Blood Moon

Kings of the West

The steam from the bowl warmed Augustus' face as he sat in front of Legosi. This was the first time he had eaten pheasant's food and all he could say is that this was better than the meal he was force-fed by the priests. They ate in silence, just the scraping of their spoon on the wooden bowl could be heard. He was used to silence during meal time especially when he dined with his family. The chairs on the table was slowly being emptied, their owners dead and murdered. But still, his father did nothing. In fact, there was a hint of pleasure in his eyes as he watched his children cast their swords against each other as they vied for the title.

His stomach always churned at the sight of his s******c face, making him lose his appetite, which made it harder to improve his physique. He hated that man with every ounce of his being. Since he turned twelve, he had refused to call him father, always going by Sir or Duke Rayne. He took it as a sign of respect, his brothers as an attempt to be in his good graces, when in truth, it was a rejection of any familial ties with him. What he hated the most was the fact that out of all of them, he was the one who looked like him the most. From his hair down to his toes, he looked like a living clone of his father. His brothers used to pick on him for it not knowing that he would've given anything to have his mother's copper hair and brown eyes. Till this day, he wonders how his mother was able to bring such a horrible man six children.

Augustus looked up from his bowl to Legosi. He seemed to be the type to be handed a title without much effort, a first choice. But he also seemed to bet the type to refuse, choosing to live in silence. A trait that would bring all swords aiming for his neck. It was customary to bring down the most threatening competition when trying to win a title. That's the reason why his favourite brother was killed first.

He shook his head, trying to erase his image in his mind. He took a deep breath and tried to strike a conversation. "Why do you have so many knives around?"

Legosi looked at him and c****d his head to the side, as if he found it tiresome to speak. "For demons."

He stood up and took his bowl. "Are you done eating?"

"Yes." Augustus handed him his bowl and fidgeted on his seat. Legosi turned to leave but stopped. "Remove those dirty rags hanging off your back. Tomorrow morning we'll wash in the river but for now you can wear something of mine if you can bear with it."

"I'll wear it!" He said eagerly, too eagerly. Augustus reddened but Legosi only nodded. He saw a lamp lit

up in his bedroom and heard him shuffling. Seconds later, he handed him a pair of trousers and a shirt. His clothes slipped off his body and he wore the clothes immediately. The feeling of the fabric was quite harsh unlike what he wore but it was clean. It had the smell of soap and some coolness to it. It was comfortable. Despite the poverty, Legosi was very clean, unlike how outsiders were portrayed inside the walls. In fact, if his brothers had lived in the same conditions Legosi is in, their place would be a pigsty. They only lived comfortably because someone was always at their heels, cleaning up after them.

"I've been comparing him with my brothers for too many times in one night." He said to himself, melancholy on his face. The night was comfortably cold, just enough to feel cool but not to the point of shivering.

"If you're done, sleep on the bed." Augustus turned to him and waved his hand. "No, I can sleep on the floor, I don't mind." He said.

"We both know you're not used to sleeping in a place like this. You need your rest, Luna will be barging in here before the sun even lights up the sky so don't waste your time arguing. I can sleep downstairs, I have enough blankets." Legosi motioned him to come and he brooked no argument.

He followed him shyly as he urged him to sleep on the bed. "We'll be washing in the river early so go to sleep." Legosi turned and closed the wooden door behind him as Augustus settled himself down. The moment his back hit the bed, sleep cradled him in its arms.

Augustus woke up to the feeling of being shaken. He groggily opened his eyes and let out a slurred sentence. "What do you want?"

A blurred image of a man staring at him appeared but he was too sleepy to focus. "Wake up." A voice spoke. "Huh?"

His mind was muddled and he drifted in and out of sleep as the man shook him. Legosi stared at him for a moment before flicking his forehead. The stinging pain woke him up, making him bolt upright. "What?"

Legosi's silvery eyes gazed down on him expressionlessly. "It's time to wake up, we need to eat and wash up before Luna gets here."

Before he could utter another word, Augustus was already being led outside. They sat by on the table and ate stale bread silently. The cheese was hard but it was tasty and Augustus ate heartily. When they were done, they headed out to the river. The moon was still high in the sky and it was still a few hours away from daybreak.

"Be careful, there may be demons loitering around and you don't know this place much." Torch in hand, Legosi led the way to the river. They passed by the gnarled trees and occasionally heard the owls. Augustus kept his ears and eyes open for any signs of demons in the vicinity.

Minutes later, he could already hear the sound of running water. The air became colder and he could smell the moss and wet soil from where they stood. As they passed the last line of trees that surrounded the river, the water came into view. The clear water glistened under the light of the moon, the sound of its water crashing against the stones felt like a balm to the soul.

He was amazed by it. In the seclusion of the walls, he was never able to witness the true beauty of nature, only surrounded by man-made forests and lakes made by the witches in the tower. They struggled to accumulate enough mana on nature alone, making it harder for him to cast witch spells.

Maybe that was the reason why Legosi found it easy?

"Wash up quick, she'll be down here soon." Legosi urged him.

He stripped off his clothes and only left his codpiece on.

He walked over to the river and dunked his toe on the water, jumping back and shivering when he felt the coldness. Meanwhile Legosi went straight into the water, not minding the numbing cold. "Endure it, it will get better." He said over his back.

He took a deep breath and walked straight into the water. He shivered, teeth chattering and lips quivering. Then suddenly, cool air swept past him and the water warmed up to him. It was no longer ice cold to the skin but rather refreshing. He started to scrub himself clean, breathing in deeply the cool air around him.

The water ran softly, its current not at all overwhelming. He started to rub his hair clean, taking out small twigs and dirt that got stuck on his head. He had never had a cold bath before but the experience was proving to be delightful. He wanted to swim yet he was too embarrassed to do it.

Legosi stood meters away from him, showing no signs of wanting to dive into the cold water but was instead focused on removing the dirt underneath his fingernails. "Next time." He told himself.

As he bent down to scrub his thigh, he saw shadow moved out of the corner of his eye. "Legosi." He called out to him. When he looked over to his side, Legosi's blade was already glowing.

He looked over to the bank where he had placed his sword with his clothes and observed his surroundings. He could make it, all he had to do was move fast and grab the sword before the demon lunges. He spread his palms and chanted a prayer.

Bright light seeped out from the center of his palms and he flexed his fingers. He bent his knee a little, looking overt the trees before sprinting. The water held him back, the slashing of water alerting the demon of his approach. The demon darted out past the trees, his claws outstretched.

With the swing of his hand, Augustus sent his spell forward towards the demon, missing him by only an inch. It backed away but remained in sight. Its mouth was full of pointy sharp teeth with saliva dripping to the sides. Sharp and thin tongue slipped past his maw with a hissing sound. Its eyes were green with a vertical slit in the middle. It reared its head back and Augustus moved away. Something came out of its mouth and landed on where Augustus was split second ago. The spot sizzled and smoke rose event though it was surrounded by water. "If only I could get my sword."

"I'll distract him, you grab your sword." Legosi told him, brandishing his blade. He edged closer to the demon and Augustus, his grip on the blade firm.

He turned to Augustus slightly and their eyes met. They nodded in unison. A smile appeared on Augustus' face.

Captain William entered his brother's receiving room, his throat dry. He knew of his brother's s******c nature. He wouldn't bat an eye to a son's death. But this isn't just any son. Augustus was one of the best candidates for the title. The future of his brother's people will be much better in his hands. He personally wanted him to take over instead of his greedy brothers after Michael, the eldest, died tragically.

But now, that choice is lost. His brother sat in front of him, his green eyes glowing. "I've heard you arrived two days ago, why did you not send word to me?"

"I wanted to talk to you in person." He replied.

"Would it be easier for you to explain my son's disappearance in person?" His brother's steepled fingers clenched. He went silent. After sometime, he was able to gather enough courage to talk.

"No body was found, even armor. Demons, even behemoths, do not finish their meals, so if he was eaten, there would be remains. We're not certain that he's dead, after the blood moon, we can send a search party. There's no doubt he will survive that, he is a very competent warlock."

"Oh, he is. Also a very competent candidate for the title of Duke, don't you think, little brother?" His voice had venom as he spoke those words.

"If you don't find it rude, I think you should name an heir soon. Or else you'd be left no successor if they finally kill each other off." He said firmly.

"One will remain, for that I'm sure. Despite Augustus' competence, he lacks vigor and hardness. If I were to give my titlea away, it would be to someone strong crazy enough to go against the King." He slumped on his seat, mischief in his eyes.

"That sounds like treason, brother." He warned.

"Father said the same words, isn't that the reason why I was chosen as heir?" The Duke smirked. Captain William's jaw tightened and he clenched his fists, the memory of their struggle for position flashing in his mind.

"Once the blood moon ends, I want you to comb all of Leona and bring my son back. I want to see if he learned enough savagery to deserve the title of Duke." He looked at him foe a brief moment before bowing slightly and walking out. The clanking of his metal boots on the floor loudly echoed through the walls of the place he once called home and hated most.

When he got out, he harshly tugged the reins of his horse and saddled him. He motioned to his men to follow him. "To the Castle!"

They headed back to the direction of the inner wall, dust clouds rising up as their horses ran. Their armor shone under the sun as they went deeper into the inside of the walls. When the dusty road was met with cobblestones, their became smaller. Merchants lined the streets as many noble walked to and fro, carrying bags adorned with jewels and men holding expensive cigars in between their fingers. These lower classes were brought inside the walls to serve the nobles and now that their population has grown, the King found no need to bring more commoners in.

As they edged closer to the Castle, they heard the sound of the Castle trumpets. "Is there a visitor today, Captain?" One of his men asked.

"It couldn't be. It's too soon." He thought to himself. "Faster, men!" He whipped his horse into full gallop as the merchants frantically pulled their items to safety. They rushed towards the direction of the gate in a hurry, not minding the small spaces.

When they were close enough, he saw a line of expensive carriages surrounded by many knight carrying different banners. "The Kings of the West has arrived." He whispered underneath his breath. He turned to his men and barked a sharp command. "Men, we'll enter from the back entrance. Keep out of sight and remain in your rooms as the assembly starts."

"Yes, Captain!" He pulled on the reins and brought his horse down the side of the hill, careful not to be seen. They galloped around the castle walls, carefully hiding themselves behind trees and buildings. When they reached the back, one of the watchmen saw them approaching and motioned the others to raise the portcullis. The thundering steps of the horses entered the premises of the castle and they went straight to the stable.

Captain William rushed inside, removing his helmet carelessly and pat down the wild strands of his hair. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped down his sweat vigorously, using the empty decorative armour that lined the hallway. He could here the rushing servants and the sound of carriage doors opening from the outside so hastened his pace. When be reached the throne room, everything was already prepared. One wide round table was placed in the middle oft he usually empty room. Five luxurious thrones were arranged around the table, the banners of their owners hanging on its back.

The King was already sitting comfortably on his chair, a small smile plastered on his face. He rushed over to his side and gave a low bow. "Blessings and glory to the Kingdom." He greeted him.

"Stand properly, Sir Knight. The guests are about to arrive." He took his place in the side of his majesty and stood upright.

Moments later, the large doors parted and the herald announced the name of the royal. "King Harold of Desmona!" From between two knights that held their swords up with the tip touching, emerged a large man entered, his robe were adorned with colorful designs, the gold in his royal garment shining with gold. His skin was tanned and his eyes were small and slanted, a trait commonly found in the west. He went to his seat, followed by his soldiers.

One by one, the rest of the Kings were called.

"King Ulysses of Sarcely!"

"King Xerxes of Tortua!"

"King Alexus of Carithia!"

Then he entered. Now this one caught Captain William's eye. All the other King from the west looked very much alike. Tan skin and brown eyes, differing only from their tones and heights. This one however, stuck out like a tower in a flat field. His skin was also tan, just like the others, but his eyes were different. His silver eyes felt like it could pierce through souls. His hair was of a copper color and his mouth was set on a thin line. But that was not made him shocking to the eyes.

His chest was bare, only partially covered by a woven cloth that hung from one side of his shoulders own to his waist. You could see his calves because the skirt like garment attached on his hip with a leather-like cloth ended just inches above his knew. If that wasn't surprising enough, he also wore a large sword by his hip. But strangely, no one dared mock him. Not one King gave him a condescending look. Even the King of Leona himself sat there quietly, avoiding his cold eyes.

"King Xavier of Biringa!"

After slaying the demon, Legosi and Augustus made their way back. As they sat preparing their weapons, Legosi suddenly spoke. "I didn't know you could weaponize mana on hands alone."

Augustus lifted his face and replied. "Oh, you can. But it's difficult. You won't have much control on where it will land. Imperial weapons also help amplify your power and won't require you to rely more on your powers. If you rely on that method right off the bat then your mana will run out quickly and your life will be in danger along with the people if their barriers weaken."

"Also, it's important that you know your spells well. You can shorten it as long as it keeps the held meaning. That way in battle you can think about it in your mind without having to waste a breath." Augustus urged him. Legosi nodded in agreement.

Luna reached Legosi's home, both were already prepared. As they approached her, they noticed the odd look on her face. "We have a problem." She said before they could ask.

She then showed her palm to them. They both released a gasp. There was blood from her wrist down to her finger tips, dripping down onto the earth.