PART 1

Henry arrived in front of the castle where Gus and Kyburn waited. Leaving Sasha had been harder for him than he realized but knew he would return and felt comforted by the fact she felt the same for him.

Kyburn looked drowsy and exhausted but was in the carriage waiting for him, half asleep.

Gus stood next to the horses with his back hunched over, “Henry. There you are.”

“Sorry, I’m late. I went to see Mrs. Kebin and Sasha.” Henry explained.

“Ah, I see.” understanding covered his face. “Hurry alone then, Kyburn is waiting, as you can see.” they both looked over at the lord of Zulin, who was snoring now.

“Alright. Godspeed. Good luck boy.” Gus said, then turned and left for the castle.

Professor Gould stepped up to him, “Don’t mind him, he was always a strange one. Here, these are your books. Gus’s books and notes are already in the carriage.” Professor Gould explained.

A carriage had been brought with the finest horses and driver in the town. Henry didn’t know anything about horses but they were magnificent beasts. Two had jet black coats, one was brown and white and the last was nearly pure white except for the side of his head. He admired their beauty before stepping into the carriage.

“Henry. I’ll be looking forward to having you back in my classes once you return.” Gould said. “Take care of yourself.”

“I will Professor, thank you,” Henry replied.

Kyburn had woken up and looked grumpy, “Let’s get a move on, shall we?”

“Hyah!” the driver yelled and snapped the reins.

The carriage justled forward, rocking him back into his seat. It was quite cozy beside the jolting start and Henry found himself enjoying the luxurious ride once they got underway. Kyburn had arranged a small makeshift table to be installed in the middle of the cabin, so as to give space for Henry’s books and papers. Though bumpy at times the brick roads made it much easier on everyone. The speed at which they drove was amazing. King Xerath had the entire kingdom paved with roads on each major path to and from cities and towns.

Kyburn sat across from Henry looking awkward. Henry felt as if the lord felt guilty for throwing this responsibility onto him. His attitude and extra politeness towards him gave off a feeling of gratitude. It got Henry thinking of the responsibilities thrust onto Kyburn as well. He wasn’t a young man, thirty-seven but was a strong and just lord. Henry couldn’t help himself from feeling sorry for him as well. King Xerath must be pressing him for answers, which only Gus really knew in detail. Now, Henry must take his place and fill in for the Historian Kyburn was supposed to be bringing to the capital.

Henry figured it was a waste of time worrying about something out of his control now. He had agreed to help his lord and he would stick to it. His goal now was to read up on all the research and histories.

Several days passed quickly but Henry grew weary of all the reading. The number of books and notes from Gus was astounding. The level of detail went beyond what Henry could understand. Henry made keynotes for himself, jotting down dates and locations. There was a different type of creature that the books describe, which caught his eye. A Lot of the information was incomplete and faulty at best. What was theory and which was fact, it was hard to tell but Henry suspected it all held some truth to it. Myths and legends always originated from something.

On occasion, Kyburn would ask how he was getting along and Henry would answer with long and detailed explanations.

As far as the Historians recorded, there were three different types of alien creatures. All confirmed to be different species. They varied in size. Some were small, half a grown man’s height, coming up to his waist.

These small creatures had long thin arms with short legs, almost resembling a monkey in figure but had no fur. They had black leather-like skin with long claws, their mouths were filled with teeth. Belthar had compared it to a shark's mouth, with rows of tiny sharp teeth. They were also believed to travel in packs, similar to wolves. Prawlers, they were called, had last been seen thirty or so years ago. Kyburn’s face distorted in disgust at the description of these monkey-like vermin when Henry told him of them.

This worried both of them. If these creatures too hadn’t gone extinct could create even more problems for them. The idea of fighting several different species for survival felt like a grim one.

Another strange giant balloon-like creature had been found fossilized by paleontologists. Only two have ever been recorded and both were the size of large castles. It was believed they could float with some sort of gas inside their bodies judging from the shape of the fossils. Unable to confirm due to the age of the fossils some believed they had large tentacles similar to a squid. Some bits of cartilage could be found trailing the bodies which are why the theory was formed.

Last of the alien creatures were massive dog-like beasts. Sightings have been recorded within the last twenty years. Large armor plating protected their backs making them extremely hard to defeat. Their bodies were covered in scales, this only added to their toughness. Long teeth protruded from their mouths, also making them dangerous. No fossils or corpses on record.

From the letter king Xerath had sent, Henry concluded the Vulkirian people were describing these creatures and not any other.

After a week and a half of traveling, Henry moved onto the topic of ‘The Ancients’. Time was short, as they drew nearer to Xerixes. They would be arriving in four days and he needed to pore through three more books and dozens of notes. As he read he came across many detailed facts, but he could tell there was something missing. The Historians left some key details out that mislead many theories. Why that had been kept secret, Henry couldn’t tell but made the process extremely frustrating.

He had mentioned it to Kyburn on several occasions but he gave vague answers almost entirely avoiding questions. It was all very suspicious and Kyburn could tell he was growing impatient with the secrecy. It only caused Henry to come up with great conspiracy theories trying to explain it all. "Why would King Xerath put a gag order on certain details and not others?" He thought to himself.

“What aren’t you telling me?” Henry asked for the hundredth time.

“Ugh,” Kyburn sighed, placing his hand to his head while rolling his eyes. “For the last time Henry, we will tell you everything when we get there. It is not up to me to tell you.”

“But, if you are going to tell me everything, why not tell me right now?” Henry pleaded.

“Dear God, son. Will your curiosity never end? King Xerath will inform anyone he deems worthy. End! Of! Discussion!” Kyburn finished red-faced.

Henry blushed from embarrassment then went back to his reading. He couldn’t stop thinking about the Ancients. Couldn’t believe they actually existed. Their technology was extremely advanced yet they were wiped out by something or someone.

Ruins scattered over the world had been studied and excavated, revealing endless tunnels and massive rooms underground. There was still so much to learn. So much concealed too.

He remembered Xerath’s letter saying ‘We might need to visit our ‘Friends’ in Kligira’, which Henry also asked Kyburn and was met with another blank stare.

Kligira had been silent for many years, keeping to themselves. After the war, most if not all issues between Xer and Kligira had been resolved. Apart from the skirmishes still going on to the east on the border of Tykin, Kligira was dormant and no word came out of the country.

It bothered him greatly that Kligira had something to do with what was going on. Somehow, Kligira was involved in all this.

Traveling day and night, Kyburn and Henry only stopped at small towns or cities for fresh horses and food. Replacing the coach driver at each stop allowed them for continued travel.

Two weeks of intense riding left a toll on both Kyburn and Henry. Being confined to a carriage left their bones aching from sitting for so long. It gave Henry ample opportunity to read everything that Gus had provided for the summit and then some for review of his own notes.

Nearing the capital, Kyburn sat up and hung his head out the window to address the driver.

“Pull over!” he shouted. “We need a break.”

Coming to a quick stop, the carriage pulled off the brick road near a small stream. Kyburn looked over at Henry then opened the door and jumped out.

“Is something wrong?” Henry asked. “Aren’t we almost there?”

“Come on, let’s stretch our legs,” Kyburn said enthusiastically. “We need a quick rest stop don’t you think?”

Henry jumped out after him, eager to stretch his legs and breath in the cool air. “How much further till we reach Xerixes?

“My guess is... around five hours,” Kyburn replied.

“I can’t wait to see the city,” Henry said excitedly.

“Have you not seen it?” Kyburn cocked his head questioningly.

“No sir,” Henry reported. “The farthest I’ve been from Zulin is Qutreth with my parents.”

“I see.” Kyburn turned serious at the mention of his parents.

Henry walked over to a bush to relieve himself while Kyburn walked over to the small stream and stood gazing into the clear water.

A soft breeze blew through the trees above and birds sang in their nests. It was quiet except for an occasional bird and soft rushing water. Henry came up next to him silently and took in the small stream, admiring the small fish that swam against the current.

Without looking at him, Kyburn surprised him by speaking to him. The sound of his voice shocked him out of his light daydreaming of the cool breeze and fish.

“I’m responsible for your father’s death,” Kyburn stated.

Henry froze in shock. Unable to move, he listened to his lord silently.

“Xerath asked for good strong men for guard duty in Vulkira. The town was being threatened by bandits, I knew your father was a good man, that I could rely on him to get the job done. So... I chose him to lead men to protect Buxmar.”

Still frozen in shock and confused, he looked up at Kyburn. It came out of nowhere, he wasn’t expecting it at all.

“When I heard he had been killed, I couldn’t face you and your mother,” Kyburn continued. “I sent gifts and money but, I couldn’t bring myself to…” he trailed off, guilt gripped his face.

“I’m sorry Henry. If I had only taken responsibility and taken care of you and your mother from the beginning then maybe she wouldn’t have…” Kyburn trailed off again, searching for the right words.

Henry could feel the conflict and guilt inside Kyburn. It had been all these years and Kyburn still blamed himself for their deaths. Sudden emotions hit Henry like a punch to the gut. He could barely breath from the pain. Memories of finding his mother hanging from the tree, his father’s cold dead body being brought back to them. He struggled to maintain control of himself.

“I know, words can’t fix what happened but I hope that someday you will forgive me,” Kyburn’s face contorted in guilt.

It had never occurred to Henry that Kyburn was to blame. He just blamed it on the way of the world. Life was full of death and pain and Henry had grown accustomed to the world and the loneliness he felt inside that came with it.

“I-I don’t blame you,” Henry gasped. Tears gushed out of his eyes uncontrollably. “It wasn’t your fault,” he sobbed, trying to get his words out. “It wasn’t your fault,” he repeated.

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Kyburn looked over at him, tears in his own eyes, and embraced the young boy in his arms. They both stood there for several minutes. Henry slumped into his arms and wept.

Not realizing all the emotions and pain, Henry had shoved it down for years, avoiding it. Until it was forgotten, bearable. It wasn’t till Kyburn’s words of recognition on his part that Henry truly faced his pain. Forgiving his mother for leaving him alone. Forgiving his father for not teaching him how to be a man. It all left his body like a physical thing releasing his mind and soul of pain.

Kyburn’s warm embrace reminded him of his father’s love for him. His mother’s gentleness and kindness. It had all been ripped away from him in an instant. Some resemblance of his parents, Henry believed, was in that hug.

Letting go of Henry, Kyburn stepped back from him. “I know you didn’t have to forgive me but I am glad you did. You are a good man, Henry. You have great talent and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.”

Henry was embarrassed for showing such weakness in front of him, normally he felt ashamed to cry in front of someone but Kyburn didn’t make him feel that way. Kyburn suddenly changed in Henry’s eyes, he felt like he could trust this man with his life. Something about being hugged while emotionally vulnerable broke his walls down, but Kyburn seemed to pick all the pieces back up and restore it.

Trying to break the awkwardness that followed, Kyburn fake coughed and took a few steps backward. “I uh, well good talk Henry. We should probably get going.”

Henry chuckled, wiping away tears from his eyes. “Thank you, sir. For saying that.”

“Yes… right well, of course,” Kyburn said awkwardly, unsure how to proceed and connect with the boy. “It’s something I should have done a long time ago.”

They both looked back to the stream and at the fish for several more minutes. Reconciling their emotions to the fact that there was a bond between them now. Kyburn had, in a way, taken on the role of father at that moment.

“Well. We should get going.” Kyburn turned away and made his way back to the carriage.

Henry agreed and they both jumped back into their seats. The drivers clicked his mouth and the horses started to pull, quickly gaining speed.

PART 2

After several hours of riding, Henry stuck his head out the window to get a look at the capital. They were still miles away but he could see the giant city with massive walls surrounding it. The royal palace in the center stood so high you could see it from a leagues away. As they drew closer Henry could see more detail, the walls were at least thirty feet high and Kyburn mentioned the walls were ten feet thick. A giant steel gate had been lowered for passage to and from the city. He saw long lines of people in single file lines waiting to gain entry and another staggered line as people left.

“How big is Xerixes?” Henry asked excitedly.

“Hmm,” Kyburn pondered. “It’s roughly thirty times bigger than Zulin,” he guessed.

“The capital is thirty times bigger than our town!” Henry looked shocked.

“Give or take... yes,” Kyburn smiled at the boy's excitement.

The breeze on Henry’s face was wonderful, it wasn’t freezing but just cool enough to make his face turn red. Amazement shown on his face as he gazed in awe of the sheer size and magnificence of the city.

Coming up to the gate, they were forced to slow due to the crowds blocking their way. Several guards saw the sigil flag and instantly knew it was lord Kyburn, as they were on lookout for any lord coming into the city. Swiftly spreading out the guards began shouting orders to the crowd.

“Clear the way!” a tall soldier yelled. “Move!”

“Clear the road for lord Kyburn!” another shouted. “Clear the road!”

With little effort, the crowd shuffled out of the way of the incoming carriage. Everyone wanted to avoid making anyone angry so they complied without complaint.

Henry noticed many poor people with little to wear and some with no shoes. The peasants looked grimy and mud covered their feet. “Living conditions must be hard for them,” he thought. It wasn’t like Zulin, the poor were still well looked after. No one starved in Zulin. It looked very different here and Henry couldn’t help but feel sympathy for the poor in Xerixes.

“I noticed there are many poor people here and they look like they are starving and ill. Is king Xerath doing anything about them?” Henry asked Kyburn.

“Careful with what you say, Henry. King Xerath has many spies and doesn’t take kindly to criticism. However, he has taken steps to deal with the poverty in his kingdom, it takes time.”

“Forgive me, I did not mean to be critical of him,” Henry replied.

“It’s quite alright Henry, I’m just warning you to keep your words in check. No need to get yourself in trouble over petty things,” Kyburn said, relaxed.

“Besides, many of these people are from Vulkira who were allowed entry in the country. Xerath is a good man, an old friend but he has many flaws just like the rest of us. He doesn’t shut down anyone who disagrees with him, but that doesn’t mean he likes it.”

“I see. I will be sure to take your advice sir,” Henry promised.0

“It’s the other lords you’ll need to look after. Turn your back on them and you’ll be stabbed in the back the first chance they get. They are the true enemy of the people. They don’t care for the poor or anything that doesn’t benefit them. Sly and vile, most will sweet talk you, so be careful Henry. Don’t trust anyone but me and the king. Understood?”

Henry hung on every word. His eyes widened as Kyburn continued to talk. Out of fear, curiosity, or mischief, or perhaps all three, Kyburn couldn’t tell. Not wanting to frighten the boy, Kyburn changed the subject.

“We are almost there. I suspect we will be escorted immediately to the throne room to greet Xerath. Let me do the talking,” Kyburn said.

“Yes, sir,” Henry replied.

Driving through the city was a slow process, as there were thousands of people walking about, all clogging the road with their daily activities and work. It took nearly an hour to reach the palace but Henry didn’t mind because he found it interesting to watch the people and to see the city.

As they drove up to the palace entrance, several guards came to meet them, along with a palace rhetorician. Eager to escape the carriage Kyburn and Henry swiftly stepped out and onto the cobblestone road.

“Greetings, lord Kyburn. Your presence is most welcome. Our beloved king, Xerath has been eagerly awaiting your arrival,” the rhetorician said in a high pitched voice. “I see you brought… your son with you?”

“Greetings,” Kyburn nodded. “Not my son, but he is an important guest.”

“Ah-ha,” the slim man chimed. “Wonderful. My name is Cassius if you would follow me. Please, come. I will show you to the king.”

Kyburn sighed then walked after the strange man. He led them up a large marble staircase, which led to the main door. The rhetorician had a long slim robe on which flopped at his feet each time he took a step.

The palace was made of marble, every inch it seemed. It was a magnificent sight to behold. Bending his head skyward, Henry got a good look up close at the enormous building. He turned his head to the city and was met with a wondrous sight. The palace was elevated above the rest of the buildings, giving him a view to behold. He could still see people moving through the streets below, buzzing around like bees.

“Henry?” Kyburn pulled him out of his gaze.

Without a word, Henry turned to follow behind them. Stepping through large metal doors, Henry’s eyes quickly adjusted to the dim hall as it was much darker inside. It was well lit inside but the blazing sun outside after looking upward had caused his eyes to flash mirror images everywhere.

The hall had dozens of chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, giving the room a beautiful glow that bounced off the marble walls. Numerous paintings lined the walls, each having its own unique feel. Long flowing curtains hung down at the sides of every entrance with the banner of the kingdom sowed into them.

Paintings of each major city hung to one side of the hall, whereas the opposite side held paintings of all the lords and ladies throughout history, giving dates at the bottom. Henry couldn’t get a good look at them all but his gaze stopped on Kyburn. He looked much younger in the picture and thinner too but he would never say that out loud. Catching a glimpse of Zulin made him point his finger but realized no one was looking where he was pointing. Everyone was a good ten paces ahead of him, not waiting up for him.

Henry rushed to catch up with them but kept getting distracted by the paintings, halls, and lights. Countless suits of armor and weapons lined several halls, displaying the many different types and unique craftsmanship of each piece.

He wondered if the palace had a library and the thought excited him further, imagining the size of the room and wondered how many books it would contain.

After several minutes the rhetorician stopped at another large door, this one was wooden with patterns edged into it. “Please enter,” he bowed as they passed him.

The throne room resembled the rest of the palace, with chandeliers hanging everywhere, curtains draped down the sides and behind the throne itself. A beautiful portrait hung above the throne, which Henry guessed to be king Xerixes himself, who the capital was named after.

King Xerath was talking to someone as they entered but he waved him away. He gazed at the two of them as they walked closer. His piercing brown eyes making Henry even more uncomfortable.

Kyburn stopped ten feet from the throne and bowed, which Henry copied a second behind him.

“I am glad to see you, Kyburn. You’ve kept me waiting. None of the other lords have arrived yet and I have just been informed of much more important news,” Xerath said sternly.

“I have received your troubling letter, my king. I came as quickly as I could. I pray you are in good health and your kingdom is prospering,” Kyburn said, still bowing.

“Please, stand straight. There is no need for all that,” Xerath waved his hands again. “I am grateful for your quick response to my letter dear friend. I am afraid I will be needing your assistance immediately. I know you have come a long way.”

“Of course, my lord. My assistant and I are at your disposal,” Kyburn stated.

“Good man. Who do you have with you?” Xerath asked. “Did Gus come with you?”

“This is Henry,” Kyburn emphasized the name strangely. “Gus was unable to travel, he stayed in Zulin for his health.”

“Oh, that’s him,” Xerath said in a low voice, looking directly at Henry. “I see.”

“Henry has grown into a fine young man. He aims to be the next professor of our school in Zulin.” Kyburn’s tone was bizarre as if he was propositioning Henry for something.

“Enough Kyburn. I know the boy’s worth.” Xerath stared intimidatingly at them both. “He is welcome here.”

“Thank you sire.” Kyburn nodded.

“Tell me. What has Gus said about the situation? I’m sure he is frantic.” Xerath said. “Wanting to rub it in my face that he was right? Huh?”

Kyburn looked a bit uncomfortable but replied honestly. “Yes… sire. He may have mentioned you when speaking about the issue,” he admitted.

“Does he still hate me that much?” Xerath asked.

Kyburn coughed, clearly still uncomfortable talking of Gus Opin’s disdain for the king. “Very much so.”

“Haha!” he laughed loudly. “This is why I need you by my side, Kyburn. I know I can trust you,” Xerath praised. “You don’t hold back and mince words. Straight to the point.”

“Thank you, sire,” he responded to the king’s praise.

“Stop that nonsense Kyburn. Call me by my name, that’s an order.” he smiled at his old friend.

“My king,” Cassias interrupted during the pause in conversation. “Perhaps you would like to get to the matter at hand?”

“Oh, shut up Cassius. I don’t need you talking to me like a child.” Xerath scolded.

“Forgive me, my lord.” Cassius nodded his head.

“You are right though, Kyburn, it was just brought to my attention that several of my scouts located a large army and a mass of civilians approaching the border from the north near Calchester.”

“Have they been identified?” Kyburn asked quickly. “What of the civilians?”

“Yes. They are Vulkirian soldiers with Erik leading them. However, it is not surprising that king Erik is with them and obviously is not dead as previously presumed. He is a survivor, I’ll give him that.” Xerath sighed, obviously bothered by something other than an army approaching. “Once they arrive, I’ll have many questions for Erik as to the state of his kingdom. I am extremely curious about what he has to say.”

Henry looked up in bewilderment, this was an odd conversation and the air in the room seemed tense. The relationship between Xerath and Kyburn was far stronger and strange than he had realized. Kyburn had mentioned in the past that he saved Xerath’s life once on the field of battle during the war but never would have guessed their friendship was more casual than he thought.

Kyburn seemed to change his attitude and mannerisms, much more relaxed as if he was more comfortable here, talking of armies and battle than being in Zulin where it was peaceful.

“They are coming from Nolvis I presume. If Vlakias had fallen, I would have headed straight south to Nolvis.” Xerath said.

“Yes, as would I if I were in his position.” Kyburn agreed.

“Nolvis doesn’t have many defenses though,” Henry added suddenly. “Why would they come from an undefended town if they were fleeing from an enemy?”

All eyes locked onto Henry. Cassius sneered at him but kept his mouth shut. Kyburn encouraged him to continue with a nudge.

“What are you getting at boy?” Xerath asked, curious. “You disagree that they would come from Nolvis?”

Henry’s nervousness shot through the roof and he wished he had never spoken but continued with his thought. “I do not disagree, in fact, I would say that for certain but what I mean is, why are they not running to a well-fortified city such as Rostone or Anria. Perhaps even Zidyria if they wished to escape into Tykin.”

He paused, waiting to be scolded for speaking out of turn but no one did. Xerath leaned forward and gestured for him to get to the point.

“I have done extensive research in the last two weeks and I have come up with a theory.” Henry gulped then took a deep breath. “What if king Erik isn’t fleeing but rather… leaving.”

“What are you talking about?” Kyburn looked worried.

“What is the difference?” Xerath began to get annoyed.

“From what I know, there are two types of creatures from the histories. Both have been thought to have gone extinct or not exist in the first place. The Prawlers, they are called, are the vicious and destructive ones. If Vulkira is fleeing their lands and not being pursued, which they have not been according to the reports, then these creatures are not Prawlers.” Henry paused again for breath.

“How does that help us?” Xerath asked.

“It tells us we are dealing with something else other than Prawlers. The books I have been reading talk of larger and smarter beings.” Henry’s face began to turn red. “I think they are more intelligent and more reasonable than normal animals.”

“Hmm,” Xerath pondered, scratching at his chin. “So by traveling to Nolvis, you have concluded we are dealing with the creatures Gus goes on and on about?” Xerath questioned.

“The Creatures of Old,” Henry added the name of Gus’s book.

“Right.” Xerath raised an eyebrow. “Very good. You might be right and you might be wrong. Regardless, we must meet Erik on the border swiftly.”

“We ride for Calchester then?” Kyburn asked.

“I’m afraid so. I know you just got off the road but I will need you there with me.” Xerath said.

“Of course Xerath, you have my sword and my council whenever you require.” Kyburn graciously accepted the need for more traveling.

“The sun is nearly down. We will leave for Calchester in the morning.” Xerath declared.