Cross the stars with me

It'll Always Come Back To Get You

[A/N] Finally we reach the spiciness (despite it only being chapter 4) it's more the tip of the iceberg in this chapter hoping to toy around with some new characters (We need more strong women representation in here!!!) In this chapter I will also be trying some third person perspective for scenes that don't really involve anything specifically tied to a character like in the previous chapters.

-3rd person-

They came in the night with a word, the foulest of all whispers that turned their ugly heads to seek the destruction of the good of all, riders bearing forsaken banners that whipped back and forth in the wind flashing their green and black colours for all to witness. Such a presence was a stain to Amaranth that could never be removed but would be repaid in kind.

Essylt recognised the riders instantly upon their entrance, a terrible sight she wished never to have seen again but wishes are hardly ever granted. One of the only people she regarded as the stuff of nightmares was at the head of the company, Sir Killian, his aged face still unpleasant as ever, behind him came Silva, their messenger she was young and timid her shoulders slumped in disappointment. The final two behind them were simply guards.

Whatever men from Dorath were doing here was a wonder, but Essylt would not receive them in kind no matter their purpose. Sir Killian dismounted from his horse and stood in front of her with a grimace. "Lady Essylt, you have a message from lord Belos of Dorath". He looked her up and down and sneered. "It is to be received in confidence".

A wish to wipe the ridiculous look of his face entered Essylt's mind, six years and the man was the same pompous wench he was, serving at the feet of her brother-in-law to satisfy his pride. "Right this way" she said in a diplomatic voice. A distinct lack of trust and suspicion dominated her thoughts as they walked through the courtyard toward the main hall, what could Belros possibly want after all these years?

The hall was not empty to her surprise, a few knights and her sons were present, Eynal as usual alone reading some old book and Rob chatting to the nobles. "Out" she commanded. All followed suit rapidly once seeing her company they shuffled for the doors as if they wished to escape. "Not you two" she said pointing at her sons.

By then the others were gone and Essylt had sat upon her chair, sons either side of her. She leaned forward and motioned her hand beckoning them to come forward. "What is this message?" she asked seriously.

The old knight stepped aside allowing their messenger to come forward presenting a small scroll, she unravelled it carefully and cleared her throat. "It is with great regret that we announce Lord Belros to have passed, his first son and heir Belric has succeeded him as the next Lord of Dorath". She squeaked; the poor girl was not suited for this role.

Essylt could not help the small smirk tug at the corner of her lips, her brother in laws death was not something she would lose a night's sleep over. "My apologies but why should this concern me?" unless of course they wished to join the celebration that would most certainly occur, the only thing she did regret was her inability to watch the man die.

"My lady" Killian spoke up aggressively. "To put it simply, the lord Belric has summoned you to Dorath under his demand that by rights his family receive some form of inheritance in regard to your lands". Flickering light of the torches that adorned the walls dimmed and cast a slight darkness to the hall. Rob tensed, his shoulders clenched and unclenched repeatedly his mouth slightly ajar.

"And by what rights are these?" Rob asked. His stern voice rang off the walls. Essylt could see where this is going, by ancient custom anyone sufficiently related to a lord or lady was entitled to share the benefits of said relation.

Killian raised his eyebrows, scoffing at Rob "By rights of the marriage between your mother and his uncle and by rights of the blood you therefore share". This game was becoming more evident to Essylt no doubt Belros instructed his son to do this, to plague her family once again and suit their power goals.