A light protruded through the clouds, a ray of what seemed like sunlight, then there was 2, then 3, the skies seemed to open and the clouds dissipated. Ivan was in what he thought was a field, there was no buildings in sight for miles. The only thing that surrounded him was an ocean of purple tulips, they swayed gently every now and then. There was no feeling of anything inside him but it changed when he felt something wrap around his chest, it clenched tightly to him but it had a warm embrace. Ivan didn't move his head, he only looked straight, raising his hand to touch the thing around his chest. He noticed the tulips around him turn red, expanding into the ocean of purple. His hand almost reached the thing but a shadow came out of nowhere and loomed over him. It had the shape of an enourmous hand. Ivan was now feeling nothing but fear. His eyes widened as he peered down to find that the thing that had been grasping him was a pair of bloody arms.
"Aaaahh....aaahh....aaahhh."
They disappeared into blood and then in a flash, the setting changed. In place of the flowers was now a destroyed landscape of castle ruins and fire. Ivan's mind eased and all feeling fled again, he began walking towards something, something at the end of the broken buildings and dead bodies. What was it? he wondered.
My beauty incarnate, soul pure as snow.
As he trudged onwards, a great wind seemed to hinder his progress, the world began to turn red and then Ivan realised that the great wind was blowing blood. A mass of blood towards him, it only got stronger the closer he got.
Rushing water flows calm at your footsteps.
The great gusts made it nigh impossible for him to move but he did. Why? Why was he walking? What for? He just couldn't give up even when he was coughing from the blood in his throat, from the inability to breath due to the wind. He felt like he was kilometres away but yet so close.
"Ack...a...a....ack...ack...a."
God doth fear to touch your sunlit hair.
All of a sudden he sensed the shadow again, and this time, a hundred hands grabbed him and pulled him back. They were hands made of darkness with light surrounding them. Ivan was thrust back, away from everything.
My beauty incarnate whom I lost to fate.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!" He screamed.
I will try to see your smile my...
"Gah!" Ivan awoke from his slumber which a loud yell of terror. Sweat pouring off his face.
"What the...must have been a nightmare."
Ivan pulled the covers off himself and sat on the side of his bed, resting his face in his hands.
"I have not had a nightmare like that in a while."
He wiped the sweat off his brow and put on his clothes. Going downstairs into the dining hall for breakfast, Andrew was already waiting inside along with servents standing at the sides of the room like statues.
"Good morning Andrew," greeted Ivan, stretching his shoulders back.
"Morning Ivan, did you sleep well?"
"I did have a nightmare but it was still comfortable."
"I am glad to hear that, shall we eat?"
"Yes, let us."
It was late morning, the aromatic smell of fish and other meats accompanied by flowers created a beautiful breakfast scene. Ivan and Andrew took their seats and indulged in the food that had so masterfully been prepared for them by the castle cook. Both of their mouths watered as they consumed the feast.
"Do you have any plans for today?" Asked Ivan.
"Well I was thinking we could stop by the village, it is the day of the festival."
"Festival?"
"Yeah, the village of Lille, the closest village to the castle, holds a festival celebrating its founding. Do you not remember?"
"Oh right, I do recall us going to a festival when we were children."
"There will be music and many more pleasant things, I usually go alone but this year I would like to go with you, just like the old days."
"I would like that aswell."
"Then it is settled."
Just then a knock came from the door. It was opened and Markett came strolling in with a dark look on his face.
"What appears to be the matter Markett?" Wondered Andrew.
"Young master, there are several things I would like to report."
"Very well, go ahead."
"These most likely concern you aswell prince Ivan. The first is that prince Hadrian has mysteriously disappeared according to an aquaitance of mine that works under him."
"My step-brother? What on earth could have happened to him," said Ivan.
"Hadrian? I remember him, you found him in that meadow and since then he became your step-brother. He stayed with us for a few months, I remember us 3 playing together."
"Me too."
"I wonder what Hadrian has gotten himself into now, ever since the mord massacre, he has always been looked after"
"The second thing I wish to report is that harvests in the north have gone badly, many nobles will be holding a meeting a week from now to discuss how to do deal with this situation."
"This could be to your advantage Ivan. You can influence the nobles to support your cause," mentioned Andrew.
"I was thinking the exact same thing. This is a perfect oppotunity."
"Do carry on Markett."
"Next is that lady Chienne will be visiting a few weeks from now."
"Ah, I will have to prepare for that," said Andrew.
"The final thing is, and I wish I did not have to report this, but our prisoner, Walter Argon last night was brutally murdered."
Ivan's jaw almost dropped, utter disbelief travelled throughout his being. Andrew's arms fell limp and he stared at Markett with the same expression as Ivan. Markett cleared his throat with a sense of regret for ruining the mood of the merry breakfast. Even the servants were shocked, No-one spoke any words for a few seconds until Ivan broke the silence.
"How can this be, it was only yesterday that I spoke with him."
"Ivan, you did not go too far on the...did you?" queried Andrew.
"No, never."
"Prince Ivan speaks the truth master Andrew, the manner in which he was murdered is anything but humane. I doubt prince Ivan would go that far, considering how it would provide no benefit," comforted Markett.
"Who...who could have done such a thing? And in my own home aswell."
"I am afraid I have no clues as to who has killed Mr Argon, we are completly in the dark, unless prince Ivan has some information from last night."
Ivan scoured every bit of his memories but could not find who would have done the murder. The guards, maybe, but why, it makes no sense. One of the servants, however the same problem as the guards arises if they had done it. Unless, Ivan remembered that there was one set of people in this world who would want him dead, Morta, the criminal syndicate.
But how could they have gotten inside the castle undetected, killed Walter and escaped, all within one night? Nevermind that, including an organization like Morta with an advocate for justice like Andrew is a terrible idea. Thus Ivan decied to not mention anything.
"I too have no idea who the perpetrator could be."
"Was it the guards that stood watch outside the cell?" Inquired Andrew.
"I suspect not as they were brutally murdered aswell, we only found one of the bodies but from the scene we can make a guess as to what happened to the other one."
"Markett do you think I can have a view of the cell?"
"Master Andrew, I say this with absolute loyalty. I think you should refrain yourself from seeing the gruesome scene."
"I understand."
"Come let us not ponder on such thoughts, today should be a happy day. We can investigate all this later," said Ivan.
"I suppose you are right."
The two finished their breakfast rapidly yet elegantly, almost forgetting everything about Walter. The pair hadn't seen each other in years so they believed they were well deserving of a meal together. They laughed and made humourous comments, just like the good old days when they were children.
After several hours of telling each other exciting stories and lunch after that, the sun began its orderly routine of leaving the world in the capable hands of the moon. Its gorgeous glow was still visible from just above the tips of the pine trees but it was at the time when shadows were at their strongest.
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Ivan and Andrew set out from the castle, deciding to walk for nostalgia. They strolled along the road leading past the battlements into the main castle, the stones that it was comprised of were neatly placed in a brick like formation. Roads like these stretched out all across Atheron, however they only connected major settlements such cities, there were thousands of dirt roads that branched off these leading to rural villages and such. The roads had only been developed in the past 200 years, it was due to the emperor back then wanting to increase trade and to say the least, it worked.
Crossing the gate, Ivan looked behind him to the sturdy walls of Ukburg castle, situated atop a rocky hill. The small waterfall that flowed out of the side and into a river, along to a lake near the village they were headed was Ivan's favourite feature of the fortification.
Through the forest and towards the village, the pair finally came upon a wooden arch connected to a wooden fence which scretched out and surrounded wooden houses. Colourful banners welcomed them along with the sound of music and laughter.
"Well then, let us go," said Andrew
Ivan nodded in agreement, finding the words just seemed impossible to him, he felt something deep down, like he had travelled back in time.
As they entered they saw stalls selling treats such as strawberries and cakes, children lined up with coppers in their pockets eager to have a taste. Villagers partaking in various events such archery and wrestling. It brought a smile to Ivan's face, seeing these people enjoying life, especially considering he had history with them. Suddenly Ivan accidently bumped into a man wearing a long white robe, his face was concealed so there was no way to distinguish it but the man seemed to notice Ivan then speedily hurried off into the crowd just before Ivan had time to apologize. Weird, he thought. Whilst wandering around the village elder noticed them and immediately paid his repects by bowing, Ivan assured him that it was not necessary but the elder insisted it was. He decided to announce the prince's presence, taking him onto a wooden stage and gathering everyone's attention with a shout.
"People of Lille! Let us honour here tonight a most welcomed guest, who we are grateful for being here, Prince Ivan Ikhaust."
Ivan stepped forward, moving his left foot behind his right and placing his right hand on his left shoulder then proceeded to bow slightly. A formal tradition in Atheron when you visit another's home, it was a sign of thanks for allowing you onto their property. Everyone clapped as per custom.
"Despite the sad news of our beloved king passing away, we will honour his memory by dancing and enjoying ourselves as homage to his son, something I'm certain our king would want."
Everyone clapped once again and then returned to their festivities.
Andrew guided his best friend around the village, showing him the diferent activities and the layout of the houses, they were enjoying a peaceful tour when all of a sudden a young girl with short auburn hair which had flowers in it came running up to them.
"Andrew! Andrew! I'm so glad you could make it!"
"Haha, I am glad too Ella. What pretty flowers you have on your head," said Andrew laughing whilst kneeling down to the young girl's height.
"Huh? Who's this?" asked Ella looking at Ivan.
"Were you not paying attention to the village elder speaking?"
"Nope I was picking these flowers," she said with an enourmous smile.
"This here is Prince Ivan Ikhaust, 4th prince of the realm," Andrew quietly said whilst giving Ella a wink.
"Wow! A real life prince! But he isn't wearing shiny armour like in my bedtime stories?"
"bwahahaha!"
"What are you finding so funny?" teased Ivan.
"Oh nothing, I am just imagining you in shining golden armour atop a white steed looking all heroic."
"Hmph, I will have you know I could make a great knight, thank you very much," replied Ivan with a giggle.
"Andrew, come do the apple bobbing with me! Please."
"Haha alright. Shall we be off then Ivan?"
"I have not partaken in apple bobbing for years now, I am most likely no good at it."
"I am sure you will be fine, much better then little Ella here."
"Hey! I beat you last year!"
"One round little Ella, one round, you still have much to learn."
"Hmph, I've improved, I'll show you."
All 3 headed to the apple bobbing area but were stopped by another girl, this time looking the same age as Ivan and Andrew. She had slightly redder hair than Ella which was done up in long pigtails.
"Honestly you need to stop running off Ella."
"Evening Laila," greeted Andrew.
"Evening to you too Andrew and...Ivan."
"Have we met before?" inquired Ivan, curious as to the shock in her voice and the lack of his title.
"Of course we have silly, we used to play together when we were little, you know, back when you visited the village with Andrew."
"Apologies, I do not remember much from then."
Andrew noticed Laila's fidgeting, "Hah, me and Ella shall continue onto the apple bobbing, you and Laila can talk for a while, catch up like we did."
"Oh uh, very well, where shall we meet?"
"The town square. Come now Ella"
Ivan was left deserted, all alone with Laila, a girl who apparantly knew him quite well but he had no memory of. It was awkward silence for a while until Ivan decided to break it.
"So Laila was it? Who exactly are you?"
"Do you honestly not remeber me? Everyday you and Andrew would come down to the village to play, you would say the castle could get so dull sometimes. We would play tag and other games, despite you two being nobles and us common folk."
Ivan felt like he should remember these things but he in no way could formulate any memories of them, only brief facts such as him going down to the village, maybe the so-called 'friends' he had meant nothing to him and he never paid attention to them.
"How old were we?"
"About 7 I think."
"7, I do not really recall a lot from then, I have been too preocupied with current affairs within my teenage years to have any time to dawdle on a past memories."
"I suppose that makes sense," Laila lowered her head, almost like she was in defeat.
The mood seemed like it needed to be lightened but Ivan was in no mindset to be dancing with peasants. However if they saw him enoying himself and playing with them, that would increase his standing amongst them, an excellent plan even if it only affected one measly village out of hundreds.
"Say, shall we lighten the mood with a bit of dancing?"
Laila immediatly blushed which took Ivan by surprise but she timidly accepted. Ivan was no fool to see what was going on here.
"Damn you Andrew," he commented under his breath.
They headed to the town square, an open space was provided for them and multiple couples were already dancing which only added to the atmosphere.
Ivan sighed but reached out his hand toward Laila. Embarrassed she readied her dress, not something fit for royalty but you could tell the girl had tried, and rested her hand in Ivan's. She clenched his warm palm and the two began a simple waltz. The peasant girl and the prince danced right in the centre as the moon's light shone down upon them, she was surprisinly well versed in the fluidity of it and even maintained the same level of gracefulness as the man before her which also ttok him by surprise. Ivan could see her face was redder than before and her look was quite passionate that it made Ivan feel uneasy.
Eventually the music came to a halt and all left the dance space. Andrew and Ella had not returned yet so the pair went off to a more secluded area to speak.
"That is a nice earring you have," complimented Ivan. It was a deep green like her eyes.
"Hm, you would say that, after all you were the one who gave it to me."
"I was?"
"Yeah, I remember the exact day you did, you said that it matched my emerald eyes and you really like them."
"I had no idea I was so proficient in flattery."
Laila giggled a little and startd stroking her pigtails, "You know days like those, days like these, make me really happy."
Ivan wa sabout to say something when a hand touched his shoulder, he turned his head to find a tall man wearing a tunic with a hood over his head, he looked rather muscular so the imtimidation struck Laila instantly.
"Prince Ivan, my master requests you speak with him, alone."
"Who are you?"
"I mean you no harm, my master will clear everything up, please follow me."
"Hmph, very well, Laila please remain here until I return."
The girl gave a worried nod but Ivan knew there there ws nothing to worry about, after all he was immortal.
The man lead him to a house far from the others and even further from the festivities, so much so that if anyone were to scream, it was doubtful anyone would hear them, apart from Laila of course.
Inside was an old looking man with grey hair, a droopy moustache adorned the area above his top lip and a goatee below the bottom one. He wore a circular pair of spectacles which hid his eyes and a portion of the emotion that came with them. The room was dimly lit, the only source of light being a candle on a table in front of the old man.
"Please have a seat Prince Ivan, I am most honoured to have you here tonight," his voice was sluggish and coarse but contain a hint of menacing playfulness like he was schemeing something.
Taking the seat aross the table directly opposite the old man, their eyes locked and so their discussion began.
"What is it you require of me? And who are you?"
"For reasons I am sure you can understand I cannot reveal my name to you but the only piece of information I think that is needed to be disclosed is that I am a representative of Morta, I am sure you know who we are."
Morta? Here? How? Ivan's mind fixated on one thing that could have drawn the criminal organization here. Walter. But then that would confirm one thing, that Morta were not the ones who killed him.
"You are here for Mr Argon are you not?"
"My, my, how clever, if you know of him then that means his identitiy has been revealed. Yes, we are here for Mr Argon but also for another reason," the old man said, clenching his two hands together and resting his elbows on the table.
He was correct, the mystery grew deeper. Ivan felt a slight genuine fear, not for himself but for what Morta could do to the others. Kidnap the villagers, Kill the villagers, worse yet, kill Andrew. The man's lack of visibible eyes was so patronizing, it built anger up in Ivan alongside the fear. He decided to not remain the weak link and pushed for information.
"Who is Walter Argon anyway?"
"Walter Argon was a man who operated in the capital's east district, although he was no-one special, he betrayed us, killing several of our men, Morta does not forget such transgressions and so we have been hunting him. However lately we have discovered his whereabouts and what he has been masquerading as, a carriage driver. We discovered a list of all the names of the carriage drivers who would be driving the members of the royal family to diferent locations. We mainly wanted to know the locations but when his name caught our eye, we knew we had to go after him."
"Why would you want the locations of each royal family member?"
"We shall get onto that later but for now, I asume you have Mr Argon locked up somewhere in Ukburg castle."
"We did but it was actually only last night that he was murdered in a grisly display or so I hear."
"Ah, I see, well then I suppose we have one less job to take care of. May I ask who was the one who killed him?"
"I do not know, his murderer remains allusive."
"Shame, oh well. Now we may discuss the reason for us wanting the locations. You see, we here at Morta have a proposition for you Prince Ivan. Work with us and we can ensure you an easier victory over your siblings."
"Excuse me?"
"Morta has a lot of influence over the entire country so by pulling a few strings we can gain you popularity and increase your chances of becoming king of this country."
Ivan thought long and hard about this proposal. Having Morta under his thumb would be extremely beneficial, he could, like the old man said, gain much influence over nobles that could support his cause. No rather the truth is inverted, Morta would have him under their thumb, the same with any other royal candidates that had agreed. That was another problem, Morta providing for several candidates meant only chaos would ensue. But the biggest factor was...
"I refuse, it is morally wrong for me as a prince and as a future king to work together with criminals."
"Are you sure, think carefully," the old man sounded surprised, "you could have a boost in your efforts, use us whenever you wish, we will not make demnds of you that often. Is the fog of morality truly clouding your judgement?"
"Yes it is, I will nothing to do with you criminals."
"Unfortunate indeed, I came all this way for nothing, oh well. You may leave now Prince Ivan, it has been a pleasure speaking with you."
"Likewise," he retorted, making his way out of the door but stopped mid-way.
"One more thing Prince Ivan. Please give this bag of coins to the person who killed Mr Argon for us."
"I have no intention to be rude, but I do not pay criminals for acts that I deemed unnecesary, especially considering if it is from another criminal. Give them to him yourself."
And with that, Ivan left.
"I..Ivan are you alright?" questioned Laila, who was seeminly very anxious the entire time.
"Yes I am fine, it was just some business that needed to be taken care of. The moon is well overhead now, the festival should be ending soon, shall we go?"
"Yes, let's."
Laila wrapped her arm around Ivan's and they began walking towards the town square to meet Andrew and Ella. Upon arrival, Ella scolded them for being late which made everyone laugh. Each said their goodbyes and headed in the direction of their homes.
"So how was it?" asked Andrew on their walk back to the castle.
"Decent I suppose," replied Ivan.
"Hahaha, we can visit again tomorrow if you want."
"Depends on if there is important business to attend to."
"I doubt it but we shall see."
"Indeed we shall."
The murder of Walter. Morta becoming involved. The wheels of fate had already began spinning. It was not long before each of them would know how this game they play would only bring tears and soak the land of Atheron in blood.