Servant of Evil

Chapter 2

 Mephiles, now a grown, young hedgehog, walked up to the palace gates. He spent most of his time studying the rules and etiquette of servitude. His parents, specifically his father, had told him that if he ever wanted to be reunited with his brother Shadow, he could live in the palace as his servant. Without second thoughts, he welcomed the idea, took the chance and began his studies and training. 'If this is what it takes to be with my brother, then let nothing else hinder my intentions. I will protect him' he thought as he was allowed inside.

The palace was breathtakingly large and beautiful; once you step in the gates, rows and rows of flowers and trees of different variety align the front garden. There was a fountain made out of pure graphite, with bits of amber embedded in it. The palace itself was second to none; it was made purely out of marble with an obsidian finish. The halls were lined with beautiful tapestries that brightened its otherwise empty walls. There was a glass chandelier in the middle of the hall, and in there, for the first time in years, he saw his brother. Remembering his manners, he fought the urge to run to him and embrace him, and instead smiled and bowed politely.

What happened next he didn't expect, Shadow ran to him, knocking both of them down whilst embracing his brother Mephiles. He missed his older brother, he missed his entire family. Regaining their posture, they embraced each other once more before Mephiles knelt down in front of Shadow.

"King Shadow, as of this day, I shall be your servant" he said professionally

"Then serve me you shall, do you vow to never leave my side as my faithful servant, come hale and high waters?"
"I vow these and many more. I shall protect you from all those who oppose against you, your highness"

Mephiles took his brother's hand and kissed it, sealing their contract.

"So, how are our parents, dear brother?" Shadow asked, his voice was deep and sincere. Mephiles hesitated as he stood up and both of them began walking around.
"They've... passed.. years ago"
"Oh..."

The red-streaked ebony male bowed his head. He would never have thought....

"It's... a shame... I wasn't there with them on their final hours" He said so softly, stopping in his tracks. Shadow felt his brother-turned-servant place a comforting hand on his shoulder, and saw empathy shining in his serpent green eyes
"They were prepared for their deaths, the were peaceful when they died" He assured him, smiling. But his smile vanish as quickly as it came when a thought came to mind

"Why didn't you come and visit us? As king I'm certain you have the power to do so"

This time, Shadow hesitated

"King Doom didn't give me the privilege to do so; he kept me locked in this palace, under his watchful eye. I wasn't even allowed to visit the village. The only time I got to be outside was during meetings with the other kingdoms." He simply stated "And after his death, I thought I would be free from this place, but it only served to keep me in here more. I was left with all his duties as the new King, I barely had time to do anything anymore."

Mephiles was stunned by his brother's answer. Shadow was forced to stay inside? Just what kind of a horrible king was King Doom? Well, back then while he was studying he learned about their former king's tyranny; he had killed many lives for personal gain, and he himself had experience the cruel hands of King Doom at a young age.

The servant simply nodded.

"we both have duties to fulfill, my lord" He looked into his brother's red rubies. They were... cold and almost unwelcoming. "And until then I shall be by your side"