As Baron Northmill entered the grand hall of the second prince's palace, he couldn't help but feel awestruck. The walls were adorned with shimmering tapestries that depicted heroic battles and ancient legends. The ceilings were painted with intricate patterns and adorned with chandeliers that sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight that poured in from the tall windows.
Baron Northmill exchanged pleasantries with the other lords in the Second Prince's party, each of them vying for his attention and favour. The room was bustling with activity, as servants rushed back and forth, carrying trays of delicacies and pitchers of wine. The air was thick with the aroma of roasted meats and spiced dishes, and the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the room.
The Second Prince himself sat on a raised dais at the far end of the hall, surrounded by his closest advisors and courtiers. His eyes gleamed with ambition as he watched Baron Northmill make his way through the throng of people.
Baron Northmill knew why he was here. His son had shown a talent for rune forging, and the Second Prince wanted to use that to his advantage. The Baron was respectful but at the same time extremely confident, knowing that his son's abilities would soon secure an upgrade to his royal status and the riches and power that followed.
As he made his way closer to the Second Prince, Baron Northmill felt a sense of excitement building within him. He had worked hard to get here, and he was determined to make the most of this opportunity.
Finally, he stood before the Second Prince, bowing low and offering his respects. "Your Highness," he said, "it is an honour to be in your presence."
The Second Prince smiled, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous light. "Baron Northmill," he said, "I have heard much about your son's talents.
Baron Northmill nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. He knew that his son still had much to learn, but with the right support and resources, he could become a master of his craft.
"I would be honoured to offer my son's services to you, Your Highness," Baron Northmill said, his voice ringing with conviction.
The Second Prince nodded, a cunning smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Excellent," he said. "I believe we will be able to help each other achieve our goals."
Baron Northmill knew that he was playing a dangerous game, but he was willing to take the risk. The allure of power and wealth was too great to ignore, and he was determined to do whatever it took to secure his family's future."If you would follow me, Baron Northmill," the Second Prince said, "we can discuss your needs and your boy's abilities in greater detail."
Baron Northmill followed the Second Prince through the crowded hall, making a beeline towards his chambers. Once they were alone in the room, the Second Prince closed the door behind them and gestured for Baron Northmill to take a seat.
"I have been hearing wonderful things about your son," he said, his eyes shining with eager anticipation. "His talent is undeniable, buster, and I would be most happy to provide him with any resources he needs so that he may become an even greater asset to my regime."
Baron Northmill's heart thudded in excitement. His goal was within reach. It would take some time to secure the resources he needed, but in the meantime, he would make the most of his current opportunities.
"Your Highness, I was hoping you might have some connections who could assist me."
The Second Prince laughed. "I think I might have something you would like," he said. "Summon your son."
A moment later, the doors of the room swung open, revealing the boy that Baron Northmill had so carefully groomed for the highest position in his family.
"Your Highness," he said, bowing low, "please accept this humble offering."
The Second Prince's eyes glittered with interest. "I cannot wait to meet your son," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Tell me, how is he getting on?"
Baron Northmill's body quaked with excitement. This was finally happening. His son was a treasure, and he wanted to exploit that treasure for as long as he could.
"He is progressing well," Baron Northmill said. "I have been working with him on his crafting, and I think he will soon become a master of rune forging."
"Yes, he should do well," the Second Prince said, his eyes glittering with anticipation. "And you, Baron Northmill?"
Baron Northmill's heart thudded in excitement. "Well, I have been working on my son's future as well," he said. "Indeed, I believe that he has the potential to become a great leader, a leader worthy of the Northmill legacy."
The Second Prince nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, I have heard some good things about the Northmill legacy," he said. "Who would have predicted that the North mills would become the most powerful family in the northern mountains?"
That was when Baron Northmill's and his son's eyes met, and an unspoken code passed between them.
A cold calculating glint, reminding me of a snake ready to pounce, appeared in The second Prince's eyes.
"let me ask you, Baron Northmill," he said, "which is more important, winning this battle or securing this kingdom for your son's future?"
Baron Northmill's body quaked with excitement. The second Prince was offering them a choice. They could choose to win the battle and make their future secure, or they could choose to guard their son's new assets and their future prosperity.
Baron Northmill knew what his son would choose. He would choose to protect their future and to make their name the most famous in the world.
"My son is willing," he said. "I believe that he can use the resources we are being offered, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to provide him with the power he needs."
The Second Prince nodded with satisfaction. "I will, of course, give you two the resources you need," he said. "But there is one thing we must first agree on.
I want my Oldest Brother dead.''
Baron Northmill's eyes widened with shock. "You mean to kill the prince?" he asked, his voice quavering with fear.
The Second Prince nodded with conviction. "I want him dead, and we must make sure that there is no way he can endanger my regime," he said. "The only way to do this is to remove him, and I want you to do it."
Baron Northmill felt his body quaking with fear, but he knew that this was the only way to ensure the safety of their future. He would do whatever it took to protect his family.
"I think I can handle this," he said. "I will make sure that you are provided with everything you need."
The Second Prince nodded with satisfaction. "I appreciate your loyalty, Baron Northmill, but I also want you to do what I ask when I ask it of you."
Baron Northmill nodded, knowing that this was necessary. He would do whatever it took to ensure his family's future.
The Second Prince's eyes gleamed with deadly intent as he turned to his advisors. "Baron Northmill will ensure that my dear older brother dies," he said, "and I want to do it on the day of the Battle of Caldey so that it can be part of the celebrations."
Baron Northmill felt his heart racing. Was he doing this? Was he going to kill the first Prince?
Yes, he would. He would do whatever it took to safeguard his family's future.
The Second Prince nodded with satisfaction. "This is a fine plan," he said. "I will give you two a week to secure the resources you will need, and for good measure, I will arrange for your son to be killed as well in case you fail."
Baron Northmill nodded, a sense of dread slowly beginning to fill him. This was his chance at the future he wanted, but it might also be the end.
"But," the Second Prince continued, his eyes glittering with malice, "whatever you do, do not fail me."
Baron Northmill nodded with understanding. "I have your word, Your Highness."
The Second Prince nodded with satisfaction. "Baron Northmill," he said, "do you have any last requests?"
Baron Northmill's mind raced. This was his chance. It would make or break him, but he knew that to get what he wanted, he would have to take the risk.
"I want my son to be anointed as Baron of Caldey," he said, "and I want him to come to live in the palace with you."
The Second Prince nodded with satisfaction. "I will arrange it," he said, "and I want you to fulfil your part of the bargain."
Baron Northmill nodded, his heart thudding with fear. This was his chance, his death warrant, but if he failed he would likely die. He would have to make this work, and he knew that it would have to start immediately.
"I will do whatever it takes."
Baron Northmill's heart thudded with fear, but he knew that he had no choice. He would do whatever he had to. For the Northmills. For their future. For the family.