Stories of Acoptia

Ch. 8 Leodore Crownstone #3 - The day before

Summershade - The capital city of the Human Kingdom was already in sight. Leodore sighed already starting to miss the outside of the capital. The trip he had taken, as short as it was, had been the most time he was out of the city in a while.

The Prince's duties have been keeping him in the city, he spent most of his days in and around the castle. Many times he daydreamed about taking a long trip to the Free Cities. The young prince always wanted to go there. Ever since Berteram told him stories about the cities where magic is common and the sea washes the shores.

The three Crownguard surrounded the prince in a triangle formation. At the front, leading was Arnet Lionheart, while the other two, rode behind Leodore. The prince was in the middle, surrounded. They told him it's for protection but Leodore wondered if it was in case he decided to run.

"So, Prince boy. Were you out playing hero again with the old man." - Arnet suddenly spoke, the same mocking tone apparent in his voice.

"Perhaps I was. But I see you are out playing knight? Maybe we aren't that different after all." - The Prince shot back, sarcastically.

"Tsk. You should save the talk for the remembrance day duels. If we meet in the arena again, I'm sure you know how it will play out." - Arnet said mockingly laughing.

Leodore's face instantly changed at the mention of remembrance day. The death anniversary of his mother. His father always held a tournament and a feast during her remembrance day. The Prince figured it was his father's way of taking his thoughts off the impact of the day. But even then on the day of the anniversary, he could see the sadness in his father's eyes every time. The only piece left of him that Leodore still respected and that showed that he's still not fully gone.

"What's the matter, cat got your tongue? Shouldn't you be arguing right now? Thought so, boy." - Arnet abruptly chimed in, cutting the silence short.

His words filled Leo with anger, making him lose composure.

"Shouldn't you and your family be abusing those around you, oh and shouldn't you be licking your daddy's boots right now? Maybe he will let you retire and have his castle rather than hogging it for himself as he has for the past 20 years, with no intention of giving it to you or your siblings." - Leodore spat back with venom.

Arnet shot him a stone-cold glare, anger was written on his face. But the prince didn't care anymore, riding past him and towards the castle. He knew that those words hurt Arnet.

Lionheart family was the second most powerful in the Human Kingdom. Having as much influence as the Crownstones. They lived on the edge of the Human kingdom in the second-biggest city. Within a giant fortress castle.

Soon Leodore stood before the enormous castle entrance. After taking a deep breath in he walked inside.

The throne room was vast. Gold and fancy gems decorated every other corner of the room. The throne itself was gold, with red cushioning. It stood mighty at the centre. On it sat Arnald Crownstone, Leodore's father and the king of the Human kingdom. His long blond hair and his thick beard were well kept. His blue eyes stared to the side with intent.

He had a big belly now, from all the drinking and partying Arnald would attend. But even despite that his large stature remained. Wide shoulders and around 196 centimetres tall. He towered over most men, which back in the day earned him a lot of respect because of his legendary strength on the battlefield.

Next to him on a smaller throne sat a man, the Cardinal of Faith. The leader of the Faith himself, Jaspar Terric. His grey eyes were locked on Arnald as they spoke about something in whispers.