The Semideus

Chapter 3

Howard

"Howard!"

An elated chorus of reception was handed to me as I stepped into the gin stenched tavern. I smirked, taking in the scent of intoxicating brews through my nostrils which immediately defused my rage. Yes, when the world flips sideways for me, I run to the tavern. I sauntered towards the counter while greeting half the tavern. I had made quite a name for myself in this lifetime. A name my father was disgusted with, he loathed my association with "commoners".

"Clearly you are pretending to be all jolly...care to tell me what's got your knickers in a twist?"

I cast a wry smile towards Stephen. He was quietly sipping his gin on the stool beside me. We had been best friends since I could make my tongue and teeth operate in sync. Ever since Terrance died, he hadn't left the tavern. He was his elder brother after all so who could blame him? Apart from being a self proclaimed  alcoholic, the man was a skilled hunter. Bows and arrows were his closest allies. Like me, he believed in fight instead of flight but unlike me he had no power to change the council's perception let alone his father's. He had lost his brother to a tradition he did not believe in. Guilt wrenched my insides, I had promised him vengeance and now I was here alongside him planning to drown myself in warm beer.

"They didn't listen Steve, they shot me down."

I averted my gaze from him, my ears catching waves of seething from his direction. From the corner of my eyes, I saw his knuckles whiten around that poor metal cup.

"Those fools!"

The tavern went silent, everyone's attention turned towards Stephen.

"Calm down Stephen you are creating a scene, come just-"

I felt my weight being shoved across the counter with a singular punch across my cheek. Did I mention Stephen was a 6'7 and had a burly outline? The man could take down five men without flinching. I had already painted him as the commander of my army, if I ever became King that is. You see an army was already in place. It was the power of using them I did not possess. I had hand picked men capable of abandoning tradition and had been training alongside them for close to a season. We were preparing for the impending war. I knew we stood no chance against a real army, our weapons were after all mediocre compared to theirs but I refused to be like my father and brother.

When worse came to worst and those hooligans finally decide to come for our land, I will  fight for my people.

"Your father is even a bigger fool for being such a coward! What if it was his son? What if it was you and not Te?"

I stood up slowly while nursing my behind. I gnawed over the question as Stephen's breathing evened. Good, he was calming down.

"I don't know Steve, I really don't know the answer to your question."

Stephen sighed and rubbed the nape of his neck.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have released my rage on  the only man who is actually on my side. Heck, my own father can't stand up for me...not a smart move on my part ."

He was smiling sheepishly, I let out a relieved shaky  breath.

"Well you know what they say, big body small brai-"

I was cut off by a low grunt from Stephen and a threatening step towards me.

"Now we both know he's just pulling your leg Stevey."

Stephen and I turned towards voice as music and laughter simultaneously  filled the silent void once more. I heard Jack, the server,  mutter disappointedly about how we were just  starting the show. Robert Harrison swaggered towards us already half drenched in bourbon. He had to fall second in line after Stephen with his towering figure of 6'5 and broadened arms. We had fallen in toe from the moment we had met.  He had a young woman on his side and by gods she was a sight for sore eyes with her long dark hair and piercing green eyes. Her full pink lips and small nose created a hungry noise at the back of my throat, she was new and I wanted her.

"Hey Howy I'm talking to you! Stop ogling at me lady like that you perv!"

I snapped out of my reverie as the girl shied away from my scrutinizing eyes. I heard Stephen chuckle and order another cup of gin. I turned my attention to him and wiggled my eyebrows. He understood my message immediately and winked back.

"Hey Bob! Come here, I feel like spoiling you tonight!"

As anticipated, Bob scurried away from his "love" at the hint of being spoilt with gin. I watched the woman's expression settle, she seemed...relieved.

"Miss? Allow me to introduce myself."

I watched her curiously turn her attention towards me.

"I am Howard and you?"

"I thought you said you were introducing yourself...was it meant to be only halfway?"

Her sweet voice warmed my insides, wait was I already drunk? Clearly I was attracted to this stranger which was not that astonishing considering the amount of women I had been involved with.

"So you know I'm the prince? Don't worry, I might as well  not belong to my father's bloodline."

She angled her head and assessed me as if she was trying to decipher my words. I shook my head feeling sorry for her, no one would ever understand my bizarre relationship with my father.

"You mean you are the ugly looking one in your bloodline?"

I laughed out loud at this. I knew she didn't mean it, it was meant to...cheer me up? Wait had I genuinely laughed?

The door of the tavern burst open and I quickly recognized Peter as he approached me out of breath.

"What is it Peter?"

He clutched his stomach trying to steady his breathing. His hair and attire were dampened in sweat. His face was a contortion of trepidation and distress.

"They a-are h-here."

My blood turned cold.

"Who Peter, who?"

But I already knew the answer to my question, I just needed affirmation.

"The Towan people have crossed the separating river."