Dark Times
 

WARNING: Please be aware that this roleplay contains graphic/bloody content that may be disturbing to some readers.


Blue eyes watched the scene unfold. Two men entangled in battle. One bore armor with a gold gilded crest, his blade was of the highest quality and his skills were properly honed yet not quite of equal match to his opponent.

The boy with blue eyes, quite frankly did not know why he was there. He was no warrior, in fact most people didn't even think him much of a mage but most people didn't know him either. Not that many had the chance.
Hemset was only fourteen, and not exactly what people thought of when they expected to see the mage of the King. However magicians in Eldonia were a rarity, and good ones even less so. Hemset had actually been taught by the previous mage of Eldonia, who had passed away only one month ago, leaving only the youth to replace him.

Hemset did not make friends easily and while he had lived at the castle for a year now, still felt a stranger to most. But he had duties now, which apparently involved watching the prince spar with one of their knights.

The young prince Cedric held a great respect for Sir Tanus. The knight was also the only person who could openly insult him and get away with it, mostly because he knew it was all in good fun. Cedric laughed at the taunt, "You can expect a fleet of dragons to conquer what my steel cannot" boasted the prince, and no, they did not have any dragons to back that up. Cedric did however attempt a swift and hopefully winning blow-that the knight was able to cast aside much to the prince's chagrin. It also lost him the match, but Cedric wasn't going to pout about it. He often lost to Sir Tanus-as did most every other man with a blade.

"I hope you've become fireproof" Cedric teased back as he gave his sword to his squire. He did not pay the young Mage any heed. Cedric had never been very interested in magic and he did not see much use in it either. What a man could forge and build with his own two hands felt like more of an accomplishment than any whimsical magic tricks.
"Trade with the Egyptians seems so unnecessary, doesn't it?" Cedric wondered aloud, "we have done just fine without them for years." he hated relying on others, and who could blame him for the dislike of the Egyptians? When all the villains of one's childhood stories had been those of the sand filled land.


Hemset had always been a quiet one. He had figured out some time ago the things you could learn by listening were far more valuable than speaking ever could be. However his vibrantly blue eyes narrowed at the prince's back. The mage was younger than the prince and yet even he understood how necessary relations with the Egyptian were. Then again, Hemset had a relatively unique outlook on the world for one so young.
He also did not miss the look he had received from Sir Tanus and it unsettled the boy. This was why he didn't like leaving the library, he only ever came out when summoned or when duty forced his hand. For he was always met with doubtful eyes that only seemed to confirm what he feared.

That he would fail.

"I await your fire-breathing beasts with the greatest anticipation. Perhaps then it will give our Mage something to do." Tanner replied jokingly, before walking towards the young Magician.

"You may take your leave Hemset, we have a meeting to attend. You will be called when you are needed." Tanus said to the boy. The king had ordered the young magician to watch over the Prince and Sir Tanus during fighting exercises, in the hope it will teach him Cedrics every move, so he would learn when to assist if it was the real thing. King Ulric was never one to leave anything to chance. He was prepared for war whether it was close or not, with 10000 men ready to fight for the Kingdom.

The Eldonian's and the Egyptians had been at war before; fighting for land and power, but the two eventually came to an agreement to exchange their quarrels for fair trading. There were riches either side beneficial to the other, providing there was a safe route over the mountainous region separating the two, which was not traveled lightly. Mountain lions and bad weather were the least of their troubles, many men have not made it back in the past, but it was essential to ensure a mutual friendship with Egypt; tensions were high and the last thing they wanted was another war.

Sir Tanus and Prince Cedric set off to the main hall, where they would share the midday meal with the King Ulric, his advisers and the men in charge of the next expedition over the mountains to Egypt.
"We have done fine, Prince Cedric, but we could do much better. What we need now is a tunnel under the mountain so we stop loosing good men and materials." Tanus said. "Once we have that we can work on finding you a bride" He joked, of course, but it was a real option. He knew the Pharaoh had a young daughter he intended to marry. If the Princess of Egypt became Cedric's Queen then there was no end of opportunities. They would be allies, and the expansion of the two Kingdoms would take them to new lands, yet undiscovered.

((sorry its a bit poo, i got stuck))

((Is good! I'm really liking your writing style actually))

Hemset did not take the comment as a joke and he set Tanus with a glare, "The Mage has plenty to do as is" he replied stiffly, grabbing his staff as he stood to leave. He didn't appreciate Tanus' light and cheery manner, though perhaps he took things a little too personally. Most of what people saw of Hemset was a little boy, hiding in his tower with his nose in a book so who could blame them for thinking that he wasn't 'doing' anything.
Having been dismissed-not that Tanus really needed to say so in Hemset's opinion, the boy took off and was out of sight before you could even say 'where'd he go?'

Cedric rolled his eyes, "What was Lakar thinking with that one?" he commented as his armor was removed and he went with Sir Tanus on the way to visit his father. Lakar of course, had been the late King's Mage.
"Please Sir Tanus, a bride?" Cedric chuckled, in his eyes he had at least a few more years before having to worry about that, "And don't you dare bring up the Egyptian princess again because I've heard enough about her. I would sooner marry you than settle down with an Egyptian, princess or otherwise.

((Poor Hemset! I feel sorry for him!))

The two men headed back inside Morlock Castle towards the main hall, admiring the castles interior, decorated with exquisite murals painted by the legendary artists of old, with gold and precious jewels covering the frames, which were quickly becoming scarce on Eldonian soil; one of the many reasons they wanted to trade with Egypt. Egypt required building materials and stronger metals, and Eldonia needed more gold and stone, not just for decorative purposes but also to help the poorer villages. If the Kingdom had more gold, then they would have more work for the villagers, to build new towns, new churches, and breed more livestock for farmers.

As Tanus and Cedric reached the large wooden doors leading in to the main hall, a squire was waiting for them.
"Tell the King we are ready, if you will" Tanus asked politely.

((Yeeaahh... he's such a loner :P Such an adorable Loner. Now... how are we getting these three out on an adventure? Hmmmm... need to send a delegation to Egypt to discuss terms? Ulric wouldn't send his son alone, ja?))

They were announced and promptly entered the hall. Cedric greeted his father with a smile and took his seat next to him, hoping that these talks would remain relatively short and simple. The prince wanted to go for a ride into the forest as soon as he had the chance but he understood that his duties came before his own personal adventures.

Several topics were discussed but in regards to their trading with Egypt one factor remained constant. They needed a safe passage through the mountains, a path that could be guarded by both sides which meant coordinating reliably with Egypt.

((yeah im thinking maybe sending Tanus, hemset and and Cedric along with the caravan over the mountains so they can check for easier routes and a safe place to build a tunnel...then perhaps they get ambushed hmmmmm?))

((Deal. Skip to adventure and leave boring politics behind?))

(yeah sorry i was going in to too much detail it's supposed to be fun not a novel haha)

"Well that's settled then!" The King exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "You two and young Hemset will join the new caravan at dusk, and look for signs of an easier crossing. Keep safe, and be aware of danger. And Tanus, don't be too hard on the Magician, he's an asset to us, whether he's young or not." He finished, having been told of his teasing of the poor boy. Tanus got away with being informal with the royal family much more than anybody else. He had grown up there, and worked his way up the ranks in record time, he was awarded his knighthood at the end of the final battle with the Egyptians, when his tactics and bravery saved the lives of many men, and stopped a spear headed straight for the King's back.

"This trade agreement means a lot to the Kingdom and it's future. I don't want anything to go wrong. And when you reach Egypt, be sure to introduce yourself to the Pharaoh and his daughter with the utmost respect. I trust you are able to do that?" He said, with a stern voice.

"Go and prepare yourselves, and let the Magician know. I will see you later for supper." King Ulric finished, signalling the squire to open the doors for them to leave.

An adventure through the mountains, now that was something worth looking forward to. Cedric was all smiles about it-except for the fact that the mage was coming along as well. I mean really, what use could he be? All the same the prince wouldn't let that keep him down. He didn't get to go on such dangerous ventures... well, ever. But clearly this was important enough to warrant it.
"You have my word, we will not disappoint you father" vowed the prince.

Once outside the room, Cedric clapped Tanus on the back, "Right then, I'll let you break the news to the boy?" he grinned, "he'll be so heart broken to have to leave his dusty books. Do be gentle" he chuckled before racing off to other things.


Meanwhile, Hemset had finally settled back in with his dusty books. The Mage's tower was almost exclusively a library maze that wound around and up with various little nooks for reading and writing in. Hemset was sitting in the main center of the library, a large circular area that he had cleared of furniture so that he now only sat on the floor, a spread of novels and tomes surrounding him. He was lost in the pages of the books around him, they floated by, one after another as he checked and cross referenced knowledge to suit some grand idea he was working out.

But of greater note, he was actually smiling. His blue eyes were alight with excitement and his lips in a subtle but fixed grin of joy, quite the contrast to the face he wore outside these walls which tended to be a permanent scowl of some sort.

There was a loud clatter as the levitating books suddenly dropped to the floor. Evidently Tanus had startled the boy who's smile immediately faded upon seeing the sword master. Hemset was not particularly a fan of Tanus, but then, Hemset didn't seem to get along with anyone really. Except Lakar of course, Lakar had understood him like no one else had, like no one else could. But now that he was gone... Hemset had been struggling with the necessary social interactions required of a mage. Sure he did everything by the book as far as his duties but he didn't exactly volunteer more than that.

Hemset had a habit of squeezing his fists tightly when he was anxious-which was quite a lot actually. It wasn't in any way aggressive but it was a dead give-away for when he was feeling uncomfortable. Like now.

"... of course" Hemset rose from his circle of books and brushed a touch of dust from his clothes before walking over to the table. To his credit, the mage at least was a good listener. "What does his majesty request of me?"

((FYI, I'm sure you noticed from the Pharaoh's Daughter rp, I don't mind if not every post is paragraphs XD so don't worry too much about it. It's the content that matters, not how long it is.))

((Yeah i tend to go on a bit sometimes adding history and politics, its just cause i'm practicing for a bigger idea once i get better with the content. I always plan to keep it short then it ends up long! Sorry its taking me a while to answer by the way my internet's very slow this week and ive been full of cold!))


Tanus was an observer, put in charge of overseeing the generals army and to ensure the Prince will be physically ready for any dangers he may come across, and this meant that he was not blind to the magicians uncomfortable demeanor at his arrival. He noticed the boys anxious body language instantly and wondered if there was another reason than his obvious dislike for the Knight.

"His Majesty has requested that myself, our lord Prince Cedric, and yourself accompany the next journey over the mountains to Egypt to trade. We must ensure their safe passing, while investigating for signs of a more secure route, perhaps a protected tunnel site. He has required your assistance as extra security, should the men or our Prince have need of it." Tanus said, praying to all the mighty Gods' that his services would not be required.

"If you have any questions, you had better ask me now. We leave at first light. His majesty insists that this journey will be of the utmost value to you and your studies. Everybody needs to be challenged before they become a man, don't you think?"

Tanus of course was not just referring to the Magician, but also to Cedric. The knight had fought and killed many enemies, but the future heir had not. If he was to be a King, then he needed to prove to the nation that he was courageous and strong, and had the ability to survive and save those in peril.

((S'all good :P You get your practice in. I certainly don't mind! It's fun to read, I just don't want you to feel obligated to do it.))


Hemset was... shocked. The King wanted him, him to go out on a dangerous mission through the mountains. Of course, to think of it objectively it certainly wasn't an odd request to make of the King's Mage but at the same time Hemset found himself terrified at the thought. Certainly, Lakar had taught him magical combat but Hemset had never pitted his abilities against anyone other than his predecessor.

"Tomorrow..." he mumbled, looking back over his shoulder at the library. So comfortable and quiet and uninhabited other than by himself. So perfect. It seemed such short notice to be leaving it all behind for how long? The journey itself would take several days and then they would be in Egypt for an uncertain amount of time beyond that. He wanted to bring every book here with him-certainly a few would be greatly useful but at the same time could he risk their well being on such a journey? Lakar had entrusted these tomes to his care and he couldn't bear the thought of ruining or losing a single one.

His heart was pounding and his knuckles were white from gripping his hands so tightly. This was an order from the King, there was no use in attempting any argument with it, he would just have to accept it despite the churning pit in his stomach.

It helped a little that Tanus had subtly accused him of being a child, it gave Hemset an excuse to turn his unease into anger. He looked back at knight with a glare, though his voice remained calculated and even, "If it is challenges that make a man, then you and I already stand equal." he retorted quite simply. Tanus, or for that matter, not anyone really knew where Hemset had come from or what his past held. He had merely shown up a year and a half ago at Lakar's side when the elder Mage returned from a journey. No explanation as to who he was or where he'd come from, only 'This is Hemset, my new apprentice' and that was the end of it.

"I have no questions. I will see you at first light." he added curtly before walking away from Tanus and back to his circle of books. If this was his last night here in awhile, he had a number of tasks to complete.

Cedric was glad to join in the fun of the evening. He was certainly of the age of a man but still so young at heart, so easy to smile and laugh and make fun. He raised a glass gladly with his father and shared in the merriment of the men who he would soon be spending this journey with.


The hour was very late when Hemset had finished gathering his numerous supplies. Books of the regions they would go through and of spells, clothing for a variety of uncertain weather, medical supplies and more. But when he looked at it all... he somehow knew that none of it would really help.

He hardly touched the dinner that had been brought, not even the wine could console his nerves so it remained undrank. The young mage was in his quarters that rested above the library and he gazed out the window at the midnight rain. This had been Lakar's room and he still felt uneasy about residing in it but after a month he couldn't very well be expected to stay elsewhere. Hemset sat on the end of the bed, opening a nearby trunk and pulling out an old white cloak that was far too long for himself. It still smelled like the old man, like smoke and forest leaves and strange spices.

Hemset breathed deeply and felt his breath shudder with remorse. "I don't know if I can do this, Lakar" he whispered, holding the old cloak close, "I don't know if I can go back there..." it was the mountains that he feared, and everything within them that sent chills down the youth's spine. Eventually he fell asleep, still clutching the white cloth but he did not rest long. First light soon approached and the Mage arose, yet weary.

One look at the large pile of things he had gathered and Hemset sighed, they would be no use. He draped the white cloak around his shoulders, seized the Mage Staff by the door and took a single bag of simple supplies with him as he went to meet the caravan with a determinedly stubborn look in his eyes. If it was the challenges that made a man, then they would all soon see what a man he was.

He would not fail.

Granted, if he could manage to get on his horse without looking like a complete imbecile. As badly as Hemset got along with other people, he just as bad with animals. They could always sense his unease, despite how much he was able to mask it.

They had provided him with a slightly shorter stead, something he was certain had been meant as a jest at his youth but seeing as he was just over 5'3" it was probably not a bad thing. Still, he had to try twice before he was actually able to get mounted. The first time he had somehow managed to startle the creature and the stable hands had to take a moment to calm it down while Hemset's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. His nails nearly pierced his own skin with his fists clenched so anxiously tight.

Once he got settled the mage turned all his attention to properly controlling the beast. He was so determined it was almost pitiful to watch. Clearly horse back riding had not been something he had been raised with. At all.

(("dont know if i can go back there..." Liking the twist! <3))

Around an hour before sunrise Tanus was woken by his squire. He still had to collect the Prince from his quarters, and double check the caravan to make sure they had all the supplies they needed for the journey ahead. Tanus was not one to underestimate the treacherous climate on the mountains, nor was he going to risk the business venture falling victim to mountain dwelling beasts or bandits along the way.

After collecting the Prince he headed down to the entrance of the castle where the cargo and horses were waiting. Tanus spotted the young Magician struggling to climb on his horse and couldn't help but laugh, although it was purely a front for what he was really feeling towards Hemset; embarrassment. The Knight instantly recognised the white cloak Hemset was wearing as Lakar's, and felt a sudden sadness, wishing it was he that was travelling with them on this journey.

"He can't even get on a horse, how in God's name is he supposed to protect the Kingdom if we come under threat again?" Tanus said to Cedric, still out of ears reach.

"Only Heaven knows how" Cedric frowned, equally displeased with their current mage. The prince climbed up on his white stead with ease as he surveyed the rest of the group. Everyone seemed ready to go, good. "Well then, onward!" declared the Prince of Eldonia as he took the lead.


Hemset had managed to get his little brown coloured horse to stand still, and now he had to coax the thing to follow the others. Thank goodness it seemed to get the idea and followed in line, more or less on it's own. Okay, this isn't so bad, Hemset reassured himself as he held on tightly, a little bumpy but not terrible.

They traveled all day, using as much of the light as they could before stopping to set up camp for the night at last.

This is hell.
Hemset managed to get off the horse alright and then proceeded to flomp down in the grass for a moment. Everything hurt. He was certain his horse hated him and they were only at the edge of the mountain range at this point. The young mage gave a groan. What had he done to anger the powers that be? To deserve this?
At one point during the journey that day, one of the soldiers had actually attempted to talk to him but Hemset had shot him down with a murderous glare-he hadn't liked the man's condescending tone. And besides, he could do this by himself, couldn't he?


Cedric glanced briefly to the mage in the grass and rolled his eyes as he handed off his stead to a page and proceeded to help set up camp. At the very least the little prat had kept his mouth shut so they didn't have to listen to any whining, but just to be safe Cedric had kept his distance from Hemset all the same.

The tents were set and a fire made as the dark settled in. A pot of some kind of stew brewed over the fire and still Hemset had hardly moved from his spot. He didn't think he ever wanted to move again with the way his everything felt. Though that food smelled rather good... but there were soldiers over there. Talking. Laughing. Exactly the type of social interacting Hemset tended to avoid at every given chance.

"True enough" Cedric had to admit, though added quietly, "but a first-timer is not exactly a boost for confidence or moral. I can hardly believe he's never ridden a horse before, at his age? What else does he not know? I've never even seen him use magic." and Cedric was not the only one. Unless you went to the Mage's tower yourself to see him, like Tanus had the day before, Hemset never used magic out in the open, few times though those might be.

Hemset had looked up upon hearing Tanus call him, though he frowned a little at the Knight's words. Why was he so cheery? All of them? They were going to be going through those mountains tomorrow and there was nothing cheery about that! He seriously considered staying put for the night but in the end hunger won out and the mage gave a sigh and rose. His legs had at least recovered enough to walk straight.

The soldiers moved aside to make room for him and Hemset sat on the ground, not too terribly close to the fire. A bowl of stew set down in front of him and he was relieved to finally eat a warm meal after that awful day on that awful horse. Tanus had been right, the warmth did help, though he wasn't about to admit it aloud.

Some of the guys were showing off a little of what they could do. One of them could balance a knife on the tip of his finger for an impressive amount of time, another could belch the melody of an old folk tune. Hemset put up with it for the sake of warmth, until one of them looked to him and said, "How 'bout you mage?" he asked, "what can you do?"

Hemset's fingers curled into his fists as he stared straight ahead at the fire.

"I bet he could belch louder than Jim if he wanted" another joked and they laughed at it. No, they were laughing at him weren't they? At least, that was how it felt.

"Excuse me" Hemset mumbled as he stood to leave.

"Common lad, there's no need to be shy" Cedric commented, almost kindly, "They're a bunch of curious dolts. Surely it wouldn't hurt to show them something to make them shut up?" he chuckled lightly. Not to mention, the prince himself was quite curious to see what the mage would do.

Hemset bit his tongue and froze in place, it would do no good to give one of his usual poisonous retorts to the Prince of Eldonia, but he couldn't very well walk off now without doing something. A request was as good as a demand coming from those lips. He stared at the fire for a moment and suddenly the flames flared to three times it's size and burned a horrifying green. For those few moments the fire seemed to burn with pure insatiable rage. Just about every soldier yelped and fell back away from it, one or two just slightly singed. Then, just as fast as it had erupted out of control, it fell back down to size and flickered on as though nothing had just happened.

"If you will excuse me sire, I am in need of rest" Hemset spoke evenly.

Cedric was quite glad that he hadn't been too close to the flames, though certainly it didn't stop him from startling and slipping off the back of the fallen tree he had been sitting on-not that he was the only one to fall in that manner. He stared at the fire as it went back down, barely hearing Hemset's request for dismissal. The prince blinked and looked to the mage, then gave a silent nod, watching Hemset retreat into the dark before staring at the fire again and upright himself back on the log. "Well... he can use magic" he offered a grin and laughed it off, though the event had been a tad unsettling to see.

Hemset had been nowhere in sight by morning but he did turn up as soon as they were heading out. As usual the boy had little to nothing to say to anyone, though apparently he had found a way on his horse this time. Wrapping the white cloak around himself a few times Hemset took in a deep breath, he almost always wore relatively warm clothing, having himself completely covered was nothing new to the boy, even in the summer. And now in these harrowing temperatures, he seemed just as comfortable as always.

Upon Tanus' commented, Hemset just gave the man a less than amused look, he did not need a baby sitter as far as he was concerned and Tanus could shove it.

Before Cedric could reply to Tanus, Hemset actually spoke up, "There is a tunnel" stated the mage, "The way it winds it won't save much on time, and it doesn't go quite the whole way, but it will help with the cold."

Cedric looked at the boy, "And how to do know this?"

"... Books." Hemset replied, "I read up on the area before we left."

"And you didn't think to mention it earlier?" Cedric gave him a look.

Hemset gripped the reins of his horse uncomfortably, "I was not certain where we were, until I saw the twin peaks that way" he admitted, "Do you want the path or not? ... sire."

Cedric exchanged a look with Tanus, "... You are certain mage?" he asked.

"Very" Hemset nodded.

"... then lead the way" the prince sighed, hoping he wouldn't regret this.

Only an hour later and Hemset had lead the party through a rather hard to find and hard to see path that actually did lead to a large open cave that seemed to go quite deep at least.

(oooh it begins!)

"Well if it doesn't lead out of the mountain, then at least we should be able to camp safely here tonight" Tanus said.

"We need some light, it's getting darker. Hemset, are you able to light torches without a flint? Or shall i get the men to start a fire?" Tanus asked, hoping the boy wouldn't singe the men's beards further using his magic.

The cave was of substantial height, with smooth walls either side, as if it had been carved by their ancestors centuries before. Tanus considered how it was that they had not seen this cave before, but he was at least relieved Hemset had found the route, it was protected from the atrocious weather outside, and would keep the party warm, for now.

Tanus lead his horse forward until there was no light left, examining the walls either side, and was surprised to find inscriptions etched into the rock. Symbols and figures of all shapes and sizes covered the cavern walls, but there were no words.

"Wow, look at these Prince Cedric. I wonder when they were engraved." He pondered, out loud.

Fire.
Hemset frowned a little. Fire was... a bit complicated. But at least Tanus had asked politely. He looked around at the cave for a moment, they certainly did need light, though Lakar had always cautioned against any unneeded use of magic... perhaps this was an acceptable time.

Firm stance. Breathe.
The mage's eyes turned white and his hands wove through the air for a moment and one by one, little glowing firefly-like things rose from his finger tips and began floating above their heads.
Breathe.
His eyes returned to normal and Hemset took another look around the newly lit area, moving aside to allow room for others and to stay as much out of the way as possible.

The cavern hadn't changed much since he'd last been there. It was so rarely used by anyone that it felt rather untouched, a relief to the mage's eyes. That should mean that they would be fine to follow it through to the other side of the frozen mountain peak. Then from there they would have to pass through the stone valley and then make their way back down through the rock on the other side. Hemset wasn't as familiar with the Egyptian side of the mountains though, and he really hoped that no one would realize he was actually familiar with the area at all. As long as he could pass it all off as book knowledge, they shouldn't suspect a thing.

That, and hopefully going through this way they could avoid the thieves. So few travelers knew of this path it wasn't a common place for them to lie in wait. But if the caravan had been seen approaching the mountains... they could be tracked.


Cedric moved over to Tanus and looked at the pictures along the walls, "How odd..." he didn't really know what to make of them. As little glowing lights made their way over Cedric blinked and took a second look around. They were like fireflies but... not fireflies. It cast the cavern in such a warm and welcoming glow that the prince found it hard to believe that the little orbs of light had come from Hemset at all, for the child was anything but warm or welcoming.

It was such a relief to get away from the storming wind that Cedric was feeling quite good, "Should we press on, or wait here awhile?" he wondered, looking to Tanus for his wisdom on the situation. According to what the mage had said they could take this tunnel a good portion of the way.