The Realm

Chapter 2: The Halls.

         Dusk is falling to night as Ivan approaches the castle gates, he's home, yet he doesn't want to be. The castle stands tall, the family crest, a phoenix perched upon a branch, waves on a golden silk flag. The air smells of ash and smoke. He assumes it's just a training day for the new recruits. 

          A breath, then a step, that's all he can do to keep himself stable. Nothing had happened. He wasn't left in enemy territory, he wasn't just told to cut off a woman's head, and he certainly didn't just talk to some god-like fairy. 

          Tears begin to prick at his eyes as his father's fury was burned into his head, the slap still stings. The doors are twice his height, dark oak with golden trims and bronze handles. Guards stand by, spears at their sides, despite them being able to shoot fire and absolutely destroy someone without them, the king still demands it. Ivan walks forward, the guards look at him and open the door. 

          The room is large, a basic ballroom with the colors of red and gold, it's used for town events. It has two stairways into the main castle. Ivan goes up to the left, his eyes focused on the floor, uncertain of how his father will react to seeing him. As he walks through the castle, the sound of yelling echoes through the halls, mom and dad are fighting again. He doesn't mean to be an issue, but he always is why they fight. 

          The halls are dimly lit, a hue of crimson playing tricks on the eye. Shadows creeping up, the voices getting louder, louder, yet louder still. 

          Then silence, the crimson hue cast aside to a smile. Ivan looks at his mother, she's at the end of the hall, only a few steps away. 

Step.

Step.

Step.

           He sprints into her arms. She kneels to his height and embraces him. Tears prick his eyes once more. He drops the bag when she lifts him. 

The creatures sit on a windowsill within the hall, one smiles.

"I win, dear Reaper" The green one gently punches the other's arm.

"I would have taken it away if this weren't so important, Vie."   

"Important? It's just a child, what could it do?"

    "Not this child, but this generation. It needs a fuse."  The cloaked creature stares toward the sea. "The times are changing. I sense something wicked to come." 

    Ivan's mother sets him down and begins into a coughing fit. Guards approach and take her to her room. Ivan's father gently grabs the bag, then Ivan's hand. 

    "Come, son. She.... only needs to rest." He leads Ivan away, "I apologize for earlier, I was too harsh on you."

    Ivan makes no response, only looks up at him.

"You deserve a break, you will go to your room and rest. Understood?"

Ivan nods. He lets go of his father's hand and walks to his room.

Ivan's father sighs. He walks back to his wife's room, the creatures follow along the castle to the room she is resting in.

The man sits by her side and grabs her hand.

"You better- have not sent that boy to- training." The woman manages to cough out.

"I didn't." He holds her hand close, "You fight too hard for that boy, he needs to be strong for this realm, so will our daughter."

"Strength doesn't- come from- slaughter." She puts a hand on his face, "I know th-ey will be alri-ght, you -mustn't continue -on like that. You w-ill have more enemies -than friends." 

"I'll work on it..." He moves her hand from his cheek, "I promise."

    The woman smiles weakly and sets her hand back on the bed.

    "The doctors are coming to check on the baby, just in case it is being affected.." 

She nods and rests her hand on her chest. All she can do is breathe, as she closes her eyes.

    Ivan's father kisses her head.

"Rest well, my love, I'll make things better when you wake."

    Her head lightly tilts as she falls to sleep with a smile. He watches silently for a moment, then leaves. The halls are almost pitch black. The sun had fallen while he had held her. His eyes wander through the piercing night. For a moment, he feels uneasy, something is coming.