Road of the Heavenly Light

8-2: Regicide

After Drake retrieved Set from his room, the group embarked on a quiet and horribly dull journey to the city where Baron Clayfort had his mine. At least, it was quiet for Drake because he was so far behind he couldn't hear the conversations the others were having. On purpose, of course.
"Tell me, Sir Hugh, how do you light up all of these caves? I imagine you must be burning through forests worth of torches every day!" Howard inquired.
"We do not need torches, Prince Howard. Our caves are filled with special kinds of crystals only found in Wyvernston that emit enough light to make torches redundant. They may be small in these tunnels, but in the caves where our cities are, they can become the size of a small house," Hugh explained proudly.
"Luminescent crystals? How fascinating!"
"Why do you not export these crystals? Surely that would be very profitable," Julianna asked.
"Because if they are removed in any way, they stop emitting light. The only export product native to Wyvernston is salt, as, with all due respect, Mistlyn has hogged most of the mineral export in the last century."
"We live in the mountains, so it's not like we have many other options," Amaya scoffed.
"Neither do we, living underground."
"Perhaps we should discuss strategy instead," Julianna changed the topic, "what will we do once we reach the city?"
"We will take the path that goes through the outskirts of the city, towards the manor of Baron Clayfort. That way, we will avoid a battle in the city itself," Hugh explained.
"What are his numbers?" Howard inquired, "perhaps we can sneak inside of his manor."
Julianna shook her head, "our group is too big for a surprise attack. I think a frontal assault would be better."
"I agree, though I think it would be best if we spare as many lives as possible. I do not imagine the baron's private army is made up of volunteers, but rather forced recruits," Hugh explained.
"If the wind mages can lure all the soldiers in one corner, my dark mages can cast an illusion to trap them in place," Howard suggested.
"Is it safe to use wind magic down here? Won't the caves collapse?" Amaya inquired.
"Rest assured, our caves are centuries old. One of the last battles of Saint Divinia's heroes against the dragons was fought in these very caverns, and even against the might of all the national treasures, the caves remained intact," Hugh stopped as they arrived at a massive stone arch, which was the entrance into the city. "I think that the plan of gathering and then confusing the soldiers is the best option we have. In the meantime, I will be able to free everyone from the mines, and you can seize Jasper."
"Aren't we forgetting something..." Amaya sighed.
"What do you mean?" Howard asked.
"A certain stubborn buffoon..."

Drake was still lagging behind, but the silence allowed him to think of a plan to finally kill Jasper. He would definitely send the others to free the people in the mines, because they were all soft enough to come to their rescue. The thought of being like that alone was enough to make Drake want to throw up. His parents were like that, and look where it got them! No, he had Lazarus with him, and with it, he was almost impossible to kill. He would easily kill Jasper and get revenge on him for all the countless times he'd been a thorn in the king's side.
"Come now, Amaya, don't be so moody, this is a great learning experience," Julianna said.
"I wanted to stay at home for the holidays, not get forced into an irrelevant conflict with our biggest enemy, together with that... cockroach!"
"Why the hell are you standing still here?!" Drake yelled, "and shut your damn mouth, pony princess."
"Because we just made a plan and were waiting for you so we could execute it," Howard answered politely, though Drake could hear the annoyance in his voice.
"What plan?"
"We will lure the soldiers in one place using wind magic and then use dark magic to trap them in an illusion to avoid any casualties, while I free everyone from the mines," Hugh explained.
"Good. Then I'll take the back entrance and handle Jasper," Drake concluded.
"Actually, from one ruler to another," Julianna advised, "it might be better for you to go to the mines to free your people, it would bring them great comfort."
"That is why you'll never be a strong leader, wasting time on comfort only makes you weak. I'm going to show Jasper that, and you can bring comfort!" Drake shouted, jumping onto Set and flying off.
"Your Majesty, please wait!" Hugh tried to shout, but to no avail. The king was already gone.

Amaya let out a sigh, "if his stupidity won't be the reason for his death, then his insufferable pride will be."
"I have tried my hardest to convince him to forge alliances and work together, but he stays firm in his belief that he should do everything on his own," Hugh explained.
"It can't be easy, becoming king at four without a regent or parents to look to for advice..." Howard said, "if things had gone differently, perhaps he would have been a wise ruler. Maybe he can still change."
"Sadly, fate can be cruel sometimes," Julianna agreed, "but I suggest we continue on and stick with the plan we agreed on." Everyone nodded, and the small army marched towards the manor of Baron Clayfort. Hugh split off and went into the mines, and the main group started with forcing open the gate, which had been fortified considerably. Thankfully, the wind spells applied so much pressure that the gate quickly opened. The soldiers on the other side immediately charged at the two mage groups. The battle had begun.

Drake, on the other hand, had easily managed to reach the back side of the manor undetected. Jasper had probably been stupid enough to order all of his guards to fight at the front gate. Drake grinned. That stupid fool hadn't even taken an attack from the back into account. He easily flew into the manor (as most larger buildings had entrances specifically made for wyverns to fit through) and went looking around. This was going to be the easiest revenge in his whole life. With Lazarus still in hand, Drake reached the grand stairs to the second floor. He stopped to decide where to go next, but he suddenly heard footsteps. A lot of footsteps. Archers and thunder mages appeared on the second floor and aimed their weapons at the king. Jasper walked down the stairs.
"Well, well, if it isn't the wyvern prince. I have been waiting for you."