Owl in the Daylight

Chapter 17

Everything was going according to plan.

Until that foolish king decided to take back his son.

***

Von Rothbart's reputation had been known far and wide as a powerful and merciless sorcerer. He was a genius magician who was able to slow down his own time, thus, no one knew his true age. No empire would dare cross him. He visited kingdoms that even threw welcome parties just to receive him. If someone or something offended him, he destroyed them.

Recently, a small remote city was wiped off the map just for the blunder of not knowing his name.

For him, the world was on the palm of his hand.

No one dared to rouse his ire.

One fateful day, Von decided to drop by the prosperous kingdom after hearing the news of a royal twin birth. This was rare especially among monarchy and often shrouded in superstitions. The whole empire was celebrating the arrival of healthy heirs. Streets were bustling, tributes from neighboring fiefs were arriving, cheers of joy was deafening.

To satisfy his ever curious mind and alleviate his boredom, Von strode through the castle and demanded to King Alexander II , "I wish to see the twin princes."

Knowing the identity of the notorious sorcerer, Princess Catherine, the King's royal spouse, knew they couldn't deny the request and subtly nodded. Von was led to a room to meet the twin princes, Aldous and Audwin. Then, he knew at first glance that he must get the second son.

Unfathomable amounts of magical energy was sleeping inside the little boy that he was unsure of whether he wanted the boy killed as a threat or raise him to his full potential as an apprentice.

Just thinking about the possibilities excited him.

He could easily take what he wanted for himself and destroy the kingdom but where's the fun in that? That way of doing things left him bored for a while after taking what he desired. In a split second, he knew what he needed to do to keep the fun going for a long time.

Plastering an extremely worried face, he faced the monarchs. "I'm afraid your twins won't live long."

Eyes widening at the unexpected words, Princess Catherine held her husband's hand for support and quiveringly asked, "How do you mean, Great Sorcerer? We thought twins are blessings?"

Von continued on with his story, creating them as he go, "Yes, but they may also be a double-edged sword. Your second son will be the downfall of your first-born as well as your kingdom."

With his immense power, Von unknowingly turned these lies to a prophetic curse. Too immersed with webbing his own story line, he failed to notice the spell he created upon the boy.

"Then we must end the boy now before he can even have the chance to do all that!" King Alexander II burst out. He would protect his empire against anyone.

Even his own son.

"My King! Please think this through," the Princess pleaded. She loved both her sons and she won't let a prophecy kill them both.

Amused by the spectacle brought by his bluff, Von silently watched as they discussed what to do with the twins. Prophecies were held in a very serious regard, more so if they came from someone as powerful as him.

He cleared his throat, "Your Majesties, if I may? I think I have a compromise."

The arguing sovereigns paused and glanced at him. Princess Catherine would take any step that would keep her sons alive while the King just wanted his kingdom safe.