The Red Prince (1)

by Stephen Lucas Lacroix

  “Actually, the Imperial Council chose me over the prince,” he said proudly, with a fake smile at Ravaen. “But enough about me, who are you?” he quickly asked.

  “My name is Prince Ravaen Adevok of the Falcon Assaulters,” he bombastically answered to Sevidon. “The Prince, head of the Falcon Assaulters, or should I say, the Blitz Battalion?” he curiously asked. Ravaen was flattered about what he heard and looked around him before answering.

  “Well, yes I am. Blitz Battalion? Is that what they call it now?” he arrogantly answered. Both men laughed and they easily gained each other’s trust.

  They continued to chat to know each other while the girl continued to tend Glaivel. She put his head back on the floor and then slowly turned him around. She removed Glaivel’s cape, bow and arrow quiver, putting it aside along with his other accessories. She then repeated what she did in the front when Glaivel suddenly screamed in pain.

  “Oh my. You hit your back too hard,” Evangeline said then continued to tend his back. Glaivel’s head fell back down to the floor again.

  “And who is that?” Ravaen asked.

  Sevidon, still looking at the two, quickly answered, “He’s Prince Glaivel Numenesse of the Viris Elves.”

  Ravaen looked again at the two when Glaivel screamed once more. Evangeline put him to sleep with a mild sleep spell in order for him to not suddenly scream again.

  “He’s the head of the Viris Rangers, right?” he asked again. Sevidon just nodded while both of them removed their attention from the two.

  “Who is she?” Sevidon asked. Ravaen looked at Evangeline before he answered.

  “That’s Princess Evangeline of the Orderian,” he answered.

  “So that’s her.” He stared at Evangeline.

  “Yes, but I don’t know exactly why the council of the Order sent her though,” he added.

  Then silence.

  Ravaen looked at the pillar where Sevidon was looking. Sevidon cleared his throat and appeared to be waiting for something.

  “So, are you going to say your apologies?” he said.

  “That won’t be necessary. We knew it was you all along. We were just testing you.” Ravaen said.

  Sevidon didn’t know if he should laugh or take that as an insult, but he was tired.

  End of chapter X

  XI: UNFORGIVING GUST

  IRON KINGDOM AND THE VIRIS Elves, stood a kingdom which could rival the power and might of the Trasidar Empire.

  Dominating the frigid northern skies of the Aternor Mountains, the High Eagles flew and soared through heights not even the falcons could achieve. Here laid the High Kingdom of the Eagles.

  The terrain was rugged and steep, a mountainous territory with one mountain that dominated everything else – Mount Aternor. Covered in snow, the city of the eagles was located here, the city of Taloria, where the Eagle-kind live peacefully. They grew crops in their fertile lands, which was not much, because trade flourished more food from the other fertile kingdoms in exchange for their abundant metals. They had a healthy relation with the Kra’ens but a bit at odds with the Tigris, yet managed to agree from time to time.

  The High Eagles were considered as the second strongest amongst the Eight Kingdoms, next to the Imperial Trasidar only because their Imperial Trasidar Phalanx was trained by the Prince Tamiron Lluch himself. The High Eagle Legion was led and trained by the High Prince and heir to the Talon Throne, Prince Aderon Azure. He was considered the strongest among his kind who had surpassed his own father, King Aeros Azure.

  After defeating the mighty Black Eagles in their Civil War with the fall of the last Ariezkreig, the Azure family took control of the North. King Aeros was made ruler and his family was treated as royalty. During this time, the Eagles where the strongest until they joined the Old War to aid the Trasidars with their war against the dreaded Trodonar Empire. They helped them in ending the last chapters of the Old War. However, it cost the Eagles half of their military strength and they had trouble recovering it again.

  King Aeros met with the Council of Landlords. It was composed of the rulers of the Eight Kingdoms of early times. He demanded the disarmament of the Trasidars for they posed as a threat just by their sheer strength and that the Trasidians weren’t different with the Trodonars. The young King Madarick tried to reason out with their outrageous argument and the Council decided to put it to a vote. Naturally, the other kingdoms felt threatened as well and decided to finally weaken the Trasidians. The Imperial King stood and told the Council of an impending attack. The Orderians and Falcons believed him but the other kingdoms had no choice but to make him leave. The remaining laughed and whispered that the Trasidar King had gone mad, leaving the King with no choice but to leave his post and made King Aeros the ruler of the council.

  In the barracks inside the city of Taloria, soldiers were all over the place training and blacksmiths were around making weapons. Some took flight while some had just landed and headed to their tents. In the middle of the barracks, the Legion Quarters was where the strongest division of the Eagle Conclave trained. They were known as Legionnaires. In the middle of the quarters, the Legionnaires were fully armed with swords and encircled a single Legionnaire with a large metal beak covering his face and holding two custom-made swords. His wings appeared from his back and flapped it around in preparation for the battle. Enormous wings imposed power and strength, a trait of the Eagle-kind. Their wings were larger than those of the Falcons’ and their eyes glimmered like a gem of Blue Ocean.

  The other Legionnaires quickly followed and summoned their wings and prepared for to attack. The Legionnaire in the middle looked slowly on both his sides. Small footsteps sounded, he curled up and covered himself with his wings as the men surged at him. Once the men were close enough, he opened up his wings in flash, hitting some Legionnaires and throwing them away. Then he formed to counter. The one in the middle deflected and defended himself from the sudden surge of foes. Some tried going under, but ultimately failed. Another attacked from above but he deflected him with his sword.

  Their numbers were no match to the lone Legionnaire as he completely fended off his enemies. The last man left just stared at him, trembling He stretched his left arm, opened his palm, dropping his sword. He taunted the last Legionnaire with his hand. The last standing Legionnaire shouted and launched a final attack at the lone man. He deflected the attack and as the Legionnaire continued to move forward. The man spun to the Legionnaire’s back and slid his sword between the Legionnaire’s right arm and his head, placing the sword to his neck.

  The Legionnaire was surprised and was clearly exhausted. He stopped in his tracks and dropped his sword in defeat. He pulled the sword and put it to its scabbard that was tied to his waist, and said, “Now, since all of you lost and this one, the only one brave to stand in front of me,” pointed to the Legionnaire that was lying on the ground and him looking at the man, “every one of you will have to bring a large log and dare no one comes back without one!” The men quickly scrambled and grabbed their things as they summon their wings and took flight to follow the orders made.

  The brave Legionnaire stood up and was about to summon his wings when the lone man removed his helmet and patted him on his shoulders. “You my friend, have a break. You earned your rest.”

  The Legionnaire smiled, “Thank you, Your Highness.” The man smiled at him and he rushed to his tent for his well-earned rest.

  A soldier dropped by and knelt behind the man. The soldier was a messenger from the King.

  “Prince Aderon, the High King requires your presence immediately.”

  Dismay was painted on his face upon hearing the messenger. He cleaned his armlets and looked up before turning around.

  “Tell the King I will follow shortly. Go on ahead,” he answered with a thick voice.

  “Yes, Sire, at once.” He stood up and flew to the castle.

  Aderon checked his armor for more dirt and looked around him. Taking several deep breaths, he summoned his wings and fli
es high to the sky and then directs himself towards the castle.

  Through an open terrace atop of the castle gates, he flew into the castle. The pillars were engraved of fights and the history of the race. Each side was decorated with the banner of the High Eagles and the castle was flooded with light from the open windows that let snow enter the castle. Near the throne room was the open dome, a whole opening at the top of the castle ceiling. The floor was shining in its glory with the symbol of the mighty High Eagles.

  He landed in front of the King who sat mildly sideward. The King held an enormous hammer and looked at the Prince coldly. Aderon just stared at the King, stood up and proceeded to his own throne by his father’s right side. The grand doors opened and two Eagle guards, with their wings rested on their backs, entered the room.

  “Announcing, Imperial Diplomats Moselei Maktu, Ferrier Ole and Tolous Rham.” The three diplomats entered the room accompanied by two Phalanxes and two Magisters.

  On his King’s left side sat his adviser. He stood up and slowly walked in front of the diplomats, looking very displeased, as he kept his distance.

  “After all these years, you have the guts to come here, armed with your Phalanxes and your pitiful pets,” the adviser said harshly.

  The Phalanxes moved to a defensive stance and the Eagle guards did the same. In the middle of the commotion Moselei spoke.

  “We came here in peace and would like to talk to you with civility for this is of great importance,” he said calmly.

  The King seemed interested with what the diplomat said, so he examined them.

  Aderon noticed his father. “Adviser, return to your seat,” said the Prince.

  The adviser turned to the Prince and sat back down, humiliated. Aderon wanted to hear the diplomats as well. He removed his helmet, revealing his gray colored hair, and put it on his seat as he stood up.

  The three diplomats told their guards to stand down. The eagle guards did the same. Ferrier stepped forward holding a scroll signed by the Prime Minister. Noticing the initials from the back of the scroll, the King stared at it carefully and shifted in his seat.

  “Why is the archbishop’s seal there? Where is Imperial King Madarick Lluch?” the King asked as his husky voice mildly echoed.

  The diplomats looked at each other before one answered. “The Imperial King is currently ill and unable to rule. That’s why the archbishop took control,” Ferrier answered.

  Before the King could even reply, Tolous spoke, “All of your questions will be answered by the message written in the scroll.”

  The King sighed while the Prince glanced at his father, checking his reaction every time. “Very well, please continue,” Aeros said. Tolous stretched out the scroll and began to read the message.

  “The Trasidar Empire is once again in peril. I, Archbishop Menoich Anarchu, appointed by the great Imperial Council, hereby talk to you as the new Prime Minister of the Empire. I will not make this long. The Imperial Prince, the only heir to the Imperial Throne, has betrayed us.”

  The King and his adviser were all petrified. Aderon stood there with his hands fisted up, trying to suppress his anger.

  “Because of this treacherous act, the King was stricken. There’s so much information and secrets they know that can destroy the Empire. So we call upon the mightiest of heroes and heroines of the land, to attempt the immediate execution of the traitor, the Red Prince. We hope that the glorious people of the High Kingdom of the Eagles will join our cause, for our downfall, could also set your doom.”

  Ferrier closed the scroll and stepped back to the other diplomats. Everyone in the room was stunned and King Aeros’ eyes widened with what the diplomats had just requested. The Prince was dumbfounded as his hands fell to his sides and sat back to his throne, grabbed his helmet and set it aside.

  The High King and his adviser looked at each other, thinking of what to do with the matter. He then pushed his hammer to the floor. Everyone was startled and the Diplomats’ guards pointed their spears towards the approaching King.

  “After all this years, you dare to seek help from us again?” he said. The Prince stood motionless and just watched his father approach the imperial delegates.

  The King suddenly burst out laughing. The diplomats didn’t know how to respond. Moselei held the shoulder of one Phalanx, only telling him to back down. The Phalanxes pulled back their spears and the Magisters retracted their short staffs.

  The King continued laughing alone and then cleared his throat, “You should’ve seen your faces you know.” Then he came down closer to the diplomats. “But I am right you know. After all these years, these bothersome years, you finally have the guts to show up. But still, it does concern us all. We know that the Imperial Prince is the strongest besides my son. Having an almost, invincible army at his disposal is very threatening indeed.” The King’s face suddenly turned sour. Now I ask of you, what makes you think that we will ever help you again?”

  The diplomats clearly felt the sudden change of atmosphere.

  The King continued, “What we would like to see is the very fall of your empire. If that happens, the High Eagles will finally be able to reclaim our glory!” he yelled at their faces.

  Aderon already knew what his father’s answer would be. He just rubbed his forehead as he anxiously waited for him to say it. The king returned to his throne and looked at the Diplomats.

  “So my answer to the call of the Golden Empire is a big NO!” the King shouted. “You may now leave Taloria and never to return again!” He slammed his fists to the hand rest of his throne. The Eagle guards surround them while the Magisters turned towards the doors.

  “Do not leave this room!” Aderon shouted as he suddenly stood up. The diplomats turned immediately while his father and adviser did not move. “You have restricted everything that we used to do since the end of the Old War. If you want me to come, then a condition needs to be made.”

  The Diplomats looked back.

  “What is your proposition?” Tolous asked.

  “Currently, the Eagle Conclave is restricted only to the northern part of the skies in Arumar. A great waste of such a fine army if you ask me. In exchange of me being part of your team, you will allow us to fly and patrol, unhindered by the Mystic Falcons, all throughout the skies above Arumar.”

  “That request is impossible, your Highness!” said Ferrier.

  “So as what you request,” Aderon bluntly answered. His father only looked and observed his son to see where he was going with this. “Remember, Diplomat. You came to us. What you request will never happen under any other circumstances. The entire continent is wary of our power and strength. Yet they forget that it should be you who they fear in the first place, not us. A great injustice happened in the Old War that we wish to right.” Aderon looked down at the Diplomat.

  “What you have asked from before was the lives of my people. Now you ask again, but this time for my life. You have to agree to my terms. Our terms. Do you understand, Imperial Diplomat?” he added.

  He could see the hesitation from their faces. He glanced back to his father who only stared at him like daggers.

  “I need an answer now,” Aderon demanded.

  Moselei walked forward, “We will work with the Imperial Council—”

  “I need an answer now. Am I not clear, Diplomat?” Aderon said, silencing Moselei.

  Ferrier and Tolous nodded to Moselei.

  “We accept,” he answered.

  “Good.” Aderon turned and walked towards his throne.

  “I will go on behalf of the entire Eagles. You may go now.” The diplomats bowed.

  Moselei then handed over a piece of paper to one of the Eagle Guards. “That is the map of to the location where all of the heroes are being gathered,” Moselei said before fully leaving the throne room.

  Aderon examined the map as the door closed behind the diplomats.

  “Are you mad!” the King yelled.

  Aderon turned to his father while the rest fell si
lent. The Prince only smirked deviously at his father, further irritating him.

  “What are you thinking?” he shouted at him.

  “Father, don’t you see? This is the chance we have been waiting for.

  The King breathed several times trying to calm down. “What do you mean?” he asked as he approached his son. Aderon just laughed loudly.

  “Father, this is our chance to kill the Imperial Prince. This is our chance to regain the glory that we’ve lost years ago. Now is the time. Now that they are weak, we will reclaim what is rightfully ours,” he sinisterly smiled at his father. The King then was pleased with his son and patted his son by the shoulder.

  “They did not mention anything about a trial. They of all people would’ve done that. But by the message alone by the Prime Minister. It sounded to me as though he is not fully in control. I’m guessing it’s the Imperial Council’s decision to skip trial entirely,” he explained to his father. “We have an excuse. And we gain air rights to the remaining skies of Arumar, of Unibeltrasia. Our power can extend much farther and even faster than those of the Imperial Trasidar.”

  His father only smiled at him as he continued, “Father, we can take out the very weapon the Trasidars have – Prince Tamiron.”

  Aeros laughed loudly and looked at his son.

  “Finally a good use for you, Aderon. Go now and prepare. Bring me his head,” the King chuckled.

  “Yes, father,” Aderon answered. He summoned his wings and flew straight to his room.

  He entered his room and looked at the mirror for a moment. The chance he had been waiting for finally came – the chance to kill the Trasidian Prince. Killing him would bring him great honor and he will be proclaimed the strongest warrior in the entire continent. He grinned and grabbed his finest dual swords that hung on his wall. He opened another door inside his room and in it was a collection of armors. He gazed upon them one by one deciding what he should wear. At the end of the room, he decided he found it. It was sealed in a large glass case, an armor that was just recently made from the finest metal of them all, Kra’enite. He opened the glass case and traced the armor. He grabbed it and puts it on.