Wendell
As the two slowly approach the enemy soldiers before them, for a split second, the prince almost has second thoughts. His heart is racing with clammy hands uncertain just how this scenario will play out. Although shockingly enough, Oliver's presence does soothe his nerves a little bit. He would have been far more anxious going about this scheme by himself.
All of the knights are unconscious on the ground but the lack of red implies they aren't dead. Only one explanation can explain this resembling a certain incident at the castle.
This must be the work of Lorenzo's sleeping gases...
He knocked out the ones stationed at the front gate for easy access into the kingdom. It'll take time for the other soldiers to assemble and march out together--even without Margaret's distract, so it's good he gained the courage to face his foe there and now. The man of interest stands just a mere few feet awaze from him.
"Where are your men, Prince Wendell? I plan to have this second battle between our kingdoms be the final one. Don't complicate things and make your people endure more suffering," Henry voices, and his deep tone causes a shiver to run down the younger's spine. The king has dark wavy brunette hair which is mostly tied back, excluding some wild bangs. His light armor over such a muscular body is simply for show, and Henry's scowl is hidden underneath the oddly colored cloth mask. It must be some sort of protection for the gasses they will unleash against his people, if this plan doesn't succeed.
"I...I wanted to converse with you about the real origin of this war. That's why I humbly ask you to cross blades with me and my comrade in a simple duel. Us winning will require you to heed what all I have to say, but if we succumb to defeat, I surrender my kingdom over to you."
Wendell tries his best not to stutter as he speaks but gets his point across plain and clear. The last part is an absolute fib though hopefully, he talked bold enough for him to buy such a grand lie. His entire strategy rests upon Henry's agreement to these terms.
"He's bluffing, Your Majesty! No way does this mere boy have that kind of authority. He only wants us to turn back today because they're low on military might. Then later teaming with Quincy as the rumors have said, they'll attack when we least expect it!" Lorenzo sneers, his cold gray eyes staring down from on top of the mount as if he's beneath him. The prince has never seen the alchemist once until now, yet his hunched back and high collar cloak is almost exactly how he visualized him.
"I believe we should allow our rulers to discuss this on their own. Surely someone who takes charge of a country as large as Khisenfire doesn't need your input," Oliver retorts, the old man exhaling deeply but not another word leaves his mouth. Wendell shoots him an appreciative smile and then looks to Henry for his answer to the proposal.
Their adversary's whole mood has changed drastically from moments ago. A softer expression has taken over as if his stern attitude was an intimidation tactic. The king steps off of his horse approaching the two while fellow men watch curiously at Henry's next move.
"I too prefer to resolve this conflict with as little loss as possible. Just because we saw King Gus for his true nature doesn't mean we should make assumptions about his son. This duel is reasonable to me."
"If that's what you've firmly decided, not one of us can speak against your verdict. However, I find it unfair these boys are facing off against you together. You must also be allowed to have a soldier participate to truly make this battle equal," Lorenzo suggests, and if anything he's the one trying to weigh the outcome in his favor.
"No do offense, but your king is twice our age, and has more combat experience than both of us combined. Including the touch of armor, without my ally, I would be at an extreme disadvantage. A rising war hero as himself should be able to handle these odds."
Wendell's blue eyes hold an icy glow egging him to say further in protest, and Lorenzo's lips are pursed returning the disdainful look.
"The kid does make a valid point. To keep this balanced, he should be allowed to have some aid. Now, what are the rules for this duel you're proposing?"
"It's quite straightforward really. For starters, your alchemist is by no means able to use his potions during the duration of this battle," Wendell firstly states, the old man snorting as if he finds some sort of amusement in this reasonable order. "Victory is claimed by either unarming your opponent to leave them defenseless, exhaustion to the degree they're forfeiting, or performing a blow that in normal circumstances would be fatal. Naturally, both Oliver and I will need to be defeated to count this as a win for you."
King Henry remains silent as the prince covers their conditions and once he is done then readies his blade. This simple action is all the confirmation to require that the sparring match has been approved. The three brace themselves for the coming fight, and Wendell utters a prayer that they triumph in this face-off.
"Let us fight honorably then, unlike times past against your father, and whoever loses accepts their failure with no complaints."
With these few words, Henry dashes right toward him before he can hardly get a chance to block. These devastating blows are tough to evade and the praise for his skills are much deserved. Even while they strike in unison, he still manages to deflect both of their attacks.
If battles solely depended on someone's power, then this fight would've been sealed prior to taking that first swing. Nonetheless, brute strength is only half of the equation with clever strategy and teamwork making up the second portion. They previously discussed what plan to execute against him on the trip there. It'll be fairly similar to the intermediate class test, though this time around their roles will be reversed.
Although fighting them both, Henry mostly seems intent on eliminating himself first, which is just what he anticipated. The prince needs patience for the precise moment so it won't appear unnatural to their spectators. After the king does another powerful thrust, Wendell tumbles across the ground coming to a complete stop. That attack did sting a bit--not able to avoid getting scratched--but still not quite to the extent he will be acting like. The ash-blonde weakly tries to stand back on his feet, however, he receives a hard faceplant in the dirt at each attempt.
"Wendell!" Oliver anxiously shouts all according to the script, and the old man laughs aloud at his apparent failure.
"The prince can no longer fight and he's unable to even get off the ground. Why don't you just surrender and save us all our time? You don't stand a chance against His Majesty on your own," Lorenzo sneers, though Oliver ignores this, staying focused on the individual in front of him.
"I...refuse to give up no matter what! I must keep fighting for Calestra's sake!"
The two swords loudly clash as the prince carefully observes their movements. Both low on energy and battered, Oliver won't hold out long taking Henry by himself. There's not to be an ounce of reluctance when he goes for that finishing strike.
I can do this. Just wait until his back is fully turned and move without any hesitation. It's our only opportunity to bring forth this victory!
The minute their opponent's back is aimed directly at him, the prince leaps to his feet revealing his possum technique. Oliver's sword just gets knocked out of his grasp, and still airborne a sudden jab slides right between Henry's armpit. The alchemist wasn't aware to warn him fast enough as he slowly glanced behind in pure disbelief. One small gap in the breastplate Wendell drove this blade, and a notch to the left would've gone straight through his heart.
Never has a large number of people been so shocked as the soldiers' whispers with their mouths agape at the turn of tables. The prince slowly removes his blade before taking a step back, and releases a relieved sigh he didn't realize he was holding in. Oliver reclaims his sword while they exchange small smiles of satisfaction, but Lorenzo hurries off his mount to the baffled ruler's aid.
"What a dirty trick you just pulled! Like father like son I see. You probably had that plan up your sleeve since the very beginning!"
"Perhaps, but who doesn't strategize before the battle? The most basic principle during combat is to never turn back on your opponent, unless for certain they're down for good. Now that we've claimed victory you're to listen to what it is I have to say," Wendell reminds, the older man's head dropped low in shame.
"I can't believe I was outwitted by two novice boys... Given you did win, I will hold to my end of the agreement. Besides, I'm curious what you meant about the true cause of this war. Regardless of whether you were told this or not, your father planned to launch a surprise attack against my kingdom. Three noblemen were so revolted by his scheme, they traveled all the way to Khisenfire to notify me of his wickedness," Henry responds, this being the first fib he needs to clear up.
"Those men weren't nobles at all but homeless residents of Rainswood. The three were promised to be taken out of the slums, if they only gave you false information about my father. It was all instructed by your court alchemist you place so much trust in," Wendell corrects, which causes the old man's face to run deathly pale.
"He's spewing lies, Your Majesty! I now understand what the point of this battle was! His actual goals are to pin us against each other because we're a powerful duo! Don't put up with his foolish talk."
His dramatic outburst simply confirms how guilty Lorenzo is. Anger courses through Wendell's veins, glaring down the actual culprit that started this revolt is a mere arm's length. Despite that, he must keep his emotions under control and remember the purpose of their efforts.
This is to make a truce with Henry and distinguish the flames of war between our kingdoms.
Henry's eyes narrow at this revelation, and the prince can already tell he won't be convinced without proof. "Wherever you received this information, it must be false. I've known Lorenzo for several years, and he has never once acted so treacherously. You just don't want to acknowledge your father's dark heart."
"I am a tad perplexed on why Lorenzo seems this defensive. If he claims what I'm saying is a pitiful attempt to draw a wedge between you, then by all means please state your argument," Wendell taunts with a bit more confidence, firming his once quieter voice. "Though I only ask you to hold your eager tongue until I've shared my full piece. Those were the terms Henry and I agreed upon."
Lorenzo almost looks as if he's about to object again yet remains tight-lipped after Henry approves the matter. With that settled, the alchemist cracks his wrinkly hands with a hint of anxiety hidden inside his twitching eyes.
"Now about the men, two are currently being held in our castle's dungeon. You could come to hear them confess this themselves, but I have something else to show you. This here is the declaration of war letter you supposedly sent to us weeks before. Tell me, is this your handwriting?"
Wendell pulls out a folded letter and hands it to the older gentleman. Opening it up, Henry scans through the writing and his frown deepens the further he reads on. Likewise, his alchemist takes a peek which results in an inhale that doesn't go unnoticed.
"This isn't the letter I wrote to King Gus. I would've never proclaimed war without offering the chance to sort through the issue. I had asked your father was their testimony the truth, and even suggested that the two of us resolve this in person."
"Whatever letter you speak of, we did not receive. Even my father sent a word of apologies for the confusion, and he wished that you could hash things over free of violence. My suspicions are that Lorenzo tampered with the letters to instigate a war between you." Wendell glances at the hunched man who viciously shakes his head, still unwilling to confess.
"I-I would never betray the trust of His Majesty! I say the prince forged this letter himself!"
"Then what was with the reaction when you saw this little note? Besides, I thought you were instructed to remain mute in order for him to finish speaking," Oliver reminds, but Henry faces his alchemist with a chilling aura surrounding him.
"What is the meaning of this, Lorenzo? Even the harsh reply I had gotten was nothing like what this boy is saying his father wrote. Rumors have spread amongst the ranks about you operating without my knowledge. I had taken it to be foolish talk..."
Lorenzo can't utter one syllable at this point and it's time he gives his closing note of information.
"Lastly, my mother knew the sloppy castle attack was not planned by you. Because those men used sleep options like on these knights with his alchemy, I conquered he had ordered that himself." Their roles are swapped now with the ash-blonde looking down on the scum trembling at his feet. "So, why exactly are you out for my family's lives, Lorenzo?"
Everyone's attention is pinned on him while the old man's body begins to violently shake--a manic laughter escaping his lips. The front he was putting up suddenly vanishes, Henry most alarmed at his subordinate's flip of behavior. Lorenzo gives a slow mocking clap as if to applaud a job well done.
"Yes, Prince Wendell, everything you said is the truth. From the miscommunication between the kings to paying those bums to do my bidding. All of my efforts were for the prosperity of Khisenfire," he proudly admits, Henry shuddering at his confession.
"T-The trade products that went missing from Nirene were by your hand as well? I cut down their entire royal family thinking they had put my lower-class residents at risk. In reality, you were the one who meddled with our shipments..."
If Wendell recalls correctly, Nirene was the nation they fought before going to war against their kingdom.
"Indeed it was, Your Majesty. After taking control of their land, Khisenfire expanded to an even greater distance." Lorenzo throws his hands into the air, dull eyes glinting with excitement at the vast kingdom ahead of them. "Now Calestra is next on the list to snatch for ourselves!"
He speaks like a madman and there is clearly not a hint of remorse for his actions. If anything, Lorenzo boasts like he should be praised, and Wendell can't be any more sickened by the sight. So many innocents perished as a result of his selfish ambitions.
"My father's death is solely on your filthy hands." The prince seethes to which his foe gives a cruel smile.
"Well, consider it charity. I gave the option for the rest of your loved ones to surrender."
Once those words leave his mouth, a large sword is aimed right against his throat. Henry's initial shock has passed over with a burning rage that can be felt. Though not a drop of sweat surfaces on his wrinkled skin at the fact he can be killed at any minute.
"You manipulated me like a puppet and even had some of my men help your twisted ideas! My hands are stained with the blood of completely blameless people! Name one good reason why I shouldn't strike you down where you stand?!"
"Well, I was doing this so Khisenfire would finally flourish with us at the center of it. You have much power at your disposal between riches, honor, trained soldiers, and knights, including aid from my science to top it off."
There's a sick glint in the old man's eyes as he rambles on like this greedy pursuit is what's keeping him alive.
"There's nothing in this world you couldn't claim for yourself, yet you settle with the little which had been granted to you. You're someone who can thrive and conquer whatever kingdom is pleasing to your heart! I was forced to do rather...dishonorable schemes since you wouldn't have been encouraged to fight otherwise."
Henry doesn't give any verbal response for or against his absurd reasoning. His sword drops to the ground with a loud clunk, and it must be difficult for him to accept that this is Lorenzo's true nature. A genius ally--and possibly a friend--who just cares about gaining power with no regard for the lives lost to obtain it.
"Your objectives are nothing remotely similar to mine. I've always felt blessed with what I received counting my relatives, people, and the land which I rule. This world domination nonsense that you babble is of no importance to me," Henry clarifies, and he can tell the king speaks directly from the soul.
"...I am disappointed in your answer but that's why I wished to tell you on a later date, if it wasn't for this meddlesome child. Nevertheless, you will one day shake away these shackles of guilt from slaying the weak and rise to your utmost potential. Until your kind spirit can accept your fate, I will be the arm which strikes the obstacles in our path!"
The next action happens so fast that neither Wendell nor Oliver has a chance to react. Some thick yellow gas envelops the boys which Lorenzo quickly had thrown from his back pocket. Just inhaling a squig and it's too late to hold his breath as the potion is already at work. Unlike the sleep drug used to induce an immediate slumber, this has his whole body feeling numb. No matter how hard the prince tries, he cannot move a muscle, and his father's sword slips affecting his grip too. Worried about Oliver, he attempts to shout his name, but even the ability to use his vocal cords has been robbed of him.
Footsteps rush toward Wendell though he can barely see anything through the heavy smoke. A familiar shadow moves in his direction making one terrible outcome for certain now. Lorenzo aims to kill him right there and he has absolutely no way to defend or escape.
So this is it then? I'm sorry I'll be breaking my promise, Margret. Not just you but Mother, Wendy, and Max too. All my friends and the girl I love which I'll never see again, I'm sorry...
Wendell squeezes his eyes tightly scared of the excruciating pain to follow. A desperate order from Henry rings through his ears which sounds oddly close. Milliseconds later, he hears a blade piercing flesh yet feels no discomfort. The smoke gradually clears and he peeks through his blurry line of vision. Blinking a few times, a tall figure comes into focus which has the prince stagger back.
The rival king acted fast pulling up his mask and was able to slide in between as a shield for him. Many knights begin to race over to them and Oliver remains unmoving, quite alarmed at the sight. Even Lorenzo himself is mortified by his actions with his dagger plunged into the king's belly. Once he shakily extracts the weapon, Henry's body falls face forward to the ground.
"I-I don't understand... Why would you protect me?"
All of the strength leaves Wendell's wobbly legs, him collapsing to his knees while the pool of red grows bigger. The men try covering up his deep wound but there are no amount of bandages that will do any justice, and there's not even enough time for special medicine to heal such a gruesome stab. Regardless, Henry pays little mind to his condition and with the small energy remaining, he rolls toward the shaken boy.
"This was...the only way I could atone for the cruelty I had done to your father. It is because of you that my blindness...has finally been lifted, and seeing the truth...can finally stop future bloodshed. For that I thank you...Wendell."
After he whispers those parting words, Henry breathes his last. It's a minute of mutual silence for the fallen king as one soldier closes his lifeless eyes. All the previous negative emotions Wendell held against the man just fades away. These terrible assumptions were contrary to the real Henry Schneider, and no actions can express his deep gratitude for this sacrifice. Still, the prince's heart aches for the wife and two children he is also leaving behind.
"T-This wasn't my intention..." Lorenzo hoarsely mutters but numerous men promptly seize the murder. "I just wanted the best of Khisenfire.
"Despite your ideal target, you have slain our king and brought him grief on his death bed! For these vile acts, you and your conspirators will be dealt with accordingly," A knight warns, a single drop of sweat trickling from the old man's forehead. "That King Henry has passed on, Queen Veronica is now the sole ruler of Khisenfire. Your judgment will fall into her lap and you'll most likely receive execution."
Lorenzo desperately begs for them to spare his life though none show him a hint of sympathy. One soldier knocks the alchemist unconscious with a hard hit to the head, thus cutting off his endless plea.
Not as soon as the drama which unfolded comes to a close, the Chestna army arrives. The ash-blonde was so distracted by everything around him, he hadn't even noticed them approaching from the distance. Several men gather around with a flood of questions concerning why he escaped the castle. Between checking the young prince for serious injuries, while others are rendered speechless by the groggy knights and fallen rival king bled out on the ground. Wendell's ocean eyes drift up toward the heavens, and for the first time since his father died, he truly feels at peace.
Even though the outcome is a dreadful one, I was at least able to grant my father's dying wish.

A/N
I hope you enjoyed the chapter as this took a lot of time to type. Actually, I didn't think this would be this long so the outcome will be the next update.