Birthright: The Contested Seat

Harren

Harren woke early, fully rested. He couldn't even remember the last time he had slept so thoroughly. For the first time in his life, he felt secure. He knew he shouldn't. The Queen had Kyran's face plastered all over the country and all it took was for one person to report having seen them and they'd be done in.

They had been in Galenport for a few days now and the city was as breathtaking as he had always dreamed it was. The vendors were always cooking, permeating the air with mouthwatering scents from fish, beef, and chicken to baked bread and fresh pies. The docks were the largest part of the city, as Galenport was a major hub for trade. They were impressive, but not as impressive as Lord Galia's castle. It towered above the city and rivaled that of capital's. Its whitewashed towers cast the city in shadow, the Sea Serpent of House Galia emblazoned on the banners that hung from them.

Harren was meeting with the Riverland's Council of Lords later in the afternoon to discuss how they would proceed. Kyran was still a boy, though now a boy of eleven. His voice was starting to shift lower and his transition into manhood was beginning. He had much to learn before he could be sat on the throne. If he hoped to survive the coming war, he would need to give education his full attention.

Harren let his thoughts consume him as he slipped on the deep blue robes of the High Advisor to Lord Galia. He fastened the silver sash about his waist and pinned the symbol of his status over his heart. Lord Galia had given the pin to him shortly after promoting him to High Advisor. It was round in shape, with the head of a sea serpent cast in jade at it's center. The circular outline of the pin itself was a pure silver.

A knock came to the door that shook Harren from his thoughts. When he beckoned for them to enter, a small maid scurried inside. "My Lord, some letters came for you. I'll just set them here on the table," said the maid cheerfully. Harren thanked her before she went back to her chores.

The letters were rolled neatly and were sealed with the sigil of House Tallgrow. He opened the first and began reading its contents:

Harren,
It's unfortunate that we must meet in this way, but there are some things of which you must be informed. My name is Wayin and I was the apprentice to Lord Varyth. I'm sure he must have mentioned me. I currently hold the position of Royal Sage. Not to fear, Varyth and Genna are both alive. I also regret to inform you that your former employer, Euran Gunderson, was executed for trying to save Genna's life. I am deeply sorry to be delivering this news to you but I thought you would want to know. The circumstances by which I have come to be Sage of Galverin are complicated and I will not relay those events here, but what's important now is that both Varyth and Genna are alive and are headed to Galenport to meet you. I'm writing this letter to let you know that you have a friend in the Capitol. I will do my best to impede the Queen's search for you. If anything occurs or she plans to make any moves, I will write Lord Tallgrow at once and he will relay the messages to you.
Be safe, stay hidden, and long live the King,
Wayin.

Harren collapsed into the nearest chair. Why did Euran do this? He died for Genna? A range of emotions racked through him so violently he couldn't hardly pin one down. He felt unfathomable rage that Genna had not only revealed Kyran's true nature to the Queen, but got Euran killed in the process. He felt immense guilt, that he didn't try to warn Lord Varyth before fleeing the capitol. He was flogged for his part in Kyran's survival, and if Harren could have taken his place, he would have. Most of all, he felt immense sadness that Euran lost his life over nothing. He had been like a father to Harren for many years. He was wise, kind, and treated the kid's like his own grandchildren. Harren would miss hearing that booming laugh, and tears welled in his eyes when he realized he would never hear it again.

Harren rolled the letter once more and placed it back on the table.
If Genna ever showed her face in front of him again, he would drive his sword straight through her heart. In his eyes, she will never be worthy of redemption. She will never hold a place in Kyran's life. If keeping her away from Kyran means ending her life, Harren would end it gladly.
He bunched his fists at the thought of Genna walking free and facing no consequences for her actions. However, he couldn't do anything about it right now. He had to focus on what was happening in the present and worry about dealing with Genna later.