The Raging Storm

Chapter Nineteen: A Deal Is Struck

Prince Dayne sat in the empty inn's common room and stared at Celibrik while he ate. Hate for the other man filled him like it always did when he looked at Celibrik. His father really sent this man to watch over him? This man? The one that let the Foundling boy escape and who always second-guessed his commands. One day, I will enjoy watching him die.

"I still can't believe you marched us out here to find that Foundling scum. With a cage being dragged behind us too, what an obvious way to alert everyone we're coming," Celibrik scoffed. Then he took another bite of sliced elk and meat juice ran down his scarred cheek.

Prince Dayne's eyes narrowed. "I know what I'm doing Celibrik. How many times must I tell you? I am in command here. Not you. Keep your mouth shut unless I ask you to speak." He picked at a piece of wood flaking off from the table they sat at. Celibrik did as he always did and listened, but not without having an amused glint in his eye that showed just what he thought of listening to him.

Prince Dayne had thought about having Celibrik killed on multiple occasions, the most recent time after learning the man had let the Foundling boy escape to go stop the attack on the prison camp. Celibrik said he had to leave him, and that everyone would have been killed in the camp without the actions he took. The prince wasn't convinced nor did he care about the other men. All I care about is reviving my mother and quieting this thing inside my head once and for all. Then my sights can be set on taming this wild New Lands to become my kingdom, Prince Dayne thought. He continued to pick at the wood absentmindedly.

No matter how much he fancied the notion, the prince knew he couldn't really do it. Celibrik was a Councilor on the Viberium Council - the only institution left that was strong in power and influence as his father was. Killing Celibrik - the representative they had sent with him to the New Lands - would erupt Reven in a civil war. A war that his father and himself would lose.

The truth was, the key to his family's hold on power was their alliance with the Viberium Council. He learned that from his father at a young age. The Viberium Council were a powerful group of Viberium users who each had their own unique power. He disliked them and their ever-growing thirst for influence, but he knew his father needed them. They were a tool, nothing more. Councilor Veiter had "requested" King Vlidian to send Celibrik along to accompany him to the New Lands so they could help him expand the empire. Prince Dayne knew it was really because they just wanted to keep tabs on his movements and to have first-hand knowledge of any Viberium users that Snapped while on their journey. Their hunger for new members knew no bounds.

"Do you have any more information on the whereabouts of the Foundling scum?" Prince Dayne asked as he leaned back in his chair, studying the man. Did he purposefully let the Foundling escape or was it really an accident?

"I received a report a couple of hours ago that a group of Crimson Guards found their trail and are following the group as we speak." Celibrik took another bite of elk meat, took his time chewing it, then swallowed. "As soon as I finish, I will be setting out to find him right away. We share the goal of finding him, my Lord. I feel ashamed I allowed him the opportunity to slip away." He almost looked like he meant it.

Why does he want the Foundling? Does he know about the message I received? If he does, I will have to kill him before he reports it to anyone. Father won't want mother coming back, Prince Dayne thought.

You will do no such thing, Little Dawford, a deep voice whispered in the back of his mind.

Prince Dayne's eyes bulged at hearing the voice.

That man is a useful tool. You will not harm him or we will harm you, another voice - feminine and different from the first one - whispered from the other side of his head.