Fifth Rider of the Apocalypse

Chapter 4

Jacob stared dumbfounded at the half completed citadel gleaming in the afternoon sunlight. On each of the turreted towers, banners snapped in the brisk autumn wind. Guards patrolled the crenelated battlements of the sensational castle, the only hint of a darker purpose to the otherwise romantic looking structure. Faint sounds of construction drifted on the wind to where Jacob had stationed himself on the eastern hill, now dubbed Castle View by the locals.

Vaguely he wondered if the riders could proceed without their missing brother. He shuddered at the thought. Over one arm was draped the cape that had been loaned to him earlier in the week. His original intention had been to go to the castle to return it, hoping to get a glimpse of the building's progress. His feet, however, had taken to the eastern hill where he had first caught sight of the riders. With sinking dread, he could see the progress clearly and knew that closer inspection would only confirm his fears.

The construction was moving at a terrifying speed.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" asked a voice nearby.

Startled, Jacob jumped and scanned the area. A short distance away, the Conqueror was seated with his back against an outcropping of rock. In his preoccupation, Jacob had failed to notice him resting in the shadows.

"I, um, was going to return this." said Jacob lamely as he approached the warrior and held out the cape.

"You are on the wrong hill to do that, don't you think?"

"Um, I wanted to get a look at the castle first." responded Jacob.

"Coming along nicely." remarked the Conqueror gazing at the structure. "It has to be one of the best War has done. I think he may have missed his calling."

"I'm sorry?" Jacob said blankly.

"He makes a great architectural engineer as well as a wonderful project manager. I suppose this translates directly from his military background. It is impressive how well he can coordinate troop movement, field direct battle formation, and engineer successful supply lines, all at the same time." The Conqueror sighed. "If he ever left his current profession, I would miss his innate sense of strategy and ability to maintain a siege over a prolonged period of time. He is a joy to work with. But, credit where credit is due, he builds amazing fortifications."

"I thought you said castles were outdated."

"I did." conceded the Conqueror. "But I have to admit, this one really surpasses his past work. It not only combines several elements of style, but it also incorporates modern components that make it not only fully functional, but also comfortable."

"It really will be." chimed in a new voice. "As soon as he gets the Wi-Fi up and running." Jacob looked away from the castle and saw that Pestilence had joined them. A new sore was oozing on the man's beefy neck just below where the stubble of a beard was showing.

"I was thinking of naming it Mirum Principium Castle." The Conquer proclaimed.

"It's not really his first, you know." Pestilence replied as he studied the structure on the opposite hill.

"No, but it is pretty amazing."

"I'll give you that." conceded Pestilence.

"Besides, this really is the first of our greatest campaign ever." continued the Conqueror. "It will be a wonderful headquarters from which to direct our efforts."

"I hate this waiting around." grumbled Pestilence. Jacob coughed.

"Pesty?" The Conqueror narrowed his eyes on his brother.

"What? I didn't do anything!" he replied, holding his hands out innocently. "Can I help it if this guy goes around without a coat and shoes? He probably caught a cold the other morning standing around in nothing but a tee shirt and sandals."