For The One I Love

Chap. 3 The Skirmish, The Spy, and The Prove

Innes disembarks from the steed and kneels in front of his father.
"A letter of ransom was found near the gardens, where she was last seen several hours ago. I'll read it for you all."

He rolled the paper parchment, reading illegible writings.
"Ugh, clearly someone uneducated in calligraphy.... Here goes."
"Bring me 12 chariots of gold..... by the trails near Adlas Plains..... or the princess dies!"
"..Signed..... Gheb."

Ephraim's blood boils at the sound of the name.

"The rage reflected on your face signals that you know of the man. Is that the truth, Ephraim?"

"....A few years back, during the Stone Wars, the man was a Warrior in command of Fort Rigwald. THE Fort Rigwald that we take over."

"Gheb was once a military leader in Grado army. Known for his merciless attitude to his subordinate, it is truly a wonder that he can amass such army and bravery."

"Meaning, Duessel?"

"He and his brigands of bravado had terrorised several parts of the continent, albeit the fact that there are no casualties, yet, Hayden. But what is he thinking, kidnapping a Princess like this?.."

"If I may....?" A voice echoes, causing everyone to look at a part of the wall, when someone hopped and landed on the ground in fours before standing up.
"King Ephraim."

"Ah, Master Colm. Just the one I'm looking for."

"My Lord."

"Report."

"Serafew remained in serene and peace, due to the increased  alliance patrol. As for Adlas Plains.... others confirmed of the presence of a force 500 man strong. Several merchants of all field report of massive purchases regarding food and gears. Not to mention military-style drills. Villagers nearby are growing weary, but nevertheless enjoy the money that comes in their coffers. That's all I had to report, my liege."

"You have my gratitude, Master Assassin. Oh, and here." Ephraim gives to him a new Killing Edge.
"The blacksmith had it repaired. Now... Earn your rest and see me by the first light."

"Yes, my liege."

"And, be sure to write often to Neimi. She's very worried of you." Hayden adds up.

The adept assassin sweat drops. "E-ehh..."

"Just go already." Seth shooed him with a playful smirk.

"Y-Yes Sir!" He leaves, printing a trail of wind behind.

"Always cheery and snide, that lad..."

"I don't know if I can handle his insolence like that..."

"He earned his keep more than everyone could've thought. He deserved that much." Ephraim smiles. "Now, Duessel.... I believe you had a plan. Do you, now?"

The 50-year old Great Knight stands up.
"As the matter of fact, yes, King Ephraim. But..." He turned his back, and some bone cracks are heard. "I need my rest now."

"Siesta?... Already, Duessel?" Hayden chuckles at the voice of his own bones.

"We just had to admit it, Hayden.... We're growing old. Is that not why we had a predecessor?.."

"Speaking of a predecessor, what of yours, Duessel?"

"...A nephew of mine. A scholar. I thought of handing over the throne to either General Cormag or Magistrate Knoll.. but both of them refused. And well... my nephew.. he's...better at politics, anyway."

"Always the typical."

"Rather than plunging the whole country in turmoil."

"Indeed. Well... Let's just say...let's cut this first, alright? Dismissed." Ephraim clapped, concluding the meeting.