The Forlorn Phenomenon

Episode III: The Powerless

The main hall of the keep was filled with nobles, a few commoners, laughter, and lots of ale. Alek sat at the head of the long table, viewing all of his rowdy guests with a heavy mind. He had barely touched his mug, instead, he resisted the urge to dull his thoughts.

He watched as a few nobles took each other arm in arm and began dancing. A few others joined in and one of the older men tumbled to the floor. He returned to his feet at an impressive rate for both his age and the amount of alcohol he had consumed.

The hall was normally decorated to perfection; however, after everyone gladly drank in the name of the King's return, it was less so. The purple and gold tapestries that hung near each corner were the only things still the same. The grand oak table was littered with both full and empty mugs, half-eaten food particles and even a few articles of clothing. The stone floor and purple rugs were also carpeted with waste.

"Where is Edvin?" Alek leaned forward in his chair so his wife could hear him.

"He went to visit the farm girl. He should've been back by now."

Alek nodded. Something didn't sit right with him. He couldn't tell if it was because he was not sure how to share the news of his brother to the party, or if it was because of Edvin's absence. "He's probably having too much fun there." He forced himself to smile.

He picked up his mug and stood up. He motioned for the lute player to halt, although no one seemed to notice right away. 

Alek took his utensil and tapped it against the mug, full well knowing it would do nothing. He proceeded to slam his fist against the table. A few of the less drunk attendants gave their attention while the majority still minded their own business.

"Hey!" Alek let his voice boom in the vast space. It took a few seconds, but eventually, everyone settled down. "I have an announcement to make, and if some of you do not remember it tomorrow, that's on you." 

A few laughed.

"As you know, I was gone looking for my brother. The same brother that I hadn't seen in many years. Long story short, he has become a very powerful leader in the South. Much to my despair, it seems as if the power has corrupted him."

To his surprise, Alek still held the attention of everyone in the room. "I met with him and he plans to attack all of the North."

Gasps filled the room and Alek had to hush them. "We still have a few weeks until he starts so we have time to prepare. It's certainly not how I wished for my return to go, but it's what reality is right now. I trust that we can keep this between us for now, we don't need any panic in the city."

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Edvin shifted his weight against the post that his hands were bound to. One of the soldiers that paraded the farm shot him a glare. There were around forty men in total that came out of nowhere and easily took the farm. They had already set up supplies in the cottage and the barn.

Raila sat across from him tied to another post. The rest of her family was either in the barn or at one of the other posts in the yard.

"Are you a part of this?" Raila struggled against her constraints. 

"No, I swear on my life."

She didn't seem completely convinced. "How do you know my name?"

"You didn't give me a chance to explain before these monkeys showed up." He stressed the end of the statement in hopes that one of the soldiers would hear him. "I promise that we know each other. We're sort of courting, actually."

"Courting? A man that I don't even know?"

"I don't understand what's going on, but you have to believe me."

Raila looked away. "It seems we have bigger things going on at the moment anyway." She jerked her head at where the soldiers were talking. "Do you know where they are from?"

Edvin examined the men and shook his head. "The red sigil on their armor is not from the North, not to mention the accent they speak in. Must be a southern kingdom." 

"Why would they be here of all places?"

"Maybe they're coming by my father's request. Although, they don't act like they have an invitation." 

"Your father?"

"My father is the king."

"You mean of Elevia?"

Edvin nodded. "We've got enough problems of our own without all of this."

Two soldiers strolled by. "When do we set out for the city?"

"We have orders to wait a few days for orders, and for the rest to arrive. This will do just fine as a camp until then."

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"What will you do?" Oria and Alek sat on the balcony of the keep.

"Someone leaked the news, I knew I should have waited to tell anyone. Now my people feel abandoned by their leader. They're lost in fear."

"You had no choice, Alek. There isn't enough time for you to withhold it any longer."

"It's only fitting I guess."

"What is?"

Alek stood up and overlooked the city. The long strip of roads was layered with both nobles and commoners. All together, they formed a choactic mob.

Many were throwing trash in the streets, and one of the shops was now partly in flames. Shouts drowned out all other noise. "That the moment I need my strength most, is the same moment I have no power."