The Prince of Darkness (Undying #2)

Prologue

A/N So this follows my previous story, The Phoenix, but it doesn't necessarily mean that the timeline wherein they occur are also connected. So yeah. Enjoy *.*

And to Ms. Kaycee, hope you could check this out :)

Prologue

The tropical kingdom of Chantelle prevails from all storms not only because of the products and services it provides worldwide, but also since its long line of rulers are both good-natured and rich in wisdom.

Its founder, Terrence the ogre-slayer, previously a knight, drove away the ogres from this land of undiscovered treasures and built his own kingdom for his family. Its high brick walls was effective in driving away the most ferocious of enemies.

There were two gates that separate the outside world from hem; one, the common gate, heavily guarded and was used for guests, merchants and among other public matters. According to legend, there was another one kept in secret and used by the royal family to attend to rituals that sustain the livelihood of Chantelle.

After many generations, young King Aguilus successfully put an end to the century-long war by offering truce to the smelly, unkind, impatient, twice a man's size ogres by giving them the forest behind the kingdom as home, where half of Chantelle's goods come from, and providing the place soldiers to protect it from other humans. The kingdom suffered poverty until the reign of King Terrence III when he formed an alliance with the south kingdom Lunaruz.

Terrence III lighted again the dimming fire of hope for his people, alongside his two sons, the younger one, Marcel, prince of mischief and general to the army and Daimon, heir to his throne.

And yet again, the peace they fought so hard for was threatened when a rich merchant from an unknown land snuck in a rare and deadly contagious disease. When Daimon investigated and discovered this, it was too late for almost all in the kingdom was infected.

Apparently, the merchant aimed to have the cure auctioned since it runs low in number. Terrence sentenced him to a lifetime of imprisonment instead of death after the merchant informed him that there are herbs for the cure nearby: the forbidden forest of ogres.

After a debate over the matter, it was decided that Prince Marcel and a small group of soldiers would enter the forest discretely. They returned home severely injured and lower in number. And thus, invoked the second war with the ogres.

But things are different now as the wheel of fortune took a turn for the worst, most of the soldiers were sick and even Marcel is bedridden. The king sent a messenger to the south kingdom but no help arrived.

Meanwhile, the enemies had them trapped inside the wall that was meant to protect them. No one saw it coming, nor had they noticed the sudden explosion in number of the ogres throughout the years. They had only been waiting, preparing.

"All is lost," Daimon wept before the cross of the holy Son, "Help us, oh Lord, to defeat the advocates of the devil on our gates, give me the strength to save my people from further suffering. I will pay whatever the cost! Just heed our prayers."

The candle lights flickered slightly but the prince noticed it, his hope renewed. There's a presence lingering in the room, listening to the desires of his heart.

"I need your guidance," a breeze blew past him, sending his blonde locks flying, and he looked to see the window swung open. Only the moonlight served to illuminate him when the lamps died out.
'And I shall bestow it to you,' a wheezy, almost non-existent voice whispered to his ears. He knew he had summoned something and fear crept up at the back of his mind regarding to what it is, 'But I will require something in return, my prince.'

"Anything!" he answered too quickly, no doubt about their aid. He heard a low chuckle amidst the wind, coming in all directions, echoing in the darkness. And he knew no more as he was knocked unconscious.