Red Prince (1)

by Stephen Lucas Lacroix

  The king held his arms across as princess Melia sat on her chair, “Quiet!” he shouted. “And how can you be sure that we’ll let some convict represent us?” he added.

  Ferrier just swayed his head left to right and answered, “Well, because it is up to me whether you could join the group or not.” He stood his ground. “I also believe that we might have a better chance of dealing with the Red Prince, with him in the group.”

  The King burst and growled after hearing Ferrier’s answer and points at him, “You can’t do this to us!”

  Ferrier just closed his eyes and shook his head, No. The King’s face gradually changed and laughed hysterically. Ferrier eyebrows crossed, “Is there something funny that I’m missing?” Ferrier asked.

  The King just continued laughing loudly. The councilors were confused on what was happening when the King suddenly stopped laughing.

  “I just came up with an idea,” the King said. “Why don’t we let them duel, between who I chose, against yours?”

  Ferrier’s smile was back and asked, “Against whom may I ask?”

  The King pointed towards his daughter and said out loud, “Against Princess Melia.”

  “Isn’t it rather unfair for a gentleman to go up against a maiden?”

  The King retracted his arm and sat back down once more. “Graveloth is no gentleman. Plus we haven’t seen him wield a weapon. Yes, he is a blacksmith. I myself can vouch on how well he makes weapons, but to actually use it? You’ll only regret that you said this to me!” the King sneered as Ferrier felt unsure of what to answer.

  Ferrier stood for moments considering the odds. “Okay, I agree against your bet. The Maiden against the Convict.”

  “Against a convicted blacksmith. Prepare to send word back to the Imperial Council that Princess Melia is on her way,” the King said then laughed out of sheer confidence that his daughter would win.

  Ferrier requested to see Graveloth and the King agreed willingly. Ferrier could not help but smile deviously. None of them knew what Graveloth could do.

  The guards escorted Ferrier to the cellars where Graveloth was held. He walked along the corridor and saw the convicts, along with the cold. The guards guided him to the farthest cellar which was also the most guarded one. There he saw another two beside the main cellar beside Graveloth. The blood dried to his skin and his hands sweated blood from the handcuffs. He was kneeling on the floor and his head faced down. The guards and his escorts were left outside as they closed the doors. Ferrier looked behind him when the doors completely closed and the cracking sound woke up Graveloth.

  He looked at Graveloth with curiosity. Graveloth gradually bowed his head and said, “Who are you?”

  Ferrier was surprised that he suddenly talked. “I’m here to help you take back your freedom, Graveloth.”

  Graveloth only stared at him, completely confused. He stood up and approached Ferrier slowly behind the cell bars. He looked at his visitor from the bottom up and tilted his head a little to the left, “What?” he asked.

  Ferrier walked around the cellar, “I arranged a fight between you and the Princess and supposed you win – and I know that you will, you will be the Kra’en warrior that will represent your realm.”

  Graveloth tilted his head and said, “Go on.”

  Ferrier continued to walk around the cellar as he smiled.

  “Upon that, all the charges against you will be lifted.”

  Appealing to his ears, Graveloth asked out of curiosity, “Why do you even need me? You’ve already got the most powerful warrior in all of the kingdoms.”

  Ferrier stopped in his tracks and sighed, “Actually, that’s the very reason why we need all the greatest warriors.”

  Graveloth did not understand and let Ferrier continue talking, “The Prince of the Trasidars has rebelled. His action against the empire is a threat, not only to us but the very existence of all of Unibeltrasia.”

  Graveloth was overwhelmed and was baffled, “He’s just one man. You can take care of him yourselves. Hell, you got the Mystic Falcons and the Maroon Orderians at your side. Why need all of us?”

  Ferrier stared at Graveloth and answered, “Because he took out an entire army with one swing. That’s why we need you all. Are you willing to kill the rebel Prince in exchange for thousands of lives, Graveloth?”

  Graveloth just stood in his place as he tried to digest everything Ferrier told him. He did not speak but Ferrier knew already what he would say and continued.

  “I almost forgot. Your fight against the princess is tomorrow. They also said you can use your armor and weapons. Don’t let me down, Graveloth. The Empire is counting on you,” he said while the door behind him opened.

  Ferrier looked back to Graveloth again who gradually knelt down once more and left the cellar completely. He was escorted out of the dungeon while the doors shut back again in an echo.

  The next day, the large coliseum at the center of the city stood was filled with tons of people waiting for the match prepared by the King. They slowly filled the arena as they waited for the Princess and Graveloth to come out. The noise echoed throughout the entire arena as midday closed in.

  Graveloth was approached by two guards carrying his own armor and his blade armlets. His handcuffs were removed by another guard and they handed his armor. He smirked as he put on his armor. The guards helped him put on the other parts of the armor while the blade armlets were laid down on his bed. He stared at them for a couple of moments before putting it on. He slowly put on the two blades as he prepared for battle for his freedom. He rotated his right arm a couple of times, checking the blades. He then swung his arms forward a couple of times then for the last time, he swung his left arm to his left side and the blade deployed in front.

  Satisfied by the condition of his weapon, he retracted the blade and headed out to the arena. Through the corridor, he could hear the crowd cheering the Princess’ name. As light broke at the end and shined on his face, the crowd suddenly roared out of control. He looked around him and scanned the crowd that would be watching them. He turned to the opposite side of the arena and saw the Princess, already in her battle gear. The crowd chanted her name loud as she waved to them. They both approached each other at the center of the arena.

  The King finally entered the arena with the Imperial Diplomat also waving at the audience before he sat down. The King continued to wave then held both of his arms on both sides. The crowd slowly calmed and the King made his speech.

  “My fellow Kra’ens! This battle will determine the warrior that will represent us! I’m not going to make this long! So let the battle begin!” the crowd exploded in excitement.

  The princess pulled out her blade from her back and struck Graveloth immediately. He managed to block the Princess’ attack and deflected it back, throwing them both far from each other. The Princess just smiled at Graveloth as she spun her double blade. Graveloth, still staring cold at the Princess, crossed his arms then swung them on both sides and deployed the blades. He charged towards the Princess and jumped in the air then struck her down. Melia deflected his attack and was forced to kneel to the ground while Graveloth pushed against her. Melia pushed him far from her then charged again, while he fell to his knees by the blow. He stood up and was surprised by the ferocity the Princess showed.

  Constant clanging of swords echoed throughout the arena along with the cheering crowd. He closed his eyes for a moment, summoning a wall of wind around him that caught the princess off guard and threw her to the wall.

  The King was stunned and sprung to his feet as he watched the match. The strong wind in the middle of the arena disappeared as Graveloth’s eyes followed the Princess. He smirked at her. And then she screamed.

  She charged towards him to deliver another blow but Graveloth spun again, summoning another intense gust of wind that encircled the princess. She was squeezed by the wall of spinning blade-like winds as she braced herself. The winds as sharp as knives hit her in every direction and every part of her.


  Graveloth pushed the Princess upward with a column of wind that crushed her inside.

  The column smacked to the ground along with the Princess. The Princess gathered her posture, still willing to fight.

  As the he approached her, the fierce winds stopped and dissipated, revealing Graveloth who was walking with a devious grin. Melia stood her ground, heaving in pain. He spun again towards the princess and hits her, cutting off the swords she was holding.

  Graveloth summoned another gust of wind, determined to give the final blow. The Princess braced herself. To her surprise, the tornado stilled and Graveloth jumped out of it, pointing his blade towards the Princess. The Princess was shocked and the crowd along with the King and the diplomat was bewildered. Melia passed out as Graveloth stared at her with cold eyes, still smirking at her. He retracted his blades from his right arm and just stood for seconds.

  Ferrier was stunned by the performance he just saw and said to himself, “Not a bad decision indeed.”

  “Here is the map to the location of the meeting place.” Ferrier handed him the map and Graveloth took it then continued packing. After the battle, he was sent back home to pack his necessities for the journey ahead.

  “Aren’t you going to bring me there personally?” he asked.

  “I still have one more stop before I can go home, Graveloth,” said Ferrier.

  Ferrier stopped in front of a window and looked outside and continued. “The highest ranking Seer of the Orderians gave that to us. This mission may cost your life if unsuccessful. I need you to do your best.”

  Finishing his packing, Graveloth tied the last knot of his bag and said to Ferrier, “You saved me from my execution. You gave me a new life. I am at debt to you, and only to you. I will do my best.”

  Ferrier only smiled and Graveloth left the room.

  The snow had just started falling when Graveloth left Mathron. Graveloth passed by the guards and to his surprise, they nodded to him and saluted at him. He pulled out the map Ferrier gave him. After a good scan, he folded it and slipped it in his arm protector. He stopped for a while as he watched the sky somehow, trying to find his direction. He saw a hole in the clouds and a shining star beyond it. He locked his view on it and dashed towards its direction. That star only appeared when an imminent danger was upon the entire west. Following the Eldemenster star, it would lead him to their meeting point, the Eldemensters Temple, where the mightiest and greatest warriors of the west were being assembled.

  End of Chapter VIII

  IX: HEAVEN’S MERCY

  AT THE GATE CITY OF Melgrace, the market buzzed with lively trade. It was a bright and sunny day and the kids were having fun at the palace park grounds. Near the west walls of the city, a family was happily packing goods that were to be sold in the city market. Trasidian Guards roamed the streets in pairs to show that the people were secure during such horrid times of the Empire.

  In a house within the city, the F’yoris family was having their breakfast.

  “Now, Matty, do not play with your food. Mama will be angry at you,” said the father.

  Matty looked at his father with a wide grin and held his spoon properly, but still did not eat. His mother stood up to get them water.

  The boy was a curious little one. The father could see his son following his mother with his eyes.

  “Mama, how come you and papa never talk?” the boy asked.

  He always asked this question and the father had started to see the humor in it.

  The boy just waited for his mother to answer but the mother only smiled at her son, covered his ear with her hand and then his mouth with the other. She pulled her hands back and continued eating, her gaze still locked on her son.

  “I’m sorry, Mama. I always forget that you can’t talk.” The mother smiled.

  Matty then ate his food. The father was the first one to finish eating.

  “That was a very delicious porridge you made, Maria,” the father praised his wife. She couldn’t help but smile back then she continued eating, while Matty was amused seeing his parents so sweet with each other. The father finally stood up and walked towards Maria and planted a kiss on her forehead.

  “Maria, I’ll be back by sundown,” he said to his wife. Maria grinned at her husband while she wiped her hands. He leaned again to get another kiss and she held his face by the cheeks before giving one back.

  “Matty, be a good boy to Mama, okay?” he said as he boarded his wagon full of items.

  “Yes, Papa, I will!” he shouted. The father and Maria only laughed as he whipped his horse lightly to head off. He waved to his wife, as they did the same.

  Matty quickly ran outside to wave goodbye to his father. While looking back, the father was a bit shocked with how fast his son was running. He continued running and waving at him. He was amused by his son. He turned at the street and went straight to the market to set up shop.

  Today was different. They were celebrating a festival of the Umorkon, the Festival of Last Harvest. Everyone was busy preparing for tonight to honor their Animos God, Freinus, God of Strength and New Beginnings and of course, the Goddess of Life and All that is Good, Arumar.

  He was also pretty excited for this was the only time of the year that he could afford good food and clothes for his family. He was thrilled by the thought of buying the dress that would look good on his wife.

  After he finished setting up his little shop, he drank some water from the bottle that was strapped around his waist. He wiped his face and fixed himself up to look good for the customers. Not too long, an old man with his cane approached his shop and appeared to be looking for something.

  “Ah, Mr. Abrock. Are you trying to find something for the wife?” he politely asked the old man. With his eyes weakly opened, the old man looked at him and smiled.

  “I believe I may need another pot, Flect,” the old man said.

  He giggled and went through his stuff for a pot. He finally found one.

  “Here you go, Mr. Abrock,” He said as he handed it to the old man and patted the old man’s hand. “And it’s Mark,” he added. The old man gave him the imperial coins for payment and slowly put the pot on his backpack. He noticed the old man’s shaking hands so Mark helped him put it on his backpack.

  Mark tended to his horse that was strapped to a nearby tree. He gave it some water to drink by midday. Then another man approached his store once again looking for another item.

  “Can I help you?” he politely asked. The man looked at Mark then quickly turned, facing the items to look if he had the things that he needed.

  “Uhm, Mark, do you have some, uhm what do you call this?” he said while he tried to show him what he is looking for. Mark just nodded then turned to the back of his little shop pulling out two things.

  “Here you go,” he handed over a wok and a wooden spoon.

  The man laughed with Mark before he answered, “I always forget what these things are called.” He took the wok and wooden spoon and gave his payment, “Thank you again!” and he ran back from where he came from.

  Mark shook his head while smiling and putting the coins in his stash. He looked left and right to see if there were any more customers coming. The coast was clear and he pulled out his packed lunch and dug in. He enjoyed eating his packed lunch, chicken with potatoes on the side. Mark always felt loved with Maria’s cooking. Not that fancy. He knew that she made this for him today. She even put in some extra steamed corn.

  As he ate his lunch, he suddenly heard a man shouting from afar.

  “Get out of the way! Move!” shouted a man that dashed through the marketplace. His horse galloped towards the Headquarters.

  Mark figured the man was a scout because of the pink owl that followed behind. He usually didn’t see scouts inside the city, and when he did, they were usually calmly heading outside.

  Mark finished eating the packed lunch Maria prepared for him. His shop was buzzing, people started to drown the markets, looking for gifts and things for th
e festival. Mark was already full of energy when he attended his customers; however he was not the only one who had a full energy that moment. He noticed the city’s remaining garrison and city guards were converging towards the Imperial Guards Headquarters just beside the marketplace.

  He didn’t have any clue what was going on. He just kept on to his shop when a friend from the city guard ran in front of him.

  He immediately called out his friend. “Yosak! What’s going on? The guards and the garrisoned soldiers seem to be active today,” he whispered. His friend held him by the arm.

  “I don’t know, Mark. But a scout from the east just came rushing in awhile ago. We were suddenly called in to the headquarters,” he said then let him go. “You need to leave the city now, Mark. Bring Maria and Matty with you,” he added.

  Mark didn’t know what to make of it. One of his customers overheard them.“Was that your friend?” he suddenly asked.

  “Yeah, why?” Mark answered.

  “Why would he say that? Your friend is nuts,” The customer said, Mark chose not to answer and shrugged it off with a laugh.

  But Mark could not help but worry. His friend was usually the boasting type. He never saw him once as anxious as he was when he rushed for the headquarters.

  “Well, we are fine here, right? I mean, where was Tamiron’s army last spotted again?” he asked the customer.

  “As I read it in the daily bulletin board, he was last spotted heading north from Go’Renhor.”

  “Go’Renhor?” another one butted in.

  “Yeah, the bulletin said north of Go’Renhor.”

  “Did they try to pass to Remolussium?” the other one asked.

  “Nah! Can’t be. It’s hard to cross to Remolussium from Go’Renhor! The pass there is deadly!”

  “I do hope that he keeps going north then towards Tamara. There he’ll die! Hahaha!” said the other customer and both of them just laughed. Mark just went with it and laughed with them. The bell from the headquarters suddenly rang. Everyone stopped and turned to the bell. Tamiron was coming.