Lord of the Damned - A Viktor Bartholy Story

Chapter 2 - The King's Proposal

King Rubobostes remembered the deal he had made with Aleena's father, Brogudos, soon after meeting the haughty princess who managed to steal his heart.  He waited a few days before instructing his guards to bring Brogudos to the throne room.  The leader of the Teurisci was in his early sixties, but one would not guess his age just by looking at him. 

Brogudos was almost as tall as Rubobostes (who usually towered over those around him), and in amazing physical shape - probably due to a lifetime spent either hunting or doing battle.  His blond hair was streaked with silver, but the overall effect only added to his dignified appearance.  When Brogudos laid eyes on Rubobostes, he fixed his enemy with a cold, steely stare, as defiant as his daughter's.

"I can see where Aleena gets her arrogance," Rubobostes scoffed.

The palace guards forced the Celt to his knees in front of their king, yet, he somehow managed to maintain the upper hand over the younger man.

"Aleena has told me about you," Brogudos said calmly, his voice deep and powerful. He then scrutinized the Apuli king from head to toe, and added mockingly: "I agree with her... overall assessment."

"You speak my language," Rubobostes observed, ignoring the sarcasm in the Celt's voice.  "That will make our parlay easier."

"Of course I do," Brogudos remarked.  "I have lived on this land almost my entire life."

Rubobostes tilted his head to one side, examining the Celt.  "And... I suppose, you therefore think it belongs to you," he sneered.

"I am not the only one who holds that belief," Brogudos answered.  "I have defeated your father in battle many times over.  Of course this land is rightfully mine." 

Rubobostes laughed.  "Perhaps that was so... in the past.  However," he stood up to his full height and approached the kneeling prisoner, "I won it back.  You cannot deny that."

Brogudos shrugged.  "That can easily change..."

"Not if you aren't there to lead your people against me," Rubobostes disagreed.  He paced around the older man.  "And... as anyone can plainly see... you are currently my prisoner."  He continued speaking as he walked.  "Despite the fact that your... little girl... tried to assassinate me... and free you."

Rubobostes had obviously struck a nerve.  The Teurisci leader winced ever so slightly.  In response, the king laughed heartily.

"Did you really think she had a chance?"  Rubobostes managed to ask through his chuckles.

Brogudos did not reply.  He remained stone-still, on his knees, but Rubobostes could read the discomfort in his sky-blue eyes.  He crouched down, so he could be face to face with the older man.

"I have to admit... Aleena was very... compelling," he whispered, locking his green eyes onto the Celt's.  "She made... quite a lasting impression."  Rubobostes gesticulated with his hands, making an invisible hourglass shape in the air.  "And almost convinced me to let you go... almost."  He grinned lewdly and his guards chuckled at his comment. 

"Do not speak about my daughter," Brogudos hissed under his breath.  "Especially in such a rude manner."

But Rubobostes ignored him and continued his speech, undeterred.  "Sending her to me was a brilliant idea.  However... her methods were a bit... harsh.  She should've used something other than a dagger to get to me.  I can think of several better ways, right off the top of my head."

The guards guffawed once again.  Brogudos was obviously angered, but tried to maintain his composure.

"I did not send my daughter to you," the Celt said dryly.  "She came of her free will. For she is brave... like every Teuriscian soldier."