After discussing some of the finer details of Ulrich's trip, the Council decided to hold off on any punishments for the destruction of Sastin. The next matter was a bit more complicated. Ulrich now had to tell the citizens of Camelot what was coming. He decided to wait for a week before telling them. During that time, he decided to enjoy the peaceful days that were still in Camelot. Even he wasn't sure how the citizens would react, he was afraid that Camelot would fall into a state of panic. Ulrich sighed and headed to the throne room. He had been gone for a long time, and while the Council was able to handle most of the business in his place. He knew that the people had come to see him, that the king was a symbol of strength to them. When he entered the throne room, he was surprised at the sight of a smaller throne beside his. He looked around and noticed fur decorations scattered around the room. Even the two thrones had furs on them, it made it seem like a hunter's throne. For some reason, the furs added a regal feeling and look to the throne and the room.
"Oh, hello brother! I have been redecorating your throne room. I hope you don't mind." Alicia appeared from behind a pillar. She was dressed in an ornate white dress which contrasted her usual furs and leather. Ulrich took another look around the throne room and noticed some other decorations that had been placed around. Notably, skulls of many different magical beasts, including a Fenrir's.
"No, of course I don't mind, some warning would have been nice though." Ulrich walked up to the Fenrir's skull before placing a hand on it. He let out a short sigh, "Did you get this one out of my storage room?" Alicia then stopped in place, knowing that she wasn't allowed in there.
"Well, I did take a peek, but I only saw that skull. I wondered why you wouldn't display such a trophy here in the throne room. After all, not many are able to see, or even kill, a Fenrir." She let out a forced laugh. When she saw the wolf skull in her brother's storage room, her love of hunting led to her quickly grabbing it. The skull itself was the size of her body. How she managed to transfer it to the throne room by herself, puzzled Ulrich.
"Well, ask next time. As for why it was in storage, well, the same reason that cloak on my throne was in there too." Ulrich just happened to notice it when he was speaking. The fur cloak on his throne was made by using the hide and fur of the Fenrir. It was all black fur, even the neckline and hood, however, in the middle of the cloak was a white crescent moon symbol. The crescent moon also had an arrow piercing through it. It was that symbol that made Alicia bring the cloak out as well. "They're just relics from my past that I had forgotten about". Alicia's eyes lit up with happiness.
"Oh, that cloak was draped over the skull. I noticed the strange design and thought there was a story behind it. I mean, that cloak was made using the Fenrir's materials correct?" Ulrich simply sighed and nodded. "I knew it! So, are you going to tell me the story behind the two objects?" Alicia had a big smile on her face. Ulrich smirked at the sight and walked up to his sister. He patted her on the head.
"Maybe some other time, little sister." Alicia made a pouty face at his reply. It was obvious that she wouldn't give up on the story. Ulrich smiled and made his way to his room to replace his bloodied and damaged armor. Before he made it to the hallway, Alicia ran up to him.
"Fine, but you have to at least wear it from now on! With what is going on right now, I think this will make you look way more regal than you usually look. Who knows, maybe you'll actually start to look like a king." Ulrich looked over his shoulder at Alicia, who was wearing a mischievous smile and holding the cloak in her arms. He grabbed it from her arms and continued. "I'll be waiting for you when your done. You still have kingly duties to attend to!" Ulrich finally made it to his room. He decided to take a bath and wash off any dirt or blood that remained on his body. He looked into a nearby mirror, he noticed his now medium length hair. His facial hair was now that of a small beard. He quickly washed himself and changed into new clothes and armor, including his blue surcoat. He looked at the crescent moon cloak on his bed and decided to wear it, at least for his sister's sake.
Ulrich returned to the throne room in his new armor and new black cloak. He noticed some braziers lit up, along with many different flowers from Ulrich's garden lining the halls in pots. It seemed that Alicia had left, causing Ulrich to sigh a breath of relief. She had planted many of Ulrich's favorite flowers, Lilacs, roses; specifically purple ones, and some black lilies that Leanna brought back with her on one of her expeditions. He smiled at the sight of the flowers that he had gathered in his garden. Before Ulrich could relax, Sir Barric entered the throne room. "I apologize for intruding the Princess's redecoration, however, I have come to inform you that a strange man has requested an audience with you." Barric paused for a moment, taking note of the black cloak that the King was now wearing. Alicia then walked into the room as Ulrich began to speak.
"Stay on alert, it could be someone from the other kingdoms. I will meet with the man, send him in." Barric quickly bowed before leaving. Alicia looked at Ulrich with a worried expression. "Don't worry, it's probably just a messenger or something. Now that I'm here, I have to hear what they have to say."
"Well, if you say so. However, I am going to stay with you until you are done, just in case."
"Actually, I want you to inform the Council of this visitor. While his intentions are unknown, I want to make sure that we are prepared to stop any aggression from any outside entities. Can you do that for me? After, you can come back." Alicia looked down dejected, but nodded in compliance. She looked at her brother and smiled at the fact that he was wearing the black cloak. She quickly made her way out of the throne room to inform the others. Ulrich put on his crown and took a seat in his newly decorated throne. A few minutes passed before the doors of the throne room opened. A man wearing a black robe walked through the door. All his features were hidden, except for his mouth. He gave off a dark and sinister feeling. He walked to the middle of the room before stopping. The corners of his mouth curled up before he began to speak.
"King Ulrich Pendragon, it is such an honor to meet someone of such renown as you. It has been a very long time since someone has been able to peak my interest as you have." The man reached into his robe, causing Ulrich to move his hand towards Excalibur, which was situated next to the throne. "Oh, no need to be so defensive, I simply wish to offer this to you." The man then pulled out an apple, his smile seeming to grow sinister.
"Well, forgive me for being defensive against a stranger who does not reveal himself. I do appreciate the gesture, however, I can't afford to take a bite of an apple that may be poisoned." Ulrich's eyes narrowed. This man was not ordinary, Ulrich had let out a small amount of his power when he entered, but he remained unaffected. The strange man then let out a laugh that sounded like a hyena.
"Don't be ridiculous King Ulrich, why would I try to poison you of all people? I am your number one fan after all." The man took a look around the room, taking note of all of the decorations. Ulrich smirked at the statement.
"Do I know you stranger?"
"No, but I know you. King at 14 years of age, a prodigy before that. Yet, even though the crown was given to you, you had no desire for it. No, you were content with being a knight who served his sister." Ulrich reached his hand closer to the handle of his sword. His brows furrowed. "You were able to win support through many successful missions and even suggested many great reforms. Yet, you seem to keep some of your greatest achievements locked away for none to hear. Do you not desire fame and power?"
"You do seem well informed, however, my achievements have always been out in the open for all. As for fame and power, what use is all of that when one is dead? I'd prefer to be able to leave behind something that will allow my people to live happy lives, free from harm. So, my achievements, as you call them, were never done for fame or power. As for my lack of desire for the crown, that's always been apparent and I voiced that during my coronation." The man's smile seemed to grow even more, even looking inhuman.
"Yes, yes, you do have a great love for you kingdom and your lack of desire made you seem very noble. However, couldn't that all be because of how you were brought up? I will not mention your family, but I do believe that your values were learned at a very early age. You don't desire power, wealth, or glory. You simply want to allow any who come to you, to live a full and peaceful life. However, that isn't the whole truth is it? You have that darkness inside of you, the same darkness that lies within all mankind. In fact, your current relatives all share that darkness, a brutal and bloodthirsty curse that lies in the dark corners of your heart. Hmm, shall we use the city of Sastin as an example of that darkness?"
"Choose your next words carefully stranger. You may speak about me, but you do not speak of my family members. As for this darkness you claim we share, you seem to have forgotten that my sister has never once shown any affection for violence. Also, if you know about that city, then I guess that you must have been able to see what happened there. So, you know that my actions there were justified. Even if they weren't justified, who are you to make me justify them? The darkness you speak of had nothing to do with that situation" Ulrich's eyes began to glow slightly.
"There it is, that look. That's the side that I was talking about. As for Sastin, well, I was very close by. It was very impressive that you managed to overcome such odds. I don't believe a man should justify himself for murdering an entire city of thralls. What I found interesting, was what caused such a massacre. Those emotions of yours are what I find really interesting. A deep love for your family. The same love that your sister shares, yet, as you said, she doesn't have the same affinity for violence that you or the others have. She truly is deserving of the title saint. You on the other hand, well, I can see your a man who doesn't mind allowing his emotions to run wild." The man then threw the apple at Ulrich, who responded by catching it in his off hand. His hand then completely wrapped itself around the grip of his sword.
"What are you trying to accomplish here? None of what you say has any importance. My emotions, my sister being a saint, and even mentioning my relatives and Sastin. The past belongs where it is, in the past. It has no relevance, especially between the two of us." The man quickly interjected.
"That is where you are wrong King Ulrich. You see, I have kept my eye on you for a while. To kill a god is nothing a normal person can accomplish, not even one as skilled as you. Yet, you were able to use your emotions to break through the barrier that many cannot overcome. Those emotions allowed you to use some hidden divine power. Of course, that is one of the few ways you can use it, especially at your level. What interests me, is your lack of emotion over your actions." Ulrich stood from his throne, his sword in hand.
"I have no reason to reflect on destroying a city that had no remaining humans left in it. Any travelers that ventured there would have been killed and used as experiments. Only monsters remained in Sastin. As I mentioned, none of that is of importance. What is important, is that no one knows that I battled a god. There was no evidence tying me to that place. The only people that have any knowledge of that, are the Council and the gods themselves, considering they have people that watch the events of the world. Which would make you some kind of deity or heavenly being." The man's smile quickly disappeared, replaced with a hateful frown.
"Don't compare me with those pretenders. I already told you that I know all about what happened there. I know a great many things. Such as the story behind that cloak you're wearing." The man then smiled once again, "Hero of the Moonli..." Ulrich then quickly appeared in front of the man, his sword at his throat.
"Another word about that and I will end you. I know that you weren't there for that, so tell me, why you're here and who are you?" The man's smile never faded, instead it grew twisted and even more large.
"Who am I? Who are you? Tell me, why do you have such a burden on your heart? Why carry around all that guilt? You seem to hate yourself for many reasons that seem to be very illogical. I know about your fear of becoming a monster, the fear of losing those you love, and even the fear of the fairy forest." Ulrich then sliced through the man's neck and ended up behind him. His aura was violently radiating around him. "There it is! I wondered how long it would take to make you lose your temper." Ulrich's eyes widened as he looked behind and saw the man intact. Ulrich then proceeded to throw multiple slashes and stabs at the man, who stood unfazed. Ulrich's sword then shined brightly, before revealing his black katana. "Oh? Resorting to a sword from my side of the river?"
"What are you and what do you want? Tell me, before I begin to purify this whole city with all of the power of the church and saints." The man simply walked up to Ulrich before pricking his finger on Ulrich's sword.
"I'll tell you, but put that sword away, it'd be a shame if you hurt yourself with such a bloodthirsty weapon. As for your little bluff, I know you won't, while some of your inhabitants may not be demonic, that holy power still does a number on them. You wouldn't risk such a maneuver if it meant harming those who trust you." Ulrich gritted his teeth before returning Excalibur to it's original form. "That's better, it's always better to be diplomatic in all things, well, most things. I am someone who wants to help you out King Ulrich, I know about the future war that you will be facing." Ulrich quickly sheathed Excalibur and grabbed the man's throat with his hands. Unlike the sword, his hands were able to make contact.
"You claim you want to help, but you can't hide that demonic aura from me. I know all about the demons rising from hell. I'd even bet that the underworld isn't to happy about your kind making visits to the living world. So, why should I listen to someone who is about to be in trouble with the rulers of the underworld." The man sneered at Ulrich's comment, suddenly, Ulrich was pushed back with great force. Ulrich barely managed to keep his footing. He looked at the man and his eyes widened in shock at the sight before him. Six black, charred wings emerged from behind the stranger's back.
"The whole of hell and the underworld bow down to me, King Ulrich Pendragon! I am the one who rules the afterlife. You should count yourself lucky that I am such a fan of yours." The man then began to walk towards Ulrich. "You see Ulrich, I have found you very interesting, ever since you decided to challenge the heavens. None have been able to accomplish such a feat, but I feel that you may be able to do so. I am here because I don't want your kingdom to suffer an early defeat at the hands of mere mortals. You see, I have come upon some news that would be beneficial for you to hear." Ulrich's eyes narrowed once again, the man's voice was sincere. The king of lies telling the truth would be very uncharacteristic, however, he could be telling a truth with an ulterior motive.
"Alright, I'll listen to what you have to say. You are the King of Lies, so I will be keeping that in mind. Be quick about it, I'd rather my sister not know that I am listening to you." Ulrich gritted his teeth and walked back and sat in his throne.
"Good answer King Ulrich. The news I have to share is that, next year, you will be attacked by the Holy Empire and Western Federation. The gods they serve have already commanded them to attack Camelot. Just know that I'm telling you all this because I want you stand a fighting chance in the battle that comes after. I also wanted to inform you, you won't be able to count on me like this again. The demons that have been appearing are being led by the archdukes of hell. I have no control over the situation as it is. They plan on teaming up with the gods to destroy you. This whole continent will become embroiled in war zones the longer the gods and demons roam the Earth. Personally, I prefer watching you humans dig your own graves, which is the reason I come to you now. This farce of theirs will ruin my fun." He turned and was then enveloped by his black wings, "The next time we meet, I hope that you will greet me as a friend and use my true name, Lucifer." A laugh was heard as a black smog rose up from the ground underneath Lucifer. When it dispersed, all that remained was six black, charred feathers.
Ulrich didn't react to Lucifer's words. He just sat on his throne with his head hanging down. Two years would have given him time to prepare proper defenses against the gods. Now, he had a year to prepare for a war against two different armies and then another year to prepare for two more armies, who were exponentially stronger than any army that humans could conjure. None of it made any sense. Why the gods would make a big deal out of one petty god. He also couldn't understand why the demons would choose to ally themselves with their mortal enemies. A fire was beginning to well up from deep inside of Ulrich, an uncontrollable flame of rage and hate. The benevolent gods who watched over Camelot offered no assistance or warning, only Lucifer, the King of Hell offered him any kind of assistance. If he could drain the divinity from his body, he would have done it in that moment.
Ulrich began to think that the gods really didn't care about humans. It was evident that they only cared about their own petty squabbles and the prophecy that declared they would battle the forces of the underworld. Instead of caring about humanity, they choose to ally with their mortal enemies to wipe out any humans who may try to stand in the way of their war. Camelot would be one of the few kingdoms that would intervene in the case of human casualties. That is the only reason Ulrich could think of that they would wipe them out first. It felt as if he was missing something. He looked at Excalibur, it was still incomplete. His ancestor Leon was said to have prophetic visions, if that was the case, then what was he thinking when he destroyed Excalibur and sent all the pieces across the continent. Many questions were left unanswered, yet, Ulrich refused to bow down to the whims of the gods. "Alright, if a war is what the gods want, then I will give them a war that they will regret." Just as Ulrich began to stand, Alicia walked back in.
"Oh, brother, I informed the Council about what you said." She saw the look in her brothers eyes, they were filled with the same rage as in Sastin. Whatever the stranger said to him, she knew that it wasn't good. "Brother, are you okay? You don't seem..." Ulrich cut off Alicia with a cold voice.
"Alicia, tell Saint Elizabeth to offer no explanation to the gods about my next actions. If they wish to intervene, they will become my enemies. I refuse to allow anyone to bring any harm to my people. Tell her to tell the gods this, in two years, their kind will initiate a war against Camelot. When that time comes, they must choose to take a stance. Either they stand on the side of humanity or they side with the ones who choose to ally with demons. I also want you to go back and tell the Council to round up everyone in Camelot, I will be making an announcement today as the sun sets." Ulrich grabbed Excalibur and turned to walk to his garden, Alicia was shocked at what her brother had just said. She ran up to Ulrich and hugged him from behind.
"Brother, what is wrong? Why are you telling me to do this? I understand that our people are our prime concern, but to risk angering the deities who offer us our blessing to use magic, it seems shortsighted." Ulrich turned his head and looked at Alicia, what she saw chilled her to her bones. His eyes were black, like Leanna's when she becomes enraged. Blue magic aura seemed to be leaking out of the sides of his eyes as well, giving them an ominous feel.
"If I anger them, tell Elizabeth to say I told them to come to me personally if they have a problem with it. Until they prove they love humanity, I consider them enemies. From this day forward, humanity will step forward into a new age. One where we forge our own destinies, because I refuse to allow them to dictate such things for us. The sisters of fate that reside in the underworld, I will be paying them a visit soon." Alicia then let go of her brother, she began to tremble. Ulrich never spoke to her in such a cold fashion before. Whatever he was told, it has made him into a man of war. A tear fell from her cheek before she clenched her fists in resolve. If her brother was going to go down a path of blood and war, then she decided it was up to her to help him retain his identity as the loving and benevolent king and brother everyone adored. Ulrich continued walking until she could no longer see him. The last thing she saw was the insignia on Ulrich's cloak. She turned and began to make her way to tell the Council members of Ulrich's words.
Elsewhere, Maria and Leanna were walking along the marble streets of Camelot. "Leanna, I have always wanted to ask you something." Leanna smiled at Maria as she made her way into a small tavern. The two then sat down at a far away table. The few patrons in the tavern made their way to their table and all gave them their respects and thanked them for their protection. After the people left, Maria continued, "Well, I know about the traits of the fairy people and have always wondered something. Your silvery blonde hair, Nina's brown hair with silver streaks, and even the King and Princess's love of their garden and nature itself, even Nina's druid abilities. Correct me if I'm wrong, but those all seem to be traits associated with the fairy race. Normally, love of one's garden isn't something uncommon, but the two of them seem to go there for meditation and recuperation. Could you explain why they seem to be in line with the fairy race?" Leanna once again smiled at Maria, she took a deep breath before taking a drink of some ale she had ordered.
"Yes, well the answer is actually very simple Maria. The royal bloodline has a history of marryin' fairies and havin' kids with 'em. Some legitimate and some illegitimate, even the illegitimate were taken into the royal family as legit heirs, meanin' it only strengthened the fairy lineage. To put it very simply, all members of the royal bloodline have fairy blood runnin' through their veins." Maria seemed a bit shocked at Leanna's words, "Traits'll emerge randomly, even if both parents are human. Once a family has fairy blood, it'll emerge throughout the generations of that family. Hence, my grayish blue eyes and silvery blonde hair, Ulrich and Alicia's love of nature and huntin', and Nina's abilities as a druid along with the silver streaks in her hair. In fact, I would say Ulrich and Alicia have a connection with nature like Nina, though they're unable to control it like she can. When you mentioned Ulrich had silver eyes when he was rampagin', I was a bit perplexed. Normally, it's impossible for such a thing to happen. I thought that the Queen of the Fairy Forest would be able to answer why that happened, but Ulrich probably won't enter that place ever again." Leanna took a big swig from her ale until it was empty. Maria sighed and was about to ask about the Fairy Forest, until Alicia ran into the tavern. Maria quickly stood and bowed to the Princess. Alicia quickly spoke, as if she had no time left to speak.
"My brother is about to make a speech to Camelot, he asked me to tell all members of the Council to inform the populace that it will take place as the sun sets. I have already informed everyone else, you two were the last ones on the list. I suggest we hurry and inform the populace, all three of us need to see to him, I fear that something has happened that may have changed his view on everything. He said that he is going to pay a visit to the three fates in the underworld." Maria and Leanna looked each other in the eyes with shocked expressions. They quickly ran out the door while tossing the bar keep a few gold coins. They then stopped outside of the building. "Maria, go to the market and inform all the people there. Leanna, I want you to head to the outer districts and inform the citizens there. We will be gathering in the city square and the rooftops. All the businesses and building owners have all been informed already. I will be heading to the farmlands to inform them. Let's get it done." Maria bowed before quickly running off to her assignment. Leanna grabbed Alicia's shoulder before she was able to leave.
"Does this have anythin' to do with the stranger that came to see cousin Ulrich?" Alicia looked in Leanna's eyes, Leanna could tell by her eyes that Alicia was incredibly worried about her brother. "I see, then let's sprint this and go see him when we are done. Whatever happens and whatever his speech is, we need to let him know we'll stick by him." Leanna gave Alicia a hug before putting her hand on her shoulder. "When you go see the farmlands, you need to be the Princess they all love, it'll bring 'em some peace of mind." Alicia was able to smile, despite her eyes being red from her tears. She quickly wiped her face with her hand and steeled herself. Leanna then smiled and quickly ran through the street to her destination. Alicia took a deep breath and looked back at the castle.
"Okay big brother, guide us into the new age. An age of humanity forging its' own destiny."