Calradian Chronicles: Coming Darkness

Chapter 5: Visions

Marunath: Capital City of Battania

Pethos walked along the hallways of the Battanian Palace. Destorian walked along side him, a stern look on his face.

Destorian:
Something on your mind, my Prince?

Pethos:
No. Well, only this alliance. I just hope that King Caladog has put enough thought into it.

Destorian:
I'm sure he has, your majesty. In the meantime, how would you like to train.

Pethos:
I suppose so. Let's go.

Pethos and Destorian walk outside and into the courtyard. The two stand across from each other, each taking a wooden sword from the wall.

Destorian:
I you ready?

Pethos inhaled through his nose, getting into a fighting stance. He raised his mock sword higher, prompting Destorian to do the same.

Pethos:
I'm ready.

Destorian then runs towards Pethos, swinging a sword towards him. Pethos raises his mock sword and uses it to block Destorian's strike. Pethos then lands a kick on Destorian, causing him to stumble back slightly. As this happens, Destorian tries to attack Pethos again, but he uses his mock sword to block the hit. The two slowly tapped their wooden swords together, making an attempt to defeat each other. Pethos then stops a hit and knocks Destorian's sword from his hand while knocking him onto the ground.

Destorian:
You did good, you know.

Pethos rolled his eyes at Destorian's antics as he helped the soldier back to his feet. The two the. Heard a clap and turned their attention to just behind them. Cormac stood their, clearly impressed by the fight they put on it.

Cormac:
That was good, Pethos. Not bad for a Prince of the Empire.

Pethos:
Well what do you expect? I've been trained with a sword ever since I was seven years old.

Cormac:
Well, I've been training with a sword since I was five. How about a wee' duel then!

Cormac picks up Destorian's fallen sword from the ground and draws it towards Pethos. As Destorian takes a step back, Pethos draws his own sword to Cormac.

Cormac:
You ready?

Pethos gave anid, signaling to Cormac that he was indeed ready. The two then charge to each other and engage in a fight. Cormac swings his sword but Pethos blocks it and knocks him back. This time, Destorian is on the attack, however, Cormac manages to catch him by the arm and swing him to the side. The two engage in another sword clash. Pethos manages to push Cormac back against the wall, though when preparing to push him back, Cormac knocks the sword from his hand and points it to his throat.

Cormac:
I'm impressed you know. Maybe in a few years you can beat me.

Cormac then pulls the mock sword from Pethos' throat as the two begin to relax. Pethos then stares skeptically at Cormac:

Pethos:
Cormac, why did you come out here? There's no way this was all to fight me.

Cormac:
Unfortunately it wasn't. My father wants to speak with you.

Pethos then rises from his seat and enters the keep. Cormac and Destorian follow behind him as he walks. They arrive down one corridor to find Mengus at a campfire.

Pethos:
You wanted to see me, King Mengus?

Mengus:
Yes I did.

Mengus then turn to face Pethos, his face appearing stern. He scratched his beard as Pethos stood to listen to the king.

Mengus:
You alliance, I see as a worthy cause, however, I must know this is true.

Pethos:
What do you mean?

Mengus:
The Battanian lords will arrive tomorrow. If any can confirm this, I will agree.

Pethos:
Thank you, King Mengus.

Pethos then immediately feels his head begin to ache. His vision begins to blur and he sees various peculiar images, many with a man in a skull mask. When he snaps back to reality, the other three men stared in worry.

Destorian:
Are you alright, my prince?

Pethos:
I'm fine, I just need an early night. See you all tomorrow.

Pethos then pushed past the men and walked his way down the hallway. He arrived at the room he was given and entered. He climbed into bed, but while managing to get to sleep, he could only think about his vision.

To be continued