The Shadow of the King [Chronos Mephistopheles & Darkestofsouls]
 

In the land of Durrakath, war has raged for many years. Kings and Lords have risen and fallen like disturbed tides, and only a few have kept their thrones and their lands for long.

In the Halls of Castle de Shade, one such kingdom, something dark as been brewing. Several people have gone missing, and are never heard from again. Not even King Santiago de Shade, or his Head Mage, Avariss Iraevas, seem to know the cause. Fearing one of the other kingdoms may be responsible, the castle has been on high alert the last few days.

Enter Bel'isse de Shade, the Eldest and only son of the King. Training to be his father's heir, his father has been very proud of his progress so far. Now, however, with lives at stake, his father is preparing to march into the field of war, once he finds out who is behind this. If so, it will be up to his son to take the reigns of the kingdom while his father is gone.

Little does anyone know, there are bigger problems in his future.

Characters

House de Shade

Santiago de Shade: The King and Head of Castle de Shade. He is highly supportive of his only son, despite his son's habit of getting in trouble with the local guard. He knows his son is only getting in trouble because he is doing what he thinks is right, and can forgive him that. That said about him, King de Shade is very strict, and is known for his harshness when disciplining either his subjects or his son. He does not talk about his wife, who after giving birth to him vanished without a trace. No one in the castle remembers who she was or what she looked like, and many believe this is because of some magic cast by Avariss.

Avariss Iraevas: The Head Mage and Healer of the Castle de Shade. He has been a Mage for the de Shade family for over 90 years, and is one of the main advisers of Santiago. He also tends to show up just at the right moment to keep young Bel'isse from getting in serious trouble. He has also ratted him out to his father more then once about things he couldn't possible know, and never offers how he found out. He has not been able to provide an answer for the disappearances to the King.

Dirz'aun de Shade: The Brother of Santiago de Shade and Uncle to Bel'isse, he is his brother acting general. He has lead the army of Castle de Shade faithfully for over twenty years now, and has several battles under his belt. He is currently battling a neighboring kingdom for control of a large trade route in the mountains. When he is home, he trains his Nephew in combat and defense techniques.

Sa'haria Varassa- The overseer of staff in Castle de Shade. She also does a lot of the work with the staff, like cooking and cleaning. She is always happy to get help from Bel'isse when he follows the staff around, always telling him 'if you're going to stand there, you might a well help them.' She also acts as a motherly figure for Bel'isse when he needs it, listening to his problems and helping him where his father can't. She is currently very worried about the disappearances, as a few of them were staff members, whom she knows all of by name.

Kuro Dia'Zakku- The Captain of the Royal guard, and pretty ill tempered. He will always show as much respect as is required of him to Bel'isse, but is more then happy to try and run him in every time he gets in trouble. He is said to be one of the most skilled swordsmen in House De Shade, and has never been defeated in a sparring match. He has never seen battle, though, as he is kept at the castle to guard the King as a personal bodyguard.

Darindid Tayn- A Member of King de Shade's Council. He is the youngest member of the council, and usually does what the King wants without question. This has earned the ire of some of the other council members, however it is usually not a problem.

Characters

House de Shade

Bel'isse de Shade: Crown Prince of Castle de Shade. Raised for the sole purpose of taking over once his father leaves, Bel'isse doesn't know how to handle the pressures of his predetermined life. He stands up for what he believes in, especially when involved with the lower classes, and because of such, is frequently causing trouble for the Castle Guard. He is used to his father's demands, but much rather live the simple life.

In the town of Dureilsrak, the morning sun did little to alleviate the cold of winter. Snow covered everything, and more snow fell from the thin clouds above. The town was just coming alive, but the castle never slept. Even now, guards patrolled the ramparts, and smoke rose from within. The gates were open, and a few people traveled in and out. Guards stood watch at the gate as well, and no one was taking any chances.

In town, patrols of three roamed the street, keeping an eye out for troublemakers. Many moved around town, but a few remained in key places throughout the town. Unlike the Castle, there was no walls around the city, instead a few towers kept watch over the surrounding land entrance to the castle, as two sides were defended by steep cliffs and the sea.

In the marketplace, the stalls were just opening. The cold weather and early hour meant not many were out today, but that just meant less eyes to spot the street Urchins that would try to pick things when they had the chance.

In the Castle itself, King Santiago de Shade was preparing to hold morning court, having just dressed, and looked out the window, wondering where in town or the castle his son might be at this hour. He knew the boy liked to roam, but he could hardly blame him. Still, he would need his son to get serious about holding the throne soon, if Santiago was forced to march to aid his brother in the field of battle.

If one truly looked hard enough, they would find the Crown Prince of de Shade hiding out in the town stables, mucking out boxes. The prince with odd coloured eyes tried to ignore the whispers of the actuall stableworkers, questioning one another on why they thought Bel'isse would be there of all places. The prince rolled his eyes, why wouldn't he hide here? No one would expect to find the crown prince here mucking out --

"Your Highness," Bel'isse froze, turning sharply to the three guards standing at one entrance. He dropped the pitchfork and hopped the box wall. Grabbing his royal cloak (complete with white fur trimming) he raced out the opposite door. He could hear the clangs of the guards' armor as they followed and dreaded the chase. Undoubtedly they would run into another group any moment now and he'd be surrounded and dragged forcibly back into the castle.

The prince found himself darting in and out of the morning crowd, trying to avoid destroying anyone's stall or merchandise. A few of the owners waved as he passed by; Bel'isse's only regret was he couldn't talk to them at the moment. They always had something interesting to say. Another group of guards stood sentry at the end of the road, and Bel'isse slid to a stop. Glancing back, the guards following were at least ten meters behind.

An impromptu decision had Bel'isse running down a back alley, turning right abruptly and finding himself at the Main Gates of Castle de Shade. Two guards stood watch.

Bel'isse sighed and quickly found a rock. Taking the somewhat circular object, he chucked it somewhere to his right. The three heard a loud 'thump' and the two guards chased after the noise. Easily slipping inside, he couldn't help but wonder if the gate guards just played along. It was way too easy to get inside this time.

With a sigh, the prince leaned against the wall, relaxing his muscles. Now to make the day absolutely perfect would be to not get caught.

"So, wandering again, were you?" came Avariss's old, shaky voice from almost right in his ear. The old man sat crouched on a Gargoyle about four feet above Bel'isse's head, looking down at him with his somewhat unsettling smile, for he no longer carried teeth in his mouth. He hopped down with an audible crack, but stood up as though nothing was wrong. "I must say, boy, your father would be less then pleased." He told him setting his crooked wooden staff against the ground, setting both hands on the top and leaning against it heavily.

Avariss's presence was always unsettling, especially when the old man seemed to appear out of nowhere. Taking a calming breath, Bel'isse shoved off the side of the wall and focused all attention on the elder man. "I know that you are quite aware of how unpleasant I can become once cooped up inside the castle for months on end." Bel'isse fiddled with the furred hem, trying to not remember the time he snuck away to the library and getting lost in the stacks. "What else would he have me do?" He resisted the urge to cock a hip to a side in relaxation, it wasn't 'princely'.

He smiled, leaning forward slightly. "You're birthday's the next month, why not ask your father if you can serve with the guard? You're a decent sword, from what I hear, and it'd give you an excuse to get around town." His smile grew, a wide, toothless grin, "plus it would help you get to know the men you would eventually be leading. Your dad couldn't possibly say know, eh?" He leaned back and laughed. "Oh-hohohohohohoho, would you like that, lad?"

Bel'isse couldn't help but look at the offer favorably. It'd get him out of the castle more, he'd get to meet the people who will be protecting him once he's King... but wouldn't that just put him right smack dab in the middle of the danger the guards have been trying to keep him out of since forever?

"I don't know, Avariss. I would love to be a guard; I'd get to protect my people and wander the city." The prince couldn't think of anything more he'd wish for. "Won't Father disapprove of my being in danger? He is slightly strict like that." He smiled at the old man, finally relaxing in the man's presence.

Avariss smiled. "Well, you leave that to me, lad. Just let your dad know you're interested, and be ready for his," He paused, thinking a minute, "'you've got to focus on your studies' speech. Then, tonight, I will talk to him on it." He smiled. "It's not very dangerous in the city, so you shouldn't have all that much to worry about, lad." He turned and started hobbling away. "Also, my new assistant is starting today. Just came in from the next town over last night. You should introduce yourself at some point." He headed towards the castle, nodding to a guard as he past him.

Bel'isse watched him walk away, a thoughtful look on his face. There was no harm in asking right? Maybe his father would be pleased that he was finally trying to get involved with the Kingdom willingly. Biting the corner of his lip, the prince began making his way to the court; the morning session had to be well underway.

His royal cloak sweeping behind him, hair ruffling slightly in the brisk pace, and his focused eyes would have made him the very image of a determined prince had his pants and shirt not been filthy with mini layers of mud and grime. Bel'isse smiled at some of the servants as they passed by, recognizing many from his excursions.

Arriving at the court entrance, he peeked his head inside the propped open doors.

The normal group of onlookers had gathered in the hall, and a few people stood waiting to see the king. A few soldiers stood before him now, one of whom was speaking.

"Your Highness, the front grows worse. We have lost the Western River to House Dhenow, and the general has withdrawn to the Southern Hills. If we do not get more men, then the villages in the area will fall."

His father sat on his thrones, scowling at the man. "And does my brother have a plan besides hold the hills?" The soldier's posture looked uncertain. "He, uh, has not shared his plans with me, your Highness." His father put his hand over his face and sighed.

He stared at his father in shock. The Dhenow have fallen? Bel'isse remained just inside the door, lowering his gaze to the ground. How many soldiers were needed? Would the people be safe? Biting the corner of his lip, Bel'isse did his best to put on a brave face and stepped into the hall.

The second he was a meter or two inside, he began to regret his rash decision. Already he could feel the stares of his father's council glancing in his direction, but he tried to not acknowledge them. If he met their gaze, he'd probably smile, and smiles weren't good for prince's who had the possibilty of their kingdom crumbling beneath them. "Good Morning, Your Majesty." Bel'isse gave a sweeping bow before peeking up at his father.

King de Shade looked up, shocked to see his son actually in court, but quickly regained his composure and nodded to his son. "Good morning, Prince Bel'issi." He motioned at the throne to his left. "Would you like to join me this morning?" He turned his eyes back to the guards. "As for the front, take 100 from the local garrison, and another 100 from my personal guard." He looked at his council. "Draw up draft orders for the commander." He looked back at the soldiers. "Take ten of the bravest men from every village between here and my brother, and fifty from the major towns. By my math, that would be an additional 200 men. If my brother can not hold the lines with 400 men, then he'd best come back and tell me himself next time." There was a hint of a threat in his tone.

The Soldier bowed to him as Councilor Tayn drew up a Draft Request. "Thank you, your Highness." He took the orders, affixed his helmet back on his head, then turned from the room with a flurish of his cape. The other soldiers followed him with only a bow to the King. Santiago leaned to his side, resting his elbow on throne and putting his chin on his palm. He looked over at his son, then straightened up.

Bel'isse nodded in acknowledgment of his father's greeting, quickly straightening and protecting a calm facade for the situation while his insides squirmed. How did this make any sense? Would that many people be enough? He watched as the councilor and soldiers left the room before turning abruptly to his father.

He couldn't figure out how to jump into the conversation. Could the King placate his new worries. His voice was low, barely loud enough for the remaining palace guards to hear, "Anything of true importance?" Bel'isse managed a smile, but he could feel his legs tremble slightly.

His father shook his head, trying to keep his face between a frown and a smile. "No, nothing for you to worry on, my son." He looked at the people still waiting. "Is there something I can do for you, Prince Bel'isse, or are you just here to watch?" They both knew no one would step in front of the Prince if he had important business to discuss, but many would be silently upset if he jumped the line for nothing of at least decent importance.

The prince hummed, rocking a bit on the balls of his feet. "I had a curious idea..." Bel'isse focused on meeting his father's eyes; his habit of adverting his gaze needed to be destroyed. He switched his nervous rocking to shifting his feet. "Could I serve the guard, at least for a little while? I am well-studied in the sword, and I can help our people. It's a mutually beneficial situation: the guards cannot stand working with the people and I can get to know the people who'll serve me once I get into power." He caught himself rambling and quickly cut off.

Bel'isse brushed a stray strand of hair out of his face, sputtering nervously. He threw the idea out, now it was up to Avariss to convince his father.

His father looked at him, stunned, then looked up at the crowd in his hall. He knew he couldn't deny his son the chance in public, it was to noble a deed. He shook his head. "I will... consider your request. Is there anything else I can do for you, my son?"

Bel'isse quickly shook his head, letting a hint of a smile cross his face. "There is nothing else, father. I hope I haven't interrupted your schedule too much." Giving a sweeping bow, the prince gracefully made his way down through the hall, nodding to the court officials and councillors as necessary. His plan was to head to the kitchens, and hopefully tail Sa'haria and assist her.

Reaching the elaborate doors, Bel'isse turned to the King on his throne and gave another bow before motioning for the doors to be opened.

King De Shade nodded to his son. "It is always good to see you, my son. Good day to you." He looked to those waiting as the guards at the door opened it for him. As it opened, Captain Kuro Dia'Zakku, the head of the house guard, and the personal bodyguard of the King, as well as personal rival of the Prince, entered. He stopped, looking just as surprised as the King that Bel'isse was in Court, but said nothing, moving to the side to allow him to pass.

Upon seeing Kuro Bel'isse partially froze. His rival, his ... possible 'boss' if his father agreed to the proposition. Dread immediately weld in his stomach; he gave a nod to Kuro and sidestepped the captain, trying to avoid causing some kind of scene in Court.

Once outside the doors and slightly out of His Majesty's sight, he felt his tense muscles relax as he slumped over. Just being in the Court room was such a stressful atmosphere, how his father put up with it, Bel'isse felt he'd never know. With a relaxing sigh, he adjusted the cloak around his shoulders and pushed some stray hairs out of his face. Now where to find Sa'haria...

Kuro looked at him, eyebrow raised, before heading inside to see what was going on. The guards closed the door behind him.

Sa'haria was, unsurprisingly, in the kitchens, issuing some tough love to the other cooks about the time it was taking to prepare whatever they were making. She was too busy to notice Bel'isse come in as she spoke. "Come on, hurry it up, you know he doesn't like to wait."

The prince couldn't help but smile as he watched the motherly woman hustle about ordering maids and such. He slipped his cloak off, folding it over his arm as he stepped farther inside. "Is it safe to enter?" he joked, a large smile spreading across his lips. "I don't want to get stuck in the mayhem." A couple of maids managed a laugh, others smiling.

Bel'isse manuevered his way through the bustling maids running back and forth through the kitchens, barely managing to even give a greeting to the few he knew before they shushed him and continued with their work. It just made him smile even more as he reached Sa'haria. "Anything I can do to help?"