The Red Prince (1) Read online

  Menoich knew the law. He couldn’t deny the fact that the councilor of Malatur’Aren was right. Treachery was indeed punishable by death. Beheading. He struggled. He was the one who enforced that law from the beginning, costing them generals and rulers in the past.

  With shaking hands held together, he stood up and took a deep breath, “As my first decree, we will send all our diplomats to the rest of the west kingdoms. Tell them what happened today and tell them we need help,” ordered Menoich.

  A councilor interrupted him and said, “We still have forces in the northern and southern regions of our territories, they are enough to defend us.”

  Menoich looked at the councilor, “We need help in securing our borders and our people. But with the threat that has just risen, which we all know we can’t contain ourselves, we need more than that.” He gazed upon the worried councilors, guards and servants in the room. “We need to bring Prince Tamiron back, dead or alive, for crimes of treachery and spilling the blood of his own people.”

  Everyone in the room was horrified by the idea, but they had no choice. It is the law of the fatherland. They can see in Menoich’s face that he too was struggling with the idea. But he had no choice.

  “Have you lost your mind? He is the last remaining heir to the throne,” someone objected.

  Menoich can only swallow his own pride and said with force, “The councilor of Malatur’Aren is right! He has sided with the enemy that can rival our strength other than the High Kingdom. With all my power I would spare the prince’s life. But the law is the law. Royalty or not, death awaits those who commits treason.”

  The room drowned in silence as he sat back down on his chair. He was right and they knew it. Prince Tamiron was the one who made the Imperial Army most formidable. With him as an enemy, and with the Xerxecians forces, who knew what could happen next.

  Menoich sighed and continued with his proposal, “Tell them that we need their best warriors. Best princes or princesses or anyone strong enough to take him down. And judging by what happened in that battle, I say we need them all.”

  Murmurs echoed rampantly again but this time the councilors indifferently agreed to the plan.

  Everyone hurried on the Archbishop’s orders. All the best diplomats were to be sent throughout the inner kingdoms as ordered by the Archbishop – now Prime Minister.

  All hope rested on to every diplomat in the success of the mission and the safety of the Empire. It depended with their way with words and how the Kings and other realm Lords would agree to the conditions put up by the newly appointed Prime Minister.

  The Prince had given the empire its most difficult time yet as he attacked the empire on a daily basis. Starvation plagues the different parts of the empire and civil unrest broke out of several cities. The Archbishop prayed to the Gods and Animos to know what to do next to stop the brewing pandemonium.

  End of chapter I

  II: THE ORDERIAN

  THE DIPLOMAT FELT EXHAUSTED IN his travel. Several weeks passed and good news finally arrived at the empire that the first diplomat reached his destination and their longtime ally, the Maroon Orderian.

  With no time for breaks, Moselei Maktu faced the wizards in their round council room. The lower ranking councilors sat near the bottom and the high ranking councilors just inches above them, with the High Wizard at the very top center of the room.

  “The Trasidar Empire, the strongest kingdom in the west continent of Arumar – Unibeltrasia, has a dire message to tell the remaining realms. Our Prince Tamiron has betrayed us and chose to rebel against the Empire. We are now calling out the strongest and the mightiest warriors that the seven kingdoms have to offer, to help us defeat the Red Prince. This is not only for our Empire, but also for the safety of the western kingdoms,” Moselei Maktu declared.

  A high ranking wizard, adorned with silver bracelets and a large silver necklace with a blue gem, stood up and questioned the diplomat, “You come here, saying that you are the strongest kingdom and yet you require our help? Does the Red Prince really pose such a threat? Why not do it on your own, may I ask?”

  “The Prince is the strongest amongst the entire army of the empire combined. He crippled more than half of it in one swing. If he takes out the empire then soon enough, all the remaining kingdoms will fall along with it.”

  “If what you are saying is true, then why would you even think we would even consider sending out our own men to kill him?” asked the same wizard.

  “I’m afraid that with the power the Red Prince possesses, it would be wise to do everything that is necessary to defeat him for he can be a greater threat to the entirety of the continent,” Moselei pleaded, but he saw that the council of wizards still wouldn’t buy it.

  “What do you mean defeat him? Will the Imperial Council hold a trial? You will, will you not?” asked one of the wizards as he gently rubbed his white beard.

  “I’m afraid a trial will be out of the question, Your Liege. Treason is regarded as the highest form of crime a Trasidian could do to the Empire. It is, without a doubt, punishable only by death,” answered the diplomat, faced down.

  It shook the council to a stand.

  “Kill the Prince? Would the King allow such a heavy punishment bestowed upon his son?” said one of the councilors.

  “I’m afraid that the Imperial King has nothing to do with this, my friends. The King is currently bed-ridden. We have already elected a Prime Minister to temporarily lead the empire. He and the council have come to the decision of death.”

  “But killing him without any proper hearing is injustice itself,” pointed out one of the wizards adorned only in silver bracelets with no gems, a sign of low rank.

  “Even with what he has done, the Prince deserves to be given the opportunity to explain himself in front of the Imperial Court and Council. Killing him would only state that we are still barbaric and uncivilized people,” he added, winning over the council.

  “Noble Orderians, I’m afraid that the Imperial Council has already made up their mind,” Moselei fell silent, along with the other councilors in the room. Deep inside, he was opposed to it, but he had no choice or say but to convince the council.

  Moselei only looked around, looked at them, as they made their decision. They discussed among themselves as some stood up to go talk to the others in hushed tones.

  The council seemed to consider the Empire’s plea. The wizards went back to their places and the high wizard once again stood up.

  “The council has yet to conclude. We may need to discuss this amongst ourselves first. As for now, you will be taken to the castle’s library or gardens, whichever of your choosing. We just need to discuss this a bit further.”

  Moselei sighed. He bowed to the high wizard in respect and was escorted by the guards outside.

  The high wizard could not help but stay silent as arguments stormed at the leave of the diplomat.

  “This is Arvales Lluch all over again! Is the Trasidar-kind cursed?” said one of the council wizards.

  “They even call him the Red Prince. The Red Prince. A Trasidian, let alone the Crown Prince bearing the name does strike an eerie resemblance don’t you think?” to which the wizards agreed.

  “We cannot risk more Orderian blood in this war of theirs! They need to do it on their own!” The arguments continued.

  “Haven’t you guys been listening? The bulk of the Imperial Army was concentrated in Tamara. Did you hear what Moselei said? The Red Prince took half of their own forces. We need to take this seriously,” said one of the high ranking councilors.

  “Can you please stop calling him the Red Prince? Arvales did much more damage than he will ever do,” said one of the elder councilor.

  “We must help our allies to stop the second Red Prince. Let us not wait for it to gain more land and a larger force!” shouted one of the councilors.

  “Not to mention that the prediction of King Madarick has now come true. They have been preparing for years. Only we and the Mystic Falco
ns have prepared for them. They have given us land. Now is the time for us to return the favor,” added another.

  “An enemy that is led by the strongest warrior in all the eight kingdoms? The Xerxecians will be unstoppable with him alone,” a worried councilor said.

  “They are taking our right of sovereignty by doing this!” shouted one of the councilor.

  “They are not taking, they are requesting. There is a difference, councilor. I might have to ask you to read a book,” another councilor pointed out, getting a small giggle from some of the councilors.

  The high wizard finally had enough and stood up, “My fellow Orderian Wizards. We need to have an answer for the Trasidian diplomat.” The councilors then felt silent.

  Past midday and the councilors were still inside the council room.

  “We have spent too much time on this matter, High Wizard,” a councilor complained.

  “Are you even sure of sending her? She is too young,” asked one of the councilors as well.

  The others only looked at the High Wizard. They could see that the High Wizard was worried. They understood the situation he was in. They knew how difficult it was.

  “Theodore. We need your answer,” asked one of the councilors again.

  High Wizard Theodore only beamed to the council to which they understood.

  “So the decision has already been made then. I guess we have nothing left to say,” said one of the elder councilors.

  “Call in the Trasidian diplomat,” a councilor said. The guards obeyed and Moselei entered the room. Some of the councilors still gathered around the High Wizard’s throne, somewhat consoling him.

  Moselei looked at the council first, and cleared his throat, “You have promised me your answer. What is the Orderian Council’s decision?” the Imperial diplomat asked as little chattering started.

  The high wizard Theodore stood up and announced, “We have decided that we will answer the call of the Empire. We will send one of our own to stop the Red Prince at all costs.”

  A smile drew Moselei’s face and quickly said, “Good. We all thank you for participating in such a mission,” then he looked around again, “so who will join this mission that we called you for?”

  He noticed that one by one. The councilors all looked down, averting any eye contact. His smile slowly disappeared as he turned his sight again to the High Wizard.

  “We have decided that we will send my daughter, Evangeline Ressei, to be one of the seven warriors.” The entire council was crestfallen, even Moselei.

  “Why are you sending your own daughter? Why not the youngest member of your council? He is stronger than your daughter,” Moselei stared at the High Wizard as he and everyone in the room waited for an explanation.

  “My friend, if I explain this now it will not make any sense to you. Just take my word and you’ll see,” Theodore said in a calm voice.

  “I am conflicted whether to accept this or not. Are you absolutely certain about this?” Moselei asked again as he tried to reassure himself of the High Wizard’s decision.

  “I am sure of it, my friend. Your Prime Minister will be pleased when he hears the result after this mission is over.” Theodore sauntered back to the throne.

  The diplomat’s eyes dilated, “You mean to tell me that you accept the chance that your daughter, whom you love most in this world, may die during this mission? A mission where there’s no guarantee that she might make it or not?” Moselei waited for an answer but Theodore only returned a haunting stare, implicating his certainty on the matter. He considered this and asked, “Does she know about this?”

  Theodore answered immediately, “I shall tell her later tonight, dear friend. And then she will go with you tomorrow.”

  “Then we have an agreement. Prepare the princess tomorrow for our departure. May I return to my quarters now?” Moselei bowed down to the high wizard and the others before leaving the room.

  “Are you sure about your decision, Theodore?” asked one of the councilors.

  “Yes. I thought this over countless of times. I say she can handle this on her own. You may leave now, all of you. Go have the rest of the day for yourselves.”

  The councilors said their regards and left the council room. Sonia came in again and held her husband by his arm.

  “I heard what you said. Are you sure? When are we going to tell her about this?” Sonia asked with a little shaking in her voice.

  “Tonight. We will tell her tonight,” he answered.

  “But this is so soon. It will surprise her.” She gripped both his arms now.

  “She can handle this, Sonia,” Theodore said as she embraced her.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Dusk glimpsed the Castle Sanctum one last time that day, the main castle of the Orderian which was situated in the center of the city of stone and towers. Giant crystals hovered around the three highest towers in the city. Shattering glass echoed and a loud voice casting spells thundered along with the wind that swayed the leaves of the trees.

  “Maybe we should take a break. Let’s take a short break, Your Highness,” said an instructor.

  “No! Again. I’m not going to stop until I master this shield spell,” shouted the female student, then casted her spell and a big pink sheet appeared in the air just meters away from her. The instructor sighed and casted another spell. It was an offensive spell and a strong one. It hit the pink shield the other made, shattering it instantly and threw the student several feet away.

  “Princess, are you alright? Are you hurt? I am sorry that was a very strong spell I shouldn’t—”

  The princess stopped her and groaned, “It’s okay. Now, let’s do it again.”

  “My daughter,” they are interrupted by her mother in their practice, “the instructor is right. You should rest because you’re straining not only your body, but your mind as well.”

  “Mother!” she ran to Sonia and hugged her so tight.

  Evangeline Ressei, was the daughter of Theodore and Sonia Ressei, rulers of the Maroon Orderian. She had a pleasant look that radiated like a flower under sunshine with her long, black silky hair and fair, white skin. Her eyes could be mistaken for red sapphire gems. Her lips were as red as the most beautiful rose. Her kindness towards others was her greatest trait.

  However, her powers were different from the others. It was stronger and harder to control, making her feel more different and a bit insecure of herself. She had difficulty controlling her spells and even conjuring the easiest ones. But still she managed.

  Later that night, just outside her room, Evangeline looked up at the clear starry night sky, with the moon in its full. Evangeline stared at it with curiosity. The door slowly opened as her mother entered the room.

  “My daughter, come here. I got something important to tell you,” Sonia told her.

  Evangeline approached her in glee. They embraced each other and sat together on the bed. “My daughter, you are going on a long trip. On a quest to save Unibeltrasia.”

  “Mother, I don’t understand,” she said, her eyes getting watery and her mother started to cry as well. Her father came in and explained everything that was happening and what the Empire wanted to happen. Evangeline held back the tears as her mother tried hard to be strong in front of her only child.

  Evangeline’s eyes eventually shed more tears and stood up from the bed. “What are you trying to say? I don’t want to leave!” she stuttered. “I don’t want to leave the Sanctum mother, father. This is my home. I won’t accept that.”

  She dropped to the floor and her mother knelt down in front of her, hugged her, “My daughter, this is for your own good. Please listen to us.”

  Evangeline would not want to leave and she kept screaming while her mother tried to calm her down. Her father, who couldn’t bear to see his daughter cry, casted a spell to put her to sleep and laid her down to bed. Sonia stared at her daughter as she could not hold back her own.

  Theodore put his arms around Sonia and said, “She will under
stand this tomorrow, my dear. Let us get some sleep.” Sonia kept crying even when they left Evangeline’s room and into their bed chamber. He looked at her and apologized. He too started to cry in what could be, the final night their family would be together.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Outside, in the forest beyond Sanctum walls, three assassins from Xerxecia slipped through the Orderian defenses. They slowly approached the first outer gate. The two guards were unaware of the presence of the enemy. Completely off-guard, their throats were quickly slit and both dropped dead to the ground. From there, the assassins hastened themselves to approach the main Sanctum Castle that was only a mile away.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  The next day, Moselei and Evangeline, prepared for a long trip to the meeting place. Everyone was busy on the farewell gifts for the diplomat.

  “Everything must be in order and prepared well, am I clear?” one shouted.

  “Yes, Milady,” the maids answered.

  Sonia and Theodore helped Evangeline down with her baggage. On their way, a thick fog outside the front garden suddenly crept into the courtyard. The guards were puzzled as they looked at each other.

  “You, check the other—” the guard’s throat was slit. One by one the guards at the castle gate fell down.

  Sonia and Theodore along with Evangeline approached the carriage. A maid noticed the fog and opened her mouth to warn them when a flying dagger struck her in the back and everyone started screaming. Theodore, Sonia and the others surrounded Evangeline to protect her.

  “Princess, get in the carriage now!” Moselei shouted as he climbed the carriage, his hand held out to reach her.

  “Evangeline go with him now! We will hold them here!” bellowed her father.

  The fog enveloped the entire front garden and maroon colored lights with static sounds came into the scene. Evangeline was hit and stunned, unable to move as the guard protecting her was struck down.

  “Ourus Raveignon!” Theodore casted a fire spiral around them, removing the thick fog, revealing their three enemies.