The prairie was the land of savage clans and tribes who constantly fought over territory. But when a general named Tegra came, he raised a city and became the first king. People who came to live to his city marveled at him and his son. Where Tegra maintained order and discipline, prince Rafel used his great diplomatic skills to nourish the city with wealth, markets, diverse inhabitants, schools and whatever advancements scholars and designers proposed. They were two rays of light in the land of darkness.

The people in the city know me as a troublesome vagabond. For clarification, I am neither a vagabond nor do I cause trouble.

I just fight with the newcomers a lot, trick them into a promise and force them to fulfill it.

Boys and young men of new settlers show off their fighting skills with wooden swords. They are large and buff and I am a thin well dressed seventeen year old boy with a pretty face. When they see me hanging about, talking with one of their friend or girl, a couple of them have to provoke me. I provoke back and we start dueling.

They have no idea what comes for them.

I dance with my opponent, striking left and right, not letting him react. He is full of openings and furious by now. His fellows are screaming for blood. I know he is about to become reckless and he does. So predictable. While he lunges at me barbarically, I finish the game by striking at his hand. The wooden sword gets tossed in the air.

"So," I say, cheerfully locking his neck in my arm. "About this beautiful girl you promised a sneak on."

This area is new and the buildings are fresh out of oven. Ready to house new residents. Perhaps a new group of people have already settled in.

This city grows at a monstrous speed.

"There, through that wall," my new victim directs. "Climb up there. The girl goes to the courtyard to dry after bath. Right about this time."

I let him go before threatening him not to come here again. My little game lets me know what mischiefs the youngsters are upto.

Curious, I do climb up the back wall. Low and convenient for sneakers and thieves. And just in time when the girl appears.

She is... pretty? For a girl about 12. Her silver-ish hair fall around her pale face and arms. She is busy looking at a hand mirror and doesn't spot me. This side is well camouflaged by a tree in the courtyard. What in the Traitor's name? I was expecting someone older and curvaceous who likes to walk around naked. That group sneaked on a little girl in a white underdress.

"Hey!" A voice pierces through me and I jump.

I look around frantically and stop at a young man standing on the road behind. Tall and muscled. Silver hair, violent gaze and a sword ready to slice me. Oh no, a family member. I jump down right in the courtyard.

The girl screams as I dash for an exit through the house.

"He's gone inside."

"Catch him! He's that pervert."

Shouts rise around the building. Blessedly the kitchen has a door out. But more men are there, pointing at me. I take the opposite turn. This is bad. They are fit and working in an order. At this rate, I may not be able to outrun them.

Men surround me, blocking all paths at the intersection. I had to stop. Some fifty of them are here. All in uniformed clothing. Beige long shirts with brown belt and pants underneath. The silver haired youngster emerges from them. He is dressed in blue and grey, and has a striking appearance.

"Hold on. It's a misunderstanding," I try to explain.

"How dare you look at my sister," he snaps. "Bastard, I'm going to make an example by castrating you."

"No need to go that far," I say.

"Hah! Do you realize what you have done?" a giant man next to him says. He stands out with his darker looks and his leather vest and boots. "This man is Bavin, leader of the famous Steel Brotherhood."

My heart stops for a moment. Steel Brotherhood. They are the deadliest band of mercenaries made of orphaned youth by the wars. He is no ordinary person, to form such a skilled devoted group within two years.

I stare right at the leader, calculating my situation. Good thing my eyes are largely inexpressive unless I will myself to smile charmingly. I don't want to look weak. Bavin is powerful and important.

Let's give him a show.

"And I am Nikelas," I say, bowing courteously. "My regrets on chancing on your sister like that. It was a misfortunate accident. As I was just inspecting the streets of potential crimes and heard of the mischiefs of some boys sneaking up the wall."

The band take in my appearance. Delicate features that come from rich families. While my clothes are simple, but to the latest city fashion. With the crisp white shirt tugged inside the black pants. And a red cloth belting the waist. My dark olive hair is well maintained so they fall in smooth waves around my face.

They exchange looks. I can be someone working for the king. But my position is unguessable.

Bavin snorts. "Your little acts are worthless. Grab a sword and defend yourself."

A broadsword is tossed on the ground my may.

I pick it up. Stunned.

Bavin charges right in. My hands move instinctively to shield my face. The blades clash. This is no game. I steady myself just when Bavin comes for my right. I see the trick on his heel and raise the blade to left. They clash again. The crowd cheer for their leader.

He is quick for someone wielding an old fashioned broadsword.

After a couple of exchanging blows, I again try to engage a talk.

"You're really skilled. This is the first time someone is pushing me back without giving a chance."

"You'll pay for underestimating me."

I make myself laugh after barely dodging an attack, already exhausting. "You go this far just because I was peeping. Is your ego that big or you show no mercy to whoever offends in the slightest?"

Bavin strikes before stepping back. "I protect the ones I care for. If you've messed with my men, I'd come for you all the same."

"I like you, Bavin," I say. Then the clashings return. "Let's be friends. We will compliment each other."

"Not interested," He says.

"Well, I don't intend on dying right now either." I pull out my short sword from underneath my pant pocket, thinner and sharper, and charge with both the blades. Surprised, Bavin goes to defend himself. His band disturb their formation on seeing my trick. I take the advantage for slipping out, threatening with both blades.

"Rod!" Bavin shouts.

The soldiers do not take patrol duties to new areas right away. I turn around to see the giant member, Rod and a few men following me.

I turn to the market-side.

The crowd thickens on the street. The space gets wider. They have to give up now or the guards won't take it well. But no, I spot them slipping through the crowd. Nearing me.

I slip away to another turn of street. "Stop there!" Rod growls from behind and grabs my arm. A voice stops everyone on their spot.

"Prince Nikelas?"

Before me stands King Tegra's Minister, Gavon. He is with his attendants and guards. Looking very confounded. On the other hand, Rod and his fellow are standing behind me, dumbfounded. People around stop to look at me. Rod looks at the minister then at me. Points a finger and opens his mouth wordlessly.

Gavon's guard spot unshielded swords in their hands and begin to take out theirs.

I give the spectators a charming smile and bow my head respectfully at Gavon. "At your service, Minister of Great Middle city. Please excuse our little game."

Gavon relaxes visibly. Both side quickly cover their blades. "You ought to be studying at this hour, my prince. Also, your father is looking everywhere for you . I remember you promised to go survey the outland with him."

"You are kind to remind me." A thought occurs to me. "Actually, Gavon, I have an idea."

I turn and smile at Bavin's giant friend. "So Rod, I can tell you're close your leader. Can you do something for me?"

Dispite his initial stupor, Rod raises an eyebrow at me. "I only met him two months ago when he freed my captors. I am no part of the mercenary, I'm a blacksmith. Don't get me involved in your trick," then adds, "prince."

Gavon is probably frowning at that tone.

"Only two months but you have grown so loyal," I say. "Steel Brotherhood will be making an appearance before the king. Just tell him he is summoned today. Second bell. Oh and don't tell him of my secret."

"I don't understand what is going on," Gavon says, dismissing his attendants to resume inspection. "Another of your street games, prince? Targeting the strongest mercenary group this time?"

"Come on, you sound like I'm planning something evil."

Gavon laughs. "May God have mercy on whoever you set your eyes on. Last time you convinced that poor Dewarii general that he is being framed for a serious crime. His reaction was a sight. Best part, he was really hiding some stolen gold."

"Nothing extreme this time, Gavon."

"You are strange for a prince," Rod comments, crossing his arm.

"And the only son of prince Rafel, an heir to kingship," Gavon informs.

Rod frowns. "Why does your father let you this free?"

"Story for another day," I reply. Waving a dismissive hand.

Rod doesn't say anything, but his eyes linger like he has sensed something off.

Bavin, his sister, Rod and a few band men enter the market on their way to the castle. They take their time, eyeing the displays at the big shops. His sister is fond of clothes, I notice as I watch from distance. She is in a simple travel dress and scarf, staring longingly at what the female citizen are wearing. Almost stopping at a dress shop several times.

I approach them, waving a hand.

"You again," Bavin says, glaring.

"You are the peeper!" his sister says. Bavin pulls her back with a hand.

I kneel before her. "Apologies dear lady, such was never my intention. Please allow me to be your guide to this city as a recompense."

I smile charmingly. Her eyes sparkles and she giggles. "Alright."

"Versia," Bavin says in a warning tone.

"Oh enough, brother," Versia retorts. "You say to follow the prophets then can't even let go such a small mistake."

I chuckle when her brother pouts in defeat.

As our walk continues together, I ask where they were headed to and we start discussing the first king and his city.

"King Tegra is not just a general come from Dewarii, he is an architect by heart. A staunch follower of our prophets. The tribes and clans in this part of land shed blood everyday. But when he came here to aid some people, he decided to raise a city like no other before," I narrate. The whiteness of the buildings, the roads, the tall castle in distance relaying the rest of the story.

"He made his impossible dream come true. And only because all his men have the best discipline. The builders made the city in two decades and the soldiers protected it actively against all attacks."

"He is very fond of his only son Rafel, who joined in his father's dream. Prince Rafel excels in diplomacy and business. He managed to make friendly ties from the warring people in prairies to the old cities in distant south. He is the reason people from all parts of the world can live here without conflict."

I turn to face my company. "Do you know this city is designed to house fifteen million people?"

"Fifteen million?" They murmur in astonishment. All the old cities can inhabit only upto two million.

"I know, Great Middle also administers various sectors within and outside," Versia says. "Like production, trading, knowledge, religion and law. The king has designed the city so one day it will maintain connection to the whole world."

"That..." I stare at her, stunned. "How do you know that?"

"I like to read whenever I get the chance."

"In that warzone on the prairie? With a lifestyle like yours?"

She shrugs, but smile proudly.

"One would think you are a scholar from Kitaba," I say and turn to Bavin. "You should establish her as a scholar here. She has a gift for knowing."

"You know a lot too, for a rogue. Why don't you follow your own advice and utilize yourself?" He replies.

Rod winces.

"Your grumpiness and anger don't suit a model figure like you," I reply. "One would think you are wrinkly old man chasing out kids from his garden."

Versia giggles.

We reach the castle's outer walls as Bavin and I go on a verbal bout. The castle is beautiful and white. Made on the north-western side of the city. To keep my secret a little longer I lead them to the side borders.

"You should leave now. Or they'll throw you out," Bavin says.

"Don't worry about me." We ascend the stairs.

Just when a sound of explosion blows in the sky.

Chaos of soldiers follow. They are running around. Bavin and his men are on alert. Versia hides behind her brother. I run further, ignoring his calls.

"Prince Nikelas!" Gavon finds me through his men. "You need to go inside!"

"What's is going on, Gavon?" I demand, my voice completely changed from before. The Iron Brotherhood stops behind me, shocked after hearing the word "prince."

"It's an attack. Prince Rafel's is outside countering them when he heard news of an army advancing. We are using canons on the walls." He explains.

I run further.

Father is out there and the attack is bad enough to shoot canon. More exploding sounds follow. I stumble to a stop against the wall, the conflict has broke out on the other side. I see him. Father on his horse. There are not many of the enemy. Then why the canons.

"Prince Nikelas!" Gavon shouts as he catches up.

I see it. At first I mistake it as a shadow of a human. Then a large beasty creature with long black claws rise high and roars. It moves slicing through men like hot iron.

Father does not back away. A canon is shot in the beast's direction. My ears ring. The two clash. The beast cuts my father's chest and the horse. He drops down.

I scream.