Masks

All right, it was all right. There was no need to panic, he planned for something like this anyway. Henrick mused as he followed the two guards guiding him.

The guards had led him through the palace, straight from his living quarters to the gardens and then through many hallways and passages of the castle. On their way they passed various patrols, checkpoints and wandering nobles as they slowly made their way up, toward the throne room in the mountain moving through guarded gates and vast spiraling stairways.

As they walked down the exquisitely carved marble hallway, Henrick noticed that the said hallway was actually a tunnel, bored through a natural formation of a white marble and carefully designed to leave the impression that they were still inside the castle.

Looking around he couldn’t help but to study the beautiful engravings and many carved sculptures lining the walls. The sheer expense of it he was mind-numbing, he thought to himself while following the guards who passed by another ebony doors without showing any sign of slowing down.

Henrick knew that former prince Edward had never been in the throne room before himself, but from his memories he understood that it was situated somewhere at the top of the mountain around which the city had been built. So, it came to him as some surprise when they started descending through long hallways, instead of going up.

Still, he didn’t question the guards who probably knew what they were doing. Besides, there was little to no reason not to trust them. If by some chance they managed to see through his cover and were leading him to some sort of trap then he would just have to fight his way out. It wouldn’t be easy and he might get killed and forced shed his body once more, but sometimes you had to risk to make a profit. His current situation was not how he intended to achieve his goals but he would make do. The plan he devised could still be put into motion, he just needed a bit longer to prepare.

Anyway, it was time he focused on the problem at hand. King Leonard was bound to be perceptive, although not so much that he would be able to see through his soul, he supposed. That kind of power belonged exclusively to necromancers and gods, and while possible, he found it unlikely that King Leonard was either of those.

From this point on he had to get in the role of a young prince completely, which meant that his name was no longer Henrick, he wasn't over four-hundred-year-old and he definitely didn't know any kind of necromancy.

He was now Edward, eleventh son of the Emperor, Eleanor was his mother and he had serious drug issues.

It was imperative to follow those rules completely, circumstances of these last few days were as suspicious as they could get anyway, and he definitely didn't want to slip up and blurt some stupid detail he shouldn't know.

While the oncoming conversation was bound to be tricky, it still wasn't all that bad he supposed.

After all, this was not Henricks first brush with a complicated and possibly deadly situation. His little talk with the dark gods for example, now that was a close one. If he ever came close to his final death it was then.

Now this, this was a walk in a park.

Well, he was lying to himself a little bit… but a little bravado never killed anyone, and he did need some confidence for his conversation with the Emperor.

Noticing that his guides suddenly stopped he turned towards the bronze gates to his left and waited for the guards who produced two big silver keys.

With a soft click and a turn of the keys the guards opened the gates, revealing a wide silver elevator that quietly descended from somewhere up above them.

Without any other route to take "Edward" followed the guards and entered the lift.

The elevator was moved up and down through the means of a mechanism built into the lift and a series of cogs that lined the walls of a shaft they were in.

The lift itself was a sizable platform with gilded railings at waist height, it was made of silver, gold and other varieties of precious stones and metals. Like everything else in the palace, it too was intricately engraved, with many symbols like lions and eagles jutting out of every possible corner of the lift.

It looked awfully tacky actually, if one looked pass the sheer quality and expensiveness of materials used in its construction.

Nevertheless, it worked as intended and soon they were gliding smoothly upwards, toward the peak of the mountain and the throne room itself.

Couple of minutes spent in silence and one sudden stop later, Edward disembarked the contraption with that awful sensation of his guts climbing their way towards his chest cavity.

From there he proceeded forward alone while the guards stayed at the entrance of the lift telling him to go forward on his own.

Judging from the tone of their voice he was obviously not loved by the staff, but that was something he expected. It was unfortunate but it didn’t really matter in the long run, as his reputation was not yet completely ruined and would get the chance to mend those relations as soon as he got the chance.

Moving forward he came to a plaza, the final station before the throne room.

It was a majestic thing, built out of massive stone blocks it stood surrounded by several lifts, much like the one he just got off from.

Looking around himself Henrick concluded that each surrounding lift led to another part of the castle which lay far below them.

The plaza and the lifts were carved into the walls of the mountain and surrounded by its embrace. Looking further out, to the only path away from the square he was standing on, Henrick saw the bridge which led across the chasm of two mountain peaks and toward the throne room above.

The bridge itself was a beautiful construction, made entirely out of stone, with golden engravings and statues alongside its support beams and railings, it extended across the chasm that separated the elevator plaza and towards the lonely mountain peak upon which the throne room sat.

It was wide enough that four men could comfortably walk in line with their hands stretched out to their sides without touching, it was shifted to lead slightly upwards, giving one a strange feeling of ascending when moving across it.

While crossing over it, Edward simply had to stop and marvel at the sight below him.

Moving closer to the edge he grabbed the stone railing and hid in the shadow of one of the many braziers that burned across the entire length of the bridge. Buffeted by the howling winds Henrick stood there, just taking in the breathtaking view.

Everything seemed to spread itself out in front of him, towers hidden in the distance looked as knights kneeling in supplication below him. All seven circles of the city, so tiny beneath his feet and even farther away, seas of wheat, patches of farmlands and ponds of forests could be seen in the distance.

It was truly captivating.

Wanting to stay there for a bit longer Edward had to force himself to turn away from the sight and make his way across the bridge and up to the stairs of the throne room, straight to the huge, imposing steel gates.

Not bothering to knock he pulled them open and to his surprise found that they slid very easily on their hinges.

He quietly slipped inside, out of the howling winds and into the throne room, where he turned and pushed the gates closed.

As his hands left the cold steel surface of the doors, he felt the presence behind him long before he even heard the voice.

"Edward?"

Slowly turning around, he looked at his father, the King-Emperor, with genuine expression of dread upon his face.

The huge, muscled form of his father stood before him, illuminated by crystal torches that lined the walls. The light reflected off of his wild hair that spread like flaming copper strings across his scalp and shoulders, shifting and dancing as the King-Emperor turned and looked at him with slightly glowing golden eyes.

"…Father...I…"

In a heartbeat the huge shape of gold-plated muscle was upon him, lifting him from the ground and crushing his body in a rib-breaking hug.

"Ohh Heavens above boy." The King wept. "I thought you were done for. Dear gods, may you forgive me, I am so sorry."

Comfortably crushed in his father's arms Henrick squirmed sheepishly, patting his father awkwardly on the huge biceps that enveloped him.

"Not… not your fault, father…."

Kneeling, Leonard held his son gently by the shoulders and slowly pulled away to look at him.

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Edward was just standing there, crestfallen and still, looking down at his feet. It was a sad sight for Leonard, and yet hopeful in a way. For all the faults that his son exhibited it was twice his fault for not raising him better. And even with the fact that his duties as a king didn't allow him to do so, he still didn't feel any better about it.

"I know I am a disgrace father…."

Edward began, still avoiding his gaze.

"Oh no, I'll have none of that, it was not by your fault that any of this happened..."

Shaking his hands off from his shoulders, Edward moved a step away. Both sad and angry he continued.

"But it was… It is my fault."

Leonard couldn't help to notice the tears that fell from his son’s face, spilling across his cheeks towards the cold marble floor. He didn't dare to interrupt him now. This would be, he knew, a moment which would shape Edwards life, for better or worse.

So, he waited. Quietly listening to his son’s confession.

"All of it, you know… if not more than that, it was all my doing."

Leonard willed himself to silence, while thousand words of consolation burned in his mind, aching to leave his lips. In that short moment of silence Edward took the opportunity to wipe his tears off.

"I don't know if you are aware, but I did a lot of things these last few years… things that, that…"

Edwards's voice broke and he took a few short breaths to compose himself, while few more tears dropped to the floor.

"I just wanted to see you father… I know it is no excuse. The money… the hurt I inflicted…, I don't know if you understand this, but it was all my doing… my failing. I wanted to tell you… but I.. I just..."

Leonard sighed sadly, and his son looked up at him, the shame evident on his face.

"I don't rightly remember when was the last time I've seen you father…"

This hurt Leonard deeply, even more so because it was true. The last time he truly spent with his son was years back, when Edward was still a wee child, running among the knights and swinging wooden swords around.

There was a good reason for his absence, but very few people knew why. As both King and an Emperor, Leonard had to forsake much of what he loved to make Arevinya and its people safe, but sometimes the price of it all was almost too much to bear.

Edward continued to talk.

"…and when Dorian left for the battlefield, there was no one else. I am not justifying myself. But I didn't know what to do, I really didn't. If not for Samuel I would have probably jumped from the spires long ago."

Leonard's heart twisted again, and it hurt even more when Edward continued, dropping his gaze once again.

"And Mother is ill, father."

Leonard put his hand back on his shoulder in weak attempt of comfort.

"I know son, her body was weak even before you were born. There is nothing we can do."

Edward stared at the floor.

"I tried to be there for her father, I tried. But I can't bear to look at her."

He was crying again, and Leonard’s eyes watered too, but he forced himself to remain calm.

"No one can blame you for it, it hurts me too."

"You barely ever go to her anymore."

Leonard almost gasped in shock, there was no anger in Edwards's words, only saddens, and somehow it made things even worse. His relationship with Elanor was complicated enough without taking into account her failing health.

"Yes…it is necessary. Her blood is sick, and healers forbid me to go to her often, for her own good."

Edward looked back up at him.

"She is dying father."

Leonard took a deep breath and dropped down a few more inches until he was leveled with his son’s face. He looked him in the eye and quietly spoke.

"We are all dying Edward, some of us faster than the others. I know it's hard to comprehend, but no one is master of death. We will all return to dust sooner or later; such is a destiny of every man… even kings die my son."

Edward gazed into his eyes and close as they were to each other, Leonard could feel the complete truth of his emotions through their blood and presence.

It was part anger and part sadness when his son spoke, but most of all Leonard could feel true and absolute conviction in his words.

"Then forgive me father, but I will never, never be able to accept that. No one should wither away like that. Not from age, nor from sickness."

Leonard raised his arm and gently squeezed his son’s shoulder.

"I know my son, I know. Yet life is rarely fair. At least in death we are all equal. But this won't calm you I know. I am sorry Edward, but there is nothing I can do. For all that I’ve tried."

"I know." Edward said. "It's just… I can't, I can't find words for it…"

"I know Edward, it is all right. Come let's go take a seat."

Rising from where they were, Leonard turned and guided his son towards the side hall in front of them where comfortable chairs awaited them. There they sat together as equals and just talked, as father and son.

It took hours, and for once Leonard didn’t feel sorry for using up his valuable time. They talked of many things. Of Edwards failings, his sins, his mistakes.

Leonard felt disappointment at times, more in himself than Edward really. But he was also glad. To hear his son, to see the potential in him. That Edward was not beyond saving was something that brought him much relief.

Time passed and many things passed between them, both said and unspoken. It was all worth it in the end. For all of the pain of going through it, they were better off because of it.

After Edwards tears had dried and they both took a break to refresh themselves, Leonard stood up and addressed his son as they walked.

"I know it might not be the time for it my son, after everything that happened, but you will have to explain to me some day why you came here through the side entrance."

Behind him Edward lifted his head curiously.

"Father?"

Leonard turned toward the old gates and nodded in their direction.

"Kings Path, it's called. The oldest way to the throne room, it's been bored through the mountain back when castle was first built, and since then many other, more comfortable routes were made. I don't know why you came through there but I suppose it's for the better. You can see the entire kingdom from up there and back in the day it was used as a ceremonial path toward the throne room when new kings took up the crown."

Edward looked back to the old gates before they passed a corner and entered a hall with numerous doors and lifts, all of them pleasantly warmed and beautifully decorated with antlers, old plate mail and weapons framing the walls.

"These…" Leonard gestured "…are paths people usually take, they lead to various parts of the castle and are easily accessible and well-guarded. You will take this one…" he pointed to a particular lift “…to go back towards your quarters once you go back, it is not far from your rooms and it will spare you the time.”

Together they went through the hall and entered the throne room where Leonard approached one of the tables at the back of the room and pulled up a chair for Edward while he seated himself on the table itself.

The table predictably creaked under the strain of Leonard’s imposing frame.

When they were both comfortably seated Leonard poured them some watered wine and took a sip.

"I am sorry my son, for letting you down when you most needed me."

He looked at Edward from the corner of his eye, and he stayed silent, simply waiting for him to continue.

"I want to talk with you some more about everything that happened these last few years, but first, above all else, let me apologize. I am sorry, for being a lousy father, for being a King first and everything else second, and lastly, I am sorry because I will keep doing these things in the future.

And I hope, I truly do, that you will understand one day why that must be so. Of your brothers and sisters there are very few who managed set aside their disappointed in me and see that duty to the Empire must come first. Adrianne and Dorian for example, are probably the only ones who understand the true weight and magnitude of responsibility that weighs upon me.

Against my wishes the two of them took some of that burden upon themselves. An act for which I am immensely grateful for, to them, who sacrificed so much time of their lives just to ease my burden a little bit.

Now, after our talk and everything that happened these last few months, I have decided Edward that you can't be left blind to the true nature of Kingship any longer.”

Taking a breath, Leonard leaned back and took a sip of his vine, looking back at Edward he continued, somewhat somber.

For a long time, I hoped that you and the rest of your siblings could live your lives relatively normally, as most nobles do, without being burdened by royal duties. Unfortunately, the fact is that you were unwillingly dragged into this mess by an unknown party."

Slightly confused Edward addressed him.

"Father?"

Leonard took another sigh and continued.

"Your actions, my son, and most of the things you did this last year were not completely of your own design. Rather they were orchestrated by someone who kept supplying you with one of the most addictive and dangerous known substances they could find.

You might not be aware of it yet Edward but you are a mage. Like your... your oldest brother, you too have some natural talent for magic. It is especially concerning to me that I was not aware of this while these perpetrators were knowing of that fact. Which makes this situation rather complicated."

Edward jumped in at this.

"I told you father; I knew what I was doing…"

Apologetically, Leonard cut him off.

"You did Edward, most of it you were aware off, but it doesn't change the fact that someone very deliberately made an addict out of you. And as I said before, while you are probably not aware of this, someone targeted you specifically because you had magical potential that not even I was aware off."

Edward curiously asked him.

"But why would someone do something like that, it is not like I have any influence on the happenings in the court."

"I do not know exactly.” Leonard sighed. “There are many enemies of the throne my son, but I am getting off the topic.

As I said, I have decided to explain to you some of the duties I hold as and Emperor. You are old enough to understand some things and with what happened to you I think you should be aware of certain happenings that are tied to the reason why I have been chained by my duties this last decade, and why Dorian and Adrianne joined me in this burden.

All of this is also very likely connected to why you were a target in someone's scheme my son."

Edward looked at him, slightly shook but more interested than afraid.

"What would that be father?"

Leonard tapped his fingers on the table and took another sip of wine while looking at Edward for a long moment before asking.

"What do you know of the gods Edward?"

His son paled slightly and answered weakly.

"Ahh, the basics from the scriptures, I guess. Seven gods, three hidden gods of Darkness, who inflict misery on humanity, and four of Light. And it is they, the bright gods: Eres, Gert, Arev and the God father Abat who protect and shield us from the darkness."

Leonard looked at him for a few more seconds before continuing tiredly.

"Four of light and three of darkness, strange isn't it, how unbalanced that is."

"Father?"

"There are eight gods my son, Eight. Not many know this, even less believe it to be true but I know it is."

"What do you mean Father?"

Leonard took a dep breath to steady himself and got up from the table.

"Come with me."

Edward rose and followed him to the throne. It was a huge thing, clad in scriptures of golden metal and formations of precious stones, like the armor which his father wore it too positively radiated with power of holy runes that decorated its surface.

Leonard looked back at his son, smiling lightly at the startled Edward.

"Looks rather ugly if you look past the expense it took to build it, don't you think so."

"No father, it's actually quite… exquisite."

This got a laugh out of Leonard who chuckled while walking up to the seat of his power.

Once he got near to it, he placed his hand above the seat, about the place where his head would be if he was seated in it.

The moment his hand touched the surface, various runes started to glowed and accompanied by the sound of grinding stone, the entire throne slid back on its pedestal, revealing in its place a pillar of ebony.

It rose upward as the throne glided back, and once all movement ceased the ebony pillar reached up to the Edwards chest.

In the small indentation on the black pillar was a simple, slightly rusted steel crown.

Confused, Edward stared at it for a moment before turning to his father for explanation.

"This here my son, is the first crown of the kingdom. And I mean that literally. Four thousand years ago, back when death and destruction ravaged the earth this was the crown that was forged by a stable boy who then took up a sword to bring salvation to his people. He would become the first King, and through his actions peace would be achieved."

Leonard turned to the crown and took it carefully in his hands.

“It’s through will of the gods that it has been blessed, and now it acts as an artifact of sorts. Bringing many boons to us of the royal blood. It is also a burden, and a responsibility of an enormous proportions.”

Putting the crown back on the pedestal Leonard took a step back and stood next to Edward who stared at the crown, motioning with his hand Leonard continued.

“It wards the kingdom from evil and dark magic, and acts as guide of a sorts when I wear it, although from the records of previous kings the boon it provides seems to change from person to person. To me it is showing the imperiled parts of the empire, the kingdoms and regions in need of help, borders under attack from feral bandit tribes, outbreaks of plague and things as such…. The visions it shows are… vague sometimes. But always worth the attention.”

Dumbfounded, Edward turned to Leonard.

“Father I …”

Leonard interrupted him with a casual wave of his hand.

“I know, I know. It’s a lot to take in. For all that the crown helps us, it’s still not perfect, and there is only so much I can see through it, and those things that I do see… well, they leave me weary and tired. And frankly, Edward, its too many threats I keep seeing in last few years, too many dangers for diplomacy and might of arms to deal with. Too many to be coincidence.

Which leads us to our talk of gods.”

Sitting himself on one of the steps beneath the throne Leonard motioned to Edward who sat beside him, looking at the murals that graced the walls around them Leonard spoke to his son.

"While not many know this Edward, there are eight gods in total.

Two gods of light and one of darkness, and two goddesses of darkness and one of light. And their creators, God Abat, their father, and his wife, the dark mother, whose name was forgotten. For she was bound and enslaved in darkness, never to return to creation. For what reason the other gods bound her I do not know. The Pantheon confides in me but only so much, so I was not told everything.”

Turning back to Edward, he pointed back towards the crown.

“But from what they revealed to me when I was crowned, I do know this. The crown is a sign of our authority, a physical approval of gods if you will, and also one of the keys that locked the Dark goddess away from our world. It was given to us, both as a gift and a promise that we will keep it safe. It is not the only artifact that was used as a key to lock the threat of a mad goddess, but it is the one that was given to us.”

Raising up from where he was seated Leonard took Edward by the hand and gently pulled him up, laying his huge hand on his shoulder he looked Edward in the eye and continued.

“My son, beyond the authority of kings who entrusted us with keeping peace, we are bound and blessed by divine authority to keep the crown safe. And there are always those who seek to defy us, defy gods, and bring about the calamity and destruction in their desire to change the world.

It is our duty above all to protect the crown, without the aegis of the gods, the blessings and the authority we have been given the empire would fall to war and chaos.

And we… I… I have been failing at it for the last hundred years. My failing to protect you, and rampant corruption across the empire that I see from the visions, are all sings I believe, that someone is acting against us.”