For Her They'd Do Anything

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

King Richard and King Astaroth just so happen to arrive in Desmond on the same day. Richard had departed from Meath two days after Leo and the Stokes left. Astaroth had talked to General Andrew the day after he spent time with Rowland. General Andrew did not have much more to add to what Astaroth had already gathered, so with everything at a stalemate for now, Astaroth headed to the Castle. King Avery, who, honestly, was expecting both Kings to join him, wasn't really all that surprised when they showed up on his doorstep. In fact, even with the circumstances, he was thrilled to see them. He quickly ushered them into his study.

"Brothers, I have been expecting you! I know it is under horrible conditions, but I am glad you both came. I assume you are here to aid in our current situation, correct?" Both Kings nod their head at their friend. "Great! We could use all of the help we can get! Plus, I get to enjoy your wonderful company!"

Richard breaks out a sweet smile, "We will always have your back brother, just sorry we didn't arrive sooner."

"Yeah, also sorry it isn't under better circumstances, but we are happy to see you. We know you can't go too long without seeing us," Astaroth says cheekily.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm completely lost without you lot by my side," the sarcasm in Avery's words was not missed by either king.

"Well, perhaps we should get business out of the way, and then we can catch up? Have you had any other episodes like Lamia? Any headaches or anything?"

"No, I have been completely fine since. Not even a normal headache, honestly," Avery said, shrugging his shoulders.

"That's good though, really. It might mean that whoever tried to control you has left the Kingdom," Astaroth said, scratching his chin.

"Maybe, but as far as we know, no one has left except the tradesmen. As for the people in the castle, the only changes in staffing were new additions, people who weren't here during the incident. Everyone from the incident has remained in their positions. I've had General Andrew leaving lookouts hidden through the castle grounds, keeping track of everyone coming and going. And, as far as they've seen, every single staff member has been business as usual. There haven't been any suspicious activities or behaviors at all." King Avery slumps down in his chair, "I just kind of wish we already knew who and what we were up against. Have any of you had any issues like I did?"

"Not I, I haven't had any headaches in a while, and those were just normal headaches. It wasn't like I couldn't control myself," Richard says as he leans over to look at the reports from the guards.

"Nor I, I rarely get headaches in the first place, usually only when I am sick. So, if I were to get one randomly, without being sick, it would send up major red flags throughout my castle." Astaroth takes some of the reports to glance over as well. "Man, there isn't even much of any thievery or violent issues happening here right now. Do you suppose that the bad guys are taking a break because they've noticed all of the extra security?"

"Not sure, Ast. Maybe? I suppose that extra guards would deter any of them from trying anything at the moment. Rich, those investigators that you sent are really good. They haven't found much, but they are combing through every single lead and piece of evidence they come across. If there is anything going on, I am certain that between General Andrew and his men and the Lupton brothers, we will have nothing to worry about. They will catch it pretty much as soon as it happens."

"Well, I also have other eyes here to help keep an eye on things and an ear out, Avery. I've sent my son, Rowland, to infiltrate the castle and earn the trust of the staff. So far, all he's heard were whispers about your condition, nothing we haven't already learned, really, but I feel better with him here to help keep an eye on things in the background."

"That's a good idea, Ast. I am sure that he will be a great asset. Who else knows about him and his position? Are we keeping it on the low?"

"Yeah, no one else knows besides us three and the family he is with. They are an extremely trustworthy group. I have no doubts about them protecting Rowland like their own son, as far as they are concerned, he is their son. I kinda put a memory spell on them, its Duke George Lowe and his family."

"Ah, that explains their visits then," Avery laughs, "I was wondering why they suddenly wanted to come. I had sent invites before, you see, but the Duke has been busy on his end, and hasn't had time until recently. Well, I will make sure no one else finds out about their involvement. Rowland has been seeing my daughter, Constance, pretty regularly though, so I just assumed he was infatuated. I didn't think otherwise, honestly, but I am glad to have the extra hands on deck."

"Uh, Avery I have someone here, too. I sent my youngest son, Leo. He is here with a servant family of Meath. I had him infiltrate to do the same thing, I guess I should have figured that Ast would have thought of it too, just to keep an extra eye on things. Your new blacksmiths and laundress are them. The Stokes, nice family really. They look after Leo like he's their own. They weren't able to have any little ones, you see, so they were actually thrilled that I trust them with mine."

"Ah, great minds do think alike, I see," Avery laughed whole heartedly at these new developments, "I swear, you two share the same brain half the time. Always on the same page. I'd like to say I am surprised, but I am really not. I knew you both would have my back, and this just proves it. Has Leo met Constance? That would be an interesting development if they all have a bond with her. Many prospects for the future in regards to that. Plus, they will help keep an eye out for any unusual activity as well. Good job, brothers, this will ensure our victory in sniffing out the culprit, I'm sure."

Both Richard and Astaroth have been surprised at each other with their intuitions. They clasp each other on the shoulder and grin. Both knowing that they will do anything for the other kings in the room.

"Oh, General Andrew has also let me know that the Lamia citizens are safe. I am so glad that I can trust him to do what's right when I am wrong."

"I wasn't sure if he would tell you, but I am sure he did. Wouldn't want you thinking he went behind your back." Astaroth says as he turns back to Avery.

"No, I'd never think that. He is one of the best men I've ever known, apart from you two. And, he knows that I trust his judgement, even when I am not myself. He let me know when he got back and I was normal for a few days. I am sure he had heard about my misery while he was gone, so he waited a few days to make sure I was back to my old self again, just in case." Avery smiles to himself, knowing the relief that having Andrew around creates. After all they have been through, Andrew is the most trustworthy out of everyone in the Kingdom. Not that he doesn't trust others, but he trusts him the most. "Would you men like some tea? I will send for some and a snack for us. We do have a lot of information to go over, after all."

"Yeah, I could go for a snack Avery," Astaroth says, while Richard agrees.

"Alright men, lets get down to business then."

As they begin to go over evidence and hypothesis, a cloaked figure on the edge of the Kingdom receives word telling him that the security in the castle has increased, at least tripled. He decides to lay low and not create any more problems until everyone's guards are back down. He returns word to hold off on the next phase, and heads back to his cottage. He laughs maniacally, knowing that it will not be long before everyone is back in their false sense of security, they just have to wait a little bit. Lamia being destroyed, that is only the beginning. No one is going to stop him from getting what he wants.