A few days pass by since Melin’dra’s death. The castle is fully decorated now as the wedding of Saryn and Selene is tomorrow. Strands of white lilies outline the castle’s interior. Bards alike can be heard playing music in the Main Hall. Servants can be seen coming in and out of the Castle. Vyr’kas makes his way from the Western Wing with a disgruntled look upon his face, heading towards the Main hall, where an exhausted Vel’dryn can be seen bracing himself against the arm of his throne.

“Father, I thought we talked about this,” Vyr’kas shouted as he stomped over to Vel’dryn. “Every day, you said you will talk to him then the next day is the exact same.”

“We have son,” Vel’dryn said. “I’ve also said that if Saryn wants to be happy, I should just let him no matter if she is of royal blood or not.”

“This is not the way,” Vyr’kas demanded as he noticed Adrina making her way over to them slowly, making her way behind the king. “He should marry someone of noble blood.”

“While that may be the case, I will do whatever it takes to ensure his happiness,” Vel’dryn replied. “If Selene makes him happy, then I will not question it. Your mother wasn’t of noble blood and we were fine. Your grandfather wasn’t too happy about it, but he made due.”

“Grandpa was right to be unhappy about it,” Vyr’kas said as he nodded to Adrina. “Commoners serve us, we do not mix our bloodlines with theirs.”

Adrina pulled out a small wand from her clothing. It began to glow as she whispered an incantation.

“I will not have you speak of your grandfather’s repulsive ideologies in my castle,” Vel’dryn responded with hate growing in his voice. “If you don’t like it then suck it up. Your mother would be ashamed of you. Saryn is and will be my predecessor!”

“Not if I have anything to do with it, old man,” Vyr’kas whispered disrespectfully.

“You will hold your tongue when …" Vel’dryn shouted.

“Saryn’s wedding is an atrocity to our way of life,” Adrina said as she waved a wand, placing the point on the back of his head.

“Saryn’s wedding is an atrocity to our way of life,” Vel’dryn muttered in a drunken state as her magic took over his exhausted mind.

“If he married Selene, it will mean the end of Talimdryl,” Adrina whispered.

“If he married Selene, it will mean the end of Talimdryl,” Vel’dryn repeated.

“She will mean the doom of us all. I can’t allow Saryn to marry her,” Adrina said.

“I can’t allow Saryn to marry her,” Vel’dryn repeated as Adrina pulled her wand away and stuffed it back into her clothing then walked away from the area.

“So, we should make Saryn end the wedding then?” Vyr’kas asked, hoping that Adrina’s magic stuck this time.

“Yes, we have to make him end it,” Vel’dryn replied.

“Good, then I shall halt preparations with the kitchen staff and prepare them for dinner,” Vyr’kas said with a glorious grin over his face as he exited the room. He knew that he had triumphed over his brother.

At every turn, King Vel’dryn is seen either covering his ears or looking away at all of the decorations, falling to the ground, tremoring with fear. Saryn and Selene come out from the Eastern Wing just as King Vel’dryn fell. They stop their conversation, rushing to the King’s side.

“Pa, are you okay?” Saryn said worriedly.

“Please... Just please leave me be,” King Vel’dryn said, waving his hand at Saryn, trying to shoo him away.

“Okay, Okay,” Saryn said, scoffing at his father. “Sheesh, I was just trying to see if you were okay. You don’t have to be a grump and shoo me away like some mangy rat.”

Saryn walked with Selene towards the Western Wing.

“What’s been going on with him lately?” Saryn whispered to Selene.

“I don’t know,” Selene said bewilderedly. “I guess I'm not the only one noticing a slight change in his approval of this wedding. I thought I was going insane.”

“Something’s not right at all,” Saryn stated, realizing something dark is at play. “At first, he was excited about the whole situation until the day after we arrived back from Dhon Varlorn. That's when he started saying incoherent thoughts out loud as if they're not his own.”

“Saryn!” King Vel’dryn exclaimed as he rested himself against the front of his throne, placing his hands over his face.

“Yes, Pa?” Saryn said as him and Selene turned around.

“Will you please end the wedding?” King Vel’dryn said, uncovering his face, looking up at Saryn, his eyes look as if he hasn’t slept in days.

“What do you mean, end the wedding?” Saryn said, raising an eyebrow. “I thought you approved of our wedding?”

King Vel’dryn stood back up slowly. Saryn quickly noticed, running over to his father, trying to help him up but King Vel’dryn swatted him away.

“She’s going to be the end of the kingdom,” King Vel’dryn shouted.

Selene placed a hand over her mouth, a tear falling down her disheartened face. Saryn is taken aback from what his father just said.

“What do you mean?” Saryn retorted, grinding his teeth. “I told you about our engagement the night we came home from Dhon Varlorn and you were excited about the whole thing. What has changed in you? Is someone doing this to you? Are you under some kind of spell? Talk to me!”

“Nothing has happened to me. No one said anything to me and I'm not under any kind of spell,” King Vel’dryn said, placing a hand proudly on his chest. “I’m just now able to see the light. I will not have you marry her!”

Selene ran off toward the Eastern Wing, crying loudly. King Vel’dryn smiled a bit as Saryn tried to stop her. Saryn turned around to his father, eyes lit up with a raging fire as he clinched his fist. Many eyes watched including Vyr’kas and Adrina, who knew exactly what was about to unfold.

“I will marry her because you have no authority as to who I can marry,” Saryn said furiously, placing a finger on King Vel’dryn’s chest.

“I will not permit that,” King Vel’dryn said, looking down at the finger on his chest then back at Saryn. “I will have a say because I'm your father, but more importantly, I'm the king and you’re the heir to my throne.

As he began to walk away from the overbearing situation, Saryn said with a snide remark with his hands in the air, “Yes, O’ Mighty King Vel’dryn.”

“Look at me when I talk to you, you insolent swine!” King Vel’dryn exclaimed.

“Why?!” Saryn said. “These past few days, you’ve been nothing but mean to Selene and I. Why should I even tolerate your hurtful words?”

“Because I want you to hear what I have to say,” King Vel’dryn responded. “I will not permit you to marry El’kar’s daughter!”

“You’ll have to permit it because she’s carrying your grandchildren! She has been now for a little over a month.”

Vyr’kas and Adrina look upon each other with shock and panic, knowing that if they don’t act now, they could lose the kingdom forever.

“You tainted your royal blood with a mere commoner?!” King Vel’dryn exclaimed. “Why on my father’s soul would you ever do that?!”

As he turned around to look at his deranged father, he shouted in disbelief, “She’s not a mere commoner. She’s the daughter of your best friend! Want some actual light to this hypocritical conversation; mother, whom you loved with all of your heart and soul, was actually a mere commoner that you screwed one night because grandpa wanted you to sow your royal oats. You said that she was the best thing that had happened to you until we came along to complete you. Do you remember that?!”

Saryn took one last look upon his father as he seethed. He knew that he shouldn’t have aired out the king’s dirty laundry, but in that instance, he didn’t care at all. Shock rose even more knowing that his father shared something with his brother.

“Well, if you get married then you will no longer be the heir to my throne!” King Vel’dryn said furiously.

“You can keep the throne, you ignorant jackass,” Saryn shouted, scoffing as he bolted around the corner.

With his ungrateful son’s last word hitting him like a sword piercing his exhausted body, he screamed at the servants and guards with rage, “What are all of you staring at? Get back to work!”

“Why didn’t he tell me that mother was just some commoner that was used to sow his royal oats? Vyr’kas said as his thoughts spilled out in the open. “Why couldn’t I do that? Saryn had a love interest that he grew up with. He didn’t have to worry about sowing his royal oats.”

“Would it have mattered?” Adrina said. “He loves Saryn more than he loves you. He hits you for the things you say. Does he do that to Saryn?”

“No,” he said with rage building in his eyes. “Saryn has always been the favorite. All I’ve ever done was to prove my loyalty and love for him and this kingdom.”

“Then it’s time to act now or your brother becomes king and the throne falls upon his kin,” Adrina replied. “We’ve done well for now. Now, we must move to our next phase of the plan. Are you ready?”

Saryn disappeared around the corner of the Eastern wing as King Vel’dryn plopped on his throne, sinking into it. A tear shed down his face.

As he watched his jealous brother disappear, he said, “Definitely, I will be king. The moment that I am, he will be executed for his crimes. ”

***

“Darling, can I speak with you?” Saryn said, knocking on Selene’s door, hearing the sounds coming from the room.

As she balled with tears, she screamed, “Go away!”

“Selene, please unlock this door. I need to speak with you,” Saryn said, placing his head on her door.

Selene walked up to the door, unlocking it, then shambled back to her bed. Saryn opened the door seeing Selene sitting on her bed. Saryn wandered over to her, crouching at the foot of her bed.

“Hey, look at me. I wouldn’t take it too personally,” Saryn said warmly, placing a hand on her leg. “You know he’s changed somehow. I don’t know what it is but what I do know is that someone or something is controlling his mind.”

“You’re right. He is being controlled by magic. Someone inside of the keep has charmed him. They would have to be very powerful to sustain it for these past few days,” Selene said, wiping tears from her face. “Did you ever find what happened to the vial?” Selene said, looking up at Saryn.

“No, I’ve been looking for it non-stop,” Saryn said “I don’t think it’s here anymore and that worries me to no end.”

Adrina walked into the room, noticing Saryn is in here consoling Selene. Saryn and Selene turned their heads to see who just walked in.

“I just heard about the king’s rant. In fact, everyone in the castle is talking about it,” Adrina said as she sat on Selene’s bed, grabbing her hand. “I wanted to see how you were doing.”

“Thanks, Adrina,” Selene said. “You’ve been so very helpful over these few days. It’s too early to tell, but I can definitely see us growing close to each other.”

“That’s good to hear. If you’re going to be marrying Saryn here, you’re going to need help with your daily tasks,” Adrina responded as she gazed upon Selene. “Saryn, you better treat her right and stay devoted to her. Both of you will live a long life together here as King and Queen when Vel’dryn steps down as king.”

“I would spend the rest of my days with her. However, I don’t think my father will give me the crown after that little stunt,” Saryn said as he stood up, placing both hands on Selene’s head, pressing his lips against her forehead. “We’re still having the feast tonight. I’ll leave you two to talk. I still have to find that missing trophy from the guildhall.”

“Okay, don’t be too long,” Selene said as Saryn walked towards the door. He winked at her before he made his exit. “We believe that the king is under a magical charm.”

“Why do you believe that?” Adrina said, still staring at her as she pulled a lock of hair around the back side of Selene’s ear.

“That’s the only thing that makes sense,” Selene said, looking down at the ground. “He has always cared for me. His resentment towards me has only grown over the past few days.”

“Hmm. Come to think of it,” Adrina said, placing a finger on her lips. “Both of you may be right. I started to notice that he changed his daily routine in just a short amount of time. He has barely eaten in the morning since all of you came from wherever.”

“Could you look into something for me?” Selene said. “If you could keep an eye on him for me, it would be beneficial not only to me but also to Saryn. We both really care for him. Vyr’kas could care less if his father was around.”

“Yes, I would do that for you,” Adrina said. “I’ll let you know what I find out.”

Several hours pass by as servants are seen setting up the tables, one for the guests and a table in front of the thrones, for the feast. King Vel’dryn is sitting on his throne, elbow resting on the arm of it, his chin resting on the palm of his hand. His other hand sitting on the other arm, sequentially tapping his fingers into it, watching all of the servants move in and out of the Main Hall. Vyr’kas made his way out of the corridor leading to his room with a few royal guards following him, walking into the Main Hall, and sitting on his throne. The guards stand on opposite ends of the thrones. Several minutes later, Saryn and Selene arrive as well, hand in hand, Beleryn walking alongside Saryn’s right and Adrina walking alongside Selene’s Left. Lady Setsanna is being escorted, from the Western Wing, by Sir Gregory. Korrath is following alongside Sir Gregory’s left. Everyone can be seen wearing their best clothes and their hair up. As everyone took their place, Saryn sat down next to Selene. King Vel‘dryn glared a bit as he noticed his son not sitting in his throne. A file of servants carrying food and drink formally walk into the room, placing them in front of everyone, then stands along the wall. King Vel’dryn stands up, grabbing his goblet and silver fork, clanking it against the goblet, catching everyone’s attention.

“We have gathered here today to wish my son and my future daughter-by-law a wonderful marriage,” King Vel’dryn said in an annoyance.

Both Saryn and Selene manage to successfully keep their composure, knowing that King Vel’dryn is under a spell.

“However, I will speak what is on my mind,” King Vel’dryn said, lifting his fork in the air. “After tomorrow, Saryn and Selene will have to live their lives here in Talimdryl as a commoner. No longer will my son be allowed to stroll around this castle...”

Everyone except Saryn gasped in horror as King Vel’dryn has just made a couple of declarations that he would have never created.

“Pa, come on!” Saryn said in distraught. “Selene loves you as much as she loved her dad. You love her just the same. We have been there for you through thick and thin.”

“Pardon me but this is my kingdom. I make the rules here. If you don’t like it, you can leave,” King Vel’dryn said, gesturing his hand towards the door. “If you would like for the wedding to continue and would like for me to still pay for it, you can sit your ass down and shut up or you can end the wedding and all is forgiven. This is my wedding gift to you,” King Vel’dryn said, walking over to the table. “Yes, El’kar was a very close friend to me and I’ll miss him dearly. The fact still remains that he is not of noble blood. I took care of his daughter after his death because I owed him many favors for saving my life on multiple occasions. However, I will not sit idly by as you marry non-royal blood.”

“I’m speechless,” Saryn said, his eyes fierce with rage. “What if mom was here right now? What would she say? She would hate everything you have said even if you are charmed. How can you tell me not to marry someone who doesn’t have royal blood when you did the same thing?” Saryn said, his father moving back to the throne.

“I made a terrible mistake. If I had married someone that my father told me marry, I would have two sons who actually fell in line like they were supposed to,” King Vel’dryn said, raising his goblet. “Oh, I'm not charmed. I’m just finally being myself who I should have been long ago.”

King Vel’dryn placed his goblet to his lips, ingesting all of the contents inside of it. His body instantly dropped to the floor and began to convulse. As foam began to seep from his mouth and his lips as his skin turns into a sickly blue color. Moments later, his eyes began to turn into a spectral whitish-blue color as the life in his eyes whisked away. Vyr’kas quickly responded to his father’s fall, everyone standing up to see what had transpired. Saryn ran over to his father but Vyr’kas looked up at him, his eyes glaring with fueled hatred as he shot a conniving smile.

“What’s this?” Vyr’kas said, noticing something protruding from King Vel’dryn’s pocket of his tunic, pulling out an empty bottle, holding it up. “Imperial...Nightshade,” Vyr’kas said, spinning it. “Isn’t this yours, brother?” Vyr’kas said, slowly looking up at Saryn. “Detain him!” Vyr’kas said, standing up, pointing his finger at Saryn.

Saryn, Selene, and Beleryn’s eyes widen in fear. Selene placed her hand on her mouth. Saryn placed his hands up in front of him as guards quickly take hold of him. He knew that someone had killed his father and framed him for the murder. Could it be Vyr’kas that had done it? Did Vyr’kas really lockpick a lock of master skill? Was he going crazy to think that Vyr’kas would do that to father? However, the look on his face as if he accomplished something troubled him to no end, but with no way to prove it.

“That’s the vial that Saryn was missing from his lab!” Selene whispered sharply to Beleryn.

After realizing that Saryn was being framed, he began to move from his chair as he said, “We have to do something or say something.”

“If we did, we wouldn’t be able to prove anything,” Selene whispered, placing a hand on his arm, preventing the agitated elf from causing a further scene. “We have to find out who did do this the smart way.”

“Brother, I didn’t do anything to him,” Saryn said.

“Save it,” Vyr’kas replied. “Take him to the dungeons.”

“Vyr’kas, listen to your brother,” Selene said, pleading with him. “You of all people know that your brother loved your father as much as he loves me.”

“I don’t want to hear any more of this. He’s done enough! Anyone here knows that they have been at each other’s throats for the past few hours. All I see is Saryn getting revenge for him not approving the wedding,” Vyr’kas said, turning to the Servants, gesturing a hand down to his father. “Bring father to the Infirmary. I will be there in a minute,” Vyr’kas said, walking towards the Western Wing. “Guards, follow me.”

The guards dragged Saryn down the Western Wing as they followed Vyr’kas. As they come to the middle of it, taking a left going down a stone stairway and into a narrow corridor. The area looked to have been abandoned ages ago. Spider webs can be seen spread throughout the dark, muggy stone as rats can be seen scurrying away from the people entering. The smell of decay filled the air as the skeletal remains of various inmates laid to rest in a few of the cages. Vyr’kas pulled out a ring of keys, sticking a long, silver key into it. As he turned the key, he placed his hand on the cage, opening it up. The guards feverishly tossed Saryn into the cell as Vyr’kas slammed the door. He knew that the time of his enactment as king will soon arrive. He smiled at his brother as he locked the door.

“I will be back for you later,” Vyr’kas said.

“I’m being framed,” Saryn said, running up to the bars, shaking the cell gate with a deathly grip. “You know this to be true.”

Both guards and Vyr’kas jump back in shock. The guards quickly pull out their swords and point them in Saryn’s direction. Saryn lets go of the bars, holding his hands up as he backed away from the gate.

“Yeah. Well, that remains to be seen,” Vyr’kas said, scoffing at him. He turned to the corridor, walking proudly out of the dungeon. “We will need to investigate it after we put him down. That could take about a week or so.”

Saryn slid down the wall of what would be his room the rest of his shortened life. The thought of never getting to see much less marrying Selene made his world crumble. His elbow rubbed against a small hole in the wall, something small pricks his elbow. Saryn moved his elbow away quickly, rubbing it, looking down at the small hole. What little light that was in the room bounced off an object in the hole causing the light to shine onto it. Saryn moved his body and head around to face the hole as he slowly stuck his hand inside of it. As he removed his hand, he pulled out a quill with a note wrapped around it as a bottle of ink falls out of the hole. Before it could hit the ground, Saryn quickly reacts, catching the darkened glass bottle. He takes the note off of the quill carefully and began unravel to the letter as he placed the bottle on the ground.

“To whoever reads this letter, my name is Har’thon Farstride. King Val’duin has condemned me to death for protecting the people against his tyrannical rule. I only hope that his son of thirteen, Vel’dryn, recognizes his father’s mistakes and provides better solutions to bring about the happiness of the people," Saryn read, a tear falling down his face. He knows that his father was not only charmed, but was killed in cold blood. He immediately began to regret everything he said to his late father as he continued on. “Only then, will the people of Talimdryl prosper off of its abundant resources. I must end this letter as the guards are on this way. To future generations of Val’duin, as the Court Advisor of Val’duin, there are several artifacts located within the castle that will only be available to those that is the rightful heir to Talimdryl. One of these artifacts will help you on your journey to finally extinguish the evil that roams this land. Look for the Sword of Halas Galanolden, it’s the one with a platinum blade and a golden hilt. Goodbye, Rightful Ruler,” Saryn said, rolling up the letter and placing it inside of the pocket in his tunic. He sat back against the wall contemplating the things he would say and do if he ever got out of this cell.

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

Sometime later, Saryn heard heavy metal boot steps walking down the stairwell. As he sat up, he realized the hole’s contents were still out in the open. He quickly began to put away everything back inside of the hole before repositioning his body in front of it in a slouched manner. Boots can be heard coming down the corridor in a quick marching fashion. Vyr’kas appeared out from the end of the cell, turning toward his brother slowly.

“I have come to the decision concerning your judgment,” Vyr’kas said, walking towards the cell with his hands behind his back. “Your execution will be at dawn.”

“No!” Saryn said, rushing up to the gate, putting his arm through, trying to grab Vyr’kas. “You said that it would be a week before the investigation was to be completed. Are you seriously having your own brother executed for a crime you know he didn’t commit?”

“It’s funny how my plans are coming to fruition. Yes, it may be a week, but you know how impatient I can be,” Vyr’kas said, laughing at Saryn. “I can’t believe it was this easy to sabotage your wedding.”

“What do you mean?!” Saryn snarled, gripping the gates.

“First things, first. I was the one responsible for mother’s death. I used the same poison that you had but I forgot to plant your vial upon her cold, dead carcass. I gave the vial to a servant and told them that it was her night sleeping draught. We all know what happened next,” Vyr’kas said proudly.

“You’re a filthy monster,” Saryn said, rage building in his eyes.

“I know I am. Mirla has been teaching me well,” Vyr’kas said as he snickered menacingly. “Anyway. I knew when you were doing the trials for the younglings. So, I informed Mirla about that specific day. She told me that the curse that was put on you was a life siphoning curse to fuel her master’s upbringing. She told me not to worry because the tome that you had acquired was also a portal for his way into your body once you had opened it,” Vyr’kas said, pondering on all of the events that had transpired. “When I found out the “exciting” news of how to locate you, I sent out a message to Mirla and I heard that a marvelous metropolis had been destroyed by some tribes of the Western Region. Then I also found out that she managed to track everyone who had found you. She then created a diversion using an orc tribe to her advantage to catch all of you off guard. Even tried to annihilate all of you including the dwarves to the north,” Vyr’kas said, slowly walking closer toward Saryn. “So, all of you arrive and I had expected that they brought you back dead so we can lay you to rest but this is even better; taking out you and father you all at the same time. Finally, Mirla infiltrated the city and created the diversion at the guildhall and I told Ver’niya to allow her through the gates. Once she was in, she had killed one of the servants and took upon that servant’s appearance,” Vyr’kas said, peering through Saryn’s hate-fueled eyes. “Can you guess who that said servant is?”

Saryn looked down at the ground, trying to think out of all of the people who it would be and only one person came to mind. His eyes widen in sheer horror.

“No!” Saryn said as he looked back up.

“Yes, the handmaiden known as Adrina,” Vyr’kas said, unable to contain the laughter building up. “What’s even better is the plans that Mirla has for Selene. Since Selene has been the only one able to beat her, she will be Mirla’s new body that she takes upon permanently. Once I am crowned king, the new and improved Selene will be my queen. We will rule these lands and expand our rule to the other continents after taking out her master. Everyone will bow down before us or be killed. No one will be able to stop us.”

“Why brother, why?!” Saryn said in a defeated tone, moving over to the wall, sliding his back down it.

“Because you have always been the one our parents have always adored,” Vyr’kas said, gripping the bars. “Father smacked me around while he did nothing but praise you. It’s always been about you and your ascendance to the throne once he stepped down,” Vyr’kas said, rattling the bars with hate. “I made a promise to myself that I will not allow our father to ever make me feel so little like he did. That’s when I decided to track Mirla down and sell my soul to her master. That was the best decision that I could have ever made. Now, no one can prevent my ascension to King of Talimdryl and future ruler of our world.”

“I’m sorry that you feel that way. Father has always told me how proud he was of both of us,” Saryn said, placing his hand on top of his head, tears streaming down his face. “He even said that his greatest accomplishment of bringing Talimdryl back to its glory days is below his accomplishment of bringing two handsome little boys into this world.”

Vyr’kas is admonished by what he has been told, scoffing as he slammed the palm of his hand on the gate, leaving towards the stairwell.

“Slay you, I mean see you tomorrow,” Vyr’kas said off in the distance, laughing his way out.

Saryn balled his hand into a fist, pounding it forcefully into the ground. The ground gives way to his fist. He takes a look at his hand, seeing no damage to it. He looked back remembering the quill and ink bottle. He stuck his hand into the hole, pulling them out and began writing down all of the information that Vyr’kas told him. After he finished, he began to blow on the ink before rolling up the letter and sticking it in his pocket. He began to remember how he felt about everything that his brother said that the iris of his eye turns red. A shadow formed around him, disappearing from his cell.

***

Selene and Beleryn walked down the Eastern Wing, distraught about everything that has just transpired.

“Can you really believe they are going to execute Saryn before an investigation was completed?” Selene growled irritably as her hand shriveled into a balled fist. “His brother has some nerve! I’ll make that little weasel pay.”

“I know what you mean, Selene,” Beleryn said. “What’s worse is that they are going to crown Vyr’kas so Saryn can see it before he’s executed.”

“I want to go down to his laboratory before they dismantle everything,” Selene said, her head hanging low.

“Do you need some company?” Beleryn said.

“Sure,” Selene said, her head raising up a bit. “It’s the last of him that I’ll have.”

***

As they walk down to his laboratory and open the door, Beleryn quickly pulled out his sword as a shadowed figure formed in front of them. Beleryn pushed his way in front of Selene, attacking the shadowed figure. As he fully materialized back to his original self, Saryn’s eyes change back to normal as his hand wrapped around Beleryn’s wrist, blocking the sword from coming down on him.

“Saryn?!” Selene said as she ran up to him, embracing him tightly.

“Yes, it’s me. Come in and lock the door. I have something for both of you,” Saryn said as he embraced her for the moment, looking into her eyes then kissed her gently. “I thought I would never get to see you again,” Saryn said as he pulled away from their embrace, taking her hand, pulling her into the room.

After they entered the room, he loosened his grip. He moved over to his weapon rack and equipping all of his swords and daggers before moving onward to pack his valuables into bags. Even the thought of almost dying, she knew who those swords belonged to.

“I’m just glad you are alright,” Selene said, walking up to him to embrace him as he placed his head upon her shoulders.

Beleryn sheathed his sword as he shut the door behind them, locking it. After realizing he almost struck down his friend, he braced his hands against the door as he said with much concern, "You used that power again. I didn’t know it was you until you fully materialized. I would’ve struck you down had you not blocked it. We don’t know what happens to you when you use it.”

“All I know is that the power helped me in my moment of need,” Saryn said, taking his head off of Selene’s shoulders, looking at Beleryn. “I think I've learned how to control it and where I can go. It was based off of this,” Saryn said, putting his hand in his tunic, pulling out the letter, putting it out for Beleryn to take.

Beleryn walked over to Saryn, grabbing the letter. As he unraveled the letter, his eyes began skimming the parchment.

“Are you talking about Har’thon Farstride?” Beleryn said, peering up at Saryn.

“No, turn it over,” Saryn said as he grew impatient while packing his belongings. He began to relay every detail that his brother told him.

Both Selene and Beleryn looked upon him, stunned as the a-ha moment came to their full realization. Now, they understood why Mirla knew where they were and why everything transpired the way it did. It was because of his brother’s ambitions to be king that drove him into complete insanity.

“Something doesn’t make sense about all of this,” Selene pondered. “If Mirla is so powerful with the darkness, why would she consort to marrying someone of Vyr’kas’ stature?”

“Remember what you told me at my great grandfather’s ruins?” Saryn said. “If what you said is true about blood magic...” Saryn replied.

“Yes, I remember,” She said, realizing that her answer was already there, interrupting him. “Talimdryl is linked to the bloodline of Val’duin. Based upon blood magic, any person not of Val’duin’s descent will either lose their place on the throne by blood or Talimdryl will fall to its knees by its enemies or nature itself. She needs him to remain king in order to get what she wants from Talimdryl.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Saryn responded. “She’s using my brother to get around the magic my grandfather used in order to fulfill her selfish desires.”

“Tell me this isn’t true,” Beleryn said, waving the letter in front of him.

“Yes, it’s true,” Saryn said as Selene pulled away, stunned by what she just heard.

“What do we do now?” Selene responded.

“I’m packing up everything I can,” Saryn said as he went back to packing his belongings. “I would do the same. Try not to alarm anyone but if anyone asks, just tell them that you are moving your things within the city. Selene, I would try your best to not alarm anyone since they have plans for you.”

“Okay, I’ll be right back. The only thing I have outside of this room is my clothes and my horse,” Selene said as she gasped. “How will we get our horses out of the stables?”

“Just tell them that you are getting your horse over to Brom’s place for maintenance and that you are going to take my horse as well,” Saryn said, placing the vials carefully into his pack. “Beleryn, grab our guild secrets. Here is the key to the vault.” Saryn said, pulling out the key from his neck, taking it off his head, placing the key on the desk. “I will meet you there,” Saryn said as he carried some of his stuff, disappearing into thin air as a cloud of black smoke filled around him.

Both walk up the stairwell to the Eastern Wing, watching for anyone looking in their general direction. When they see no one, Selene headed off to her room as Beleryn walked towards his. As she opened the door, she found Adrina impatiently sitting on her bed looking down, fidgeting with her fingers.

“H-hey Adrina,” Selene said, surprised to find Adrina in her room.

“Where did you go?” Adrina said, still looking down at her fingers.

“Well, Beleryn and I were talking about what to do after Saryn is gone,” Selene said, rummaging through her clothes.

“Really? What were both of you going to do?” Adrina said, looking up at Selene.

“Well, we have both agreed that since Saryn would be executed that we won’t be here If he is not here then there is nothing really here for us anymore,” Selene said, moving to her armoire.

“You could stay here with me,” Adrina said, getting up from the bed, walking over to Selene.

“No,” Selene said. “If Saryn is getting executed then I'm leaving. He’s the last thing that I have here that I care about.”

“Honey, I know that it hurts to lose him but I’ll make sure that you and I will become a lot closer,” Adrina said, placing a hand on Selene’s shoulder.

“I just can’t,” Selene said as she moved her shoulder away from Adrina’s hand.

“Well, why not?” Adrina said, a little annoyance rose in her voice.

“I already told you,” Selene said sharply, grabbing some clothes, turning around looking at Adrina.

“Yes, I heard what you said,” Adrina said, pointing a finger at Selene. “But that’s not what you’re going to do. You’re staying here!”

“No,” Selene said, looking her up and down, pushing the finger away slowly.” You’re nothing but a mere servant. You have no authority to prevent me from leaving. No one does.”

“Fine,” Adrina replied as she grinded her teeth.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have some packing to do,” Selene said, motioning her hand at the door.

Adrina stomped her way towards the door, slamming it on her way out. Selene goes back to packing before heading back down to the Eastern Wing. As she entered the hallway, Beleryn caught up to her with a surprised look upon his face.

“Hey, I thought you would have beaten me down to the room,” Beleryn said suspiciously.

“Yeah, I would have. If it had not been for the encounter, I just had with Adrina,” Selene said, continuing to walk towards the room.

“Really? What happened?” Beleryn replied.

“That witch was waiting up for me, sitting on my bed,” Selene said. “She tried to ease her way through my head but I wouldn’t allow her to persuade me given the fact that I know who she really is now.”

“I have a feeling that we must hurry. I don’t think we have long left here without added interruptions,” Beleryn said.

“A funny way to put it, but I agree,” Selene said, picking up her speed. “Let’s get moving.”

Selene and Beleryn quickly head back down to Saryn’s Laboratory. They come to an empty room with all of Selene’s stuff missing except for a letter sitting on the desk. Selene headed straight for the letter.

“Dear Selene, if you are reading this then you will have seen the way the room is. I’ve already talked to Brom and he’s allowed me to stay hidden inside of the stables. Just worry about getting the horses there, Love Saryn,” Selene said, finishing the letter, tucking it away in safe place.

“Well, the hard part is over,” Beleryn said, nudging her with his elbow. “Since we barely have any stuff to take with us along with the horses, getting out will only make this a lot easier.”

“Let’s go retrieve our horses then,” Selene said, as she quickly heads up the stairwell, Beleryn following right behind her.

As they enter the Eastern Wing, still no one is around except servants. They make their way to the Main Hall.

“Do you notice anything weird?” Selene said.

“Yeah, no guards patrolling the halls,” Beleryn replied.

“Maybe they are getting ready for the execution,” Selene said.

“Possibly, but where would they hold it?” Beleryn said.

“Beats me but let’s not stay long enough to see,” Selene said, turning left towards the entrance of the castle.

As they open the door to the outside, they see an increase of guards patrolling the area.

“Do you think we will be fine to leave?” Beleryn said.

“I think so,” Selene said. “I think they are more worried about everything that had just happened.”

As Selene and Beleryn walk outside, the guards notice them then continue to patrol around the area. Selene and Beleryn take notice of the guards’ reaction and walked straight to the royal stables. Once they arrive, they immediately undo the reigns from the stable bar. Selene took her horse and Saryn’s horse as Beleryn took his. As they walk towards the inner gate, they are stopped by the guards.

“What’s going on?” A guard stated with an open hand pointed in their direction.

“We are taking our horses to get their routine maintenance done at Brom’s stables,” Selene said.

“Hmm okay” The guard responded. “Are you taking the traitor’s horse there too?”

“Yes,” Selene retorted. “Whether it belongs to the traitor or not, the horse still needs to be tended to.”

“Okay. We will let you pass,” The guard said, turning around to guards on duty, gesturing to lift up the gate. “I would make it quick. King Vyr’kas has invoked curfew in an hour’s time.”

“Okay, thank you for the forewarning. We will be back before you know it,” Selene said, as they press forward.

After they pass through the gate, they make their way down the hill towards the guildhall. After arriving, Beleryn immediately made his way inside. A few minutes pass by as he comes back out with several books and two large packs. He grabbed the reigns of his horse as they head into town. After arriving to their destination, they knock on a wooden door. Moments later, a middle-aged, muscular, bald man opens up the door.

“Hi Brom, son of Jim,” Selene said. “We are here for the horse’s routine maintenance.”

“Ah. Very good. I have everything ready to go,” the man said, walking out of the door, shutting it behind him. “Follow me, if you will.”

Selene and Beleryn follow Brom around to the side of the building where empty stalls lie. Selene and Beleryn placed the horses next to the bar, tying the reigns to it as Brom walked around to the back of the stables. A dark figure is watching Selene and Beleryn from a distance on top of some crates, quietly placing their feet on the ground.

“Psst, over here,” Saryn said, covered in his full battle gear, mask, and cloak. Swords and daggers only able to be seen in the light.

“Hey, there you are,” Selene said as her and Beleryn walked over to him.

“I’ve planted several traps for the guards and Vyr’kas,” Saryn said. “Once they enter the room, they will be poisoned with darts coated with Imperial Nightshade then rigged the place to explode. One final gift from me to Vyr’kas.”

“That will only stir more hatred for you and make you look guilty,” Selene said.

“At this point, I'm already dead to everyone,” Saryn said, walking over to Selene. “I never got around to thank you for everything.”

“Adrina revealed her true self to me when I wouldn’t stay in the castle with her,” Selene said.

“They’re trying to move quickly in establishing a foothold on everyone’s mind set before they reveal their master plan,” Saryn said, peering over to Brom bringing the cart full of their belongings, walking over to it. “Very nice indeed, Brom. Selene, I hope you remember this.”

Selene looked at the cart and remembered the same cart that her father and mother once owned.

“I had Brom and Jim repair the cart to its original state,” Saryn said, helping Brom grab Selene’s and Saryn’s horses, beginning to mount the cart to them. “After Jim’s passing, Brom took a while to get it repaired but he finally did.”

Selene walked over to the cart, caressing the wood softly, a tear running down her face.

“I love it,” Selene said, hugging both of them. “I thank you both.”

“We have enough food for a week,” Saryn said. “Somehow, I can’t help, but think that we have left something or someone behind.”

“Hey Selene,” A voice came out of from the building.

Selene hid as Beleryn pulled out a dagger, preparing to engage in a fight. Saryn quickly darted to the crates, jumping on top of them with ease. Sir Gregory, Lady Setsanna, and Korrath come out into the open. Beleryn stowed the dagger back into its sheathe. As Beleryn gestured a thumbs up, Selene come out of hiding as Saryn waited in the shadows.

“Oh, good. It’s just you three,” Selene said.

“What’s going on?” Sir Gregory said. “We noticed both of you walking from the hill of the castle so we grabbed our stuff. We were going to head out tonight. I don’t really care to stay and watch a good friend of mine being executed for a crime I know he didn’t commit.”

“Would I have given anyone else a fair trial had it been the other way around?” Saryn said, coming out from the dark. “We’re leaving tonight and I’m going to hide in the cart.”

“Woah, Saryn!” Sir Gregory said out loud as he realized that he is about to give away the plan. “How did you get out?”

“Well, that dark power that I inherited actually became a force for good. It seems,” Saryn said. “Oh, I believe that all of you need some explanations for the whole thing. Here you go.”

Saryn pulled out the letter, handing it to Sir Gregory. Sir Gregory looked at Saryn with a raised eyebrow before reading the letter. As Sir Gregory read it, his expressions shift in a moment’s notice.

“I knew that the curse was fueling something, I just didn’t want to be correct on my deductions. This is terrible news!” Sir Gregory said. “We need to act quickly and find a way to destroy Zineus once and for all. Then this curse will have been lifted from the land.”

“What’s up?” Lady Setsanna said as she yanked the letter out of his hands, reading the letter. “What?! This explains everything!” Lady Setsanna said, trying to control her anger. “Saryn, if you don’t kill him, I will!”

“We can’t do anything right now,” Sir Gregory said. “What do we do about Thurdren’s arrival?”

“We will take Korrath back to the Dwarven King and tell him to prep for war,” Saryn said, moving over to the cart and getting inside it. “We will also be traveling to Tir’lon. I will request a meeting with the Elven King and the Centuaren leader. We will need their help in all of this.”

“I agree,” Sir Gregory said. “We will travel to the land of Vraax to plead our cause with the Daekar. It won’t be easy to do but with this letter, we can prove our cause to be true.”

“I can see if I can access the Zion portal once we are done at the land of Vraax,” Lady Setsanna said.

“Well let’s get this underway, they are about to “give” me food and that’s when the traps will go off then the alarms will sound,” Saryn said, moving over to the cart, getting inside of it. “Put stuff over me until we can stop in a safe spot,” Saryn said, covering himself in blankets so he wouldn’t be seen. Gregory and Lady Setsanna bade their farewells and left for their own horse as Selene, Korrath, and Beleryn made their way to the city gates.

As they arrived to the gates, Lieutenant Tal’anna called out.

“Hey Selene and Beleryn, where are you headed?” Lieutenant Tal’anna.

“We’re leaving Talimdryl,” Selene said. “They are executing Saryn in the morning and I can’t be here without him.”

“They’re executing him?!?” Lieutenant Tal’anna said, shocked in disbelief. “What did he do?

“You haven’t heard?” Selene said.

“No, we haven’t heard anything. We are the first line of defense and the last to know what’s going on,” Lieutenant Tal’anna said.

“Well, they are going to tell you terrible stories of what Saryn did but Vyr’kas is not who you think he is,” Selene said.

“What do you mean?” Lieutenant Tal’anna said.

“He is consorting with Mirla, the wizard who killed my parents. If you don’t see it now, you will see it later on,” Selene said, whispering in her ear, Tal’anna’s eyes broaden. “Mirla is one of the handmaidens named Adrina. She is inside of the castle.”

“I have seen some mysterious instances lately,” Lieutenant Tal’anna responded as she whispered back.

“Come with us. You saw first-hand what destruction she brings to any place she lays her eyes upon,” Selene said, taking her hand, continuing to whisper into her ear. “You saw my father die and you pulled him out of the rubble. Please consider this and leave before it’s too late.”

“This is my home and all I have left,” Tal’anna said.

“What if we can pay you for your services?” Selene said. “I promise you that you will see the destruction before your eyes. I don’t know what she has in store for the citizens here.”

“Well, if you pay me more than my salary then yes, I'll go,” Tal’anna said. “If what you say is true, then we are not prepared to deal with her. Do you have a plan?”

“Yes, but we will discuss it later,” Selene said, her eyes flicking to the side.

“I see,” Tal’anna said, turning to the guards on duty. “Stay on guard. I will be escorting them to the closest city per orders of Vyr’kas himself.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Guards said in unison, saluting her.

Lieutenant Tal’anna hopped into the cart as Selene and Beleryn rode off past the gates. As they leave the city of Talimdryl, alarms began to sound off throughout the city. Guards at the gate and Tal’anna look back towards the castle.

“It’s okay Tal’anna. Saryn’s trap went off,” Selene explained when she noticed Tal’anna’s concern.

“Saryn’s trap?” Tal’anna said, taking a bit to respond to process the information.

“Yes,” Selene said. “He set up the trap after his brother framed him for their father’s death.”

“Wait, what?!” Tal’anna said. “King Vel’dryn is dead. Pull over, right now!”

“Okay,” Selene said, moving the cart over to the side, looking back to see how far they were from the castle. “We are far away from the castle if you want to go back.”

“No, I just want the truth,” Tal’anna said.

The boxes begin to fall downward as Saryn disappeared from the cart and reappeared next to Tal’anna, wincing a bit, holding his side.

“Saryn, are you okay?” Selene said, rushing to his side, Tal’anna turning around to see Saryn standing there.

“I believe so. I think using this power too much is having negative side effects on me,” Saryn said. “Yes, Tal’anna. Everything she has said is true. Vyr’kas took my poison and killed our father, framing me for his death so he could reign over the kingdom as the king. He is consorting with Mirla and she was going to take over Selene’s body permanently so they could be married and rule to the city together. Their ultimate plan is to expand outward until every city and every continent is under their rule.”

“She created a diversion at the guildhall and Melin’dra was breaking up a fight. Thus, being stabbed by a cursed blade,” Beleryn said.

“Melin’dra? Your sister Melin’dra was killed?” Tal’anna said dumbfoundedly.

“Yes. It happened shortly before we arrived to Talimdryl from the Dwarven Kingdom of the North,” Beleryn said. “One of your guards, let her into the city.”

“I don’t know why I didn’t hear any of this,” Tal’anna said, her heart breaking.

“They kept everyone in dark including Ver’niya but I sense that their plans are going to change now that they can’t have Selene,” Saryn said.

“Did you ever have an inclination to kill your father?” Tal’anna said. “Tell me the truth.”

“I may have gotten upset with him since he was going behind his word but I wouldn’t want to bring physical harm to him. I truly loved him for who he was,” Saryn said with, taken aback from the question asked of him.

“I believe you, Saryn,” Tal’anna said.

“I will still pay you for your services,” Saryn said.

“There is no need for that,” Tal’anna replied. “I only want revenge now!”

“I will make you a general of our army once we reclaim Talimdryl,” Saryn said.

“Thank you, true king of Talimdryl,” Tal’anna said. “Speaking of which, how are you going to reclaim the throne without any signet or any scrolls of pedigree?”

“Well, doing the jobs that I have done and since I was grabbing our stuff. I snuck into the vault and grabbed almost everything out of it including my scroll of pedigree,” Saryn said.

“What did you take?” Selene said.

“Yes, I took a few artifacts and a lot of coin,” Saryn said boldly. “Including the Sword of Halas Galanolden.”

“The famed sword that killed Mirla in the Great Dir’lunde War?” Tal’anna inquired.

“The very same,” Saryn responded.

“May I see this sword?” Selene said, her eyes widened with curiosity.

“Just for a second,” Saryn responded as he moved towards the cart. “We need to move as soon as possible.”

Saryn pulled out a platinum blade with a golden hilt. Saryn tossed the sword lightly, grabbing the hilt before it hit the ground, handing it to her. Selene and the others peered at the famous blade. The pommel has a crystal embedded into it.

“Is that Lemurian Crystal?” Selene exclaim excitedly.

“Yes, I believe so,” Saryn said unsurely. “There’s engraving on the hilt that I can’t read.”

Selene peered at the engraving, trying to understand, but failed to comprehend it.

“I don’t know it either,” Selene said.

“I appreciate it,” Saryn said as he put away the sword.

“They are going to be looking for all of us including you Tal’anna since you left with us,” Saryn said. “We are heading to the Dwarven Kingdom to tell them of the coming war and to return Korrath. Then we are heading to Tir’lon.”

“Looks like I will be with all of you until the end,” Tal’anna said.

***

Adrina walked into Vyr’kas’ room where he laid on his bed, the right side of his face burned, his shirt off, and his abdomen wrapped from his wound. He tried to sit up as he winced from his wound to see who stepped into the room, noticing her changing back into Mirla.

“Easy now Vyr’kas,” Mirla said.

“How did he set those traps?” Vyr’kas said, laying back down.

“He may have inherited some of Master’s power when he was possessed,” Mirla said. “You’re lucky to have me. If I didn’t look after you, that imperial nightshade would have killed you instantly.”

“Why didn’t he just join us?” Vyr’kas said.

“It has been foretold that he is to bring about our downfall but he will not be alone in this,” Mirla said. “We must do everything that we can to not allow this prophecy to come true. Your brother is gone,” Mirla said as she crawled in bed with him, straddling her legs around his waist. “Get some sleep, my sweet king,” Mirla said, kissing him on the lips.

With Vyr’kas lying in his bed, burned and scarred from the recent attack, she thought to herself, “The things I have to do to get what is rightfully mine. Kissing this fool and making him fall for me. Look at this pathetic mortal that lies before me, defeated by his own kin. It pains me that I must do everything myself.”

Vyr’kas placed an arm out as Mirla laid down next to him. Mirla waited for him to fall asleep then gets out of his bed, changing her form back to Adrina.

“On with the show. After I conquer Talimdryl, my master is next as I consume all of his power and regain my soul,” Adrina said as she opened the door, peering at the sleeping king before exiting. She walked out of his room and down the stairwell back into the Main Hall. As she exited through the door, she walked over to the entrance of the castle. “Sergeant El’valor, will you be a dear and come over to me?”

Beads of sweat ran down his face as he sprinted from the inner-city gate. The tall, muscular elf bore a confused expression on his face when he realized that a handmaiden had summoned him.

“How can I help you, servant?” Sergeant El’valor said.

“Can you be a dear and wake up General Ver’niya? Have her meet me right here,” Adrina said, her eyes changing red, as she placed a hand on his cheek.

The sergeant’s pupils dilated, and in a trance, he said, “Yes, ma’am,” before leaving toward the barracks.

Adrina made her way to the end of the main hall, patiently waiting for the general on the queen’s throne. After twenty minutes, Ver’niya entered the hall, drawing her sword when she saw the fragile handmaiden atop the throne.

“There’s no need for violence,” Adrina said, standing up, her palms outward to show she was no threat.

“You know servants aren’t allowed to sit on the royal thrones,” General Ver’niya said, sword still drawn.

“I’ve asked for you since you are now one of King Vyr’kas’s generals,” Adrina said, walking over to her.

“What do you need, servant?” General Ver’niya said, eyeing her warily.

“I’m so glad that you asked,” Adrina said, placing a hand on the blade, moving it slowly away as her other hand caressed Ver’niya’s cheek. Adrina’s eyes began to glow red. Seconds later, Ver’niya’s eyes flashed fully black in response for a brief moment before disappearing. “King Vyr’kas has informed me that Selene and Beleryn were spotted leaving the city on a cart. I have suspicions that Saryn may be hiding in said cart. He needs you to send troops to find them and bring them back here dead or alive. However, alive is most preferrable.”

“Yes, ma’am,” General Ver’niya said.