Calradian Chronicles: Coming Darkness

Chapter 9: The Struggle

Marunath: Capital of Battania

Pethos stood in the throne room of the Battanian castle, Mengus sat on the throne while he and Cormac stood at either side. The various Chieftains of Battania came arriving from all their lands. Destorian stood by Pethos with his hands on the hilt of his sword.

Destorian:
Are you certain this is a good idea, my prince?

Pethos:
I know that the Battanians are stubborn, but the Empire needs this alliance and this might be the only way that King Mengus will agree. I'm sure.

The doors opened and the Battanian guards led the many noblemen into the hall. Each lord stood in a spot around the fire pit in the center of the room and waited. Pethos then turned to Mengus and tapped his arm.

Pethos:
So these men will bring to your conclusion?

Mengus:
Aye, the Battanians are strong, but don't think for a second we'll help just anyone. We need to make sure this is worth the cause. 

Cormac then wuickly goes to Pethos and slowly taps his arm. Now with his attention, Pethos turns to Cormac.

Cormac:
I'd advice you to keep your distance from him.

Cormac indicated one of the chieftains in the crowd, a rather gruff looking man.

Cormac:
His name his Chieftain Wythuin fen Uvain, he ruled over the town of Car Banseth, but he's a bit of a slippery man.

Pethos:
I will keep that in mind.

The Battanian chieftains settled and looked up towards their king. Each man as Mengus punched the arm of his throne.

Mengus:
Welcome great chieftains, I stand before you this day for an important matter to discuss.

Mengus moved his hand and held onto Pethos' wrist with it.

Mengus:
This be Prince Pethos Nebranos of the Empire. He has come to us with news that Balcodor is returning and the Battanians should fight with the Empire for this cause. 

Wythuin was quick to angrily walk out of the crowd in a blaze fury.

Wythuin:
And why do we believe him? Why should we listen to a foreigner? Why would the Empire need us? I believe they have thousands of men already.

Wythuin attempted to run up to Pethos but was quickly stopped by Battanian guards.

Mengus:
Calm yourself, Wythuin! However, he is right.

Pethos:
What?

Mengus:
We have no proof you are telling the truth.

Pethos kicked the ground in pure frustration. A guard then ran up to Mengus. The guard seemed out of breath but made it to the king.

Guard:
My lord, I bring a message.

Mengus:
What message?

Guard.
A mysterious temple has been spotted, and it seems to be inhabited by men in black cloaks and masks.

Mengus looks up while Pethos seems intrigued. These sounded just like the men Galdores had described not long ago. Mengus rose from his throne, an odd look on his face.

Mengus:
I suppose we shall investigate this. Cormac, I'm sending you to lead the scouts on this mission.

Cormac:
Yes father.

Pethos:
I'm going too! These are the men I told you about, I will investigate this myself.

Destorian:
Well wherever he goes I go.

Mengus:
Very well, all of you will investigate this.

Wasting no time, Cormac, Pethos and Destorian equipped their armor. They met each other outside along with five Battanian soldiers. They Mount their horses and ride out to the temple on a map they brought.

To be continued