The Kingdom of Liticea: The Sorcerer Prince

Chapter Forty-Six: Treason Behind the Lines

Redstone castle earned its name from the bright red color its walls and tower give off when the light of the midday sun strikes them. There is not definite answer to why it does that, but many suspect that it was some building technique from the First Empire. Redstone is not the original name. It was discovered abandoned by Olver Ryd's ancestors and they since have made it their own. It was one of the largest in all of the Westland, and could match Rainguard in formidability.

    The young Archbaron did not like the position. He disliked being in this huge castle while other men, like Rengle Fallaner and even Jon Malken were out there fighting and covering themselves in glory. At least that is what he heard. He received word that the Morcars were on the move, but that is all. There has been no word form Talonwood about whether or not they have begun their attack or if they are een coming at all.

    Down south it was a different story. there was a steady stream of riders coming from Jon Malken. The foolish little man had somehow managed to rally an army from Muscavra and now defends it with around nine thousand men.

    With each sip of wine and each bite of mutton, Clayton felt himself getting softer. His father, Conrad had been on the frontlines of the Corasian War, crossing swords with some of their most vicious fighters and earning glory at the Battle of Brother's Crossing. He wanted the same, he wanted to bring more glory to the Blackwell name, which has long been overshadowed by the rule of the Velrocks and the ferocity of the Nordels. They were good men, Amos Velrock and Willem Nordel, but the heroes of the Royal Land always wore the banner of the Bull or the Crossed Axes. Never the Blackwell stag. Now it was the Shield of Fallaner and the Eagle of Malken that were the first barriers to the Morcars. Soon they would face the stag, when Prince Tauron took the fight to them. Clayton will ask to lead and his name will be written for centuries.

    That thought is what got him out of bed in the morning. There was not much to do around Redstone castle other than eat, drink and read letters from the front. Since there were several thousand perfectly suitable pairs of eyes in the castle he saw little need to trouble himself with them, except that his father taught him that a proper commander always stayed on top of things. No matter how dreary or boring they might be. Reading letter after letter about how Jon Malken was throwing back hordes of Morcars made his stomach crawl. But, it was his duty and he was going to perform it.

    He left his chamber clad in his robes, with a morning ale in his hand. He drank win when he was with friends and ale when he was thristy. Though ale was considere a peasant drink, he appreciated good taste when he tasted it. Besides, the wine here tasted like the brewers took a piss in it before serving it up.

    When he left, the servants entered to clean up after him. Laughing to himself, he guessed they would not appreciate the gift he left for the in his chamber pot.

    With his cup of ale, he entered the washroom that was down the hall and he wa treated to a nice warm bath. Those builders of the First Empire were geniuses. Redstone was built on top of a naturally warm spring and through means that so one knows of anymore the water is pumped throughout the castle, providing during winter time. Refreshed, he returned to his room and got dressed. It was custom of men of the Royal Lands to walk around with their sword at their hip.

    He then joined Lord Olver for breakfast in the dining hall. He sat at the head table with him, Lady Bertha Redstone his two remaining sons and his four daughters. His youngest son, Olsen was imprisoned by the Morcars when the castle was taken.

    "How are you today, Lord Clayton?"

    "All's well, Lord Olver," he said as he took his seat to the right of Olver, "As it always is around here," he added under his breath.