The Journey 60.

Autumn. The Southlands.

"Are we lost?" dryly asks Lisell Maera the runner as they come to a stop at the edge of a wooded ravine.
"We are not lost" is the reply of Tamric Drubine the field commander, who then adds "I know exactly where we are".
"Oh?" says the attractive young woman from the city-state of Brattonbury "Where exactly is that again?" adds Lisell Maera, who more often than not is called Lis by those who know her well.
"Farque" says the teenage field commander who is originally from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin.
"I think" adds the nobleborn teenager from northern Sarcrin.
Next to field commander Drubine, the runner Maera rolls her eyes and sourly smiles.
While the others watch on, as the two of them are conversing in the elven language which the rest don't understand.
Well, they're all watching with the exception of Dorc da Orc, who has sat down on a large rock, which he's using to scratch his ass.
Tamric Drubine or Tam as he's more commonly called by those who know him well.
Has taken a map out of his pack, and is reading it. The son and former heir of a previous Knight of Castle Drubine. Which is located in the forested north of the kingdom of Sarcrin.
Doesn't entirely trust the map he purchased further north in the Southlands.
For the simple reason the people in the central region of the Southlands, and further north.
Don't know much about the nations and lands in the south, epecially this far south.
After one last look at the map he's fairly sure is inaccurate.
The young field commander in the armies of Farque, quietly says in the elven language "Even with this map, and it's inaccuracies, I'm pretty sure we're in Farque now".
Tam continues with "I was expecting a sentinel would of got to us now".
Lis slowly nods, and realising that field commander Drubine is probably right, she quietly says "We are probably a hell of a way from anywhere" followed by "And whoever it is that's in this area, might take a bit of time to get to us".
The nobleborn teenager from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin, who is now a senior officer in the armies of Farque.
Nods in agreement with the attractive young woman who is in the scouts and rangers division of the armies of Farque.
"We should keep an eye out for whoever it is" says the young field commander, who then gestures at the wooded ravine as he continues with "And we have to find a way around this".
"I'll find one" says Lisell Maera, who starts walking along the edge of the ravine, looking for away around it, or at least down it. As it heads south, the direction the group is going.
Meanwhile, the son and former heir of a previous Knight of Castle Drubine, looks at the others and switches to the common language and says "Shur Kee go with Lis" followed by "See if you can find a way around this ravine, or find a safe path down it".
The short, statured monk in the strange white clothing, and even stranger looking conical shaped hat. Nods his head, and follows after the messenger, or runner as they're sometimes referred to as.
After shaking his head, and wryly smiling as he sees what Dorc da Orc is doing, field commander Drubine says to him "Dorc can tell if anyone is around?".
The big, burly ork from the southern polar region of the world, who is making contented growling sounds as he scratches his rather ample rear end on the large rock he's sitting on.
Much to the disgust of sir Percavellé Lé Dic as he watches his bitter rival, the ork warleader.
Grunts as he stops scratching his fat green ass, and looks at the young field commander in the armies of Farque.
"Yeah" says Dorc da Orc who then adds "You cunts". The large ork laughs, then goes back to scratching his itchy ass with the rock he's sitting on. Well, it's a small boulder really, a bit more than a rock.
Tam sourly smiles as he looks at the ork weaponsmith, then he says to him "Not us" followed by "I mean anyone else".
Dorc da Orc, or Dorkindle which is his given name, grunts then mutters "Why you not fucken say so".
Then the warleader of the ork race, who is a general in the armies of Farque.
Stops scratching his rear end for a moment, and tilts his head to one side, and starts to sniff deeply through his nose.
The son of the previous matriarch of the wolf tribe of orks does that a few times, then grunts before saying "Nah cunt, no fucken peoples close".
The big, burly ork from the frozen bottom of the world continues with "But there's a big fucken bear thataway" as he gestures away to the east.
"How far?" asks Tamric Drubine the field commander, who doesn't particularly want to run into a bear anytime soon.
"Two miles" says Dorkindle as he holds up all five fingers of his large, skillet sized right hand.
The senior officer in the armies of Farque just rolls his eyes, and shakes his head, then he walks over to where Saanea the witch is standing, looking down into the ravine.
The young field commander looks at the short, attractive dark haired spellcaster originally from the Maldin Hills, which lies nearly two thousand miles to the north, near the coast in the central region of the Southlands. The witch looks back at Tam who lifts a questioning eyebrow.
"It's out having a look around" quietly says Saanea the witch referring to her shapechanging familiar.
"It hasn't seen anyone so far" adds the practitioner of magic, who is the newest member of the group. Having joined in the summertime.
"Tell me if it does" quietly says the nobleborn teenager originally from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin.
"I will" replies the witch, who finds herself far from her homeland, the Maldin Hills.
In the few months she has been with the rather odd group of adventurers. The witch has also found out that the young field commander Tamric Drubine is attracted to her. Infact he's in love with her. Even though he tries to hide the fact from her, and the others in the group.
Saanea who was previously married, before leaving her husband, who like her is from the Maldin Hills.
Doesn't know what to make of Tam's affection towards her. She's flattered, even though there's a five year age gap between the two of them.
And though she likes him too. She wouldn't go as far as to say she loves the young field commander in return.
The spellcaster from the long, dry hill range not far from the coastal town of Gilsom in the central region of the Southlands.
Is also aware of the dynamics of the group. And she doesn't want to upset it in anyway.
For though the group she finds herself traveling with. Seemingly work well together. They're a rather fractious bunch, where anything could set one or another off in the group.
Saanea glances in the direction of the main problem in the group. Well, to be exact, problems in the group.
Dorc da Orc and sir Percavellé Lé Dic. The ork general from the southern polar region of the world, and the nobleborn knight from the kingdom of Druvic.
And though Shur Kee the monk is strange with his odd philosophical beliefs.
And Lisell Maera is definitely a loner, even though she works well in tandem with field commander Drubine.
The major tension in the group comes from the ork weaponsmith, and the nobleborn knight in the order of Saint Mar-che.
Who are bitter rivals. Who Saanea in the few months she's been with the group. Has learnt they've tried to kill one another numerous times, in the nearly fifteen years they've known one another.
Even now, as they avoid looking at one another. They're still looking sideways at one another. Look is too tame of a word. The two of them are glaring sideways at one another.
With the nobleman from kingdom of Druvic, who is the former earl of Lé Dic, which is his family's fief. Located in the east of that particular kingdom.
Standing back against a tree trunk, arms crossed, as he glares at the large ork who is a general in the armies of Farque.
While Dorc da Orc, who is still sitting there on what's essentially a small boulder, using it to scratch his itchy rear end.
Glares sideways at his bitter rival, the heavily armoured knight, who is a former paladin.
The witch from the Maldin Hills is pretty sure the rest of the group with the exception of Lisell Maera.
Doesn't know about Tam's infatuation with her.
Though when she thinks about it. Shur Kee might know as well. But it's hard to tell, when it comes to the most enigmatic member of their group.
What Saanea does know, is that the general and the knight definitely don't know about field commander Drubine's feelings towards her.
For the two of them, when they're not thinking about themselves. Are thinking about ways in which to get the other killed.
And though they won't actually straight out attack one another. They do listen to Tamric Drubine some of the time. Who repeatedly during any day. Tells them not to attack one another.
Just the mention of lord Farque's name is enough to get them to behave.
And when that fails. The young field commander suggests they spar against Shur Kee.
Who the nobleborn knight and even the ork warleader is wary around.
They always give an excuse, usually with sir Percavellé Lé Dic saying he will not fight an unarmed man.
While Dorc da Orc who looks like he's into the idea of sparring against the short statured monk.
Suddenly decides not to, and starts arguing with himself in a mix of the ork and common languages about something only he can understand.
To say the usually murderous ork weaponsmith is a little cautious around Shur Kee, is a bit of an understatement.
The short, attractive dark haired spellcaster who joined the group in the summertime. Turns as things once again kick off.
"Why don't you do us all favour you foul smelling beast, and stop scraping your ample backside on that poor rock" says an offended sounding sir Percavellé Lé Dic, who continues with "The pong coming from you is enough to make even the wild critters here abouts, eyes water".
"Why don't you take your fancy words cunt, and stick 'em up your ass" says Dorc da Orc with a scowl directed at the former earl of Lé Dic.
The large ork scratches his rear end quicker and even more vigorously, until he slightly slips, then yelps and hops up, as a sharp edge of the rock gets him straight up his butthole.
The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar-che, bursts out laughing. Doubling over as the ork warleader stands there clutching his ass, wincing in pain and anger.
"Why you fucken" growls Dorkindle in a threatening manner, who takes a step towards the nobleman from the kingdom of Druvic.
"Dorc" says Tamric Drubine without looking back at the two arguing, as he looks down into the ravine.
"We're in lord Farque's lands now" continues the nobleborn teenager from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin, who then silently adds, well i think we are.
"And you're a general in his armies, so act like one" says the young field commander in the armies of Farque.
The warleader of the ork race scowls in Tam's direction, then with one last glare at his bitter rival sir Percavellé Lé Dic.
The big, burly ork from the frozen bottom of the world, turns and walks away, muttering to himself in the incomprehensible language of the orks.
Though he does stop to kick the boulder he was sitting on to scratch his itchy ass.
A little while later, and Shur Kee returns to tell them that Lis has found a way down into the wooded ravine, which leads out of it.
They set off, and soon reach the messenger who is in the scouts and rangers division of the armies of Farque, who leads the way.
It's later in the afternoon, close to dusk, on what's been a chilly autumn day, that's turning cold.
When they're looking for a place to camp for the night. When Saanea the witch's familiar returns.
And as the owl changes to a cat, the spellcaster from the Maldin Hills says "Someone is approaching from the southeast" followed by "Quickly too".
As they stop at the edge of some trees, Tamric Drubine looks at the ork warleader, and says "Dorc".
The large ork grunts, then sniffs repeatedly, as he tilts his head to one side to listen.
"Yeah cunt" says Dorkindle, who continues with "Just one" he briefly pauses as he sniffs to be sure, before he adds "Cold fucker" followed by "One of 'em fucken special soldiers in Farque's army".
Looking at Lisell Maera, Tamric Drubine the field commander says to her in the elven language "The local sentinel" he then adds "We're finally here".
"Definitely" says Lisell Maera the messenger in the same language as the journey to get to the lands Farque has finally come to an end.

Author's Note - Here ends "The Journey". The main storyline will return in "The General & The Knight".

The Journey 59.

Autumn. The Province Of Halvarc. The Kingdom Of Terrindim.

Mira Reinholt the mage yawns as he comes up on deck of the Quick Gull.
The once powerful mage who thought he'd have breakfast onboard instead of getting something in town.
Is wondering if he's made a mistake, as the ship's cook, who also happens to be the assistant carpenter. Isn't exactly known for his cooking skills.
The spellcaster who is from the city-state of Vexil in the Southlands. Wonders if he'll regret it later on today when they're in the air.
He rather hopes not. But next time, when available he'll definitely get something to eat in a town's inn or tavern if they stop off at one during the night.
Like they did last night at this town, here in the province of Halvarc in western Terrindim.
The spellcaster who also happens to be a highly skilled swordmaster, looks around.
And spots Jarjin Littlefoot the hobbit, yawning as he stands near the starboard rail on the stern deck.
The Vexilian mage in exile goes and joins the halfling, who isn't all that he appears to be.
"You're up early" says Mira Reinholt the mage.
"Got something to eat at that tavern" says Jarjin Littlefoot the hobbit, who points down a nearby street, to the establishment he broke his fast at.
"Anything looked better than what that poor excuse of a cook in the galley was preparing" adds the hobbit who is from the Sultanate of Dreese, a nation that lies on the far east coast of the continent.
The mage Reinholt grunts in agreement at that assessment of the ship's cook from the halfling, who like him, is a member of lord Farque's personal council.
The practitioner of magic, who was once the most powerful mage of his generation to be found anywhere in the Southlands.
Until he was stripped of most of his powers when he went offworld after going through a rift/void spell he accidentally cast.
Looks out and away from the small town they stopped at last night. Looking away to the northwest, the direction they're heading.
"Not much in the way around here" says Mira Reinholt.
"That's for damn sure" says Jarjin Littlefoot, who like the spellcaster from the Southlands, is speaking in elven.
When they crossed over into the province of Halvarc, the largest and most western of the provinces in the kingdom of Terrindim, early yesterday morning.
They soon started noticing the change in terrain. There's very little in the way of vegetarian out here in Halvarc.
The province is more arid looking than the rest of the kingdom. Little in the way of trees. And those trees you do spot, aren't tall, nor are they green, or have autumnal colours for this time of the year.
The trees you are likely to see, are those found in orchids. But even they're sparse. As settlements, are few and far between, here in the western most province in Terrindim.
They only stopped at this town last night, because it was the largest inhabited place they've come across so far here in Halvarc.
So they got fresh supplies. As it might be some time before they get fresh supplies again.
For once they leave Halvarc, they would be leavingTerrindim. And immediately to the west of the kingdom, is unruled lands for hundreds of miles.
Watching a young boy sheppard a small flock of sheep through a nearby orchard, full of citrus trees.
The mage Reinholt, who is glad the days are little warmer out here in Halvarc. Though at dawn, it was absolutely freezing, and it's only now warming up.
Is about to ask the hobbit who is a former air sailor in the Sultan of Dreese's fleet something.
When he notices the halfling frowning whist looking back to the southeast.
"What is it?" quietly asks the swordmaster Reinholt.
"A couple of dragons are heading this way" is the quiet reply of the hobbit from the far eastern coast of the continent.
The halfling, who in actuality is really a human being, a hordes outrider from the southern tundra, by the name of Zubutai Timaginson, who just happens to find himself inhabiting the body of the former air sailor from Dreese.
Glances up at his fellow member of lord Farque's personal council, and tells him "An orange one and a yellow one".
The mage who is in exile from his homeland, the city-state of Vexil, grunts then says "Balford faction".
The spellcaster in the black hooded cloak then says "Probably something to do with that dragon egg here" he continues with "After all, that's what their war with that other faction, the Golmard's is all about".
Jarjin aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman nods his head in agreement with the once powerful mage.
Last night when they arrived, they were told, numerous times by just about everyone they met here in town.
That one of the local family's were wild dragon egg hunters. Who had recently found a wild dragon egg, a couple hundred miles away to the north.
In the remote northwest of the province of Halvarc. Which happens to be the remotest area in all of Terrindim.
With no one actually permanently living there. And the only ones you'll find are adventurers, searching for wild dragon eggs.
As all across northern Halvarc, is the place most likely you're to find wild dragon eggs in the kingdom of Terrindim.
The mage Reinholt, and Jarjin Littlefoot and some of the others. Went and saw the dragon egg last night. As the family has it in the front room of their home. A warm room that constantly has a fire burning in the fireplace. As they have their dragon egg set up like a holy relic in a shrine.
Both Mira Reinholt and Jarjin aka Zubutai Timaginson were only slightly impressed with the rather large egg. As they had never seen a dragon egg before.
They both remarked that though mottled looking in colour. It rather resembled a giant chicken egg.
The spellcaster who is also a highly skilled swordmaster, also quietly mentioned to the halfling from the Sultanate of Dreese.
That once the dragon hatches, whenever the hell that will be. As no one can really predict when they hatch.
That family can kiss goodbye to their front room, and probably to the rest of their house too. As the dragon hatchling will more than likely destroy it after getting out of the egg.
"Wonder if they've won their war?" says the once powerful mage, as that's about the only reason he can think of why those dragons are here.
The practitioner of magic from the Southlands, who can now see the two dragons in the distance to the south.
Nods his hooded head when the halfling beside him replies with "They might of".
As he looks around, Jarjin Littlefoot adds "No other reason for them to be out here" followed by "It's that egg that's brought them out here".
The former air sailor in the fleet of the Sultan of Dreese, then dryly adds "Unless those two dragons like eating oranges and lemons" as he gestures away to the nearby orchard.
By the time the two dragons from the Balford faction land on the southside of the town.
The rest of those who were in town, who include most of the rest of the group, and about half of the crew. Have made their way back to the small, sleek looking, single masted airship from the far east coastal nation of Dreese.
Lord Farque, who had remained onboard, and was below deck. Makes his way up onto the deck of the Quick Gull.
And on the stern deck, he watches the two dragons as well as the two riders, who walk into town as their dragons fan their wings then settle down as the morning continues to warm up here in this part of the province of Halvarc, in western Terrindim.
"That's the same dragon from before isn't it?" asks Helbe the elven thief.
Both Mira Reinholt and Jarjin Littlefoot nods in agreement, as the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel, adds "The big orange coloured one?".
"It is" says the undead warlord, who after a couple of moments, continues with "I'll go and see what's happening" he follows that with "Stay here". Giving a pointed look at Narladene the ground pixie who is only visible to the heavily armoured deathlord at the moment, as she stands upon the right shoulder of the elven masterthief she's attached to.
The lord and ruler of the lands Farque, who to the people of his nation, also has the name of Draugadrottin.
Then looks at the captain of the Quick Gull, and tells him "Have the ship ready to depart when i get back".
The ship's captain says that he will, lord Farque nods. Then the undead being jumps overboard, and starts walking to where the pair of dragons have laid down in the morning sunshine on this autumn day, here in the western province of Halvarc.
They wait for the lord and ruler of the lands Farque to return to the airship, that's moored to large rocks on the northwest side of the small town.
They see the heavily armoured deathlord in conversation with the large, burnt orange coloured dragon.
Lord Farque, who has the elven name of Des'tier, which means The Destroyer.
Doesn't speak with the dragon for too long. And soon he's walking back to the small, sleek looking airship that previously served in the fleet of the Sultan of Dreese.
The lord of the death realm, once back onboard, signals to the captain of the Quick Gull to lift off.
"What are they doing?" asks Mira Reinholt the mage with a nod of his hooded head in the direction of the two dragons lying on the ground on the south side of the small orchard town, here in this part of the province of Halvarc.
As the airship lifts off, Draugadrottin tells the others what he found out from his brief chat with the dragon who was previously called Sunbeam, and is now named Kov.
The talk with the family doesn't take long, as they agree to join the Balford faction, as they had already decided to join the victors in the faction war between the Balford and Golmard factions.
Though the stipulation from crown prince Waniq took them by surprise. They agreed to his terms of not naming the dragon when it hatches, whenever that may be. As predicting when a dragon egg hatches is near impossible.
It helped that the amount the Balford faction is paying the family to join them. Got them to agree to the new terms from the crown prince of Terrindim.
The dragon riders Daeliss Komav and sir Malfane slowly walk back through town. With many of the locals, including members of the family with the dragon egg, respectfully following them.
While others have run on ahead to get a look at the two dragons lying at rest on the south side of town, on this autumn day that's warming up after the cold start to the morning, in this part of the province of Halvarc, in western Terrindim.
As they get closer to their dragons, the rider Daeliss looks away in the sky to the northwest, and spots the airship that was moored here in town.
Seeing what his fellow rider is looking at, sir Malfane the dragon rider says "That vessel looks familiar".
The nobleman from here in the province of Halvarc, though from further south in the province, continues with "That's that foreign ship isn't it?".
"Yeah it is" says Daeliss Komav the dragon rider, the lean, blonde attractive dragon rider who is still only nineteen years old, then adds "They're heading out of the kingdom".
The commonborn dragon rider who is also from here in Halvarc, continues watching the small, sleek looking, single masted foreign airship for a little while longer.
Wondering if they'll ever get back to where they're going. A place called the Southlands, in the western half of the continent.
The teenage dragon rider wishes them luck, as she looks away from the airship in the sky to the northwest.
And looks at her dragon lying in the morning sunshine on the south side of town.
And for all the recent changes to the dragon formerly named Sunbeam, who is now called Kov.
Daeliss Komav can't help but smile as she looks at the large, burnt orange coloured dragon she's the rider of . . . . . .

The Journey 58.

Autumn. Western Terrindim.

They set down late in the afternoon and make camp. And while the dragon Sunbeam, or Kov as he's rightfully called now.
Tramples down the ground after ripping out some bushes so he's got a comfortable spot to lie on.
Daeliss Komav the dragon rider starts making her way to where her cousin Jarmic's battlecruiser, the Dragon Flame has set down.
The lean, attractive, blonde dragon rider from the western province of Halvarc doesn't go far.
When behind her, Kov the dragon says "There's a messenger coming in" followed by "He's flying in straight as he doesn't know the area that well".
The large, burnt orange coloured dragon in the Balford faction, who has a curious look upon his face, continues with "He's ever so excited about something".
"You know what it is?" asks Daeliss Komav the dragon rider, whose family found Kov's egg about a century ago in the far northwest of the province of Halvarc.
"No idea" says the dragon who was given the name Sunbeam after he was hatched.
"Whatever it is, we'll find out soon enough when they fly in" adds the largest dragon in the Balford faction.
Who shrugs his shoulders as dragons tend to do, then goes back to trampling the ground to make himself a comfortable spot.
The rider Daeliss, or Dae as she's commonly called by those who know her well, nods.
Then continues on her way to the Dragon Flame, wondering what message is coming into camp. Like Kov said, they'll find out soon enough.
Not all that long later, at dusk, the messenger dragon comes in. And from the roars of excitement from the dragons on the ground when they can finally understand what he's been going on about. Those in camp realise that something momentous has occurred.
Daeliss Komav is onboard her cousin Jarmic's battlecruiser the Dragon Flame, when the dragon rider who has just arrived.
Suddenly appears on deck as his dragon teleports him to the warship that's the acting flagship of the Balford faction's second fleet.
Daeliss, the commonborn dragon rider from the western province of Halvarc blinks in surprise as in her mind, Kov tells her what's happened today in the capital city Fanile.
At the same time, the rider who has just arrived, excitedly tells captain Jarmic Komav and the other senior officers of the fleet and accompanying army what's happened.
Specifically what took place in the inner sanctums of the Royal Palace of Terrindim this morning.
It's captain Jarmic Komav who voices what they're all thinking "Holy shit we've won".
After the messenger tells them that with queen Pania dead, the Golmard faction. Well, what's left of their commanders, as a number of them were also killed this morning.
Have pulled out of their war with the Balford faction, over the right to have a family of wild dragon egg hunters join either faction.
The commonborn battlecruiser captain looks at his cousin the dragon rider, and grins and says "We've done it Dae".
With that, she couldn't agree more. As it looks like their short war against the Golmard faction, which has lasted barely a month, has come to an end.
That's not the only thing the messenger has to report. And he yells out to those cheering and shouting in excitement to quiet down.
And when there's some semblance of order, he continues on. And tells those on the deck of the Dragon Flame. That there's also a truce with the Salmain faction, who just last week, declared war upon the Balford faction.
It seems they've got terms they couldn't refuse. For lord Ganulf, the advisor to the crown prince of Terrindim. Has given up the title and position of the lord of Highsun.
So that another member of his family can become the lord or lady of the city of Highsun. The largest and most important city in northern Terrindim.
Those things are momentous enough, after all, it involves their faction, and the recent war they've been in.
But something actually more important came out of the events that took place within the walled off section of the royal palace complex this morning.
On what's been a cold autumn day right across the kingdom of Terrindim.
For king Crassil has formally named his heir. She being princess Sarsha. The young daughter of crown prince Waniq, and princess Kelriss.
There had been rumours, especially within the Balford faction. As prince Waniq more or less leads their faction.
That his four year old daughter had been picked by the royal dragons Blackflame and Whitefire to be their next rider.
Now with the king naming her his heir, that rumour is well and truly confirmed.
Cheers go up from those on the deck of the battlecruiser the Dragon Flame.
For though it's great that they've got a victory in their war against the Golmard faction.
It's even better to hear that the kingdom will have a clear line of succession when king Crassil finally passes away.
For faction wars happen all the time. And though not that often like the recent one between the Balford and Golmard factions, as it was over the right to have a family of wild dragon egg hunters to join either one.
The naming of an heir to the throne of Terrindim, only happens once in a generation.
No doubt the celebrations throughout the fleet and army will go on till late tonight.
When the messenger can finally break free of those questioning him, he's able to give the rider Daeliss a rolled up parchment, that has the wax seal of both crown prince Waniq, and lord Ganulf upon it.
The commonborn dragon rider goes below deck, and heads to her cousin Jarmic's cabin.
There, she cracks the seals, unrolls the parchment, and quickly reads the messages written to her.
Daeliss silently asks Kov to have Jarmic, along with the dragon rider sir Malfane join her in the captain's cabin as soon as possible.
It's not long before the warship captain, and the nobleborn dragon rider.
Both from the western province of Halvarc, join the rider Daeliss in the large captain's cabin of the Dragon Flame.
"Here, read this" says the lean, blonde, attractive dragon rider from western Terrindim.
Her cousin Jarmic holds it as he and the rider Malfane read it.
The nobleborn dragon rider from the west of the kingdom nods his head, then looks over at his fellow rider.
"When will you do it?" asks sir Malfane the dragon rider, who then adds "Tomorrow morning?".
"Probably" says Daeliss Komav, who then asks "You want to come along?".
"Might as well" says the nobleman from the western province of Halvarc, who pauses for a moment, before he continues with "Will you do what his highness suggests?".
The lean, blonde attractive teenager from Halvarc, doesn't say anything, but after a moment, she nods her head yes.
"Don't know how they'll take that" quietly says captain Jarmic Komav, both his cousin Daeliss, and sir Malfane nod in agreement with the captain of the battlecruiser, the Dragon Flame.
"They're taking a lot of our gold, so I'm sure they'll listen to the suggestion" says the rider Daeliss, who looks at her fellow dragon rider and asks him "Think they might?".
"Who knows?" says the nobleman who is the rider of the dragon Firelight.
"I don't know if Light will ever end up like Beam, i mean Kov" says sir Malfane who is still getting used to calling Daeliss Komav's dragon Kov, instead of Sunbeam.
"But this new one might when it hatches" adds the nobleborn dragon rider, who follows that with "If it knows it's real name from the get go, it could be an absolute terror in battle, just like Kov is now".
The commonborn dragon rider nods in agreement, then quietly says "Definitely worth a try then".
Daeliss Komav who has been told by his highness, crown prince Waniq. Who effectively leads the Balford faction.
That she is to negotiate with the wild dragon egg hunters in her home province of Halvarc.
To not just have them join the faction. But when their egg eventually hatches, they're not to give it a human name.
They're to let the hatchling try and remember it's real name. Something that all dragons know in the shell.
As many here in the kingdom of Terrindim, don't know. As their eggs are taken from the wild. And they just about instantly forget their dragon name, because of the descriptive human one that's given to them when they crack through the shell of their egg, and hatch.
"Let's hope it works out" says Daeliss the dragon rider, while her cousin shakes his head as he continues to read the message from prince Waniq and the crown prince's advisor, lord Ganulf.
"There's going to be a lot of changes in the kingdom now" says captain Jarmic Komav who continues with "The queen dead, and the Golmard's in disarray" followed by "Prince Sormis dead too, and that means the Grayvin faction will be in turmoil too".
"Definitely a lot of changes alright" says sir Malfane who nods his head in agreement with the commonborn battlecruiser captain.
Then the nobleborn dragon rider lifts an eyebrow in surprise when he gets to the end of the written message, and glances sideways at the warship captain standing beside him.
The airship captain blinks in surprise too when he reads the last of the message.
And as he stands there looking completely dumbfounded, his cousin Daeliss grins then says "Congratulations" she briefly pauses before adding "Admiral Jarmic".
Both dragon riders laugh as Jarmic Komav, who has just been made a fleet admiral in the Balford faction, by order of prince Waniq.
On a recommendation from both prince Craefar the fleet admiral, and lord Ganulf.
Shakes his head ruefully, and looks at his young cousin, and says "You could of bloody well told me" dryly followed in a mutter with "You know how damn long it takes me to read things".
The rider Daeliss chuckles, then says "Well, with your new rank comes new responsibilities" the teenage dragon rider continues with "You'll be mixing with the nobility at court now" followed by "And i guess your standing in the faction will have to fit that".
"I agree" says sir Malfane who has noticed the mischievous look in the eyes of his fellow dragon rider.
The nobleman from the western province of Halvarc, who avoids court like the plague, and has the excuse to keep away from it, as he's a dragon rider.
Says to his fellow dragon rider in the Balford faction "At court, whether you're noble or a visiting commoner, it's best that your standing in the kingdom is shall we say, stable".
"Yes exactly" says the rider Daeliss who grins as she sees that sir Malfane has also figured out how they can torment, and have fun with her cousin Jarmic.
"Shall we say, a settling down" says the lean, blonde, attractive teenager, who at nineteen, is still the youngest dragon rider in the kingdom of Terrindim.
"Settled?" says the warship captain who is now a fleet admiral, there's a frown upon his face as he looks at the two dragon riders, both of whom are grinning as they watch him.
To his mind, settled definitely sounds like something he doesn't want any part of.
For that sounds an awful lot like, Jarmic Komav thinks to himself, the captain of the Dragon Flame looks sharply at the two dragon riders then says "You mean settle down" followed by "As in marriage?".
As they both grin, Daeliss Komav and sir Malfane nod yes in reply to that.
The dragon riders, one commonborn and the other nobleborn burst out laughing when the newly named fleet admiral, a notorious womanizer, who has fathered a number of children with many women across the kingdom, loudly mutters "I don't know about that".
Shaking her head, the rider Daeliss says to her older cousin "I'm sure you'll manage Jar" followed in a dry tone with "It's not as though you've got a shortage of women to pick from".
"Thanks" sourly says the captain of the battlecruiser the Dragon Flame.
Who wanting to change the topic of conversation quickly, says "So first thing in the morning you'll head out west to Halvarc?".
Letting her cousin get away from the embarrassing conversation they were just having, the commonborn dragon rider nods her head yes, then says "We will".
Then after sharing a look with her fellow dragon rider sir Malfane, Daeliss Komav adds "Let's hope they agree with the terms to joining the faction" she briefly pauses, before continuing with "Especially with the latest directive coming from his highness" . . . . . .

The Journey 57.

Autumn. The City Of Fanile.

Prince Waniq, the crown prince of Terrindim. Sits upon the steps out infront of the main keep, here in the walled off section of the Royal Palace of Terrindim.
Not quite believing what's happened this morning, on what's a cold autumn day here in the capital city Fanile.
The crown prince looks down the steps to where the body of his brother, prince Sormis lies.
His brother who he killed with a rather lucky throw of a dagger, that got Sormis in the neck.
Prince Waniq didn't expect to kill anyone today when he woke up this morning. Let alone his brother Sormis.
The crown prince of Terrindim shakes his head in disbelief as he watches some of the royal guards cover his brother's body with some cloaks.
Then pick him up, and carry his body up the steps, and into the main keep, of what's called the real palace.
As they go by him about ten yards to the right, prince Waniq sees his dead brother's arm hanging down as he's carried up the steps.
The crown prince of Terrindim looks at the lifeless arm of his brother, who he killed.
Prince Waniq, who effectively leads the Balford faction. Has never actually killed anyone before. And though he did badly wound one of those who attacked him, here on the steps infront of the main keep.
He doesn't know what to make of what he's feeling at the moment. Knowing that he's killed for the first time in his life. And the person he killed was his brother Sormis.
Well, he was doing his best to kill you Waniq, prince Waniq thinks to himself as he sits here on the long, wide set of steps infront of the main keep, here in the inner sanctums of the Royal Palace of Terrindim.
Well his henchmen were doing their best to kill you, the crown prince dryly thinks to himself, who figures his brother Sormis would of joined in if he saw an opportunity to kill his older brother.
Prince Waniq who basically leads the Balford faction, one of the two largest and most influential factions in the kingdom of Terrindim.
Looks away to his left out into the massive courtyard, here in what's referred to as the real palace.
To where his mother's headless body still lies. Queen Pania's head lies not that far from the body.
And from even where he sits on the steps, the crown prince can see the startled look upon the face of his dead mother, queen Pania.
Who until a little while ago, led the other largest, and most influential faction in the kingdom.
The Golmard faction, which is at war with the Balford faction. Fighting over the right to have a family of wild dragon egg hunters join them.
With mother dead, we've won the war then, i guess? Waniq, the crown prince of Terrindim thinks to himself, who then shrugs his shoulders as he doesn't know what to think when it comes to the current state of the war with his faction, against the Golmard faction, who are now without a leader.
Prince Waniq sees that no one has bothered to see to his mother's dead body. Even though the other wounded and dead either have been, or are being taken away.
The crown prince is just glad his daughter Sarsha was ushered into one of the other keeps by his wife Kelriss.
Shielded by a large group of king's guards, so that the young girl couldn't see any of the dead bodies lying across the steps infront of the main keep, and out in the massive courtyard too.
Someone sits down next to the crown prince, and groans in exaggeration.
Slightly grinning, crown prince Waniq asks "How's uncle?".
"Father's fine" is the reply from prince Craefar, the younger cousin of the crown prince of Terrindim.
"He's being healed now" adds the young royal cousin, who is a fleet admiral in the Balford faction.
"He near knocked himself out when he jumped down into them head first" adds prince Craefar, who follows that in a dry tone with "The crazy bastard".
Which gets a chuckle from prince Waniq, who then laughs when his cousin Craefar adds "And he's bloody well sober of all things too".
The crown prince nods, then he and his cousin fall silent. And in their silence, the two of them look away to the left along the set of steps infront of the main keep, here in the walled off section of the Royal Palace of Terrindim.
Prince Waniq sees his youngest brother prince Dalvin, along with his young bride.
The youngest of king Crassil's and queen Pania's offspring. And the crown prince's only surviving sibling.
Is being helped up the steps, to head inside the main keep by a couple of royal guards, after prince Dalvin was healed by spellcraft.
If prince Waniq had any doubts in killing his brother Sormis. They quickly disappear as he watches his youngest brother Dalvin. Who was struck down, and almost killed by a sword wielded by their brother Sormis.
The crown prince slightly nods his head, and grins as his teenage brother looks his way, and waves out to him.
Prince Waniq watches as his last surviving sibling is helped inside the main keep.
Then the head of the Balford faction looks further along the long, wide set of steps to where his advisor, lord Ganulf stands with a number of people.
The crown prince of Terrindim wonders what they're talking about. As the person lord Ganulf is speaking to, is lady Kallie, the cousin of the lord of Highsun, who hates her older cousin Ganulf.
As he wraps a linen cloth bandage around his cousin Kallie's right arm, lord Ganulf doesn't say a word.
He only does so, when she moves to get a look at her husband prince Simeon.
"Keep still damn it" says lord Ganulf, followed by "He's fine, Gilbane is seeing to him".
The lady Kallie glares at her cousin, who like her is from the northern province of Hanamede.
The noblewoman stays silent, and keeps still, so that her cousin can continue to wrap the bandage around her cut arm.
"There, that's it" says the lord of Highsun after he's tied the bandage off.
"Gilbane will see to you after he's finished with your husband" quietly says lord Ganulf, who is the advisor to crown prince Waniq.
The lady Kallie nods, then says "Thanks". It's a begrudging sounding thanks. But it's a thanks all the same. And the nobleman from the mountainous north of the kingdom is content with that. Considering his cousin Kallie hates him. Who wouldn't of cared if he had been killed this morning in the fighting, here outside the main keep in the inner sanctums of the royal palace.
The advisor to crown prince Waniq looks down into the massive courtyard to where the queen's headless body lies.
"Hell" mutters the lord of the city of Highsun.
"That's for sure" dryly says the lady Kallie as she too looks down to where the body of queen Pania lies.
The queen killed by lady Kallie's father inlaw, prince Fallins.
Lord Ganulf looks sideways at his cousin, who is the representative of the Salmain faction here in the capital Fanile.
And as she slightly smiles as she watches her husband prince Simeon sit up with the aid of sir Gilbane the sorcerer.
The nobleman from the northern province of Hanamede quietly says to his cousin who is a few years younger than him "You know with the queen dead, my prince and our faction has technically won the war against the Golmard faction".
The noblewoman from the mountainous north of the kingdom turns and with a raised eyebrow looks at her cousin, and says "And?".
"That means my prince's faction is only at war with our family's one" states the advisor to the crown prince of Terrindim.
"I'm well aware of that" dryly says the lady Kallie, who was a widow until she met and married prince Simeon, who is a good nine years younger than her.
"It doesn't have to be that way" quietly says lord Ganulf, who shakes his head at sir Gilbane, signaling him to wait, as the sorcerer was about to get up and attend to the wound on the right arm of the lady Kallie.
After a few moments of silence, the noblewoman who speaks for the  Salmain faction at court, quietly says "What do you suggest?".
The lord of the city of Highsun, the largest and most important city in the north of Terrindim. A city he has not been back to in over three years.
Quietly tells his cousin Kallie what he thinks their factions should do. Essentially a truce, as the Salmain faction only declared war upon the Balford faction for the simple reason they wanted Ganulf either killed or humiliated, preferably both.
The nobleman who is a famous duelist waits for his cousin to say something about his offer.
And when she remains silent, he quietly tells her "You can tell my father and step mother that I'll give up the lordship of Highsun if it makes them feel better".
As lord Ganulf knows it's his father, step mother, and older siblings who make all the major decisions for the Salmain faction.
And that his younger siblings and cousins, with the exception of Kallie, still like and respect him. Even though their factions are at war.
The wife of prince Simeon looks at her cousin Ganulf in disbelief, before she's finally able to quietly say "Give up Highsun?".
The advisor to prince Waniq nods his head yes. He's not too fussed at losing the lordship of the northern city of Highsun.
He hasn't been back in three years, and he doesn't intend on going back anytime soon.
And the only reason he kept onto the title of the lord of the city of Highsun, was to annoy to his father, step mother, and older siblings.
He knows it's petty, but he couldn't care less. As at least half of his own family don't like or hate him to begin with. He might as well get them to hate him even more.
Now he's made a more than generous offer to them. He just doesn't know if they'll accept it.
Lord Ganulf waits awhile, and finally his cousin Kallie quietly replies to his offer with "A generous offer" followed by "We'll find out if they'll accept".
"I hope they do" quietly says the famous duelist, who continues in a slightly dry tone with "But you never know with our family".
"That's for sure" murmurs the lady Kallie as she voices her thoughts.
Then the representative of the Salmain faction here in the capital faintly smiles as her cousin Ganulf dryly tells her "Least our family isn't as messed up as the one you married into".
"That's for damn sure" dryly says the wife of prince Sormis.
As she and her cousin the duelist, watch her father inlaw prince Fallins, who has just spoken to his brother, king Crassil of Terrindim. Along with the royal dragons, the twins Blackflame and Whitefire.
Make his way back across the vast courtyard not even looking at the queen's headless body as he passes nearby it on his way back to the main keep, here in the inner sanctums of the Royal Palace of Terrindim.
The youngest of the three royal brothers when he gets to the steps infront of the main keep, heads up to where his son Simeon and daughter inlaw Kallie are, as he wants to have a word with them.
As lord Ganulf along with sir Gilbane the sorcerer stand to one side, and listen to the conversation between prince Fallins, his son and daughter inlaw.
The lord of Highsun wonders what his aide and offsider are up to out beyond the walls of the so called real palace.
As he does, the famous duelist looks in the other direction along the steps. And spots prince Waniq, the crown prince of Terrindim, and prince Craefar sitting on the steps, quietly talking as they look this way.
"Wonder what they're chatting about?" quietly asks prince Craefar the fleet admiral in the Balford family.
"We'll soon find out i guess" is the quiet reply of crown prince Waniq, who continues with "Ganulf is over there, and will tell us" as the two of them look to their left along the steps.
The two of them fall silent, as they see someone is finally attending to queen Pania's body.
As a handful of royal guards are seeing to it, gathering the head, and wrapping it at the headless body in sheets and blankets they've got from one of the nearby broach towers.
As he watches his mother's body being wrapped up, prince Waniq nods when next to him, his cousin Craefar quietly says "Did we win the war then?".
"Pretty much" quietly says the crown prince of Terrindim, who after a pause adds "I think?".
Prince Waniq who essentially leads the Balford faction continues with "We'll only truly find out when that family out west in Halvarc decides to join the faction".
The young fleet admiral in the Balford faction nods in agreement, then the younger of the two cousins looks away to their left again, and quietly says to the crown prince "Uncle's coming this way".
"No need to get up" says prince Fallins a few moments later as he joins the two of them.
As the youngest of the royal brothers remains standing, he looks at his two nephews sitting on the steps, and asks them "How's that brother of mine?" followed by "I saw you lot in the thick of the fighting, and Pal was always a bit of a crazy bugger in battle".
"Father's doing fine" says prince Craefar, who nods back in the direction of the main keep, as he continues with "He's inside, resting after being healed by a spellcaster".
The young fleet admiral in the Balford faction who is the youngest offspring of prince Paldim dryly says "He jumped down onto a bunch of them, head first".
Prince Fallins laughs, then says "Sounds like something Pal would do".
After shaking his head at the antics of his brother Paldim, prince Fallins looks at his other nephew, prince Waniq who asks him "What will you do now uncle?".
"I'll return back home to Cramoor" is the reply of the most famous swordsman in the kingdom, who continues with "I've asked Simeon and his wife Kallie to move down south" followed by "Hopefully they accept, it will be good if they got away from the capital".
Prince Waniq nods in agreement with that, then after he looks to the keep that his wife and daughter are in, his daughter who will be the next person on the throne of Terrindim.
The crown prince quietly says "I'll make sure things will no longer get out of control with our family uncle".
In response to prince Fallins asking him "And what will you do now Niq?" . . . . . .

The Journey 56.

Autumn. Fanile In Terrindim.

Crown prince Waniq looks at his brother prince Sormis who looks a bit more unsure of himself. Now that more than a few of his sycophants have fallen to the blades of prince Paldim, prince Craefar and the crown prince himself.
Though admittedly, the only reason prince Waniq's dagger has got blood on it. Is because he stabbed one of their attackers who his uncle Paldim punched in the side of the head first.
The crown prince of Terrindim took the opportunity to stab in between his uncle and cousin.
And thought he got pretty lucky to actually stab the man, who tumbled down the steps with a wicked gash in his face.
Prince Waniq, the leader of the Balford faction looks down beyond his furious looking brother Sormis.
To where their mother, queen Pania is standing at the base of the steps, here infront of the main keep of the so called real palace.
The queen is surrounded by her supporters, well those in their extended family in the Golmard faction.
The faction that she leads, a faction that's at war with the Balford faction, which prince Waniq essentially leads.
The crown prince who sees that his mother looks just as furious as Sormis, seeing that he's still alive.
As she's made it no secret she hates her oldest offspring, and wants him dead.
Looks away to his right along the long, wide set of steps found infront of the main keep.
And spots his advisor lord Ganulf, along with the sorcerer, sir Gilbane. Who is one of the crown prince's closest friends.
Run up onto that end of the steps. After fighting their way through a number of the enemy.
Who were part of the invited nobility and court officials. For the ceremonies this cold, autumn, morning to celebrate the king's crowning day.
The crown prince of the kingdom of Terrindim, then quickly looks away to his left along the set of steps.
Prince Waniq blinks in surprise at what he sees. Or to be exact, who he sees. Who is walking along the steps, heading in this direction.
The head of the Balford faction definitely wasn't expecting to see this individual here in the walled off section of the Royal Palace of Terrindim this morning.
"Uncle" quickly and quietly says prince Waniq, who hurriedly adds "Away to our left" followed quietly by "It's uncle Fallins".
Prince Paldim, the middle royal brother. Who is eyeing up their assailants. Who are far more cautious as a fair few of them are now dead or incapacitated.
Looks quickly away to his left, and spots his younger brother, prince Fallins. Who is here in the inner sanctums of the royal palace.
On the steps infront of the main keep, who is walking in this direction.
The middle royal brother, who is the former head of the Balford faction.
Knows who exactly his youngest brother the swordsman is heading towards.
"Keep them occupied" quietly says prince Paldim to his nephew Waniq, and his son Craefar.
"Don't let them see him" quietly adds the middle royal brother who has a deserved reputation of being a drunk.
But for the last little while here in the capital Fanile. He's been completed sober. A feat most people wouldn't of thought possible just a a couple of weeks ago.
Prince Paldim yells out at those further down the steps "Is that all you've got?!".
The next oldest royal brother behind king Crassil, looks at the queen, his sister inlaw, and shouts "You'll have to better than that my queen!" followed by "I'm hardly breaking a sweat up here".
Following the cue of his uncle Paldim, crown prince Waniq shouts at his brother "Why don't you come up here and try your luck Sormis?" followed by "You too much of a coward, is that why you're letting these others do your dirty work?".
The crown prince of Terrindim then looks to the base of the steps, here infront of the main keep, and shouts out to his mother the queen "Come on mother, this your chance to get your hands dirty for once!" followed by "You've got blood on your hands already!" he then adds "Why don't you finally strike a blow yourself, instead of letting all these others do your bidding!".
Queen Pania, furiously yells at those with her towards the base of the steps, to join in on the attack.
Most of them do, as they run up the steps to where the others are just down from the trio who are in the Balford faction towards the top of the long set of steps.
"Hell, well that did it" sourly mutters prince Craefar as more of their enemies rush up the steps towards them.
Then the young prince, who is the son of prince Paldim and the lady Desamo, who is a fleet admiral in the Balford faction.
Looks quickly away to the left along the steps, here infront of the main keep, in the walled off section of the Royal Palace of Terrindim.
Prince Craefar refrains from grinning as he sees his uncle Fallins the swordsman walking along the steps, heading in this direction.
With his eyes firmly on the queen, who has yet to spot him. Nor has prince Sormis and the other assailants have yet to spot king Crassil's youngest brother, the most famous swordsman in the kingdom.
"Shit, we're in for it now lads" loudly mutters prince Paldim, who quickly decides the best thing to do is to attack the enemy, and he shouts to his son and nephew "Lads, charge the fuckers!".
The middle royal brother runs down the steps and leaps into their assailants, who are taken completely by surprise by the prince hurtling himself down at them.
He's followed by his son prince Craefar, as well as crown prince Waniq, who grimaces in anticipation as he hurries down the steps after his cousin and uncle.
Seeing the three princes in the Balford faction go running down the steps at their attackers. And prince Paldim goes crashing into those rushing up the long set of steps, here infront of the main keep of the inner sanctums of the Royal Palace of Terrindim.
Lord Ganulf, the lord of Highsun, who is the advisor to the crown prince of Terrindim.
Quickly hurries along the steps, followed closely by sir Gilbane the sorcerer.
The nobleman from the northern province of Hanamede, with a shortsword in hand.
Thinks about rushing prince Sormis, who is standing by himself, about quarter of the way up the long set of steps.
The lord of the city of Highsun changes his mind when he catches sight of who is approaching from the otherside of the steps.
The advisor to prince Waniq quickly looks down towards the queen at the base of the steps.
Who is now with just a trio of her supporters, as the rest have gone up the steps to attack the three princes in the Balford faction.
"She's dead" lord Ganulf murmurs to himself as he realises none of those attacking prince Waniq, prince Paldim and prince Craefar, has spotted who is quickly approaching along the steps from the otherside.
The lord of Highsun who has also spotted who is down further along the steps, quickly says to sir Gilbane behind him "Go around and see what you can do for the prince's brother and cousin".
As both crown prince Waniq's youngest brother, prince Dalvin is down and bleeding. As his cousin, prince Simeon, who is married to lord Ganulf's cousin, the lady Kellie.
As sir Gilbane runs up the steps, to get around the melee. The lord of the city of Highsun, enters the fray.
The nobleman from the mountainous north of the kingdom. Who is a famous duelist, stabs the shortsword he's using. Into the back of a man who goes to swing a sword at prince Craefar, who is helping to haul his father, prince Paldim up off those he's crashed into.
Lord Ganulf then kicks another of the attackers, this one in the knee, who turns to confront him.
The famous duelist, then whips his blade up, quicker than the kicked man expects. And the shortsword slices open his face, taking off his top lip and nose.
He stumbles away screaming, and clutching his bloody face. As lord Ganulf helps the three princes in the Balford faction.
Prince Sormis feels a surge of elation when he sees his older brother Waniq go down.
The crown prince slips, barely avoiding a swing from one of the attackers blades.
Seeing his older brother down on the steps, prince Sormis grins in triumphant. Hoping to see the crown prince killed once and for all.
As Sormis, who leads the Grayvin faction, has got behind his mother's faction, the Golmard faction, and their war against the Balford faction, which is essentially led by his brother Waniq.
Prince Sormis frowns as he hears something to his right. He looks that way, and his eyes open wide in surprise, and in fright.
As he sees his uncle, prince Fallins, the famous swordsman.
The second of king Crassil and queen Pania's children fumbles to draw his sword as he backs away along the steps.
"Mother!" shouts prince Sormis, the head of the Grayvin faction who quickly looks down the steps at his mother the queen.
Then just as his uncle Fallins is about to strike him down. A dagger comes flying from the melee further up the steps. And hits prince Sormis in the side of the neck.
The head of the Grayvin faction drops his sword, as he drops to his right knee, then falls to his side, clutching at the dagger in his neck.
He pulls the dagger out, and feels a warm gushing feeling down his neck and throat.
He looks up at his uncle Fallins, who just looks down at him. Prince Sormis lifts a hand up at his uncle for help as he tries to speak, but all that comes out of his mouth is a wet gurgling sound.
His uncle, the famous swordsman just shakes his head, then turns and walks out of view as he heads down the steps.
Prince Sormis tries to turn his head to look at him, but he's unable to, as all of sudden, he wants to close his eyes.
So that's what he does, and he never opens them again.
Prince Waniq sits there on a step, blinking in surprise at what he's just done.
The crown prince of Terrindim who thought he was going to die. For when he slipped and fell down. He saw one of the attackers blades come down at him.
Which was suddenly blocked by another sword blade.
Prince Waniq looked up, and was glad to find his advisor lord Ganulf standing there, over him.
The lord of the city of Highsun, then cut down that assailant with a flick of the shortsword he's using.
The crown prince who essentially leads the Balford faction as he sat there not quite believing he was still alive, saw an opportunity when he looked down the steps, here infront of the main keep in the inner sanctums of the Royal Palace of Terrindim.
He saw his brother Sormis further down the steps, starting to back away along the steps, and attempting to draw his sword.
Ceasing an opportunity, prince Waniq took the dagger his wife, the princess Kelriss gave to him just before the ceremonies got underway.
And thew it down at his brother Sormis. Hoping that it might actually hit him. But rather doubting that it would.
So he was totally shocked that it hit his brother. And right in the side of the neck as well. So well, that it staggered, then dropped prince Sormis.
Crown prince Waniq sat there as he watched his uncle Fallins stand over Sormis for a moment.
Then head down the steps, leaving the second child of king Crassil and queen Pania dead behind him.
Prince Waniq, not quite believing he's just killed his brother Sormis, is hauled to his feet by his advisor lord Ganulf, who shoves the dazed crown prince behind him.
After the lord of Highsun tells the crown prince of Terrindim to stay behind him. And his advisor helps his cousin Craefar, get his uncle Paldim, who is dazed and bloody to stand up.
Prince Waniq, who basically leads the Balford faction looks down the set of steps here infront of the main keep. Where he sees his uncle Fallins has made it down to the base of the steps.
Seeing who has turned up, and seeing her second son, Sormis go down with a dagger in his neck.
Queen Pania backs away, and says to the trio still with her "Protect me".
The three of them nervously glance at one another, as they know who exactly it is that's making his way down the steps towards them.
As she watches her brother inlaw prince Fallins get closer and closer. The queen of Terrindim turns and runs. She doesn't want to face the man who killed her daughter Chrisabol, and her brother Kinvar.
The man who never liked her, and over the years hated her. More so now, since she was the one responsible for the death of his wife, princess Laenna the dragon rider.
The queen doesn't look back as she runs, and doesn't see her husband's youngest brother, easily dispatch the trio of her supporters who she ordered to protect her.
Queen Pania runs, not quickly as over the years she has grown stout, and she was never that quick when she ran in the past.
And now that she's nearly fifty, she hasn't done any running in years. It's a limping run, as she heavily breathes.
The queen if she had run straight out from the steps, and across the vast courtyard.
Those royal guards standing watching what's happening, would of parted for her.
But considering the open gates are too far away for her, she turns to the side instead, and heads to where her husband king Crassil is with the twin dragons, Blackflame and Whitefire.
Though in between here and there, are ranks of the king's guards. Who over the years she has always thought they are to protect her. When infact they only protect the king himself, and his heir, who is chosen by the twin royal dragons.
Queen Pania looks behind her, and gasps as she sees how close her brother inlaw is behind her, and prince Fallins is only walking as he holds his famous longsword in his right hand.
The queen looks forward again, and as she gets close to the first of the king's guards. A shouted command comes from further behind them. And they close ranks, creating a wall of bodies.
"Let me through!" gasps queen Pania in a near breathless shout, as she sucks in air on this cold autumn morning, here in the so called real palace.
She pounds on chests with her fists, all to no avail, as the guards directly infront of her don't budge an inch.
The queen of Terrindim goes to make her way around them, but she doesn't get far, as she stumbles and trips, and gasps in pain as she falls to her knees.
And as she sits there breathing heavily, queen Pania hears someone walk up behind her. She knows exactly who it is.
The queen screams as her hair is grabbed and she lifted up to her feet, and still screaming in pain, she hears her brother inlaw prince Fallins behind her say "For Laenna". Then queen Pania of Terrindim hears no more.
There's silence across the vast courtyard here in the walled off section of the Royal Palace of Terrindim this cold autumn morning.
As prince Fallins the swordsman stands there, holding the queen's head up in the air, as her body lies on the ground at his feet.
The silence is broken by roars from the twin dragons Blackflame and Whitefire, they're roars of acknowledgement.
And the youngest of the royal brothers nods in return. Then he drops the queen's head, and turns and walks away . . . . . .

The Journey 55.

Autumn. The City Of Fanile. The Province Of Galmede. The Kingdom Of Terrindim.

Prince Fallins, the youngest of three royal brothers. Never actively thought to train with the sword. Not until he was about seven years old. When he was out and about in the city one day. And he witnessed a duel between two nobles.
From that day he badgered his parents, especially his father, the previous king of Terrindim. To allow him to train with the sword.
Which of course, his parents were dead set against. As swordsmen amongst the nobility are duelist.
And no member of the royal family should lower themselves to become a duelist.
And though his parents were dead set against him training with a sword.
He had his usual allies when it came to things he wasn't allowed to do.
First of, his two older brothers. His oldest brother Crassil, who is over a decade older than him, who he absolutely worshiped as a child.
And is other brother, the middle one of the three. Paldim, about five years older. Who he was closest to when they were growing up.
And since the then twelve year old Paldim had declared he was going to join a faction. Which turned out to be the Balford faction.
He began learning sword craft, and other weapons as he had plans to be at least a general in the armies of the Balford faction.
Much to the chagrin of their parents. Who thought their sons if they were going to join a faction. Should aim to lead that particular faction, and not take part in any battle.
Which to this day, is still frowned upon for any member of the royal family of Terrindim to get involved in.
With his older brothers fully supportive of him learning the sword.
He had two other backers who were just as favourable in him training with a sword.
And those two were arguably the two most important into seeing he learnt the sword.
And because of them, his father the previous king, reluctantly allowed him to begin training with the sword.
After all, when the twin royal dragons allow someone to do something. They can do it.
So it was then that the young prince Fallins learnt swordsmanship alongside his brother Paldim with the instructors in the Balford faction.
And even at such a young age, anyone with a grain of knowledge when it came to sword craft.
Could see that the young prince Fallins was a unique talent with the blade.
Within two years he was already better with the sword that his older brother Paldim.
And even before he was a teenager, he had left the instruction of those in the Balford faction who were teaching him.
As he had outstripped all they could teach. So he sent word throughout the kingdom, for the greatest swordsman in Terrindim to be found.
And it was from there, that a very minor noble from the south of the kingdom. Who belonged to a small faction at the time, the Welmind faction was considered the finest swordsman in Terrindim.
And it was he, who taught the young prince Fallins for the next five years. And by the age of sixteen, considered the youngest of the royal brothers to of mastered the sword.
In particular the longsword, which isn't all that popular of a weapon here in the kingdom of Terrindim.
As shortswords are preferred by soldiers and airman alike. While officers and the nobility prefer a sabre, or sabre type blades.
And the nobility when it comes to dueling, like to use the rapier as their weapon of choice.
It was when the youngest of the royal brothers spent half of his time south in the province of Cramoor that he met his future wife Laenna the dragon rider. And within three years, when he was nineteen, they had married.
He didn't have to ask his father permission for that. As his oldest brother Crassil was king by then.
And he told both his brothers they could marry whoever they liked.
Which is what Crassil did, to a noblewoman from the central provinces by the name of Pania.
Who from the get go, prince Fallins did not like. And over the years would learn to hate. And with good reason as it turned out.
Also, when the youngest of the royal brothers was nineteen, something happened that gave him his legend so to speak.
It cemented into the minds of the populace, both commoners and nobles alike.
That he was the best swordsman in the kingdom by far.
As the then nineteen year old Fallins fought three nobles in a duel. Not one after the other, but all three at once.
As he had joined the Welmind faction at the time, which his wife the rider Laenna belonged to.
And that trio of well known duelists at the time belonged to a rival faction.
That faction being the Golmard faction, which was rising in ascendancy, about to become one of the largest and most influential factions in the entire kingdom.
Which they eventually did, though it was delayed a few years from happening.
For on an early autumn day twenty one years ago. The then nineteen year old prince Fallins dispatched the three best nobleborn duelists in the Golmard faction within moments of one another, as he fought them at the same time. Something that's never been done before, and nor since.
And from then, the word spread throughout the entire kingdom that king Crassil's youngest brother, prince Fallins was the finest swordsman in Terrindim by far.
A reputation that has lasted to this day. As he's fought many a time since then, whether it be in a duel or in battle. Where prince Fallins the swordsman has been more than successful.
Which again, this day. A cold autumn morning here in the capital city Fanile. He intends to be, successful again.
The youngest of the royal brothers looks quickly away to his right across the vast courtyard here in the so called real palace of Terrindim.
He sees a number of the king's guards standing infront of the twin dragons Blackflame and Whitefire.
With the royal dragons, is king Crassil himself. Along with his granddaughter, princess Sarsha. And the young girl's mother, princess Kelriss.
Prince Fallins knows that the twins as they're known. Only care about their current rider, and their next rider.
Though the youngest of the royal brothers has a sneaking suspicion about the dragons he's known all his life.
Something to do with his brother Crassil hardly riding upon them since he's been king.
Infact their father hardly rode upon the backs of the twin dragons too.
Prince Fallins only remembers his father riding just a handful of times upon the royal dragons, Blackflame and Whitefire.
Who at the moment, are occasionally growling and roaring as they watch what's going on infront of the main keep, here within the walled off section of the Royal Palace of Terrindim.
As the youngest of the three royal brothers, Crassil, Paldim and Fallins.
Prince Fallins figures the twin dragons will let things play out here in the inner sanctums of the royal palace. After all they've done so in the past.
As the family of prince Fallins history is sprinkled with members of the family turning against one another.
Often here in the walled off section in the center of the royal palace complex. Which itself is in the very center of the city of Fanile, the capital of the kingdom of Terrindim.
It will be no different today, as up along the steps infront of the main keep, a number of the extended royal family are fighting one another.
Prince Fallins, who is heading directly to where queen Pania is standing near the base of the long set of steps, watching what's happening further up the steps.
The youngest of the royal brothers, who is the most famous swordsman in all Terrindim.
Slightly grins as the queen has yet to look back into the massive courtyard. If she had, she would've seen her brother inlaw, who wants to kill her. The grin quickly disappears when prince Fallins sees what's happening elsewhere along the steps infront of the main keep, here within the walls of the inner sanctums of the royal palace.
He sees his brother Paldim, alongside his two nephews, Paldim's son Craefar, and king Crassil's son, crown prince Waniq. At the top of the steps, fighting a number of men the middle royal brother doesn't recognise.
But considering another of his nephews, Sormis. Is just behind that lot, he figures they must be from the Grayvin faction. And that prince Sormis has aligned himself and his faction with his mother, queen Pania.
Prince Fallins isn't overly worried about them. For though he knows his nephew Waniq hardly knows one end of the blade from the other.
Not so his brother Paldim, who once led the Balford faction. Who might not have the skill of himself in combat. He's a gritty and cunning fighter all the same, who has seen more than his fare share of battle, when he was leader of the Balford faction.
Prince Fallins knows that anyone who comes up against his brother Paldim, will not know that the middle royal brother is an extremely dirty fighter.
He knows from experience from when they trained together when they were young.
And from the number of bodies lying on the steps near prince Paldim, they found out first hand how dirty the middle royal brother can be in a fight.
The famous swordsmans and duelist has heard about the reputation of his nephew Craefar in battle.
Although young to be given the rank of fleet admiral in the Balford faction, he thoroughly deserved in.
And it's known he's fought alongside his crew when ever they've boarded an enemy warship. And by all accounts he's accomplished with the blade, not to mention he's learnt a lot of his father Paldim's dirty tricks in combat.
The youngest of the royal brothers slightly winces as he sees his nephew Craefar is fighting with half a blade. Obviously a dress sword that's broken, all the same, he's still using the blade to good effect, as he's just stabbed it into the face of one his assailants who has got too close.
Prince Fallins as he continues to walk across the vast courtyard here in the walled in section of the royal palace, looks away from the trio in the Balford faction towards the top of the long set of steps infront of the main keep.
He looks away to his right, and slightly frowns as he sees a young woman sobbing on the steps, holding a young man in her arms, trying to staunch the flow of blood in his side.
It takes a moment for prince Fallins to realise that it's his young nephew Dalvin, the youngest of his brother Crassil's children.
And though he didn't go to their recent marriage in the summer, he figures the young woman is Dalvin's new bride.
The youngest of the royal brothers wonders who would of attacked young prince Dalvin.
As he belongs to a small insignificant faction, who is not interested in politics, and the politics of the factions of Terrindim at all.
Then prince Fallins looks sharply at his sister inlaw the queen, who he knows was dead set against her youngest child Dalvin getting married.
He figures she had something to do with the attack upon young Dalvin. And figuring that prince Sormis has suddenly aligned himself with his mother the queen.
Prince Fallins wouldn't be all that surprised if the older brother Sormis himself, attacked the younger brother Dalvin, on this cold autumn morning here in the city of Fanile, the capital of the kingdom of Terrindim.
The master swordsman looks further to the right along the steps infront of the main keep. And he suddenly stops as he sees something that way.
It's his daughter inlaw the lady Kallie, with a cut along one arm, holding a bloody long dagger in the other hand.
While standing down a pair of men, who are wielding long daggers themselves.
The noblewoman originally from the northern province of Hanamede, is standing over his her husband, prince Fallins son Simeon, who is clutching his bloody side.
The youngest of the royal brothers never agreed with his young son marrying an older widowed woman in the Salmain faction.
He never told his son Simeon not to marry the lady Kellie. For the simple reason his wife Laenna along with the dragon Greenfire, thought the two of them should marry if they were determined to do so.
Prince Fallins relented at gave his son permission to marry the noblewoman from the mountainous north of the kingdom.
They married down in the province of Cramoor, if they had married here in the capital, prince Fallins wouldn't of attended.
Now it seems his late wife and her dragon were right. For the lady Kellie is fighting for her life to keep herself and her husband alive.
Prince Fallins takes a quick look at his intended target, queen Pania. Then he takes off running, heading more to the right.
There's a number of royal guards standing around, not knowing what to do. As it's it bit difficult to intervene when most of those who are fighting one another infront of the main keep are members of the extended royal family, those they're supposed to guard.
Prince Fallins as he runs by one, drags the guard's shortsword out of it's scabbard as other guards get out of his way.
The youngest of the royal brothers gets to the long steps, drawing his longsword as he does so.
And though he initially wanted to kill the queen. That can wait for now, as he has something else to attend to first.
Prince Fallins runs up the steps, and throws the shortsword he took from one of the nearby royal guards.
The blade slams into the back of one of the men trying to kill his daughter inlaw and son.
That fellow goes down with the blade through him, and the other turns to see what's happened.
For his troubles he gets lady Kellie's dagger in the side, and he screams in pain.
The scream is cut off short when his head goes flying off his shoulders as prince Fallins longsword cuts through his throat and neck.
The lady Kellie nods in thanks to her father inlaw, then she kneels down to attend to her husband.
The youngest of the royal brothers looks at his son, and seeing that he isn't fatally wounded.
Prince Fallins the swordsman says "You'll be alright son" followed by "I'm here now" and turning to look along the steps infront of the main keep, the youngest of the royal brothers adds "Time for me to end it all now" . . . . . .

The Journey 54.

Autumn. The City Of Fanile. The Capital Of The Kingdom Of Terrindim.

Prince Waniq, the crown prince of Terrindim hears a shout of anger away to his left.
Followed by a scream from a woman, here on the steps infront of the main keep, of what's referred to as the real palace of Terrindim.
The crown prince who effectively is the head of the Balford faction. Looks sharply at his wife, the princess Kelriss, who has just muttered "What the hell?".
He looks down to his right, and blinks in surprise when he sees that his daughter Sarsha is gone.
Prince Waniq looks at his wife, and again blinks in surprise as she suddenly disappears infront of his eyes.
The crown prince quickly looks away to the left across the vast courtyard, to where the twin dragons are.
Protect yourself you idiot, says the voice of Blackflame the dragon within in his mind.
They're safe, adds the voice of the dragon whose real name is Das.
Prince Waniq spots two small figures with the royal dragons. One of whom Whitefire aka Cre puts a protective claw around as she angrily roars.
A third figure suddenly appears infront of the large black dragon, and Blackflame puts a protective claw around whoever that is as he roars, just as angrily as his twin sister.
As the crown prince of Terrindim is hemmed in by his uncle Paldim and his cousin Craefar.
He looks quickly out into the vast courtyard, and sees that his father, king Crassil has disappeared.
He figures the third person with the royal dragons is his father the king.
As out in the courtyard, the ranks of king's guards and royal palace guards scatter.
As no one wants to be around the twin dragons when they're angry. As they could very well kill everyone in here within the walled in section of the Royal Palace of Terrindim if they wanted to.
"Watch it lads" says prince Paldim, the middle royal brother to his son and nephew. As people jostle one another as they flee.
The king of Terrindim's brother says to his nephew "Draw that dagger Niq" followed by "You might need it" as he nods away to the left along the steps, here infront of the main keep of the inner sanctum of the royal palace.
"Shit" mutters crown prince Waniq who hastily draws the dagger his wife gave him just before the ceremonies got underway on this cold, autumn morning here in the capital city Fanile.
"Just stab them with the sharp end cuz" says prince Craefar, the son of prince Paldim.
Who is looking bloody murder at his wife the lady Desamo, who is quickly backing away up the steps and away from the trio who are in the Balford faction as people scatter.
Prince Waniq looks at the scene before him, away to the left on the steps infront of the main keep.
His youngest brother, prince Dalvin is lying on the ground, clutching his bloody side.
While his young wife, is cradling him as she hysterically cries.
A bit further away in that direction, is his young cousin, prince Simeon, the son of prince Fallins and princess Laenna the dragon rider. Is also down, and bleeding.
While his wife, the lady Kallie, cousin of lord Ganulf. Stands protectively over him. With a dagger in hand. Keeping two men at bay. Each with a long dagger in their hands. One of which is bloody.
The crown prince looks down the steps, and shouts in anger "Sormis you bastard!".
"I never did like your brother cuz" says prince Craefar who is a fleet admiral in the Balford faction.
"I should of worn my battle sword" sourly adds the youngest child of prince Paldim and the lady Desamo in a mutter as he looks at his dress sword he's holding.
It's a deadly enough weapon, but it's more decorative than efficient. And because it's so lightweight, it will probably break after it's been hit just a few times.
"No time for complaining now son" says prince Paldim, who from beneath his thick fur cloak, has pulled out a shortsword he had hidden.
The middle royal brother might not be a master swordsman like his youngest brother prince Fallins.
But nevertheless, he's a deadly opponent all the same. And has had plenty of experience in combat. As he often went into battle when he was the head of the Balford faction.
On the steps below them, is queen Pania of Terrindim. Who is surrounded by those in the extended royal family who are loyal to her.
Infront of her, is her son, prince Sormis, the head of the Grayvin faction. Sword in hand, which is bloody. As he's the one who struck down his youngest brother, Dalvin.
Prince Waniq bitterly smiles, as he sees his brother for what he truly is. And opportunist, who has sided with their mother, the queen.
With the head of the Grayvin faction, is a number of his sycophants, all of whom are armed too.
"Stab through a gap only Niq" quietly murmurs prince Paldim to his nephew the crown prince.
Who nods his head, as his uncle adds in a murmur "Let me and Craef deal to them head on".
Then from beneath his cloak, the middle royal brother pulls out a dagger. And throws it with skill.
He aims for his nephew prince Sormis, who quickly ducks out of the way. And the dagger takes the man right behind him in the throat. Dropping him to the ground, where he rolls back down the steps.
"Well, that's one of you bastards!" shouts prince Paldim the brother of the king.
"Who's next?" calls out the middle royal brother, who then adds in a mutter "Should've brought more daggers with me".
As prince Sormis, and those with him. Hurry up the steps to confront the three in the Balford faction.
Meanwhile away to the left of the steps, as people jostle one another to get out of the way.
As everyone is frightened that the twin dragons will do something rather destructive, and very permanent.
Lord Ganulf says "To the prince" as he grabs sir Gilbane the sorcerer to haul him out of the confusion as people scramble out of the way.
The lord of Highsun lets go of the spellcaster, and punches a man, a retainer to a nobleman in the Golmard faction.
Hitting him in the throat, as he tried to stab the advisor to crown prince Waniq in the gut.
The nobleman from the northern province of Hanamede quickly picks up the dropped dagger, which lies next to the man he hit, and dropped to the ground.
Then sir Gilbane takes him by the left arm, and pulls him sideways through the melee.
"A spell of some kind would be good Gil" gasps lord Ganulf as they get free of the thick of the crowd who are fleeing.
"No fucking way" says sir Gilbane the sorcerer, who nods away to their right.
The lord of the city of Highsun quickly looks that way, and sees a body, well it kind of resembles a body. That's lying on the ground as people run around it as they scatter.
"What's that?" asks the advisor to the crown prince of Terrindim.
"Sir Dascal, that Golmard sorcerer" quickly says sir Gilbane who continues with "He was going to hit us with a spell" dryly followed by "The twins didn't take too kindly to that".
The sorcerer who is a close friend and confidant to prince Waniq, has sensed the other spellcasters here in the vast courtyard within the walled off section of the royal palace.
Not a single one of them, including himself. Is touching their power to cast a spell.
Lord Ganulf grimaces as he has one last look at the body of the sir Dascal the sorcerer.
It's a shape of a body really. That's been smeared across the ground, a smear of body parts and blood.
That roughly resembles the shape of a body, and nothing else.
Then the lord of the largest city in the mountainous north of the kingdom, quickly says to his fellow nobleman in the Balford faction "To the prince" followed by "On the steps".
The advisor to the crown prince of Terrindim, stops and picks up a shortsword that belongs to a fleeing king's guard that's been dropped.
And affer he hands the dagger he picked up a few moments ago, to the sorcerer, sir Gilbane.
The lord of the city of Highsun turns quickly to their right, as two men, both with long daggers.
One of whom is a minor noble, lord Ganulf challenged to a duel a few days ago, and was refused.
Rush him and sir Gilbane as they try to make their way to the steps infront of the main keep, here in the walled off section of the royal palace complex.
The advisor to prince Waniq, rather he had his rapier, his dueling sword with him. Not the king's guard shortsword he finds himself holding.
All the same, he moves towards the two rushing towards him and the sorcerer, as he quietly says to sir Gilbane "Keep behind me, only attack them if they get by me".
Meanwhile, across the vast courtyard, which is larger than the largest square in most cities.
The lone figure who was standing on the otherside of the open gates, is now moving once pandemonium broke out in the inner sanctum of the so called real palace.
He moves forward, through the open gates. Through the tunnel like thick wall, and into the courtyard.
As some of those fleeing, run by him, as they escape from the chaos and panic that was the crowning day ceremonies for the king of Terrindim.
After checking the longsword on his left hip. He looks away to his right, to the far side of the vast courtyard, where the twin dragons, Blackflame and Whitefire are.
Even from this distance, he can see who the three people with the royal dragons are.
There's his brother, king Crassil. As well as his nephew Waniq's wife, princess Kelriss. As well as his nephew Waniq's daughter, Sarsha.
He slightly nods his head as he sees the twin dragons intently watching what's going on infront of the main keep of the walled off section of the Royal Palace of Terrindim.
Then prince Fallins, the youngest of the three royal brothers. Starts walking across the vast courtyard. To the steps infront of the main keep.
There he sees his enemy, queen Pania of Terrindim. Who no doubt is the one who has instigated all this upheaval and panic this morning, here in the inner sanctum of the royal palace.
On what's a cold autumn morning, here in Fanile, the capital city of the kingdom of Terrindim.
As queen Pania shouts out "Take them quick!". Prince Sormis waves those with him forward to attack his brother, uncle and cousin.
Crown prince Waniq sourly smiles as he sees his younger brother smirking as he has no intention to be the first to face the blades of his uncle Paldim, and his cousin Craefar.
If the sycophants of prince Sormis thought they were going to have it easy as they take on the trio in the Balford faction, they're sadly mistaken.
The crown prince of Terrindim grimaces as his cousin Craefar the young fleet admiral, goes down one step, and shoves his dress sword forward with speed.
Taking one of the attackers right in the face. In the mouth to be exact.
The royal cousin who knows his sword will be best if he doesn't hit anything solid, like another blade.
Pulls his sword free, and whips it to one side, taking another of the attackers across the face.
And though prince Craefar doesn't drop that man whose left cheek is sliced open, the attacker quickly backs down the steps, holding his bloody face.
The middle royal brother, prince Paldim immediately recognises that though the three of them are outnumbered.
Those who are attacking them might be trained, but they look like they have no experience in battle, or at most very little combat experience.
The middle royal brother definitely knows his nephew Sormis, the head of the Grayvin faction has never been in battle before.
Blocks a sword thrust from the left with his shortsword, then kicks out at the man who just attacked him.
Connecting with him in the guts. And as the man doubles over, and goes to fall back.
Prince Paldim smashes his shortsword down across the top of his head. Smashing open the man's skull. And sending him toppling back down the steps.
"Come on you bastards!" shouts the middle royal brother, followed by "Is that all you've got?".
Prince Waniq looks quickly away to the left as a couple of the attackers look to come around the three of them.
And as his uncle Paldim steps back up to stand beside him again. The crown prince thinks about chucking the dagger he's holding, at one of those trying to come up around them.
The crown prince who basically leads the Balford faction thinks he better not, as more than likely he'll miss.
Then he nods, when he hears his uncle who turns to confront the two who have come up around on that side, quietly tell him "Remember Niq, through the gaps".
Meanwhile, just to the side of the long set of steps that run along much of the front of the main keep, here in the walled off section of the Royal Palace of Terrindim.
Lord Ganulf who has looked away to the left, to the far side of the vast courtyard. And seen that a number of the king's guard have maintained their discipline.
And are doing what they're supposed be doing, guarding the king. As about a hundred of them have formed ranks infront of the twin dragons.
Standing between the king, and the chaos that's taking place here in the inner sanctums of the royal palace.
Not afraid to risk the ire of the royal dragons who can be heard angrily rumbling and roaring at times as they watch what's happening.
The lord of Highsun easily deflects a long dagger swung at him, and with an up flick, he sends the shortsword he's using, up under the chin of his assailant. Smashing open the man's jaw, and mouth.
The nobleman from the northern province of Hanamede shoves the man away into another attacker.
Who trips over the dying man. The assailant who falls over the other one, and lands on the ground.
Gets kicked in the head by sir Gilbane the sorcerer. Whose dagger is bloody, testament that he's had to stab someone recently.
"They're a bit shit scared to come at us all of a sudden" says sir Gilbane who is breathing heavily "I wonder why" dryly adds the sorcerer who is good friends with crown prince Waniq.
He's never seen lord Ganulf fight before. But in just a short time, he can see the famous duelist has definitely earned his reputation.
For even using a weapon he wouldn't normally use. The lord of the city of Highsun has cut down all of those who have attacked them.
They've reached the edge of the steps, and though there's a few from the Golmard faction who are nearby, and are wary to approach.
Lord Ganulf says to the spellcaster in the Balford faction "Up and across the steps".
As there's fighting across the long set of steps, in the middle of which are their fellow members of the Balford faction. The middle royal brother prince Paldim, his son, prince Craefar. As well as the crown prince himself, prince Waniq.
Meanwhile, out in the vast courtyard infront of the main keep here in the inner sanctums of the royal palace.
The other royal brother, the youngest of the three. Prince Fallins, continues to walk across the courtyard towards the main keep, and the steps infront of it.
As those fleeing towards the gates, part for him, and get out of his way.
The king of Terrindim's youngest brother looks to where he can see queen Pania towards the base of the steps, surrounded by others. As she looks up the steps, at the fighting taking place there.
As he makes his way further across the vast courtyard, prince Fallins briefly touches the hilt of his longsword.
Then touches the black cloth of mourning he has wrapped around his right arm in memory of his wife, princess Laenna the dragon rider.
Then the youngest of the trio of royal brothers, narrows his eyelids as he continues to watch his sister inlaw the queen, who he has vowed to kill . . . . . .

The Journey 53.

Autumn. The Capital City Fanile.

Lord Ganulf, the lord of the city of Highsun, and advisor to crown prince Waniq. Refrains from yawning as the ceremony continues.
The nobleman from the northern province of Hanamede. Looks away from king Crassil, who is inspecting the troops. And looks up to the steps where the rest of the royal family stands.
There prince Waniq stands, grinning most of the time. While his mother, queen Pania. Stands on the center step, looking like she could murder someone.
And with good reason. For across the vast square, on the opposite side from the main keep. Are the open gates in that wall.
There, just on the otherside of the wall. Stands a lone figure, completely still. Watching the ceremonies taking place within the so called real palace.
Lord Ganulf, who was previously in the Salmain faction, which is his family's faction.
Knows that even from this distance, he can recognise who it is that's standing on the otherside of the open gates.
Infact everyone in here, who has looked that way, and spotted that individual. Knows that it's prince Fallins. King Crassil's brother. The youngest of the trio of royal brothers.
The lord of Highsun watches the furious looking queen for a few more moments as the king inspects another detachment of his guards.
Then the nobleman from the northern province of Hanamede, who is famous for dueling against other nobles.
Spots his cousin Kallie up on the steps, looking his way, as he stands to one side with the other invited guests.
Here in the inner sanctum of the Royal Palace of Terrindim, in celebration of the king's crowning day.
His cousin Kallie, who is just a few years younger than himself. And is married to the much younger prince Simeon. Who is the son of prince Fallins, and the dragon rider princess Laenna, who has recently died.
Lord Ganulf who has absolutely no idea why the young prince got engaged, then married to his cousin Kallie. Who is at least nine years older than the young prince.
Sees that his cousin, who has always hated him, even before he left their family's faction to join the Balford faction.
Is glaring at him as she and her husband stand not that far from prince Sormis. The second son of king Crassil, and queen Pania.
The lady Kallie, who is the representative of the Salmain faction here in the capital city Fanile.
Would like nothing better than to see her cousin, the lord of Highsun. Killed, and taken out of the equation. Now that the Salmain faction is at war with the Balford faction. Just as the Golmard faction are.
The advisor to prince Waniq takes a page out of the crown prince's book.
And he grins at his cousin Kallie, who has a look of disgust cross her face, before she looks away. And goes back to watching the king inspecting his troops.
Which he's doing this year, instead of the usual parade for his crowning day. As the royal family is officially in mourning.
"Bitch" lord Ganulf mutters to himself where he finally looks away from his cousin the lady Kallie.
The lord of Highsun knows that only his two older brothers, his step mother, and his father hate him more than his cousin Kallie.
For they see that he betrayed their family when he left the Salmain faction to join the Balford faction
And that he remained the lord of the city of Highsun. The most important and influential city in the mountainous north of the kingdom of Terrindim. Was a double betrayal on his part.
Lord Ganulf can't fault them. He dislikes them just as much as they do him.
The famous duelist from the northern province of Hanamede. Only has sympathy for his five younger siblings, three sisters, and two brothers.
Especially his youngest half sister, who has recently married to the Lord of the Northern Valleys in Hanamede.
Against her will by all accounts.
The advisor to the crown prince looks around at the other invited guests that he finds himself standing amongst.
The nobleman from the north of the kingdom. Spots a few nobles who he's challenged to a duel recently and they've declined.
One by one, he catches their eye, and grins at them. Hoping to annoy them. Just like prince Waniq is annoying his mother the queen. Who looks more and more disgusted each time she glances her oldest son's way.
Though whenever the queen looks across the vast square infront of the main keep. To the open gates in the wall. Another look appears upon her face.
It's more than a worried look. It's a frightened look more than anything else.
And with good reason. As her brother inlaw Fallins stands on the otherside of the gates.
Who has recently killed her brother Kinvar, the former lord of the exchequer. As well as her daughter, the princess Chrisabol.
Lord Ganulf himself was present at that death. And from what he saw that day in the main cathedral of the church of Torros. He knows the queen will be dead the instant she steps outside the walled off, inner sanctum of the Royal Palace of Terrindim.
As the king continues to inspect his guard in the company of one of their commanders.
The lord of the city of Highsun, goes back to looking at those who are standing with him off to the side of the steps infront of the main keep.
Those nobles who have been invited to the ceremonies of the king's crowning day, on what's a cold autumn morning.
The coldest morning so far this autumn, a sure sign that winter isn't all that far away.
Along with many of the court officials, who work here in the inner sanctum, that's often referred to as the real palace of Terrindim.
The nobleman from the mountainous north of the kingdom, slightly frowns as he looks at those who are here.
And notices that there's a fair few who are members of the Golmard faction.
And not necessarily those of importance or significance. He overlooked them previously, as he took more notice of those who he had challenged to a duel, and they firmly declined him.
"Quite a few of the Golmard's here this morning" says lord Ganulf in barely more than a whisper to the nobleman beside him.
Sir Gilbane the sorcerer, who is also in the Balford faction. And is one of prince Waniq's closest friends.
Looks around, and after a few moments, nods his head in agreement with the lord of Highsun.
"Think they're up to something?" murmurs the advisor to the crown prince of Terrindim.
"With them, probably" is the murmured reply from sir Gilbane the sorcerer.
"Want to find out?" asks lord Ganulf in a murmur.
With a sharp look at the nobleman from the northern province of Hanamede, the spellcaster from here in the capital city Fanile, says in a quiet voice "With his majesty inspecting his guards, and the twins watching on, are you nuts?".
After a moment's silence, the lord of Highsun shrugs then quietly says "It was worth a try".
The sorcerer who is younger than the famous duelist, and grew up with his highness, prince Waniq, quietly says to his fellow nobleman "You know me Ganulf, I'm game to try anything".
The spellcaster in the Balford faction quietly continues with "But if any of us here with the ability of magic, even does the smallest of spells this morning. Is going to get themselves killed on the spot" followed by "The twins won't allow anyone to cast while his majesty continues with the ceremonies".
The nobleman from the north of the kingdom nods in understanding. Then after he looks around at the nobles and court officials here off to one side. 
Lord Ganulf looks back up at the steps infront of the main keep. Where the extended royal family are standing.
Waiting as king Crassil of Terrindim, continues with the inspection of his troop. Which is mainly made up of the king's guards, and the royal guards of the palace.
The lord of the city of Highsun as he watches those up on the steps. Slightly frowns as he thinks something has got his attention. He doesn't know what exactly. But he knows something has got his attention.
The advisor to prince Waniq wonders what it is. Then after a little bit longer. The nobleman from the northern province of Hanamede. Finally figures out what it is that's caught his attention this cold autumn morning, here in the inner sanctum of the walled off section of the Royal Palace of Terrindim.
He sees that people are armed. Not with swords of course. As that's forbidden here in the inner sanctums of the palace, unless you're a member of extended royal family, or you're a king's guard.
But as he glances this way and that. The lord of Highsun sees more than a few of the invited guests who have what look to be daggers and other blades upon them.
They might pass as table daggers at a distance. But on closer inspection they would never pass for such.
Lord Ganulf looks quickly to the steps infront of the main keep. To see who has any weapons there.
He spots prince Craefar wearing his dress sword as fitting for a fleet admiral in the Balford faction.
And not far from him, is prince Waniq who is wearing a battle dagger. Which his advisor knows is near useless in the hands of his highness, who isn't all that proficient with weapons.
But what the lord of the city of Highsun is worried about is that he sees prince Sormis is wearing a sword at his side. As is fitting as he's the overall commander and leader of the Grayvin faction.
But it doesn't appear to be a dress sword. But looks to be a cavalry saber, or an air fleet equivalent.
The advisor to the crown prince of Terrindim looks at a number of others up on the steps, and sees that they too have weapons.
Which they're all allowed to, as befitting their rank in various factions. But many of them are not wearing dress swords, but actual weapons for combat.
Lord Ganulf looks sharply at the queen. And though he doesn't see a weapon on her at all.
She could have anything concealed beneath the thick fur cloak she's wearing this cold winter's morning here in the capital city Fanile.
"Something's up" murmurs the lord of Highsun in alarm to the spellcaster beside him.
"What?" quietly asks sir Gilbane.
"Something's going to happen" quietly says the advisor to prince Waniq, who in a murmur, tells the practitioner of magic what he's noticed.
The sorcerer in the Balford faction looks around them for a few moments, then up to the steps infront of the main keep.
"Damn" murmurs sir Gilbane who comes to the same conclusion as the nobleman from the northern province of Hanamede.
"What should we do?" quietly asks the spellcaster who is a close friend of the crown prince of Terrindim.
"You've got to warn the twins" murmurs lord Ganulf with a nod of his head to the far side of the massive courtyard, where the royal dragons Blackflame and Whitefire are watching the ceremonies from this morning.
The sorcerer winces then mutters "They could kill me if i start casting".
"True" murmurs lord Ganulf, who continues with "But you could die anyway if something happens".
"Thanks" sourly mutters sir Gilbane with a sideways look at the lord of Highsun, followed by "That does wonders for my confidence".
Then the nobleborn sorcerer who is from here in the capital, quietly tells the nobleman from the north of the kingdom "If they kill me, I'm going to come back and haunt you".
Lord Ganulf flashes a grin, then quietly says "I'll gladly welcome it if you're able to stop whatever it is that's going to happen".
The spellcaster sourly grunts, then mutters "Here goes then".
Sir Gilbane is just about to cast, when he thinks about something, then quietly tells the advisor to the crown prince of Terrindim "If i do tell them, and they react, they'll create chaos no matter what they do".
"True, there's a good chance they will" murmurs the lord of the northern city of Highsun.
With a glance around them, sir Gilbane quietly says "What if that's what they want?" followed by "Panic to set in, so they can do what they want?".
Lord Ganulf is silent for a couple of moments, then he mutters "Shit" as that's what could very well what those who are conspiring to do something, exactly want.
He looks quickly to see where the king is, and sees him towards the back rows of his troops, as far from the main keep he's been all morning.
The opportune time for something to happen on the steps infront of the main keep on this side of the vast courtyard.
"Shit" mutters the lord of Highsun again, who quickly and quietly tells sir Gilbane "Warn the twins anyway".
The sorcerer nods, then just as he's about to cast, a scream of anger comes from up on the steps infront of the main keep. Followed by another scream, this one of fright. Then all hell breaks loose . . . . . .