The destiny of a prince

Chapter III

                                                                      The real enemy

                    Akerel kingdom was very quiet, people minded their own business, every family its wood supply shed for the winter crops will follow and they gathered on their own field. That was just the top of the Castle. At the bottom of the castle, the villagers were not doing so well, occasionally were robbed and the king was notbothered about it.

                  The houses were very old, some so old that they were barely standing. Owners of houses from downhill the kingdom were still devoted to King Corvinus the IIIrd because they knew that the king was murdered and did not accept the idea that Rohan was king. King Rohan’s Palace was very nice with four towers that united the castle walls and with a large central tower.

                Rohan was in the throne room where he listened to villagers’ complaints to try to solve them, but of course, this was only a facade because his thought was at the prince-killing mission. In the middle of the meeting, the right hand of the king shall wave vortex in the throne room and went straight to him saying it.

              −Bad news sir, another village was attacked by orcs. It seems to be increasingly approaching us, Braien said.

              −What is the name of the village?

             −Fae.

             −It's not part of our kingdom is it. Has anyone survived?

             −It is 1 kilometer away from the borders of our kingdom... unfortunately there was no survivor I know of. We must do something.

            −Hold it! The meeting will stop now, sorry people, more important things have occurred, said Rohan rising up and went into the next room.

             Arriving there waited for the doors to close in order to talk to Braien quietly. With out interruption. As soon as the doors were, closed Rohan hit Braien, causing him to fall down and bleed.

              −I told you to tell that just to me. Are you sure nobody got way? ? Rohan said a little angry.

              −Sorry my king, but I thought it would do well if they saw that you are worried about villagers and the rest of the world. In addition, I am sure no one has survived, maybe only an orc. 

               −How that can be only one orc? Those villagers had nothing to defend them, I know that for sure.

               −All villagers were killed in the village.... No one survived. Even the queen was dead.

               −Perfect. Prince is dead, have you seen the body?

               −I think so since I do not know how he looks. There were about six teenagers dead, so that means he is dead.

                −We must be sure, 'said Rohan very angry. You did not leave any evidence indicating that I ordered the attack.

                 −No.... Orc corpses were gathered up and burned with everything about you sir. However, even if the prince would be alive, which I do not believe, no one will believe him, more over there is no way to prove it.

                  −Idiot, pray he is dead, if not, everything will end.

                 −But what sire? There is nothing that would show that he is the rightful king.

                  −If he puts his hand on the Arkeryn sword, we are in danger.

                 −The sword is only a myth, I've been trying for years to find it and I didn't find  it ... after so many years don't you think the sword is smashed?

               − That is not an ordinary sword; it cannot be destroyed in battle.

              That sword is the most powerful weapon on earth. Let us hope our prince did not know about it, because if it is found you will die first.

               −I will send spies in the kingdom and into the world, if he is to be alive and has found the sword, we will know immediately. In a few days, we will find it. Now,I will retire to make it work.

               He bowed before the King and left the room. After some time, Rohan left the room and went to the bedroom where after making sure that it was safe, he pulled one of the torches that were attached to the lobby walls, opening a secret passage that led to the catacombs beneath the palace. Arriving in one of the chambers of the catacombs, he went next to a shelf where there were all kinds of books, maps, scrolls and some magic powder. He put his hands on a shiny purple dust and spread it slightly above the fireplace. The fire made a sudden big purple flame in the form of a window to the dark lord Lucifer. Kneeling Rohan said:

                −Sir, it seems you have to rush your plans for resurrection.

                −So it seems. I gave the army on your hands and you are not able to kill a poor prince. You are pathetic; I wonder how you could take the kingdom feet that long. Solve the problem, because I do not want a poor prince to unite the kingdoms.

                  In addition, they said the fire is extinguished, and angry Rohan withdrew from the catacombs without being seen in his room. In the room, he was surprised by a figure who whispered in a voice less thick.

                  −You failed a second time to remove the blood royal of this realm.

                  −It is not my fault that orcs do not know how to properly carry out their mission, Rohan replied. Who are you asking me accountable?

                   −Don't you remember? Said figure after giving his hood down. He was dressed in a magician robe's red with black. On his face had a cut over his left eye that does not see at all. Rather than the white of the eye was normal. I am Gharel the one who helped you to kill your king.

                 −Yes, I remember. Why do you show yourself to me again...? i said I did not want to see you.

                 −First is not your right to deny me when to come or not, said Gharel with a loud voice that scare him. Secondly, I am here because  Lord Lucifer asked me . I must make sure that you will not fail again killing prince....                  −How did you find out?

                  −You really think I do not know what is going on here.You arepathetic;I do not know how he allowed a mortal like you to lead the kingdom. Now tell me where to find the prince?

                  −Is none of your business ... he will be dead in a few days and everything will return to normal....

                  Gharel leading his right hand with speed in the right threw Rohan to the library hitting back and knees falling down, causing him to roll in pain.

                −I asked for something and you tell me if you do not want to die... You tell me the truth ... because from now until Lucifer will be revive, you will answer me. You may be king, but you are nothing and can be replaced immediately.

                 −I do not know yet, I sent spies throughout the kingdom, you know where it is just ahead. He will not get far.

                 −We will see! As soon as you find out, let me know and do not try any trick because I will find out.

                 −Yes, now leave!

                 Gharel disappeared from Rohan's room leaving him alone, in the immersed darkness of the room. The next morning, the right hand of the king appears in a hurry to the briefing room where discussions were held war. The room was very large, bathed in a light less bright, a few torches were lit and the chandelier that had almost all the candles lit. Rohan stood beside a table about ten feet long, made of a very old wood. On the table was a large map of the kingdom and other kingdoms.

                −What did you find, Braien?

                −I found him, sire... Appearing out of nowere, Gharel interrupts.

                −Where is it?, asked the magician looking towards Braien.                He looks towards Rohan who waved to speak without any problem.

                −He is in Shinestone. It seems that it seeks Blackscar III rd , but unfortunately I could not find out because I was not allowed to enter the village ...his name is Corvin and  seems to know your connection with the attack on  Fae....  is determined to kill you.

              −Either there is nothing there and plus, I do not think you could do something. Perhaps Blackscar lives but not dragons. They have gone a long time...

              −Not so fast, said Gharel. If dragons were not seen, this does not mean that everyone died. I hope that if there are dragons they do not recognize and do not accept him as king of men, but still do not think they want to lose another king if you live, of course.

               −No matter if he have their help or not, as soon as you kill him out of town. Braien take ten soldiers and waiting near the town, not let him escape alive, said Rohan.

              −Better hire assassins to kill him, because if your subject is that he is the prince will return against you, 'said the magician.

             −Yes, you are right. Do what he said and make sure he does not escape, I want him dead at any cost. Now let me, I have something to discuss with him.

             Then Braien left the room and made as he was commanded, while remaining Rohan with the magician who began to control the kingdom. Rohan knew very well that his days are numbered and it will not take long until Corvin will return to reclaim his throne.

            The situation became more stressful for Rohan, while Corvin became increasingly complicated, wanting to carry out the plan alone.