CHAPTER THREE: SECRET AGENDA

It was the late hours of the morning, yet it was cloudy and the rays of light could barely Pierce through the thick canopy the huge tress provided in the forest, the ground of the fogy forest was wet and mushy from the heavy down pour at night. Young Elroy, swarming in wet sludge staggered his way through the ground.

An exhausting seven days, the Drokan soldiers hunted down those that escaped, Elroy had never witnessed such a brutal-gruesome scene, they showed no pity, cutting down even children younger than he was; pregnant women were slit open, maidens were placed on stakes - pierced from underneath through their mouths. Elroy barely made it as arrows came flying, he had to his himself in a muddy ditch as the rain poured heavily.

He soon missed his step which sent him tumbling down a slope towards a track, luckily for him a carriage happens to be passing by when he hit the track.

Beside a cottage at the top of a hill, surrounded by willow forestation, Elroy was well cleaned up, now clothed in green linen gown, laying peaceful and alive on a bed. By his side sat a blond hair maiden a bit younger in age, in same outfit as him; staring at his innocent frown.

On the other side sat a mature lady, also a blond beauty, squeezing water out of a towel into a bowl before wiping the his face, humming beautiful melodies.

“Mother, can we give him a name?” The younger lady asked.

“That's too quick to decide Luna, just ask for his own name when he wakes up.”

After a short while of tender wiping, Elroy slowly opens his eyes, The mature lady immediately stops the humming as she drops the towel into the bowl so she could caress his brunette hair.

“How are you feeling?” She asked softly.

“Where am I?" Elroy asked with a brushed tone, his eyes searching.

“Don’t worry, you are in Etrigon.”

“Etrigon.” Elroy knew the town - it was a three days ride from Urania, tears welling in his eyes - thinking back of his experience.

“Don’t cry my friend,” Luna spoke passionately at same time wiping tears from his eyes “you’re safe with me.”

“You’ve been through a lot already, you poor thing, what’s your name?”

“Elroy.” He sobbed, rubbing is eyes with his hands.

“Elroy, what a sweet name, I’m Linda,” she touches the Luna's head, “this is Luna, my daughter.”

“Nice to meet you El,” Luna greeted with a smile then held his hand, “I’ll take good care of you.”

BEGINNING OF THE END

Riana Castle dungeon

Prince Fredrick treads through an old-damp hallway leading towards a wooden door with transom, guarded by two Riana Soldiers, the hallway was illuminated by flame lanterns mounted on each side of the cracked hollow wall.

 Immediately Prince Fredrick got close to the Soldiers, one of them quickly unbolts the door then opens it, stepping in while Prince Fredrick followed behind.

The dungeon room was warm and partially dark, having only one source of light, the window high from reach but low to ground level outside, that the feet of passer-by can be seen, the squeaking of rats could be heard but not one could be seen.

At the instance Prince Fredrick walked in, Tihon raised his head up, towards the Riana Soldier, his hands were cuffed in shackles which was linked to the wall, ensuring maximum security.

“What you looking at?” the Riana Soldier asked aggressively.

“You can leave us now.” Prince Fredrick spoke lightly.

With a bow the Soldier steps out of the room.

“Ah great, now the fine atmosphere has been tainted by the royal scum.”

“Pain is only but an illusion Tihon,” Prince Fredrick clasps his arms behind his back.

“You have no right to speak his words.”

With a scoff Prince Fredrick walks to the end of the room afterwards turns to Tihon.

"What’s so funny about that?” Tihon asked crossly.

“You are grieved and hurt, I understand.”

“For Christ sake, keep your shitty sympathy to yourself.”

“Your father was a father to me as well you know,” Prince Fredrick's brows furrowed, “do you think I would have sent him to his death.”

“That was exactly what happened, he was all I had, he was the only happiness I had and you sent him to his death.”

“I regretted every moment of what happened,” Prince Fredrick was dead serious and Tihon could see it. “I regret I was not by his side, I regret my order sent him to his death, every miserable day I curse that day that hour that minute that second,” he spoke heartedly.

Tihon hesitated, “but he died anyway.” He looked away.

“I hope you come to understand Tihon, I really do.” With these words Prince Fredrick walks out of the cell.

BEGINNING OF THE END

The Castle of Riana, this carefree structure took hold of the north section in the first district. Having high thick stone walls with a battlement round about the compound, the entrance into the castle has a portcullis which was always open, for Riana isn't expecting an attack anytime soon. The only structure which was present, stands in the middle of the compound; a two story building made of thick gray stones, having a wide balcony on the second floor - this building is held at bay by a keep on each side, three story high.

At the balcony stood King Eric Levia, short chubby man, neither good looking nor was he resistible even with a scare across his mature, bold face - resting on his straight, dark-short hair was a crown, gold, having five emerald underneath each standing point.

He watched stewards care for the orchard and Royal guard go about their various activities. His relaxing view came to a stop when Sri Altai, a Riana Elite, walks in - Sri, the title given to the top ranked Soldiers, they are tasked with coordinating war unit of Riana Soldiers, fully clad in chain mail tinted in dark-blue.

Altai is a black skin man with a well-built body, he has a crew cut and side-beards united with his goatee, putting ease to his fierce gaze. His looks spoke evil of him, like he was happy doing anything bad; he wields a sword and a dagger cased in unique leather scabbard dangling from his left side as he walks.

“My Lord,” Altai greeted with a bow.

“Speak Altai.” King Eric ordered, his voice clear in a singsong way.

“Prince Richard and Sri Roderick's Calvary has engaged with the Drokan army.”

“What are the casualty estimates?”

“Casualty?” Altai asked with a smile, obliging King Eric to narrow his eyes towards him, “the Drokan won’t stand a chance my Lord, on the fore front is the Cavalry and behind awaiting orders are the infantry.”

“Then we have nothing to fear.” King Eric's mood brighten up.

“Before dusk the day after tomorrow Prince Richard will be back with the head of Zodiakal, the commander to the Drokan army.”

“Well don’t just stand there, tell Atari to prepare her stewards for a large feast.”

Sri Altai quickly bows then walks away, not quite long from then Prince Fredrick walks into the balcony.

"Tihon is not helping Lord-Father.” He complained.

“Give him time Prince Fredrick, it’s not easy losing his only source of happiness.”

Stunned by his father’s response Prince Fredrick walks closer to him, “Saying it that way has put me in a difficult situation, you were the one who suggested I send him to check the happenings in those district."

"I'm quite aware of that boy, take him with you while investigating, it'll help."

Prince Fredrick thought on it, "That may work." He bows, "Thank you Lord-father."

King Eric gestures his hand at Prince Fredrick, giving him the go ahead to walk away, he made sure Prince Fredrick was far gone before turning over to the beautiful female stewards.

"Pay back is fragrant," King Eric smirked, “when things go as planned, God bless his terrible soul.”

BEGINNING OF THE END

District four

The busiest district in the kingdom of Riana, with business of various kinds going on mostly at night; there are four branches of the Black Bog in this troublesome district each pulling out at least three dead bodies from bar fights after every feast.

The night was cold and windy, streets almost void as various activities came to a close in the east section, having cottages not more that one story. A huge figure in black hooded cloak walks hastily from one spot to another where one of the Black Bog was located. He glanced up at a slim figure clothed, also in black hooded cape staring down from the balcony - before he stepped into the Black Bog.

“Thank you for coming on short notice Thomas.” The huge figure greeted as soon as he walked into the balcony - his voice deep yet simple.

“This meeting better be worthwhile Michael.” Thomas replied hastily.

“I truly apologize for drawing you from your family.”

“You left your wife and new born so we could meet, then this must be urgent.”

“Yes indeed, Prince Richard has been chosen to rule Riana after the reign of his Father.” Michael walks towards the edge of the balcony.

“Well that’s good news," Thomas' eyes followed Michael, "what about it?”

“I’m glad you asked, that's going to be a problem, what does the Levia family have in common?”

“They’ve ruled Riana for six generations now, they contributed greatly to the building of Riana, they are very skillful fighters and fearless beings.”

“Yes, rumor also has it the first Levia squired under a god.”

“Yes, there’s that.” Thomas seemed impatient already.

“What does Orrick Levia have in common with his grandson, Prince Richard Levia?”

“They are not as cold and bold as others, although they are wild in a unique way.” As though a thought clicked in his mind, Thomas gazed at Michael intently.

“Then you understand why Prince Richard has to join his grandfather.”