Summershade - The capital city of the Human Kingdom was already in sight. Leodore sighed already starting to miss the outside of the capital. The trip he had taken, as short as it was, had been the most time he was out of the city in a while.
The Prince's duties have been keeping him in the city, he spent most of his days in and around the castle. Many times he daydreamed about taking a long trip to the Free Cities. The young prince always wanted to go there. Ever since Berteram told him stories about the cities where magic is common and the sea washes the shores.
The three Crownguard surrounded the prince in a triangle formation. At the front, leading was Arnet Lionheart, while the other two, rode behind Leodore. The prince was in the middle, surrounded. They told him it's for protection but Leodore wondered if it was in case he decided to run.
"So, Prince boy. Were you out playing hero again with the old man." - Arnet suddenly spoke, the same mocking tone apparent in his voice.
"Perhaps I was. But I see you are out playing knight? Maybe we aren't that different after all." - The Prince shot back, sarcastically.
"Tsk. You should save the talk for the remembrance day duels. If we meet in the arena again, I'm sure you know how it will play out." - Arnet said mockingly laughing.
Leodore's face instantly changed at the mention of remembrance day. The death anniversary of his mother. His father always held a tournament and a feast during her remembrance day. The Prince figured it was his father's way of taking his thoughts off the impact of the day. But even then on the day of the anniversary, he could see the sadness in his father's eyes every time. The only piece left of him that Leodore still respected and that showed that he's still not fully gone.
"What's the matter, cat got your tongue? Shouldn't you be arguing right now? Thought so, boy." - Arnet abruptly chimed in, cutting the silence short.
His words filled Leo with anger, making him lose composure.
"Shouldn't you and your family be abusing those around you, oh and shouldn't you be licking your daddy's boots right now? Maybe he will let you retire and have his castle rather than hogging it for himself as he has for the past 20 years, with no intention of giving it to you or your siblings." - Leodore spat back with venom.
Arnet shot him a stone-cold glare, anger was written on his face. But the prince didn't care anymore, riding past him and towards the castle. He knew that those words hurt Arnet.
Lionheart family was the second most powerful in the Human Kingdom. Having as much influence as the Crownstones. They lived on the edge of the Human kingdom in the second-biggest city. Within a giant fortress castle.
Soon Leodore stood before the enormous castle entrance. After taking a deep breath in he walked inside.
The throne room was vast. Gold and fancy gems decorated every other corner of the room. The throne itself was gold, with red cushioning. It stood mighty at the centre. On it sat Arnald Crownstone, Leodore's father and the king of the Human kingdom. His long blond hair and his thick beard were well kept. His blue eyes stared to the side with intent.
He had a big belly now, from all the drinking and partying Arnald would attend. But even despite that his large stature remained. Wide shoulders and around 196 centimetres tall. He towered over most men, which back in the day earned him a lot of respect because of his legendary strength on the battlefield.
Next to him on a smaller throne sat a man, the Cardinal of Faith. The leader of the Faith himself, Jaspar Terric. His grey eyes were locked on Arnald as they spoke about something in whispers.
Arnald turned his gaze, noticing the young Prince walk in.
"Leodore, I take that Arnet already informed you and that's why you're here?" - He spoke.
"I guess so. Certainly, I'm not here for pleasure or leisure." - Leodore responded coldly.
"Anyways, why was I summoned, especially in a get-up like that, with Crownsguard and all? Seems a bit over the top." - He added.
"See, Leodore. It has come to my attention that you have been neglecting your duties. The Cardinal had asked you for funds and you denied it. Is that true?" - Arnald said, scratching his beard.
"Yes. It is true and for good reason, we cannot allow for any more funds to be wasted. The Kingdom isn't doing particularly well as of right now. But you wouldn't know that, because you don't bother anymore to even try!" - Leodore said, he still felt worked up after his confrontation with Arnet and this had made his blood boil.
"Now, Now! Watch it boy. You are speaking to the King." - The king responded, thudding his fist against the armrest of the throne with authority.
"That is right, young Prince. You should learn to listen to your elders." - Jaspar said nodding.
"Is that so? I'm speaking to a king? I see no king here only remains of a man who used to be king! Mother would be distraught seeing you like this. The state of you." - Every word Leodore spoke was full of hurt, finally saying what he had wanted to for all these years.
The face of Arnald contorted into that of anger. He clenched his fist, slowly turning red.
"Get...Out. Out of my sight!" - He roared, pointing towards the door.
"Wasnt planning on staying here any second more than necessary." - Leodore responded, turning around and storming off, slamming the throne room doors loudly.
Outside Leodore leaned against a pillar, staring at the city life going on in the distance. Trying to catch his breath and regain his composure. Trying to hold back tears he rose to his feet.
"I should visit mother." - He thought to himself.
He walked to the garden, stopping there to look and pick out the most beautiful flowers he could find. Deciding on roses he picked a few, he made way towards the royal cemetery.
Finally reaching the hill behind the city centre, where the cemetery for the royal family was located. He walked up the stairs to the top of the hill. Passing gravestones, he already saw his mother's. It was the biggest one, with a beautiful statue of her.
"I... Came to visit. Your anniversary is tomorrow so it's only fitting. I would love to say things are going great but that wouldn't be true. Times are... tough." - He said with a saddened smile staring at the statue.
He felt dumb talking to himself yet somehow It felt right. He would always come here when he was sad or felt lost. The prince didn't know why but he always felt safe here.
"I... got into a fight with father. He's not himself, I recognize him less and less every time I see him. You would probably chew him out and set him straight. I wish you were still here with us, mom." - Leo spoke, placing the roses on the grave.
"Tomorrow I'll enter the tournament during your remembrance day. I hope I make you proud."
He continued staring at the sky. The sun was slowly setting, night time was slowly approaching. As the prince stood somberly.
.
.
.
"Damn it, they just stole Leodore and ran away. Barely had time to react and they vanished. No respect for the elderly, those guys. Don't they know I'm not as quick as I once was." - Berteram laughed, riding into the city, followed by Mial and Aveline.
The group barely had time to react after Leodore and the Crownguard left. So after taking care of the business at the estate of Rean Tyrequin, they followed them but it was much too late to catch up. One of Rean's guards rode with them, alongside a tied up Tyrequin.
"Anyways. If you find Leodore tell him that I had business to take care of also I leave Rean in your care. Try not to murder him before his trial, Aveline." - Singlestrike said smiling.
"I have an errand of sorts to run in the Great Library. I trust you Mial and Aveline with all of the rest." - He said turning his horse to the side, taking a different path.
"It will be done, sir. You can rest assured." - Mial responded.
"Yes, yes. But why was I the one mentioned while referencing this guys death." - Aveline chuckled.
"Mainly because of your attitude miss. And I mean that in the best way possible." - Berteram said smiling before riding away.
...
The Great Library looked magnificent. Berteram always thought it was one of the most fascinating sights in Acoptia. It stood almost as tall as the castle. Holding millions of books inside.
He hopped off his horse looking up at the building. Before opening the main doors and entering. The interior was just as breathtaking as the outside. The walls were lined with books, with floors to get to your desired books.
At the front desk sat a middleaged woman, the receptionist, she was looking down at what appeared to be a logbook.
"Sir, we are closing for the da-" - Her thoughts got cut off as she looked up.
"Oh, it's you Sir Singlestrike. Be our guest then." - She said smiling.
"I hope I'm not intruding too much. Just need a calm place and a book and a feather with some ink and paper. Gonna send a letter." - He said shooting a smile back.
"That will be alright. You are welcome anytime sir." - She said handing him a feather and some ink along with a paper.
"Thank you honey."
Berteram walked into the library itself, before stopping in the doorway and turning around.
"Is the old man here? It's been a moment since I've last seen him." - He added.
"Ah yes, Lord Ingram is in and about."
Berteram nodded and continued in, taking the spiral stairs. Leading into the second floor, where he sat at one of the thousands of desks littering the place.
"It is good to see you here, Sir." - Ingram spoke behind him.
Berteram looked back, smiling as he stood up from his chair and shaking Ingram's hand.
Ingram, the legendary owner of the Great Library and the last Wizard in Acoptia. The oldest mage above even the grandmage in experience and status of a legend. Those who obtained the title of Wizard did so centuries ago.
Known for their ability to cast even the most legendary and famed 10th circle spells. The most powerful and frightening powers. And Ingram was the last one alive himself. At around 800 years old, far surpassing a normal humans lifespan.
He was dressed in a long white cloak, with a big white wizard hat resting his long grey hair. His beard, just as grey, reached his stomach. The legends and myths surrounding Ingram the Wizard were filled with mysteries and were mentioned in hundreds of books. Many of which inspired Berteram and made him who he is today.
His favourite stories involving the Wizard were those involving the great knight Remont "The Sword of Acoptia" Riverflow. A legendary knight and warrior, considered the most powerful and well known knight in Acoptia's history and Berterams role model.
"No, the pleasure's mine, my good sir. How are things holding up here?" - Berteram responded with a big smile on his face.
"It has been as It has always been. I am more concerned about the outside... I am sure you know what I speak of Sir Singlestrike." - He said with a serious expression.
Singlestrike nodded, his smile disappearing.
"Do you think it's truly back?" - Singlestrike spoke slowly and intensely.
"I fear It is undeniable now, only a fool would try to dispute it." - Ingram answered, his famed wooden staff in his hand as he turned around.
"I shall leave you be now Sir Singlestrike. Keep safe, Acoptia will need you. Farewell."
"Goodbye, sir." - Berteram sat back down, deep in thought.
Before pulling the piece of paper closer and started writing a letter. After a moment it was done as he wrote - "To Tower of Hope , Jacques the Uncrowned King." before sealing it with wax, heading towards the carrier pigeons.