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- Herausgeber: Relynn Wicks
- Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
- Sprache: Englisch
This is not your happily ever after fairytale where the prince rescues his princess and they dance into the sunset. No. This story is a story of darkness, where the good guys go bump in the night.
If your sibling were born with extraordinary magic passed down from the ancient gods, therefore, your father chose them to rule the kingdom over you, would you be envious or delighted?
Sebastian never wished to be king, let alone a miracle, awe-inspiring super-human. Born third in line to the throne, Sebastian learns he is not just an ordinary prince. Desperate for freedom, in unconditional love, and fearlessly headstrong, he finds himself torn between his own desires and doing what is right to gain valor and save all the lands.
Exiled, punished, abused, and vulnerable are only a few of the words that describe the future of the young prince who is ultimately chosen to wear the crown. He finds the love of his life, a prince named Cyrus, who ignites him in a way he never felt before. But, before Sebastian and Cyrus can be together, one man hatched a plan to destroy his brother’s life out of greed and desperation.
Berren, the oldest male in the Drake royal family, cannot fathom the idea of his little brother ruling over him, let alone the fact that his little brother is a god. Arrogant and maniacal, Berren will stop at nothing to be king, no matter the cost to not only his family or kingdom but to himself.
Now, Sebastian must bury his anguish and take arms with a tribe of forgotten warriors who will show him how he is the key to the survival of Erras.
This sinister fable is packed full of cataclysmic twists, forbidden love and desire, and enchantment as the young prince comes to understand his place among the great gods. With great power comes great sacrifice. With great sacrifice, comes honour.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020
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Table of contents
CHAPTER 1
THE YOUNG PRINCE
A New Beginning
The King of All Kings
Learning About Love
Alone
THE SOUTH
The Truth Comes to Light
Taking Command
I Will Fight for You
Silent as the Dead of Night
King Sebastian
Power and Chaos
The Gathering of the Five Kingdoms
The Mad Prince
Captured
The Far North
The Darker Days
Cyrus’s Escape
Summer
A Wedding Ceremony
The Journey Home
The Battle of Vastille
Last Words
Cyrus's Story
The Truth
It is the Way
South Bound
A City in Ruin
Too Late for Goodbyes
Brothers
The Final Journey
In dark times, a flame will ignite. Driven by chaos, one man must step forward to claim his birthright or risk losing everything. The question is, will he let go of his dreams to be the king they need?
-R. Wicks
From that day, and every day to follow, two seemingly normal young men, princes in a time long ago, were about to set off on the most challenging adventure they will ever face, and it all began with a steal of a glance and a blushing smile.
In Erras lived five kingdoms and one vast land to the far north that time forgot. If there was anything that could be said for the people of Erras, it would be that they are hopeful. As the vast lands divided from war ever changed, the people looked on to find the one person who could lead them into a just future.
The gods were long forgotten, so they entrusted great kings to not be succumbed by greed and power, but even they were looking onward for something, anything, to guide them to what may lay on the horizon. Deep in the high mountains, there was a boy who knew not of his fate but was destined for more than he could have ever imagined.
CHAPTER 1
THE YOUNG PRINCE
He was not always so deeply loved by his father. In fact, Sebastian was what his father called his most arduous child, and King Ivan would not hesitate to make him aware that he felt this way. This typically made Sebastian roll his eyes because he knew he was a troublemaker. But there was one particular time, it hurt more than he had ever felt, and he made his father pay for the pain he felt that cold winter night.
Sebastian was 15 years old at this time, and he was out adventuring like most other 15-year-old boys would do. He was deep within a cavernous cave where he had climbed into the dark and damp so far where he had never reached. To his excitement, he dived lower and lower, losing all sense of time.
King Ivan paced nervously on the war room's terrace in Castle Drake, watching the skies grow angry and dark. Word arrived from a crow that flew from the most eastern part of Vastille, where a band of knights managed the northern and southern border, as well as the sea.
The message brought the most disturbing news, which led to the King’s worry for his third eldest son’s late return home. Supper had already been served and finished. Most of the Drake siblings were already fed, washed, and preparing for bed. King Ivan allowed Sebastian to freely adventure and understand that he would return each night before supper or be punished.
Sebastian pulled himself up to the opening of the cave, expecting to still see an orange sky, which meant the sun was setting, but this day, it was as dark as twilight. He felt a rush of anxiety wash over him. He was late, which meant his father would be upset, and he would have to suffer being confined to his room the next day.
He took to his favorite horse, which he named Ossian, which meant warrior in the old language. They rode down the mountain and met the castle's gates, where he slowed to a light trot into the stables. Sebastian quietly snuck past the guards, hoping he would not be caught and could slink off to his bedroom he shared with his brother Tomas.
Sneak he did, only a guard caught him in the corner of his eye, and the guard snatched him by the collar of his shirt.
“ Your father wishes to speak to you, my prince.”
The guard took Sebastian to his father’s study, pushed him inside, then closed the door behind him. King Ivan stood staring out the window with his back to his son.
“ Do you have any idea how angry I am?” He asked.
“ Father, I am sorry. I lost track of time. I thought it was still sunset, and I…”
“ I do not care about your excuses! You have no idea how dangerous it is out there—tonight, of all nights for your foolishness. I sent two of my best knights out to find you. How could you do this to your family, to me?”
“ Father, what are you talking about?”
Sebastian dug into his thoughts, trying to think if he had forgotten something important his father may have announced.
“ Was there a guest I somehow forgot was arriving, or a feast, or special announcement I missed, then I am very sorry. I did not mean to be late.”
“ Are you completely ignorant, boy? Have you no thought in your head to notice what is happening? Have you not seen what comes from the east?”
Sebastian looked confused. “What do you mean? Is war upon us?”
“ No, stupid boy! I mean the sky. A powerful winter storm is on the horizon. I received war from the east that this storm is the most powerful winter storm this land has seen in decades. It brings a deadly cold with winds so powerful that anyone caught outside in this would certainly die, and my own son was missing from the safety of the castle. You could have died!”
“ Father, I did not see. How would I have known this would happen? I am home now, father. Alive and well.”
“ You were to be home before the light of day was gone, but as usual, you were not. You have caused me so much grief over the years, Sebastian, and this is the last straw. I will not tolerate your egregious lack of regard anymore. If it were not for the storm, I would banish you from this kingdom and from this family. You are nothing but trouble, and you listen to no one. I have had it with you. Get out of my face. Go to your room. I do not wish to see you again until I ask for you. Do you understand me?”
Sebastian stared at his father but said nothing. He was broken inside and had no words. His eyes welled up with tears but stood firm on the outside. On the inside, he was lying on the stone floor in pieces.
“ I said get out of my face now!”
Sebastian shivered with fear, then scurried from his father’s study and headed quickly up to his room. He was angry with only the thought of his father telling him he would banish him in his mind. He decided if his father wished him to leave, then he would go.
He arrived to his bedroom, thinking Tomas would be asleep already. He would slip in and gather his thick wool coat and his winter boots as well as a few warm clothing items, leave Tomas a quick note, then go on his journey for a new life somewhere his father would never find him as he thought of King Ivan telling he never wanted to see his face again.
When Sebastian opened the door, he immediately noticed Tomas sitting on the lounge seat in the window. Tomas jumped and ran over to embrace him.
“ Thank the gods you got home before the storm. I was so worried about you. Where were you this time? You know father was scared to death, he will be so angry.”
“ Father no longer wants me,” Sebastian said monotonously. “He told me he wants me gone. He wishes to banish me; to never see me again. He does not love me anymore, brother.”
“ This cannot be true. He would never.”
“ I have only come to gather some warm clothes and a coat, and I will be gone. I will no longer cause father pain and will no longer burden this family. I am no longer a Drake and no longer a prince of the Vastille. I am sorry for being such a terrible brother. I must go now, Tomas. I will always love you.”
“ You cannot go now. The storm will kill you. Please, Sebastian. Father is just angry. Wait. Are you playing with me? It is not funny.”
Sebastian changed his boots, donned his thick coat, and then stuffed some things into a bag that he threw over his shoulder.
“ This is no joke, Tomas. I am done. If the storm takes me, then so be it. It is no longer your concern as I am no longer a part of this family. Goodbye, Tomas.”
Sebastian did not even hug his brother as he left his bedroom quickly. He said nothing to his other siblings, then rushed out of the castle's front doors into the cold of the night. Two guards were standing at the gates.
“ Where are you going, young prince? You cannot be out here. Back inside before…”
“ I have been banished. My father wishes for me to leave; therefore, I am off. I am not your prince anymore. I do not deserve my own name, so from this point forward, I am no one. Take care and goodnight.”
The guards took a quick glance at one another, then rushed inside to inform the king of Sebastian’s decision to leave.
“ Your majesty, your son, Prince Sebastian, he has left the castle. He claims he has been banished. My king, he is leaving!”
King Ivan was sipping his tea, then dropped his cup at hearing the news. “The two of you let him leave? Well, do not stand there, after him!”
All three of the men rushed from the study. King Ivan shouted for his men who were on watch around the castle. A group of knights and guards gathered in the great hall and Tomas, who was hurrying to chase Sebastian, still dressing, and Berren, the eldest brother.
“ The two of you can go back to bed. Let the men handle this.”
“ Father, I can help.” Tomas pleaded.
“ My son has left the castle. The storm threatens to bring hell upon our keep. We must bring him home before the cold takes him. Gather your warmest clothing and prepare to ride.” Ivan said, ignoring Tomas.
“ Father, please. Let me help. He will listen to me.”
“ Out of the question, Tomas. I could lose one of my sons. I will not risk your life, nor yours, Berren. Off to bed, both of you. This is my fault. I will bring your brother home.”
“ Father, at least allow me to assist. I am the fastest rider in the kingdom, and I am sure I know where to find him.” Berren said.
“ I said no!”
Ivan shoved his way past his sons and started toward the doors. His men were positioned in the stables. Ivan walked in and immediately looked to where Sebastian kept Ossian. The large black steed was not in his stall, meaning Sebastian was long gone, riding rapidly away from the protection of the Vastille.
“ My son is out there, somewhere. If he is wise, he rode west away from the storm. He would have ridden through the mountains because he knows those roads best. He will have passed Shadowmire and went over The Break. Once he descends the mountains, he will have passed into the outer realm of High Castle. They are our allies but keep in mind, Sebastian is a stranger in those lands. They will take him prisoner. We must track him down before he reaches High Castle and return to the castle before the storm is in full force.”
Sebastian rode fast up into the pass into the mountains. He considered traveling east to spite his father but headed north onto the rode that would turn west once he passed the village of Shadowmire. There was no thought as to where he would go from there. He only knew he must outrun the storm or risk death.
Shadowmire was as loud and barbaric as ever, with soldiers of the north drunk and arguing in the streets, brothel women selling their bodies, and townsfolk keeping a wary eye. Sebastian did not stop to make small talk. He rode into the western pass until the mountains were behind him and the lands opened to hilly fields and open land.
There was a low wall ahead in sight which separated the Vastille from High Castle. He slowed Ossian and looked cautiously forward. It was quiet over the wall, which Sebastian found surprising. There were no guards or soldiers along the border on either side. He rode down along the wall for quite a distance.
He found a place to stop and let Ossian rest, eat, and drink from a stream. As he looked to the east, his stomach knotted up, thinking of his family and the storm. He was worried that his brothers and sisters would suffer if the storm was as terrible as predicted, but his father’s harsh words reminded him of why he left to begin with.
As he reminisced, he could hear voices in the distance. Over the wall, a few men on horses rode forward. Sebastian could hear that they were discussing the storm. They were watching the sky and estimating how long it would be before it reached High Castle.
Sebastian listened closely, but then he heard one of the men speak directly to another man he addressed as Prince Cyrus. Sebastian looked cautiously over the wall to see who this Prince Cyrus was. He had heard his father speak of his friend, who was from High Castle, a prince at the time, but was now the King of all Kings that resided in the south.
It was dark, but Sebastian could see Prince Cyrus was young, his age at least. He made out the dark wavy hair of the prince blowing softly in the cold breeze. He stared at him admiringly until he heard one of the men state that the storm was fastly gaining size and strength. Sebastian decided he needed to slip away and keep going.
Ossian was down the way, gulping water. Sebastian crouched down out of sight, then crawled down the hill where he climbed onto his horse and slipped away from the wall. He wondered to the east, unsure where he could go. The only place he knew he would find refuge would be in Shadowmire, but it was far away now.
Sebastian accepted the fact that he made a mistake in leaving as he watching the storm grow near. He led Ossian to a lake the separated The Vastille and High Castle at the mountains' base. When he climbed down from his horse, he patted Ossian on the nose and told him to run away west as quickly as he could muster, but Ossian refused to leave his master.
The storm began to crackle with thunder and lightning. Sebastian stood still watching, knowing it would soon overtake his position and he was prepared to perish under the bitter cold. As the fog began to fill the air, it started to snow, and the winds began to pick up. Sebastian turned to look at Ossian, who was stamping his foot at him.
“ I told you to run away, but yet here you are waiting to die with me. I thought horses were supposed to be smart.” He said jokingly as he stroked Ossian’s neck. “I am sorry I have led you to your end. We should have stayed home.”
It started to get colder, and the snow fell even heavier. Sebastian was getting nervous as he paced back and forth. He thought he heard thunder coming from the north, but he saw an accompaniment of men on horses riding fast in his direction when he turned to look.
It was King Ivan and his men. Sebastian felt a pang of guilt, and fear washed over him when he could clearly see his father’s face, and he looked furious.
“ Sebastian, what are you doing? Ride west, go!”
Sebastian stood looking first at his father, then at the storm raging toward him as it began to cross the lake.
“ Are you mad, boy? I said, get on your horse and ride.”
Ivan halted just before he reached Sebastian and stared at his son with concern. Sebastian stared at the storm, not moving. Ivan leaped down and ran over to his son.
“ Do you wish for death?”
“ Perhaps I do, father. What reason do I have to live? I have no home, no family, nothing. I am soon to be a ghost, forever cursed to roam these lands as no one, unnoticed, and unloved.”
“ If it is what I said, I spoke out of anger. You have to believe I would never…”
“ The storm is here. Go, father. Run. I will be fine here.”
A familiar voice spoke, “Brother, please. Get on Ossian’s back and ride west with us. We have to get to High Castle and to the safety of the Bolin palace. Come on!” Tomas begged.
Sebastian glanced at Tomas. “Why have you come? You could die. Leave all of you!” He shouted.
He turned away and stared into the storm again, focusing on it like it had him in a trance. He closed his eyes and raised his hand like he wanted to touch the clouds. His father stopped bickering at Tomas about how they would drag Sebastian out of there by his hair if he did not leave, to watch his son doing something miraculous.
Sebastian mumbled to himself. “Do not take them, for they did nothing wrong. Take me if you must, but let them go.”
He was reaching for the storm. Ivan stepped beside his son and looked at Sebastian with amazement. Sebastian, still mumbling, opened his eyes, which made Ivan gasp. His eyes turned a crimson shade of red. His hand still outstretched. Ivan looked at the storm, then his mouth dropped. Tomas slowly walked forward, his gaze locked onto the storm as well, then the knights and guards followed.
The storm halted suddenly, lingering over the lake, swirling, causing the lake to freeze instantly. The ice spread fast and was nearing the place they stood on the shore. Sebastian was still mumbling with his focus locked. The snow came down fiercely, and the wind howled, then with a rapid burst, it looked as if the storm was torn in half. It stopped spinning, the snow dissipated, and then the skies cleared to reveal the moon and stars.
Ivan stared at his son, then laughed. “How did I not see this before?” Then he looked at Tomas. “That would mean, both of you…”
He stopped suddenly, then hurried over to his horse. “Come now. We ride home!”
Chapter 2
A New Beginning
Two years later…
"Why is it already sunset?" Sebastian said aloud as he climbed out of the mouth of a cave high above the kingdom of Vastille. Groaning at the darkening sky, he hurried to brush the mud from his pants and boots.
"I wish I never had to go back there. We should just run away and live free in the woods beyond the mountains. At least there we will finally get some peace. What do you think?" Sebastian asked. "Why am I talking to you about this? You are a horse. I think I might be losing my mind." He laughed as he patted his horse on the neck. "We better go before father starts screaming again. We wouldn't possibly want to miss another fun evening of pointless chatter and somewhat edible supper."
Sebastian mounted Ossian and began descending the mountain pass toward Castle Drake.
"Sebastian!" King Ivan yelled loudly. "Where is that boy this time?"
"He has run off again. Off on another adventure, I am afraid, my dear." Queen Emelia said with a tired tone in her voice.
"It is nearly time for supper! Why is he always off running around? Why can't he just be like his brothers and sisters for once?" King Ivan said while waving his hands in the air with extravagance. The queen slowly nodded her head and stared off into the distance while pursing her lips.
Sebastian spent most of his days in the mountains that lined the western ridge of the kingdom. Some days, he would spend hours hunting or climbing trees or climb to the summit of different elevations. Still, he would often find new caves to explore, which he knew terrified his father and stepmother.
Sebastian's mother died shortly after giving birth to his younger brother Viktor. His father married Queen Emelia only a few months after when she became pregnant with his little sister Mary, and she gave birth to the remaining seven children after. She was a kind and caring stepmother and treated her stepchildren as her own. She was quiet and moved about the castle slowly and stealthily. Sebastian appreciated the fact that she never pried in his business, unlike his father.
"Father, I have taken the liberty to make a list of training routines for my brothers while the summer approaches," Berren said with a prideful tone as he swaggered into the office his father would spend much of his time. "I think that Tomas, Sebastian, Viktor, and Gentry should work on their swordsmanship, then archery to prepare them for their future with the guard, and then they should..."
"I am not going to be a military man." Tomas interrupted as he walked into his father's office with an armful of parchment that he flopped down on the desk. "I am going to intern with the magistrate for a few months, then most likely off to the Pearl Coast to work directly in the Treasury." He said with pride. The treasury handled all the kingdom's gold and fortune.
"As requested, father," Tomas said while he placed a map down, which listed the kingdoms.
As Tomas and Berren watched over their father's shoulder, Ivan pointed to a small village that sat between two of the lower mountains to the ridge's southern edge that separated Vastille and High Castle.
"I received word that your brother has been spotted in Shadowmire again.That makes the third time after I told him that village is off-limits. If he is there again today, I have no choice but to lock him in his room until he learns how to listen."
Of course, Ivan was speaking of Sebastian. Shadowmire was a trade village where people traded in secret things of a forbidden nature, like weapons, sex, drugs, and to sell slaves. Naturally, Sebastian was curious and would go to drink ale and fight with drunken soldiers that were there for the women and the drink.
"He found a new cave system along The Break," Tomas said while pointing to a location on the map. "I know that is where he is spending most of his time as of lately. He said it is the largest cave he has ever seen."
"When will he learn to grow up? He is going to get stuck down there one day, and I will have to go and fetch him out."
"As sure as you sound of yourself, Berren, Sebastian is strong and smart. He has been climbing through these caverns for years. I am sure he can handle it without your assistance." Tomas said with assurance.
Tomas was protective of his twin brother. They were best friends, although entirely different from one another. He knew Berren was always trying to keep Sebastian in trouble because King Ivan was so lenient on Sebastian's behavior, especially after killing the ice storm that almost devastated all of the north.
It began to darken out, and all the children were in the dining hall when Ivan and Emelia entered the room. "Where is Sebastian? Has he still not come home?" King Ivan said while pinching the bridge of his nose, looking frustrated.
"I am here, father. Sorry I am late. I was talking to Mason about my new saddle when it got late." Sebastian said, hurrying to the dinner table as his family began to gather around.
"Your new saddle? Since when does HE get a new saddle father?" Berren said, staring annoyed at Sebastian as he set a plate of food before his father. Berren always insisted on preparing his father's dish as he said he did not trust anyone else to do it.
"Tell the truth. You were in Shadowmire again, weren't you?"
"As a matter of fact, no, I was not, but thank you for your concern, brother. And yes, a new saddle because mine is too small now. It fits Gentry, and he is five years younger than me." Sebastian said with a smirk.
Sebastian had grown quite a bit in the last year. He was just over 6' tall, with shoulder-length brown straight hair and dark brown eyes that were either fierce or kind depending on the situation, and in this one, they were furious.
They had supper with light conversation, mostly among the younger siblings. "We are to start training tomorrow, Sebastian," Viktor said with a mouthful of pork. "Berren has a whole fancy schedule for us to kill each otherwith, but only in step by step order." That made several of the younger children giggle. Berren rolled his eyes while glancing in his father's direction.
"Why isn't there a schedule for us?" Nadya, the oldest daughter of Ivan, asked.
"Because girls don't need to learn to shoot arrows," Emelia said politely. "A lady has her place in a castle as do the men."
"Not all of us will live in castles forever." Sara, the next oldest of the girls, roared. "Maybe some of us want to do something other than sewing and raising babies." She said while slamming her fist on the table. Nadya smiled, and Sebastian laughed while holding his cup up to cheer her on. Ivan smiled lightly, and Emelia took a deep breath and turned her head away while sipping her wine.
Ivan stood up and demanded the attention of his children. He announced that in the morning, after training, they would all be preparing for a ball. "This ball will take place in 2 days’ time. This will be Sebastian and Tomas's choosing day."
Choosing day is where families from all over the nations show off their daughters to potential suitors and, in this case, princes. It was a large party where everyone dresses in their best. The wealthy chat about how well off they are to the lesser fortunate, and the less fortunate brag about how strong or brave their children are compared to the wealthy. Once announced, the young ladies line up and introduce themselves to the men who would potentially be their husbands. They could tell them a little about themselves and why they would make the best wife.
"This is ridiculous!" Sebastian spat. "I don't need a parade to help me choose a wife."
Tomas laughed heartily and shook his head while continuing to shove food in his mouth. Ivan looked at Sebastian in disappointment.
"Sebastian, be reasonable. You knew this day was coming." Emelia said softly. "There will be some charming ladies that will be thrilled to meet both of you."
Sebastian asked to be excused, then walked out of the hall.
"So, where were you today?" Tomas asked Sebastian when they were lying in their beds in their massive shared bedroom. They were the only siblings who shared a room.
"Please tell me you weren't in Shadowmire. Father is notjoking about locking you away this time. He is worried about you."
"I wasn't in Shadowmire. I get tired of that place anyway. Women and booze are all it is."
"So, you don't enjoy the company of scantily clad women?”
"I am not particularly interested, thank you. There are not many women who I fancy. I am tired of father trying to point me towards fine young women I would be best suited to. It's enough to make me never want to get married!"
"So, no women. Men then perhaps?" Tomas said, prying. He turned to glance at Sebastian, who gazed at him with a surprised expression. "What? Do you think I don't notice how you see men compared to women?"
"Just shut up and go to sleep," Sebastian said as he rolled over and pulled his blanket over his head.
Sebastian was embarrassed by his brother's accusation, although he was not sure what to think. He has not put any thought into it, but now thinking, he does seem to gravitate towards pretty boys over pretty girls. He shook his head and fell fast asleep.
"What are you doing awake so early, Sebastian? Go back to sleep; it is still dark outside." Tomas complained while turning over, facing away from Sebastian, and banging his head down onto his pillow.
"I can't sleep," Sebastian said.
"You never sleep! Now please, if you are going to be awake, be awake quietly!"
Sebastian was first at the table for breakfast when his brothers and sisters came in yawning and rubbing their eyes. Sebastian sat there fidgeting, twirling his thumbs, and biting on his fingers like he did when anxious. Usually, by now, he was already on the road heading out of town into the woods but not today. Today was a training day for the older boys.
Sebastian was already a skilled swordsman and precise archer. He had been practicing since he was 5 with the blacksmith's son, who was a few months older than him. Berren still thought he needed to train, under his watch, under his rules so that he could pick apart everything he already knew.
Gentry and Viktor sat down in front of Sebastian, looking at him, smirking but not speaking. "What?" Sebastian said a little overly loud he noticed as his sister Mary jumped a little. "Sorry. What are you two smiling at?"
"Well, how does it feel to be confined?" Gentry blubbered while handing a plate of bread across the table.
"Confined, strangled, tortured, annoyed. I feel like thrusting my sword into Berren's face the first time he looks at me wrong."
"Sebastian!" Ivan thundered like he was not in the room yet.
"Father, I am sitting right here. You don't have to scream!" Sebastian explained but quickly silenced when he saw his father's unamused expression. "What did I do this time, father?"
"This evening, King Roman Bolin of Prime Alta and his youngest brother Cyrus will be arriving. I expect you to be here, present and accounted for to greet them. That goes for all of you. Also, there is to be an important meeting to discuss the future of our two kingdoms, and I need you all to be on your best behavior." He exclaimed, pointing at Sebastian, and continued to say, "Cyrus is your age. I expect you to be an ambassador to our kingdom. Show him around and keep him company for a few days until the ball."
Berren laughed so hard he nearly spits food onto the table. "Why would you put Sebastian in charge of such an important task? He is the King of All Kings' little brother. Perhaps I should..."
"No! I asked my dear Sebastian to do this, and I expect him to do it well. He needs friends his age, and Cyrus is an ideal companion. I would have asked Tomas, but he will be busy with the magistrate. This meetingwill open trade passages from the north to the south that have been closed for years since the territory wars that my great grandfather and the late King Ismael started. It divided the north from the south. This bond will make peace between us all."
Sebastian perked up a little as he remembered Prince Cyrus from spying over the wall. He was excited to actually get to meet him.
King Ivan and King Roman were good friends. They met as adolescent boys riding their horses close to the southern border along the pass in the southernmost region in High Castle. A knight caught them both and put them in jail together for trespassing on the southern kings' lands.
Cyrus, King Roman's youngest brother, was the most attractive of the Bolin boys. He was thin but stocky and brilliant. He was also mouthy and often spoke before his brain caught up to him, which would leave him open for backfire. He had a lot to learn about being a leader, but still, he was smart and loyal. He was an excellent strategist, and people tended to follow his command. He was fair-skinned with light brown short hair and hazel eyes. He had an attractive smile and a sweet demeanor, which made the girls melt.
"Gentry, you have to keep your shoulders higher when swinging a sword, or your enemies will strike you down where you stand!" Berren yelled, standing on the balcony above the training grounds.
"It is heavy, brother." Gentry said, panting. "Perhaps I should work with a lighter weapon until I build my strength."
Gentry was not keen. He was lean and thin, but he was also twelve years old and, as his father says, 'has not filled out yet.' Sebastian stood quietly, watching his younger brother's swordplay. Viktor was already quite tall for being fourteen and was quite good with a sword, but he was careful not to harm his brother.
"Do not hold back!" Berren barked at Viktor. "You cannot be gentle in war. Your enemies will not show you any pity for being small."
Gentry dropped his sword. "I need a break." He asserted as he reached for the water. A rock flew down, and his Gentry on the side of his head. "You asshole!"
"Why don't you calm down. Gentry is a child, not a soldier." Viktor yelped up at Berren.
"Maybe you should spar with me then, brother." Berren mocked, smirking at Viktor. "Let's see what you've got."
"Maybe you should stop picking on children. Why are you up there when you are supposedly training us? Are you afraid to get dirty?" Viktor spits back.
"You couldn't take me on," Berren added proudly.
"No, but I can." Sebastian stepped out of the shadow and into the circle. "Come down here. Let us see if you can put me on my ass."
Berren lightly laughed and descended the stairs while brushing his hair back. He unsheathed his sword, still grinning, and walked proudly to face Sebastian, who was staring him down without even a hint of weakness. Sebastian gripped his sword tightly around the hilt and held it, pointing off to the right, ready to swing as his brother's first move.
"That is not how I showed you to hold that.” He walked around toward Sebastian's right side, where the sword pointed. "Now, you would have to adjust to attack me." He said with certainty. Sebastian remained still and quiet, only moving his head slowly to follow his brother's footsteps.
Berren banged the edge of his sword against Sebastian's, expecting it to be held limply but realized Sebastian's grip was firm. Hence, he stepped back to his front and raised his sword to swing at Sebastian's head. The sound of iron crashing against iron began echoing throughout the grounds. Berren was quick and smart with a blade and had many fancy maneuvers that he used to show off against Sebastian's seriousness. His prideful expressions quickly turned annoyed when his moves were met in defensive strikes from his little brother.
As Berren became more aggressive, he screamed out and lashing his sword toward Sebastian with such force that Sebastian dove down and rolled on the ground. Then, he jumped up behind Berren and kicked him hard in the back of hisknees, dropping Berren to the ground and causing him to lose grip on his sword. Sebastian grabbed Berren around the neck and held his sword as to cut his throat.
"I think your grip could use a little work if I don't say so myself, brother," Sebastian said, smiling as he pushed Berren away from him.
"Maybe he can teach archery better," Viktor shouted back at Berren, who was brushing the dirt off his jacket. Berren seemed irritated, so Sebastian walked over to him and put his arms around him from the back as to hug him. He rested his head against his brother's neck and sincerely apologized for embarrassing him. Berren jerked free of Sebastian's grip and pushed him enough to make Sebastian stumble back a few steps.
"Don't ever touch me again!" Berren snapped.
Sebastian was hurt and said, "What is your problem? I was just trying to apologize. You are always so vile toward me. What did I do to make you hate me?"
Berren ignored him. "We are brothers, and I love you. I do not understand why you are so angry with me all the time. Why do you despise me?"
"I don't despise you!" Berren roared. "I don't like you either. I am sick of your doughy eyes and precious face every time you are in front of father. Father babies you. He lets you do whatever you want. Father makes up excuses for your behavior. He does not do that with anyone else. It is all because you were born dead that he thinks you are his special child, and he treats you above all ofus." He growled before stomping away. Sebastian's heart hurt as he clutched his chest then followed Berren slowly.
Sebastian walked hurriedly to his room and sat down on the window seat, staring out into the distance. He just kept hearing Berren's voice over and over in his head; I do not like you. Sebastian never thought much of people's opinion of him, but this bothered him quite a bit.
It started to rain. Sebastian sat with his forehead against the warm glass of the window, staring down at the people gathering up their goods and running undercover. He laughed while watching a plump woman chasing chickens, trying to shoo them into their pen.
Just then, Tomas came into the room and stopped at the sight of his twin sitting looking depressed against the window. He could see the tears built up slightly in his eyes, and he walked over without speaking and wrapped his arms around his brother tightly.
"We could gang up on him and beat him if that would make you happy.”
Sebastian let out a weak chuckle, and a half-grin flashed across his face.
"What is wrong, brother?" Tomas asked, still holding him in his arms.
Sebastian just shook his head, showing he did not want to talk. They sat there for what seemed like hours in silence and watched it rain.
Nadya and Sara swung open the bedroom door, and Nadya excitedly said, "Wash up, boys. Father said King Roman is on the south side of the city. We are to greet him downstairs shortly!" She smiled at them both; then, her smile faded as the twins glancedather uninterested.
"Get off your ass and wash up now!" Sara said, and she slammed the door as she left.
The twins peered at each other with raised eyebrows as they got up and started to disrobe. Sebastian took his shirt off, and Tomas examined him with a startled expression. "What happened to your chest?" He said. Sebastian had bruises spread from his shoulder, across his right side of his chest, and down to his lower ribs.
"I fell," Sebastian said quickly.
"You fell? How?"
Sebastian took a deep breath and told him how he slipped climbing out of the cave a few days ago. He lost his grip and fell 10 feet down and landed on his rightside.
"You could have been killed!" Tomas said, looking scared while lightly touching Sebastian's shoulder.
"I'm fine. It doesn't even hurt anymore, see." He poked at the bruises. "Besides, who would care anyway if I didn't come back?" After saying that, he quickly regretted every word. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it."
Upset, Tomas said without looking at Sebastian, "Is that why you have been so moody lately? Do you think no one cares about you? You know, I cannot imagine not having you in my life. I love you, brother. Please, tell me what is bothering you."
Sebastian just shook his head. "Maybe later, we have to get ready."
Tomas rolled his eyes a took an exaggerated breath while shaking his head.
Sebastian laughed a little at his brother's reaction, knowing it was on purpose. "Oh, so you do still have a sense of humor?" Tomas said, smiling.
Sebastian smiled wide and looked up at Tomas through his long hair hanging down in his face. "I am happy to see that you still care," Sebastian said sarcastically.
As the twins fussed over their outfits, they realized they were making a colossal mess, making them laugh harder. "You should wear red with gold embroidery, Sebastian. The color brings out your eyes." Tomas said, mimicking his stepmother's voice while swinging his hips back and forth.
"Oh, but this blue is so rich and bold. It screams, 'I am a prince, and I like to be fashionable." Sebastian joked back, using a girly tone in his voice. Just then, horns that indicated the outer gates were lifted, meaning someonewas coming into the castle grounds. The twins got solemn and sharply looked at each other and then started grabbing at the pile of clothing on the floor.
They wanted to be presentable and 'not like heathens' as their father said. They tried to appear striking and handsome. Sebastian donned the red with gold because his stepmother was right; the color was flattering on him. Tomas chose a deep green cloak with a gold pin shaped like a crown to drape across his dark brown leather and linen.
Sebastian quickly brushed his hair back, trying to unknot the tangles in his thick chestnut locks. He then wiped his face to enhance his high cheekbones', attractive, robust features, and dark brown eyes. Tomas ruffled up his short, well-kept hair to become fuller and checked his teeth before turning to open the door.
Lords and their wives and sons and daughters began filling into the great hall. Some struck up conversations with King Ivan as they passed, and some bowed quickly and kept walking. Some of the daughters would smile and wave atthe twins as they passed by. Sebastian watched, bored while Tomas was enjoying every moment of it.
Chapter 3
The King of All Kings
"I don't care how many times I ride north; I can never get comfortable with the weather. It is always colder than all hell, annoyingly sunny without a single cloud to block the damned rays, too cloudy, which puts me straight to sleep, snowing or raining. Of course today, it just has to be rain." King Roman complained while riding north on his approach to the Vastille.
"You know this weather you describe is nearly the same weather we have at home—cold, snow, storms, hot, sun, clouds. So much like home, it hurts," Cyrus said, sounding bored and sarcastic. "You don't hear me complaining, though. I am happy to get out of the castle to visit another castle. The difference is this castle is full of kids running around being loud and breaking things."
"Be grateful, you little shit. You sit around all day with your hands down your pants, sleep late, eat, and drink wine. Ivan has boys your age. Maybe if you stop being such a snobby brat, you will have friends plus, he has daughters to look at." Roman said in seriousness.
Cyrus let out a snort and looked over at his brother with one eyebrow raised, "I am sure it will be so much fun."
Like Sebastian, Cyrus was nothing like his brothers. Roman was loud and fat and liked to complain and crack jokes that were not funny, and Silas was a drunk womanizer. Cyrus enjoyed the finer things as his clothes were always the latest look, clean and well pressed, and he wore the most excellent boots money could buy.
They approached the city's inner villages, and people quickly ran out of their homes into the rain and the quickly lowering temperatures to catch a look at the King of Prime Alta. Men on horses and foot followed the king and prince. Soldiers with weapons at their sides, knights who rode behind the royal brothers with their shields on their arms, observing the growing crowd as if they expect someone to lash out against their king.
The people of The Vastille were not kindhearted as they live and work in the cold icy weather of the north. However, they were still excited to get the chance to see someone of such prominence grace their lands. King Ivan was an immensely respected man, and he often rode along the streets with his knights in stride. King Roman was something in the lines of celebrity material to them.
Most of the people have never seen Prince Cyrus before. The girls would smile and wave at him as he passed by, and when he would wave back, some of them would squeal excitedly and blush. This would make Roman proud of his little brother like he had some part in his genetics.
The horns from atop the wall surrounding the castle blasted loudly as the gate slowly rose to enter the courtyard. The sounds of horse hooves thundered on the wet, muddy grounds.
"Hurry up now. I am tired of this wet soggy air. I want a warm fire and mug of ale and some dry boots." King Roman said, jumping down from his saddle. Cyrus rolled his eyes as he joined his brother's stride to the open doors into the keep.
They were met at the entry with warm blankets by young handmaids who smiled and bowed nervously. Roman laughed loudly at the sight of Ivan. "Ah hah, look at you, you old bastard, it's good to see you, please tell me you have a good mead waiting for me?!" The kings embraced in a sincere hug and shook hands tightly, seeing who still had a firmer grip than the other.
"And let us see you!" Ivan said, laughing. "You're still ugly and fat and only came for my good mead as usual."
Cyrus stood there wide-eyed, staring at the grown men poking fun of each other like a contest. He observed back and forth as each man exchanged their bit. Ivan's young children stood behind the older kids watching nervously, while the older boys chuckled. The girls watched appalled at the behavior.
Sebastian was quite amused, standing more forward than the rest enjoying the show of manly testosterone-filled jabs. Cyrus noticed Sebastian first. He stared at him as if seeing a masterpiece for the first time. Cyrus silently admired every feature from his hair down to his boots. He had never seen anyone quite like Sebastian before and could not understand why he could not peel his eyes away.
As the kings stood there chatting about, Ivan turned to his children. He began introducing them in order from oldest to youngest.
"My oldest boy, Berren, who will succeed me one of these days, and my most former girl, Nadya, ages 19 and 18. Then there are my twins, Tomas and Sebastian, 17. Ivan paused to allow the 4 of them to step forward and bow.
As Ivan introduced the rest of the children, Sebastian noticed Cyrus standing there staring at him. Sebastian gaped at him, as he could now see his face clearly, and quickly turned his head away like he was shy for the first time. He glanced back towards Cyrus to see that he had yet to break his gaze; only his mouth had slightly opened. Sebastian smiled slightly at him and tucked his hair behind his ear like he did when he was bashful.
"This is my brother, Cyrus, who is surprisingly quiet," Roman said as he jabbed at Cyrus's ribs, noticing he was not mentally in the same world as everyone else.
Cyrus snapped back into reality. "What? Sorry? Oh, it is nice to meet you, your Grace." Cyrus said, gently bowing toward Ivan and then towards all of Ivan's children. "I am very appreciative of your hospitality..."
"Isn't he adorable?" Roman said, laughing heartily. Cyrus glanced at his brother, feeling defeated as he knew this would turn into him getting picked on all evening.
Sebastian stepped forward and reached out to Cyrus, "It is lovely meeting you as well." He said softly with a smile. Cyrus reached to meet his hand and enjoyed the feel of Sebastian's warm skin against his cold sore hand.
"Come on, let me show you to your room so you can change into something warm and dry before you catch your death standing here freezing listening to my father's bad jokes."
They walked quickly up the stairs, not speaking, and Sebastian would often check to make sure Cyrus was keeping up. Sebastian was a fast walker and often had to stop for others to catch up to him. Still, Cyrus was right on his heels and nearly bumped into Sebastian each time he stopped to check his distance.
As they made it to the top landing where the bedrooms lined down the hall, Sebastian stopped to think about which room he was supposed to give to Cyrus.
"Is it hard living with so many siblings?" Cyrus asked, trying to make conversation.
"Only if you hang around all day, which I do not for obvious reasons." He said, motioning Cyrus to continue following him.
Sebastian opened the door to a guest quarter and walked in first, then turned to invite Cyrus in behind him. "So, what do you do all day then?" Cyrus asked, looking around, finding his things had already been brought in and set out for him.
"Mostly hide," Sebastian said seriously, but Cyrus laughed. Sebastian laughed back, which lightened the mood. "I am honest. You try being around 12 brothers and sisters all day. I like to go into the mountains or to the woods. Some days I just walk around the town or just sit up on a ridge and enjoy the quiet."
"That sounds nice. Then again, it would just be nice to have someone to talk to all day as well." Cyrus said. Sebastian stared at Cyrus, confused. "My brothers don't live in the castle with me. It is usually just maids and officials or librarians and cooks. None of which are very entertaining." Cyrus said, looking bored with the thought of being home.
"Well, if you would like, you can hang out with me while you are here. I can show you some of my favorite places to hide." Sebastian said, hoping Cyrus would want to come with him. "I will let you change clothes, but think about it. It will be a lot of fun." Sebastian hesitated before stepping out of the room, and as he closed the door behind him, he stood there feeling his heart racing, and his facewas hot and flushing. He did not know why Cyrus made him feel this way, but he liked it, and he liked him.
He sauntered down the corridor, replaying the conversation in his head, hoping he did not sound annoying or desperate. In his head, he would think about how he asked Cyrus to hang out with him. He thought he looked too excited and childish, like he was also hopeful for Cyrus's approval, and he felt like a fool for it. He covered his face with his hands and shook his head. He mumbled to himself, "He probably thinks you are a complete moron."
