The color of Divinity II - The truth of Legends

The color of Divinity
By Ellnyon

Notes: Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2010 brings many good things to all of you and allows you to accomplish all your projects and resolutions. I’m SORRY for the late! I found out two months ago that my Master’s dissertation is due at the end of January. And I have to repeat my practical exams, too. So, am I panicking right now? Hell, YEAH! Anyway, this new chapter is not the best thing I’ve written but I still hope you all enjoy it. Thanks for following this story and for your patience, everyone, especially my reviewers: thank you so much for your support and kind words! I’m writing this story for you!


Part II

Chapter 6


Inquisitive, heavy silence followed the handsome man’s question. Midaen’niel didn’t want to answer the truth before he got a proper introduction of who he was talking to, but he was not quite able to lie under the glare of those piercing, clear eyes, either.

And so the blond Ethen had remained quiet. First in stunned contemplation (he had to admit), then in stubborn wariness. The Eth was an imposing man in many different ways.

What posed a problem was that the black-haired warrior probably sought the same thing from the blond, as well. An honest presentation, a certainty he was with someone safe. What also meant that Eth had something he was not willing to share unless absolutely necessary or in very particular circumstances.

And Midaen’niel suspected the powerful ice-eyed Eth had raised his trusting senses exceptionally high.

He didn’t appear to be a man used to lose a challenge, either, much less back down from one. Thus, between Midaen’niel’s utter obstinacy and the stranger’s undying patience and unique ability to stand up to said Ethen, they had been kept in a magnanimous impasse for several minutes.

A sudden rustle on nearby bushes broke their silent contest and redirected their attention to the referred location. Having to turn his head to look at his left where the faint noise had come from, the tall man had to effectively and finally remove the intense probing look he had been giving the Ethen alone.

Despite the potential danger a sound coming from the dark forest might present to both of them in their current situation, Midaen’niel kind of sighed in relief. In that moment he really preferred to face another Black Wizard or a furious mountain dragon than that oddly difficult and guarded man.

A man able to fascinate and intimidate him, both at the same time. A man who had the discernment and wit to match or most probably even surpass his own. A true leader. Strong, wise and controlled.

‘Who is this man? Why don’t I know such an extraordinary person even exists?’ Midaen’niel asked himself, for the umpteenth time in that short while. Surely he had to at least have heard about him. Even if it was just a small comment or a fleeting mention.

An Eth of such charisma and power would’ve been referred by his brother or guards, no matter his social position. And his Ethen servants would not let his good-looks escape their gossiping mills... Nonetheless, the question still remained. Who the hell was that gorgeous man?

Turning completely around with a soundless move, the Eth stepped in front of the Ethen, creating a physical barrier between him and the potential intruder with his own body.

Still a bit surprised with the previous move (somehow, Midaen’niel hadn’t thought the Eth would bother protecting him), the blond saw the man in front of him slowly unfasten the twin Nla’dryea still strapped on his back.

Without a sound, the large silver blade shone in the moonlight as she was freed from the entrapping scabbard. The hilt of the sword looked a little worn out, but the blade was definitely not. She was sharp and deadly as was the mountain dragon carved on her surface.

The Eth raised the blade into a firm defensive position with his right hand, while his left hand gestured a high class ice spell.

Amazed, Midaen’niel saw the ice spears rapidly forming in front of them at the same time the temperature dropped a few degrees. Only a very experienced and powerful Eth was able to instantly create such a spell without even voicing the incantation. Iadden and Delaen’niel had been the only ones Midaen’niel knew could do that…until now.

Frowning softly and unconsciously cowering behind the Eth’s large back, Midaen’niel felt an intrinsic sensation of safety like he hadn’t since his brother had died. Like he naturally was supposed to be protected by that man.

The blond had a sudden urge to ironically laugh and hit his own self, all at once. Apparently, his instincts trusted the man with his life and wellbeing but his mind wouldn’t confide in him with his true identity.

These inconsistencies of his feelings near that man didn’t please him one bit. Had he not vowed, moments before, that he would change into a more responsible person?

He should be like that Eth in front of him. Not let himself become captivated and stupefied with the power or expectations of others. He needed to be more secure and stop behaving like a submissive and demure Ethen.

After all, deep inside, he was anything but that. He had to start being himself. He didn’t need to pretend any longer. Not here, away from the rules of the High court.

However, that Eth confused him above all else and he didn’t know how he should behave around him. The attractive warrior was different from the men of the capitol. Whether he was a lord, a knight or merely a servant, one thing was right. He was honestly, unconsciously, chivalrous to Ethen. And he didn’t appear to want anything in return from his help except the truth. At least, Midaen’niel couldn’t yet say he did.

Unfortunate as it was, that was probably the only thing Midaen’niel could not give him. There were still too many questions pending between them. For instance, what was an Eth doing in N’Alaera’s lands so far from both the army and home? And why would that man feel the need to hide his identity? Because Midaen’niel had a good reason to hide his, he wondered what that man’s motive was…

Unexpectedly, the one who emerged from the forest into the moonlight of the waterfall was another tall and big Eth. Upon sight of him, the blue-eyed warrior eventually relaxed and the ice started to fade away as swiftly as it had appeared. Seeing the remnants of the spell and the stance of his companion, the newcomer grinned when he realized that the blue-eyed man had been seconds away from killing him.

“Jumpy, are we?” He said in a strong baritone, raising his hands in mock surrender. The other sheathed his sword on his back with an easy move and glared at him.

Dismissing the look, the dark-skinned Eth looked around. “They’re long gone.” He said somewhat bitterly. The other warrior shook his head.

“One stayed behind. He decided to die before I had the chance to talk to him, though…” The Eth replied with a glint in his blue eyes while stepping in the direction of the decapitated wizard.

The newcomer grinned at the man. “He was not the only one. We found a few others. They were probably left behind to finish the j-“

Interrupting his own sentence when he noticed the blond who had previously been hiding behind the tall Eth, the new warrior inclined his head directing his attention to the beautiful Ethen, with nonchalant curiosity.

His daunting gaze was nothing like the blue-eyed Eth’s had been, though, and Midaen’niel endured it with a superior distance.

“You have a friend…” the dark-skinned Eth said finally, after some seconds of silently staring, turning now his curious eyes to his fellow Eth who was busy removing his Nla’dryea from the tree trunk. Sheathing his twin blade, the latter glanced at the blond and shrugged.

“Don’t know. He doesn’t tell me his name or why he’s here.” He commented distractedly, kneeling to inspect the wizard’s body at his feet.

“You didn’t tell me yours either. And I asked first.” Midaen’niel replied, glaring at the kneeling man. Said warrior got up and aimed a fire spell at the body and head of their dead enemy.

The fire lit up the night sky around them quickly as it devoured the flesh of the wizard, but extinguished fast, too, and seconds later there was nothing left of the invader.

“I saved your life.” The warrior affirmed with a strong tone, when it was just the moonlight illuminating them again. “You could tell me your name, at least. An explanation of why you are here would be helpful too if you want us to aid you.”

Looking at the second Eth’s suspicious stance, Midaen’niel realized he was as trapped as a butterfly caught in a spider web. There was no way those men would let him walk away without an explanation.

He was almost positive the two Eths hadn’t been able to recognize him nor did he think they were working for Nlie’sieri. Still, there was no way for him to be completely certain of it. Especially when they refused to reveal their names, purposely. Either way, he had to come up with something plausible.

Sighing, Midaen’niel looked down and pondered on his options. When he raised his eyes to speak, he made sure he kept his focus on the newcomer and not once faced the perceptive blue eyes of the first Eth.

“Very well, my name is Ridaen’ne Rarin. I was traveling with my cousin within the protection of the supply caravan. We were headed to a training camp which was supposed to join the Alliance’s army. We have an important missive to deliver to our relatives in the army.” He lied carefully. It had been easier than he had thought at first. Probably because not all of it was exactly a lie.

The other two looked at each other and then at him again. Midaen’niel could tell the dark-skinned man in front of him was having a hard time believing in his words. And because he made an effort not to look directly into the other’s face, he could not assert that man’s thoughts.

The blue-eyed man sighed, appearing somewhat disappointed. “The supply caravan has been attacked.” He simply said. Midaen’niel nodded. He had expected as much.

“I wanted to fight, but my cousin convinced me to stay hidden in the caves.” He confessed, both embarrassed and angry at himself. The dark-skinned man nodded.

“He probably saved your life.” He affirmed, distractingly. Midaen’niel looked at him, apprehensively, fearing the worst.

“Are there many dead?” He asked with a very weak voice. The arrival of the strangers, especially his gorgeous savior, had distracted him from what had happened before. It had also raised his hopes. Like he had been saved, the others had probably been, too, he had thought. Only now was he really acknowledging that the strangers had most likely been too late and all his friends from the caravan were doubtless beyond salvation when they got to them. Yari’niel included. Pain and guilt flooded his senses once more.

Taking in his desperate words and anguished features, the dark-skinned stranger only shrugged at him, while the other remained quiet and motionless.

“It depends. Was it a big caravan?” The dark-skinned warrior asked.

“Twenty wagons and more than twenty men.” Midaen’niel answered, hating himself when he felt hope resurface within his chest. The Eth inclined his head in thought.

When he spoke, he didn’t do so to the Ethen, though. Obviously ignoring the latter, he turned to the other Eth instead and proceeded to explain himself quickly as if making a report.

Utterly offended and fuming at the warrior, Midaen’niel crossed his arms in front of his chest in plain annoyance. The brute wouldn’t certainly show this kind of disrespect if he had a clue of who he was really talking to. Or more accurately, not talking to.

Oh, once the Ethen was brought to somewhere safe, that stupid Eth was in for a very unpleasant surprise.

“Well, we managed to salvage two wagons, but we were much too late. They were already burning bodies when we arrived. Still, between dead wizards and dead Eths, the bodies weren’t more than twenty, so there’s no way everyone was killed.”

Midaen’niel’s anger dissipated at the news. They were as bleak as he had anticipated and the Ethen could not forget this had happened due to his weakness, but not all was lost. Not everyone was dead. Perhaps Yari’niel was still alive, too.

Despite his efforts in always trying to wait for the worse, the blond was not able to go on without a little hope. Hope had been the foundation of his existence. All because Maguenta had failed him enough in the past. He could not fail him in this journey. There was too much at stake.

Why else would he be saved in the last moment by an incredibly strong stranger if not by Maguenta’s divine intervention? The referred man spoke softly in his unique accented voice and Midaen’niel shivered at the low tone.

“They could have been captured...” Was the sentence he uttered. The blond could not resist a glance to the tall man and once again wondered at how perfect said Eth was in looks and power. The other brute was no one next to him. And no other Eth he knew could even begin to compare to this man (Iadden didn’t count for he was an Ethen). He hated his next thought, but he could not stop it from forming in his head. Not even his late brother could match the stranger and Yari’niel…well, Yari’niel was a long ways from even rivaling the man.

Feeling the Ethen’s stare on him, the blue-eyed Eth gazed at him while the dark-skinned man replied to his comment. The blond averted his eyes and blushed softly. Angry at himself, he concentrated on the other Eth’s words. This was not the time to be gaping at an attractive warrior. For all Midaen’niel knew, they could be bandits or something alike.

“Hardly. We managed to rescue some prisoners a little to the north. Five, total. Three won’t pass the night, but two of them will probably survive.” The other was saying, apparently oblivious to their antics. Or not caring about it. Midaen’niel’s savior looked at his companion.

“You think some managed to get away?” He asked. His friend nodded. The blond Ethen perked up at this.

“It seems that way. There was a trail to the south suggesting that. I believe they were trying to protect something important and the rest of the men covered their escape.” The blue-eyed man raised a large hand to his chin.

“It’s possible.” He affirmed, pensive. Turning to the Ethen, he asked. “Do you know what could have been that important thing, Milessin?”

Midaen’niel shook his head no and flushed a shade darker. Besides being good-looking, his savior didn’t appear as inconsiderate as his companion.

“Can I see the bodies that were killed?” He pleaded softly to that man. The dark-skinned warrior scoffed.

“If you’re looking for your cousin, he’s severely injured, but he’s one of the two survivors who will live to see the new morning.” He affirmed.

Midaen’niel looked up at the warrior who had started moving back to the forest path. Feeling giddy that Yari’niel was alive but also knowing he was being selfish since so many had died that day, tears started falling from the Ethen’s gorgeous sapphire blue eyes. He didn’t know if he ought to be happy or sad.

A warm hand landing on his shoulder startled him. Raising his eyes, they fell into ice-blue orbs slightly softened and a weak curling of lips that looked amazing on the masculine features.

“Come.” The man said. “Let’s go make sure your cousin won’t live just to see tomorrow.” And the man was right. This was the time to be grateful and to aid those who had survived. The moment to mourn the dead would come soon enough, but later.

&&&&&&&

N’Alaera’s prince yawned softly while the sound of blades being flattened and shaped on the large courtyard below filled the ambience with a steady rhythm. This music had become his lullaby at night and a welcomed wake-up tone in the last ten years. Some might deem it bothersome, irritant even, but to be honest, the auburn-haired man was actually glad to hear it, first thing in the morning.

Deep down, it wasn’t such a bad sound once you got used to it and more importantly it told him his army was ready for yet another day of fighting. Edyane had learned the hard way that that was a very good sign.

A good sign in two ways. One: his country would be safe for at least one more day, and two: his army hadn’t been surprised with a deadly raid during the night. It was far worse to wake-up with the screams of his knights.

The auburn-haired prince inhaled deeply from the steaming cup he was currently using to warm up his hands. The concoction was a strange mix of water and whatever crushed beans his scouts had managed to buy in a town to the north, but it was close enough to the real coffee he used to drink as a teenager to put a smile on his face and remind him of home.

This thoughtful gift of his knights along with the dream he had had the night before had put him in a fairly good mood. For a moment he was able to forget all the worries that had been plaguing his mind in the latest weeks and simply sip on his warm coffee as he gazed upon the landscape below.

From his privileged place on the higher room of one of the many corner towers in the gigantic Sacred Wall, Edyane could see both the barren lands of Opamin country to the southwest and the shallows of Ku’re country to the southeast if he bothered turning to the south. Which he didn’t, because to the north laid N’Alaera’s plains, and he had no qualms admitting they looked far more appealing to him than any other lands.

The sound of a heavy door opening alerted the prince to the entrance of another in the room. Abandoning his perched position on the window’s opening, Edyane turned to the newcomer.

A tall man with short platinum blond hair and exotic green eyes greeted him with a quick ‘morning’ before sitting in a chair fairly away from the chill of the dawn coming from the window. N’Alaera’s prince greeted him back and sat across from him.

He was holding some scribbled report on urgent supplies that he had most probably acquired during his way to this tower where their main headquarters had been established for now and was already immersed in it.

The auburn-haired man sipped on his coffee again, waiting patiently for the blond to finish reading the parchment.

Casually glancing at the attractive Eth, the human prince smiled weakly at his refreshed look and lack of dark bags under green eyes. At least this peace treaty, real or not, was serving one purpose. It was giving them the chance to rest and regroup. The need to fight again would arise, Edyane could bet on it, but perhaps his enemies would find them as strong as ever, even if not as motivated.

But only if he failed in his duty. He had to give his army the hope he did not feel. If he wanted a good example that that was possible, then he just had to look at the strong man in front of him. Strong not only physically, but also mentally.

His amber eyes inadvertently went to the necklace hanging from the blonde’s neck, half-concealed by the simple linen shirt the Eth was wearing. Hidden among folds of cloth, the gem’s brilliance was as powerful as ever, still. Ten years later the small blue bead shone with magic as if new, even when the trapped reflect spell inside had been released innumerous times already and an explanation for its mysterious power and origin had yet to be found.

Hadn’t Delaen’niel lost his best friend (perhaps even the love of his life) to this war? And wasn’t he fighting as hard as everyone else? Not because of some twisted notion of revenge, but because it was his duty to protect his people and his country.

Of course Delaen’niel had been bitter and careless for a while at first. Many times had they been obliged to stop him and his foolish ideas, but he was way over that now. Now he was more than ever devoted to their cause. And N’Alaera’s prince had to admit that his wisdom had saved the Alliance’s knights time and again. Edyane could only be glad he was able to count on this man to fight alongside him.

Ryaen’ne’s death had been one of the greatest tragedies to befall them during the war. And the fact that had happened so early in their struggle to maintain their freedom was more than a bad omen. Or so Edyane had thought.

At the time, among the mourning and despair brought by the death of a good friend, Edyane had been worried that the Alliance would begin to fall, due to the loss of one of its strongest pillars. The young Siekih lord had not only been one of their best warriors. He had, more importantly, been a bridge between the various races of the north due to his peculiar personality.

Luckily, never once N’Alaera’s prince had been so happy to be proven wrong. Ryaen’ne’s disappearance had cost them all, there was not a doubt. However, it had united them in a way nothing else had been able to. Edyane could say that thanks to that tragedy, the Alliance was one entity: a united army, and not merely an agglomerate of smaller fractions working together.

And that had been the main reason why they had managed to stand against the Death Whisperers and their monsters for so long. That was the reason why they could not give up now, either. Not as long as at least one of them had the breath to go on and lead the Alliance’s army.

They owed it to Ryaen’ne and all the others who had fallen in that war. They owed it to themselves, for all the suffering and pain they had endured…

“Is that…coffee?” Immersed in his thoughts, Edyane startled when the clear sound of Delaen’niel’s voice rang in the air. The Eth arched his brows at his jumpy reaction. Dismissing it, the human prince looked at the mug in his hands and smirked.

“It’s close enough. You want some?” He asked the blond. Delaen’niel cocked his head to one side with a small curious frown. The human prince extended his mug to him.

Grabbing it, he first sniffed the cup before tasting the steamy drink. Deciding it was satisfying enough, he took a large gulp and returned the mug to Edyane.

“It’s good. Where did you get it?” He asked the somewhat smug human. The latter shrugged.

“My knights bought some beans up north. I’ll send some for you later.” He offered. The blond nodded in thanks, another thought coming to his mind. A far worrisome one.

“Speaking of north, do we have any news on Lnorien?” He asked simply. Edyane sighed.

“Not that I know of. How many weeks has it been since he went to fetch your newest knights in Meya?” He questioned.

“He left a week after we received news of the treaty. When we marched north to make our stand here in the Sacred Wall.” Edyane nodded, pensive.

“We’ve been here for almost two weeks already. Where were your knights stationed at?” Delaen’niel sighed, with a deep frown.

“Near the southeast border. They should’ve been here for a long time now.” He affirmed. The human prince caught his troubled tone and thought it best to reassure the Eth, even though he felt the same worry grow in him as the days passed.

“It’s Lnorien and his mighty personal guard. We don’t need to concern ourselves about them, Delaen. And it’s not like they would find that much trouble to the north.” He said, doing his best to sound sure of his words. The other prince shook his head not convinced in the least.

“This is all too quiet, Edyane. There’s been no movement in the South. And this sudden peace treaty. It’s making me restless. I have a bad feeling. Lnorien’s absence is not helping.” Edyane let his slight smile drop.

“I know. I’d feel a lot more confident with him here, too.” The Eth nodded at the same time the door to their room opened to permit the entrance of a handsome dark-skinned human.

They both looked up at Tenaii and greeted him. The knight nodded a grumbled ‘morning’ and sat heavily on one chair with a bothered expression on his chiseled features. The other two looked at each other and then again at him. Tenaii was a man to burst and vent all his problems on them when something was seriously upsetting him. It was not usual for him to simply close up in silence.

“Something the matter, Tenaii?” The human prince asked awkwardly. The other human glanced up at them, half-surprised he was the focus of their attention.

“Uh…?” He eloquently replied. The other two arched their eyebrows.

“Oh.” He said and smirked bitterly. “It’s personal. Nothing you should concern yourselves with.” He waved his right hand in a dismissing gesture and resumed his intense glare upon the top of the table. The two princes glanced at each other once more, before Edyane crossed his arms in front of his chest, a devious glint in his amber eyes. He had a feeling he knew what was distressing his friend.

“What is it? You can’t get it up?” He asked nonchalantly, trying to lure his friend into a confession. Tenaii turned to his prince in horror. Delaen’niel’s green eyes shone with humor.

The dark-skinned noble smirked in anger. “Nice, your highness. Was that a joke?” He asked ironically. The auburn-haired human let out a short smug laugh.

“I don’t know. You tell me.” He replied. Tenaii glared at him.

“My ‘equipment’ is working just fine, I let you know.” He declared and sighed. “It’s just... the man who makes it work top shape doesn’t want anything to do with it.” The other two straightened in their chairs. Their suppositions had been confirmed. Edyane gazed at his knight in aimless silence. He had nothing else to say to his friend than what he had already said several times before.

Tenaii’s personal problem had a name. Quera Behevoir. The amber-eyed prince could very well imagine what had happened. It had been occurring for some years now.

The Eth prince snorted, though.

“And whose fault is that?” He commented firmly. The dark-eyed human turned to the blond Eth with a pained expression.

“Oh, come on. If he liked me, he wouldn’t reject me every single time I try to make a move. It’s been like this for years.” He complained. The blond shook his head.

“Tenaii, we’ve had this conversation a million times. Wanting to go to bed with someone and loving him is not the same thing. You can’t blame him for not believing you.” Edyane explained in a condescending voice. Tenaii scoffed.

“Look who’s talking…” He mumbled softly, displeased with his comrades’ common scolding regarding the matter. That was probably the reason why he had shut down in the beginning. Edyane pretended he hadn’t heard it for the sake of quietness.

A few years ago, Tenaii had finally admitted to be infatuated with his lifelong companion. Or in Tenaii’s words: he thought he was in love with Quera. Of course the blond human didn’t believe in it for a second. Tenaii was well known all over the army for his numerous trysts with anything with legs and an agreeable face. And Quera was aware that he had been blessed with both requisites. Knowing his friend and his ways, he also knew he would probably be just another lay for him to brag about. And that would be a blow to his pride and honest caring feelings for the guy that he just couldn’t take.

At first, the Behevoir lord had been angry at Tenaii for even daring mentioning it. With the years and Tenaii’s many attempts, Quera had learned to dismiss his words and advances with indifference and mean jokes that ended up hurting them both. With every rejection, Tenaii would back away in fury for some days and find another person to sate his desire with, promising himself he would never again bother the human noble. Then he would wake up the mornings after completely disenchanted and Quera would have his point proven even further. So when Tenaii tried once more, he would rebuff him again. It had become a cruel cycle for the both of them.

The thing was that Edyane thought Tenaii was really serious about Quera. It was not a matter of conquest like the blond probably suspected. Sex was just Tenaii’s way to unwind and endure the demands and pains of their current way of life. If only the Behevoir lord gave him a chance to prove himself, perhaps the dark-skinned man would abandon his promiscuous life and reveal his unknown faithful lover’s side.

A sudden call from the watchtowers to the west brought all three warriors instantly to their feet. Tenaii instinctively grabbed two axes that were stranded on the wall and completely forgetting his previous depression, ran to the door, descending the steps in haste to the backyard below. Delaen’niel and Edyane exited through a lateral smaller door, climbing the rest of the stairs to the battlements above.

When they arrived to the top, a strong, cold wind hit them straight in the face, making their eyes water. The Alliance’s flag, consisting of a white ring bordered by white wings in a black background, flapped harshly in its high perch on the wooden pole next to them. The night beacons on all the towers of the Sacred Wall were still burning strongly and enhanced the visibility by dissipating the morning mist still dense in some areas around the fortress.

That way the two princes were allowed to see the many knights arriving at the outer walls of the greatest fortress in the Alliance’s lands, ready for combat.

With surprise, all of them realized at the same time that whatever had alerted the guards in the high surveillance towers was not coming from the south like they had previously thought, but from the north.

Edyane squinted to the northwest mountains near the watchtowers the alert had come from, but he could see little more than mist and green forest. Delaen’niel crossed the large tower top, hurrying into the bulwark battlements that connected the sturdier, ballista tower they were standing on to the surveillance one closer to them.

He was about to follow him when Quera entered his tower. The teal-eyed noble rushed to Edyane upon sight of him and bowed softly.

“My prince,” He addressed formally in front of the many guards and knights filling the structure. Edyane nodded in greeting.

“Our western watchmen have reported a small group of warriors riding our way from the northwest mountains.” He informed swiftly. Every knight in the tower turned to him, but no one spoke besides the prince.

“The Lord General?” He asked. Quera shook his head.

“We don’t know. They don’t carry a heraldic banner. But wasn’t he supposed to bring at least fifty men with him? They’re very few.” Edyane looked to the left in thought.

“It can’t be Whisperer scouts. Coming from the north?” He commented disbelievingly. Quera shrugged.

“It’s a possibility we can’t afford to miss. It’s not the first time they surprise us in such a manner.” The blond noble affirmed. Edyane sighed but nodded. Quera was right. He turned to the knights next to him.

“Until further orders, maintain stand-by defensive positions. I want every knight fit for combat in its predetermined location, now.” He commanded. The knights saluted and a runner left immediately to relay the message.

Edyane and Quera exited as well, but to join Delaen’niel in the watchtower.

&&&&&&&

Amber eyes blinked patiently between the green leafs of an apple tree, waiting for the right moment to act. Their owner, a boy of no more than nine years-old, cleverly maintained his motionless position on top of said tree and as far as he could tell no one had yet realized he was there. Anaihr of N’Alaera was a very cunning boy.

With golden hair, amber eyes and endless energy, the small prince was an amusing mix of Eth characteristics and human ones. He shared the tall stature and magical abilities with the Eths, but his features and antics fit more with the humans.

His looks and personality were similar to those of the first prince of N’Alaera. Everyone was always saying that Anaihr was just like his brother, Prince Edyane, in everything. And he had to admit: he was damned proud of that.

After all, his brother was a hero. The hero of N’Alaera and the whole Alliance. He was the strongest human warrior in the world and he was commanding the Alliance’s army in the war against the evil Wizards from the south.

Everyone always spoke so highly of his brother, especially his father, Fenaleos and his Ethenim, Meanea. Anaihr had never met him, but he longed for it. The man was respected and loved by everybody. He had to be someone exceptional. A true hero! Some even referred to him as the Maguenta’s Heir!

Yep, he was proud of being just like his brother. Most of all, people told him that Prince Edyane always got everything he wanted. And Anaihr, who was just like him, had to have everything he wanted, too. Yep, no way around that.

So, when Lessin Sanari told him he couldn’t have what he wanted, he obviously was not happy about it.

He had to show his accomplishment to his uncle, no matter what! So what if uncle Iadden was going to bath? They were all Eth, weren’t they? He hadn’t seen him in four days! Four days! It was like…like eternity or something! He should have gone to his uncle in the first place. Sanari had practically shoved him out of his uncle’s quarters. The nerve!

Uncle Iadden was his tutor, his confidant and his best friend. He didn’t quite revere him like he did his brother, but uncle Iadden was amazing, too. Anaihr absolutely adored him. He was kind and powerful. And he always had time for him. Of course, when the child misbehaved he was the first to be disappointed and he often reprimanded him, but Iadden forgot quickly too, unlike his Ethenim.

Anyway, he didn’t quite understand why uncle Iadden always had to dress and take bath in complete privacy. Anaihr often took bath with other Eths in the room, uncle Iadden and Sir Athios included. But uncle Iadden didn’t. Not even Sir Athios and Mr. Mieri were allowed inside. Only the old Lessin Sanari. Also, he always wore long sleeves and gloves, even in the summer.

Anaihr knew Sir Athios found it strange, as well. But, as frustrated as the old man often felt about it, he never said a single word and always respected his master’s wishes. Anaihr did, as well. Most of the time.

But today, he just had to show his uncle that he could finally create consistent level 5 shields already. He knew his uncle would be so proud of him. He wouldn’t wait until the man finished bathing to tell him.

Besides, curiosity was eating him alive. The amber-eyed child could bet that the young Guinare lord didn’t undress in front of them because he was ashamed of his looks. It had to have something to do with the white mask his uncle had constantly covering his face. He had never seen the black-haired man without it.

Anaihr had a theory. He suspected that his uncle had tried a very dangerous spell when he was about his age and the enchantment had backfired, leaving very ugly scars on his face and upper body. That would be so cool! He so wanted to see!

And he always got what he wanted. Like his brother. So, there he was, unmoving, hiding on top of an apple tree, in his uncle’s private garden, waiting for all the servants to leave the quarters so he could surprise the young man in his bath. He would be punished, Anaihr knew, but he also knew he was about to discover something big.

Soon enough, the secluded garden emptied of people. Sanari came outside to see if anyone had remained behind and after a thorough examination, closed the glass doors and went inside the bedchambers.

The moment had arrived. Anaihr carefully descended from the tree and stealthily ran to the entrance doors. Ducking behind a nearby tall potted plant, he peeked inside the bedchambers.

His uncle was already immersed into the bathtub, with his long dark hair freed and his back to the boy’s current location. Sanari was busy putting some scented herbs in the water.

The white ceramic bathtub was just big enough to accommodate his uncle’s lower body, so his torso and arms were plainly visible above the tub. Just not from the angle the boy was peeping from since the black hair was directly in front of him.

Still, catching a glimpse of his uncle’s left shoulder, Anaihr frowned at how perfectly white its skin was. No traces of scars or burning or any signs of a spell that had ended awfully wrong.

Suspicion and curiosity finally got the better of him and in a fast move, he entered the quarters. The two men turned to him startled.

“Anaihr?!” His uncle exclaimed in surprise and alarm. But he couldn’t be any more astonished than the boy itself.

Now that he had nothing between him and his uncle (other than the ceramic bathtub), the child could clearly see the man’s perfect face with big aquamarine eyes and pink cheeks and his upper body with white skin flawed only by a huge colorful birthmark resembling a tattoo. A mark which, far from being a scar, was forcefully more revealing.

The marking’s exquisite design started in the young man’s right arm, going all the way from his fingers to his neck, following the smooth curve of his right shoulder and disappearing at the man’s lower back.

While Sanari became paler by the second, Iadden got out of the bath and dressed hastily in a thick robe, covering the largest part of the evidence.

Still, Anaihr knew what he had witnessed and what that birthmark was and represented. If there ever existed a mark which left no doubts about what it was, that had to be it. He had never seen such a clearer Maguenta’s marking before. It was also the prettiest and largest one he had ever observed, too.

For some seconds the boy couldn’t exactly believe it, though. He stood there watching his uncle with wide eyes and open mouth.

If the man hadn’t spoken, Anaihr would have mistaken the young Ethen for somebody else. He blinked once, then again, as the previous thought stuck in his mind.

The boy had believed he would find ugly scars, not uncover his family’s greatest secret.

“You’re an Ethen…” He said softly, still a little afraid of speaking it out loud. Sanari knelt on the floor white as a sheet. Iadden sighed and walked to the boy, kneeling on one knee in front of him.

“Anaihr. You cannot tell anyone what you’ve seen here. Do you understand?” He said firmly. The boy frowned and pouted.

“Why not? You’re the Ethen everyone is looking for. The black-haired Ethen of Legends. You don’t have to be ashamed. You are powerful and really beautiful, uncle Iadden. Like the prophecy says. Why hide your true identity? Everyone would worship you.” He commented, a cute, proud smile slowly forming on his face.

Iadden smiled tenderly at the boy and his words for a moment. But he returned to being serious soon after.

“Listen to me.” He pleaded, softly. “Things are not as simple as you think, Anaihr. The evil Wizards have spies everywhere. They are marching our way already. If this secret were to be revealed before due time, this city would be placed in even greater danger and I wouldn’t be able to protect it. You have to keep silent.” The blond boy looked down with a sad frown.

“Isn’t my brother stopping them before they get here?” He asked, somewhat frightened and raised his amber eyes to look up at bright aquamarine ones. Iadden sighed softly and petted the boy’s cheek.

“He’s doing the best he can, sweetheart, but he might not arrive in time to prevent them from attacking us. That’s why I need your help and your discretion. Can I trust you?” The boy straightened up at that, puffing his chest out.

“Of course. I am a prince of both N’Alaera and Meya. And I’m a loyal follower of Maguenta. If the Ethen of Legends needs my assistance, he just has to ask and I will do so to the best of my abilities. And if it’s important to you, uncle, that this remains a secret, then I won’t be the one to tell. You have my word! I may still be a child, but you have taught me well. I will prove to you that you can trust me with anything you wish.” Iadden smiled beautifully, while Sanari heaved a deep sigh of relief from his place in the stone floor.

“Thank you, sweetheart. I’m very proud of you.” The black-haired Ethen praised. Anaihr nodded, happy and feeling important.

“Can I just ask one thing?” He enquired with a mischievous glint brightening amber eyes. Eyes which were so much like those of his brother. If Edyane was really his brother and not actually the boy’s father. Sometimes Iadden just couldn’t stop himself from thinking that. The two were too alike.

“Of course, Anaihr, you can ask me anything you like.” Iadden acknowledged and the boy grinned.

“Did Maguenta tell you who the Maguenta’s Heir is? It’s my brother, isn’t it?”

Tbc…

Ending notes: You thought young Iadden was impish? Meet Anaihr! XD By the way, I didn’t thoroughly proofread this chapter like I usually do, so please forgive possible misspelling and grammatical mistakes.