Kaewyn emerged from his bedchamber freshly bathed and clothed, eager to face the new day while it was still young. Though his head still throbbed slightly from the night prior, he was adamant on being productive with his time today. He was headed to the courtyard to train. The previous week of events had made him realise the importance of martial skill. His casual attitude had always gotten in the way of him putting any serious effort to the idea of training properly, but the General’s death had shaken him. His experience during the battle had clearly proven one thing, that he was woefully unprepared for any form of combat. The General was an expert warrior and yet he still met his end in battle. Kaewyn had awoken with the resolution to train daily until he gained some level of competency. He had always been resistant to the idea before now. If the General were still alive and here to see him, Kaewyn doubted he would believe his eyes.

He wandered down from the upper area of the castle and entered the Great Hall. He saw that the entire space had been completely cleared and showed no obvious clue that the massive room was host to feast. The servants had done well in their duties, more than likely working up until the sun had risen, cleaning and returning the Hall to its normal function. He stopped by the kitchens and found the matron, who had someone prepare a meal of bread and broth for him to break his morning fast. Feeling energised after his meal, he thanked the matron and made his way outside to the courtyard.

The weather seemed rather pleasant. A welcome change to the storm that had aided them in the battle, Kaewyn thought with a smile. The sun was warm and inviting yet not oppressive as it could be during the summer months. The courtyard however, was devoid of life. No guards patrolled and the usual bustle of the courtyard was simply non-existent. The kennel dogs barked every so often, but no other sound betrayed the presence of life. He walked down the marble steps and made his way to the drill space where Kaewyn remembered seeing the General often holding parades with his troops. Several empty bottles of wine and abandoned mugs indicated that the troops here had a celebration of their own during the feast last night. A few scattered training dummies had remained erected, beside them, a few blunted sparring swords were laid out haphazardly.

“This’ll do.” He said aloud.

Kaewyn picked up one of the sparring blades and tested the weight by slowly moving it around. He then began to awkwardly slash at the dummy. He started slowly at first and then gradually put more power behind his strikes. Most of his blows connected well enough but he knew that his posture and stance were completely wrong. He could hear his father and brother shouting at him in his head. What he needed, he began to realise, was an instructor. In the past his father and brother had tried to coax him into developing his martial abilities, as well as General Alaric, but Kaewyn had never found he had much motivation to spend every morning getting sweaty and being shouted at by his family. Recent events however had changed his feelings on the matter significantly. He now knew just how important it was to regularly train and hone a warrior’s skills. He still did not fancy the idea of being shouted at, but perhaps with a different instructor, and maybe some fellow students, he would grow to enjoy it.

Soon after he returned to whacking the dummy, a guardsman ran over calling for his attention. The man was familiar to Kaewyn, and his memory soon recalled that the guardsman was none other than Sergeant Jothram, the man whom he owed a bottle of wine. He had forgotten about his promised debt; it was something he would make sure to rectify.

“Milord!” The Sergeant shouted. “The gate! We need you at the gate immediately!”

“What’s wrong Sergeant?” Kaewyn asked.

“An unknown force of troops has been spotted approaching the Castle milord!” The panicked Sergeant replied.

“Find Seneschal Talbury and Arlan immediately, have them meet me at the gatehouse!” Kaewyn ordered the Sergeant, who nodded and rushed off toward the Great Hall.

Kaewyn immediately dropped the blunted training sword and ran towards the gatehouse, placing one hand on the hilt of his finely crafted blade. His mind raced with all the possibilities of who it could be, but nothing he came up with made any sense. He climbed the stone steps up to the wall as quickly as his feet would allow, nearly tripping once or twice. Once he was on the wall, he entered the gatehouse to see roughly five or six guardsmen gathered and looking anxiously down the road.

“Who saw them?” Kaewyn asked. “Which one of you saw them?”

“I did milord.” Said a terrified looking soldier. “Hundreds of men, maybe more. Some on horses too. Saw them as I was coming up the hill from Oakerton for my shift on the wall.”

“Did you see a noble banner? Any colours?”

“No milord, I saw no banner.”

Kaewyn peered out over the edge of the battlements and saw dust clouds down the road. He had only ever seen clouds of dust that large when armies had marched through. A sick feeling overcame him as he took a breath.

“Only the six of you?” Kaewyn said as he looked around. Usually the gatehouse and wall had many more men on duty. “Where are the rest of the men on duty?”

“Uhhh…” One guard stuttered. “Half of the others didn’t show up for duty today milord, on account of the feast most like.”

“…Terrific.” Kaewyn said sarcastically. If it came to a fight, he knew there was little chance of repelling a determined enemy with so few men holding the walls.

Down the road, appearing before the dust cloud, a lone rider came into view. He was clad in heavy scaled armour and held aloft a long spear adorned with a single feather just before the tip. As he rode closer to the gate, he twirled it expertly in his hands. The rider was covered in dirt and Kaewyn even spotted some blood on his armour. The rider had seen battle recently.

“Open the gate!” A familiar voice demanded angrily. “Open up!”

Kaewyn had grown up with that voice. He would recognise it anywhere. It had scolded him, argued with him, laughed with him and called him brother many times before. It was Rahim! His brother had returned. The unknown force must be his father’s men returning from the Heartlands. Kaewyn ordered the guards to open the gate immediately and then rushed down the steps to the courtyard. His mind was racing with excitement. He was met at the bottom of the steps by a worried looking Talbury. Arlan too rushed over with Yohren by his side. Before they could even speak, he told them that his father and brother had returned.

“Yohren, stand by me.” He said excitedly. “I will introduce you to my father and you can tell him who you are. Do not be offended if he is dismissive at first. He has likely ridden long and far and will be tired.”

“Talbury, have what men we have stand at attention.” He continued, barely giving himself time to breath. “Are the civil officials present? We should have ridden out and welcomed my father the moment he stepped foot in the Province…. It doesn’t matter, he will understand once he learns what has happened. Can someone fetch Camilla? She should be here too.”

“Young Lord, calm yourself. I am sure the Lord will just be pleased to see you safe and unharmed.” Seneschal Talbury explained. “Especially considering Lord Severus’ invasion. Come to think of it, there is much Lord Corrhen must be made aware of… General Alaric for one…”

“You are right… of course you are right.” Kaewyn said as he relaxed himself. “Why have they not yet opened the gate as I ordered?”

The gate’s massive wooden doors creaked loudly as the gate began to open, nearly as if the oaken wood itself had heard his words. The moment the gate was opened wide enough, Rahim rode through nearly instantly. Atop his horse, he circled the courtyard and brought the animal to a stop by the kennels. The hounds began to bark excitedly when they noticed him. Rahim then dismounted and approached them at speed. His brother looked older than he remembered. His armour was dirty, scuffed and covered in dried blood, which was uncharacteristic for Rahim as Kaewyn knew he was particularly obsessive over keeping his equipment clean and well maintained. His lightly coloured hair was dishevelled and his face was haggardly. His facial hair was caked in dirt. His brother looked as though he had been through some very tough times.

Before Kaewyn could even get a word out, Rahim closed the distance between them and hugged him tightly. He smiled. He had missed Rahim greatly. When he tried to pull out of the embrace, he felt his brother hold him still despite his struggle.

“Rahim… It is good to see you brother.” He said happily.

“I wish… I wish I could say the same Kaewyn.” Rahim sobbed as he released Kaewyn from their hug, revealing that his eyes were wet with tears. “I am afraid I bring most terrible news. Father is dead.”

Kaewyn felt as though his face had been slapped. His strength left him and his arms and legs became as heavy as boulders. Keeping his head up felt nearly impossible. He stumbled backwards but felt Yohren support him.

“He… he’s dead?” Kaewyn whimpered softly. “No… it isn’t possible Rahim. Tell me this is some kind of stupid jest.”

Rahim shook his head. “The Elentide took us by surprise on our way home… They are nothing but cowardly scum!”

“The Elentide?” Talbury questioned. “They have always hated the Edderfield family, but to attack you unprovoked while marching home? Surely this is a mistake.”

“We were marching along the Emperor’s Way. I expressed some concern, but father said that road would get us home the quickest, that seemed to be the most important thing at the time...”

“That road leads through Edheren Province does it not?” Talbury said ponderously. “That’s Elentide land.”

“Indeed… They came from the forests first, armed with their bows, then from the river on their bloody boats. We were slow to react, the men were exhausted from the forced march in our rush to return to Greystone Province.” Rahim explained angrily. “We lost a lot of men on that road, but father led us out of it… but later we were ambushed again and… he fell. I would have died too if not for the valour of the troops. I owe them my life.”

“But why would they attack in the first place? What did they have to gain from such an act?” Seneschal Talbury queried.

“I care not.” Rahim fumed; a look of pure rage overcame him. “I will not rest until I have vengeance upon the whole lot of them. The only reason I returned to Xu Castle is to gather more troops. I plan to march immediately on Edheren Province with every able-bodied soldier I can muster.”

“You cannot.” Kaewyn finally said, forcing himself to re-join the conversation. He was on the verge of tears, but his father had always taught him that it was okay for him to cry, but never in public. None but family were permitted to show weakness to each other. He would not shed a tear for his father, not yet, not where he could be seen by all.

“The troops you and father left behind are fighting in Vinum Province.” Kaewyn said through a clenched fist.

“Vinum Province? Why on earth would they be there?” Rahim probed. “And fighting? Fighting who?”

“Brother… much has happened in your absence. We were invaded… Vinum Province was taken by Lord Severus of Oscua Province. Lord Rhys was forced to serve him against his will… we rode out and stopped him from doing the same to us.”

“Your brother is being modest.” Talbury added. “The young lord devised a plan which we followed to defeat Lord Severus. Many lives have been lost, including General Alaric… but Greystone Province is safe.”

Rahim was definitely surprised to hear such news, but it was clear that he could only focus on one thing. “It seems there is much I need to be caught up on but I will learn more another time. I cannot focus on anything but vengeance. It is the only thing keeping me upright and moving when all my body wants to do is rest. I want to march immediately, but I need more men. How long until our troops are returned to us?”

“About a week.” Talbury explained. “Captain Alaric.

“A whole week!? Surely there are others I can use.” Rahim said impatiently.

“Other than a token force of guards, all that remain in Xu Castle are wounded from the battle.” Kaewyn explained.

“Gods be damned.” Rahim shouted angrily. Kaewyn had never seen him like this before.

“Is the court physician with you? As I said, we’ve many wounded who would benefit from an experienced physician’s aid.” Kaewyn asked.

“The court physician was killed in the ambush.” Rahim said in frustration. “We set out from the capital with just over a thousand men, now I only have seven hundred troops left. I need more!”

“There’s nothing we can do about it now.” Talbury said calmly. “You should get some rest; your troops would probably welcome some respite too I would imagine.”

“How can I wait when our father’s body lies in the field, unmourned and unburied. No, I will not rest. My men will set up camp outside the walls and not be allowed to return to their homes until we have recovered his body and satisfied my desire for revenge. The Elentide scum must pay with their lives!”

“Rahim…” Kaewyn said softly. “I want revenge as badly as you do… but there is nothing we can do right now. Let the men rest and return home. Have some patience. When the Captain returns with the rest of our troops, we will discuss a course of action.”

“No.” Rahim countered with fire in his eyes. “Once the men have a taste of rest, once they reunite with their wives and children, they will hesitate to take up their arms again so soon. There will be no rest.”

“This is most unwise.” Seneschal Talbury added as he scratched at his neatly trimmed beard. “We do not know why the Elentide attacked in the first place. Best to find out their motivation first before acting with haste. What if they have assurances of support from others, or perhaps they plan to capitalise on their ambush and strike us here. We must know more before we march blindly into their lands.”

“It is decided.” Rahim stated firmly to no one in particular. “I would seem I am forced to wait father, but I promise I will avenge you soon. I swear I will!”

“Nothing has been decided!” Kaewyn nearly screamed. “I have not agreed to anything yet.”

Rahim gave him a look that said more than words ever could. That nothing would come between him and his revenge, not even his brother. For a moment, Kaewyn thought Rahim was going to explode with rage.

“If you want to stay here and wallow in sadness Kaewyn, then do it. I am a man of action and so was our father. I’ll not sit idly by and dishonour his memory any further with talk of patience and discussion!” Rahim said sternly. “The troops are under my command and will remain camped outside the walls until we march. My decision is final.”

“Is Kaewyn not the Lord now?” Seneschal Talbury said openly. “With Lord Corrhen gone…surely the title falls to him…”

“I refuse to discuss matters of succession while our Lord lies dead in the field. Such talk is for after we bury him.” Rahim asserted.

“You are the elder Rahim…” Kaewyn said slowly. “But you were never his—”

“Don’t Kaewyn. This is a matter for another time.” Rahim said quickly and nervously. “The first priority should be recovering his body… I cannot rest until we have buried him. Don’t you agree with me?”

Kaewyn breathed deep. The thought of his father’s body lying on the ground in the mud, subject to the weather or even possible looting made him feel deathly ill.

“I do agree… but what of the Emperor and the Coalition? Surely, they can assist us? If we petition them for aid—”

“—No, we can only rely on ourselves now. We may have rescued the Emperor, but father was certain that we had just delivered him to another traitor. That is why we were in such a hurry to return home and prepare. Father said that the chaos of the Great Traitor was likely only to be an appetizer for what is to come.”

“What do you mean? Another traitor?” Kaewyn asked. “The Coalition of Lords was formed to restore him to power.”

“Indeed… when father and the other lords rescued him and the Great Traitor was killed in the field…. We held a celebration in the destroyed capital. During the celebration, father made a speech and proposed the idea of having each lord financially contribute to restoring the capital and the Emperor’s seat of power. But Lord Valehran had a very different idea…”

“Lord Valehran? Was he not the one who sent out the call to arms and started the Coalition to begin with?” Kaewyn asked. “It was his letter that father received that started all of this.”

“Yes, that was his letter. Lord Valehran led the Coalition of Lords. The bastard even honoured me during the campaign when I won a duel against one of the Great Traitor’s Generals. Who knew he harboured such traitorous ambition?” Rahim said with obvious disgust. “When he heard father’s suggestion of financial contribution he laughed loudly. I was there at the feast... He called father a dreamer and then stated boldly to us that he would be taking the Emperor back to his lands for his own protection. When father argued he was taking advantage of the chaos to advance himself, he merely laughed and called our father a fool in front of all the Lords of the Coalition.”

“That must have angered Lord Corrhen.” Talbury said.

“It did… father called him the second Great Traitor and tried to rally the other lords to turn against him, but they too saw only an opportunity to further themselves. They began to bicker over who should control the Emperor.”

“Absolutely disgraceful.” Talbury said with a clenched fist. “How dare they argue over the Emperor like a pack of wolves over a fresh kill.”

“It was then that father made another speech… he called them all oath breakers and thieves, traitors and opportunists, a stain on the honour of the Revaryn Empire. The looks he received were less than warm. Some of the wiser members of the Coalition had already snuck away with their forces. It was then that we decided to abandon the capital before fighting broke out, and as we left, we saw fire and smoke rising from the camps. Father planned to return to Greystone Province as quickly as possible to prepare… to prepare for the coming chaos.”

“It’s civil war then.” Talbury said in amazement. “I never thought in all my years I would live to see the day the Revaryn Empire came to such chaos.”

“And these lords did not even know about Lord Severus invading Vinum and Greystone either.” Yohren chimed in.

“That is true.” Talbury said ponderously. “Though I would not be surprised if Lord Severus had some sort of guarantee or promise to act so boldly. Either from the Great Traitor, or perhaps in light of this new information, Lord ***. Either way, it is most unsettling.”

Arlan shook his head in anger. “Surely other lords supported the Emperor as well? They can’t all have turned their back on him?”

“If there were any, none made themselves known.” Rahim said as his narrowed his eyes at Yohren and Arlan. “I’m sorry, but… who are you?”

As Yohren awkwardly avoided Rahim’s gaze and Arlan stepped forward ready to introduce himself, Kaewyn could only think on how his father’s heart must have been broken. Lord Corrhen was known throughout the Empire as a loyalist through and through. Many had expected him to be the one that called the lords of the Empire to battle the Great Traitor. Whenever his father had heard of the tyranny of the Great Traitor in the Heartlands, Kaewyn could see his pain. His father had met with the Emperor himself personally on many occasions and acted as a trusted advisor. For this to happen and so publicly must have crushed him, especially after all of the effort to rescue him from the clutches of tyranny.

Introductions out of the way, Rahim quickly returned to anger. It was obvious to Kaewyn that this was something he would not let go easily.

“The Elentide family killed him like a dog Kaewyn! We owe it to him as filial sons to seek revenge!” Rahim raged.

“…I agree with you Rahim. Really, I do.” Kaewyn said softly. “But what you have just told us… it changes everything.”

“How does it change anything at all?” Rahim shouted.

“If what you say is true Rahim… then the Empire has become a very dangerous place. With no Emperor to control the lords… there will be more who act as Lord Severus has. We need to prepare. That is what father wanted us to do. You said so yourself.”

“Maybe you are right, maybe that is what he wanted us to do, but I will not think about anything else until he is buried and mourned properly. We owe him that much don’t we? I will hear no more of this. I will wait one week and not a day longer.” Rahim decided as he turned and began walking through the gate. “You will find me in the camps outside.”

“Rahim!” Kaewyn shouted, but Rahim was done with talking.

Kaewyn slinked backwards and found a crate to sit on by the gate. He had so many questions racing about within his mind. Why had they attacked his father? Had the Coalition really broken down? Was the Emperor a hostage to yet another Lord? And finally, the question that caused him particular heartache, was he truly the Lord of Greystone Province now? Or was Rahim….

As all these questions raced about within his mind, the words of another seemed particular clear now. Marcus Linforde, the odd scholar he had met on Veneti Hill was no ordinary man. His words to Kaewyn yesterday had been proven true. He went over them in his head again and again.

You still see the world through the eyes of a child. And while you’ve proven yourself to be a man of ability in the last few days, you still hide in your father’s shadow. A shame really, I am sorry for what you will go through, but it is necessary for you to reach your potential.

All you need to know is that I will be in Oakerton for a few days yet. When… the situation changes, come and find me. We will discuss the future, both yours and that of the Ill-fated Empire.

The Ill-fated Empire… Marcus knew this would happen, Kaewyn realised. It all made sense now. The Coalition breaking down. The Emperor being used as a hostage rather than being restored to his rightful position. His talk of potential and being in his father’s shadow. He had to have known that his father was to die, or at the least that it was very likely. He then remembered that Marcus had also told him that the chaos of the land was only just beginning and that it was going to become much worse, a statement that mirrored his father’s own words. Kaewyn had hoped that Marcus was exaggerating or simply wrong, but time had proven his prediction true.

The coming chaos will separate those who currently rule from those who should rule. The inept or unwilling will be cast aside in favour of those with ability and ambition. Lord Severus is one such example, but there are many more like him, waiting for their opportunity. When it comes… the chaos of their ambition will forever change the Empire.

Kaewyn wondered if Marcus was in Oakerton now, just as he had said he would be. If he was to be the Lord of Greystone Province, he knew that he would need advisors of great insight and ability. This Marcus Linforde was an oddity to be sure, he was rude, abrasive, and seemed to refuse to use proper titles when addressing a member of a noble family, but his abilities were simply uncanny. He had predicted Lord Severus’ attack, he had amended Kaewyn’s plan, ensuring its success. If he had also predicted Lord Corrhen’s untimely demise then his gift was one not to be squandered. Marcus said that he wanted a position of authority within the court of Greystone. Is that why he had told him that he would be in Oakerton for a few days? He must have wanted Kaewyn to seek him out. The odd scholar wanted to be found.

Having something to focus on brought his mind to a state of relative calmness. He was going to find Marcus Linforde and offer him exactly what he wanted, a position of authority in the court of Greystone Province. With his father dead, Kaewyn felt he had the proper authority to grant Marcus’ request to given a position within the court. The odd scholar’s words had proven to be true, and thus Kaewyn felt that he would need a man of such insight by his side in the times ahead.

Kaewyn stood and made straight for the stables. He ignored everyone present and saddled a horse at random. Yohren dutifully followed him and tried to saddle his own mount, but Kaewyn stopped him and signalled for him to stay put.

“Where are you going young lord?” Talbury asked. “This is no time to disappear. Now more than… perhaps ever, we need you here.”

“I know Talbury, but I am going to Oakerton whether you approve or not. We are going to need all the help we can gather if we are to survive and I happen to know a certain individual is in town.” Kaewyn said dryly.

“And you will find this help… in Oakerton?” Talbury said quizzically. “Surely not.”

“If he was speaking the truth, then yes.” Kaewyn replied. “Keep everything in order while I am away Talbury. Do not let Rahim do anything rash without my consent.”

“I will try… but—”

“You will not try Talbury. You will DO as I say. My father made me acting lord before he left.” Kaewyn said as tears began to form in his eyes, his voice on the verge of breaking. “Has anything changed? Am I not still the acting lord? Or is Rahim your lord now?”

Talbury smiled almost proudly and bowed respectfully. “No, your brother is not my lord. I will remain and do as you say, Lord Kaewyn.”

“Do you require an escort?” Arlan asked as he stepped forward and petted his own magnificent white horse which was also sheltered in the castle stable.

“No Arlan, I…I need to be alone. It might be a good idea to bring your volunteers within the walls. Just a precaution against them and the troops gathering outside coming to conflict.” Kaewyn explained. “Please stay here with Yohren and assist Talbury if he needs you. I will return before long.”

Kaewyn would have liked the companionship of Arlan or Yohren, but he knew that he needed to be alone, and company would only force him to hide his pain even longer. He mounted his horse and then spurred the animal toward the gate. He did not look back as he rode out from the Castle and through the ranks of Rahim’s tired looking men that were only just beginning to set up a makeshift camp. Many of the men looked aggravated or upset. Kaewyn guessed that they had just been made aware of Rahim’s decision to not allow them to return to their families just yet.

A few of the soldiers watched him go by as memories of his father flashed through his mind. He blinked away the tears and then shielded his face with his sleeve. He did not want anyone to see him cry, not even a soldier who he did not even know. As he descended the windy road that led down the hill toward Oakerton at a slow trot, he saw hundreds of tired troops marching up the hill. Most barely seemed able to make the slope, and some did not even have weapons. A few haplessly carried or supported their wounded brethren as they climbed the hill, while others dragged heavy equipment behind them. One or two had stopped to rest and sat by the side of the path. It must have been rough for them, Kaewyn thought, but his own pain overshadowed all else.

At the base of the hill, Kaewyn came to the point where the road split. To his left, a constant stream of soldiers was wandering in toward him and then going up the hill. He turned his horse to the right and headed toward Oakerton. He was now alone for the first time since learning his father’s cruel fate. Within seconds the tears he had managed to hold back began to fall down his cheeks. It felt cathartic to cry so openly without fear of being seen, with only his horse there to witness his tears. He closed his eyes and hugged himself as hard as he could, placing his trust in that his horse knew where to go. Kaewyn’s heart was racing. He could feel it beating deep within his chest. He had felt similarly that stormy night during the battle but this time was different somehow. He felt anger, confusion, frustration, disbelief and fear, but by far the strongest emotion he felt, was simply emptiness. An emptiness that threatened to overcome his usually rational mind.

Kaewyn had grown up in a life of supreme privilege. He never had to worry about the future in any significant way. He had always been content in the knowledge that everything would always turn out in his family’s favour in the end. His father would always see that it did, regardless of whatever would happen. A bad harvest was never a good thing, especially for the commonfolk, but Kaewyn and everyone else he knew on a personal level never would have gone hungry, no matter how bad the situation outside the walls ever got. When food shortages became particularly dire, Kaewyn remembered his father personally attending to the issue by speaking with other Lords and having large amounts of food imported from other Provinces in some costly diplomatic deal. Other serious issues like bandit activity or border disputes with other Lords were far more worrying, but his father would always confidently attend to such things with such a haste, that by the time Kaewyn had learned about the details, the matter was usually well on the way to being settled. That was what it had often come down to Kaewyn then realised. His father was the one thing he could always rely upon no matter what, to lead, to organise, to fix, but now he was gone. No longer could he stumble through life in blissful ignorance knowing his father would manage everything. It was up to him now as his father’s heir, and that was what truly scared him. The massive responsibility of ruling Greystone Province was no longer a temporary burden, it was now a lifelong one.

The matter of who would succeed his father as Lord of Greystone Province was another matter that weighed heavily on Kaewyn. He tried his utmost to not think on it, but his mind was distraught and it was difficult to control. With his father’s death, the title naturally fell to his children. Kaewyn was the official heir to the title, but Rahim was older by a year. As the oldest, Rahim would in most cases be considered the heir apparent. However, the Edderfield family had met with misfortune in the last few generations and the family line was not so simple as that. It was common knowledge that Kaewyn and Rahim were the sons of Lord Corrhen, but in truth, this was only half true. Rahim was not Kaewyn’s brother, but actually his cousin. The entire family knew this secret, including Rahim himself, but Corrhen had decided that this fact remain known only to those within the Edderfield family.

Kaewyn remembered the story his mother had told him as a small boy. When Lord Corrhen returned after the death of his brothers and father to take the title of lord, he discovered that his one of his brothers had left behind a woman with child. Corrhen had taken care of the woman out of a love for his brothers, but when the woman died due to complications in childbirth, he saw no alternative and adopted the baby boy as his own, thus becoming his son, but in reality, Rahim was his nephew.

Corrhen raised Rahim as his own and treated both sons no different from each other, but Kaewyn always believed that his father preferred Rahim as the heir over himself. It was a deep-seated belief that he had held for a long time. He always felt out of place when his father bragged about how great Rahim was as a warrior and how much he had grown as a military man during feasts to anyone who would listen. Kaewyn felt particularly hurt when Lord Corrhen had decided to take Rahim with him on campaign and leave him behind in Greystone Province as acting Lord. Further evidence to him that suggested his father wanted Rahim to succeed him one day instead of Kaewyn. Rahim was also immensely popular with the military officials of the court, and now he directly controlled the remnants of his father’s army. He very much doubted if he ordered those troops to do something against the wishes of his brother, that they would choose obey him instead. He wondered then, if Rahim secretly had an eye on the title for himself…

Kaewyn felt completely overwhelmed. He did not even want to be thinking this way. They were brothers, whether by blood or not, and had always been taught to treat each other as such. The matter of who would succeed their father still remained however, but Kaewyn knew that Rahim was not going to even entertain the idea of discussing such things until he had his vengeance for the death of their father. It would all have to wait until Captain Alaric returned with the remainder of their troops. Until then, all Kaewyn could do was build his own powerbase should he ever come to blows with Rahim. He knew Yohren would support him regardless which brought him some small measure of comfort. Seneschal Talbury too seemed to be on his side. He hoped that Arlan and his volunteers would be there for him, but as outsiders their influence was limited, as was their reason to get involved. If General Alaric had survived the battle, Kaewyn wondered whom he would have supported. Shaking his head, Kaewyn forced such thoughts from his mind. Marcus Linforde was the priority now, and if Rahim was to end up as a problem in the future, then perhaps a man of Marcus’ foresight and ability would have a way to deal with such a thing. He wished he could just assume Rahim had only good intentions, but Kaewyn had read many tomes and studied the histories of the Revaryn Empire all his life. History was fraught with betrayal, even when family were concerned. He wanted to give Rahim the benefit of the doubt, but his logical and rational mind forced him to remain on guard. Only time would tell he told himself sadly.

He sighed heavily, wishing more than anything that his brother was wrong. He wanted to turn around and see his father riding in, injured but alive, and put to rest all the doubts that plagued his mind. When he turned to look in a vain hope, he saw nothing but a small dust cloud forming across the road. His father was dead, he could feel it within himself and he knew it was true. He sobbed again, then wiped away the fresh tears on his sleeve only for them to return once more.

Kaewyn managed to stifle his tears as he rubbed at his eyes. As Oakerton slowly came into view, he saw a gathering crowd of hopeful citizens. They appeared apprehensive and uncertain.

Upon his approach, one of them, a large balding man who looked like a farmer, stepped forward and spoke nervously.

“A rider from the castle? Is it true then, has the lord returned from the war?”

Kaewyn bit his lip. Another emotional punch to the stomach.

“Speak up lad.” A woman called. “We want to know if our husbands and sons have returned to us.”

The citizens must not have recognised him Kaewyn realised quickly. He then remembered that he was not wearing attire suited to his rank, but black leather training garments. They must have thought he was a soldier or messenger.

“I’m not from the castle.” Kaewyn said plainly, feigning his ignorance. It was easier than explaining the situation as he simply held no patience for it right now. “Please, if you could just move…”

“Doesn’t matter really. You still came from that direction. Tell us what’s going on, you must’ve seen who comes down the Emperor’s Way?” The farmer asked. “Who is bringing up all that dust? Must be an army.”

“It’s not Lord Severus is it? Come to sack Oakerton?” Another asked.

“No, you dolt, the young lord Kaewyn dealt with him already!” A voice shouted out from the gathering crowd.

Frustrated and fed up. Kaewyn spurred his horse forward and tried to go around the crowd. “I don’t know nor do I care! Get out of the way! I have business to attend to.” He shouted at them.

“What…” The farmer said. “What a rude boy.”

“No manners at all that one.”

“I’m not going up the hill. What if its enemy soldiers?”

Kaewyn angrily guided his horse around the crowd and then sped up into a fast trot. Ignoring the few who followed him and pushed for a more definitive answer. They would find out soon enough he thought, he had no patience for anyone right now. All he wanted to do was find Marcus and get back to the castle as soon as possible.

The task of finding Marcus in a town as large and populated as Oakerton would be a challenge normally, but Kaewyn was acquainted with a certain woman who knew nearly everything that transpired within the town. Madame Talissa kept records and made it her business to know nearly everyone coming in or out of Oakerton. He was fairly certain that Talissa had dealings with the criminal underworld, but she had never been linked to anything officially. Luckily for Kaewyn, she considered him a friend. In the past, when Kaewyn was bored and wanted to find interesting travellers with stories to tell, all he would have to do is visit the brothel and ask Talissa if anyone of particular note had come to Oakerton recently.

On the way to the brothel, Kaewyn travelled down the main street of Oakerton. It was less busy than he would have guessed. Just after he spotted the brothel a little bit farther down the road, a tall man dressed as a farmer waved and tried to get his attention.

“Good sir!” The farmer said. “You look like a hunter.”

Kaewyn initially thought he was being confused with someone else, but when the farmer stepped in front of his horse and blocked his way, he knew the man was speaking to him directly. He made a mental note not to wear training leathers outside of the castle ever again, especially if he was not in the mood for conversation.

“I have a problem you may be able to help me with, you see….” The farmer began.

Kaewyn had a feeling this was going to be a long story but he was entirely not in the mood for such things. He told the farmer he was not interested and tried to continue on, but the man was very insisted and moved to block his way yet again.

“If it’s a matter of pay, don’t you worry lad. I’m wealthy enough to afford the likes o’ you.” The farmer said with a smile. “You see, some sort of creature has been killing my chickens come the night.”

“I’m not—” Kaewyn began, but he was cut off near immediately by the enthusiastic farmer.

“I caught a glimpse o’ the bastard the other night.” The farmer explained as he shook his fist. “The creature was mostly white with some black markings. Honestly not even sure what the beast is, never seen anything like it. I suppose it looked like a gargantuan fox, or perhaps even an odd wolf. Bloody thing was tall too, mostly legs. Had a lot of fur rising up at the back of the neck. I tell you, that beast would make a fine pelt. Fetch a high price at market.”

Kaewyn had never heard of such a beast in Greystone Province, or even in the whole Revaryn Empire for that matter. Usually his curiosity would have been piqued, but he was not in the mood nor did he care very much about the farmer’s chickens.

“Find someone else.” He said flatly, and before the farmer could counter, he gripped the hilt of his blade and stared menacingly at the insistent man. “Leave me be! I will not warn you again. Am I understood?”

Kaewyn rode passed the upset farmer who was already on the lookout for another potential traveller who could assist him with his problem, and stopped his horse by the hitching post out the front of the brothel. After he had tied his horse to the hitching post to prevent the animal from wandering, he walked up the wooden steps and entered the building.

Kaewyn’s senses were immediately bombarded with the scent of various perfumes and a strong alcoholic smell lingered in the air. Two large men, obviously Madame Talissa’s enforcers, approached him and asked him for his weapon. They subtly showed off that they were armed with cudgels, a sort of fancy club. Kaewyn begrudgingly handed over his sword and the two enforcers then parted and allowed his entry.

“I need to speak with the Madame.” Kaewyn asked the enforcers.

“The Madame is busy mate.” One replied with a sly smile.

“It is a matter of importance. Please tell her I need to speak with her immediately.” Kaewyn insisted, his patience already wearing thin. He had no time for men such as these.

“The Madame is entertainin’ a private guest.” The other explained through a smile that showed several missing teeth. “There’s no way I’m disturbing her.”

“Come back later and maybe then you’ll be lucky enough to see her.” The first enforcer said.

“I’m not interested in being lucky!” Kaewyn shouted. “I am Kaewyn Edderfield. If you do not tell the Madame I am here then I will return with the militia and have you dragged out and put in the pillory. Am I being clear?”

“Who?” The enforcers asked in confusion.

“Quiet you imbeciles!” Threatened a stocky man who was serving drinks. “I will tell Madame Talissa you are here to see her right away milord. Won’t be a moment.”

“Good.” Kaewyn replied.

The stocky man handed some drinks to a customer and then disappeared up the stairs near the back of the room. Kaewyn hoped he would not be kept waiting much longer. The two enforcers that had given him trouble had scurried off and avoided his gaze. With nothing else to do but wait, he crossed his arms and surveyed the room with interest.

The main room of the brothel was a large open space filled with tables, chairs and various lounging areas draped with exotic furs. People drank alcohol and chatted amongst themselves as Madame Talissa’s working girls wandered the room seeking potential customers. Most of the women wore clothing that hung either loosely and revealed a lot of skin, or clung tightly to their bodices and left little to the imagination. The sound of jingling coin, mugs of alcohol bashing together and loud bawdy conversations overwhelmed the room.

Two slender women, one blonde and the other brunette, spotted him and began to wander over. They must have been recent additions to the brothel as Kaewyn recognised neither of them. He heard one of them mention to the other that he was a lord. They both smiled and were about to introduce themselves, but before they had even the slightest chance to try and ply their wiles upon him, a third woman, one whom Kaewyn believed he recognised, had a quiet word with them and they quickly lost interest in him. Most of the working girls in Madame Talissa’s brothel knew that he visited upon occasion, but also that he held little interest in their services. Kaewyn preferred to speak with the brothel’s guests and hear their stories, but not today.

Madame Talissa soon appeared from the stairway and rushed over to see him with a smile. She wore a purple robe and much jewellery. She ushered him up the stairs hurriedly and apologised for the trouble he had at the door. Talissa took him down a long hallway with several locked doors, behind which could be heard groans of pleasure and mischievous giggles. At the end of the hallway was another small flight of stairs, at the end of which a single door blocked their way. Talissa opened the door and the two stepped into the one room in the brothel that could be considered an office of sorts.

Inside the room, a large open window let in light that illuminated the entirety of the indoor space. An elegant oaken desk was the dominant feature of the room. On the right, a long lounge seated Bailiff Mallis who awkwardly welcomed Kaewyn into the room with a wave of the hand. Kaewyn suspected that the two had retired to the Madame’s establishment together after the feast the night prior.

“Kaewyn? I did not expect to see you here.” The Bailiff said warmly.

“Nor I you Bailiff.” Kaewyn replied curtly, extending none of his usual friendliness and fondness for conversation. “But it serves my purpose. Perhaps you can assist me if Madame Talissa cannot.”

“Come now dear.” Talissa said as she wandered over to her desk and began pouring glasses with refreshments for the three of them. “We have not spoken as friends in a long while. Surely whatever it is can wait while we reacquaint ourselves?”

“It cannot wait.” Kaewyn insisted. “I am not here to socialise... I need your help.”

The Bailiff and Madame stiffened and gave Kaewyn their full attention. He could tell by the look of concern present upon their faces that they knew something was wrong.

“Rahim has returned.” Kaewyn said as he tried to suppress his emotions. “Lord Corrhen is… father is dead.”

Bailiff Mallis dropped his glass and it smashed on the wooden floor, spilling the contents all over the floor. “By the gods… the old warhorse is… dead?”

“Kaewyn… your father. Is this true?” Talissa asked with genuine concern.

“It is. Rahim informed me personally.” Kaewyn said as he blinked back tears that threatened to come yet again. “The Elentide family organised an ambush on his return from the Heartlands. Rahim barely managed to escape with his life, now he seeks revenge.”

Madame Talissa walked over and gave Kaewyn a quick supportive hug. “I am sorry for your loss Kaewyn.”

He shrugged her off. “I need your help.”

“Whatever it is, we will do whatever we can.” Bailiff Mallis said supportively.

“A man named Marcus Linforde arrived in Oakerton either yesterday or today. I need to find him.” Kaewyn explained. “The matter is quite urgent.”

“Marcus you say? That scholar at Veneti Hill?” Bailiff Mallis said as he tapped at his forehead. “Talissa?”

“Hmm. One of my girls said an odd man by the name of Marcus booked a room at one of the Inns nearer the centre of town. I forget which.” Talissa explained. “Did he by chance have a lot of books with him?”

“Tomes.” Kaewyn corrected. “That is whom I seek.”

“Does this Marcus Linforde have anything to do with the Lord’s death?” Bailiff Mallis asked with a look of anger in his eyes.

“No.” Kaewyn replied.

“Well, do not worry yourself. I will tell some of my people to have him brought here.” Talissa said. “Have a sit Kaewyn. Try to rest.”

“I’d rather not.” Kaewyn said shaking his head. “Just tell me which Inn and I will find him myself.”

“I don’t know which one personally dear, but my people will. They’ll be quick Kaewyn, I promise.” Talissa said calmly. Her voice was soothing, yet subtly commanding. He knew how persuasive she could be when she wanted to be. “Just rest up a bit. I’ll even get some of your favourite wine from my private stock.”

Kaewyn sighed, then walked over to the lounge and sat down. He cupped his face in his hands party to hide the tears but also out of frustration. “Tell them to hurry.”

Marcus was brought into the brothel, held up between the arms of two massive enforcers loyal to the Madame. Kaewyn heard him complaining the entire time he was practically dragged up the stairs to the private room of Madame Talissa. When the guards released the scholar with the bushy eyebrows and then left the room, Marcus immediately began to protest, but when he spotted Kaewyn on the lounge with his head in his hands, his demeanour changed near instantly.

“Ahh, Kaewyn. I cannot explain how happy I am to see you. I thought a criminal was kidnapping me.” Marcus said as he dusted his shoulders.

“I still might be.” Madame Talissa said sinisterly. “Give Kaewyn here what he wants and you’ll remain on my good side.”

“Marcus…” Kaewyn said flatly as he lifted his head and stood. “You knew, didn’t you?”

Marcus bowed his head apologetically. “I am truly sorry Kaewyn. You have my condolences for your loss.”

“Why couldn’t you have told me he would die?” Kaewyn said angrily. “Maybe it could have gone another way.”

“I wasn’t certain.” Marcus explained. “There was always a chance Lord Corrhen would have survived, but the odds were against him making it home. For that, I am sorry.”

Kaewyn grimaced and lowered his head in an attempt to hide his pain.

“You know as well as I do that there was little that could have changed the result.” Marcus said. “As sad as it is, predicting the future does not always guarantee that one can change the future.”

“You told me that things are only going to get even worse for the Empire. What did you mean by that?” Kaewyn demanded. “Tell me true this time. No cryptic answers, no vague statements. What do you predict is going to happen next?”

Marcus cross his arms and took one deep massive breath. “…Full scale civil war.”

“Civil war?” Bailiff Mallis said in surprise. “There hasn’t been a civil for hundreds of years! Since the Empire was founded even.”

Marcus rolled his eyes in obvious disdain for the Bailiff’s understanding of their history. “There has never been a civil war. Rebellions yes, but never a civil war. The Revaryn Empire itself was founded when three kingdoms of this land became one Empire. It was a period of total war that lasted a nearly a decade.”

“Marcus, do you mean to say that the Empire will be at war with itself for nearly ten years?” Kaewyn asked.

“No.” He replied as he fingered his neatly trimmed beard. “I predict a minimum of twenty years of civil war before someone can restore peace.”

Marcus’ words stunned the room into silence. Twenty long years of war and fighting was something that could have frightened even the most battle-hardened warrior. But to a brothel owner, town bailiff and a young inexperienced lord, it was a world-shattering revelation.

“I have been studying and preparing myself for such a time since I was but a boy.” Marcus explained, breaking the ominous silence. “I have travelled the land and met with many ambitious lords. Among all the potential lords I could have pledged my services to, I believe you, Kaewyn Edderfield, are the deserving of my immense talent.”

Kaewyn bit his lip anxiously. “Time will tell if your words are the truth Marcus.”

“Indeed.” Marcus replied with a slight bow of his head.

Kaewyn walked over to Marcus and shared a look with Madame Talissa and Bailiff Mallis who nodded their approval. It did not matter whether they approved or not Kaewyn thought to himself, for he was the Lord now. It was up to him to decide who to appoint as officials within the court and ultimately, who to trust in positions of responsibility. He knew that if he were keep the small piece of the Empire his family called home safe and secure, he would need as much aid as he could get.

Kaewyn took a breath then, weighing up the significance of what he was about to do. “Marcus Linforde. I ask you to swear an oath to me, to the people of Greystone Province, and to the Emperor, that you will serve with honour and do your utmost to preserve the peace of the land.”

Marcus smiled and knelt, bowing his head slightly. “This, I swear.”

“Then I offer you a position within the court of Greystone Province, to serve the Edderfield family as one of my Seneschals. You will counsel me on matters both civil and military and advise me on how best to keep Greystone Province safe from harm.” Kaewyn finished, reminding himself of his father in that moment. “Do you accept my offer?”

“I accept your offer to serve… my lord.” Marcus said with a victorious smile as he rose to his feet. “Together then, let us write history.”